The Addams Family
Executive Summary
Overview
Genres: Comedy, Family, Dark Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Action, Drama
Setting: Modern day, The Addams Mansion and surrounding areas, including a bungalow court and various whimsical locations
Overview: The Addams Family begins on a whimsical Christmas Eve, where the eccentric family engages in their darkly humorous traditions. The story unfolds as Gomez mourns the absence of his long-lost brother, Fester, while the family navigates their peculiar daily lives filled with bizarre antics. As Fester unexpectedly returns, the family grapples with questions of identity and belonging, leading to comedic chaos and heartfelt moments. The narrative culminates in a confrontation with external threats, revealing the strength of familial bonds amidst the absurdity of their lives.
Themes: Family, Identity and Belonging, Appearance vs. Reality, Greed and Deception, The Absurd and the Unexpected
Conflict and Stakes: The Addams family's struggle to maintain their unique identity and protect their home from external threats, particularly from Tully and Abigail, while also dealing with Fester's mysterious return and identity crisis.
Overall Mood: Darkly comedic and whimsical, with a blend of absurdity and familial warmth.
Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:
- Scene 1: The opening scene sets a whimsical yet eerie tone with the cheerful carolers contrasting the Addams family's dark antics.
Standout Features:
- Unique Hook: The return of Uncle Fester after years of absence, creating intrigue about his identity.
- Plot Twist: Fester's struggle with his identity and the revelation of his connection to Abigail.
- Distinctive Setting: The gothic and whimsical atmosphere of the Addams Mansion, filled with quirky decor and dark humor.
- Innovative Ideas: The blend of dark comedy with family dynamics, showcasing the Addams family's unique lifestyle.
- Unique Characters: The eccentric personalities of the Addams family members, each with their own quirks and charm.
Comparable Scripts:
- The Addams Family (1991)
- The Addams Family Values (1993)
- A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- Beetlejuice (1988)
- The Munsters (TV Series, 1964-1966)
- Coraline (2009)
- The Witches (1990)
- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Writing Style:
The screenplay exhibits a consistent style blending dark humor, gothic aesthetics, eccentric characters, and fantastical elements. It features quirky dialogue, unconventional family dynamics, and a macabre sensibility, often exploring themes of family, identity, and the supernatural.
Style Similarities:
- Tim Burton
- Neil Gaiman
- Charles Addams
Pass/Consider/Recommend
Recommend
Explanation: The Addams Family screenplay is a darkly comedic masterpiece that successfully blends macabre humor with heartwarming family dynamics. While the pacing occasionally falters and some plot threads feel underdeveloped, the unique characters, witty dialogue, and strong visual style more than compensate. The script's success lies in its consistent portrayal of the Addams' unique worldview, making it a compelling and memorable story. Minor revisions focusing on pacing and plot streamlining would elevate it further.
USP: The Addams Family screenplay stands out for its ability to balance dark humor with heartfelt family dynamics, creating a unique and compelling cinematic experience. The screenplay's eccentric characters, visually striking setting, and exploration of themes like belonging and identity make it a compelling piece of storytelling that appeals to audiences seeking a refreshingly offbeat take on the classic family comedy genre.
Market Analysis
Budget Estimate:$30-50 million
Target Audience Demographics: Families, fans of dark comedy, and those who enjoy quirky, gothic humor, typically aged 10-50.
Marketability: The Addams Family has a strong brand recognition and a dedicated fanbase, making it appealing for both nostalgic adults and new audiences.
The unique blend of dark humor and family dynamics can attract a diverse audience, enhancing its marketability.
The screenplay's whimsical and macabre elements can resonate well with fans of fantasy and horror genres.
Profit Potential: Moderate to high, as the film can leverage the established Addams Family brand and appeal to both nostalgic viewers and new fans, with potential for merchandise and sequels.
Analysis Criteria Percentiles
Writer's Voice
Summary:The writer's voice is darkly comedic and whimsical, blending gothic horror elements with eccentric characters and witty dialogue. The narrative voice is descriptive, setting vivid scenes often contrasting the eerie Addams family home with the mundane outside world. The direction is detailed, emphasizing physical comedy and visual gags alongside moments of genuine emotional depth.
Best representation: Scene 14 - The Return of Fester. This scene is the best representation because it perfectly encapsulates the writer's unique blend of dark humor, gothic atmosphere, and eccentric character interactions. The dialogue is witty and sharp, highlighting the family's unique dynamic. The direction creates a visually striking scene that balances the eerie setting with the family's playful chaos. It showcases the writer's ability to seamlessly blend humor, suspense, and emotional depth, creating a memorable moment that perfectly embodies the spirit of the Addams Family.
Memorable Lines:
- Gomez: Look at her -- I would die for her. I would kill for her. Either way -- what bliss. (Scene 2)
- Morticia: Oh Gomez, don't torture yourself. That's my job. (Scene 5)
- Gomez: Damn, it's good to have you back! (Scene 18)
- Gomez: These thoughts! I'm in torment! What is truth? What is fiction? (Scene 25)
- Morticia: I can't do that. It's barbaric. Really, Mama. I'm surprised at you. (Scene 28)
Characters
Gomez Addams:The charismatic and flamboyant patriarch of the Addams family, known for his love of Morticia and his eccentric behavior.
Morticia Addams:The elegant and darkly beautiful matriarch, who is nurturing yet has a macabre sense of humor.
Fester Addams:The quirky and childlike uncle who has been missing for years, returning with a mysterious past.
Wednesday Addams:The intelligent and darkly humorous daughter, known for her morbid interests and deadpan delivery.
Pugsley Addams:The mischievous and adventurous son, who enjoys experimenting with dangerous activities.
Granny:The eccentric grandmother with a penchant for the bizarre and a love for her family.
Tully Alford:The scheming lawyer who is involved in a plot against the Addams family.
Abigail Craven:Fester's manipulative mother, who has her own agenda regarding the Addams family's wealth.
Story Shape
Screenplay Story Analysis
Note: This is the overall critique. For scene by scene critique click here
Story Content | Character Development | Scene Elements | Audience Engagement | Technical Aspects | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Click for Full Analysis | Tone | Overall Grade | Concept | Plot | Originality Score | Characters | Character Changes | Internal Goal | External Goal | Conflict | Opposition | High stakes | Story forward | Twist | Emotional Impact | Dialogue | Engagement | Pacing | Formatting | Structure | |
1 - A Macabre Christmas Eve | Whimsical, Dark, Playful | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
2 - A Brother's Absence and a Wife's Unhappiness | Morose, Passionate, Adoring | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
3 - Pugsley's Potion Predicament | Dark Humor, Surreal, Melancholic | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
4 - Foggy Mishaps and Golfing Antics | Dark Humor, Sarcastic, Whimsical | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
5 - A Pruning of Roses and Gates | Dark Humor, Sarcastic, Melancholic, Whimsical | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7.5 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
6 - Frustrations at the Addams Gate | Dark, Humorous, Suspenseful | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
7 - A Duel of Wit and Blades | Humorous, Dark, Whimsical, Sarcastic | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
8 - Dueling Proposals | Humorous, Sarcastic, Playful, Mocking | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
9 - Secrets and Greed | Playful, Dark, Humorous | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
10 - Doubloons and Discontent | Humorous, Whimsical, Playful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 7.5 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | |
11 - A Shocking Revelation | Dark Humor, Sarcastic, Menacing, Manipulative | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
12 - Stormy Schemes | Passionate, Humorous, Seductive, Intense | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
13 - A Rainy Welcome | Dark Humor, Sarcastic, Playful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
14 - A Chaotic Séance | Playful, Dark, Mysterious | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
15 - The Return of Fester | Humorous, Mysterious, Suspenseful | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
16 - Fester's Return: A Family Reunion with Doubts | Humorous, Whimsical, Mysterious | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
17 - Fester's Frightful Night | Dark Humor, Suspense, Mystery | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
18 - A Chaotic Morning Reunion | Humorous, Whimsical, Sarcastic | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
19 - Gondola Adventure in the Secret Chamber | Playful, Whimsical, Mysterious | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
20 - Secrets in the Attic and Vault | Whimsical, Mysterious, Playful | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
21 - Secrets of the Vault | Playful, Mysterious, Whimsical | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
22 - Nostalgic Antics and Accidental Revelations | Playful, Dramatic, Nostalgic | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
23 - Electrocution and Auction Antics | Playful, Whimsical, Surreal, Dark | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
24 - Trapped in Curiosity | Playful, Whimsical, Mysterious | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
25 - Train Wreck of Emotions | Playful, Mysterious, Whimsical | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
26 - Chaos at Dead Man's Curve | Playful, Whimsical, Mysterious | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
27 - A Walk Among the Tombstones | Dark, Playful, Reflective | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
28 - A Recipe for Concern | Dark Humor, Sarcastic, Playful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
29 - Dueling Doubts | Humorous, Dark, Playful | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7.5 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | |
30 - Understanding Love and Resentment | Humorous, Dark, Playful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
31 - Explosive Curiosity | Playful, Dark, Sinister | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
32 - Conflicted Loyalties | Dark Humor, Brooding, Whimsical | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
33 - Heroes and Hiccups | Dark Humor, Sarcastic, Whimsical | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
34 - A Performance of Contrasts | Dark Humor, Playful, Suspenseful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
35 - A Bloody Performance | Dark Humor, Playful, Macabre | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
36 - Eternal Embrace in the Moonlight | Nostalgic, Romantic, Dark, Humorous | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
37 - A Farewell Breakfast | Dark, Humorous, Macabre | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
38 - A Dance of Deception and Affection | Dark, Humorous, Romantic | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
39 - A Night of Eccentric Elegance | Dark Humor, Morbid Affection, Surreal | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
40 - A Dance of Eccentricities | Dark Humor, Morbid Affection, Eccentricity | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
41 - Family Ties and Dark Secrets | Menacing, Suspenseful, Darkly Humorous, Tense | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
42 - A Dance of Eccentricity | Humorous, Sarcastic, Dark | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
43 - A Festive Feast with Family Tensions | Humorous, Eccentric, Playful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
44 - Fester's Fearless Fiesta | Whimsical, Eccentric, Playful, Mysterious | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
45 - Waltz of Whimsy and Schemes | Humorous, Quirky, Eccentric, Romantic, Suspenseful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
46 - A Dance of Disapproval | Humorous, Sarcastic, Whimsical | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
47 - The Search for Wednesday | Whimsical, Mysterious, Playful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
48 - Locked Out: The Addams Family's Legal Woes | Whimsical, Absurd, Surreal, Melancholic | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
49 - Despair in the Bungalow | Dark Humor, Sarcastic, Melancholic | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
50 - Resilience in the Addams Family | Humorous, Sarcastic, Dark | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
51 - Lemonade Gone Wrong | Dark Humor, Sarcastic, Satirical | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
52 - Vacation Plans and Lemonade Shenanigans | Darkly humorous, Sarcastic, Whimsical | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
53 - A Day of Quirks and Plans | Humorous, Melancholic, Sarcastic | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
54 - Gomez's TV Troubles | Humorous, Dark, Desperate | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
55 - Midnight Reflections | Darkly humorous, Resolute, Sarcastic, Melancholic | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
56 - Morticia's Dark Flirtation | Darkly humorous, Sarcastic, Satirical | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
57 - A Desperate Plea for Help | Darkly humorous, Sarcastic, Melancholic | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
58 - Storm of Chaos | Tense, Emotional, Sarcastic, Intense | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
59 - A Spooktacular Welcome | Dark, Humorous, Eerie | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
60 - Halloween Revelry at the Addams Mansion | Humorous, Dark, Whimsical | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Scene 1 - A Macabre Christmas Eve
Rev. 01/07/91 (Lilac)
Rev. 01/15/91 (Forest)
Rev. 01/18/91 (Orange)
Rev. 02/07/91 (Magenta)
Rev. 02/13/91 (Chartreuse)
Rev. 02/15/91 (Nept. Blue)
Rev. 02/19/91 (Gray)
Rev. 02/22/91 (Red)
Rev. 02/26/91 (Blue)
Rev. 02/28/91 (Pink)
Rev. 03/18/91 (Yellow)
Rev. 04/03/91 (Green)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY
by
Larry Wilson and Caroline Thompson
Rewrite by
Paul Rudnick
based on the characters of
Charles Addams
SHOOTING SCRIPT
April 11, 1991
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/6/90
FADE IN:
A1 EXT. ADDAMS MANSION FRONT STEPS - CHRISTMAS EVE A1
A GROUP OF CAROLERS, their eager faces upturned, SINGS an
endless and cloying roundelay of "Little Drummer Boy."
They sing with self-righteous good cheer. As they
pompously begin their umpteenth verse,
THE CAMERA SLOWLY PANS UP THE ADDAMS MANSION -- past
the black wreath on the front door, past broken windows,
weather-beaten shingles, a creaking shutter.
THE CAMERA CONTINUES TO PAN TO THE ROOF
where the Addams Family members, GOMEZ, MORTICIA, GRANNY,
PUGSLEY, WEDNESDAY, and LURCH, their faithful butler,
gleefully POUR a CAULDRON OF BUBBLING, STEAMING PITCH
over the edge.
AS THE CAULDRON TIPS, THE CAMERA PUSHES INSIDE, THE
BLACKNESS OF THE PITCH FILLS THE SCREEN. TITLES BEGIN.
DISSOLVE TO:
1 INT. DIM HALLWAY - SEVEN O'CLOCK A.M. 1
C.U. AN OVER-SIZED "CUCKOO" CLOCK --
The clock is a perfect REPLICA OF THE ADDAMS FAMILY
HOUSE, down to the creaking shutter. It chimes the hour.
In ONE WINDOW, a LITTLE MECHANICAL GOMEZ bends a
MECHANICAL MORTICIA back until she's almost off her feet
and plants a kiss between her clockwork decolletage.
One, two, three mechanical kisses, counting toward
seven o'clock.
IN ANOTHER WINDOW, A MECHANICAL PUGSLEY hangs a
MECHANICAL WEDNESDAY from a noose on a gallows, up and
down.
Meanwhile, little BURSTS OF FOG float off the rooftop
where a little MECHANICAL GRANNY cranks her fog machine.
The front door of the house pops open, and a MECHANICAL
LURCH appears and begins sweeping.
Just then, THING, the disembodied hand with the
full-bodied personality, CLIMBS into view over the back
of the clock.
Thing leaps to the floor and SCAMPERS down the hall.
LOW TRACKING SHOT
follows Thing along the hallway.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 2.
1 CONTINUED: 1
He runs past a couple of doors, past a pair of LEGS in
pajamas, feet in bedroom slippers. He skids to a halt
and BACK TRACKS to the legs. He pulls on the cuff of
the pajama bottoms. They belong to GOMEZ, who stands
in the doorway to
Ratings
Scene 2 - A Brother's Absence and a Wife's Unhappiness
Gomez wears a fez and a smoking jacket over his pajamas.
Even at this early hour, he puffs on his trademark cigar.
Gomez is all enthusiasm or all despair. At the moment,
he radiates unfathomable woe.
GOMEZ
Think of it, Thing. He's been gone
for twenty-five years. For twenty-
five years we've attempted to
contact Fester in the great
beyond...
The room is a dusty, cobweb-filled, long-unoccupied shrine
to Gomez's lost brother, Fester. Gomez drifts in from the
doorway.
The room has remained untouched since Fester's
disappearance as a teenager. The thick coating of dust
and cobwebs adorns the mementoes of a rapscallion's youth
- a football pennant from Alcatraz, headless sports
trophies, a high school photo with all the other students
keeping as much distance from Fester as possible.
As he lovingly and morosely surveys the room:
GOMEZ
... And for twenty-five years,
nothing. Not a whisper, not a
clue. I'm beginning to think my
my brother truly is lost.
Gomez sighs. Thing TUGS at his cuff, pulling him towards
the
B2 INT. HALLWAY - SAME TIME B2
Galloping ahead of Gomez, Thing leaps onto an
old-fashioned door latch and the door swings open INTO
2 INT. GOMEZ AND MORTICIA'S BEDROOM - SAME TIME 2
Gomez approaches the bed. Asleep on scarlet satin sheets
is...
MORTICIA
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 3.
2 CONTINUED: 2
GOMEZ
(gazing at Morticia)
Look at her -- I would die for her.
I would kill for her. Either way
-- what bliss.
Low-voiced, incisive, and subtle, with Morticia, smiles
are rare. The ghostly whiteness of her complexion is
offset by the red of the pillowcase upon which her hair
is spread like a diabolic halo. A dark Garbo, sultry
and remote, she's a ruined beauty.
Morticia OPENS HER EYES.
GOMEZ
(adoringly)
Unhappy, darling?
MORTICIA
(passionately)
Oh, yes, yes. Completely.
CUT TO:
A3 OMITTED A3
Ratings
Scene 3 - Pugsley's Potion Predicament
Pugsley crouches on the floor, playing with his kid-sized
chemistry set.
The walls of his room are covered with road signs he's
collected -- "Bridge Out!", "Detour! Excavation Ahead!",
"Dangerous Undertow!", "Keep Clear! High Voltage!"
SAWED-OFF STOP SIGNS, still on their poles, are stacked
in the corner.
In another corner stands a CYLINDRICAL FLOOR-TO-CEILING
FISH TANK, FILLED WITH PIRANHA.
This tubby energetic monster of a nine-year-old boy has
every chance of growing up to be the public monster his
parents would be proud of.
He MIXES chemicals in a beaker. The brew steams. Grin-
ning wickedly, Pugsley SWALLOWS it down.
He contorts, undergoing the beginnings of a transforma-
tion, then SHRINKS to the size of a mouse. Laughing, he
crawls out of his human-size pajamas.
CUT TO:
4 OMITTED 4
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 4.
A5 INT. ATTIC - SAME TIME A5
Solemn and mournful, ten-year-old Wednesday has black
hair and white skin like her mother. She sits on a stool
among the stored Addams' family objects, ONE END OF A
STRING TIED TO HER TOOTH, THE OTHER TIED TO A TRAP DOOR.
The trap door is flung open, GRANNY pokes her head
through. She's a giggly hag who looks like she was in
the bathtub when the hairdryer fell in.
Wednesday's pulled tooth swings at the end of the string.
WEDNESDAY
Thank you, Grandmama.
In a foul mood, Granny tromps up into the attic.
GRANNY
You kids are going to have to kill
your own breakfast this morning.
Wednesday opens a cigar box. Inside the box are assorted
human and animal teeth, fangs and dentures, along with a
collection of glass eyes. Wednesday drops her tooth in
the box.
CUT TO:
5 OMITTED 5
A6 INT. GOMEZ AND MORTICIA'S BEDROOM - SAME TIME A6
Gomez takes Morticia in his arms. As she languidly
drapes herself across his chest, she is caught in a
sudden shaft of sunlight. She squints. On the bedside
table beside her, Morticia's OVERSIZED CARNIVOROUS
ORCHID WILTS.
MORTICIA
Gomez... the sun... il me perce
comme un poignard.
GOMEZ
(wildly aroused)
Tish... that's French!
MORTICIA
(nonchalant)
Oui.
GOMEZ
Cara mia!
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/3/90 5.
A6 CONTINUED: A6
He kisses his way up to her neck, then, suddenly
bursting with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose, LEAPS
from the bed, drawing his bedside saber from its sheath
and BRANDISHING it at the offending beam.
GOMEZ
En garde monsieur sole!
He thrusts and parries, pantomiming a duel with the
shaft of light.
MORTICIA
Gomez?
GOMEZ
Querida?
MORTICIA
Last night, you were... unhinged.
You were like some desperate,
howling demon. You frightened me.
Do it again.
Gomez, instantly aflame.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 4 - Foggy Mishaps and Golfing Antics
Granny delivers a swift kick to her fog machine.
GRANNY
Lousy bucket of bolts...!
The FOG MACHINE, straight out of a Jules Verne nightmare,
is malfunctioning this morning, struggling to churn
out its patches of fog.
CUT TO:
7 INT./EXT. MORTICIA AND GOMEZ'S BEDROOM - SAME TIME 7
At the window, Gomez pokes his head out. In the
background, Morticia brushes her hair with a silver
filigree brush.
GOMEZ
(disturbed)
Granny - where's your fog?
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 5A.
7 CONTINUED: 7
FROM ABOVE
the fog machine hurtles downwards, missing decapitating
Gomez by millimeters. It crashes below, smashing through
the front porch roof.
CUT TO:
8 OMITTED 8
9 INT. ENTRANCE HALL - LATER 9
Standing beside the front door is LURCH, the gigantic
family butler, a reanimated stitched-together behemoth.
He holds two brown paper lunch bags in his enormous
hands. The bags' contents wriggle, eager to escape.
WEDNESDAY
(taking her bag)
Thank you, Lurch.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/6/90 6.
9 CONTINUED: 9
Pugsley takes his bag, opens it, and peers inside. Lurch
GROWLS, and Pugsley closes the bag.
CUT TO:
10 EXT. BALCONY OUTSIDE GOMEZ AND MORTICIA'S BEDROOM - 10
SAME TIME
Gomez is HITTING GOLF BALLS -- Thing serving as his tee
-- while Morticia sips tea.
11 ONE OF THE GOLF BALLS 11
flies with incredible speed
THROUGH THE WINDOW of the ADDAMS' ONLY NEIGHBOR. This
well-tended HOME sits on the hill overlooking the
Addams' Mansion like some Republican sentinel.
CUT TO:
12 INT. NEIGHBOR'S HOME - SAME TIME 12
JUDGE WOMACK, the Addams' CRUSTY PATRICIAN NEIGHBOR, is
having his breakfast when Gomez's golf ball lands in
his cornflakes, shattering the bowl, covering him with
milk.
Judge Womack hurries to his broken window, shaking his
fist:
JUDGE WOMACK
Damn you, Addams!
CUT TO:
13 EXT. GOMEZ AND MORTICIA'S BALCONY - SAME TIME 13
FROM THEIR VANTAGE POINT --
it appears to Gomez and Morticia that Judge Womack is
waving to them. Gomez waves back.
GOMEZ
(calls)
Sorry about the window, Judge!
Keep the ball! I have a whole
bucketful.
He holds up a bucket of golf balls. He tosses his
golfclub to Thing, who DEPOSITS IT in the golfbag.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 7.
13 CONTINUED: 13
Gomez joins Morticia watching
THE DEPARTING SCHOOL BUS.
MORTICIA
The little ones, off to school.
Bless them.
GOMEZ
They grow up so fast, don't they?
MORTICIA
Too fast.
THEIR POV
Tires smoking, the school bus strains to chug down the
road. Gleefully hanging from the rear bumper is
Pugsley, dragging his heels.
CUT TO:
A14 OMITTED A14
Ratings
Scene 5 - A Pruning of Roses and Gates
Morticia, wearing gardening gloves, is snipping the
blossoms off her roses.
Gomez sits at a table, playing CHESS with Thing.
GOMEZ
It's a milestone, Tish. This very
evening -- our twenty-fifth seance.
All those years, gnawed by guilt,
undone by woe, burning with
uncertainty...
MORTICIA
(yearningly)
Oh Gomez, don't torture yourself.
That's my job.
GOMEZ
(lustfully)
Tish...
MORTICIA
Imagine, Darling, if Fester did
come back. Half-alive, barely
human, a rotting shell...
GOMEZ
Don't tease.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/3/90 8.
14 EXT. JUST OUTSIDE THE ADDAMS' GROUNDS - SAME TIME 14
TULLY ALFORD, the family attorney, and his wife, MARGARET,
approach "GATE," a wrought-iron monstrosity that opens of
its own accord. Though Tully comes here often and
Margaret has been here before, they never cease to be
startled by "Gate."
Tully has a puffy, once handsome face, and an embittered
grey aura that is the mark of a middle-age misspent.
High-strung and superficial, Margaret is more disap-
pointed in Tully than he is in himself.
Margaret passes through Gate first. Then, as Tully passes
through, Gate slams on him, clipping him and catching the
end of his coat. Tully fights Gate for his coat.
TULLY
Let me go!
Ignoring Tully, Margaret continues stiffly up the walk.
TULLY
(to Gate)
Gimme that! Stop it! I'm warning
you! It's not a good day!
CUT TO:
A15 INT. CONSERVATORY - SAME TIME A15
Gomez moves a chess piece. Thing gestures out the window.
Gomez and Morticia both look out. As they do, Thing
moves two chess pieces, cheating.
MORTICIA
(looking out)
Tully is here, darling.
GOMEZ
Ha! That Tully.
MORTICIA
Romping with Gate.
GOMEZ
(moving a piece)
Check.
Thing moves another piece and gestures in triumph.
MORTICIA
(impressed)
Checkmate.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/26/90 8A.
Ratings
Scene 6 - Frustrations at the Addams Gate
MARGARET
Tully! Can't you keep up?
TULLY
I'm trying...
Tully rips his coat to get it away from Gate.
MARGARET
These are your last paying clients,
may I remind you!
TULLY
If it gives you pleasure...
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/28/91 9.
B15 CONTINUED: B15
MARGARET
Something has to. Like a decent
coat - something dressy, for evening.
Ask-for a loan. Beg.
TULLY
No loans! I'm not a bum.
(before Margaret
can reply)
Don't say it. I'll get the money,
I've got a plan.
MARGARET
This is all so humiliating. Why
did I marry you?
TULLY
Because I said yes.
Margaret marches on toward the front door, skirting the fog
machine as if it had every reason to be there. It hisses
at Tully as he passes, splattering his trousers with fog.
CUT TO:
C15 INT. ENTRY HALL - A LITTLE LATER C15
Tully hands his hat to Lurch and marches off toward
Gomez's study. Finding herself alone with Lurch,
Margaret is more nervous and intimidated than she would
ever admit.
MARGARET
I'm here to see Mrs. Addams. About
the charity auction.
Growling, Lurch heads for the stairs. Screwing up her
courage, Margaret resolutely follows.
CUT TO:
15 INT. ADDAMS FAMILY PORTRAIT GALLERY - A LITTLE LATER 15
Tully stalks glumly along the hall and past the family
portraits -- generations of Addams grotesques in
elaborate gilt frames heading toward the imposing doors
of Gomez's study.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 10.
15 CONTINUED: 15
ON THE FLOOR
lies a BEAR RUG eyes and mouth open.
Tully, preoccupied, strides toward the rug. There's a
sudden FEROCIOUS GROWL as he steps on it.
TULLY
Damn!
He kicks at the rug. It BITES him, clamping its jaws
onto his trouser cuff. He flails, dancing around,
finally managing to shake it off. He finds himself
FACE-TO-FACE with one of the paintings...
A PORTRAIT OF THE TEENAGE FESTER ADDAMS
draped in black crepe and HOLDING A LIT CANDLE, though
how it is holding a lit candle is an utter mystery. At
fifteen, Fester was utterly hairless with a dead white
complexion and eyes rimmed in black like a raccoon's.
The identifying plaque reads "Fester Addams, 1947 - ?"
TULLY
regards the portrait intently, almost as if having a
premonition.
THE INTRICATELY CARVED DOORS TO GOMEZ'S STUDY
creak open, interrupting the reverie. Girding himself,
Tully proceeds inside.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 7 - A Duel of Wit and Blades
A SABER
slices through the air, its blade glinting.
