THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Screenplay by
Guy Ritchie and Lionel Wigram
August 1st, 2012
1963. Eighteen years after the defeat of the Nazis in World
War Two. The world is divided between the Capitalist West
dominated by America and the Communist Eastern Bloc ruled
over by Russia.
EXT. BERLIN WALL - CHECKPOINT CHARLIE - DAY
The wall stretches in both directions as far as the eye can
see. Barbed wire, armed sentries and guard dogs. This is the
dividing line.
NAPOLEON SOLO crosses no-man’s land, past a sign which reads
‘You are now entering East Germany.’ He’s in his 40’s, poised
and confident, with a ready smile. He shows his passport to
an East German FRONTIER GUARD, addressing him in perfect
German.
The Guard gestures for him to open his suitcase. Packed at
the top are samples of women’s underwear.
Solo offers a sample to the Guard, who has a quick look over
his shoulder, takes a pair of tights and then hurriedly
closes the case, waving Solo through.
As Solo leaves the checkpoint, a train is heading towards the
border as if to cross it, but as it reaches the Berlin Wall,
the track suddenly curves so that the train remains in the
East, running parallel with the Wall. Clearly, a modification
made when the Wall was built.
EXT. EAST BERLIN STREETS - DAY
As Solo walks along we see that he’s being followed. He’s
aware of it too.
Solo enters a bar.
INT. BAR - DAY
Solo orders a beer. As he drinks, he glances out of the
window at the East German SECRET POLICEMAN who is following
him.
Next to him, a prim-looking, middle-aged WOMAN finishes her
coffee, dabs her lips with the napkin, and leaves.
Solo unfolds the lipstick stained napkin. On it is an
address, and a message,‘YOU HAVE COMPETITION.’
Solo puts the napkin in his pocket and exits.
EXT. EAST BERLIN STREETS - DAY
Solo easily loses his tail.
He heads to the address on the napkin. Outside is a car, Solo
gets in.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Discreet Tools and Nostalgic Tensions
INT. CAR - DAY
The driver, ERNST, is a jovial looking fellow with an air of
gypsy about him. He flashes a gold-toothed smile at Solo.
ERNST
If I was a rich man, la la la la.
SOLO
You’re about to be. Here’s your
scotch.
Solo fetches a bottle of single malt out of his case.
ERNST
Glendronach 33. How did you find
this?
SOLO
You owe me. That was harder to get
through than a pair of jeans.
ERNST
The jeans as well?? You’re the
messiah.
Solo produces the jeans.
SOLO
And you’re greedy, Ernst, but I
like you anyway. Now here is an
address, and we need to move, the
Russians are onto my target.
Ernst looks genuinely excited and starts to unbuckle his
trousers.
SOLO(CONT’D)
What are you doing Ernst?
ERNST
I can’t wait...
He continues his mission. Solo rolls his eyes.
ERNST (CONT’D)
You even got the right size, and I
am a little heavier than I used to
be.
SOLO
I predicted that. Did you get me a
gun?
Ernst pulls his coat off the back seat, only to reveal a
large machine gun.
SOLO (CONT’D)
It’s a machine gun, Ernst. I asked
for something discreet.
ERNST
I am sorry, but it’s the best I
could do. The Stasi watch
everything. Since the Russians took
over, it’s almost impossible to
make a dishonest living. Not like
when you were in business. Don’t
you miss the old black-market days?
This hits a nerve with Solo.
SOLO
What? The hunger, the cold, the
filth? Not really, can we go now?
I’m in something of a rush.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
3 -
The Garage Coercion
EXT. GARAGE - DAY
Ernst points out a dodgy looking automotive repair shop under
the arches of the busy railway track.
ERNST
It’s a chop shop, I used this place
for years, but since things have
tightened up, there’s not a lot of
business here anymore. You want me
to wait here?
SOLO
Yeah, pick me up on the corner, and
Ernst, we need to get the girl over
the Wall tonight.
ERNST
It’s all arranged boss.
INT. GARAGE - DAY
The walls are covered with motor-racing posters and
photographs of famous drivers.
Solo approaches a mechanic who is working under a car, we can
just see a pair of feet.
SOLO (SUBTITLE)
(in German)
I’m looking for Frau Teller.
The mechanic rolls out from under the car. Meet GABY TELLER,
a 28 year-old knockout in a boiler suit.
GABY
(in German)
I’m a little backed up, I won’t be
able to get to your car until next
week.
Gaby affects a hard edge but her clothing, ruffled hair and
the oil-smudge on her cheek only serve to accentuate her
vulnerability.
SOLO
(in German)
My name is Napoleon Solo. I’m here
about your father Frau Teller.
Gaby tenses. Solo smiles reassuringly.
SOLO (CONT’D)
We need your help.
GABY
(in English)
American?
Solo nods.
GABY (CONT’D)
I haven’t seen my father since I
was ten years old.
SOLO
I imagine you’re aware of what your
father did during the war?
GABY
He was the senior scientist in the
Nazi rocket program. Is there
anything else to know?
SOLO
After that, he came to work for the
U.S. at Los Alamos. Five years ago,
he disappeared without a trace.
We’ve been looking for him ever
since, but this is the first sign
we’ve had of him. This picture was
taken a week ago by one of our
agents in Egypt.
Solo shows Gaby a black-and-white photograph of half a dozen
men seated at a conference table. Three are wearing high
level military uniforms.
Solo points to one man who is standing, gesticulating with
his arms as if to make a point. He’s an older professorial
type.
GABY
That’s him...
She can’t hide the emotion in her voice.
SOLO
It appears your father is in the
process of making a deal to sell a
nuclear bomb to the Egyptians.
That’s not great news for Israel,
which isn’t good news for the rest
of us. Nasty business nuclear war.
GABY
Look, I’m not proud of what my
father has done, but I told you, I
haven’t seen or heard from him in
eighteen years.
SOLO
We believe he’s working for this
man.
He points to a man seated next to the Professor. He’s dressed
in an expensive linen suit but his face is mostly covered by
the Professor’s arm.
GABY
I can’t help you.
She disappears back under the car. Solo pulls her back out
again.
SOLO
But I bet you know someone who can.
An old friend, a relative?
Gaby thinks about it, shakes her head.
GABY
I can’t...
SOLO
If you’ll agree to help us, I can
have you on the other side of the
Wall tonight.
GABY
You do understand that I could be
tortured and imprisoned just for
listening to you?
SOLO
I’m offering you a new life.
Freedom from all of that.
GABY
How do I know you are who you say
you are? How do I know that
anything you’ve told me is true?
He looks her directly in the eyes.
SOLO
I know this is sudden. I wish there
was more time. But that’s how
urgent the situation is. I will
protect you and I will get you over
that wall. I just need you to...
GABY
Trust you?
SOLO
Trust me.
And she almost does. Almost but...
GABY
Why? Because you’re handsome and
have a nice smile?
SOLO
Shall I make this easier?
He reveals the machine gun under his jacket.
SOLO (CONT’D)
You’re now my prisoner, you don’t
have a choice.
GABY
That does make it easier.
SOLO
I have a driver waiting for us
outside.
EXT. GARAGE - DAY
Solo heads out the door and slows abruptly. He notices that
Ernst’s car is not quite in the same place, and it’s hard to
see Ernst. He’s at a strange angle, Solo doesn’t like this,
he drops down quickly as a bullet whistles past his ear.
He rolls back into the shop.
INT. GARAGE - DAY
GABY
(afraid)
What’s going on? Who just shot at
us?
SOLO
I need the keys to that thing.
GABY
What have you done?
SOLO
The Russians are after your father
too. It’s us or them. Like I said,
you don’t have a choice.
Beat, as her mind clearly shifts.
GABY
I’m the only person who drives this
car.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Reversal of Fortune
EXT. GARAGE - DAY
The shooter moves closer to get a better angle on the
entrance to the garage. Meet ILYA KURYAKIN, Russian, he’s in
his early 30’s and radiates a rare combination of physical
power and intelligence.
However in contrast, his choice of clothing is distinctly
odd.
He wears a suit, but it’s a conspicuously bold color and his
shirt and tie have striking patterns which are completely
mismatched. On anyone else, this get-up would look clownish,
but Kuryakin manages to make it look cool.
As he’s crossing the street, Gaby’s car roars out. Kuryakin
snaps his gun up to take aim, but instead of turning down the
street, Gaby drives up on the sidewalk to be shielded by the
parked vehicles.
Kuryakin lowers his gun, calmly walks back to his car, climbs
in, and roars after them.
EXT. EAST BERLIN STREETS - DAY
Gaby’s car screeches around the corner, scattering
pedestrians. Other cars are forced to swerve out of the way.
In the car, Gaby is clearly in her element. Her confidence
returns as she focuses on driving which she does with extra-
ordinary skill.
Kuryakin follows, relentless.
CUT TO:
INT. GABY’S CAR - DAY
Gaby slams on the brakes.
SOLO
What are you doing?
GABY
This guy isn’t going to give up.
SOLO
I am aware of that, but what are
you doing?
She slams the car into reverse and tightens her safety belt.
GABY
Hold on tight. This car is tougher
than it looks.
She hits the gas.
CUT TO:
INT. KURYAKIN’S CAR - DAY
He rounds the corner to find Gaby looking over her shoulder,
reversing straight at him at forty miles an hour. Kuryakin
has no time to dodge.
CUT TO:
EXT. EAST BERLIN STREETS - DAY
CRASH. There is an enormous smash as both cars come to a
halt. However, Gaby’s car is relatively undamaged. She tears
away.
CUT TO:
INT. GABY’S CAR - DAY
Gaby turns to a shaken Solo.
GABY
You okay?
SOLO
Where did you learn to drive like
this?
GABY
What’s the point in fixing cars if
you can’t drive them?
CUT TO:
EXT. EAST BERLIN STREETS - DAY
Kuryakin coolly climbs out of the wreckage of his car, and
surveys all the other cars that have stopped to look at the
incident. He eventually sees one at the back, it looks fast.
He walks up to the DRIVER.
DRIVER
(in German)
I saw the whole thing, that woman’s
a lunatic!
Kuryakin waves his gun at him with a gesture that says “this
is my car now” and the journey continues.
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Alley Escape
INT. GABY’S CAR - DAY
She continues to drive fast, avoiding traffic, but eventually
she finds herself behind a rubbish truck, picking up trash.
Another car is close behind her, she’s stuck. She calmly
looks around.
SOLO
We can’t stay here.
GABY
Really? You’re very observant.
She glances at a parallel road a block over, searching for
another way out. Suddenly, a car tears down the parallel
road. We only see it for a flash, but we know it’s Kuryakin.
Solo and Gaby look at each other.
GABY (CONT’D)
He couldn’t have seen us?
Pause. We hear a screech of tires.
SOLO
Shall we get out of here?
Kuryakin’s car tears back and stops. How could he possibly
have seen them? Within a second, he is firing shots from his
pistol just inches away from their target.
Gaby doesn’t hang around. Again she puts the car in reverse,
forcing the car behind her back. This gives her enough room
to mount the curb, knocking the TRASH COLLECTORS out of the
way. She’s off again.
CUT TO:
INT. KURYAKIN’S CAR - DAY
Kuryakin steers with one hand, and shoots with the other.
He’s calmer than a coma.
CUT TO:
INT. GABY’S CAR - DAY
Solo shoots back. Gaby downshifts.
GABY
That man can drive. Can’t you shoot
better than that?
SOLO
You concentrate on the road.
She makes a hard left into an alley.
Solo is thrown to one side and drops his gun on the floor.
CUT TO:
EXT. EAST BERLIN STREETS - DAY
Kuryakin overshoots.
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
6 -
The Desperate Descent
INT. GABY’S CAR - DAY
Solo picks up his gun.
GABY
Better?
Suddenly, her expression changes.
GABY (CONT’D)
Oh no!
Up ahead is a sharp drop as a steep stone pedestrian
staircase leads down to the road below.
Solo looks behind them. Kuryakin is catching up again. Sirens
are approaching behind him.
Gaby is slowing down.
Solo stays cool.
SOLO
We can make it.
Gaby is shaking her head. Solo starts to climb into the back
seat.
GABY
What are you doing?
SOLO
We need more weight in the back.
GABY
I can’t...
SOLO
You can. You don’t, we’re both
dead... Trust me... Now put your
foot down.
Gaby looks at him, hits the gas, and they’re airborne.
EXT. STEPS - DAY
Amazingly, the car lands on the steps, the back flies up, but
it doesn’t flip. Instead, it carries on down the steps,
reaching the bottom with a crunch.
Kuryakin stops his car at the top of the steps. He climbs out
of his car and watches them speed away.
INT. GABY’S CAR - DAY
Solo breathes a sigh of relief.
SOLO
I’m impressed. You alright?
GABY
That’s a stupid question.
SOLO
Shall I drive now?
GABY
You’re okay, pal. Just stay where
you are.
More sirens. Flashing lights in the distance.
SOLO
In there.
He points to a multi-story parking structure.
INT. PARKING STRUCTURE - DAY
Gaby parks her car.
INT. CAR - DAY
Solo and Gaby sit, tensely listening to the sirens go by.
Gradually, the sound fades into the distance.
GABY
Still going over the Wall tonight?
SOLO
Follow me.
He climbs out of the car.
INT. PARKING STRUCTURE - DAY
As Solo and Gaby head for the exit, a car turns into the
structure.
Solo pulls Gaby down behind a car. As the vehicle passes,
they see that it’s Kuryakin.
SOLO
Who is this guy?
He pulls her through the back-door.
EXT. ALLEYWAY - DAY
As he and Gaby hurry down the alleyway, Solo looks back to
see Kuryakin, looking down at him from the second floor of
the parking structure.
Solo pulls Gaby around the corner and breaks into a run.
EXT. VARIOUS EAST BERLIN STREETS - DAY
Solo and Gaby run. And run. And run.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Desperate Escape on the Berlin Train
EXT. TRAIN TRACKS - DUSK
Surrounded by industrial warehouses. Solo and Gaby crouch,
hidden in the shadows of one of the warehouses. They are out
of breath and Gaby looks spent.
GABY
We haven’t lost him, have we?
Solo puts a finger to his lips. A long beat. Sure enough,
Kuryakin appears between the buildings, coming towards them.
A distant rumble grows louder. A train trundles along the
tracks moving between them and Kuryakin.
SOLO
Come on.
He pulls Gaby up, and they run towards the train. Solo
manages to open one of the doors and push Gaby in.
On the other side, Kuryakin scans the night as the end of the
train passes gradually, revealing the warehouses that were
hidden behind it.
It appears that Kuryakin is going to let the train pass. At
the last minute, he runs to catch up with the final carriage,
and jumps onboard.
INT. TRAIN - DUSK
Solo has been watching from the window. He pulls his head in.
GABY
Did he get on?
SOLO
Let’s move.
GABY
This is your idea of going over the
Wall?
He leads her towards the front of the train.
As they head along the passageway, the CONDUCTOR exits a
compartment.
CONDUCTOR (SUBTITLE)
(in German)
Tickets please.
He looks slightly suspicious at their dishevelled state.
SOLO (SUBTITLE)
Two tickets for the Center please.
He pays the Conductor, who takes forever to give them change.
As they continue down the passageway, Kuryakin appears at the
other end.
They hurry down the train.
Finally, they reach the hallway outside the driver’s
compartment. They can go no further.
Solo opens the exterior door, but the train is travelling too
fast to jump off. He looks ahead and sees the Berlin Wall
approaching.
SOLO (CONT’D)
The train has to slow down to make
the turn when it reaches the Wall.
That’s when we jump.
Sirens and flashing lights. Solo looks out again. There are
now two cop cars driving alongside the train.
Here comes Kuryakin. Solo ducks around the corner, just as a
volley of silenced machine gun fire thuds into the wall next
to his head.
Gaby is crouched down, covering her head, body shaking.
KURYAKIN
(yells down the corridor)
You have no place to go, Mr. Solo.
Give yourself up. There’s no reason
for the girl to die.
SOLO
(to himself)
He knows my name????
Solo knows he’s right unless...
He tries the Driver’s door. Locked. Solo shoots the lock,
barges the door open.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Crash Through the Wall
INT. TRAIN DRIVER’S CABIN - DUSK
Solo sticks his gun in the DRIVER’S face. He’s a big, strong
fellow.
SOLO (SUBTITLE)
(in German)
Faster.
DRIVER (SUBTITLE)
We won’t make the turn. The train
will crash into...
He gestures to the approaching Berlin Wall.
SOLO (SUBTITLE)
Faster.
The Driver doesn’t move, but his eyes give him away, flicking
to the accelerator handle.
SOLO (SUBTITLE) (CONT’D)
Thank you.
Solo jams the accelerator forward. At that moment, the Driver
grabs for the gun.
They grapple as the Wall approaches.
Suddenly, Kuryakin is in the cabin, his gun in Solo’s face.
He squeezes the trigger as...
EXT. BERLIN WALL - NIGHT
The train jumps the tracks and smashes through the Wall.
INT. CABIN - NIGHT
Solo, Kuryakin, and the Driver are tossed around as the front
of the train rolls over.
EXT. BERLIN WALL - WEST - NIGHT
There is a massive hole in the Wall. More than half the
length of the train has gone through it, and is now in the
West.
The front carriage is on its side.
INT. WEST BERLIN - TRAIN WRECKAGE - NIGHT
Solo swims back into consciousness. The Driver lies groaning
next to him.
Solo crawls into the passageway. He sees the girl, and hears
a groan, she’s semi-conscious.
SOLO
Gaby?!...Can you hear me?
Her eyes open.
SOLO (CONT’D)
You’re going to be alright. You’re
safe now.
We hear the sound of sirens as West German POLICE turn up.
Kuryakin is stuck in the wreckage, and can’t free himself
easily, he can see his targets disappearing as he attempts to
pull himself out.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
9 -
The Weight of Trust
INT. SAFE HOUSE - NIGHT
Solo watches as a DOCTOR examines Gaby. She winces as he
touches her bruised ribs.
SOLO
(to himself)
Welcome to freedom.
There’s a knock on the door and SANDERS enters. He’s an
effete little man with an air of great cunning and
intelligence about him. He’s also Solo’s boss.
SANDERS
Well done Solo.
Solo stares at him for a long beat.
SOLO
Why don’t we step outside.
INT. SAFE HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Sanders puts the kettle on.
SANDERS
Well, it appears the Russians are
as anxious as we are to find
Professor Teller.
SOLO
I’ve had enough.
SANDERS
What is your secret?
(beat)
You know there’s no one in the
history of the Agency with a higher
success rate when it comes to
recruiting and running female
assets. You’re a bit of a legend.
A long pause. Solo stares at Sanders.
SOLO
You heard what I said.
SANDERS
You need a break.
SOLO
No, I have had enough. Twelve years
of playing your little games. I’m
done.
SANDERS
You seem to be forgetting
something... You’re on thin ice
Solo, and there are things,
unpleasant things, lurking under
it.
SOLO
Threatening me with a prison cell
has lost its traction Sanders. Put
me away, it’s better for everyone’s
health.
SANDERS
Pull yourself together Solo.
Solo suddenly grabs him by the throat and pins him against
the wall.
SOLO
This won’t mean much to you, but
she trusted me.
SANDERS
Look Solo, she’s going to be okay.
There’s a beat, Solo releases his grip.
SANDERS (CONT’D)
I tell you what, let’s meet again
tomorrow, we’ll talk about it
sensibly.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
10 -
A Morning Run in the Barracks
EXT. EGYPTIAN BARRACKS - GYM - EARLY MORNING
An EGYPTIAN OFFICER is running outside the barracks, he looks
fit and has an expression like he means it. We become aware
of a man running up behind him. This is ALEXANDER SKORPIOS,
he’s dressed to run.
ALEXANDER
Colonel. I heard you were an early
bird.
The Egyptian acknowledges him, but continues running.
COLONEL
I like the sand before the sun
beats it.
ALEXANDER
I hope I am not bothering you?
COLONEL
Not in the least, you and the
Professor have done Egypt a great
service... But I thought you had
left already, Mr... “Smith.”
ALEXANDER
I’m back for the day. A couple of
loose ends I needed to tie up. By
way, my name is Alex...
COLONEL
No. Please. Let’s stick to
protocol.
ALEXANDER
Oh, I’m confident you can be
trusted Colonel. I’m Alexander
Skorpios.
COLONEL
Good to meet you, Mr. Skorpios.
ALEXANDER
You’re quite a legend in the camp,
Colonel, winner of the army
triathlon six years in a row.
(beat)
Do you mind if I train with you
today? I am an amateur athlete
myself and this will be my last
opportunity, since our business is
concluded.
COLONEL
You’re welcome to, but I warn you,
this is not a short work out.
ALEXANDER
Two hours every morning. A twelve
mile run, followed by a two mile
swim, and a cool down in the gym.
Your routine is famous. I’ll drop
out as soon as you pull away.
COLONEL
Very good then.
CUT TO:
An hour later. Alexander has clearly impressed the Colonel.
COLONEL (CONT’D)
You are doing very well, Mr.
Skorpios.
ALEXANDER
I am inspired by my company.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Mind Over Matter
EXT. EGYPTIAN BEACH - MORNING
We can see the Colonel is a tad concerned by the
determination and ability of this man. They have reached the
sea.
COLONEL
So, the sea. I go round the buoy,
then back again.
ALEXANDER
I am ready.
EXT. EGYPTIAN SEA - MORNING
An hour later. Alexander is clearly in front and showing no
signs of fatigue, the Colonel on the other hand is now trying
to keep up...
EXT. EGYPTIAN BEACH - MORNING
Alexander is waiting on the beach... jogging on the spot. The
Colonel pulls himself out of the water, he’s desperately
trying to not look knackered.
COLONEL
Where did you learn to swim like
that?
ALEXANDER
My father taught me that true
physical strength lies not in the
body, but in the mind. If you chew
bitter for long enough, eventually
it turns sweet. The gym?
INT. GYM - DAY
Alexander is on the bench with a bar over him...
ALEXANDER
Could you spot me?
Alexander thumps out ten reps of a very heavy weight.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
Your turn.
COLONEL
That weight is too much.
ALEXANDER
It’s all in your mind, Colonel.
CUT TO:
The Colonel is on the bench, under a weight that he has to
struggle with. Alexander stands over him, almost mockingly.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
Push push, that’s the spirit
Colonel, now we’re getting
somewhere. Let’s see how strong you
really are.
At which point, Alexander releases the weight and the Colonel
takes the strain.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
That’s it. Now tell me, how long
have you been a spy?
The Colonel is about to explode with the weight that’s over
him.
COLONEL
Take the weight off me. I don’t
know what you’re talking about.
ALEXANDER
You’re just not trying hard enough.
Who are you working for, the
Americans, or the Russians?
The Colonel can’t take the weight for much longer.
COLONEL
Please...!
ALEXANDER
Tell me what I want to know, and I
can help you.
COLONEL
The Americans... and the Russians.
ALEXANDER
Thank you Colonel.
Alexander reaches down and takes hold of the bar.
COLONEL
How did you know?
ALEXANDER
You and your government have no
idea who you’re dealing with
Colonel.