TULLY'S HAND
grabs for the hilt of the sword. He misses.
THE BLADE
embeds in the wall with a thunk. It SHUDDERS.
GOMEZ
Missed.
He leaps into frame, brandishing a saber.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 11.
16 CONTINUED: 16
Tully BACK-PEDALS and, as he PULLS the sword from the
wall, POINTS TO something behind Gomez.
TULLY
What's that?!
Gomez turns to see and Tully CHARGES, wielding the sword
as if he means to decapitate Gomez. But Gomez easily
PARRIES the blow.
GOMEZ
Dirty pool, old man! I like it!
Gomez counters, driving Tully back. He shreds Tully's
jacket.
TULLY
Had enough?
They continue to fence. Gomez flips Tully's briefcase
open and a sheaf of legal looking papers spills out.
GOMEZ
Where's my pen? Never mind, I'll
use yours.
His blade finds the pen in Tully's inside jacket pocket.
He does HANDSPRINGS back to his desk, landing gracefully
in his chair.
GOMEZ
First, the old business!
He swivels, warding off another blow, then cavalierly
continues the duel as he signs the LEGAL DOCUMENTS
scattered before him.
CUT TO:
17 INT. ADDAMS ATTIC - SAME TIME 17
Morticia, Granny, and Margaret sort through Addams'
possessions. In trunks. Boxed. Stacked. Covered with
shrouds. Morticia opens a gigantic, elaborately carved
armoire.
MORTICIA
Perhaps it's in here.
GRANNY
(mischievously)
I don't think so...
In the front of the armoire is an overstuffed GARMENT BAG
LABELLED 'UNCLE NIKNAK'S WINTER CLOTHES.'
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/6/90 12.
17 CONTINUED: 17
MORTICIA
(full of fond
memories)
Uncle Niknak's winter wardrobe...
She carefully passes the garment bag to Granny who
chucks it aside.
The next garment bag is marked 'UNCLE NIKNAK'S SUMMER
CLOTHES.'
MORTICIA
Uncle Niknak's summer wardrobe...
She passes this garment bag to Granny who chucks it aside
also.
Next in the armoire is a BODY BAG.
MORTICIA
(fonder still)
Uncle Niknak.
Morticia continues going through the armoire.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 8 - Dueling Proposals
Gomez and Tully are still duelling. Still signing. Gomez
hasn't even broken a sweat.
GOMEZ
I wish you'd drop by more
often.
Tully doggedly fights on. His jacket has suffered more
shredding from Gomez's blade.
TULLY
I'm like to, but...
GOMEZ
But what, old sport?
TULLY
Oh, you know...
GOMEZ
You know what?
TULLY
I'm a bleeder.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 13.
18 CONTINUED: 18
Gomez STOPS DEAD at a document. Deftly, he DISARMS Tully,
sending his saber flying up and out of view.
GOMEZ
What's this? A new proposal? "The
Fester Addams Off-Shore Retirement
Fund?" What would they do?
TULLY
What wouldn't they do? It's a very
worthy cause and a great addition to
the other Fester Addams Funds.
GOMEZ
(rhapsodizes)
Fester - all tribute to thee. Some
called him inhumanly evil.
TULLY
(protesting)
No!
GOMEZ
Only our parents. I called him -
brother.
TULLY
And his memory must live on, forever.
Through money. We'll deposit the
funds under my name, for tax purposes.
GOMEZ
Really? That's inspired!
TULLY
He would have wanted it that way.
Beloved Fester.
The sword tumbles back into his hand. They resume
duelling.
GOMEZ
Indeed! For Fester!
TULLY
For Fester! A brother!
GOMEZ
My brother!
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 14.
18 CONTINUED: (2) 18
TULLY
One of a kind!
GOMEZ
The doctors all said!
TULLY
Kind to animals! So good with
children!
GOMEZ
They never proved anything.
TULLY
One million dollars. The perfect
amount.
GOMEZ
It's brilliant!
TULLY
It's untraceable.
GOMEZ
But, Tully, it's not old business.
It's going to have to wait. You
know the rules better than that.
TULLY
(taken aback)
What? But this is different! It's
in my name! Make an exception!
GOMEZ
Old business is old business and
new business is new business and
this...
Gomez holds up the proposal.
GOMEZ (cont'd)
... is new business and we don't
discuss new business again until...
With one finger, he rifles through a desk calendar,
flipping endless pages. He lands on a distant date...
GOMEZ
Next quarter! Next quarter!?
Tully has gone white.
TULLY
Next quarter!?
Tully goes to attack like an enraged bull.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 15.
18 CONTINUED: (3) 18
Gomez does a KUNG FU BACK FLIP out of his chair -- just
missing being run through by Tully's saber. The saber
skewers the overstuffed chair, and carried by the momentum
of the charge, Tully SOMERSAULTS over the desk, colliding
with the chair, landing on the floor.
GOMEZ
Fine lunge, but your riposte -
a tad rusty.
Gomez carelessly flings away his sword.
Thing, perched on a decorative Samurai helmet, plucks the
sword from the air and resheathes it.
GOMEZ
Make yourself comfortable, old man,
while I get the money for the monthly
expenses.
Tully lies, ruined, on the floor.
Gomez GRABS TULLY'S BRIEFCASE and makes a brisk exit,
closing the office doors behind him.
Tully crawls to the doors and slides them open a crack,
intent on spying on Gomez. He PEEKS INTO:
19 OMITTED 19
Ratings
Scene 9 - Secrets and Greed
At one of the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, Gomez reaches
for A BOOK, pulling it partway from the shelf. We see the
book's title - GREED. The entire shelf -- a secret panel --
revolves and deposits Gomez on the other side of the wall.
Then it turns back to its original position.
Tully gets to his feet, goes through the doors, and
staggers for the bookcase.
FROM BEHIND THE BOOKCASE COME THE SOUNDS OF GOMEZ MAKING
HIS DESCENT INTO THE VAULT. CREAKING, GROANING, THE SOUNDS
OF CHAINS AND PULLEYS, VAGUE ANIMAL HOWLS, SPLASHING WATER.
CUT TO:
B20 INT. ATTIC - SAME TIME B20
The armoire has been totally emptied. Morticia looks over
the contents of a nearby shelf. Thing sits on the shelf,
offering a BEJEWELED TREASURE.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 16.
B20 CONTINUED: B20
MORTICIA
There it is. Just what we've been
searching for.
(takes the treasure
from Thing)
Thank you, Thing.
Morticia passes Margaret the JEWEL-ENCRUSTED CYLINDER OF
WEBBED GOLD, dragons' heads with gaping jaws at either end.
Margaret is at first afraid to touch it, but greed helps
her get over it.
MARGARET
(awed)
My God, what is it?
MORTICIA
A family heirloom. A finger trap
from the court of Emperor Wu.
MARGARET
It must be worth a fortune. Look
at those emeralds.
(superciliously)
Oh, Morticia, this is too
extravagant! Even for the auction!
GRANNY
Let's keep it.
MORTICIA
Hush - it's for charity. Widows
and orphans. We need more of them.
Margaret?
Enchanted by the object, Margaret isn't listening. She
inserts her fingers and they're instantly stuck.
MARGARET
(struggling)
Mmm?
MORTICIA
The seance - tonight. Won't you
come? It's Gomez, I'm terribly
worried. He won't eat, he can't
sleep, he's been coughing up
blood...
MARGARET
(aghast)
He coughs up blood?
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 17.
B20 CONTINUED: (2) B20
MORTICIA
(sadly)
Well... not like he used to...
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 10 - Doubloons and Discontent
At the bookshelf, Tully reaches for a book, approximately
in the same place where Gomez unlocked the secret panel --
but Tully's book comes out of its place on the shelf and
nothing happens.
Biting back his frustration, Tully reads the title, "GONE
WITH THE WIND." He opens the cover. A HURRICANE BLAST OF
WIND GUSTS from the open book, blowing Tully's hair
straight up, rippling his facial muscles. He manages to
close the book and, heart pounding, returns it to the
shelf. He grins sheepishly at
LURCH
Who's been watching him from where he dusts in the hall, a
feather duster in his gigantic hands.
CUT TO:
20 INT. GOMEZ'S STUDY - LATER 20
C.U. TULLY'S BRIEFCASE
Now filled with greenish DOUBLOONS.
Gomez, wearing a green accountant's eyeshade, weighs a
final handful of coins on an old-fashioned measuring scale,
then tosses them into Tully's briefcase.
GOMEZ
There - the monthly expenses.
Tully snaps the briefcase shut and hoists it from Gomez's
desk. It's dead weight in his hand -- another hateful
ordeal.
TULLY
(trying to
phrase it)
I don't suppose you have any paper
money in that vault. Gomez, it's
time. For the new fund. A
checkbook.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 18.
20 CONTINUED: 20
GOMEZ
Never! The banks - I don't trust
them.
(confidentially)
Strange people, Tully.
TULLY
Really?
GOMEZ
(his arm around
Tully)
Not like you and me. Or Fester.
The seance - I need you here.
For him.
TULLY
Seance?
Tully lugs the briefcase toward the door.
GOMEZ
Eight o'clock. By the way ...
Tully turns back.
Gomez flips an extra DOUBLOON across the room. It lands
expertly in Tully's vest pocket.
GOMEZ
I broke another of Judge Womack's
windows this morning.
Tully resumes his put-upon march to the door.
CUT TO:
21 OMITTED 21
22 OMITTED 22
thru thru
26 26
A27 OMITTED A27
B27 EXT. JUDGE WOMACK'S HOUSE - A LITTLE LATER B27
Tully is on the front steps, (Judge Womack won't let him
inside), searching his pockets for the doubloon, help-
lessly enduring another of the Judge's tongue lashings.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/12/90 19.
B27 CONTINUED: B27
JUDGE WOMACK
(to Tully)
Still working for Addams...
(to Margaret)
Mother warned you, Margaret. I can
still hear her voice, clear as a
bell, she'd always say, day in and
day out, "Marry Tully Alford..."
TULLY
"... And you'll hear Satan laugh."
Here's your doubloon.
MARGARET
(still wearing the
fingertrap)
I'm stuck!
JUDGE WOMACK
(to Tully)
You lowlife.
(to Margaret)
Are those emeralds?
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 11 - A Shocking Revelation
Tully enters the secretary's alcove, still lugging his
impossibly heavy briefcase. His offices were once quite
elegant, but now the leather on the chairs is starting to
crack and a repainting is long overdue.
Tully looks around for his secretary.
TULLY
Miss Bradbury ...
(annoyed)
Miss Bradbury!
ABIGAIL (O.S.)
She's at lunch, Mr. Alford.
Alarmed, Tully steps into
D27 INT. TULLY'S OFFICE - SAME TIME D27
Sitting in a chair on the client's side of Tully's desk is
ABIGAIL CRAVEN, an arrogant, aristocratic-seeming 60ish
doyenne. Her steely will and conniving manipulativeness
are barely veiled by a thin layer of polish and good
manners.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 20.
D27 CONTINUED: D27
Instantly obsequious, Tully sets his heavy briefcase on his
desk and shakes her hand.
TULLY
Mrs. Craven, I was just about to
call you.
ABIGAIL
I'm certain you were.
(she gestures)
You haven't met my son, Gordon, have
have you, Mr. Alford?
Tully turns amiably, but his face falls at the sight of:
GORDON CRAVEN -
Fleshy and round, in his 40's, impeccably if eccentrically
dressed, his dark hair plastered with pomade. With his
barrel chest and his kamikaze demeanor, he is IMMEDIATELY
THREATENING.
Tully blanches.
GORDON
Is this the one, Mother? The
deadbeat you mentioned?
Before Tully can react, Gordon has him by the throat,
hanging him upside down from the wall like an oil painting.
TULLY
(choking)
Wait a minute, hold on! You have
to listen to me!
ABIGAIL
We do, Mr. Alford? And why?
TULLY
Please... Just hear me out...
GORDON
Mother... your call.
ABIGAIL
(to Tully)
Gordon and I enjoy a very... special
relationship. I'm wild about him.
GORDON
(infatuated)
She's a pip.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/15/91 21.& 21A.
D27 CONTINUED: (2): D27
ABIGAIL
Refreshing, no?
(after a beat)
Down, Gordon.
GORDON
Mother...
ABIGAIL
(sternly)
Gordon.
TULLY
Gordon!
Gordon lets go, dropping him on his head. Whimpering, Tully
crawls toward his desk.
ABIGAIL
And how is your wife, Mr. Alford? I've
heard so much about her. Still
charming? Still spending?
TULLY
I don't have the money to repay you...
I've tried everything...
ABIGAIL
We've lent you a considerable sum. Many
thousands of dollars. Payment due.
TULLY
Soon, I promise.
ABIGAIL
Oh, Gordon - I want to believe him...
GORDON
So do I...
ABIGAIL
(re: Gordon)
He's so terribly trusting.
GORDON
She's a saint.
ABIGAIL
(to Gordon)
Silly boy... make me proud.
Gordon grabs Tully and sweeps him onto his desk.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/15/91 22.
D27 CONTINUED: (3): D27
TULLY'S BRIEFCASE
pops open as it hits the floor. The Addams' doubloons
SPILL OUT.
Abigail and Gordon light up at the sight of the gold. They
share a malicious smile. Gordon leers down at the battered
Tully.
GORDON
He lied to us, Mother.
TULLY
(babbling hysterically)
It's not what you think! Those are
doubloons! For the Addams account!
ABIGAIL
Addams?
TULLY
There's more, there's a fortune, but
no one can get to it! Don't you think
I've tried?
ABIGAIL
Have you? Have you tried hard
enough? Ask him, Sweetheart.
Gordon descends on Tully, menacingly.
TULLY
No! Sweetheart! Don't ask!
TULLY'S CRINGING POV
Gordon's face hovers inches from his own. The glare from
the lightbulb hanging overhead whites out Gordon's hair --
making Gordon look as bald as a cue-ball.
It's like a sudden vision. The inspiration is obviously
born of terror. Gordon is the SPITTING IMAGE OF THE
LONG-LOST FESTER, as he would appear twenty-five years
later.
TULLY,
disbelieving, comes nose-to-nose with Gordon.
TULLY
(in a shocked,
croaky whisper)
Fester...?
Gordon makes a face at his mother.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 23.
Ratings
Scene 12 - Stormy Schemes
NIGHT SKY
RAIN, THUNDER AND LIGHTNING!
CUT TO:
27 INT. ADDAMS MANSION DEN - EVENING 27
Morticia stands at the open window. Gomez stands behind
her, his arms around her waist.
GOMEZ
(passionately)
Hailstones...
MORTICIA
And lightning...
GOMEZ
(nuzzling her)
It's a miserable night.
MORTICIA
(aroused)
I know, darling. Seance weather.
Morticia leans out the window.
MORTICIA
(festively)
Children, we're starting!
(amused)
Put down that antenna!
Another LIGHTNING FLASH.
CUT TO:
28 OMITTED 28
29 OMITTED 29
A30 INT. MOTEL ROOM - SAME TIME A30
A typical, rundown, highway-style motel room, with stained
fiberglass curtains and a splotchy oil painting. Gordon
is seated on the bed, facing a cracked mirror. Abigail
stands behind him, consulting a picture of FESTER that
Tully has lent them.
ABIGAIL
(staring at the
picture)
It's uncanny. My little boy, and
this hideous creature.
GORDON
(hurt)
Mother...
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/14/90 24.
A30 CONTINUED: A30
ABIGAIL
(correcting herself)
Handsome creation.
(putting a towel on
Gordon's shoulders)
Think of it, my angel - no more
grubby store-front scams. No more
loansharking to scum like Tully
Alford. All that delicious money
- I can feel it, right in my
fingertips.
GORDON
So can I...
ABIGAIL
(in his ear)
Just one week and out. You locate
the vault and then we're gone -
poof! Before they notice what's
missing.
GORDON
And Alford?
ABIGAIL
We need him - for now. And later,
we'll be miles away, and he'll
take the rap.
GORDON
(intensely)
You're so good.
Abigail holds up a shaving brush, covered with foam.
ABIGAIL
(seductively)
Shave and a haircut, Mister?
GORDON
(breathing heavily)
Two bits.
Gordon moans orgasmically as Abigail begins to shave him.
CUT TO:
30 OMITTED 30
Ratings
Scene 13 - A Rainy Welcome
Lurch peels off Margaret's and Tully's wet overcoats.
Margaret wears the same clothes she wore on her earlier
visit -- the finger trap has made it impossible for her
to change.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/15/91 25.
31 CONTINUED: 31
MARGARET
What a miserable evening.
TULLY
Don't add to it.
Wednesday has come to escort them. Tully tries to make
conversation.
TULLY
Big night for you guys! Hey,
small fry.
Tully reaches out to pat Wednesday's head. She moves away.
MARGARET
Hello, sweetheart.
(holding up her
trapped hands)
Could you?
Wednesday deftly releases the trap from Margaret's fingers.
Margaret is amazed. She tries to straighten her disheveled
clothes.
MARGARET
Thank God. Call me a cab, Tully...
TULLY
Get it yourself...
MARGARET
Give me the car keys...
TULLY
Give it a rest...
Morticia appears.
MORTICIA
Welcome, honored guests.
Lurch presents a tray of vile-looking canapes. Morticia
motions to the tray.
MORTICIA
Entrails?
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/7/91 25A.
A32 LURCH AT HIS ORGAN A32
He plays a CRASHING CHORD.
MORTICIA (O.S.)
Let us gather, in this house of
yearning, on this day of heartsick
loss, at this table of woe. Is
everyone comfortable?
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 26.
Ratings
Scene 14 - A Chaotic Séance
The family and Tully and Margaret sit at a round table,
the crystal ball in the center. In the background, Lurch
continues to play mood music on the organ. Morticia
holds a tarnished gold CANDLEHOLDER in the shape of a
RAVEN. The candle is in its belly and the beams of light
glow from its eyes.
MORTICIA
Sing, O spirits! Harken, all souls!
Every year on this date, we offer a
clarion call to Fester Addams.
WEDNESDAY
(to Pugsley)
Stop it!
GOMEZ
(scolding, playfully)
Pugsley...
Pugsley has a meat cleaver aimed at his sister.
Reluctantly, he hands it to Gomez.
GOMEZ
(bemused, to Tully)
Kids.
MORTICIA
(raising the raven)
From generations, to generation,
our beacon to the beyond.
(passing the raven
to Wednesday)
Do you accept the glorious burden?
WEDNESDAY
(taking the raven)
May it weigh me down through all
my melancholy years.
MORTICIA
All close eyes and join hands.
They do. Granny takes a squeamish Margaret's hand.
GRANNY
Ow! What a grip!
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/14/90 27.
32 CONTINUED: 32
Granny pulls away, leaving her "hand" behind, her sleeve
apparently empty.
GRANNY
My hand! She's got my hand!
Left holding Thing, Margaret shrieks.
Pugsley laughs appreciatively.
Margaret tries to shake Thing off, but he hangs on
tightly. Granny cackles.
MARGARET
Excuse me...
Ashen, Margaret tries to escape. Tully pulls her back
to her seat.
TULLY
Sit down, Pumpkin. Join the fun.
MORTICIA
(affectionately)
Mama, you should know better.
Thing - you're a handful.
Thing lets go and runs off.
Margaret sits, stiff as a corpse. Still chuckling,
Granny takes a hold of Margaret's now-rigid hand with her
own real hand. Margaret shudders.
With a last look around the table to insure that everyone
has settled down, Morticia resumes the seance.
MORTICIA
Wednesday...
WEDNESDAY
(intones)
"Let us ransom you
from the power of the grave.
Tonight, O Death,
Let us be your plague."
MORTICIA
Mama...
GRANNY
I feel that he's near... Fester
Addams, gather your strength and
knock three times.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/14/90 28.
33 OMITTED 33
and and
34 34
Ratings
Scene 15 - The Return of Fester
We see Gordon's hand on the DOOR KNOCKER - just his hand.
He pounds THREE TIMES, the heavy hollow sound
reverberating...
CUT TO:
36 INT. DEN - SAME TIME 36
Granny's eyes pop open.
GRANNY
Did you hear that?!
MORTICIA
Ask again, Mama. Quickly.
Lurch's organ music perfectly underscores and punctuates
the scene.
TULLY
By all means!
Tully smirks, barely able to contain his smug enthusiasm.
GOMEZ
(urgently)
Ask! Ask!
GRANNY
Fester Addams - I demand that you
knock again!
CUT TO:
37 EXT. THE FRONT DOOR - SAME TIME 37
Waiting for someone to answer, Gordon's hand again KNOCKS
THREE TIMES, this time even harder.
CUT TO:
38 INT. DEN - SAME TIME 38
The knocking reverberates through the room. Jubilant,
Gomez springs to his feet. Lurch hits a crescendo on
the organ.
GOMEZ
He's at the door!
He runs out and through the house to the
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 29.
39 INT./EXT. ENTRYWAY/FRONT STOOP - SAME TIME 39
His family at his heels, Gomez eagerly pulls open the
front door.
There on the front steps stands GORDON -- FESTER FROM
BEYOND. Gordon's head is completely shaved, and his
clothing and pallor are pure Fester. The exact
resemblance is shocking. It seems a miracle.
Gomez and Fester stare at each other. Fester's eyes
have a hard, I-dare-you-to-question-me look in them.
Neither man says a word.
MORTICIA
Could it be?
GRANNY
Is that him?
TULLY
(innocently)
Is it possible?
MARGARET
Oh my God...
Morticia looks to Gomez for confirmation. Gomez and
Fester continue their face-off.
Gomez breaks the stalemate.
GOMEZ
Fester!
FESTER
Gomez!
Gomez throws open his arms. He smothers Fester in an
embrace. Fester endures it. Abigail steps forward; she
now wears a plain, dowdy suit, and her hair is in braided
coils. She now speaks in a German/Austrian accent.
ABIGAIL
Gut evenink. I am Dr. Pinder-Schloss.
Ratings
Scene 16 - Fester's Return: A Family Reunion with Doubts
Fester stands by the tall, baronial fireplace where an
enormous fire burns. Steam rises off his wet greatcoat,
enveloping him. He seems immobile, a pair of shining
black ferret eyes, calculating.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/15/91 30.
40 CONTINUED: 40
Pugsley stands nearby, beside Fester's steamer trunk,
studying the exotic decals.
ABIGAIL
How did zis happen? How did it come to
be. Ze story - it is most amazink, and
also beautiful. He vas found in Miami,
tangled in ze tuna net! It vas just
last month, during ze Hurricane Helga.
Ze sky, it vas black like pitch. Ze
vaves, zay vere valls of doom. Can you
imagine? Zen - zey drag him from ze
ocean, from ze very jaws of oblivion.
I'm tellink you! Zere are tests, so
many tests, and a complete
psychological profile. At long last,
ze Florida Department of Fish unt ze
Game, ze say, low unt beholdt, my oh my
go tell it on ze mountaintop - he is...
your bruzzer! Boom! Zey gif him to
me, at Human Services, and I am
bringink him, after all zese years,
after who knows vat heartache, after ze
naked unt ze dead, I am bringink him
home to you!
MARGARET
That's preposterous.
TULLY
Margaret...
Tully nudges her in the ribs to shut up.
MARGARET
But don't you think that's absurd?
TULLY
Honey...
MARGARET
Isn't that the most ridiculous
thing you've ever heard?
TULLY
(through gritted teeth)
Blossom...
GOMEZ
It certainly is.
Gomez slaps Fester companionably. Fester hates being
touched.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/12/90 31.
40 CONTINUED: (2) 40
GOMEZ
And now you're back.
TULLY
Back to share your joys, back to
share your sorrows, back to share
- well, hey - everything!
MARGARET
Well, I just don't know...
Tully hands Margaret the fingertrap to distract her.
TULLY
Darling, how does this work again?
MARGARET
An infant would understand...
Margaret, disgusted with Tully, demonstrates the
fingertrap. Her fingers are instantly stuck again.
MORTICIA
Fester Addams - home at long last.
FESTER
Well, at least... for a week.
MORTICIA
A week?
GOMEZ
Don't be ridiculous! You're home!
FESTER
Sorry, but I have to get back.
I've got a lot of things cooking -
in the Bermuda Triangle.
MORTICIA
(aglow with romance)
Oh, Gomez. The Bermuda Triangle.
GOMEZ
(fondly)
Devil's Island...
MORTICIA
(dreamy)
The Black Hole of Calcutta.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 32.
40 CONTINUED: (3) 40
GOMEZ
(to the group)
Excuse us.
MORTICIA
Second honeymoon.
At the steamer trunk, Pugsley is disintegrating the lock
with a beakerful of acid and an eyedropper.
MORTICIA
(to Abigail)
Dr. Pinder-Schloss, will you be
staying too?
ABIGAIL
No, no, I really must be goink.
But I vill be back, you can bet.
To be checkink on Fester's
adjustment.
The acid has eaten away the lock on Fester's trunk.
Pugsley opens the trunk a crack. He fishes among the
contents, his arm inside up to the shoulder. Something
snaps. He grins, then pulls out his hand. His fingers
are crushed in a rusty, ferocious-looking BEAR TRAP.
PUGSLEY
Cool.
Wednesday alone stands apart in her mournful fashion.
She is instinctively SUSPICIOUS of this new Fester.
WEDNESDAY
Nobody gets out of the Bermuda
Triangle. Not even for a vacation.
Everyone knows that.
ABIGAIL
(to Wednesday)
Oh, my little vun. Zere is zo much
you do not understandt. Ze human
spirit - it is - a hard tink to kill.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/29/90 33.
40 CONTINUED: (4) 40
GRANNY
(agreeing)
Even with a chainsaw.
Abigail pinches Wednesday's cheek, hard. Wednesday
continues to stare at Fester.
CUT TO:
41 OMITTED 41
Ratings
Scene 17 - Fester's Frightful Night
Morticia has shown Fester to his room. As she speaks,
the camera lingers on the following photographs atop the
bureau:
A PICTURE OF FESTER AND GOMEZ AS YOUNG BOYS, EACH IN A
DOGGY CARRYING CAGE, BEING HELD BY THEIR FATHER. FATHER
STANDS BESIDE A CRUDE WOODEN SIGN WITH "CAMP CUSTER"
BRANDED INTO IT.
GOMEZ AND FESTER AS BOYS, PROUDLY SITTING ON THE LAP OF A
BOUND-AND-GAGGED SANTA CLAUS.
Morticia begins to open Fester's trunk and go through
it.
MORTICIA
Unpacking - you must be exhausted.
Let me.
FESTER
(alarmed at what she
might find)
No... um... that's all right...
you don't have to...
Morticia begins removing Fester's burglary equipment from
the trunk.
MORTICIA
A crowbar... dynamite... cyanide...
Fester. As if we'd run out.
(she turns to go)
Good night.
She exits. Fester examines two photographs in a hand-
tooled leather frame on the bureau. Imprinted below the
FACE OF THE BEAUTIFUL GIRL ON THE LEFT is the name FLORA,
below the BEAUTIFUL GIRL ON THE RIGHT is FAUNA.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/29/90 33A.