With almost superhuman strength, he raises the bar before he
slams it down.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Unwanted Partners
EXT. WEST BERLIN - PARK - DAY
A beautiful sunny day.
Solo is walking with Sanders through public gardens.
SANDERS
How’s the girl? Is she going to be
helpful?
He walks into a public restroom, gesturing that Solo should
follow.
INT. PARK RESTROOM - DAY
Sanders checks the cubicles.
SOLO
I think so...
SANDERS
You’ll have to do better than that.
SOLO
There’s an old friend and colleague
of her father’s, a Rudolph Von
Trulsch, endearingly known as
“Uncle Rudi.” Lives in Greece,
works for a big shipping company.
(MORE)
SOLO (CONT'D)
She’s sure if anybody will be in
touch with her father, he’s the
man.
Sanders is relieving himself.
SANDERS
Rudi Von Trulsch. I think I have a
file on him somewhere. Name of the
shipping company?
SOLO
Triton.
SANDERS
Even more interesting, rumor has it
they smuggled Nazi gold to South
America after the war. Can she be
trusted?
SOLO
That’s your department now sir, I
got you the girl and I got you a
name. Now I’m done.
SANDERS
No Solo, you’ll be done when I tell
you you’re done.
SOLO
I don’t think you understand. I am
over it, for about a thousand
reasons, not least of which, I am
losing whatever advantage I had
over these people. That lunatic
Russian android they put on me
yesterday isn’t like men I have
come up against before. He was a
relentless Olympian. That was the
closest I have come to termination
in the last ten years. It wasn’t me
that saved me, it was a banana skin
here and a rabbit foot there. In
other words, luck. You want to send
me back to the cell, send me. I’ll
go. But I am done here.
A MAN wearing a hat enters, shutting Sanders up.
Solo looks over his shoulder as the Man raises his head, it’s
Kuryakin. They both look as surprised as the other about this
unlikely meeting.
Without another word, they spring into action. They attempt
to draw their guns, but there isn’t enough space to use them.
A serious amount of hand-to-hand combat takes place,
destroying the lavatory. It ends with Kuryakin putting a
choke hold around Solo’s neck.
Solo looks up for help from Sanders, he doesn’t have much
time. His boss calmly washes his hands as he gasps his last
breath.
Solo spots an owl-like man entering the room. This is
Kuryakin’s boss, OLEG. He has the eccentric appearance of a
chess grandmaster. He barks an order at Kuryakin.
OLEG
Let him go Ilya. You don’t want to
kill your partner on the first day.
Kuryakin’s hold gradually relaxes, both men look shocked by
this information. Solo looks up at his boss, who throws away
the paper towel.
SANDERS
That’s what I was about to explain
Solo, but as usual you jumped the
gun. We were going to meet them in
the cafe outside. Nature’s needs
clearly got the better of their
agent as he did of you.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Unlikely Alliance
EXT. PARK - CAFE - MINUTES LATER
Oleg sips a cup of tea.
OLEG
We don’t know yet who is behind
this but we both agree, not that
Sanders and I have ever talked
before...
He and Sanders chuckle.
OLEG (CONT’D)
...that it’s unacceptable to both
our nations to have a third party
manufacturing and selling nuclear
weapons to the highest bidder.
Sanders nods.
SANDERS
Our mutual interests dictate that
we should work together.
Unofficially and off-the-books, of
course, if the politicians knew
about this...
SOLO
(to Sanders)
You’re forgetting something.
SANDERS
Excuse us for a second. Solo come
with me.
Sanders stands and Solo follows.
SANDERS (CONT’D)
I am not asking you to find the
President’s missing sticky book,
it’s nuclear war we’re talking
about!... If that’s not enough, and
prison isn’t, then how about secret
account number 583937994? Your
retirement policy. A tidy little
sum from your noir racketeering
days... That account is now frozen,
and I am the only man who can make
it thaw, but first, you’re going to
go to work.
SOLO
That man sitting there is the
enemy! He killed your top agent in
East Berlin not twenty-four hours
ago, and spent the majority of
yesterday trying very hard to kill
me...
SANDERS
Well, you’ll be in safe hands then.
You yourself reported on how
capable he was. There is no choice
in this Solo. Finish the job and
then, and only then, are you done.
Now, we have twenty-four hours to
get ready then you head to Greece
with the Russian and the girl, as a
team.
Solo, looks over to Kuryakin. They just stare at each other.
INTERCUT BETWEEN CIA CINE ROOM AND KGB CINE ROOM AS FOLLOWS:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Dual Briefings
INT. CIA CINE ROOM - DAY
Lights off, a Super 8 film fills us in: Images of a child
soldier getting a medal. A young man swimming in the
Olympics. Another image pops up of him firing a gun at a
target with deadly accuracy.
SANDERS
Kuryakin’s father was killed by the
Nazis at the siege of Leningrad.
The day he got the news, our boy
joined the army. He was fourteen.
Killed so many Germans he was given
the nickname “The Leningrad
Plague.” The KGB recruited him
after the war and spent years
refining him. His one flaw appears
to be his temper. But make no
mistake, he’s their top agent.
CUT TO:
INT. KGB CINE ROOM - DAY
Oleg clicks his finger and the lights are off, and Oleg walks
in front of the film projected onto a wall. Now it’s Solo’s
turn.
OLEG (SUBTITLE)
Solo was a sergeant in the Marines
during the war. He was awarded the
Military Cross for bravery. He was
stationed in Berlin after the war,
where he became involved in
multiple criminal activities,
mostly dealing in black-market
goods. He speaks many languages,
and he’s highly cultured for all
the wrong reasons. He has a a broad
knowledge of art, wine, antiques,
only in order to know it’s black
market value. He was facing a
fifteen year prison sentence for
his crimes, but the CIA recognized
his talent and offered to withhold
his sentence, as long as he worked
for them. Since then, he has been
involved in some of their most
important and dangerous clandestine
operations. He has consistently
bested our top operatives.
(MORE)
OLEG (SUBTITLE) (CONT'D)
He’s not predictable. He’s not a
product of the system.
Kuryakin nods.
CUT TO:
Sanders paces in front of Solo.
SANDERS
Your main mission is to prevent the
delivery of the bomb. That is the
first priority. However, you have a
second obligation. Professor
Teller’s research represents the
next generation of nuclear weapons
technology. It’s way ahead of
anything we or the Russians have
currently, and clearly he’s
succeeded in putting it into
practice. That research will be on
a disk. We must have that disk and
above all else, it must not fall
into the hands of the Russians.
CUT TO:
Oleg lies on a sofa while Kuryakin paces.
OLEG
...it is essential that we get it
and not the Americans. Once you
have completed your main mission...
CUT TO:
Sanders stops pacing.
SANDERS
You are to use any means...
CUT TO:
Oleg gets off the sofa.
OLEG
...necessary to secure it. Do I
make...
CUT TO:
Sanders stares at Solo.
SANDERS
...myself clear?
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Undercover Fiancée
INT. SAFE HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Gaby sits opposite Solo, who passes her a cup of tea. She’s
looking much better.
GABY
I kept my end of the deal, and I
almost died for it. And now you
want me to come to Greece?
SOLO
Look we don’t have much time, and I
need access to Uncle Rudi. If
anybody knows where your father is,
it’s him, and if there’s one person
he’ll tell, it’s you.
GABY
I can’t do this. I don’t know this
world, you’re asking me to be
something I am not.
SOLO
Trust me. All I need you to be is
yourself. I’ll guide you through
it, this is what I do. Look at it
as a holiday. You can see the
sights, get a tan. And I promise
there’ll be no danger.
She’s melting.
GABY
Promise?
SOLO
Promise.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, but Solo’s all
business.
SOLO (CONT’D)
Now, you need some clothes. Let’s
go shopping.
INT. CLOTHING STORE - DAY
A nice mid-range place that sells sensible clothes.
Solo watches as Gaby looks at dresses.
He spots an elegant black dress.
SOLO
This one isn’t bad.
He shows Gaby the dress. She shakes her head.
GABY
Black is for funerals.
She turns to look at another dress. A troubled look passes
over Solo’s face. He’s all too aware that Gaby’s wellbeing is
again his responsibility.
GABY (CONT’D)
So Russia and America have become
friends over this issue have they?
SOLO
Well, friends might be an
overstatement... But as coincidence
would have it, you do already know
the man we have to partner with.
GABY
Know him? How can I know him?
At which point, Solo spots Kuryakin. As usual, he’s dressed
in an outlandishly colorful and mismatched get-up, which he
somehow manages to make cool.
SOLO
(to Kuryakin)
You’re early.
KURYAKIN
We’re in a hurry.
GABY
Wait just a second. Isn’t that the
man...?
SOLO
Yes, it is. I told you, you know
him.
GABY
You’ve got to be kidding.
SOLO
It’s going to be fine.
Kuryakin smiles and takes her hand.
KURYAKIN
Ilya Kuryakin. You are quite a
driver young lady, I like that in a
woman.
GABY
I feel sick. Make it stop.
SOLO
That’s perfectly normal, you’ll get
used to the feeling.
He sees the dress.
KURYAKIN
Did you pick this dress?
Looking at Solo.
KURYAKIN (CONT’D)
There is no way my woman is wearing
this dress.
GABY
What do you mean “my woman?” Solo,
what does he mean?
SOLO
I think you should leave this
department to me, no offense but...
KURYAKIN
My fiancee would never wear this.
GABY
Fiancee?
They ignore her.
SOLO
Really, now you’re a Russian
fashion expert? And that suit is
your qualification?
KURYAKIN
So you’re an expert on what a
Russian architect looks like,
Cowboy?
GABY
I’m not doing this.
She storms out of the shop. Solo looks sarcastically at Ilya.
SOLO
Good work.
KURYAKIN
Your job was to prepare her.
SOLO
Your job was to give me time.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
16 -
The Reluctant Bride
EXT. STREET - EVENING
It’s a beautiful evening. Gaby paces in front of a fountain
while Solo talks.
SOLO
He’s an architect designing a new
resort for heroes of the Soviet
Union by the Black Sea. The
Minister has a weakness for
classical architecture so he’s been
sent to Greece to study it. He’s
managed to get a visa for his
fiancee.
GABY
(in horror)
Me?!
SOLO
It’s the perfect cover. Since Uncle
Rudi lives in Athens, it’s only
natural that you would pay him a
visit to tell him the good news,
and ask him about your father.
GABY
Now you want me to be an actress?
SOLO
It’s easier than it seems, I’ll
coach you through it.
Gaby shakes her head.
GABY
This is insane.
SOLO
You can do it Gaby, I’ll admit it’s
a challenge, but I know you can
handle it.
She considers, but again she’s melting.
GABY
I can’t believe I’m doing this.
What will you be doing while I’m
playing the Russian bride?
SOLO
I’ll be playing an executive for
American oil, on a business trip to
check out Triton shipping, Rudi’s
employer.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
17 -
The Weight of the Bomb
EXT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - BEACH - DAY
PROFESSOR UDO TELLER, Gaby’s father, stands alone on the
rocks, staring out to sea.
Looming over him on the cliffs above is a medieval castle.
Two men approach him from the direction of the fortress. One
is Alexander Skorpios. The other is another older gentlemen,
very well dressed, with a mane of thick white hair. There’s
an air of dissipation about him. Meet RUDOLPH VON TRULSCH aka
“UNCLE RUDI.”
UNCLE RUDI
Hello Udo.
The Professor is startled from his reverie.
UDO
Rudi. What are you doing here?
ALEXANDER
I asked him to come.
Alexander clearly makes Udo nervous.
UDO
(to Uncle Rudi)
What do you want me to say? I’ve
served loyally for twenty-five
years, haven’t I?