42 CONTINUED: 42
It's clear that they are identical twins.
The CLOCK in the hall STRIKES MIDNIGHT.
It's time to go to work. He opens the door to his room
and peeks out. He sees ...
WEDNESDAY --
in her doorway across the hallway, staring back at him.
He whips back into his room.
FESTER
Nosy little brat...
Frustrated, he looks out again -- Wednesday's door is
shut. He looks both ways.
CUT TO:
A43 INT. ATTIC - A FEW MINUTES LATER A43
The TRAP DOOR RISES in the attic floor. Fester's head
appears.
Fester climbs into the attic. As he does, the camera
PANS around the room, taking in the piles of odd objects
and memorabilia.
Fester approaches a set of GLASS CASES.
ANGLE on the FIRST CASE. The case contains a set of
mounted BUTTERFLIES, pinned in place.
ANGLE on the second, LARGER CASE. In this case there
are several STUFFED VAMPIRE BATS.
ANGLE on the third, STILL LARGER CASE. This case is
about three feet high, and fairly wide. It is empty.
WEDNESDAY (O.S.)
It's reserved.
The camera PULLS BACK. Wednesday stands near the trap
door; staring at Fester, who stands by the empty case.
Fester is startled, but tries to act calm.
FESTER
It's reserved? For what?
WEDNESDAY
For Skipper.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/29/90 33B.
A43 CONTINUED: A43
FESTER
For Skipper? Is he... a dog?
WEDNESDAY
No. Skipper isn't a dog. That
would be cruel.
FESTER
(gruffly)
Of course not. I'm sorry.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/29/90 34.
A43 CONTINUED: (2) A43
WEDNESDAY
He's a bully.
Fester stares at Wednesday. He backs away from her.
CUT TO:
B43 INT. FESTER'S ROOM - A FEW MINUTES LATER B43
Fester runs back into his room and shuts the door.
Wednesday has obviously unnerved him.
He sits on the edge of the bed. A cloud of dust billows
around him. Yawning, he lies down, sinking into the
mattress so deeply that he's almost buried alive.
Getting comfortable, he burrows deeper.
CLOSEUP - FESTER'S EYES. Who knows what terrors they've
seen? But now they lose their coldness, getting dreamy,
then he hears the creak of his door opening...
FESTER
Who's there?
He sees ...
A SHADOW --
thrown huge on the wall. A SINISTER HAND WITH WRIGGLING
FINGERS.
FESTER --
goes for the knife he keeps in his boot, which is next
to the bed, on the floor. The door slams. Veins in his
forehead bulge.
THE WINDOW EXPLODES OPEN --
The wet wind snuffs the candelabra light. There's only
the sound of Fester's animal panting, then LIGHTNING
ILLUMINATES A HAND GRIPPING THE BEDSPREAD.
THERE'S A VAGUE FLICKERING FROM ONE OF THE CANDLES.
Fester seizes it and nurses the flame, using it to re-
light the rest of the candles. As the room fills with
candlelight Fester sees ...
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/13/91 35.
B43 CONTINUED: B43
THING --
sitting on one of his legs.
Fester jumps with fear, pushing against the backboard. He
shakes his leg, violently throwing Thing off. He SCREAMS.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 18 - A Chaotic Morning Reunion
Gomez and Morticia snuggle in bed in the afterglow of
their celebration, her head resting dreamily on his
shoulder, Gomez enjoying a post-coital cigar. Fester's
SCREAM is heard distinctly from down the hall.
GOMEZ
My own dear brother. I've got
goosebumps.
MORTICIA
(flirtatiously)
I know.
GOMEZ
Screams in the night. It can only
mean one thing.
They wait, listening. Fester SCREAMS again.
MORTICIA
(smiling)
He's home.
They gaze together out into the torrential downpour as
Fester continues to scream. They both smile.
CUT TO:
44 INT. FESTER'S ROOM - MORNING 44
Obviously moved, Gomez stands in Fester's room, watching
him sleep.
Thing snoozes on Fester's chest like a kitty cat. Gomez
gently lifts him and tucks him into the pocket of his
smoking jacket.
Instantly awake, certain that Gomez is about to attack
him, Fester leaps from the bed, jumps Gomez, and pins
him to the floor. Pulling the knife from his boot, he
presses the blade against his throat.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 35A.
44 CONTINUED: 44
GOMEZ
(very cheerful)
Breakfast?
Gomez JUDO-FLIPS Fester off his chest, then springs to
his feet.
GOMEZ
Damn, it's good to have you back!
Let's go!
He leads the way out. He pauses, and turns.
GOMEZ
Two out of three?
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/15/91 36.
A45 INT. THE ADDAMS KITCHEN - LATER A45
The family eats breakfast in the subterranean kitchen.
Only Pugsley is missing. The walls sweat and smoke crawls
along the floor.
Granny works at a stove that's a coal burning monstrosity.
Flames belch out of the oven. The top is a gigantic grill
where innards and various unidentifiable somethings sizzle.
Throughout, Granny flips these offals onto family members'
plates. Lurch assists her.
Morticia has seated Fester between Gomez and herself. She's
given him an elaborate pewter place setting with a dragon
motif, obviously saved for honored guests.
WEDNESDAY
May I have the salt?
MORTICIA
What do we say?
WEDNESDAY
(dutifully)
Now.
Morticia smiles approvingly and passes Wednesday the salt.
FESTER
(staring at the food
on his plate)
What is this?
MORTICIA
Mama's specialite' de la maison.
GRANNY
Start with the eyes.
MORTICIA
(to Fester)
Sleep well?
FESTER
Like the dead.
GOMEZ
Really? Who knew the Bermuda Triangle
could change a man so much? You used
to toss and turn all night. We had to
chain you to the bedposts.
WEDNESDAY
(gazes levelly at
Fester)
It doesn't make sense.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/15/91 36A.
A45 CONTINUED: A45
Fester had no idea a simple exchange could be so fraught
with pitfalls. He already feels cornered.
FESTER
(condescendingly to
Wednesday)
The Bermuda Triangle is such a
large and mysterious place. You'd be
surprised at all the things you don't
know.
MORTICIA
She certainly would. Wednesday adores
the Bermuda Triangle. She studies it.
Death at sea - she's hooked.
WEDNESDAY
Ask me anything.
Fester turns his back on Wednesday and addresses Gomez.
FESTER
Being in my old room sure brings back
memories. Remember Camp Custer?
GOMEZ
(aglow)
For pre-teen offenders?
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/15/91 37.
A45 CONTINUED: A45
FESTER
And I was thinking about Christmas...
GOMEZ
Waiting for Santa to come down the
chimney...
FESTER
(guessing)
Hanging our stockings...
GOMEZ
Building a fire.
Gomez and Fester laugh mischievously.
FESTER
Aren't memories precious? I'd like
to spend today wandering through the
house, remembering.
GOMEZ
No, no, no. Sorry, old man - no
wandering today. Today we're going
straight to the vault.
Pugsley runs into the room, dragging a freshly-stolen STOP
SIGN, still on its pole. Gomez holds up a finger, shushing
everyone.
Just then, the (O.S.) SCREECHING SOUND OF CARS heading for
a collision is heard. Finally, the CARS COLLIDE. There is
a satisfying crunch of metal. Everyone beams.
GRANNY
Who wants seconds?
Something in Granny's soup tureen YELPS. Granny, keeping
her eyes on Fester, jabs her ladle into the tureen.
GRANNY
Don't be shy.
CUT TO:
B45 OMITTED B45
Ratings
Scene 19 - Gondola Adventure in the Secret Chamber
Gomez and Fester are in front of the bookcase THAT'S THE
ENTRANCE TO THE VAULT.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 38.
45 CONTINUED: 45
Gomez reaches for a book. Fester is right there with
him, his hand on Gomez's hand as he goes to pull out the
old volume. Fester reads the title.
FESTER
"Greed."
They share a smile. THE BOOKCASE SWINGS OPEN. Fester
eagerly follows Gomez inside.
CUT TO:
46 OMITTED 46
A47 INT. THE SECRET CHAMBER - MOMENTS LATER A47
Gomez runs gleefully down a flight of STEPS.
GOMEZ
I feel like - we're children again.
Gomez reaches a SMALL CIRCULAR ROOM.
Gomez looks up. Over his head hang HUNDREDS OF RUSTY
CHAINS.
Gomez grabs one of the chains. As he does so, he punches
Fester on the shoulder.
GOMEZ
Tag - you're it!
Gomez pulls the chain, and he and Fester DROP OUT OF VIEW,
through a trap door.
B47 OMITTED B47
C47 INT. BENEATH THE SECRET CHAMBER - SECONDS LATER C47
Gomez and Fester are SLIDING DOWN A TWISTING SLIDE.
Gomez is gleeful; Fester is petrified.
CUT TO:
47 INT. UNDERGROUND RIVER 47
The slide deposits Gomez and Fester on a dock, leading to
the underground river. Gomez is all high spirits, while
Fester is wobbly.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/7/91 39.
47 CONTINUED: 47
GOMEZ
(inhaling deeply,
as if in a meadow)
Smell that air, Fester!
Fester inhales dutifully. He gags.
GOMEZ
Like a tomb!
Gomez strides to the end of the dock. Waiting there is a
VENETIAN GONDOLA, rundown but still magnificent. Gomez
does a running leap to board the gondola. He puts on a
straw gondolier's hat and calls out to Fester...
GOMEZ
Tutti a bordo, fratello mio!
(gesturing to the
water)
The sea - your second home.
Fester boards the gondola gingerly, looking queasy.
FESTER
Ship ahoy...
Gomez winds an old Victrola as he sorts through a pile of
78's. He puts the needle down on a record and begins to
sing along in a bellowing basso profundo. He sets sail,
poling down the UNDERGROUND RIVER.
CUT TO:
A48 OMITTED A48
and and
48 48
Ratings
Scene 20 - Secrets in the Attic and Vault
Wednesday and Pugsley are exploring the attic, investi-
gating various items.
PUGSLEY
Do you think that's really Uncle
Fester?
WEDNESDAY
Father says so, but I think Mother
isn't sure.
Wednesday stands in front of an ELECTRIC CHAIR.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/7/91 40.
A49 CONTINUED: A49
WEDNESDAY
Pugsley, sit in the chair.
PUGSLEY
Why?
WEDNESDAY
So we can play a game.
PUGSLEY
(climbing into the
chair)
What game?
WEDNESDAY
It's called...
(she thinks)
"Is there a God?"
CUT TO:
49 INT. ENTRANCE TO THE VAULT - SAME TIME 49
Still singing, Gomez poles toward A MASSIVE METAL DOOR,
SIX FEET ACROSS AND TEN FEET HIGH, set right into the
ROCK OF THE GROTTO. Gomez docks at the narrow ledge in
front of the door.
Gomez leaps onto the ledge and Fester follows. He's
getting excited now, wondering what treasures exist
behind this door.
FESTER
The vault...
Gomez goes to work on the oversized combination lock.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 41 & 41A.
49 CONTINUED: 49
GOMEZ
(knowingly, to
Fester)
Two to the right, ten to the
left, and then around to...?
FESTER
(guessing)
Five?
GOMEZ
(surprised)
Eleven. Two, ten, eleven. Eyes,
fingers, toes.
Fester licks his lips in anticipation.
GOMEZ
So many years...
FESTER
Long, barren years...
GOMEZ
Years that we wasted...
FESTER
Years we'll bring back...
GOMEZ
We enter together - a triumphant
return!
FESTER
We enter as brothers - we enter...
GOMEZ
As one!
Gomez slowly opens the door, revealing...
50 OMITTED 50
Ratings
Scene 21 - Secrets of the Vault
Rather than a treasure trove, it looks like A DECREPIT
NINETEENTH CENTURY MEN'S CLUB -- torn red leather chairs
and settees, an assortment of TORTURE DEVICES and HUNTING
TROPHIES. An elaborate bar with a cracked mirror.
GOMEZ
Welcome back!
FESTER
(very disappointed)
Thanks.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 42.
51 CONTINUED: 51
GOMEZ
Our secret place. Sanctus
sanctorum. If these walls could
talk, eh, old man?
FESTER
(looking around,
unsure)
What... what would they say?
GOMEZ
(assumes that Fester
is joking)
You tell me.
FESTER
You go first.
GOMEZ
(gesturing to Fester,
out of respect)
Senior partner...
FESTER
(desperately)
Junior spaceman.
GOMEZ
First a brandy!
(indicating the bar)
Do the honors.
(opening a large
wooden box)
I've got a real treat in store.
FESTER
(grumbling to himself,
as he chooses a
bottle from the bar)
Where is it, you ridiculous imbecile...
There are a half-dozen excellent brandies on the well-
stocked shelf. Fester pockets a silver jigger, then
chooses a bottle AND THE BAR SPINS AROUND with Fester,
revealing...
THE INTERIOR TREASURE ROOM --
A STONE CAVERN stacked high with ADDAMS TREASURE -- gold,
jewels, bizarre but priceless statuary from around the
world.
Fester gets one slack-jawed glimpse and THE BAR SPINS
AGAIN, depositing him back in the OUTER ROOM.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/7/91 43.
51 CONTINUED: (2) 51
Gomez has been too busy digging through the box to have
noticed Fester's carousel ride. He turns -- his arms over-
flowing with FILM CANS.
GOMEZ
Showtime!
And, with shaking hands, Fester pours himself a stiff
drink and replaces the bottle on the shelf.
CUT TO:
52 OMITTED 52
A53 OMITTED A53
B53 INT. ATTIC - SAME TIME B53
Wednesday is strapping Pugsley's arms and legs into the
electric chair.
PUGSLEY
But if he's not Uncle Fester, then
who is he?
WEDNESDAY
Somebody else.
Wednesday pushes a button, and the lights on the chair
go on. The entire mechanism hums and vibrates.
WEDNESDAY
It has to warm up.
PUGSLEY
Why?
WEDNESDAY
So it can kill you.
PUGSLEY
(after a beat)
I knew that.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 22 - Nostalgic Antics and Accidental Revelations
Gomez is running home movies. He and Fester sit in side-
by-side armchairs with the stuffing coming out. They
smoke cigars and drink brandy from extra-large snifters.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/7/91 43A.
53 CONTINUED: 53
ON THE HOME-MOVIE SCREEN --
The young Gomez and Fester, shark fins strapped to their
backs, sneak around a corner toward a swimming pool crowded
with kids. The film then JUMP CUTS to:
Young Gomez has buried young Fester in the sand at the
beach. Only Fester's head appears from beneath a mound. A
few yards away, a single hand struggles out of the sand,
clearly another person. The film JUMP CUTS to:
A hand-held 16mm camera weaves its way through a group of
ball-goers, finally focussing on a head and shoulders shot
of Gomez and Fester, now in their teens. The Addams boys
look both sinister and dashing in their tuxedos and Gomez
is already smoking his trademark cigar.
GOMEZ
Here! The debutante ball! Remember
that fateful night?
FESTER
(guessing)
Of course... your first cigar...
GOMEZ
What? Come on, old man, I've
smoked since I was five. Mother
insisted.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 44.
53 CONTINUED: 53
ON THE SCREEN --
the boys flank their dates, the TWINS from the pictures on
Fester's bureau -- BEAUTIFUL RED-HEADS with dementia in
their eyes. Throughout the twins are seen only from the
waist up.
FESTER
(covering his
tracks)
Flora and Fauna. Quite the pair,
eh, Gomez?
Gomez sighs, and then becomes extremely dramatic.
GOMEZ
Can you ever forgive me?
FESTER
What?
GOMEZ
I didn't love them. Yet, I wooed
them, both, out of foolish pride.
You were so dashing, you could have
any woman you wanted, dead or alive.
I was jealous, insanely jealous.
I admit that now. But I never meant
to drive you off, not to the Bermuda
Triangle.
FESTER
(holding up a hand,
very gracious)
Water under the bridge. Forgiven.
Forgotten.
Gomez holds out his arms. Fester endures the hug.
Gomez turns the hug into a painful headlock. Fester
gasps for breath.
GOMEZ
(playfully)
Say it! Say the password!
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/7/91 45.
53 CONTINUED: (2) 53
FESTER
(choking)
The password? I... I...
GOMEZ
(continuing to
choke him)
Come on, stop fooling, you
remember...
FESTER
(turning blue)
Please... I'm choking... please...
Gomez, perplexed, releases Fester.
GOMEZ
You forgot our secret password?
The word we used one hundred times
a day? Our special private name
for each other?
FESTER
(rubbing his neck,
still gasping)
That was a long time ago, we were
children... you almost killed me,
you demented freak...
GOMEZ
(shocked)
Did you say... demented freak?
FESTER
Yes, you demented freak!
Fester has accidentally hit on the password. Gomez
lights up; he flings open his arms.
GOMEZ
(joyously)
Demented freak!
CUT TO:
54 OMITTED 54
and and
55 55
Ratings
Scene 23 - Electrocution and Auction Antics
The electric chair is really humming. Pugsley now has
the chair's helmet on as well. Wednesday is about to
throw the huge master SWITCH.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/7/91 45A.
A56 CONTINUED: A56
PUGSLEY
But why would Dr. Pinder-Schloss
tell a lie?
WEDNESDAY
Because she wants something. Do
you have a last request?
PUGSLEY
Can I have ice cream?
WEDNESDAY
No.
PUGSLEY
(sighing)
Then just do it.
As Wednesday is about to throw the switch, Morticia's
head appears from the trap door.
MORTICIA
Children - what are you doing?
Morticia climbs up into the attic.
WEDNESDAY
I'm going to electrocute him.
MORTICIA
But we're late for the charity auction.
WEDNESDAY
(pleading)
Mother...
Morticia pretends to be stern.
MORTICIA
I said no.
PUGSLEY
(pleading)
Please...
MORTICIA
(a beat)
Oh... all right.
She smiles and flips the switch.
ANGLE on Wednesday's face, as we hear the sound of high
voltage sizzling Pugsley. Wednesday is very solemn, her
usual impassive self, then a smile breaks through.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/7/91 45B
56 INT. BAYSHORE WOMEN'S CLUB - LATER 56
C.U. on the FINGERTRAP, jewels glittering.
then
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/3/90 46.
56 CONTINUED: 56
MARGARET ALFORD, who
blushes, standing on the auction block as if she were
the item up for auction. She holds her hands aloft,
fingers still ensnared in the ancient finger trap. She
wears the same disheveled dress, unable to disguise its
sleeped-in look.
On the stage beside her, JUDGE WOMACK acts as the event's
auctioneer. He reads into the mike from the catalogue:
JUDGE WOMACK
... encrusted with rubies, and
fifteen emerald chips. It was
donated by Morticia and Gomez
Addams.
Gomez and Morticia sit with their family. They look
around, modestly.
REACTION SHOTS of various people in the crowd, staring at
the Addams family in horror and disbelief.
JUDGE WOMACK
Remember, the money we raise goes
to help those less fortunate.
This year, over half our proceeds
will benefit the elderly and the
mentally disabled.
All the Addamses look at Granny proudly. She beams.
JUDGE WOMACK
I open the bidding at five thousand
dollars.
GOMEZ
Bah! Not enough!
He thrusts up his arm.
GOMEZ
Twenty thousand!
MORTICIA
For the elderly and the insane --
(gazing fondly at
Granny)
They've earned it.
JUDGE WOMACK
is surprised at the bid. Next to him, Margaret looks
confused.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/19/91 47.
56 CONTINUED: (2) 56
MARGARET
What are they doing? It's theirs.
Judge Womack gives her a look that says shut up.
ANGLE on Pugsley. He has a PEASHOOTER in his mouth, aimed
at Judge Womack. Wednesday glares at her brother, and
holds out her hand. He sheepishly passes her the
peashooter.
JUDGE WOMACK
I have twenty --
GOMEZ
(interrupts)
Twenty-five!
(to Morticia)
Cara mia...
Fester takes Morticia's opera glasses and peers apprais-
ingly at the glittering finger trap. He smiles greedily.
JUDGE WOMACK
Twenty-five --
MORTICIA
bashfully raises her hand.
MORTICIA
Thirty...
(to Gomez)
Mon sauvage...
MARGARET
pesters the Judge Womack.
MARGARET
(to Judge Womack)
What are they doing?
Judge Womack shushes her.
ANGLE on Wednesday. She now has the PEASHOOTER in her
mouth, aimed at Judge Womack. Granny gives her a stern
look; Wednesday sheepishly hands Granny the peashooter.
GOMEZ
raises his hand.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/19/91 47A.
56 CONTINUED: (3) 56
GOMEZ
Thirty-five!
(to Morticia)
Eres divina!
MARGARET
is increasingly agitated.
MARGARET
(to Judge Womack)
But I don't understand...
MORTICIA
raises her hand.
MORTICIA
Fifty!
Morticia has raised her arm. She lowers it, but keeps
it extended for Gomez to kiss. He does so, passionately.
THE FLABBERGASTED JUDGE WOMACK
repeats breathlessly...
JUDGE WOMACK
I have fifty thousand dollars...
MORTICIA
Your turn, my ecstacy.
GOMEZ
It's yours, amore mio.
MORTICIA
You spoil me... mon amour.
Gomez utters a little cry of wild passion.
Judge Womack hammers his gavel, as Margaret's jaw drops.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/19/91 48.
56 CONTINUED: (4) 56
JUDGE WOMACK
Sold to Morticia Addams for fifty
thousand dollars!
Judge Womack shakes his head, in disgust. As he does so,
a projectile HITS HIS NECK. He YELPS, and grabs his neck.
ANGLE on Granny, with the peashooter in her mouth; she has
clearly just scored the hit on Judge Womack. She and the
children share a conspiratorial smile.
CUT TO:
57 OMITTED 57
Ratings
Scene 24 - Trapped in Curiosity
CLOSEUP ON THE FINGER TRAP --
The jewels glinting in the passing lights.
FESTER
has his fingers TRAPPED in it. He stares at it, almost
as if he were hypnotized. Morticia, beside him, admires
it also.
MORTICIA
Isn't it too enchanting?
Fester pulls his fingers, trying to free them.
FESTER
How do you take it off?
Morticia releases it for him.
MORTICIA
There's a trick to it. Of course.
Gomez shares a look with Wednesday, then leans forward
from his place on the other side of Morticia and,
eyebrows knitted, frowns at Fester.
CUT TO:
A59 EXT. ADDAMS MANSION - NIGHT A59
Several windows are lit.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/7/91 48A.
ALTERNATE SCENE 58...
58 INT. DUESENBERG - DUSK 58
CLOSEUP ON THE FINGER TRAP --
The jewels glinting in the passing lights.
FESTER
has his fingers TRAPPED in it. He stares at it, almost
as if hypnotized.
MORTICIA
Gomez, you shouldn't have. You
bought the fingertrap.
GOMEZ
It's for charity. And it belongs
in the family.
Fester pulls his fingers, trying to free them.
FESTER
How do you take it off?
Morticia releases it for him.
MORTICIA
There's a trick to it. Of course.
Gomez shares a look with Wednesday, then leans forward
from his place on the other side of Morticia and, eye-
brows knitted, frowns at Fester.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 49.
59 INT. DINING ROOM - LATER 59
Gomez's elaborate MODEL TRAIN LAYOUT fills the room.
The LIONEL TRAIN races through the remains of a strip
mined mountain terrace.
Thing gallops into view around one of the mountains, then
paces back and forth in front of Gomez's transformers.
GOMEZ
(ranting to Thing)
'How do you take it off?' That's
absurd! That finger trap was a
party favor at his tenth birthday!
Gomez demonically starts his SECOND TRAIN, setting it on
a sure collision course with the first.
CUT TO:
60 OMITTED 60
A61 INT. FESTER'S ROOM - BEDTIME A61
Preparing to go to the vault, Fester, with cool profes-
sionalism, slips his safe-cracking tools into the
bandoliers strapped across his chest.
He reaches into the drawer for the nitro-glycerine and
comes up with the photo of the young Fester and Gomez
being brought home from Camp Custer by the U.P.S. man.
He stares at the picture, then tosses it aside as if
touching it burned him. He picks up the nitro, and
proceeds with his preparations.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 25 - Train Wreck of Emotions
Puffing black smoke, the model trains race toward one
another, toward the inevitable. His emotions churning
like the locomotive wheels, Gomez rants to Thing.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/15/91 50.
61 CONTINUED: 61
GOMEZ
He wore that finger trap for two years!
Mother had to teach him how to eat with his
feet! And the combination, and the
password, and my cigar - and he slept
so well!
Thing paces furiously.
CUT TO:
A62 INT. KITCHEN - SAME TIME A62
Granny sits at the kitchen table, reading cookbooks. There
is a stack of books on the table. Two books are propped
up. Granny reads from the first book; we see the title -
The Joy of Cooking. She turns to the second book; we see
the title - Gray's Anatomy.
The sound of Gomez's trains has begun to RESOUND throughout
the house. As Granny reads, a TRAIN WHISTLE pierces the
night, and the kitchen table shakes. Granny looks up from
her reading.
CUT TO:
62 INT. PUGSLEY'S ROOM - SAME TIME 62
Morticia is seated on the bed; she has a family photo album
on her lap. Wednesday and Pugsley, in pajamas, sit beside
her, looking at the album.
PUGSLEY
(pointing at a picture)
Is that Father, when he was little?
MORTICIA
(also pointing)
Yes. And that's Uncle Fester.
WEDNESDAY
Where are they?
MORTICIA
At a birthday party. See the fire trucks?
From Gomez's train room, we hear a voice howl "ALL
ABOARD!", followed by another WHISTLE BLAST.
MORTICIA
(worried)
Oh, no.
PUGSLEY
Father's playing with his trains.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 50A.
62 CONTINUED: 62
WEDNESDAY
He must be upset.
MORTICIA
It's always a bad sign -- hobbies.
CUT TO:
A63 INT. ADDAMS LIBRARY - SAME TIME A63
Grimly determined, Fester removes the well-worn copy of
"Greed" from the shelf and the secret panel opens. He's
headed for the vault.
CUT TO:
63 INT. DINING ROOM - SAME TIME 63
The model trains WHISTLE AT FULL BLAST, shrieking in
warning as they round Dead Man's Curve, heading for each
other.
FROM INSIDE ONE OF THE TRAINS --
A LITTLE PASSENGER LOOKS OUT. He passes Gomez still
raving, almost to the boiling point.
GOMEZ
These thoughts! I'm in torment!
What is truth? What is fiction?
Thing pounds the table in frustration.
CUT TO:
64 INT. LURCH'S BEDROOM - SAME TIME 64
Lurch is sitting up in his too-small bed, wearing his
nightshirt and cap. He is sewing a button on a shirt --
a gentle giant.
The CHUG of the trains now SHAKES the entire house.
Lurch's needle slips from the noise, and he pricks his
finger. He sucks on his finger, looking troubled.
CUT TO:
A65 INT. THE SECRET CHAMBER - SAME TIME A65
Fester is at the INTERIOR WALL. He pushes against it,
seeing if that will make it turn. Then he remembers...
He looks above and there hang...
THE COUNTLESS CHAINS--
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 51.
A65 CONTINUED: A65
each with a rusted metal grip on the end. Which chain to
pull?