UNCLE RUDI
No one is questioning your loyalty.
UDO
It is one thing for the
organization to have nuclear
capability for the purposes of
leverage or deterrent. It’s quite
another for us to sell the bomb to
other parties, who will use it to
commit genocide.
ALEXANDER
The orders come directly from the
Reichs-Marshall in Buenos Aires. It
is not for you to question them.
UDO
(shouting)
They didn’t build it! They’re not
directly responsible!
ALEXANDER
It’s too late for second thoughts
Professor. You must finish the job
you started!
(to Uncle Rudi)
Talk to him.
He turns and leaves.
Rudi puts a calming hand around the Professor’s shoulders.
UNCLE RUDI
I have some happy news, Udo. I’ve
heard from Gaby.
The blood drains from Udo’s face.
UNCLE RUDI (CONT’D)
She’s coming to Athens, with her
new fiancee. Imagine our little
Gabriella getting married. Perhaps
it’s time for a reunion?
Udo looks horrified.
UDO
I don’t want her involved in this.
Keep her away Rudi. Promise me...
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Escape to Athens
INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
Solo walks onto the plane, stops for a second, and sees
Kuryakin and Gaby sitting together in first class. She hasn’t
seen Solo, but Kuryakin has, and takes a sip of champagne.
Solo takes a step in their direction when he is stopped by
the STEWARDESS. She looks at his ticket...
STEWARDESS
Sorry sir, your seat’s the other
way...
KURYAKIN
Laugh.
GABY
What?
KURYAKIN
You must do what I tell you to do,
when I tell you to do it... It
could save your life. Do you
understand?
GABY
I understand.
KURYAKIN
Good, now laugh... spontaneously,
deeply, viscerally...
Solo takes this in as the Stewardess points him towards the
economy seats, filled with distinctly un-glamorous people.
Gaby laughs. Solo looks back at his new partner, who looks
over his shoulder before he whispers back in Gaby’s ear...
KURYAKIN (CONT’D)
Good. Now, where did we first have
dinner?
SOLO
(to himself)
Oh, you’re just too funny, aren’t
you, Babushka.
EXT. ATHENS - GRAND HOTEL - DAY
A magnificent palace of a building in the best part of town.
Solo exits a cab. A BELL-BOY hurries over to relieve him of
his luggage and escorts him inside.
INT. GRAND HOTEL - LOBBY - DAY
Oozing luxury and old school grandeur. This is clearly the
place where the Athenian jet-set meet.
As Solo approaches the check-in desk, he passes Kuryakin and
Gaby being escorted to the elevator.
Solo waits as the guest ahead of him finishes checking in.
He’s a distinguished looking older man.
DESK CLERK
Enjoy your stay, Mr. Waverly.
WAVERLY
(English accent)
Thank you, my good man.
Solo smiles at the pretty DESK CLERK.
SOLO
Holstein. Checking in.
DESK CLERK
Welcome to Athens, Mr. Holstein.
INT. GRAND HOTEL - ROOM - DAY
Solo sighs as he takes in the narrow single bed and the
window which looks out to the wall of the adjacent building.
BELL-BOY
Is there anything else I can help
you with, Mr. Holstein?
Solo tips the Bell-Boy who looks very pleased with the
amount. The Bell-Boy leaves, the door shuts. Solo looks at
his watch and goes to open the door. There is a MAN standing
there with another case, he looks surreptitiously down the
corridor, and then passes the case to Solo.
AGENT
You have an appointment with the
owner of Triton shipping tomorrow
morning. Details are in here.
He hands Solo an envelope and disappears.
Solo unpacks the case. He presses a secret latch revealing a
false bottom. Underneath is his spy gear: an automatic with
silencer, a couple of false passports, miniature camera, and
an assortment of electronic bugging and tracking devices.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Practice on Him
INT. GRAND HOTEL - SUITE - NIGHT
Gaby stands on the balcony admiring the view of the
Acropolis.
There’s a knock at the door. Kuryakin replaces the false
bottom in his very similar suitcase, concealing his own spy
gear, before letting Solo in.
Gaby hands Solo an envelope.
GABY
Uncle Rudi has invited us for
dinner this evening.
Solo looks at the card.
KURYAKIN
Us...
He points to himself and Gaby.
SOLO
That’s fortuitous, Taverna Tony.
I’ve heard it’s the best restaurant
in Athens. I’ll be close by.
KURYAKIN
Take the evening off Cowboy. We
won’t need you.
SOLO
It wasn’t you I was thinking of,
Kalinka. I’ll be there anyway. A
man has to eat and I like a sun-
dried octopus.
Kuryakin finishes knotting his tie, and puts on his jacket.
Once again, the clothes should be ridiculous, but Kuryakin
somehow pulls it off.
SOLO (CONT’D)
Do you want me to lend you a tie?
Kuryakin just laughs and stands next to Gaby.
KURYAKIN
How do we look, John Wayne?
SOLO
Like a beautiful wave clipper
weighed down by a very heavy
anchor.
KURYAKIN
Don’t listen to him angel, you look
magnificent.
SOLO
No one can accuse you of cowardice,
Stalin.
Kuryakin takes a ring out of his pocket and slips it on
Gaby’s engagement finger.
KURYAKIN
Now... like we’re lovers.
He takes her hand and goes to kiss her on the lips.
GABY
Where do you think you’re going?
KURYAKIN
Practice angel, practice.
GABY
Practice on him.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Athens Confrontation
EXT. ATHENS - TAVERNA TONY RESTAURANT - NIGHT
An outdoor restaurant on the most fashionable boulevard in
Athens. The rich and the beautiful populate the streets and
bars, drinking cocktails at the candlelit tables, or driving
by in their open-topped Italian and British sports cars.
A group of paparazzi are hanging out in front, photographing
the guests as they come and go.
Kuryakin and Gaby are seated at one of the best tables.
GABY
Uncle Rudi has been good to me. He
paid for private tutors for years
in Germany, so he likes to play at
being my father sometimes. So,
understand if he starts to grill
you.
Solo is seated at a table near the door. He’s listening to
the conversation through a tiny earpiece. He eats his octopus
while reading a guide book. He has a camera around his neck.
He takes the occasional snapshot. Typical American tourist.
A massive Mercedes pulls up. The CHAUFFEUR hurries to open
the door and out steps Uncle Rudi.
Solo notices him nod almost imperceptibly to two THUGS
standing on the far side of the road. He snaps a shot of Rudi
and zooms his lens to reach the Thugs.
UNCLE RUDI
Gabriella my darling! Age is being
much kinder to you than it is to
me. So rare that a facade so pure,
reflects so accurately the goods it
contains.
He kisses her hand. Kuryakin rolls his eyes.
GABY
You’re doing it again Uncle, stop
with your flattery.
UNCLE RUDI
Nonsense, I report the truth. I
never thought I’d see you out of
that country of darkness. The light
of freedom treats you well. No
disrespect to you young man, or
should I call you Comrade?
He turns to Kuryakin.
KURYAKIN
Whatever makes you happy sir.
UNCLE RUDI
What will make me happy, is to know
that my Gabriella will be marrying
a man that’s worthy of her. And how
long have you two lovebirds known
each other?
GABY
Two years Uncle.
UNCLE RUDI
You didn’t think to mention him.
Were you ashamed?
Kuryakin looks confused.
KURYAKIN
Why should she be?
UNCLE RUDI
I appreciate that the equity of
aristocratic blood is wasted on a
communist, however, even a Russian
peasant must recognize the
incompatibility of mixing the blood
of a race horse with that of a cart
horse.
The Russian goes quiet as he tries to calculate the depth of
the insult that has been levelled at him.
GABY
You must forgive Rudi, Ilya
dearest, he’s a terrible snob. And
not to be taken to seriously.
The Russian is speechless, his hands grip the side of his
chair.
UNCLE RUDI
Tell me Ilya, did they get you to
build the Wall before they put you
behind it? You are shaped like a
power lifter, not an architect!
The Russian forces himself to speak.
KURYAKIN
I like to jog...
UNCLE RUDI
Does Gabriella ride on your back?
You must jog a great deal to look
like that, it’s a wonder you have
any time for architecture. And
where do you jog to? Or is it the
kind of jogging that goes nowhere?
Please tell me it’s not that, not
the “old dog chasing its tail”
routine.
We can see the Russian has had enough.
KURYAKIN
No, jogging’s the warmup to the
“pulling the tongues out of old men
who have forgotten what trouble it
can get them into” routine.
Pause, this could go either way. Solo, who’s heard
everything, looks horrified.
UNCLE RUDI
A sense of humor and a muscled
corsair’s daring, all wrapped up in
a tie that can only be worn by a
man permanently drunk on courage. I
commend you on your choice Gaga, a
rare find. Now let’s order.
Rudi gives a slight nod, and the Greek band strikes up a
tune.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ATHENS - TAVERNA TONY - NIGHT
Kuryakin, Gaby, and Uncle Rudi are on their coffee.
GABY
Uncle, I’ve been wondering about my
father. I’d give anything to see
him again. You’re his greatest
friend, I thought perhaps.
UNCLE RUDI
Your father is a fugitive, my dear.
A hunted man. He’d be very foolish
to be anywhere in Europe.
GABY
But if there were any way to reach
him? His only daughter is getting
married after all.
Rudi shakes his head.
UNCLE RUDI
Gabriella, I feel for you as I
would for my own child, but I’m
afraid I can’t help you.
He stands.
UNCLE RUDI (CONT’D)
And now, it’s getting late. I
highly recommend that you take the
short stroll back to your hotel.
The Acropolis at night is something
not to be missed, especially for an
architect.
Solo watches as they exit. Rudi points which way to walk
before he is whisked away in the massive Mercedes.
As Kuryakin and Gaby stroll up the boulevard, the two Thugs
from the beginning of the scene start to follow them.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
21 -
The Test of Temper
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Kuryakin and Gaby turn the corner.
GABY
I can’t believe you threatened to
pull his tongue out.
KURYAKIN
I wouldn’t have pulled it out, just
stretched it a little. We used to
do it in the early days, it takes
quite a lot of technique.
GABY
Where do you come from?
KURYAKIN
Just kidding.
GABY
No you weren’t.
KURYAKIN
Okay, I wasn’t, but that doesn’t
matter now. What does is that Rudi
knows exactly where your father is.
GABY
What makes you so sure?
They are interrupted by the sudden arrival of a moped, it’s
Solo.
SOLO
You’re being followed.
KURYAKIN
I know, two of them. “Goose-step”
Rudi sent them. I know what they’re
doing here, but I don’t know what
you’re doing here. I told you I
didn’t need your help.
SOLO
Oh yes, you do. Now give me your
gun, before it gets us all into
trouble. You’ve clearly got a very
short temper... threatening to pull
his tongue out.
KURYAKIN
It’s not very short.
GABY
Yes it is.
SOLO
It’ll happen around the next
corner. It’s quiet and they’ve put
the street lamp out. Remember,
you’re an architect, take it like a
pussy. Now give me your gun. I
don’t have time to argue.
Kuryakin rolls his eyes and obliges.
GABY
I don’t understand.
Kuryakin reluctantly hands the gun over. Solo zooms off on
the moped.
GABY (CONT’D)
What’s going on?
KURYAKIN
Act scared.
GABY
I don’t need to act.
Here come the two Thugs. One pushes Kuryakin against the wall
and jabs a knife against his throat. Kuryakin’s fingers
twitch, but then his hand relaxes.
The other grabs Gaby by the arm.
THUG 1
Money!
KURYAKIN
Yes, yes... Take whatever you want.
We don’t want any trouble.
Thug 1 rifles through Kuryakin’s pockets, takes his money.
The other does the same with Gaby’s purse. Then he pulls the
rings off her finger.
THUG 1
Watch.
KURYAKIN
Please, it was my father’s, it’s
not worth anything.
Thug 1 slaps him, hard.
THUG 1
Now!
Kuryakin grits his teeth. It’s taking all of his self control
not to react as Thug 1 rips the watch off his wrist and
pauses, he looks into Kuryakin’s eyes.
THUG 1 (CONT’D)
Your woman’s braver than you.
He slaps him again. Kuryakin fakes fear... but he slightly
betrays himself. He gets slapped again.
GABY
You have what you want, now please
leave us!
THUG 1
Nothing to say big man?
Slap...
KURYAKIN
Not really.
THUG 1
Nothing? What’s all the muscles
for?
Another slap, then the two men run off.
Solo steps out of the shadows.
SOLO
Everyone okay?
Kuryakin groans.
KURYAKIN
Enjoy the show?
Solo hands him back his gun.
SOLO
Good restraint. Your father’s
watch. Nice touch.
KURYAKIN
(annoyed)
It wasn’t a touch, it was his
watch.
GABY
I still don’t understand. What’s
going on?
SOLO
Your Uncle Rudi wanted to find out
if Kalinka here really was an
architect, and not some short-
tempered lunatic Russian spy.
KURYAKIN
I want my watch back.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
22 -
A Web of Lies
INT. GRAND HOTEL - SUITE - NIGHT
Gaby is talking on the telephone, watched by Solo and
Kuryakin.
GABY
Right after we left you, Uncle
Rudi. It was horrible... They beat
poor Ilya... No he’ll be okay, it’s
just the shock, he felt so helpless
and weak.
She looks at Kuryakin with a slight smile, he doesn’t return
it.
GABY (CONT’D)
Yes, the hotel is sending a doctor.
okay, good-night then.
She hangs up the phone.
GABY (CONT’D)
He’s invited us to the racetrack
tomorrow, to watch his employer’s
team practice.
SOLO
And I have an appointment to meet
the same man tomorrow morning,
early, to discuss oil tankers.
INT. ALEXANDER SKORPIOS’ OFFICE - NIGHT
Rudi hangs up the phone.
UNCLE RUDI
She’ll be coming to the racetrack
tomorrow.
ALEXANDER
Good. She’s exactly what we need to
convince her father to finish the
job. What do you think about the
Russian?
UNCLE RUDI
I am not sure.
ALEXANDER
Well you need to be.
UNCLE RUDI
Leave it with me.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
23 -
The Sculpted Courtyard
EXT. PORT OF ATHENS - DAY
A taxi drops Solo off outside, a brand new ultra-modern
building at the entrance to one of the piers, TRITON
SHIPPING.
EXT. TRITON HEADQUARTERS - COURTYARD - DAY
A SECRETARY leads Solo through a beautifully landscaped
garden filled with classical sculptures.
SECRETARY
This way, Mr. Holstein.
SOLO
Impressive sculptures.
SECRETARY
We’re proud to be the largest
private restorers of antiquities in
all of Greece.
They continue past a converted warehouse with big glass
walls, where there are twenty MARTIAL ARTS STUDENTS fighting.
SECRETARY (CONT’D)
And this is our Spartan Boxing
Academy. It was founded by Mr.
Skorpios’ father. Legend has it
that the three hundred Spartans
used this same fighting style to
hold off ten thousand Persians at
the battle of Thermopylae.
Solo notices a very attractive young woman among them, she
appears to be a skillful fighter.
SECRETARY (CONT’D)
This way please.
They enter a modernist pavilion in the middle of the garden.
INT. ALEXANDER SKORPIOS’ OFFICE - DAY
A huge room. Alexander Skorpios finishes issuing orders to an
underling.
Solo looks at a series of family photographs on the wall.
Pictures of: Alexander and Elena as children; their mother, a
beautiful older woman, and in pride of place, a picture of a
big brute of a man, ACHILLES SKORPIOS, standing in front of a
fishing boat with his two young children.
ALEXANDER
Mr. Holstein?
SOLO
Quite a set up you have here, Mr.
Skorpios.
ALEXANDER
You liked our Spartan Boxing
Academy? Great exercise and so much
less boring than running or going
to the gym. My father practiced it
everyday and he lived to ninety-
eight! You should try it sometime.
SOLO
I’m afraid I’m not much of a
fighter.
ALEXANDER
Well, we could always have my
sister give you a lesson.
SOLO
I’m not sure whether to be
flattered or offended.
ALEXANDER
Please sit down. Can I get you a
coffee or anything?
SOLO
I’m fine. Thank you.
ALEXANDER
So, Mr. Holstein, I’m surprised
that we haven’t met before.
(MORE)
ALEXANDER (CONT'D)
I thought I knew everyone at Texas
Oil.
SOLO
I’m freelance, so to speak Mr.
Skorpios. My employers are not
happy with their current shippers,
and they are looking to make a
change, but they don’t necessarily
want to advertise their intentions
by sending their own executives.
ALEXANDER
So you’re not here to spy on us?
SOLO
Well, if I am, I am not about to
admit it to you sir. But I’m
intrigued, why would the owner of a
shipping company be worried about
spies?
ALEXANDER
The biggest shipping company in the
world, Mr. Holstein. We can move
four billion tons of oil a year,
which I trust will be enough to
cover your needs. But our aerospace
department now represents a quarter
of our business. New technology is
a very competitive field and we
have had issues with industrial
spies. Regrettably, we’ve found it
necessary to be quite rough on
occasion.
SOLO
Well then, you’ll be relieved to
hear that I’m not remotely
interested in stealing your
aerospace secrets. You’re
sculptures on the other hand... I
haven’t seen a Praxiteles and a
Lysippus in the same room since the
Christie’s sale of ‘59.
ALEXANDER
Ah, finally a man who has his
priorities in order. So rare in
this business. Tell me, what are
you up to this afternoon? I’m
having a little gathering at the
racetrack.
(MORE)
ALEXANDER (CONT'D)
Please, come as my guest, and we
can continue our conversation about
how we’re going to move your oil.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Gaby Takes the Wheel
EXT. RACETRACK - SKORPIOS ENCLOSURE - DAY
A Skorpios car roars past... A man clicks his stopwatch shut.
Kuryakin, Gaby, and Uncle Rudi look on. Behind them is a
throng of jet-set guests, enjoying the party, and going back
and forth to the private bar.
UNCLE RUDI
What’s the world coming to? A few
years ago muggings never happened.
I’m sorry you got hurt Comrade.
Kuryakin forces a grin through gritted teeth.
GABY
(rubbing it in)
He’ll get over it, he hasn’t spent
a lot of time out of Russia.
Frankly, he needed toughing up a
bit.
UNCLE RUDI
(proudly)
You were always brave. Even as a
little girl.
Another young woman approaches, the same one Solo saw
training earlier. This is ELENA SKORPIOS. She’s very chic in
a muscular kind of way.
ELENA
Hello Rudi.
UNCLE RUDI
Elena! Allow me to introduce my god-
daughter Gaby. Gaby, this is Elena
Skorpios, that’s her brother on the
track, and also my employer.
ELENA
Rudi’s told me all about you.
There’s something slightly menacing about her smile.
The Skorpios car is coming around.
GABY
He drives well.
ELENA
Do you know much about racing?
The car comes into the pits. Alexander gets out, angry. Pulls
off his helmet. Yells at his MECHANIC...
ALEXANDER
I told you to put in the bigger
carburetor jets and disconnect that
stupid rev limiter!
MECHANIC
I did as much as I thought safe.
ALEXANDER
You have to improve the
performance.
MECHANIC
I don’t know what else to do sir.
We’ve tried all the other options.
GABY
Have the jets been totally cleaned
and rechecked for size and flow?
MECHANIC
What? Sorry, who are you?
GABY
If I’m not mistaken, that engine’s
a 1460 c.c. Coventry Climax FWB
with a five bearing camshaft. It
uses 40 DCOE Weber carburetors,
which work predictably in cooler
conditions. With this kind of road
head, you have to expand the carb
jetting, then you might find what
you’re looking for.
The Mechanic calculates.
MECHANIC
You can’t because the expansion
will produce too much fuel flow and
start to foul the plugs.
GABY
Not if you're extremely careful and
tweek no more than .20 to .26mm.
It's easiest to work from small to
large until you get the right
ratio.
Clearly, the Mechanic’s mind can’t keep up with the math. He
looks exasperated, but Alexander looks electrified.
MECHANIC
Look lady, I don’t know...
ALEXANDER
Try it.
The Mechanic looks lost. Gaby politely interrupts the moment.
GABY
I can do it for you if you like?
She rolls up her sleeves.
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
25 -
The Campari Gambit
EXT. RACETRACK - BAR - DAY
Solo continues to play the American tourist, camera slung
around his neck. He snaps pictures. Alexander, Rudi, Elena,
and others in the entourage.
Looking slightly bored, Elena walks past him on the way to
the bar. Solo considers, then decides to follow her.
He passes Mr. Waverly, the distinguished English gent from
the hotel, who is sitting at a table having a drink.
INT. RACETRACK - BAR - DAY
Solo gets to the bar before Elena arrives. He leans in to the
BARMAN and speaks in hushed tones.
SOLO
There’s a hundred bucks in it for
you if you tell her whatever she
wants, I just bought the last of.
Elena walks up.
ELENA
Campari and soda.
BARMAN
I am afraid the gentlemen has
bought the last one, madam.
As he mixes the drink, she looks across to Solo. He raises
his eye brows.
SOLO
I insist you have mine.
ELENA
You don’t look like a man who
drinks Campari and soda.
SOLO
It was my mother’s favorite drink.
ELENA
A mother’s boy.
SOLO
Alas, which led to me being a late
bloomer.
ELENA
Have you caught up with the other
boys?
SOLO
Paddling away, but the current is
strong. I’m Max Holstein with Texas
Oil.
ELENA
Ah, the big boys. It appears you’ve
more than caught up.
SOLO
I was visiting your brother and I
saw you training. My history is a
little rusty, but do I recall
correctly that in ancient Sparta,
if a man wanted to ask a woman out,
he had to fight her first?
ELENA
Ohh, you are a clever boy!
SOLO
Sadly, not a tough one.
ELENA
Why don’t I believe such modesty?
You can always try. My office is
next to my brother’s. I’ll be there
all tomorrow. Why don’t you drop by
for a lesson?
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
26 -
A Fateful Pit Stop
EXT. RACETRACK - PITS - DAY
Gaby, Rudi, and the mechanics watch Alexander’s car going
round the track. Alexander comes tearing into the pits. He
jumps out of the car. He looks up at the time.
ALEXANDER
(to Gaby)
Who are you?
UNCLE RUDI
Alexander, this is my goddaughter
Gaby.
Alexander takes Gaby’s hand, holds it a little too long.
ALEXANDER
You should come and work for me. I
mean it.
GABY
I live in East Germany.
ALEXANDER
Arrangements can be made...
Gaby gestures to Kuryakin.
GABY
This is my fiancee, Ilya.
KURYAKIN
Pleased to meet you.
He extends his hand, but Alexander has already turned back to
Gaby.
ALEXANDER
I believe that each one of us has a
destiny and I can help you with
yours.
GABY
You don’t know what my destiny is.
ALEXANDER
I know greatness when I see it, and
I have the means to encourage its
potential. I can make you great...
Now show me what you did to that
engine.
They walk over to the car, out of Kuryakin’s earshot.
GABY
You’re quite full of yourself,
aren’t you?
ALEXANDER
I can afford to be. Come to lunch
tomorrow.