From far above in the house, Fester hears the distant
train whistle. He randomly yanks one of the chains.
The CHAIN YANKS BACK, pulling Fester straight upwards.
With a screech of pulleys and geers, the chain rockets
him, hanging on for dear life, toward a NARROW GAP IN
WHAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE A CEILING. Fester disappears into
the gap.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 26 - Chaos at Dead Man's Curve
Morticia and the children are listening to the sounds of
the trains, now a CHUGGING, WHISTLING CACOPHONY.
PUGSLEY
(listening)
He's using the diesel...
A SHRILL BLAST is heard.
WEDNESDAY
The covered bridge...
ANOTHER BLAST.
MORTICIA
(very concerned)
Dead Man's Curve...
WEDNESDAY
I know what he's worried about.
MORTICIA
So do I, darling.
(trying to hide her
anxiety)
But let's get to bed. Now, have you
brushed your teeth and washed behind
your ears?
PUGSLEY
I did. I'm sorry.
Another BLAST.
WEDNESDAY
Is that man really Uncle Fester?
Uncle Fester WHOOSHES through the floor-to-cealing piranha
tank. Only Morticia sees this.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 52. & 53.
65 INT. DINING ROOM - SAME TIME 65
The TRAIN CRASH is imminent.
GOMEZ
(falling to his knees)
Spirits above me - give me a sign!
Shall I be joyous? Or shall I be
damned?
The TRAINS COLLIDE!
Metal rends. Smoke and flames.
CUT TO:
66 OMITTED 66
A67 OMITTED A67
B67 OMITTED B67
C67 OMITTED C67
67 OMITTED 67
and and
68 68
69 OMITTED 69
& &
70 70
71 OMITTED 71
72 OMITTED 72
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/15/91 54.
Ratings
Scene 27 - A Walk Among the Tombstones
A COAL CHUTE set in the side of the house DROPS open
depositing the soaked, disoriented Fester
AT THE FEET OF MORTICIA
Silhouetted by the full moon, she stands regally above
him, waiting for him, her velvet cloak covering her night
clothes.
MORTICIA
(pointedly)
Sleepless night? Walk with me,
Fester.
She turns and glides away. Fester has no choice but to
follow.
CUT TO:
74 EXT. BACK OF HOUSE/THE CEMETERY - MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT 74
Morticia leads Fester into the chill of the cemetery.
They follow a path that winds among the ELABORATE TOMB-
STONES of the Addams dead. Gomez's golfballs are
everywhere -- on the ground, in statues' upturned hands,
in their open mouths.
As they pass them, Morticia points out various monuments.
The marble statues look so real they could be alive.
MORTICIA
Aunt Laborgia - executed by a firing
squad. Cousin Fledge - torn limb from
limb by four wild horses. And darling
Uncle Eimar...
Uncle Eimar is a hooded executioner with an upraised ax.
There is an UNEARTHLY MOAN, seeming to come from the tomb.
MORTICIA
Buried alive. Psychopaths, fiends,
mad-dog killers - roots, Fester.
Pioneers. Lest we forget.
Among the statuary is a MARBLE VULTURE, posed with the
dignity of an eagle on a flagpole, but the flagpole
is actually a replica of Fester's bald head.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 3/18/91 55.
74 CONTINUED: 74
MORTICIA
Your beloved Muerto. After you
left, he was simply... a different
vulture. He wouldn't circle. He
wouldn't peck. That's how much
you mean to this family.
They reach the MAUSOLEUM where MOTHER AND FATHER ADDAMS
lie. It stands on a knoll, the HIGHEST POINT IN THE
CEMETERY.
Poison ivy covers the dilapidated Greco-Roman tomb.
Mother and Father Addams have been depicted as a god and
a goddess, charioteers driving their steeds to the
netherworld. Father Addams smokes the ubiquitous Addams
cigar.
Morticia gazes up at the likenesses of Mother and Father
Addams. But Fester averts his eyes -- the faces seem
to be STARING DIRECTLY AT HIM.
MORTICIA
Mother and Father Addams...
Imagine what we owe them. Oh, Fester,
how I wish the children could have
known them better. But tell that to
an angry mob.
She turns to trace the FAMILY CREST, carved into the
mausoleum. THE TOP OF THE CREST IS A VULTURE. THE
BACKGROUND IS COMPOSED OF THREE LION'S HEADS -- IN ONE
PANEL, A HUNTSMAN HOLDS OPEN THE LION'S HEAD; IN
ANOTHER PANEL, THE LION HAS SWALLOWED HIM UP TO HIS
TORSO; IN THE LAST PANEL, THE LION HAS SWALLOWED THE
HUNTSMAN COMPLETELY BUT FOR ONE DANGLING FOOT. ON A
BANNER AT THE BOTTOM IS THE FAMILY MOTTO IN LATIN.
MORTICIA
Three lions rampant. The
vulture ascendant. And our
credo "Sic gorgiamus allos
subjectatos nunc."
"We gladly feast on those who
would subdue us."
(reflective)
Not just pretty words. As an
Addams, you understand completely,
don't you?
She stares levelly at him.
FESTER
As an Addams, yes, I do.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/15/91 56.
74 CONTINUED: (2) 74
MORTICIA
(after another beat)
Good night, Fester.
She heads toward the house. She turns.
MORTICIA
Rest in peace.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 28 - A Recipe for Concern
Fester is on the phone hunched over, his eyes darting to
make sure no one overhears.
FESTER
(into phone)
They're on to me, Mother! I'm almost
sure!... Of course, I've tried, I still
can't find it... you've got to get
over here.
Wednesday is bound and gagged on a chair in the background.
Pugsley runs up to Fester with two bottles of poison.
Fester, vaguely impatient, points to one. Pugsley nods and
runs off.
FESTER
(into phone)
... Don't say that...
(tenderly)
... You know that I do...
CUT TO:
A76 OMITTED A76
B76 INT. ADDAMS KITCHEN - A FEW MINUTES LATER B76
Granny and Lurch are doing the dishes; Granny rinses and
Lurch dries. Lurch then hands each dish to Thing, who
stacks them.
Morticia sits at the kitchen table, sipping a cup of tea.
Wednesday stands before Morticia, holding up a large,
nasty-looking carving knife.
MORTICIA
(to Wednesday)
Is that for your brother?
Wednesday nods.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/15/91 56A.
B76 CONTINUED: B76
MORTICIA
(taking the knife)
I don't think so.
Morticia hands Wednesday a much larger, even nastier-
looking knife. Wednesday takes the knife and exits.
MORTICIA
(worried)
His trains are everywhere, the children
are beside themselves - this can't go on.
How can I help him? Tell me, Mama.
GRANNY
Well, let's look it up.
Granny wipes her hands and opens a large, ragged leather-
bound book. She starts thumbing through the pages.
GRANNY
Troubled husbands, troubled husbands...
adultery...
MORTICIA
Oh, no.
GRANNY
(still looking)
Financial, money troubles...
MORTICIA
No.
GRANNY
(still looking)
Turned into a toad or reptile...
MORTICIA
Is there an index?
GRANNY
Here it is - suspicion and anxiety,
in husbands.
MORTICIA
(eagerly)
What does it say?
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/15/91 56B.
B76 CONTINUED: B76
GRANNY
(reading)
Drain all his blood, replace it with
vinegar overnight. Leave a headless
rooster beneath his pillow. Smear his
forehead, palms and feet with the tears
of a stillborn monkey. Add milk.
MORTICIA
(offended)
I can't do that. It's barbaric. Really,
Mama. I'm surprised at you.
(a beat, then disdainfully)
Milk.
Lurch growls in agreement.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 29 - Dueling Doubts
Fester is sitting on the bed, kneading his hands, very
upset. Abigail is calmly inspecting the room, studying
various objects with disdain.
FESTER
They know I'm a fraud! The whole
bunch! It's not going to work!
ABIGAIL
Who knows? Gomez, that over-heated
moron?
FESTER
He's no moron! He's Fester's brother,
they had some awful fight, years ago.
He's suspicious, they all are, I can
tell.
ABIGAIL
Really? Well, thank God I came over.
I can counsel the troubled family. Ease
their distress. It's my calling.
Remember, Gordon...
FESTER
What?
ABIGAIL
(smiling)
I'm a doctor.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/15/91 56C.
76 INT. ADDAMS DRAWING ROOM - A FEW MINUTES LATER 76
Gomez and Morticia sit with Abigail.
MORTICIA
(to Gomez)
Dr. Pinder-Schloss is here to help.
(to Abigail)
Should Gomez speak with Fester?
He's right outside the door.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/6/90 57.
76 CONTINUED: 76
GOMEZ
I would speak with Fester...
Gomez gets up and stalks toward the door, talking louder
and louder.
GOMEZ
-- if that were Fester, but
that's not! That's an impostor!
An impostore!
OUTSIDE THE DOOR --
Fester hears and STORMS OFF.
77 INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - SAME TIME 77
Fester is marching toward his room, when he hears...
WEDNESDAY (O.S.)
O villain, villain, smiling, damned
villain!
PUGSLEY (O.S.)
Who calls me a villain? Breaks my
pate across? Plucks off my beard
and blows it in my face?
WEDNESDAY (O.S.)
If I must strike you dead, I will!
Fester gets a genuine gleam in his eye.
FESTER
Bloodshed!
He hurries back to the
78 TOP OF THE STAIRCASE and looks down into the 78
FRONT HALL
where, SWORDS DRAWN, DUELLING, Wednesday backs Pugsley in.
Pugsley and Wednesday thrust and parry, hack and slice.
Pugsley runs Wednesday through. She staggers, then falls
dead.
FESTER
No! No! Gimme that sword.
Pugsley hands him the sword.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 58.
78 CONTINUED: 78
FESTER
Haven't you ever slaughtered anyone?
WEDNESDAY
(referring to Pugsley,
solemnly)
He's only a child.
FESTER
No excuse.
(pointing the sword
at Wednesday's throat)
Aim for a major artery. The jugular.
WEDNESDAY
(agreeing, the sword
still to her throat)
That's what I said.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 30 - Understanding Love and Resentment
Gomez is still raving...
GOMEZ
...A faker! A phony! An utter
fraud! A base, deceitful--
ABIGAIL
(interrupting)
Mr. Addams, I beleef I am under-
standink. I vill help. Jais? Ze
theory of displacement - is zis
familiar?
GOMEZ
(impressed)
No. Tish?
Morticia shakes her head.
ABIGAIL
Ha! It is too exciting. I vill
explain.
GOMEZ
(excited)
Is it unpleasant?
ABIGAIL
Deeply.
Gomez sits beside Morticia; he takes her hand. They are
both fascinated.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 59.
79 CONTINUED: 79
ABIGAIL
Your very own bruzzer - you drive
him avay. Go! Off viz you! But
zen - you are feelink ze little
black monster.
GOMEZ
Pugsley?
ABIGAIL
Guilt. Jais! Your bruzzer returns,
you feel guilty - you displace.
GOMEZ
I do?
MORTICIA
(impressed)
Of course...
ABIGAIL
Ze feelinks in your brain cells,
ze bubble and ze collide. You suspect
tinks. You luff him, but you resent
him. Luff, hate, hate, luff. Like
for Mama, no?
GOMEZ
But... I didn't hate my mother. It
was an accident.
ABIGAIL
It is a very common psychosis. I
am seeink it every day.
MORTICIA
(sincerely)
Lucky doctor.
GOMEZ
Displacement! How bizarre... and
here, I imagined Fester was the
problem. He's sullen...
MORTICIA
(egging him on)
He's furtive...
GOMEZ
(excited)
He's backstabbing...
MORTICIA
He sulks...
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 59A.
79 CONTINUED: (2) 79
GOMEZ
I suspect him...
MORTICIA
You're unbalanced...
GOMEZ
And I hate him...
MORTICIA
(decisively)
But that's love!
GOMEZ
(jumping to his feet)
By God, you're right! He is
Fester!
Gomez is suddenly jubilant again.
MORTICIA
Thank you, Dr. Pinder-Schloss.
ABIGAIL
I do vat I can.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 3/18/91 60.
80 OMITTED 80
Ratings
Scene 31 - Explosive Curiosity
Fester is seated on a leather couch; Pugsley and
Wednesday are snuggled up on either side. They are all
looking at an enormous, ancient BOOK which Fester holds
open in his lap.
C.U. on the book's cover. The title reads WOUNDS, SCARS
AND GOUGES.
FESTER
You see, children? There's a lot
to learn.
(turning the page)
Gangrene.
PUGSLEY
Uncle Fester, how do you know so
much?
FESTER
I've been around. I pick things up.
WEDNESDAY
(still suspicious)
In the Bermuda Triangle?
FESTER
(ignoring her,
turning another
page)
Look, children - a new chapter!
PUGSLEY
Oh, boy!
FESTER, PUGSLEY AND WEDNESDAY
(enthralled)
Scabs.
CUT TO:
B81 OMITTED B81
An EXPLOSION fills the screen, as dirt and debris go
flying. As the smoke clears -
ANGLE ON Fester, crouched over a detonator, he has
clearly just caused the explosion. Wednesday and
Pugsley stand or crouch beside him.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 3/18/91 60A.
B81 CONTINUED: B81
FEATER
Three parts dynamite, with a
nitroglycerin cap. It's perfect
for small homes, carports and
toolsheds.
WEDNESDAY
What about picnics?
Fester smiles approvingly. He reaches into a crate and
holds up a HAND GRENADE. The children's eyes sparkle,
as if it were Christmas Day.
ANGLE on the window of FESTER'S ROOM, high above Fester
and the children. Abigail stands at the window, look-
ing out. She is not pleased.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 32 - Conflicted Loyalties
ABIGAIL
(in her real voice)
Everyone will be at the children's
play tonight, correct?
FESTER
Oh, yes. I've been working with
them. It's going to be fun!
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/14/90 61.
81 CONTINUED: 81
ABIGAIL
(livid)
Fun? Fun? Is that what we're here
for? FUN?
She SLAPS Fester. Then she immediately grabs him and
hugs him.
ABIGAIL
Darling, I'm sorry! You see what
they've driven me to? I've raised
a hand to my child, my reason to
live. You can't go to the play.
FESTER
But... the kids...
ABIGAIL
The house will be deserted! The
vault will be ours!
FESTER
But...
Abigail hugs Fester's head to her bosom.
ABIGAIL
Can you hear it, my treasure? My
heartbeat? It beats only for you.
Listen closely - it says, "Gordon,
I love you... Gordon, the vault..."
FESTER
I do hear it...
ABIGAIL
Soon we'll have the money, and
we'll be far from here... Loving
mother, grateful son... this is
no time for theatre...
(she gives his head
a twist and becomes
quite fierce)
Understood?
CUT TO:
82 OMITTED 82
thru thru
85 85
86 EXT. ROOF - EVENING 86
Fester stands alone on the roof, looking out over the
cemetery, brooding.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/3/90 62.
86 CONTINUED: 86
GOMEZ (O.S.)
There you are! At last!
Gomez joins Fester at the railing.
GOMEZ
What a fool I was to doubt you! Dr.
Pinder-Schloss explained everything.
What a lovely woman - so chilly.
Displacement - it's a common
psychosis. Isn't that grand?
FESTER
Is it?
Gomez slaps an arm around him.
GOMEZ
Look at it, Fester.
Beaming, Gomez gazes down into the cemetery. It is morbid
and magnificent in the moonlight. The swamp bubbles.
Patches of fog crawl. Unidentified beasties gambol.
GOMEZ
The primeval ooze. Quicksand. Fumes.
Toxic waste. It's all ours, Fester.
You belong here, old man.
FESTER
You don't know what you're asking.
You have a beautiful wife. Wonderful
kids.
(gesturing to the swamp)
A wasteland. I'm... in the way.
GOMEZ
In the way? A brother?
FESTER
Gomez, take care. For you - life
is all fun and games. A dance in
a graveyard. Stench and decay.
But... things change.
GOMEZ
Precisely - you're back! Those
years apart, Fester. We can't do
that again. You're home.
Gomez holds out his hand. Thing is there with a golf
club. Gomez passes the club to Fester. Thing supplies
Gomez with another club.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 63.
86 CONTINUED: (2) 86
The two men hit golfballs off the roof, and over the
cemetery, into the darkness. In the distance, OS, we
hear the sound of a WINDOW BREAKING.
GOMEZ
Fore!
CUT TO:
A87 OMITTED A87
87 INT. FESTER'S ROOM - LATER 87
Fester sits on the edge of his bed, brooding.
Wednesday and Pugsley appear in the doorway.
PUGSLEY
Come on, Uncle Fester. Come to
the play.
FESTER
I said I was busy!
WEDNESDAY
But you said you'd help us. With
the Shakespeare. And the pus.
FESTER
I changed my mind!
CUT TO:
88 OMITTED 88
thru thru
90 90
A91 EXT. SCHOOL - NIGHT A91
The Duesenberg pulls up in front of the school building.
By-standers eye the strange and wondrous automobile.
Lurch steps out of the car, and opens the rear door, with
great ceremony. As the by-standers gape, the Addams
family steps out of the car, as if attending the Academy
Awards.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/26/91 63A.
B91 INT. SCHOOL AUDITORIUM LOBBY - NIGHT B91
The lobby is crowed with the families of students. As the
Addamses enter, a young woman, SUSAN FIRKINS, approaches
Morticia. Susan is Wednesday's teacher; she's wholesome,
frazzled and a little too eager.
SUSAN
Mrs. Addams?
MORTICIA
Yes?
SUSAN
Could I see you for a moment? I'm
Susan Firkins, Wednesday's teacher.
MORTICIA
Oh, of course. Ms. Furkins -
Wednesday's told us so much about
you. Have you ever heard from
your husband?
CUT TO:
B91A INT. FESTER'S ROOM - SAME TIME B91A
At his desk now, Fester works with great concentrations.
He appears to be building a bomb. He looks at the clock.
He hurries.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 33 - Heroes and Hiccups
Susan Firkins is showing Morticia a bulletin board hanging
on one side of the lobby.
SUSAN
Wednesday is an excellent student, but
frankly, I'm concerned. This is our
class bulletin board. This month our
theme is "Our Heroes", people we love
and admire. You see, Susan Ringo has
chosen the President.
(she points to a magazine
cover of President Bush,
hanging next to a child's
essay)
Isn't that sweet? And Harmony Feld
has picked Diane Sawyer.
(she pints to a photo of
Diane Sawyer, hanging next
to Harmony's essay)
MORTICIA
(concerned)
Have you spoken to her parents?
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/7/91 63B.
C91 CONTINUED: C91
SUSAN
(not comprehending)
But Wednesday brought in this picture
- "Calpurnia Addams."
(she points to a photo of
an oil painting of an
evil-looking crone.
MORTICIA
(touched and very proud)
Wednesday's Great Aunt Calpurnia. She
was burned as a witch in 1706. They
say she danced naked in the town
square, and enslaved a minister.
SUSAN
(shocked)
Really?
MORTICIA
Oh, yes. But don't worry, we've told
Wednesday - college first.
ANGLE on Susan, with her mouth hanging open.
CUT TO:
91 INT. SCHOOL AUDITORIUM LOBBY - NIGHT 91
Tully and Margaret are chatting with the Addamses. The
Alford's son, TULLY JR., is wearing a felt ELF COSTUME.
MARGARET
(holding her son's
shoulders)
Isn't he adorable? I made this
myself.
MORTICIA
It's charming. What is he -- a
lizard?
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/12/90 64.
91 CONTINUED: 91
MARGARET
An elf.
(she kneels and wipes
Tully Jr.'s face
with a Kleenex)
Look at you - that's better. You
are just too precious for words.
Why, I could just eat you alive!
MORTICIA
No, Margaret. Too young.
TULLY
So Gomez, um, where's Fester this
evening?
GOMEZ
Moody -- as usual. We're all out
on a jaunt, and he's home alone,
in that big empty house.
TULLY
(his eyes gleaming)
What a shame.
Granny and Lurch appear, hawking another of Granny's
"delicacies."
GRANNY
Toad on a stick! Get your red hot
toad on a stick! Can't enjoy the
show without your toad on a stick!
A92 INT. FESTER'S ROOM - SAME TIME A92
At his desk now, Fester works with great concentration.
He appears to be building a bomb. He looks at the clock.
He hurries.
CUT TO:
B92 INT. SCHOOL AUDITORIUM - SAME TIME B92
Gomez attempts to schmooze Judge Womack.
GOMEZ
I was hoping you'd come over and
play a round of golf. Not to brag
but I've got a beautiful little
nine hole pitch-and-putt-set up in
my cemetery.
JUDGE WOMACK
I'd rather rot in hell.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 65.
B92 CONTINUED: B92
GOMEZ
Ahhh... a previous engagement.
He tucks one of his cigars in Judge Womack's breast pocket
and heads off to join his family.
CUT TO:
C92 OMITTED C92
Ratings
Scene 34 - A Performance of Contrasts
A HALF DOZEN ADORABLE SEVEN YEAR OLDS are on stage
singing "We Are The World." They finish to the enthusi-
astic applause of the AUDITORIUM FULL OF PARENTS.
Morticia and Gomez politely join in while Lurch fidgets
and Granny slumps, bored, in her chair.
MORTICIA
The children are next.
Lurch stops fidgeting and Granny sits up straight.
CUT TO:
A93 INT. BACKSTAGE - SAME TIME A93
Sitting at the make-up mirror, Wednesday and Pugsley
are putting on their armor. Fester is suddenly behind
them, reflected in the mirror.
FESTER
I changed my mind.
He thrusts a package toward them.
CUT TO:
B93 EXT. ADDAMS HOUSE - SAME TIME B93
Abigail is hammering on the door with the knocker.
ABIGAIL
(whispering, sweetly)
Gordon... Gordon... it's Mother...
(very harsh, banging
the knocker)
Dammit, where are you! I should
never have used him!
She clomps down the porch steps and heads around the side
of the house, peering in windows.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/15/91 66.
C93 INT. AUDITORIUM. SAME TIME. C93
Pushing people aside, Fester forces his way to where his
family is seated. They're happy to see him.
GOMEZ
(whispers)
I knew you couldn't stay away,
old man.
CUT TO:
D93 EXT. ADDAMS MANSION. SAME TIME. D93
Standing on tiptoes, Virginia tries yet another window.
AT HER ANKLES --
VINES snake out from a window well. They wrap firmly
around her ankles.
She gapes down at them and screams. There's no one to
hear her and no escape.
The vines go taut, preparing to pull her under.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 35 - A Bloody Performance
Pugsley and Wednesday in their elaborate costumes are
drawing to the climax of their scene from "Hamlet." As
they duel, they act their little Addams' hearts out.
WEDNESDAY
How all occasions do inform against me,
and spur my dull revenge! O, from this
time forth, my thoughts be bloody or be
nothing worth! If I must strike you
dead, I will!
Pugsley lands the first blow, slashing Wednesday's arm.
HER SLEEVE RENDS AND BLOOD SPURTS.
PUGSLEY
A hit, a very palpable hit.
They both press the attack, drawing blood. In a fatal
blow, Pugsley SLASHES WEDNESDAY'S JUGULAR. She makes
horrible GURGLING NOISES. BLOOD SPURTS in arterial
squirts.
WEDNESDAY
O proud death! What feast is
toward in thine eternal cell?
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/15/91 66A.
93 CONTINUED: 93
In a final vengeful moment, Wednesday HACKS AT PUGSLEY'S
LEFT ARM, CUTTING IT OFF, SENDING A GUSHER OF BLOOD OUT
OF HIS STUMP. THE ARM DROPS TO THE STAGE AND BOUNCES OFF,
LANDING IN JUDGE WOMACK'S LAP.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 67.
93 CONTINUED: 93
ONSTAGE --
Wednesday clutches her bleeding throat.
WEDNESDAY
(gurgles)
Sweet oblivion, open your arms.
Wednesday falls dead.
THE AUDIENCE --
sits perfectly still, jaws agape, deep in shock. An oil
painting. Then...
THE ADDAMS FAMILY --
leaps as one to their feet, applauding wildly.
GOMEZ
Bravo!
THE LIGHTS ON STAGE COME UP --
and Pugsley and Wednesday bow deeply, accepting their
family's applause.
Fester applauds louder than anybody.
CUT TO:
94 OMITTED 94
and and
A95 A95
B95 INT. WEDNESDAY'S BEDROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT B95
Fester is tucking Wednesday into bed. They are now
devoted friends.
FESTER
...there were sailors and pirates,
and an airplane full of tourists
from Miami Beach. All lost in the
triangle.
WEDNESDAY
(thrilled)
Uncle Fester, someday will you take
me there?
FESTER
It's a promise. Goodnight,
Wednesday. You were terrific.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 3/18/91 67A.
B95 CONTINUED: B95
He kisses her on her forehead. She holds out her headless
doll. Fester kisses the doll's empty neck. Wednesday
holds out the doll's severed head. Fester kisses it.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 36 - Eternal Embrace in the Moonlight
Morticia is standing in the moonlight. Gomez sits on a
bench nearby.
MORTICIA
What a sublime evening. A
theatrical triumph...
GOMEZ
A Shakespearean delight! All hail Fester!
MORTICIA
It's like a dream. When we first met,
years ago, it was an evening much like
this. Magic in the air. A boy...
GOMEZ
A girl...
MORTICIA
(nostalgically
sitting beside Gomez)
An open grave... It was my first
funeral.
GOMEZ
You were so beautiful - pale, and
mysterious. No one even looked at
the corpse.
MORTICIA
Your cousin, Balthazar. You were
still a suspect. I couldn't stop
staring, all during the eulogy. Your
eyes. Your moustache. Your laugh.
GOMEZ
(aglow with romance)
You bewitched me. I proposed that
very night.
MORTICIA
(gazing at the cemetery)
Just think - someday we'll be buried
here. Side by side, six feet under.
In matching coffins. Our lifeless
bodies, rotting together, for all
eternity.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/7/91 67B.
C95 CONTINUED: C95
GOMEZ
(aroused by all this)
Cara mia!
MORTICIA
(passionately)
Mon sauvage!
They embrace in the moonlight. As they do, the camera
PANS above their heads: we see the headstone featuring
UNCLE FESTER.
CUT TO:
95 INT. CONSERVATORY - MORNING 95
LURCH --
is sweeping up. Among the plants, he comes upon
ABIGAIL -- tightly wrapped in a plant cocoon.
Lurch growls.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/18/90 68.
Ratings
Scene 37 - A Farewell Breakfast
The cheerful Addams breakfast is underway. Fester is at
the table with the family.
PUGSLEY
(to Fester)
Did you like the blood?
FESTER
Perfect - a full bucket. I was so
proud.
MORTICIA
Weren't we all. Wednesday, play
with your food.
Wednesday has SOMETHING MOVING in her cereal bowl. She
teases it with her fork.
Granny SCREAMS, at the sideboard.
MORTICIA
Mama?
Granny pulls a SKELETON OF A SHIN AND FOOT out of one of
the serving dishes.
GRANNY
Who put this in here?
Pugsley and Fester exchange a conspiratorial glance and
giggle.
GRANNY
(referring to the
skeleton)
That's for company!