He looks at Kuryakin with disdain.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
Alone. Rudi will arrange it.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Rattling the Tree
INT. GRAND HOTEL - SUITE - EVENING
Kuryakin paces angrily.
KURYAKIN
He’s a Nazi if I ever saw one.
GABY
You need to control your temper.
SOLO
I agree.
Kuryakin gives him a look.
SOLO (CONT’D)
What do you think of him?
GABY
I think he’s an athletic, good-
looking gazillionaire, who’s
offered me a job and made advances
toward me.
(beat)
I think I quite like him.
SOLO
Yes, but do you think he’s up to no
good?
GABY
If you mean by no good, is he
planning on stealing me away from
my fiancee? The answer is yes.
KURYAKIN
Well that’s not happening. No way!
GABY
I don’t know what you’re upset
about, you’re not even my fiancee.
KURYAKIN
As far as he knows, I am, and I am
for the purposes of this mission.
So, like I said, it’s not
happening.
Exasperated.
SOLO
I mean by “no good,” is he a neo-
Nazi involved in the selling of a
nuclear weapon to start a war? Not
whether or not he is trying to jump
your bones.
GABY
I might need a second conversation
before he’ll confess to that
ambition.
SOLO
I agree. Go to lunch tomorrow.
Alone. Rattle that tree. There’s
fruit up there somewhere. We just
need to find it.
KURYAKIN
(grumpy)
I’d be better off on my own. I’m
going to get an early night.
INT. GRAND HOTEL - ROOM - NIGHT
Solo changes into some dark clothing, arms himself, and slips
out of his room.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Unlikely Alliance at Dockside
EXT. DOCKS - NIGHT
A big sign reads: TRITON SHIPPING AND AEROSPACE.
Solo slips past a security guard hut and onto the pier, which
appears to be entirely occupied by Skorpios.
Moving through the cranes and stacks of containers, Solo
looks around. There are big storage warehouses, an enormous
tanker being loaded up, and at the very end, a bunker-like
building which houses Triton Aerospace.
This building has a high fence around it and is heavily
guarded by uniformed security.
Just inside is a guard tower with a spotlight, whose beam
periodically rakes the front of the building.
Solo is standing in the shadows, looking for the best point
of entry, when suddenly he sees another figure, also dressed
in black, heading towards his hiding place.
Solo pulls his gun and crouches behind a crate. The figure
stops exactly in the spot where Solo was concealed.
Solo peeps around the edge of the crate, and sees Kuryakin
also scanning the fence of the aerospace building.
Kuryakin spins, wielding a vicious looking knife.
SOLO
I thought you were having an early
night?
KURYAKIN
Cowboy? Dressed in black and hiding
in shadows. This is what you do
when the sun goes down?
SOLO
This is my patch, pal. Go and find
your own warehouse.
KURYAKIN
This is my warehouse. You’re
confused again.
SOLO
Look, this is my job. I don’t need
you lurking about here, setting off
alarms.
KURYAKIN
I don’t set off alarms, and I only
work on my own.
They glare at each other.
SOLO
You know what, this is my last
mission. All I want is for it to go
nice and smooth. So... you can tag
along, just don’t get in the way.
In and out. No one needs to know,
and we can forget about it in the
morning.
KURYAKIN
You’re getting out?
SOLO
Yup.
KURYAKIN
Why?
SOLO
None of your business. Let’s not
pretend we’re pals. Shall we get on
with this?
He runs over to the fence. Kuryakin follows.
Solo pulls out what looks like an ordinary pocket-knife, and
opens the scissors. Kuryakin looks dubious as Solo starts to
cut the wire, impressed as the blade slices through like
paper.
SOLO (CONT’D)
Super-hardened boron sharpened with
a parallax laser.
Kuryakin shrugs, he pulls out what looks like a large pen.
SOLO (CONT’D)
What’s that?
KURYAKIN
A parallax laser.
His cutter works significantly better than Solo’s.
They peel back enough of the wire to be able to slip through.
Solo points to a small doorway at one end of the wall.
SOLO
The spotlight beam crosses that
doorway every forty-seven seconds.
There are two locks. One each?
Kuryakin nods. He takes out a device that looks like a
screwdriver, with a wire coming out of one end, attached to
an earpiece. Clearly, a super high-tech lock pick.
KURYAKIN
Go.
As the spotlight passes, he sprints to the door. Solo is
close behind.
Kuryakin sticks the earpiece in his ear, and inserts the pick
into the bottom lock.
Solo calmly takes a paperclip out of his pocket, unfolds it,
and goes to work on the top lock.
In the meantime, the spotlight has reached the end of the
building, and is beginning its journey back.
Solo makes short work of his lock, but Kuryakin is having
trouble with his.
SOLO
Struggling?
Kuryakin shakes his head.
The light is getting closer.
SOLO (CONT’D)
Need some help?
Closer.
SOLO (CONT’D)
We don’t have all night, in fact,
about ten seconds.
A couple more tries with the pick, then Kuryakin gives up and
kicks the door, breaking the lock.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Scalpel vs. Hammer
INT. TRITON AEROSPACE - NIGHT
Solo and Kuryakin are in a narrow corridor. They hold their
breath, listening to know whether the sound of the door has
alerted anyone. Apparently not.
SOLO
That was one way to do it.
Kuryakin shrugs.
KURYAKIN
We’re in, aren’t we?
SOLO
And we’ve left a trail. Since we
have to work together, we should
agree on an approach. And in my
experience, ninety-nine percent of
the time, the scalpel is more
effective than the hammer.
KURYAKIN
I don’t need a lesson from you,
Cowboy.
Kuryakin is already heading down the corridor.
They move past various administrative offices until they
reach an open hallway with walls of glass, which look into a
series of laboratories.
INT. LABORATORY WING - NIGHT
Solo and Kuryakin move through the labs. They are clearly
being used to manufacture high-tech electronic components for
rocket guidance systems and satellites, but no sign of
anything to do with nuclear weaponry.
Solo and Kuryakin look at each other.
KURYAKIN
There’s nothing here.
SOLO
Or there’s something we’re not
seeing.
KURYAKIN
We search and most of the time we
find nothing. That is the nature of
our business. Let’s go.
SOLO
Let’s take one more pass.
The sound of approaching footsteps. They duck down behind a
desk.
A GUARD passes by, on patrol. Solo waits until he enters the
next room, then starts to move. Solo can see Kuryakin isn’t
moving.
SOLO (CONT’D)
Shall we go?
KURYAKIN
That’s the man who stole my
watch...
SOLO
This isn’t the time...
But Kuryakin is already going after him.
SOLO (CONT’D)
This way, dammit!
It’s like a game of grandmother’s footsteps, with Kuryakin
sneaking up behind the Guard who periodically senses
something behind him, and turns, causing Kuryakin to hide.
Finally, Kuryakin gets within striking distance. Solo is
shaking is head. Get on with it man. But Kuryakin goes into
some strange stance, puts both hands behind his back, and
whistles, the guard spins. Kuryakin slaps the man so hard,
it’s almost unbelievable. The man is paralysed, and just
stands there frozen, while Kuryakin checks his wrist. Solo is
quite shocked by this action.
SOLO (CONT’D)
What have you done to him?
He grabs the Guard’s left wrist.
KURYAKIN
It’s known as the “KGB Kiss,”
effective isn’t it? Took years to
master, although he’s standing,
he’s completely unconscious. Will
be for twenty minutes, when he
wakes up, he won’t remember what
day it is.
Solo comes in for a closer inspection of the unconscious man,
in spite of himself, he’s fascinated.
KURYAKIN (CONT'D)
Damn! It’s not my watch.
He looked exactly like this man.
He pushes the Guard, he collapses.
SOLO
Can we go now?
Solo turns to leave, and suddenly stops. He has spotted a
heavy protective suit hanging on the wall.
SOLO (CONT’D)
What is a radiation protection suit
doing hanging in an electronics
lab?
He looks around the immediate area. Nothing. He then flicks a
lone light switch on the wall, and the floor starts moving
under Kuryakin’s feet.
Kuryakin steps to one side, as a section of floor slides open
to reveal a hidden staircase.
Solo taps his temple with the tip of his index finger.
SOLO (CONT’D)
Scalpel.
KURYAKIN
If I hadn’t gone after my watch...
But Solo is already heading down the stairs. At the bottom is
a door that he opens.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Vault Escape
INT. NUCLEAR LABORATORY - NIGHT
The lab is pretty much empty. There are a few cannisters and
what looks like some disassembled centrifuge equipment, but
that’s it.
Solo takes off his watch and presses a button. The watch
emits a faint clicking sound. It is a Geiger counter.
Kuryakin eyes his own wrist mournfully.
The clicking gets louder as Solo approaches a large steel
vault door, set into the wall. In the center is a combination
lock.
Kuryakin offers Solo the lock.
KURYAKIN
Please...
SOLO
You sure... because if you want to
try.
KURYAKIN
(annoyed)
Hurry up.
Solo goes to work on the lock. He has the finesse of an
expert safecracker and makes short work of the lock.
He turns the handle and opens the door.
SOLO
You stick with me kid.
The lead-lined vault is empty, but the Geiger counter clicks
madly.
Suddenly, there is a terrible shrieking sound.
Kuryakin immediately goes into action, heading for the
stairs.
The floor above them is sliding shut. Kuryakin scrambles out
and reaches back for Solo, pulling him out just as the gap
closes.
Through the glass, several SECURITY GUARDS wielding machine
guns can be seen approaching.
Kuryakin pulls out his gun. It’s super-cool, high-tech, and
huge.
KURYAKIN
Hammer.
Solo eyes it jealously before pulling out his standard issue
automatic, which looks puny by comparison.
Kuryakin eyes it with contempt.
KURYAKIN (CONT’D)
You want to borrow mine?
SOLO
I am alright, pal.
Kuryakin pulls out a second super high-tech pistol.
He opens fire with both pistols at the same time. Single
shots. All deadly accurate.
Solo looks for a way out.
He taps Kuryakin on the shoulder.
SOLO (CONT’D)
Can we get out of here?
He points to the window. Kuryakin nods.
SOLO (CONT’D)
On three... One, two, three!
He grabs a chair and runs at the window. Kuryakin follows.
SMASH. They’re through the window in a hail of glass and
bullets.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Grenade Aftermath
EXT. OCEAN - NIGHT
SPLASH. They land in the dark water below, find their
bearings, and kick up towards the surface.
Bullets smack the water around them as Guards fire from the
windows of the building. There are more men running along the
dock.
The two agents swim away from the pier, towards a cluster of
fishing and pleasure boats that are moored inside the harbor
for the night.
SOLO
You seemed to have a little trouble
in the water. Did you learn to swim
late in life?
KURYAKIN
Actually, I won a silver at the
Olympics, but holding a gun in each
hand does make it more challenging.
He raises his hands, revealing the two guns - you’re left
thinking how could he swim at all with them?
In the distance, the sound of an approaching engine. A big
motorboat with a searchlight on the front.
The beam catches Kuryakin. He ducks underwater.
The driver accelerates and in seconds the boat has reached
where Kuryakin is swimming. The DRIVER cuts the motor and the
boat floats silently. The men scan the water on the starboard
side, where they last saw Kuryakin.
The boat has cut the two men off from one another.
Kuryakin floats as still as he can, ducking under whenever
the spotlight passes over him.
Solo treads water on the other side of the boat, watching.
He can hear the voices of the Guards, talking to each other
in Greek.
One of the Guards takes something out of a bag. Tosses it
into the water. KABOOM! A grenade.
Even on the other side of the boat, Solo is pummeled by the
shock-wave.
Kuryakin is hit full force. He clutches his ears in agony.
The guard tosses another grenade in for good measure. Kaboom!
Kuryakin is rocked by another shock-wave.
The men on the boat scan the water, they find something with
the spotlight beam.
The engine starts and they move towards it. It’s Kuryakin’s
shoe. Satisfied that their job is done, they move off.
And sure enough, Kuryakin has blacked out and is sinking.
Slowly, slowly he drifts down towards the ocean floor.
Then Solo is there, grabbing him under the arms and kicking
up to the surface.
SOLO
Come on, come on.
He slaps Kuryakin. Twists his nose. Nothing. Finally, he’s
forced to give him mouth-to-mouth.
Kuryakin sputters awake.
KURYAKIN
Okay! I’m okay!
SOLO
You don’t look so okay. We’ve got
to get out of here Mr. Olympics,
can you swim?
Kuryakin nods.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Gadget Rivalry and a Tempting Offer
INT. GRAND HOTEL - SUITE - NEXT DAY
Gaby is putting the finishing touches on her makeup. She
wears a beautiful dress and looks stunning.
Solo sits at the desk, fiddling with some kind of electronic
device.
Kuryakin is on the phone. He hangs up, looks at Gaby and
Solo.
KURYAKIN
Alexander’s chauffeur is waiting
for you downstairs.
Solo shakes his head.
SOLO
I don’t know about this... After
last night’s debacle, they’ll be
suspicious of everyone.
He glares at Kuryakin.
KURYAKIN
I’m not the one who set off the
alarm, Cowboy.
SOLO
I’ve told you there was no alarm on
the vault. Obviously they found the
door someone had kicked in!
GABY
Are you two really going to do this
again?
That shuts Solo and Kuryakin up.
GABY (CONT’D)
Our best shot is to continue as if
nothing has changed. Which means, I
need to go and have my lunch with
Alexander and accept his job offer.
The two men look at each other, they know she’s right.
SOLO
I’ll fit you with a homing device
just in case.
Solo shows her the device he’s been fiddling with. It looks
like a metal lighter.
SOLO (CONT’D)
Latest technology. Ten mile radius.
Two day battery. And it’ll light
your cigarette.
He flicks it to demonstrate.
SOLO (CONT’D)
Flick it the other way and it sends
a distress signal. We’ll be there
in a matter of minutes.
He looks at Kuryakin, expecting some reaction. Kuryakin just
nods.
KURYAKIN
Impressive.
GABY
See you later then.
Solo walks her to the door.
SOLO
We’ll be close by.
GABY
I know.
She takes his hands in hers, squeezes them, then she leaves.
Solo turns to Kuryakin.
SOLO
I’m surprised.
KURYAKIN
By what?
SOLO
By the fact that you didn’t feel
the need to trump me with a “new
and improved” Soviet tracking
device. I guess you guys haven’t
had a chance to steal our
technology yet.
Kuryakin smiles.
KURYAKIN
Oh, you mean one of these.
He produces something that's the size of a postage stamp.
KURYAKIN (CONT’D)
You can hide it anywhere, twenty
mile radius, four day battery.
A pause as Solo takes this in.
SOLO
And you already planted one on
Gaby, I suppose.
KURYAKIN
I sowed one into each of her
dresses while she was sleeping. A
bug too.
He holds up a second postage stamp-size device.
SOLO
Well, aren’t you Mr. Superspy.
Kuryakin looks smug.
EXT. ALEXANDER’S VILLA - DAY
A magnificent example of mid-century modern architecture
built on a massive scale.
A chauffeur-driven Mercedes pulls through the gates, past an
ARMED GUARD patrolling with a huge Rottweiler on a leash, and
up the driveway to the front door.
The CHAUFFEUR jumps out and opens the door for Gaby.
In the fore court, half a dozen of the most stunning exotic
sports car of the day are parked. Ferrari, Maserati, Aston
Martin, Alfa Romeo. Gaby is irresistibly drawn to them,
examining them each, one-by-one.
ALEXANDER (O.S.)
Take your pick.
He walks over to her.
GABY
Funny.
ALEXANDER
I’m serious. Come and work for me,
and you can choose any one of these
you like.
He turns.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
Now, I hope you’re hungry...
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Surveillance and a Toast
EXT. HILL ABOVE VILLA - DAY
Kuryakin and Solo are watching through binoculars.
The villa below stands on its own, surrounded by woodlands.
Kuryakin has set up his surveillance equipment in the back of
a van, and is pointing an antenna down towards the villa.
The scanning device is on, a single dot is pulsing on the
screen.
SOLO
Looks okay.
KURYAKIN
I told you.
SOLO
Since you have everything so nicely
in control, you can handle the
surveillance. I’m going to pay the
sister a visit, see what I can find
out from her.
Solo pulls his moped out of the back of the van, and leaves.
Kuryakin adjusts his equipment, puts on a pair of headphones,
and adjusts some more.
GABY
(through the headphones)
H##@o Un*^* R##i.
It’s too garbled to hear properly. Kuryakin slings the
receiver over his shoulder, grabs the antenna, and starts
down the hill to try to pick up a better signal.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALEXANDER’S VILLA - VERANDA - DAY
Uncle Rudi is sitting at the lunch table. Alexander gallantly
pulls a chair out for Gaby.
UNCLE RUDI
Did he offer you a car?
GABY
And there I was feeling all
special.
UNCLE RUDI
Oh, he doesn’t do it to everyone,
but I had a feeling he’d make an
extra effort for you. Good
afternoon my child. I can’t stay
long, just here to say hello, and
get you started.
ALEXANDER
Wine?
Alexander pours wine for everyone, then raises his glass in a
toast.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
To conversation.
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
34 -
The Challenger's Invitation
INT. ELENA’S OFFICE - DAY
She’s on the phone dressed in a gi, she’s looking all pouty
and rude, clearly in business mode.
ELENA (ON PHONE)
If you can’t buy them out, burn
them out.
She looks up at Solo, who has just been brought in by an
ASSISTANT.
Solo gestures - should he wait outside? She shakes her head
and points to a chair.
ELENA (CONT’D)
Stay where you are.
(on phone)
Not you Toni.
She looks at Solo provocatively, never taking her eyes off
him, while she carries on with the threats on the phone.
ELENA (ON PHONE) (CONT’D)
I get what I want Toni, it’s up to
them which way it happens. Painless
or painful, it’s happening... Make
that eloquent. I want that dock, I
am going to have that dock. Now
either you’re going to get it done,
or I am, and if it’s going to be
me, there really isn’t much need
for you is there?
She gently puts the phone down.
SOLO
Bad time?
ELENA
Just another day at the office. I
didn’t think you’d have the bits to
turn up.
SOLO
Do I need bits?
ELENA
Bits are a prerequisite. The
changing room is through there.
SOLO
I was hoping to keep my clothes on
and just be a tourist.
ELENA
I think we both know you’re more
inquisitive than that.
SOLO
I’m a beginner.
ELENA
Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
35 -
The Spartan Trick
INT. SKORPIOS GYM - DAY
Solo is now dressed in a gi. He enters a small private room
with mats covering the floor.
Elena is waiting.
SOLO
So, this is a family tradition?
ELENA
My father started it.
She points to an old black-and-white photograph on the wall
of a powerful looking Achilles Skorpios, standing proudly on
the deck of his fishing boat.
ELENA (CONT’D)
He, as you might have gathered, was
obsessed with the Spartan way. You
can trace our family tree back two
thousand years. He took it very
seriously. My dad didn’t do weak,
and wouldn’t let us do it either.
SOLO
So I gather.
ELENA
Ready?
SOLO
You promised to go easy on me.
ELENA
Indeed, I promised. Dimitri!
An ogre of a man enters. He is wearing a gi.
ELENA (CONT’D)
Max, this is Dimitri.
Solo puts two-and-two together.
SOLO
I think there’s been a
misunderstanding.
ELENA
I thought you wanted a lesson?
SOLO
I thought it was with you.
ELENA
You said you were a beginner. I
only teach the advanced class.
Elena turns to leave.
ELENA (CONT’D)
I’d love to stay and watch but I’m
rather busy today.
She exits, leaving Solo to face the ogre.
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
36 -
The Betrayal Unveiled
EXT. ALEXANDER’S VILLA - WOODS - DAY
Kuryakin is almost at the fence of the estate. He ducks
behind a tree, avoiding being seen by a second GUARD walking
across the lawn with another Rottweiler.
He tries the headphones again, adjusts the antenna.
ALEXANDER
(through headphones)
Does that mean....
CUT TO:
EXT. ALEXANDER’S VILLA - VERANDA - DAY
Alexander pours more wine.
ALEXANDER
... you will accept my offer?
GABY
I will accept your offer, but it
must include certain requisites.
ALEXANDER
Go on.
GABY
I want to see my father, and I want
to be a part of what he is doing.
UNCLE RUDI
I told you, she’s one of us.
ALEXANDER
What reason do you have for
thinking that I know anything about
your father? Other than what Rudi
has told me.
GABY
The same reason that I know who
broke into your laboratories last
night.
ALEXANDER
This wine agrees with you. Are you
going to tell me something
interesting?
GABY
My “fiancee” is a KGB agent, and he
thinks you’re up to no good, Mr.
Alexander Skorpios, and so do a lot
of other people.
She takes out the device Solo gave her, and places it on the
table.
GABY (CONT’D)
He’s tracking me as we drink.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALEXANDER’S VILLA - WOODS - DAY
Ilya listens in horror.
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
37 -
A Test of Loyalty
INT. ALEXANDER’S VILLA - VERANDA - DAY
GABY
He’s been teamed with a CIA agent.
You know him as Max Holstein, of
Texas Oil. You should be flattered
gentlemen, you have managed to do
what nobody else could, ally the
superpowers.
ALEXANDER
Why are you telling me this?
GABY
Please, you know who my father is,
and Uncle Rudi’s been grooming me
since I was a child. We share the
same beliefs Mr. Skorpios. I just
think your views may be a little
more liberal than mine.
Alexander looks at Rudi. Rudi nods, stands, and walks out the
room.
ALEXANDER
Before we go any further, you need
to understand something. Rudi has
gone to fetch his photo album. It’s
very important that you look very
carefully at the pictures in this
book. As they say, “a picture is a
thousand words.”
Rudi returns with the book and presents it to Alexander.
Alexander opens it, and shows it to Gaby. He studies her,
looking for a reaction.
ALEXANDER (CONT'D)
Your “Uncle” Rudi is a man of
considerable hidden talents.
Rudi shrugs modestly.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
...which he has gone to great
trouble to document.
Gaby cannot hide her horror as she stares at her godfather.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
Our friends, we treat like family,
but our enemies... Am I making
myself clear?
There is a pause, then Gaby looks up and deep into his eyes.
GABY
As a river of gin. Just give me an
opportunity to demonstrate my
loyalty to the cause.
Alexander and Rudi share a look.
ALEXANDER
(to Rudi)
Isn’t the CIA agent having lunch
with my sister right now?
UNCLE RUDI
He is.
ALEXANDER
Then don’t you have a call to make?
Rudi leaves, Alexander turns to Gaby.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
It seems your father is having some
doubts...
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Double-Cross and Escape
INT. SKORPIOS GYM - DAY
Dimitri has Solo in a choke hold. His face is turning red. He
twists and pushes, and just manages to get out of it.
Dimitri whacks Solo on the side of the head. He goes down
hard.
The ogre lumbers over to him and grabs him by the scruff of
the neck.
That’s when Solo strikes. Kick to the balls. One, two punch,
and Dimitri collapses.
Solo heads out the door and straight for...
INT. ELENA’S OFFICE - DAY
She’s on the phone. Solo stands before her.
ELENA
Really? How interesting. I
shouldn’t have any trouble handling
that.
She hangs up and smiles at Solo.