GOMEZ
(shaking his head,
amused)
Rascals.
Abigail enters, peeling off bits of the vines that had
encased her.
GOMEZ
Doctor! You were so right! What
an evening!
MORTICIA
Fester fit right in.
GOMEZ
The displacement is over!
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/14/90 69.
A96 CONTINUED: A96
ABIGAIL
(glaring at Fester)
Vell, isn't zat... nice.
WEDNESDAY
Does he really have to go.
ABIGAIL
Jais, he does.
GOMEZ
Well, if he insists upon leaving, we
shall mark the occasion. Tish?
MORTICIA
(to Fester)
We've planned a farewell party.
GOMEZ
We've invited the whole clan.
Amazed by the gesture, Fester looks over at Gomez and
Morticia.
ABIGAIL
Vat a luffly gesture.
MORTICIA
(gazing at her family)
Bloodshed... anguish... breakfast...
We're a family again. And we owe
it all to you, Dr. Pinder-Schloss.
ABIGAIL
Please - Greta.
MORTICIA
Greta.
ABIGAIL
Fester - valk me out.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 38 - A Dance of Deception and Affection
Fester is escorting Abigail through the yard.
FESTER
I'm fine, Mother. I'm completely
in control.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 69A.
96 CONTINUED: 96
ABIGAIL
(grabbing him)
They're not your family, Gordon.
I am. They don't love you. I do.
They're evil and corrupt and
degraded. I can give you that.
FESTER
I'm fine. Really.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/13/91 70.
96 CONTINUED: 96
ABIGAIL
We'll see.
They reach Gate.
ABIGAIL
(bellowing)
Open up.
Even Gate is intimidated and swings open.
CUT TO:
97 INT. MORTICIA'S CONSERVATORY - EVENING. 97
Fester is cutting the blooms off Morticia's roses.
MORTICIA
We're opening the ballroom now.
Fester hesitates, then follows Morticia.
CUT TO:
98 INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE BALLROOM - A SHORT TIME LATER 98
Each carrying a lighted candelabra, Morticia, Gomez,
Fester, Granny, Lurch, Pugsley, and Wednesday stand in
front of the tall, elaborately carved, oaken double
doors. Gomez unlatches them. Together they push them
open and STEP into the
BALLROOM
Moonlight streams in through the floor-to-ceiling windows,
revealing the true enormity of the ballroom.
It's straight out of a ROCOCO palace. A lofty unsupported
dome ceiling is DECORATED with figures worthy of Dante.
The black marble floor glistens. The furniture and banquet
tables are FUNEREALLY SHROUDED. Like some primeval sea,
the shrouds undulate in the breeze admitted through the
open doors.
Gomez steps up to Morticia and embraces her. They begin
to dance.
Fester remains frozen in the center of the ballroom,
overwhelmed by the grandeur.
FESTER
A party... for me... here...
As Gomez and Morticia waltz past...
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 71.
98 CONTINUED: 98
MORTICIA
All for you!
GOMEZ
Tish - how long has it been since
we've waltzed?
MORTICIA
(ruefully)
Oh, Gomez... hours.
He dips Morticia. As she bends back, she reaches for one of
the shrouds and WHIPS IT OFF -- IT FILLS THE SCREEN. BLACK.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 39 - A Night of Eccentric Elegance
When the shroud comes down THE PARTY IS IN FULL SWING.
Gomez and Morticia, resplendent now in their party
clothes, Morticia in a formal version of her black
sheath, and Gomez in black velvet lounging pajamas,
smoking jacket and fez.
A SMALL ORCHESTRA plays a FRACTURED WALTZ. Thing is a
third hand on the bass.
Gomez and Morticia dance among the ADDAMS FAMILY RELA-
TIVES -- that portrait gallery of GROTESQUES come to
life. Among them are:
DEXTER AND DONALD ADDAMS, the two-headed cousin in
matching turtlenecks.
COUSIN OPHELIA ADDAMS who looks like a Tennessee Williams
heroine who's just been fished out of the Mississippi.
SLOSH ADDAMS. If a man could look like a toad and
still be a man, this is he. He's made many a killing
on Wall Street. With him is his child-sized wife, LOIS.
DIGIT ADDAMS, all four arms embrace his date, an over-age
Heidi, with thick blonde braids.
COUSIN LUMPY ADDAMS, a teenage hunchback in a loud
blazer.
Dexter and Donald dance Ophelia over to Gomez and
Morticia.
DEXTER AND DONALD
(they echo one
another)
I wonder-- I wonder-- what
happened-- what happened-- to
Fester-- to Fester.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 4/03/91 72.
99 CONTINUED: 99
GOMEZ
Still primping, I suppose.
Her mind water-logged and bleary, Ophelia addresses
Morticia, with a spacy Thorazine smile.
OPHELIA
Where is Fester?
MORTICIA
Soon, Ophelia. Soon.
OPHELIA
Where am I?
CUT TO:
A100 INT. FESTER'S BEDROOM A100
Fester is in his robe, or his underwear; he is consider-
ing various pieces of clothing, on hangers or placed
on the bed. Abigail stands nearby, her arms folded.
FESTER
What would look best? A tuxedo?
ABIGAIL
A nice dark suit is perfectly
acceptable.
FESTER
But the whole family's coming!
I want to look terrific!
ABIGAIL
Gordon, may I remind you - you're
not really an Addams.
FESTER
I know, I know - but the party's
for me!
(he holds an outfit
up in front of the
mirror)
I love this.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 4/03/91 72A.
100 EXT. ADDAMS MANSION 100
The front door opens, and Lurch appears; he has obviously
been summoned. He looks out; his face lights up as he
sees a new arrival.
ANGLE on COUSIN IT, driving up in his bubble-topped It-
mobile. He parks the car and flips open the top. Cousin
It is a hairball in a homburg, who gleeps and squeaks in
a language the Addams have no trouble understanding. He
pauses for a moment, to survey the house.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 40 - A Dance of Eccentricities
Lurch escorts COUSIN IT into the ballroom. Gomez and
Morticia come over to greet him.
GOMEZ
It, old man!
COUSIN IT
Bleep gibber, ooot, ooot.
MORTICIA
You're right. Far too long.
Cousin It looks around, obviously checking out the women.
He SEES--
MARGARET
on the dance floor with Tully.
It runs a hand through his hair, slicking it back, then
excuses himself.
COUSIN IT
Ooot gibber bleep.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/17/90 73.
101 CONTINUED: 101
MARGARET
clings stiffly to Tully in the midst of all this Addams'
weirdness.
MARGARET
The first time we've been dancing
in ages, and you take me here...
TULLY
It's a formal occasion...
MARGARET
Don't let me out of your sight...
TULLY
Don't threaten me...
There's a TAP on Margaret's shoulder. She turns. Before
her is Cousin It, hat in hand, eager to cut in.
COUSIN IT
Oot, ooot, ooot.
He takes her in his arms and spins away with her.
CUT TO:
A102 OMITTED A102
B102 INT. FESTER'S BATHROOM - SAME TIME B102
The pipes groan loudly as scalding water floods the sink.
Abigail shaves the back of Fester's head with a straight
razor. The room is filled with steam.
ABIGAIL
You'll make your appearance, then slip
away from the party ...
FESTER
How? I'm the guest of honor.
CUT TO:
C102 INT. BALLROOM - SAME TIME C102
Wednesday is dancing with Lumpy Addams, the teenage
hunchback. Morticia approaches them.
MORTICIA
Wednesday?
WEDNESDAY
Yes, Mother?
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/7/91 74.
C102 CONTINUED: C102
MORTICIA
Could you run upstairs and check
on your uncle?
(as Wednesday runs off)
Thank you, dear.
(to Lumpy)
Why, Lumpy Addams. Look at you.
All grown up.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 41 - Family Ties and Dark Secrets
The door opens and Wednesday peeks inside...
WEDNESDAY
Uncle Fester?
She hears the water running in Fester's bathroom, the
sound of voices beneath it.
INSIDE THE BATHROOM --
Fester turns off the water. The pipes make a final clang,
then there's silence.
FESTER
Yes, Mother, I understand. I hear
you.
ABIGAIL
I hope so, Gordon. I'm counting
on you. Don't buckle.
FESTER
It's not going to be easy. There
are people everywhere.
ABIGAIL
You can do it, if you just stop
whining. No one likes that, it's
unattractive.
FESTER
All right, fine. I will try and
reach the vault tonight. But if
I can't, well...
(screwing up his
courage)
Then that's it. Okay, Mother?
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 1/7/91 74A.
102 CONTINUED: 102
Wednesday stands frozen in the doorway.
WEDNESDAY
You are a fake! I knew it!
Abigail and Fester wheel around on her. The straight
razor catches the light and GLINTS MENACINGLY.
ABIGAIL
Come here, little vun. Ve von't
hurt you.
Fester can't believe this is happening. He is genuinely
torn and it shows.
FESTER
Wednesday!
Abigail's facade disintegrates and she bellows.
ABIGAIL
Get her!
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/29/90 75.
102 CONTINUED: 102
Abigail pushes him toward Wednesday -- who suddenly
scared, takes off running. She runs through
FESTER'S ROOM and ACROSS
103 INT. HALL - SAME TIME 103
into her own room. She slams her bedroom door behind her.
Galvanized into action by the hold his mother still has
on him, Fester KICKS the door open just in time to SEE:
A104 INT. WEDNESDAY'S ROOM - SAME TIME A104
Wednesday throws open a TRAPDOOR IN THE FLOOR and
DISAPPEARS DOWN IT, pulling the door closed behind her.
Fester tries to find it but, the door is seamless. He
pounds the floor in frustration.
CUT TO:
B104 EXT. HOUSE - SAME TIME B104
Next to the coal chute where Abigail was grabbed by the
vines, ARE TWO SMALLER CHUTES -- one marked Pugsley and
one marked Wednesday. Wednesday SLIDES OUT of her chute.
She takes off toward the cemetery.
C104 EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT C104
Wednesday runs through the graveyard, and into the
darkness of the night.
104 OMITTED 104
105 OMITTED 105
Ratings
Scene 42 - A Dance of Eccentricity
Lurch escorts
FLORA AND FAUNA AMOR,
the twins from the home movies, into the ballroom. He
takes their wraps revealing that they are, in fact, a pair
of SIAMESE TWINS. Twenty-five years later, they still
look quite beautiful and quite mad.
GOMEZ (O.S.)
Flora and Fauna Amor!
Gomez approaches, shielding his eyes.
GOMEZ
I cannot see! I'm blinded by beauty!
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 76.
106 CONTINUED: 106
FLORA
Gomez Addams....
FAUNA
... you terrible flirt...
FLORA
... always was...
FAUNA
... at least with me...
FLORA
Copycat!
FAUNA
Tag-along!
Morticia appears.
MORTICIA
Why, Gomez. The Amor twins. I've
heard so much about you.
FLORA
Morticia! I hate you!
FAUNA
... you nabbed him, this darling
man...
FLORA
... he was mine...
FAUNA
... he was mine...
MORTICIA
Flora, Fauna, how can I compete?
You're twice the woman I am.
Gomez grabs Tully, who is striding by in search of
Margaret.
GOMEZ
Tully, the Amor twins. They're
waiting for Fester. Amuse them.
FLORA
(flirting)
Hello, Tully...
FAUNA
I saw him first...
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/26/90 77.
106 CONTINUED: (2) 106
FLORA
(to Tully)
Ignore her...
FAUNA
(to Tully)
She's nothing...
MORTICIA
(calling after them)
Bon chance!
The girls now have their four arms all over Tully, leading
him onto the dance floor.
TULLY
Oh my God...
CUT TO:
A107 OMITTED A107
107 INT. FESTER'S BEDROOM - SAME TIME 107
Abigail is in the room alone. At that moment, Fester
comes climbing back through the open window.
FESTER
I couldn't find her anywhere. Let's
just leave - out the back.
ABIGAIL
Pull yourself together. She'll turn
up - the little cockroach. Now get
to the party - or they'll suspect
something. I'll be down soon.
(using her accent)
Ja?
CUT TO:
A108 OMITTED A108
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/17/90 78/79.
Ratings
Scene 43 - A Festive Feast with Family Tensions
Morticia watches as Granny garnishes a ROAST PIG set on
silver tray. It is beautifully glazed, deliciously plump
and has an apple in its mouth.
MORTICIA
Mama, you've outdone yourself.
Granny turns the roast pig slightly to arrange the
garnish and reveals its SECOND HEAD. This one too has an
apple in its mouth.
GRANNY
Hey - it's a party.
Satisfied, she covers it with a lid. Lurch then lifts
the tray onto a serving cart, and rolls the cart out.
CUT TO:
C108 INT. BALLROOM - SAME TIME C108
Flora and Fauna, now on the dance floor with Tully,
chatter giddily as he tries to maneuver them through a
box-step.
FLORA
You can't imagine how surprised we
were when Gomez called and told us
Fester was back...
FAUNA
Especially considering...
FLORA
(rolls her eyes
heavenward)
Fauna...
TULLY
Especially considering what?
FLORA
It makes no difference now. It's
obvious that Fester and Gomez are
devoted.
TULLY
Why wouldn't they be devoted?
FAUNA
Well, now that Fester's back, he's
the king of the castle again, isn't
he?
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/28/91 80.
C108 CONTINUED: C108
FLORA
Fester's the older brother. So he
gets it all. The house, the
money - you name it.
FAUNA
I'd like to...
FLORA
Gomez be damned.
FAUNA
Fester's still single, isn't he?
FLORA
(flirting)
Are you, Mr. Alford?
TULLY
Why, Fauna...
FAUNA
I'm Fauna!
FLORA
I'm Flora!
TULLY
I'm flattered. Excuse me, ladies?
Tully winks at Flora and blows a kiss to Fauna; they
giggle madly. Tully hurries off, grinning like the cat
who swallowed the canary.
CUT TO:
D108 OMITTED D108
E108 OMITTED E108
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/7/91 80A.
Ratings
Scene 44 - Fester's Fearless Fiesta
Morticia and Fester have appeared at the door to the
ballroom.
MORTICIA
Everyone. Your attention please.
The music stops, and the guests fall silent.
MORTICIA
When he was lost, our family grieved.
And how it became them. Now he is
found, and our celebration begins.
Our treasured guest of honor --
Fester Addams.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/6/90 81.
108 CONTINUED: 108
She takes him by the hand as if to lead him toward the
assembled guests - but instead ABRUPTLY SPINS HIM BY
THE ARM, sending him whirling like a top into the
CENTER OF THE DANCE FLOOR
where he suddenly STOPS, NOSE-TO-NOSE WITH GOMEZ. Gomez
has changed clothes -- he's dressed now like a Hollywood
Cossack. He carries FIVE GLEAMING SCIMITARS.
Morticia, Granny, and all the Addams women rap out a
stirring martial beat on tambourines.
GOMEZ
The Mamushka!
Gomez begins to CIRCLE around Fester.
The other family members form a ring, CIRCLING COUNTER-
CLOCKWISE to Gomez.
Gomez then throws the scimitars straight up, high into
the air, and begins juggling them.
Baffled, Fester stands in the center, the eye of this
dizzying hurricane.
GOMEZ
Taught to us by our Cossack cousins,
the Mamushka has been an Addams family
tradition since God-knows-when...
Gomez hurls the scimitars to Fester. They begin JUGGLING
THEM BACK AND FORTH -- MUCH TO FESTER'S SHOCK AND SURPRISE.
GOMEZ
...We danced the Mamushka while Nero
fiddled! We danced the Mamushka at
Waterloo! We danced the Mamushka for
Jack the Ripper, and now, Fester
Addams, this Mamushka's for you!
The juggling continues. The MOVES GET MORE AND MORE
INTRICATE. It's an ELABORATE, CAREFULLY CHOREOGRAPHED
ROUTINE. Fester, petrified, manages to somehow bungle
his way through.
They launch into a TONGUE-TWISTING PATTER SONG. Fester
stumbles his way through. During an instrumental passage
of the song, Gomez admires his brother.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/6/90 82.
108 CONTINUED: (2) 108
GOMEZ
After all this time Fester hasn't
forgotten a step, hasn't forgotten
a word!
Fester STOPS DEAD.
FESTER
(astonished)
Not a step, not a word...
Fester has missed a beat and looks up to SEE --
ALL FIVE SCIMITARS --
DROPPING FAST, coming straight at him.
Panicking, he CATCHES... ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR -- with
two in each hand, his hands are full. What's he going
to do with
THE FIFTH SCIMITAR?
HE OPENS HIS MOUTH TO SCREAM. IT DROPS STRAIGHT IN. HE
SWALLOWS IT TO THE HILT.
The Addams mob CHEERS LUSTILY and launches into the
finale of the song.
Amazed, Fester drops the scimitars he holds and pulls
the one from his mouth.
FESTER
How did I do that?
Gomez slaps him on the back. Fester burps. The Addams
cheer again. They close in on Fester.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 45 - Waltz of Whimsy and Schemes
Cousin It and Margaret are waltzing in an out-of-the-way
nook; they are somewhat involved.
MARGARET
We've been married for almost twenty
years... sometimes it seems like
more...
COUSIN IT
Ooot oot blipper.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/26/90 83.
A109 CONTINUED: A109
MARGARET
Of course, people grow, people
change...
COUSIN IT
Glibber gleep gleep.
CUT TO:
109 INT. FRONT HALL - A LITTLE LATER. 109
Tully is heading for the front door, in his coat. Abigail
stops him.
ABIGAIL
Where are you going? There's
trouble.
TULLY
Hey - not to worry. Plan B.
ABIGAIL
But that hideous little girl...
TULLY
(interrupts)
I'm in charge. Ten minutes - I'll be
back.
Tully slips out the door. Abigail turns, frustrated,
throwing up her hands. Upstairs, on the dance floor, a
reprise of the Mamushka has begun. In the rear of the
hall, Cousin It passes across, leading a trembling
Margaret.
CUT TO:
110 EXT. JUDGE WOMACK'S HOME - A SHORT WHILE LATER 110
Judge Womack is on the front porch with Tully. He's
apoplectic. The raucous sounds of the Mamushka rever-
berate from the Addams mansion.
JUDGE WOMACK
What the hell's going on over
there?
TULLY
How would you like to be rid of
the Addamses for good? I'm serious.
JUDGE WOMACK
(smiling)
What can I do for you?
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 3/18/91 84.
111 EXT. ADDAMS MANSION - TWO O'CLOCK A.M. 111
Gomez and Morticia stand on the front steps waving
good-bye to their departing guests.
Cousin It leans out the window of his limousine, sharing
a romantic last moment with Margaret.
MARGARET
You're a marvelous dancer. It's
been such fun.
COUSIN IT
Ooot ooot gibber.
MARGARET
(torn)
I can't. We musn't.
(a beat)
Call me?
The limo drives off, as Margaret waves a fond farewell.
The limo passes --
Morticia appears. She puts her arm around Margaret as
It drives off.
MORTICIA
Oh, Margaret... he's very special,
isn't he?
MARGARET
(sighing)
He's perfect.
MORTICIA
He's It.
Flora and Fauna giving good-bye kisses to Fester, covering
him with lipstick; they hang on him with all four arms. He
is enjoying himself.
FLORA
You'll come see me before you
leave, won't you, Fester?
FAUNA
(to Fester,
confidentially)
I'll call, once I'm alone.
An AMBULANCE pulls up. White-jacketed ATTENDANTS step out,
with a straight-jacket built for two.
FESTER
There's your ride! Good-bye, girls!
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 3/18/91 A84A.
112 INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - A BIT LATER 112
Fester skips down the hall, still practicing bits of the
Mamushka, the Amor Twins' kisses still fresh on his cheeks.
He opens the door and strides into --
Ratings
Scene 46 - A Dance of Disapproval
Fester dances into the room. He grabs Abigail and starts
dancing with her, swinging her around and singing bits of
the patter song.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/13/91 84A.
113 CONTINUED: 113
ABIGAIL
Gordon?
Fester keeps singing and dancing.
ABIGAIL
Gordon! Stop it! This instant!
Fester lets her go.
ABIGAIL
Gordon, is that... lipstick? All over
your face?
FESTER
(still giddy)
From the twins! The beauteous Amor twins!
ABIGAIL
The twins? Gordon, I don't understand
this. Let me get this clear. Have
you... have you been having a good time?
FESTER
(jubilant)
Yes, I have! It was marvelous - I
sang up a storm! And I danced 'till
I dropped! The Mamushka!
He begins to dance again. Abigail, breathing fire, sits
on the bed, turning away from him.
FESTER
Mother?
ABIGAIL
Mother? Mother? Who is that? I
don't think I recall.
FESTER
Mother...
ABIGAIL
I'm perfectly fine. I'm dandy. Don't
concern yourself with me, Gordon.
Please, return to your depraved orgy.
Sometimes I think you're not even my son.
FESTER
Don't say that!
ABIGAIL
I'm just your mother. You only owe me
your entire existence on this planet.
Please, Gordon, by all means - go.
Sing. Dance. Date.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/12/90 85.
113 CONTINUED: (2) 113
FESTER
(coming to his senses)
Mother, I'm... I'm so terribly
sorry...
(he kneels at her side)
It was just a party. It's over.
It means nothing. Those Siamese
twins, that hunchback, Cousin It
- they're not you.
ABIGAIL
(clutching him
savagely)
Say it, Gordon. Make me believe it.
FESTER
I love you. And I want money.
ABIGAIL
(very no-nonsense)
We've got to find Tully.
CUT TO:
114 INT. BALLROOM - SAME TIME 114
Morticia is looking for her children. She discovers
Pugsley ASLEEP, curled up on the SILVER PLATTER WHERE THE
TWO-HEADED PIG LAY. She finds this enchanting.
Gomez enters. Morticia shushes him; she points to the
platter.
MORTICIA
(whispering)
Look - our little boy.
GOMEZ
(whispering)
All tuckered out.
MORTICIA
(whispering)
So sweet. He looks just... like
a little entree.
Pugsley wakes up; he looks around.
PUGSLEY
(sleepy)
Where... where's the party?
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/12/90 86.
114 CONTINUED: 114
MORTICIA
It's over, darling - have you seen
your sister?
PUGSLEY
Not since before the Mamushka.
MORTICIA
Gomez?
GOMEZ
Don't fret - we'll find her.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 47 - The Search for Wednesday
Gomez rallies the family for the search. Morticia wears
a black cloak. Granny has grabbed her divining rod.
Lurch distributes torches, then stands aside, awaiting
instructions. Pugsley helps Gomez unroll an ancient map
of the area.
GOMEZ
Fan out. Pugsley - head for the dung
heap. Mama and Morticia - the shallow
graves. I'll take the abyss, and
Lurch - check the bottomless pit.
MORTICIA
(worried)
Her favorite...
GOMEZ
(calls out)
Fester!!
FESTER (O.S.)
Up here.
They look up at Fester, looking down at them from
Wednesday's window.
GOMEZ
Fester! You take the ravine! And
the unmarked, abandoned well!
FESTER
Somebody should stay behind - in
case she comes back.
GOMEZ
Good man! Good thinking!
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/3/90 87.
115 CONTINUED: 115
GRANNY
Then who'll take the swamp?
Thing tugs at the cuff of Gomez's pants. Gomez nods.
GOMEZ
That's the spirit, Thing - lend a
hand! Let's go!
They all sweep off, with Gomez in the lead.
116 INT. WEDNESDAY'S ROOM - A SHORT WHILE LATER 116
Fester is still at the window. Abigail joins him.
THEIR POV
Spread far and wide over the grounds, the various members
of the family search for Wednesday, tiny lights aloft,
calling.
ABIGAIL
Where the hell is Tully?
They head out.
CUT TO:
117 OMITTED 117
118 INT. DEN - A LITTLE LATER 118
Fester and Virginia find...
TULLY -
sitting in an armchair, basking in the rays of sunshine
that beam from a copy of "The Sun Also Rises." Tully
smiles at them.
ABIGAIL
What are you doing?
TULLY
Relaxing. Taking a little sun.
ABIGAIL
Have you gone mad?
TULLY
Au contraire.
Tully closes the book and smugly unfurls a LEGAL DOCUMENT.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/19/91 88.
119 EXT. SWAMP - MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT 119
Thing hops lily pads, stopping occasionally to quest the
air for his mistress.
CUT TO:
120 EXT. PRIMEVAL FOREST ADJACENT TO CEMETERY - MIDDLE OF 120
THE NIGHT
Torch aloft, Pugsley searches through the primeval forest.
CUT TO:
121 EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT 121
Lurch picks up a car -- looking for Wednesday.
CUT TO:
122 EXT. UNDERGROUND GROTTO - MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT 122
Morticia and Granny stand in the middle of the dripping
dankness. Stalagmites. Stalactites.
Granny's torch casts scary shadows on the cave walls.
GRANNY
(calling out)
Wednesday! Wednesday!
MORTICIA
Oh, Mama, I was sure we'd find her
here.
CUT TO:
123 EXT. CEMETERY - DARK 123
Gomez reaches a stately mausoleum at the far end of the
cemetery. Two proud marble vultures guard the entryway.
Gomez lowers the uplifted claw of one of the vultures and
the stone doors slide open. He steps into -
A124 INT. MAUSOLEUM - SAME TIME A124
Inside it is catacomb-like, filled with the bleached
bones of the Addams dead. Gomez's torch casts shadows
-- one of which belongs to Wednesday, curled asleep on a
stone sarcophagus. Relieved to find her, Gomez
approaches quietly. He doesn't want to wake her up. He
lifts her tenderly in his arms.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/15/91 89.
Ratings
Scene 48 - Locked Out: The Addams Family's Legal Woes
Gate can't open. He rattles miserably on his hinges --
locked tight with heavy chains and yellow police tape -
large "NO TRESPASSING!! COURT ORDER!! ADDAMS FAMILY -
KEEP OUT!!" signs are posted on Gate's rusty bars.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL --
the family, appalled at the sight of Gate. Lurch carries
the sleeping Wednesday and Pugsley.
GOMEZ
What's all this?
TULLY --
hurries down the walkway, waving his legal document.
TULLY
This is a restraining order, Gomez.
GOMEZ
A restraining order?
TULLY
It requires you to keep a distance of
one thousand yards from this house.
You've got about nine hundred and
ninety-nine yards to go - catch my
drift?
GOMEZ
(in disbelief)
I am restrained - from my own house!?
TULLY
Not your house, moustache! Not any
more! It belongs to the eldest living
descendant, the older of the brothers
-- Fester Addams!
GOMEZ
But - this is lunacy!
MORTICIA
Fester adores Gomez!
TULLY
He's afraid of him. Seeing the
twins brought it all back.
(to Gomez)
You're bitter rivals, Gomez - always
were, always will be!
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/15/91 89A.
124 CONTINUED: 124
GOMEZ
It's not so! Those girls meant nothing
- he knows that! I demand to see
Fester!
TULLY
Sorry - no can do. He's very hurt -
it's not a good time. Leave it alone.
Or better yet - just leave.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/22/91 90.
124 CONTINUED: 124
Wednesday comes forward, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
WEDNESDAY
But he isn't even Uncle Fester.
Gomez and Morticia turn to look at her.
GOMEZ
(to his family)
Do not fear - justic shall
prevail. The courts will decide!
(fervently)
They say a man who represents
himself has a fool for a client.
Well, with God as my witness -
I am that fool!
CUT TO:
125 OMITTED 125
A126 OMITTED A126
126 INT. COURTROOM - DAY 126
C.U. GAVEL --
hammers on the Judge's bench.
PULL BACK to reveal --
JUDGE WOMACK
is the presiding judge. He hammers the bench again, then
reads his decision.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/26/91 91.
126 CONTINUED: 126
JUDGE WOMACK
Given applicable standards of
proof, the attempts to impugn this
man's character or question his
identity have been woefully
inadequate. It is with no small
amount of personal satisfaction
that I declare Fester Addams legal
executor of the Addams estate and
rightful owner of all properties
and possessions contained herein.
Gomez Addams...
(He holds up a golf ball)
I believe this is yours.
CUT TO:
127 EXT. ADDAMS MANSION - DAY 127
The family members TROOP to the car with their few
possessions.
GOMEZ
already sits in the passenger seat of the Duesenberg, his
coat draped over his shoulders as if he were an invalid,
his head thrown back.
Morticia carries out Cleo, her carnivorous plant. Granny
carries her favorite cauldron, Wednesday one of her Marie
Antoinette dolls, Pugsley his chemistry set. Lurch uproots
his favorite tree and joins the procession. Thing follows,
dragging a toy wagon packed with his rings, his glove.
CUT TO:
128 OMITTED 128
129 EXT. ADDAMS OVERGROWN DRIVEWAY - LATER 129
The Duesenberg eases out of the driveway and onto the
street, WEIGHED DOWN by Lurch's tree, sticking out of
the trunk.
FESTER
standing at a second story window, watches the car drive
off.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 92.
Ratings
Scene 49 - Despair in the Bungalow
A two-story NEON ARROW points the way to this bungalow
court -- Bright and awful ersatz western. LOG CABINS OF
SIMULATED WOOD surround the TEEPEE-SHAPED OFFICE.
The Addams' Duesenberg is parked in front of the furthest
cabin. The asphalt has been ripped up in big chunks and
Lurch's tree is parked next to the Addams' new home.
CUT TO:
131 INT. BUNGALOW - SAME TIME 131
C.U. DRESSING TABLE MIRROR
Morticia leans into frame. With an icepick and a hammer,
she deftly makes a large spidery CRACK in the round mirror.
Sighing deeply, she stands back to admire her handiwork.
Granny joins her.
GRANNY
I like it.
Her mother pats her consolingly.
MORTICIA
Just as long as we're together,
n'est pas, mon cher?
As she turns to Gomez, we see the interior of the bungalow
-- all ersatz cowboy and Indian mixed with chrome-plated
plastic and orange shag carpet.
GOMEZ
sits slumped in a chair made from wagon wheel and nauga-
hyde. It's as if all of his insane, vibrant energy has
been leeched from him. He's a broken man. He looks back
at her as if he's never heard French.
GOMEZ
Huh?
Wednesday tends to him. She and her mother exchange a
worried look.
PUGSLEY
comes from the bathroom, nibbling a wrapped bar of motel
soap.
PUGSLEY
This place isn't so bad. They even
put candy in the bathroom.
MORTICIA
That's the soap, dear.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 93.
131 CONTINUED: 131
PUGSLEY
Oh.
He takes another greedy bite.
Wednesday pats her father's arm.
WEDNESDAY
Do you want a cigar, Father?
GOMEZ
(in a monotone)
They're very bad for you.
WEDNESDAY
(very worried)
Father?
Wednesday exchanges a panic-stricken look with Morticia.
The family moves closer to Gomez.
GOMEZ
But maybe I'll have one of those...
He takes a bar of soap from Pugsley. Gomez unwraps it
and morosely eats.
CUT TO:
132 OMITTED 132
132A INT. ADDAMS MANSION - MIDWAY TO THE VAULT 132A
C.U. on three hands, as they reach up to pull three of
the countless chains.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 50 - Resilience in the Addams Family
THE COAL CHUTE ON THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE --
drops open, dumping out Fester, Abigail, and Tully - all
of them wet and bedraggled and gasping for air.
ABIGAIL
(to Fester)
You're doing this on purpose.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 94.
A133 CONTINUED: A133
They all struggle to their feet and march grimly back
toward the door.
CUT TO:
133 INT. WAMPUM COURT BUNGALOW - MORNING 133
Gomez is STRETCHED OUT on the naked box springs of his
bed -- the mattress pushed aside. A damp cloth covers
his eyes. Thing MASSAGES his aching head. A bowl of
MOTEL SOAPS is beside him.
In contrast, Morticia squarely faces the crisis. She
addresses the family from the head of the breakfast
table, the want ads open on the table before her.
MORTICIA
We are Addamses, and we will not
submit. Who recalls the fable of
the tortoise and the hare? The
swift, yet lazy little cottontail,
and his slow but determined companion?
What does that story teach us, as
Addamses?
GRANNY
Kill the hare. Skin it. Boil it.
WEDNESDAY
Put the tortoise on the highway.
PUGSLEY
During rush hour.
MORTICIA
Yes! We will survive! Poison us,
strangle us, break our bones -
we will come back for more.
And why?
GRANNY
Because we like it!
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/12/90 94A.
133 CONTINUED: 133
PUGSLEY
Because we're Addamses!
Gomez tries to rouse himself.
GOMEZ
(out of it)
We're Addamses...
He burps -- soap bubbles floating from his mouth.
CUT TO:
134 OMMITTED 134
135 OMITTED 135
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/28/90 95.
Ratings
Scene 51 - Lemonade Gone Wrong
Wednesday and Pugsley have set up a LEMONADE STAND, their
contribution to the Addams' financial well-being. An
array of POISONS are lined up on their rickety table.
They've slashed their prices to a nickel per cup. The
pitcher on the table before them steams.
Cars speed by.
Carrying a SAMPLE VACUUM CLEANER and a bucket, Lurch comes
out of the motel courtyard. Pugsley offers him a cup of
punch.
PUGSLEY
Here, Lurch. On the house.
Lurch downs it in a gulp and heads off.
Feeling the effects of the lemonade, Lurch BURPS -- a
tongue of flame shoots from his mouth and INCINERATES A
WOODEN INDIAN advertising the Wampum Court.
CUT TO:
137 OMITTED 137
138 INT. EMPLOYMENT AGENCY 138
Morticia is being interviewed by a PERSONNEL OFFICER, a
relentlessly perky gal with a clipboard.
PERSONNEL OFFICER
We have so many homemakers re-entering
the work force - your domestic skills
can be very valuable. College?
MORTICIA
Private tutors.
PERSONNEL OFFICER
Major?
MORTICIA
Spells and Hexes.
PERSONNEL OFFICER
(knowingly)
Liberal Arts. Have you been a
volunteer, PTA, service organizations?
MORTICIA
Well, one day each week I visit Death
Row at our local prison, with my
children.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 4/03/91 96.
138 CONTINUED: 138
PERSONNEL OFFICER
(perplexed)
With your children?
MORTICIA
Autographs.
PERSONNEL OFFICER
Well, what about your husband? Is
he currently employed?
MORTICIA
He's... he's going through a bad patch
at the moment. But it's not his fault.
PERSONNEL OFFICER
(with some bitterness)
Of course not. What is he - A
loafer? A hopeless layabout? A
shiftless dreamer?
MORTICIA
(wistfully)
Not anymore.
The Personnel Officer shoots Morticia a doubtful glance,
and begins rifling through her card file.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 52 - Vacation Plans and Lemonade Shenanigans
Abigail and Fester are seated at opposite ends of the
couch. Fester stares off into space. Abigail is going
through a stack of colorful travel brochures.
ABIGAIL
The Mediterranean, the Riviera - once
we find the money, we'll go everywhere.
We'll try again, right after lunch.
Gordon - where should we go first?
FESTER
(sadly)
I don't know...
ABIGAIL
Acapulco? Cancun?
(she snaps her fingers
in the air, castanet-
style, trying to be
festive)
Ariba! Ariba!
FESTER
You choose.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 4/03/91 A96A.
A140 EXT. WAMPUM COURT - LATER THAT DAY A140
Wednesday and Pugsley are at their lemonade stand. They
are negotiating with a PRISSY LITTLE GIRL IN A GIRL SCOUT
UNIFORM. The girl scout carries several boxes of Girl
Scout cookies.
GIRL SCOUT
(with grave doubts)
Is this made from real lemons?
WEDNESDAY
Yes.
GIRL SCOUT
I only like all-natural foods and
beverages. Organically grown, with
no preservatives. Are you sure
they're real lemons?
PUGSLEY
Yes.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/26/91 96A.
A140 CONTINUED: A140
GIRL SCOUT
Well... I tell you what. I'll buy
a cup, if you buy a box of my
delicious girl scout cookies. Do
we have a deal?
WEDNESDAY
Are they made from real girl scouts?
CUT TO:
140 EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - DAY 140
White clapboard. Geraniums in the flower boxes.
Surrounded by a white picket fence.
Carrying his SAMPLE VACUUM CLEANER AND BUCKET, the tools of
his new trade, Lurch carefully opens the little white gate.
AT THE DOOR,
he rings the doorbell, afraid he might break something.
A BLONDE HOUSEWIFE in tennis whites, obviously in a hurry,
opens the door -- only to be greeted by a BUCKETFUL OF
SLOP thrown past her, onto her peach Oriental rug. She
SCREAMS in horror, turns to challenge the perpetrator of
this atrocity and, seeing Lurch, SCREAMS again.
In a panic, she tries to slam the door on Lurch, but, like
the salesman's manual undoubtedly advised, he STICKS his
foot in the way. The door partially RIPS off its hinges.
Lurch steps inside and shuts the door as best he can.
A moment passes. The door swings open and Lurch exits,
jauntily waving a check.
CUT TO:
141 OMITTED 141
142 OMITTED 142
& &
143 143
A144 OMITTED A144
B144 OMITTED B144
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/22/91 97.
144 INT. DAYCARE CENTER - DAY 144
Morticia is telling a story to a group of TODDLERS, who
have gathered in a circle around her, sitting on carpet
squares. The room is sunny and cheerful, with crayon
drawings taped to the walls.
MORTICIA
... and so the witch lured Hansel
and Gretel into the candy house,
by promising them more sweets. And
she told them to look in the oven,
and she was about to push them in,
when, low and behold, Hansel pushed
the poor, defenseless witch into the
oven instead. Where she was burned
alive, writhing in agony. Now,
boys and girls, what do you think
that feels like?
After a beat, all the toddlers begin to CRY and WAIL.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 98.
145 OMITTED 145
thru thru
147 147
148 OMITTED 148
thru thru
152 OMITTED 152
Ratings
Scene 53 - A Day of Quirks and Plans
Granny holds a club behind her back as she stalks
something.
GRANNY
Here kitty, kitty, kitty...
CUT TO:
153 INT. WAMPUM BUNGALOW - SAME TIME 153
Eating compulsively form a box of Mallomars, Gomez is
still stretched out on the naked box springs. He stares
vacantly at a game show on TV. "Jeopardy" is on.
ALEX TREBEK
(reading from
the card)
Monsters Of History for $200. "He was
known as the Butcher of Bavaria."
GOMEZ
(shouts)
Grandfather Addams!
(smacks his forehead,
hard)
Damn! Not in the form of a question!
CUT TO:
A154 EXT. BUNGALOW - SAME TIME A154
Granny, running now, club raised, hurries past the open
window of the bungalow.
She stops at the sight of Gomez inside, standing on the
bed, staring at the television.
C.U. on the TV set - Gomez is now watching Geraldo Rivera,
hosting his tabloid style show.
GERALDO
Voodoo zombies - the stuff of
legend, or a living nightmare? Do
zombies really exist? How are they
made? Where can we find them?
Call in with your comments.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 99.
A154 CONTINUED: A154
A CALL-IN NUMBER is flashed on the screen. Gomez reaches
for the phone.
CUT TO:
154 INT. ADDAMS MANSION DINING ROOM - DAY 154
Abigail and Gordon are seated at opposite ends of the
table, having lunch. It is very quiet.
ABIGAIL
After lunch, we'll try again.
FESTER
(very flat)
Yes, Mother.
ABIGAIL
We'll find the money. And meanwhile,
we have this little nest. Quiet and
cozy. Without that dreadful family.
FESTER
Yes, Mother.
ABIGAIL
Just the two of us, away from the
world. Our dream come true.
FESTER
Yes, Mother.
As Fester repeats "Yes, Mother", in his drone, Abigail
mimics him, silently.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 54 - Gomez's TV Troubles
C.U. on the TV screen. Geraldo is talking to a woman in
the studio audience.
GERALDO
So your son was brainwashed by voodoo
slave masters and forced to recruit
others. Let's take a call.
GOMEZ
(on the studio PA system)
Geraldo...
GERALDO
(cutting him off)
Mr. Addams, please stop calling.
We don't know where they meet.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 100.
A155 CONTINUED: A155
PULL BACK to the motel room. Gomez lets the phone drop.
Morticia, seated on the edge of the box spring, tries to
comfort him. Pugsley, Wednesday and Lurch are seated
nearby, very worried about Gomez, as at a death watch.
Gomez is now surrounded by junk food, and a mountain of
junk food wrappers, bags and styrofoam containers.
Ritually, as handmaidens, Morticia brings Gomez the
remote control for the TV, and Wednesday brings him a
copy of TV Guide.
Pugsley brings Gomez a bag of "Doritos", and Lurch brings
him a canister of "Pringles".
Gomez uses the remote to switch channels. An episode of
"The Cosby Show" comes on.
GOMEZ
Re-run.
He switches off the set and stares at the blank screen.
PUGSLEY
I don't understand. All he does
is watch TV and eat.
MORTICIA
I know - Gomez, let's go for a drive.
The whole family.
GOMEZ
(not even turning)
A drive? And miss "Matlock"?
Granny opens the door and sticks her head in.
GRANNY
Dinner's going to be late.
She slams the door. We hear her whistling.
GRANNY (O.S.)
Here, boy. Here, boy.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/7/91 100A.
Ratings
Scene 55 - Midnight Reflections
Morticia is putting Wednesday to bed.
WEDNESDAY
If that man isn't Uncle Fester,
then who is he, mother?
MORTICIA
I don't know, darling. I wish
I did.
WEDNESDAY
Why is that lady doing all this?
MORTICIA
It's hard to say. Sometimes people
have had terrible childhoods. And
sometimes they just haven't found
their special place in life. And
sometimes they're dogs from hell
and must be destroyed.
Morticia kisses Wednesday and she closes her eyes to go
to sleep.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 4/03/91 101.
B155 INT. WAMPUM - MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT B155
The family sleeps - all but Morticia. She sits up in
bed beside Gomez. She looks around at her family.
Wednesday sleeps in the same bed as Granny. Lurch is flat
out on the floor. Pugsley uses him for a mattress, and
Thing uses Pugsley. Pugsley snores the inhale part of a
snore, Lurch groans the exhale part, and Thing punctuates
by wiggling.
Morticia stares down at Gomez - for a long beat. She
strokes his hair lovingly. Full of resolve, she gets
out of bed.
CUT TO:
AC155 INT. FESTER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT AC155*
Fester is lying in bed, the covers around his chin.
Abigail sits on the bed beside him, tucking him in.
ABIGAIL
I know why you've been so glum.
It's because it's taking us a
little longer than we'd hoped to
find the gold. Isn't that right?
Fester turns away, depressed.
ABIGAIL
Of course it is. Well, don't you
worry - we're right on the verge.
Tomorrow, for certain, my darling.
(she kisses him on the
forehead, and stands.
She goes to the door,
and turns)
You know, some people might think
it's strange, for a mother and son
to be so close. I think it's
beautiful. Don't you, Gordon?
Fester mumbles something, under his breath.
ABIGAIL
(very stern)
What?
FESTER
(dutifully)
Yes, mother. It's beautiful.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 4/03/91 102.
AC155 CONTINUED: AC155
ABIGAIL
(instantly very sweet,
dabbing her eye with
a fingertip)
Look - I'm weeping.
Abigail exits. The minute the door shuts, Fester gets
out of bed. He is fully clothed. He goes to the window,
and begins to climb out.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 56 - Morticia's Dark Flirtation
Morticia, fully dressed, wearing her cloak, heads off
down the walk. Unseen by her, Thing trails after.
CUT TO:
D155 EXT. GATE - A LITTLE LATER D155
Morticia, just outside Gate, struggles to get it open,
Thing clutching the bars, also attempting to block her
way.
MORTICIA
Stop it, you two.
Morticia breaks free of Thing.
CUT TO:
E155 EXT. ADDAMS MANSION - A LITTLE LATER E155
Tully opens the front door. He smiles maliciously at
the sight of Morticia on the stoop.
MORTICIA
I would like to speak with Fester.
Tully steps aside.
TULLY
We've been expecting you...
Morticia crosses the threshold.
CUT TO:
F155 OMITTED F155
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/19/91 103.
155 EXT. INTERSECTION AT THE FOOT OF THE ADDAMS HILL - NIGHT 155
Thing does his damnedest to flag down any of the few
oncoming cars. He waves to no avail, DANCES AROUND in
frustration, then tries HITCHHIKING, sticking out his
thumb. A passing car splashes him with mud.
Screwing up his courage, in a kamikaze leap, he GRABS
ahold of the bumper of the next car that comes along and
hangs on for dear life as the car SPEEDS down the street.
CUT TO:
156 INT. STUDY - A LITTLE LATER 156
Morticia is now stretched out on the torture RACK. Fester
and Tully are securing her hands and feet, under Abigail's
supervision. Fester seems torn, agitated, upset.
MORTICIA
(to Abigail, graciously)
You are a desperate woman, consumed
by greed and infinite bitterness.
(a beat)
We could have been such friends.
ABIGAIL
I don't think so. The vault,
Mrs. Addams - any thoughts?
MORTICIA
(sweetly, to Abigail)
Despite everything, I don't hate
you. I pity you. Persecution,
fiendish torture, inhuman depravity -
sometimes it's just not enough.
ABIGAIL
Gordon - let's get started.
FESTER
But, Mother...
ABIGAIL
Stop stalling!
FESTER
I'm not stalling! Stop badgering me!
ABIGAIL
(pushing Fester aside)
Tully, take over! Tighten it!
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/19/91 103A.
156 CONTINUED: (2) 156
TULLY
I'd love to, you know that, but -
I've got this stomach thing. When I
torture people. It's just me.
ABIGAIL
(shoving Tully toward
the rack)
Do it!
TULLY
(to Morticia,
politely)
Where's your bathroom?
ABIGAIL
NOW!
Tully shuts his eyes and tightens the rack. Morticia's
bones make a horrible POPPING, STRETCHING SOUND. She
MOANS, rather sensually.
ABIGAIL
Again!
Tully tightens the rack again. More BONE-POPPING NOISES.
Morticia MOANS again, even more orgasmically.
ABIGAIL
Tighter!
Tully tightens the rack a third time. BONE-POPPING NOISES.
Morticia MOANS, very voluptuously. She opens her eyes.
She sighs, in afterglow. She glances at Tully.
MORTICIA
(to Tully, flirtatiously)
You've done this before.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/19/91 104.
Ratings
Scene 57 - A Desperate Plea for Help
A hand possessed, Thing RACES up the driveway, raising
dust as he goes.
158 EXT. BUNGALOW - NIGHT 158
Thing leaps dramatically onto the porch, then stops dead
to knock on the cabin door.
After a beat:
GOMEZ (O.S.)
Who is it? We're paid through
Thursday.
He opens the door. Thing rushes in.
CUT TO:
159 INT. BUNGALOW - MINUTES LATER 159
Thing skitters on the kitchen counter, frantically
signing. In the background, the rest of the family
sleeps.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/26/91 105.
159 CONTINUED: 159
GOMEZ
(whispers)
Slow down, Thing! It's terrible
when you stutter!
Frustrated, Thing grabs a SPOON and begins tapping out
MORSE CODE.
GOMEZ
Morticia in danger... stop! Send
help at once ... stop!
Thing flops down in exhausted triumph. Gomez grabs him
and heads off.
CUT TO:
160 OMITTED 160
161 INT. GOMEZ'S STUDY - A FEW MINUTES LATER 161
Morticia is now lashed to an ENORMOUS TORTURE WHEEL.
Tully and Abigail are tending the stick BRANDING IRONS
stuck in the roaring fire.
FESTER
(to Abigail)
You can't! Not with red-hot pokers!
TULLY
(queasy)
Is this gonna smell?
MORTICIA
(graciously, with
understanding)
Tully Alford - charlatan. Deadbeat.
Parasite. How Gomez adored you.
TULLY
Well, not enough.
FESTER
Morticia, please...
MORTICIA
Dear Fester - or whomever you are.
Which is the real you - the loathsome,
under-handed monster you've become?
Or the loathsome, underhanded monster
we came to love?
FESTER
(desperately)
Don't ask me...
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 4/03/91 105A.
161 CONTINUED: 161
MORTICIA
Fester - I saw you tonight, at my
window. I know it was you.
ABIGAIL
(furious)
Gordon?
FESTER
(very upset)
I was... restless! I couldn't sleep.
ABIGAIL
Gordon, I have a thought. Just a
notion, top of my head. Tell me what
you think. Since you and Mrs. Addams
are so very close...
Abigail takes a red-hot POKER out of the fire and hands it
to Fester.
ABIGAIL
... be my guest.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/17/90 106.
162 OMITTED 162
thru thru
164 164
Ratings
Scene 58 - Storm of Chaos
Gomez cuts the engine. The car glides silently through
Gate -- who opens uncharacteristically without a creak.
Gomez stops the car and skulks out. Thing skulks after
him.
Gomez sees the reflections of the roaring fire through
the study window.
CUT TO:
165 INT. STUDY - SAME TIME 165
As Fester takes the poker and approaches Morticia -
GOMEZ CRASHES THROUGH THE WINDOW, in a back-flip.
Thing JUDO-FLIPS in after Gomez.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/15/91 107.
165 CONTINUED: 165
GOMEZ
Cara mia!
MORTICIA
Mon cher!
ABIGAIL
Addams!
Thing tosses Gomez a saber off the study wall.
Tully also grabs a saber, and approaches Gomez from behind.
MORTICIA
Darling, take care!
Without even looking, Gomez parries Tully's blow from
behind. Then he whirls on Tully.
GOMEZ
Dirty pool, old man. Never again!
TULLY
This is for keeps, Gomez! Not
just doubloons!
Tully feints, then slashes - shredding the front of Gomez's
jacket.
GOMEZ
One for you, Tully, and...
Gomez ATTACKS - HIS BLADE FLASHING LIKE LIGHTNING. In a
blur of action, Tully's sword is knocked from his hand and
he's sent tumbling backwards, finally landing on his knees.
GOMEZ
... one for me!
Tully looks up at Gomez with cowardly, pleading eyes.
TULLY
Gomez... it's Tully. I'm your
lawyer. I'm on retainer.
ABIGAIL (O.S.)
Let him up!
Gomez turns to see...
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/3/90 108.
165 CONTINUED: (2) 165
ABIGAIL -
who now has a pistol aimed at Morticia. One shot and
Morticia will die horribly.
Gomez throws aside his sword. Tully scrambles to his
feet.
ABIGAIL
(to Gomez)
That's right! Now get moving -
Addams, take him to the vault.
And if you're not back in one
hour...
(the pistol aimed
at Morticia, and
using her accent)
I displace her.
Gomez is near enough now to take Morticia's hand, on the
torture wheel.
GOMEZ
Tish - seeing you like this. My
blood boils.
MORTICIA
As does mine.
GOMEZ
(touching the
torture wheel)
This wheel of pain...
MORTICIA
Our wheel.
CU on Fester, confused at watching this emotional
display.
GOMEZ
(to Morticia)
To live without you - only that
would be torture.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/15/91 109.
165 CONTINUED: (3) 165
MORTICIA
(to Gomez)
A day alone - only that would be
death.
Gomez kisses Morticia's hand.
ABIGAIL
Knock it off! The vault, Addams -
right now!
FESTER
But, Mother can't we...
Gomez reaches for the book that will open the secret
panel:
ABIGAIL
Can it, Gordon! Stop dragging your
feet! You disgust me - you're nothing
but a useless, snivelling baby! A
stone around my neck! What was I
thinking - I should've left you where
I found you!
At Abigail's final words, Fester suddenly LEAPS FORWARD.
FESTER
No tricks, Gomez! That's the wrong
book!
CLOSE UP
Gomez's hand is on the right book, "Greed," but Fester
stops him from pulling it.
FESTER
Allow me...
Gomez looks into Fester's eyes -- realizing what he's
about to do.
GOMEZ
(murmuring)
Good show, old man...
Fester reaches for a DIFFERENT BOOK -- "Hurricane Irene:
Nightmare from Above."
Seeing the title of the book, Tully suddenly panics:
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 3/18/91 110.
165 CONTINUED: (4) 165
TULLY
Put that book down, Gordon! You
don't know what it can do! It's
not just literture!
FESTER
(advancing on Tully)
Oh, really?
TULLY
I'm your friend, Gordon - think
of the doubloons!
FESTER
They're not yours, Tully! Back off!
ANGLE on Gomez, releasing Morticia from the torture wheel.
MORTICIA
Quickly, my darling!
He helps her down from the wheel.
GOMEZ
Leather straps, red-hot pokers...
MORTICIA
Later, my dearest.
ANGLE on Fester, facing off with Abigail, as Tully cowers.
ABIGAIL
Keep the book closed, Gordon -
listen to mother!
FESTER
I'll never listen to you - not
ever again!
ABIGAIL
I had to be strict with you -
because I cared! Put it down!
FESTER
You never really loved me!
ANGLE on Gomez and Morticia, nearing the bookcase.
GOMEZ
Come, my love - to safety!
MORTICIA
But what of Fester?
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/28/91 110A.
165 CONTINUED: (5) 165
GOMEZ
(calling out, to Fester)
Old man, this way!
ANGLE on Abigail and Fester.
ABIGAIL
Stop whining, you little good-
for-nothing! Be a man!
FESTER
You're a terrible mother! There,
I said it!
Fester opens the book, and blasts Tully out of the window.
Then he blasts Abigail out as well.
ANGLE ON GOMEZ, who has now pulled the right book, "Greed",
to open the bookshelf. Amid the storm, he is leading
Morticia behind the bookshelf. He tries to hold the
bookshelf open for Fester to follow, fighting the gale
force winds.
GOMEZ
(calling out to Fester)
Old man! This way!
ANGLE ON THING, across the room, struggling across the
floor toward the bookshelf. Thing fights the wind,
which pelts him with papers and other flying debris.
Gomez can no longer fight the storm, and the bookshelf
slams shut. Fester desperately tries to close the book to
quell the storm, but a HUGE BOLT OF LIGHTNING ZAPS HIM.
He falls to the floor, with electricity coursing through
him.
MOVE IN on the storm raging within the pages of the book,
then -
FADE TO BLACK
FADE IN ON:
166 OMITTED 166
thru thru
169 169
170 OMITTED 170
171 OMITTED 171
thru thru
173 173
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/28/91 110B.
Ratings
Scene 59 - A Spooktacular Welcome
A group of little CHILDREN approach the front door. There
is a hand-lettered sign on the door reading "HALLOWEEN
OPEN HOUSE." The children are dressed in traditional
Halloween costumes - there's a witch, a ghost, a skeleton,
etc., and they all carry trick-or-treat bags. They giggle
and chatter. One of the children is pushed forward, and
he KNOCKS on the front door. As the door opens, the
children CHANT:
CHILDREN
Trick or...
They freeze in mid-chant. We do not see who has opened
the door, but the children do. After a beat, they SCREAM
IN HORROR and run, terrified, back toward the street.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 12/3/90 111.
175 INT. FRONT HALL - SAME TIME 175
Lurch is closing the front door, looking puzzled.
The family is busily decorating the house for their annual
Halloween festivities. All the decorations are elegant
yet ancient, dusty and faded. The crystal gloves in the
chandeliers have been replaced by miniature jack o-
lanterns. Skeletons, each wearing a top hat, hang from
the sconces by the nooses around their necks. There are
clusters of black and orange balloons, covered with
cobwebs. Uncle Fester and Thing are draping the banisters
and stairway railings with a garland made from crepe
paper, dead branches and spanish moss. Skulls, each
holding a candle, are scattered about, on the stairs and
the furniture. A stuffed, life-size scarecrow leans
against the stairway, with a pitchfork through its throat.
A banner on the wall reads "HAPPY HALLOWEEN", and the
letters drip with blood.
Gomez hangs upside down from the balcony. Morticia hands
him a decoration.
Granny appears from the kitchen, carrying a tray of food.
GRANNY
Well, it's their loss. I even
made finger sandwiches.
Perched on Fester's shoulder, Thing shakes in fear.
FESTER
(petting Thing)
Oh, calm down.
PUGSLEY (O.S.)
Here we come!
Wednesday and Pugsley come down the stairs. Wednesday
is dressed in her usual style, but Pugsley is dressed as
a tiny version of UNCLE FESTER, COMPLETE WITH BALD HEAD AND
GREATCOAT. The adults are delighted. Gomez flips down
onto his feet.
GOMEZ
Pugsley, old man!
MORTICIA
(delighted)
Look at you.
PUGSLEY
(to Uncle Fester)
How do you like it?
Fester is very touched; he picks Pugsley up.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/15/91 111A.
175 CONTINUED: 175
FESTER
What can I say? He's going to
break hearts.
GOMEZ
Let's get a picture! Lurch?
MORTICIA
Oh yes - in the den.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 11/20/90 112.
175 CONTINUED: 175
Everyone starts to move toward the den. There is a KNOCK
on the door. Everyone turns. Lurch opens the door.
Standing outside are Margaret and Cousin It. Margaret is
dressed as a fairy princess, complete with wand. Cousin
It wears a cowboy hat, a bandanna and a holster. Margaret
is radiant, obviously very much in love.
MARGARET
Trick or treat!
COUSIN IT
Ooot oot glibber.
GOMEZ
Look, everyone! We have guests!
MORTICIA
Hello, Margaret. Cousin It - I
almost didn't recognize you.
MARGARET
Isn't he handsome? Everyone keeps
asking where he bought his costume.
GOMEZ
(admiringly)
It is a wonderful hat.
MARGARET
(to Wednesday)
And what are you, darling? Where's
your costume?
WEDNESDAY
(solemnly)
This is my costume. I'm a homicidal
maniac. They look just like everyone
else.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 60 - Halloween Revelry at the Addams Mansion
Fester and Pugsley are posed at one end of the room.
Lurch has set up an easel and canvas; he is painting
Fester and Pugsley's portrait.
Gomez and Wednesday are sitting on the floor amid
newspapers, carving a pumpkin.
Morticia is knitting. Margaret and Cousin It sit together,
holding hands. Granny brings people cups of steaming
punch, from a punch bowl.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/19/91 113.
176 CONTINUED: 176
FESTER
Halloween - it's such a special
time. Ghosts and goblins. Witches
on broomsticks.
WEDNESDAY
Children begging in the streets.
FESTER
I'm so glad I can share this night
with my family - my real family.
Now that I've got my memory back.
MORTICIA
That unfortunate woman. Filled with
evil.
(shaking her head,
sadly)
But not enough.
PUGSLEY
(to Fester)
She wasn't your mother. She just
said that.
COUSIN IT
Ooot oot gleep.
GOMEZ
(to It)
You remember, old sport - she really
did find him tangled in a tuna net,
twenty-five years ago. With amnesia.
WEDNESDAY
From the Bermuda Triangle.
COUSIN IT
Ooot oot oot.
MORTICIA
How true. Stranger things have
happened.
MARGARET
I'm sorry, and I'm not bitter,
but I blame Tully.
COUSIN IT
Ooot blipper gleep.
MARGARET
(the coquette)
Oh, stop. I'm blushing.
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/19/91 113A.
176 CONTINUED: 176
GRANNY
(to Fester)
Thank God for that lightning.
Knocked some sense into you.
PUGSLEY
Please, Uncle Fester?
GOMEZ
(jovially)
Pugsley...
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 2/19/91 114.
176 CONTINUED: (2) 176
PUGSLEY
For the picture?
Fester pops a light bulb into his mouth. It lights.
Pugsley giggles.
Gomez stands up, having finished the pumpkin. He places
it on a table, and lights the candle inside. The pumpkin
glows. It has ONE EYE IN THE MIDDLE OF ITS FOREHEAD.
Everyone oohs and ahhs.
FESTER
You know, all the old sayings are
true. There's no place like home.
And blood is thicker than water.
MORTICIA
And just as refreshing.
GOMEZ
All right, everybody - time for a
game! What shall it be - bobbing
for apples?
MARGARET
Charades?
COUSIN IT
Ooot glibber glip.
MORTICIA
Of course - "Wake The Dead."
FESTER
(delighted, to Gomez
remembering this childhood
favorite)
"Wake The Dead"!
GOMEZ
(equally excited)
"Wake The Dead"! Out to the cemetery!
Come on, everyone!
Everyone starts to exit, chattering happily.
MARGARET
(to Granny)
I've never played this before -
how does it go?
GRANNY
Did you bring a shovel?
(CONTINUED)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 3/18/91 114A.
176 CONTINUED: (3) 176
PUGSLEY
Uncle Fester, will you be on my team?
WEDNESDAY
No, mine!
FESTER
(to Wednesday)
I tell you what - we'll give you a
head start. Three skulls and a
pelvis - how's that?
Pugsley and Wednesday cheer and run out. Fester faces
Gomez.
FESTER
My own dear brother - who could be
more precious?
GOMEZ
Blood is thicker than water, old man.
MORTICIA
(touched by the
brothers devotion)
And just as refreshing.
Gomez offers his hand. Fester takes it, in a manly
handshake.
GOMEZ
Let us never be parted.
FESTER
Let us always be as one.
Fester flips Gomez in a JUDO FLIP.
Gomez LANDS -
At the foot of a glass display case. The camera pans up
the case. It contains ABIGAIL AND TULLY, EXPERTLY
MOUNTED AND STUFFED.
Fester rises, dusting himself off.
FESTER
(joyfully, to Gomez
and Morticia)
Come on!
MORTICIA
We'll catch up.
Fester runs out.
CUT TO:
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - 3/18/91 115-117.
177 OMITTED 177
178 INT. FRONT HALL 178
Everyone is gone. Morticia and Gomez have drifted into
the front hall; they are moving toward the front door.
MORTICIA
(deeply satisfied)
Our family... what are they?
GOMEZ
Oh, Tish - what a night. Everyone
-- together at last. What more
could we ask?
MORTICIA
Gomez?
Morticia holds up the garment she's been knitting - it's
a BABY JUMPER WITH THREE LEGS.
GOMEZ
(ecstatic)
Cara mia... is it true?
MORTICIA
(shaking her head
"yes")
Oui, mon cher...
They embrace, as the front door SWINGS OPEN, of its own
accord.
CUT TO:
179 EXT. ADDAMS MANSION - SAME TIME 179
Morticia and Gomez are silhouetted in the doorway. There
is a FULL MOON. In the distance, a wolf HOWLS. Wispy
GHOSTS flit through the night sky. A human SCREAM is
heard, followed by Granny's CACKLE. In the cemetery,
torches are seen, like fireflies.
FADE OUT.
THE END
Ratings
Characters in the screenplay, and their arcs:
Character | Arc | Critique | Suggestions |
---|---|---|---|
gomez | Throughout the screenplay, Gomez experiences a journey of self-discovery and emotional growth. Initially, he is depicted as the confident and flamboyant patriarch, reveling in his romantic gestures and theatrical flair. However, as the story unfolds, he faces challenges that test his loyalty and devotion to his family. A pivotal moment occurs when he confronts feelings of jealousy and regret regarding his brother Fester's absence, leading him to question his role as a husband and father. By the climax, Gomez learns to balance his passionate nature with a deeper understanding of family dynamics, ultimately embracing vulnerability and emotional honesty. In the resolution, he emerges as a more grounded character, still flamboyant but now with a richer emotional depth, reinforcing the importance of family bonds and acceptance of imperfections. | Gomez's character arc is engaging and provides a solid foundation for emotional depth; however, it risks becoming predictable if not executed with nuance. The initial portrayal of Gomez as solely flamboyant and passionate may overshadow the complexity of his emotional struggles. Additionally, the resolution could feel rushed if the buildup of his internal conflict is not adequately developed throughout the screenplay. | To enhance Gomez's character arc, consider incorporating more moments of introspection that reveal his vulnerabilities earlier in the story. This could involve flashbacks or conversations with Morticia that hint at his insecurities and fears. Additionally, introducing a subplot that challenges his romantic ideals—such as a misunderstanding with Morticia or a conflict with Fester—could provide opportunities for growth and reflection. Finally, ensure that the resolution allows for a gradual transformation, showcasing how Gomez applies the lessons learned throughout the narrative to strengthen his relationships, rather than presenting a sudden change in character. |
morticia | Throughout the screenplay, Morticia's character arc evolves from a stoic and composed matriarch to a more emotionally vulnerable figure. Initially, she is portrayed as the anchor of the family, maintaining order and tradition while exhibiting a dark sense of humor. As the story progresses, Morticia faces external challenges that threaten her family's unity, forcing her to confront her own fears and insecurities. This journey leads her to embrace her vulnerabilities, allowing her to connect more deeply with her family members, particularly Gomez and the children. By the climax, Morticia emerges as a more dynamic character, balancing her dark allure with a newfound openness and emotional depth, ultimately reinforcing the importance of family unity and acceptance. | While Morticia's character is richly developed with a strong sense of elegance and dark humor, her arc could benefit from more explicit moments of internal conflict and growth. The screenplay presents her as a stable force, but it may risk making her seem one-dimensional if her vulnerabilities are not adequately explored. Additionally, her interactions with other characters could be expanded to showcase how her evolution impacts those around her, particularly in moments of crisis or emotional turmoil. | To enhance Morticia's character arc, consider incorporating scenes that challenge her beliefs or force her to confront her past. This could involve flashbacks that reveal her struggles with family expectations or her own fears about loss and change. Additionally, creating pivotal moments where Morticia must choose between her darkly romantic ideals and the practical needs of her family could add depth to her character. Engaging her in more dynamic relationships with other family members, particularly in moments of conflict or vulnerability, would also allow for a richer exploration of her emotional landscape. Finally, integrating a subplot that highlights her growth in accepting her own imperfections and embracing the chaos of family life could provide a satisfying resolution to her arc. |
granny | Throughout the screenplay, Granny undergoes a transformation from a whimsical figure who primarily serves as comic relief to a more central character who plays a crucial role in resolving family conflicts. Initially, she is seen as the quirky grandmother who provides humor and eccentricity, but as the story progresses, she becomes a guiding force for the family, using her wisdom and unconventional methods to help them navigate challenges. By the climax, Granny's inventive spirit and deep understanding of family dynamics lead to a pivotal moment where she unites the family, showcasing her importance beyond just comic relief. In the resolution, she embraces her role as the matriarch, reinforcing the family's bond and celebrating their unique quirks. | While Granny's character is vibrant and entertaining, her arc could benefit from deeper emotional stakes. Currently, her transformation feels somewhat superficial, primarily revolving around her role as a source of humor. The screenplay could explore her backstory or personal struggles, providing a more profound motivation for her actions and decisions. Additionally, her relationship with other family members could be fleshed out to highlight her influence and the impact of her wisdom on their growth. | To improve Granny's character arc, consider incorporating a subplot that reveals her past experiences or challenges that shaped her eccentric personality. This could involve a flashback or a moment of vulnerability that allows the audience to connect with her on a deeper level. Additionally, enhancing her relationships with other family members—perhaps by showcasing moments where her advice directly influences their decisions—would strengthen her role as the matriarch. Finally, introducing a conflict that tests her wisdom and independence could provide a more dynamic and engaging arc, allowing her to evolve in a way that resonates with the audience. |
pugsley | Throughout the screenplay, Pugsley begins as a carefree and mischievous boy, reveling in the chaos of his family's unconventional lifestyle. As the story progresses, he faces challenges that test his loyalty and understanding of family values. A pivotal moment occurs when Pugsley must choose between a dangerous prank that could harm his family and protecting them from potential consequences. This decision leads him to a deeper understanding of responsibility and the importance of family unity. By the end of the feature, Pugsley evolves from a naive troublemaker into a more thoughtful and protective member of the Addams Family, learning to balance his adventurous spirit with a newfound sense of responsibility. | Pugsley's character arc is engaging, but it could benefit from more depth and emotional stakes. While his mischievous nature is well-established, the transition from a carefree boy to a more responsible character feels somewhat abrupt. The screenplay could explore his internal conflicts more thoroughly, allowing the audience to connect with his journey on a deeper level. Additionally, the stakes of his decisions could be heightened to create a more compelling narrative. | To improve Pugsley's character arc, consider incorporating more moments of introspection where he grapples with the consequences of his actions. Introduce a subplot that highlights his relationship with a specific family member, allowing for emotional growth and a clearer understanding of his motivations. Additionally, create scenarios where Pugsley's decisions have tangible impacts on his family, reinforcing the theme of responsibility. This will not only enhance his character development but also provide a richer narrative experience for the audience. |
wednesday | Throughout the screenplay, Wednesday embarks on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Initially, she is portrayed as a solitary figure, deeply entrenched in her dark interests and often at odds with the more eccentric behaviors of her family. As the story progresses, she encounters challenges that force her to confront her own fears and insecurities. Through her interactions with Uncle Fester and her brother Pugsley, she learns the importance of family loyalty and the value of embracing her unique identity. By the climax, Wednesday evolves from a detached observer to an active participant in her family's adventures, ultimately finding a balance between her dark persona and the warmth of familial bonds. In the resolution, she emerges as a more integrated individual, proudly embracing her macabre interests while also recognizing the strength that comes from her family's love and support. | While Wednesday's character is well-defined and intriguing, her arc could benefit from deeper emotional exploration. The screenplay presents her as a stoic figure, but this can lead to a lack of emotional resonance with the audience. Her journey towards acceptance and connection with her family feels somewhat predictable and could use more complexity. Additionally, the stakes in her character arc may not be high enough to fully engage viewers, as her motivations and conflicts could be more pronounced. | To improve Wednesday's character arc, consider introducing a significant external conflict that challenges her beliefs and forces her to confront her fears in a more impactful way. This could involve a threat to her family that requires her to step out of her comfort zone and take on a leadership role. Additionally, incorporating moments of vulnerability where she grapples with her identity and the expectations placed upon her could create a more relatable and emotionally rich character. Exploring her relationships with her family members in greater depth, particularly her dynamic with Morticia and Gomez, could also enhance her journey, allowing for moments of growth and connection that resonate with the audience. |
lurch | Throughout the screenplay, Lurch undergoes a subtle yet significant character arc. Initially portrayed as a silent and stoic figure, he gradually reveals his unexpected humor and gentle nature, particularly in moments of crisis or family bonding. As the story progresses, Lurch becomes more involved in the family's adventures, showcasing his loyalty not just through service but also through active participation. By the climax, he takes a stand to protect the family, demonstrating that his loyalty extends beyond mere duty. In the resolution, Lurch finds a balance between his imposing presence and his newfound ability to express himself, solidifying his role as both a protector and a beloved member of the Addams Family. | While Lurch's character is well-defined as a stoic and loyal butler, his arc could benefit from more explicit moments of personal growth. The transition from a silent observer to an active participant in the family's adventures feels somewhat abrupt. Additionally, the humor aspect of his character could be explored further to create more memorable and impactful moments that resonate with the audience. | To improve Lurch's character arc, consider incorporating scenes that highlight his internal struggles or desires, allowing the audience to connect with him on a deeper level. Introduce a subplot where Lurch faces a challenge that requires him to step out of his comfort zone, showcasing his growth. Additionally, sprinkle in more comedic moments that play off his stoic nature, creating a contrast that enhances both his humor and his loyalty. This could culminate in a pivotal scene where Lurch's unique blend of humor and strength saves the day, solidifying his place within the family dynamic. |
tully | Throughout the screenplay, Tully begins as a desperate and bumbling opportunist, constantly trying to impress others while failing miserably. As he becomes more entangled with the Addams Family, he faces increasingly challenging situations that force him to confront his own insecurities and moral ambiguity. Initially driven by greed, Tully's character arc leads him to a moment of self-realization where he must choose between his self-serving tendencies and the potential for genuine connection with the Addams Family. By the end of the feature, Tully learns the value of authenticity and courage, ultimately deciding to stand up for himself and others, even if it means risking his own interests. | Tully's character arc, while humorous and engaging, may lack depth in terms of emotional growth. His transformation from a cowardly opportunist to someone who values authenticity is a solid foundation, but the screenplay could benefit from more nuanced moments that explore his internal conflicts. As it stands, Tully's motivations are primarily driven by greed and insecurity, which can make him feel one-dimensional at times. Additionally, his interactions with the Addams Family could be more varied to showcase different facets of his personality and growth. | To improve Tully's character arc, consider incorporating key moments that challenge his worldview and force him to confront the consequences of his actions. For instance, introducing a subplot where Tully must choose between betraying a friend or standing up for them could add emotional weight to his journey. Additionally, allowing Tully to form a genuine bond with a member of the Addams Family could provide a catalyst for his transformation, showcasing how their eccentricity influences his growth. Finally, adding layers to his motivations—such as a backstory that explains his insecurities—could create a more relatable and complex character. |
fester | Fester's character arc begins with his mysterious return to the Addams family, where he initially appears aloof and detached, sparking curiosity and intrigue. As the story progresses, he grapples with his identity and the deception he has created, revealing moments of vulnerability and nostalgia. His interactions with family members, particularly Morticia and Abigail, highlight his internal conflict and desire for belonging. Throughout the screenplay, Fester experiences a range of emotions, from excitement to disappointment, ultimately leading him to confront his fears and insecurities. By the climax, he embraces his eccentricities and finds acceptance within the family, culminating in a heartfelt resolution where he reconciles his past with his present, emerging as a more confident and self-aware individual. | While Fester's character arc is rich and multifaceted, it risks becoming convoluted due to the numerous emotional shifts and conflicting motivations. The balance between his quirky humor and deeper emotional struggles may not always resonate with the audience, potentially leading to confusion about his true character. Additionally, the reliance on external influences, such as his mother Abigail, may undermine his agency and personal growth, making it difficult for viewers to fully connect with his journey. | To improve Fester's character arc, consider streamlining his emotional journey by focusing on a few key themes, such as acceptance and self-discovery. Emphasize his agency by allowing him to make more independent choices that drive the plot forward, rather than being swayed by external influences. Additionally, incorporate moments of clarity where Fester reflects on his past and articulates his desires, helping the audience understand his motivations more clearly. Finally, ensure that his humor complements his emotional depth, creating a cohesive character that resonates with viewers while maintaining the whimsical charm of the Addams family. |
abigail | Abigail begins as a cold and calculating figure, using her manipulative skills to control Fester and further her own agenda. As the story progresses, her interactions with the Addams family challenge her emotionally distant facade, forcing her to confront her insecurities and the consequences of her greed. A pivotal moment occurs when Fester begins to see through her manipulations, leading to a confrontation that exposes Abigail's vulnerabilities. By the climax, Abigail is faced with a choice: continue her ruthless pursuit of power or embrace a more authentic connection with others. Ultimately, she chooses to abandon her manipulative ways, leading to a moment of redemption, albeit at a significant personal cost. | While Abigail's character is well-defined as a manipulative antagonist, her arc could benefit from deeper emotional exploration. The transition from a purely greedy character to one that experiences growth and redemption feels somewhat abrupt. The screenplay may risk portraying her as a one-dimensional villain if her motivations and internal struggles are not adequately fleshed out. Additionally, her relationship with Fester could be developed further to create a more compelling dynamic that highlights her vulnerabilities and the potential for change. | To improve Abigail's character arc, consider incorporating flashbacks or moments of introspection that reveal her backstory and the origins of her manipulative tendencies. This could help the audience empathize with her character and understand her motivations. Additionally, introducing a secondary character who challenges her worldview or serves as a moral compass could create opportunities for conflict and growth. Finally, ensure that her redemption arc is gradual, allowing her to make small, believable changes in her behavior that lead to a more satisfying transformation by the end of the feature. |
Top Correlations and patterns found in the scenes:
Pattern | Explanation |
---|---|
High Concept Scores and Consistent Tone | Scenes with a high 'Concept' score (8 or 9) consistently feature a blend of 'Dark Humor' and other tones (Whimsical, Sarcastic, Playful). This suggests a strong thematic core that is effectively conveyed through a consistent, yet varied, tonal approach. Exploring the potential for extending this tonal palette in future scenes could enhance the overall depth and richness of your narrative. |
Emotional Impact and Dialogue Correlation | There's a moderate negative correlation between 'Emotional Impact' and 'Dialogue' scores. Scenes with high emotional impact tend to have lower dialogue scores, and vice versa. This could be deliberate, suggesting that you create emotional impact through other cinematic elements rather than purely through dialogue. However, consider exploring ways to elevate the dialogue in emotionally charged moments to create a more powerful effect. The lower dialogue scores may also hint at a possible over-reliance on visual storytelling and subtext – something to consider in your balance. |
Character Changes and Plot Advancement | There's a weak positive correlation between 'Character Changes' and 'Move Story Forward' scores. Scenes with higher scores in character development tend to also move the plot along more effectively. This suggests that significant character arcs and transitions are instrumental to progressing your narrative. Focus on ensuring that every scene contributes to character evolution to drive the story forward more dynamically. |
High Stakes and Overall Grade | While 'High Stakes' scores are relatively high across the screenplay, there isn't a strong correlation between 'High Stakes' and 'Overall Grade'. This indicates that while you successfully establish stakes in your scenes, you may be able to further enhance their impact on the overall narrative by strengthening other scene elements like emotional impact or conflict resolution. Consider how raising the stakes can amplify the other elements rather than working in isolation. |
Recurring Tone Clusters | The screenplay shows a strong tendency towards clusters of scenes using tones like 'Dark Humor', 'Playful', 'Whimsical', 'Sarcastic', and 'Mysterious'. While this provides a consistent atmosphere, consider introducing more tonal variety to create contrasting moments and prevent a potential sense of monotony. Experimenting with scenes that deviate from these frequently used tones might generate surprising narrative depth and prevent predictability. |
Late-Act Emotional Intensity | There's a noticeable increase in 'Emotional Impact' scores towards the end of the screenplay (scenes 57-58). This is a positive indication of a strong climax. Maintain this momentum in the final act while ensuring the emotional escalation feels organic and earned, rather than abrupt. |
Conflict and High Stakes – A Missed Opportunity | Despite consistently high scores in 'High Stakes', the 'Conflict' scores show some inconsistencies. This suggests that opportunities to build up inherent conflict could be better utilized to raise the stakes even further. Ensure that the high-stakes situations are intrinsically linked to robust and engaging conflict. |
Writer's Craft Overall Analysis
The screenplay demonstrates a strong foundation in dark humor and eccentric characterization, effectively capturing the essence of the Addams Family. The writer consistently blends humor, suspense, and character dynamics, creating engaging narratives. However, there's room for growth in refining comedic timing, deepening character motivations, and exploring diverse storytelling techniques beyond the established dark comedy genre.
Key Improvement Areas
Suggestions
Type | Suggestion | Rationale |
---|---|---|
Screenplay | Read and analyze screenplays from a diverse range of dark comedies (e.g., 'Beetlejuice,' 'The Addams Family,' 'Edward Scissorhands,' 'The Nightmare Before Christmas,' 'Little Miss Sunshine,' 'The Royal Tenenbaums'), and also some non-comedies with strong dialogue and character development like 'Glengarry Glen Ross' and 'The Godfather'. Pay close attention to how these writers blend humor with drama, develop complex characters, and build tension. | Exposure to different approaches to dark humor and storytelling will help the writer develop a more versatile and sophisticated style. |
Video | Watch interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of filmmakers known for their dark humor (e.g., Tim Burton, Wes Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, the Coen Brothers, and Diablo Cody). Focus on how they approach character development, comedic timing, and the creation of atmosphere. | Understanding the creative process of established professionals can provide valuable insights into effective storytelling techniques. |
Exercise | Write a scene with two characters who have deeply conflicting goals, but where their conversation reveals unexpected layers of emotional connection or shared vulnerability. Focus on subtext and using dialogue to reveal hidden motivations.Practice In SceneProv | This will force the writer to hone their skills in crafting subtle character interactions and using dialogue to build tension and emotional depth. |
Exercise | Choose a scene from a screenplay you admire and rewrite it in a completely different genre. For example, rewrite a romantic scene as a tense thriller or a comedic scene as a dramatic confrontation.Practice In SceneProv | This exercise will push the writer to think outside their comfort zone and explore new narrative possibilities, strengthening their versatility. |
Exercise | Develop detailed character profiles for your main characters, including their backstory, motivations, fears, weaknesses, and relationships with other characters. Then write a scene that highlights a specific conflict or internal struggle for one of these characters.Practice In SceneProv | This exercise will promote a deeper understanding of the characters, leading to more nuanced and believable portrayals. |
Stories Similar to this one
Story | Explanation |
---|---|
The Addams Family (1991) | This film features the iconic Addams Family characters and their darkly comedic antics, similar to the screenplay's portrayal of the family's eccentricities and macabre humor. The themes of family loyalty and the absurdity of their lifestyle resonate throughout both the film and the screenplay. |
The Addams Family Values (1993) | This sequel continues the dark humor and family dynamics established in the first film, showcasing the Addams family's interactions with outsiders and their unique take on traditional family values, paralleling the screenplay's exploration of the Addams' relationships and their interactions with the outside world. |
A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004) | This film shares a similar tone of dark humor and whimsical misfortune, focusing on a quirky family facing bizarre challenges. The screenplay's blend of comedy and macabre elements mirrors the tone of this adaptation, where the characters navigate through absurd and dangerous situations. |
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) | Both stories feature a blend of dark themes and whimsical elements, with characters that embrace the macabre. The screenplay's Christmas Eve setting and the Addams family's unique take on holiday traditions echo the themes of Jack Skellington's exploration of different holidays in Tim Burton's classic. |
Beetlejuice (1988) | This film features a similarly eccentric and supernatural family dealing with the living and the dead, with a strong emphasis on dark humor. The chaotic interactions between the characters and the absurdity of their situations in both the screenplay and the film create a parallel in tone and style. |
The Munsters (TV Series, 1964-1966) | This classic sitcom features a family of monsters living in a suburban setting, similar to the Addams Family. Both families embrace their oddities and face humorous situations with a blend of charm and darkness, making the tone and structure comparable. |
Coraline (2009) | This animated film explores themes of family, identity, and the macabre through a whimsical lens. The eerie atmosphere and the protagonist's journey through a strange world resonate with the Addams family's adventures and their unique perspective on life and family. |
The Witches (1990) | This film features a darkly comedic take on witches and their interactions with children, similar to the Addams family's dynamic with outsiders. The blend of horror and humor, along with the quirky characters, aligns well with the screenplay's tone. |
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) | This film showcases a dysfunctional family with eccentric characters and dark humor, paralleling the Addams family's dynamics. The themes of family loyalty, nostalgia, and the absurdity of their situations resonate with the screenplay's exploration of the Addams family's relationships. |
Here are different Tropes found in the screenplay
Trope | Trope Details | Trope Explanation |
---|---|---|
Dark Humor | The Addams Family engages in morbidly humorous activities, such as Pugsley drinking a concoction that shrinks him and the family discussing death and torture in a light-hearted manner. | Dark humor involves making light of subjects that are generally considered serious or taboo. An example is the TV show 'The Addams Family,' where the characters often joke about death and the macabre. |
Family Reunion | The Addams Family celebrates the return of Uncle Fester, leading to a chaotic yet joyful gathering filled with eccentric relatives. | Family reunions often serve as a backdrop for character development and conflict resolution. A classic example is 'Meet the Fockers,' where family dynamics are explored during a reunion. |
Eccentric Family | The Addams Family is characterized by their bizarre behaviors, such as playing with dangerous items and having a fog machine that fails. | Eccentric families are often portrayed in media to highlight the uniqueness of their dynamics. An example is 'The Royal Tenenbaums,' where each family member has distinct quirks. |
The Misunderstood Villain | This trope involves a character who appears villainous but has redeeming qualities or a tragic backstory. An example is Loki from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, who often straddles the line between villain and hero. | |
Sibling Rivalry | Wednesday and Pugsley engage in playful yet violent sibling antics, such as dueling and attempting to electrocute each other. | Sibling rivalry is a common trope that showcases competition and conflict between siblings. An example is 'The Lion King,' where Simba and Scar's rivalry drives the plot. |
The Unconventional Love Story | Gomez and Morticia's relationship is characterized by their dark humor and passionate exchanges, showcasing a unique love story. | Unconventional love stories often defy traditional romantic tropes, focusing on unique dynamics. An example is 'The Nightmare Before Christmas,' where Jack and Sally's love story is set against a dark fantasy backdrop. |
The Outsider | The outsider trope often highlights the contrast between the protagonist and the established norms of a group. An example is 'The Breakfast Club,' where different characters navigate their differences. | |
The Seance | Seances are often used in stories to connect with the dead or explore the supernatural. An example is 'The Others,' where the characters deal with the presence of spirits. | |
The Chaotic Family Dinner | Chaotic family dinners often highlight the dynamics and conflicts within a family. An example is 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation,' where family gatherings lead to comedic chaos. |
Theme | Theme Details | Themee Explanation | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Family | The core of the narrative revolves around the Addams Family, their eccentric dynamics, and their relationships with each other. The return of Fester, the family's dysfunction, their unique celebrations, and their unwavering support for one another are central to the plot. | The film explores the unconventional yet deeply loving bonds within a non-traditional family. It highlights the importance of acceptance, loyalty, and the unique beauty of family, even when that family is markedly different from societal norms. The various subplots all ultimately feed back into the central theme of familial bonds and their strength in the face of adversity. | ||||||||||||
Strengthening Family:
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Identity and Belonging | Fester's return and his struggle to fit in with the family, coupled with Wednesday's suspicion of him, highlight questions of identity. Tully's attempts to gain financial advantage from the Addams family's wealth also reflect a search for belonging and acceptance, albeit in a more mercenary way. Gomez's own struggles with the loss of his brother also add another layer. | The screenplay explores the complexities of self-discovery and the search for one's place in the world. The characters grapple with issues of acceptance, self-perception, and the tension between wanting to belong and maintaining individuality. Fester's uncertain identity, and the family's willingness to embrace him, despite his questionable nature, is a key element of this theme. | ||||||||||||
Appearance vs. Reality | The initial presentation of Fester as a potential fraud, coupled with Abigail's manipulative schemes, emphasizes that things are not always as they seem. The Addams family's outwardly bizarre behavior often masks their genuine love and affection. Many events present a dark comedic contrast between expectation and reality. | The film plays with the contrast between surface appearances and underlying truths. The Addams Family's outward strangeness is contrasted with their inner warmth and loyalty. The narrative uses deception and misdirection to challenge audience perceptions and emphasize the importance of looking beyond superficial judgments. | ||||||||||||
Greed and Deception | Abigail's manipulative actions, her schemes to exploit the Addams family's wealth, and Tully's initially selfish motivations drive a significant portion of the conflict. The film subtly contrasts their greed with the Addams family's generally less materialistic values. | The film serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of greed and the consequences of deception. It contrasts the materialistic desires of Abigail and Tully with the Addams family's appreciation for unconventional values and familial bonds. The ultimate triumph of family over greed reinforces the film's message. | ||||||||||||
The Absurd and the Unexpected | The entire screenplay is infused with darkly comedic and unexpected twists. The family's outlandish actions and situations, along with the constant stream of bizarre events, create a consistently surreal atmosphere. | The film embraces the absurd and the unexpected, highlighting the comedic potential in unconventional situations. The narrative’s embrace of the strange and the unusual celebrates the unconventional and challenges viewers' expectations. |
Screenwriting Resources on Themes
Articles
Site | Description |
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Studio Binder | Movie Themes: Examples of Common Themes for Screenwriters |
Coverfly | Improving your Screenplay's theme |
John August | Writing from Theme |
YouTube Videos
Title | Description |
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Story, Plot, Genre, Theme - Screenwriting Basics | Screenwriting basics - beginner video |
What is theme | Discussion on ways to layer theme into a screenplay. |
Thematic Mistakes You're Making in Your Script | Common Theme mistakes and Philosophical Conflicts |
Voice Analysis | |
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Summary: | The writer's voice is darkly comedic and whimsical, blending gothic horror elements with eccentric characters and witty dialogue. The narrative voice is descriptive, setting vivid scenes often contrasting the eerie Addams family home with the mundane outside world. The direction is detailed, emphasizing physical comedy and visual gags alongside moments of genuine emotional depth. |
Voice Contribution | The writer's voice contributes to the script by establishing a unique tone that is both humorous and unsettling. The darkly comedic style prevents the gothic elements from becoming overly grim, while the eccentric characters and dialogue keep the story engaging and unpredictable. The contrast between the Addams family's internal world and the external 'normal' world highlights the themes of family, belonging, and the absurdity of societal expectations. The emotional depth woven into the dark humor adds layers of complexity to the characters and their relationships. |
Best Representation Scene | 14 - A Chaotic Séance |
Best Scene Explanation | This scene is the best representation because it perfectly encapsulates the writer's unique blend of dark humor, gothic atmosphere, and eccentric character interactions. The dialogue is witty and sharp, highlighting the family's unique dynamic. The direction creates a visually striking scene that balances the eerie setting with the family's playful chaos. It showcases the writer's ability to seamlessly blend humor, suspense, and emotional depth, creating a memorable moment that perfectly embodies the spirit of the Addams Family. |
- Overall originality score: 9
- Overall originality explanation: The screenplay showcases a high level of originality through its unique blend of dark humor, eccentric characters, and unconventional family dynamics. Each scene introduces fresh and bizarre situations that reflect the Addams Family's macabre charm, such as the juxtaposition of traditional holiday festivities with the family's sinister antics. The incorporation of unique elements like a sword fight while signing legal documents, a lemonade stand selling poisons, and a séance filled with dark humor further enhances the screenplay's originality.
- Most unique situations: The most unique situations in the screenplay are the Addams Family's Christmas caroling scene that subverts expectations by embracing the macabre, the portrayal of a sword fight combined with signing legal documents, and the family's Halloween preparations that include a lemonade stand selling poisons.
- Overall unpredictability score: 8.5
- Overall unpredictability explanation: The screenplay maintains a strong sense of unpredictability through its unexpected plot twists and the eccentric behavior of its characters. The frequent subversion of traditional family dynamics and holiday themes keeps the audience guessing about the characters' actions and the outcomes of various situations. The introduction of bizarre elements, such as Fester's mysterious return and the chaotic interactions during the séance, adds to the unpredictability, making it difficult to anticipate how the story will unfold.
Goals and Philosophical Conflict | |
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internal Goals | The protagonist's internal goals evolve from navigating familial relationships and asserting identity to accepting eccentricity and embracing love within the context of a tumultuous family dynamic. |
External Goals | The protagonist's external goals shift from re-establishing connections with long-lost family members to confronting external threats and affirming family bonds in the face of societal expectations. |
Philosophical Conflict | The overarching philosophical conflict explores the tension between conformity and individuality, particularly how the Addams family's unique values challenge societal norms, and how the protagonist's journey navigates these conflicting identities. |
Character Development Contribution: The goals and conflicts guide the protagonist through a journey of self-exploration and acceptance, evolving from an initial struggle for identity to fully embracing their family's eccentric values, leading to a stronger familial bond.
Narrative Structure Contribution: The shifting goals and conflicts create a dynamic narrative arc that balances comedy and drama, driving forward the plot through moments of tension and resolution, while intertwining family relationships with external conflicts.
Thematic Depth Contribution: The interplay of internal and external goals enriches thematic depth by exploring the complexities of identity, belonging, and acceptance, with humor illuminating the darker aspects of familial ties and societal rejection in a whimsical yet poignant manner.
Screenwriting Resources on Goals and Philosophical Conflict
Articles
Site | Description |
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Creative Screenwriting | How Important Is A Character’s Goal? |
Studio Binder | What is Conflict in a Story? A Quick Reminder of the Purpose of Conflict |
YouTube Videos
Title | Description |
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How I Build a Story's Philosophical Conflict | How do you build philosophical conflict into your story? Where do you start? And how do you develop it into your characters and their external actions. Today I’m going to break this all down and make it fully clear in this episode. |
Endings: The Good, the Bad, and the Insanely Great | By Michael Arndt: I put this lecture together in 2006, when I started work at Pixar on Toy Story 3. It looks at how to write an "insanely great" ending, using Star Wars, The Graduate, and Little Miss Sunshine as examples. 90 minutes |
Tips for Writing Effective Character Goals | By Jessica Brody (Save the Cat!): Writing character goals is one of the most important jobs of any novelist. But are your character's goals...mushy? |
- Physical environment: The world is predominantly set in and around the Addams Family mansion, a sprawling, gothic, and eccentric building characterized by darkness, decaying elegance, hidden passages, secret chambers, and a macabre aesthetic. Other locations include a decrepit law office, a rundown motel, a variety show stage, a cemetery, a school auditorium, a western-themed bungalow court, and various other settings that blend traditional elements with the Addams Family's unique style. The environments consistently feature a mix of old-world charm and decaying grandeur, often incorporating unusual props and set pieces that reinforce the family's dark and quirky nature. The mansion itself is a character, constantly evolving from a dusty, cobweb-filled shrine to a lively party venue.
- Culture: The Addams Family's culture is defined by its embrace of the macabre, the unconventional, and the darkly humorous. They celebrate death, the supernatural, and all things considered unusual by mainstream society. They find joy in activities that would horrify most people, such as performing a seance, playing with explosives, and casually discussing gruesome topics. Their customs and rituals are unique and often unsettling but also reflective of a close-knit family bond.
- Society: The Addams Family operates outside traditional societal norms and structures. Their family dynamics are unconventional, with characters expressing their eccentricities openly and without judgment. While they interact with the outside world (school, neighbors, business associates), their primary relationships are within the family, where their quirky behaviours are accepted and even celebrated. The interactions with outsiders often highlight the contrast between the Addams Family's culture and mainstream society, creating comedic conflict.
- Technology: Technology is minimally featured, emphasizing a timeless and old-world aesthetic. There are some whimsical mechanical devices (a cuckoo clock, fog machine), but the emphasis is on traditional tools, objects, and props. This lack of modern technology reinforces the timeless nature of their world and contrasts with the outside world's reliance on conventional tools.
- Characters influence: The world's physical environment, culture, and societal structures profoundly shape the characters' experiences and actions. Their gothic and macabre surroundings reflect their personalities and values, encouraging their unusual behaviour. The lack of societal pressure allows them to be themselves without constraint. Characters regularly engage in activities that are directly influenced by their environment; Gomez's sword fights, Wednesday's dark interests, and Pugsley's experiments all stem from their unique world.
- Narrative contribution: The world-building elements propel the narrative forward. The mansion's secret passages and hidden chambers are essential plot points, creating opportunities for suspense, mystery, and comedic misunderstandings. The contrast between the Addams Family's world and the outside world generates the central conflict, driving the plot and creating humorous scenarios. The search for Fester, the arrival of unexpected guests, and the family's internal conflicts are all shaped by their unique environment.
- Thematic depth contribution: The unique world-building contributes significantly to the thematic depth of the screenplay. The Addams Family's acceptance of the unconventional contrasts with the often-judgmental outside world, exploring themes of individuality, family loyalty, and challenging societal norms. The family's dark humour and fascination with death explore the complexities of life and mortality. The themes of love, acceptance, and family are strengthened by the setting, making the unconventional family dynamic heartwarming despite its macabre nature.
central conflict
The central conflict revolves around the Addams family's struggle to reunite with Uncle Fester, who has been missing for twenty-five years, while navigating the manipulative schemes of Tully and Abigail.
primary motivations
- Gomez's desire to reconnect with his brother Fester and restore family unity.
- Morticia's wish to maintain the family's dark legacy and protect her children.
- Tully's ambition to exploit Fester's return for financial gain.
- Abigail's manipulative drive to control Fester and access the Addams family fortune.
catalysts
- The arrival of Fester, who is believed to have returned after years of absence.
- The impending twenty-fifth séance, which raises hopes of contacting Fester.
- Tully's schemes to take advantage of Fester's return and the Addams family's vulnerabilities.
barriers
- Fester's internal conflict about his identity and loyalty to the Addams family.
- Tully and Abigail's manipulative tactics to keep Fester from fully integrating with the family.
- The family's own eccentricities and misunderstandings that complicate their interactions.
themes
- Family loyalty and the complexities of familial relationships.
- The clash between traditional values and unconventional lifestyles.
- The nature of identity and belonging within a family.
stakes
The stakes include the potential loss of Fester to Tully and Abigail's schemes, the integrity of the Addams family legacy, and the emotional well-being of Gomez and Morticia as they navigate their family's challenges.
uniqueness factor
The story's uniqueness lies in its blend of dark humor, gothic elements, and the juxtaposition of the Addams family's macabre lifestyle with traditional family dynamics.
audience hook
The main audience hook is the comedic yet dark portrayal of the Addams family as they confront absurd situations, combined with the mystery surrounding Fester's true identity.
paradoxical engine or bisociation
The paradoxical story engine is the tension between the Addams family's love for their eccentric lifestyle and the societal norms they defy, creating humor and conflict.
paradoxical engine or bisociation 2
A second option for the bisociation engine could be the contrast between the Addams family's macabre interests and their genuine affection for one another, highlighting the absurdity of their situation.
Engine: Gemini
Recommend
Executive Summary
The Addams Family screenplay is a darkly comedic masterpiece that successfully blends macabre humor with heartwarming family dynamics. While the pacing occasionally falters and some plot threads feel underdeveloped, the unique characters, witty dialogue, and strong visual style more than compensate. The script's success lies in its consistent portrayal of the Addams' unique worldview, making it a compelling and memorable story. Minor revisions focusing on pacing and plot streamlining would elevate it further.
- The script brilliantly establishes and maintains the Addams family's distinct personality and macabre humor. The relationships between the characters are complex and nuanced, adding depth to the comedic elements. Dialogue is witty, sharp and memorable, fully capturing the quirky nature of each character. high ( Scene 2 (2) Scene 4 (13) Scene 10 (32) Scene 17 (40) Scene 28 (99) )
- The screenplay utilizes creative and imaginative visual storytelling, establishing the Addams family's unique world and aesthetic from the opening scene. The visual details of the mansion and the family's actions effectively convey their eccentric personalities and create a distinct atmosphere. high ( Scene 1 (1) Scene 1 (3) Scene 1 (5) Scene 1 (6) )
- The character development, especially Gomez and Fester's reunion, is handled with a deft blend of humor and emotion. The screenplay utilizes flashbacks and the dynamics between the brothers to add depth to their relationship and provide the audience with both backstory and insight. medium ( Scene 20 (51) Scene 22 (53) Scene 26 (86) )
- The screenplay deftly uses the unique traits and mannerisms of each Addams family member. The dialogue and actions reflect their personalities which are consistent throughout. The dynamics within the family are a key strength. high ( Scene 17 (40) Scene 27 (79) Scene 30 (113) Scene 41 (133) )
- The screenplay masterfully balances dark humor with heartwarming moments. The scenes where the family comes together showcase their love and support for each other, which contrasts and balances the script's darker comedic aspects. medium ( Scene 23 (56) Scene 35 (93) )
- The pacing in certain sections feels uneven. Some scenes could be shortened or condensed to maintain a more consistent rhythm. The constant cutaways disrupt the flow at times and interrupt character development. medium ( Scene 22 (53) Scene 23 (56) Scene 24 (61) Scene 26 (65) )
- Certain plot threads, particularly the resolution of the conflict with Abigail and Gordon, could benefit from further development. The climax of the story relies too heavily on contrivance and could be improved by adding more subtle foreshadowing and making the ultimate reveal more credible. medium ( Scene 12 (39) Scene 13 (40) Scene 27 (87) )
- The resolution of some subplots feels abrupt. More focus on the aftermath of the courtroom scene and the Addams family's adjustment to their new life would enhance the overall narrative and provide a more satisfying conclusion. low
- A more detailed backstory for Abigail and Gordon would enhance the audience's understanding of their motivations and actions. medium
- The screenplay could benefit from more development of the supporting characters. Giving them more individual quirks and storylines would add richness and depth to the overall world. low
- The screenplay is rich in visual and verbal humor, successfully blending dark comedy with family-friendly themes. The creative use of sight gags, wordplay, and character interactions keeps the audience engaged and entertained. high ( Scene 10 (32) Scene 12 (39) Scene 21 (53) )
- The screenplay incorporates elements of classic horror and Gothic literature, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. The unsettling atmosphere and suspenseful moments complement the overall dark humor, adding a layer of complexity that elevates it beyond a simple comedy. medium ( Scene 28 (93) )
- The screenplay effectively employs visual and symbolic imagery to strengthen its thematic elements. The cemetery scene with its elaborate tombstones serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the Addams family's unique heritage and their embrace of death. high ( Scene 27 (74) )
- Underdeveloped Supporting Characters While the main Addams family members are well-developed, many supporting characters are one-dimensional, serving primarily as comedic foils or plot devices. Expanding their backstories and motivations would add depth to the world. medium
- Inconsistent Pacing The screenplay occasionally shifts between fast-paced comedic sequences and slower, more dramatic scenes without a smooth transition, creating an inconsistent rhythm. This could be addressed by refining scene structure and transitions. medium
Engine: GPT4
Highly Recommend
Executive Summary
The screenplay for 'The Addams Family' is a masterful blend of dark humor, quirky character dynamics, and a compelling narrative that captures the essence of the beloved characters created by Charles Addams. The script excels in maintaining a consistent tone and pacing, while also delivering strong character arcs and engaging dialogue. The unique blend of macabre elements with family themes makes it a standout in the comedy genre, appealing to both children and adults alike.
- The opening scenes effectively establish the tone and atmosphere of the Addams Family, showcasing their unique lifestyle and humor. high ( Scene 1 (A1) Scene 1 (1) )
- The character dynamics between Gomez and Morticia are well-developed, highlighting their passionate relationship and adding depth to their characters. high ( Scene 5 (B14) )
- The humor is consistently dark and clever, appealing to a wide audience and maintaining engagement throughout the screenplay. high ( Scene 36 (B95) )
- The resolution of character arcs, particularly Fester's journey back to the family, is satisfying and reinforces the theme of belonging. high ( Scene 44 (176) )
- The screenplay effectively uses visual humor and physical comedy, enhancing the overall comedic experience. medium ( Scene 49 (130) )
- Some character motivations, particularly for secondary characters like Tully, could be more clearly defined to enhance their roles in the story. medium ( Scene 3 (3) )
- The pacing in certain scenes feels rushed, particularly during transitions between comedic and dramatic moments. medium ( Scene 5 (B15) )
- There are moments where the dialogue could be tightened to enhance comedic timing and impact. medium ( Scene 44 (44) )
- The stakes in the climax could be raised further to create a more intense conflict and resolution. medium ( Scene 57 (156) )
- The ending could benefit from a more definitive resolution to the conflict introduced by Abigail and Tully. low ( Scene 59 (174) )
- A deeper exploration of the family’s backstory could enhance the emotional stakes and audience connection. medium ( Scene 5 (B14) )
- More scenes showcasing the family’s interactions with the outside world could provide additional comedic contrast. low ( Scene 44 (176) )
- The motivations of the antagonist could be fleshed out further to create a more compelling conflict. medium ( Scene 36 (B95) )
- A clearer resolution to the subplot involving Tully and Abigail would provide a more satisfying conclusion. low ( Scene 49 (130) )
- The emotional stakes for Fester could be heightened to create a more impactful character arc. medium ( Scene 44 (176) )
- The opening scene sets a strong tone for the film, immediately immersing the audience in the Addams' world. high ( Scene 1 (A1) )
- The clever use of dialogue and wordplay throughout the script adds to its charm and humor. high ( Scene 5 (B14) )
- The family dynamics are portrayed with warmth and humor, making the Addams Family relatable despite their eccentricities. high ( Scene 44 (176) )
- The screenplay effectively balances dark humor with heartfelt moments, creating a unique emotional resonance. high ( Scene 36 (B95) )
- The visual gags and physical comedy are well-executed, enhancing the overall comedic experience. medium ( Scene 59 (174) )
- Character Motivation Some characters, particularly the antagonists, lack clear motivations that drive their actions, making them feel one-dimensional at times. For example, Tully's motivations could be more fleshed out to enhance the conflict. medium
- Pacing Issues Certain scenes feel rushed or overly drawn out, particularly during transitions between comedic and dramatic moments. This can disrupt the overall flow of the screenplay. medium
Engine: Claude
Recommend
Executive Summary
The screenplay for "The Addams Family" is a well-crafted, delightfully twisted dark comedy that embraces its macabre family dynamics and eccentric characters. With a strong narrative, consistent character arcs, and a unique blend of humor and horror, the screenplay effectively captures the essence of the iconic Addams clan. While it has a few areas that could be improved, the screenplay's strengths, including its memorable characters, thematic exploration, and engaging plot, make it a compelling and highly entertaining read.
- The screenplay opens with a visually striking, darkly comedic sequence that establishes the tone and setting of the Addams family mansion, immediately drawing the audience into this unique world. high ( Scene 1 (A1) Scene 15 (39) )
- The character arcs, particularly those of Gomez, Morticia, and Fester, are well-developed and consistently portrayed throughout the screenplay, making their relationships and transformations emotionally engaging. high ( Scene 16 (45) Scene 22 (53) )
- The screenplay effectively blends dark humor, Gothic aesthetics, and family dynamics, creating a unique and compelling tone that sets it apart from more conventional family comedies. high ( Scene 14 (32) Scene 27 (74) )
- The screenplay features several standout, highly memorable sequences, such as the family's theatrical "Mamushka" performance and the children's gruesome stage play, which showcase the Addams' macabre sensibilities and the writers' creativity. high ( Scene 35 (93) Scene 40 (108) )
- The ending of the screenplay, with the Addams family reunited and celebrating Halloween, provides a satisfying and thematically appropriate resolution to the story, reinforcing the importance of family and embracing one's unique identity. high ( Scene 59 (174) )
- The introduction of the Tully and Margaret Alford characters, while providing conflict and a sense of antagonism, could be more tightly integrated into the overall narrative and character arcs. medium ( Scene 4 (16) )
- The vault sequence, while visually interesting, could be streamlined to maintain a stronger narrative focus and avoid feeling overly drawn out. medium ( Scene 19 (51) )
- The subplot involving Fester's true identity and his relationship with Abigail could be further developed and more tightly integrated with the main storyline, to heighten the emotional impact and narrative cohesion. medium ( Scene 23 (56) Scene 24 (58) )
- While the screenplay effectively establishes the Addams family's eccentricities and dynamics, more exploration of their specific backstories and family history could enhance the depth and resonance of their character arcs. medium ( Scene 8 (19) Scene 17 (47) )
- The screenplay could benefit from additional development of the secondary characters, such as Lurch and Granny, to further flesh out the Addams family ensemble and provide more well-rounded supporting roles. medium ( Scene 2 (A2) Scene 6 (B15) )
- The screenplay's exploration of the Addams family's grim, morbid sensibilities and their embrace of the macabre is a standout element that sets it apart from more conventional family comedies. high ( Scene 27 (74) )
- The screenplay's effective use of dark humor, both in the dialogue and the visual gags, is a significant strength that contributes to the Addams family's distinctive personality and appeal. high ( Scene 45 (A153) Scene 54 (A155) )
- The screenplay's ending, with the Addams family reunited and embracing their unique identity, provides a satisfying and thematically appropriate resolution that reinforces the importance of family and belonging. high ( Scene 59 (174) )
- Character Development While the screenplay effectively establishes the Addams family's core members and their key dynamics, there could be opportunities to further develop the backstories and motivations of some of the secondary characters, such as Lurch and Granny. Providing more detailed character arcs and insights into these supporting roles could enhance the overall depth and richness of the Addams family ensemble. medium
- Pacing In a few instances, such as the vault sequence in Scenes 49-51, the pacing of the screenplay feels slightly uneven, with some scenes dragging or feeling overly drawn out. Tightening the narrative flow and maintaining a consistent pace throughout could help strengthen the overall storytelling and keep the audience engaged. medium
Memorable lines in the script:
Scene Number | Line |
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2 | Gomez: Look at her -- I would die for her. I would kill for her. Either way -- what bliss. |
5 | Morticia: Oh Gomez, don't torture yourself. That's my job. |
18 | Gomez: Damn, it's good to have you back! |
25 | Gomez: These thoughts! I'm in torment! What is truth? What is fiction? |
28 | Morticia: I can't do that. It's barbaric. Really, Mama. I'm surprised at you. |