SOLO
I think I may be ready for the
advanced class after all.
ELENA
There’s more to you than meets the
eye, Max.
She pours some water from a carafe into a glass for Solo. He
drains it in one.
SOLO
Shall we get on with it?
CUT TO:
EXT. ALEXANDER’S VILLA - WOODS - DAY
Kuryakin hauls his gear through the trees, heading up the
hill, towards the van.
Then he hears it, the unmistakable sound of large animals
running through the undergrowth.
He looks back to see two Rottweilers bounding towards him. He
starts to run.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALEXANDER’S VILLA - COURTYARD - DAY
Alexander ushers Gaby into a waiting helicopter which takes
flight.
Rudi, in the meantime, gets into his Mercedes, which roars
off.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALEXANDER’S VILLA - WOODS - DAY
Kuryakin runs. Here come the dogs. Kuryakin stops. He knows
he can’t outrun the them. As they leap at him, he swings the
heavy receiver, and catches one of the dogs on the side of
the head, stunning it.
The other goes for his throat.
CUT TO:
INT. SKORPIOS GYM - DAY
Solo and Elena circle each other. Solo’s starting to look a
bit wobbly.
SOLO
I must commend you on your choice
of drug. I thought I detected a
trace of alfonsiamonoitrate in my
water. I can only imagine that
within the next few minutes I'll be
no good to anyone.
ELENA
I did warn you that advanced is a
whole new level.
Solo stumbles.
ELENA (CONT’D)
But I will go easy on you.
She slowly reaches out and pushes him gently on the nose.
Solo collapses.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALEXANDER’S VILLA - WOODS - DAY
Kuryakin is still wrestling with the dog. He hears the shouts
of men approaching.
He looks over to see a GUARD aiming a rifle at him. Kuryakin
manages to roll over so that the dog takes the bullet.
It let’s go of him with a yelp. Kuryakin manages to scramble
the rest of the way up the hill.
He jumps into the van and screeches away.
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
39 -
The Lesson of Pain
INT. SKORPIOS GYM BASEMENT - TORTURE ROOM - DAY
Solo wakes up to find himself in what looks like a surgery.
Elena is gone. He is strapped to a gurney and Uncle Rudi is
standing over him. There’s a glass window in one wall,
through which Solo can see two MEN standing guard.
UNCLE RUDI
Once upon a time there was a little
boy. You wouldn’t describe him as a
particularly special little boy, he
was neither tall or handsome,
charismatic or amusing. In fact, he
appeared to be exceedingly dull.
Because of this boy’s apparent
shortcomings, he was bullied
mercilessly and relentlessly by the
other children. Year merged with
miserable year, as life continued
to be a living hell. But what the
other boys didn’t understand about
their victim, is that he didn’t see
them as enemies. He saw them as
instruments of learning. A
priceless lesson was gleaned from
his tormentors. Man has only two
masters in this world. And their
names, Mr. Solo, are pain and fear.
As the boy grew older, he found he
had an extraordinary talent for
eliciting these gods in others. So,
on the principle of playing to your
strengths, he decided to make their
cultivation his life’s work.
Fortunately for this boy, history
presented an unprecedented
opportunity, a world war. You may
have heard of the Dark Angel of
Ravensberg, the Butcher of Belsen,
or my favorite, the Fifth Horseman,
Doctor Apocalypse. What history has
failed to relate is that this was
not three individuals, but the
tireless work of a single artist.
Rest assured that you are in
experienced hands, and trust me,
when I say, Mr. Solo, you will tell
me the truth. But we can take our
time, there is no hurry...
SOLO
That’s quite a story. And I
appreciate the trouble you’ve gone
to on my account, but I fear your
talents may be wasted, as I’m
perfectly happy to tell you
whatever you want to know.
My name is Fredrick Johnson, I am a
freelance industrial spy, I steal
technology from corporations and
sell it to the highest bidder.
The German smiles, and nods to an ASSISTANT who is hovering
in the background.
All of a sudden, Solo is jolted into a spasm of extraordinary
proportions. After five seconds it stops and smoke starts to
rise from his hair.
UNCLE RUDI
While you were resting, I took the
liberty of inserting some
electrodes into the nerve center at
the base of your spine, hurts
doesn’t it? Shall we start again?
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
40 -
The KGB Kiss
EXT. TRITON HEADQUARTERS - DAY
Down the street from the entrance to the offices, is a
separate street entrance to the Spartan Boxing Academy.
Kuryakin pulls over and parks the van.
He opens his briefcase, takes out several clips of extra
ammunition, which he loads into his pockets. He gets out of
the car.
INT. SKORPIOS GYM - LOBBY - DAY
Kuryakin walks in. There’s a THUG manning the reception desk.
KURYAKIN
I’d like to join your gym.
The receptionist eyes him sullenly, says something
unintelligible in Greek.
RECEPTIONIST
No Ingleesh.
We see Kuryakin’s hand go behind his back, in what we know as
the signature position for the “KGB Kiss.”
Close on: Kuryakin’s hands. We see one fly out, and hear the
sound of the slap.
CUT TO:
INT. SKORPIOS GYM BASEMENT - TORTURE ROOM - DAY
The torture continues. Another jolt. More smoking hair.
UNCLE RUDI
Mr. Solo, I don’t think you took me
very seriously.
In the background, through the window, we see Kuryakin shoot
and generally dispose of the two GUARDS. The glass is sound
proof.
Solo can see Kuryakin in the background and watches the
Guards drop, he tries not to give away his relief.
Rudi turns as his Assistant wheels over a table full of
instruments of torture, but is too distracted to notice that
the Guards are no longer standing outside the window.
UNCLE RUDI (CONT’D)
It does continue to amaze me, that
people think I can’t spot a lie...
He flicks the switch himself. Solo is jolted again.
Kuryakin, who is crouched down, opens the door and slips in.
The Assistant turns, and is shot dead, the sound of his
falling body is masked by the sound of the electricity.
Rudi turns the power off.
UNCLE RUDI (CONT’D)
Pass me the pliers, the show is
about to begin.
Rudi’s hand goes out and receives nothing. He then turns to
see Kuryakin.
KURYAKIN
I think we’d better get my
colleague out of the chair don’t
you?
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
41 -
The Price of Betrayal
INT. SKORPIOS GYM BASEMENT - TORTURE ROOM - DAY
Uncle Rudi is now in the chair. Needless to say, he has
turned quite pale. Solo’s hand hovers over the electrical
switch.
KURYAKIN
Where’s the warhead?
Rudi hesitates.
Solo turns up the pain.
UNCLE RUDI
Ahh... Skorpios!
KURYAKIN
Skorpios?
UNCLE RUDI
The family’s private island.
SOLO
And Gaby?
UNCLE RUDI
She’s there too.
Kuryakin looks at Solo.
KURYAKIN
(to Uncle Rudi)
Tell him...
UNCLE RUDI
What???
KURYAKIN
How you know about us...
UNCLE RUDI
Gaby.
(proudly)
She’s one of us now.
KURYAKIN
Just in case you had any doubts.
Annoyed, Solo jacks up the power. Rudi squeals.
SOLO
And when are the Egyptians taking
delivery of the bomb?
UNCLE RUDI
You’re too late.
Solo’s hand hovers over the switch.
UNCLE RUDI (CONT’D)
Tomorrow. No more, please!
Solo stares at him and steps away from the switch.
SOLO
Now tell me about your
organization.
Rudi looks relieved.
UNCLE RUDI
At the end of the war, some of our
leadership managed to escape to
South America. We’ve been steadily
rebuilding since then. We have more
power, money, and influence than
you can imagine. It doesn’t matter
what happens to me or even the
bomb. This is only the beginning.
You can’t stop them, but you can
take care of yourselves. You’re
practical men, you can kill me, but
you know it won’t make any
difference. Let’s make a deal. I
can have Swiss bank accounts set up
today. Name your price.
Solo’s eyebrows raise as he looks at Kuryakin.
SOLO
I have to admit that does sound
like an attractive idea.
What do you think? Five million
each?
KURYAKIN
I think Ten.
UNCLE RUDI
Ten million each. Done!
SOLO
I dunno... on second thought. I
think I’d rather just cook you.
INT. SKORPIOS GYM BASEMENT - TORTURE ROOM - ANTEROOM - DAY
Through the window, we can see a faintly out of focus Rudi
jolting around, but we can’t hear a sound.
There’s a sound of running feet above them.
KURYAKIN
How are you feeling?
SOLO
Sore.
Kuryakin hands Solo one of his high-tech guns.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
42 -
The Watch Obsession
INT. SKORPIOS GYM - DAY
Solo and Kuryakin reach the narrow corridor at the top of the
stairs, and are immediately attacked on both sides by the
Students we saw earlier, who are armed with nunchuks, swords,
and various martial arts weapons.
They shoot a couple of them, but the sheer numbers mean the
fighting soon becomes hand-to-hand.
A spectacular martial arts battle ensues as Solo and Kuryakin
fight eight men at the same time. Kuryakin once again
demonstrates his extraordinary martial arts skills. Solo can
take care of himself, but now and then needs some help from
Kuryakin.
As they make their way towards the entrance, Kuryakin
suddenly points at one of their would-be attackers, who are
now approaching with a lot more caution.
KURYAKIN
You!
The MAN turns tail and runs. Kuryakin goes after him.
SOLO
What are you doing?... The entrance
is this way.
Kuryakin grabs the Man, but three more attack him.
Solo is forced to go to his aid. They’re fighting the four
attackers, but all Kuryakin appears to be interested in is
the left wrist of the Man he ran after.
Finally, he manages to pull his shirtsleeve up.
KURYAKIN
Dammit!
He goes bonkers, taking out his frustration on the attackers.
Solo shakes his head in disbelief.
SOLO
Your father’s watch again? This has
to stop.
Kuryakin storms out of the building.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
43 -
A Slap of Reality
EXT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - FORTRESS - DAY
Alexander’s helicopter flies over Skorpios Island which is a
C-shaped rock sticking out of the ocean.
In the center of the C is a deepwater harbor, where a tanker
is laid up for repairs.
Built into the rock, defending the harbor, is the ancient
fortress.
On the other side of the harbor, there is a village with a
thick cluster of fishing boats.
There is a half mile long causeway, which joins the island to
the mainland.
EXT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - CASTLE - DAY
Alexander’s helicopter descends into the castle courtyard. On
three sides, there are massive stone walls, and the fourth
side is the rock itself.
In the middle of the fourth side, there is the bunker-like
entrance to the old German gun emplacement, which has clearly
been modernized and put to a different use.
The helicopter lands. Alexander and Gaby climb out.
ALEXANDER
Please follow me.
She does. They are lead through the heavily guarded castle to
a large terrace, overlooking the sea.
Seated on a chair, staring out into the distance, is the
Professor.
Alexander grabs Gaby’s arm.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
Eighteen years. This is quite a
moment.
Gaby nods.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
Remember, you have very little
time.
Gaby looks Alexander in the eyes.
GABY
Leave him to me.
EXT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - CASTLE TERRACE - DAY
Gaby walks out onto the terrace. Her father turns at the
sound of her footsteps. He looks pale and gaunt.
He rises to meet her.
UDO (SUBTITLE)
(in German)
Gaby?
GABY (SUBTITLE)
Father.
He studies her face, not entirely sure. He then takes her
hand. But instead of clasping it, he turns it over looking
for something - a small scar on her wrist.
UDO (SUBTITLE)
Oh God. It really is you.
He puts his head in his hands.
UDO (SUBTITLE) (CONT’D)
Forgive me. As you get older you
start to doubt some of your
beliefs, and I think I’ve made a
terrible mistake.
GABY (SUBTITLE)
Look at me father. Take a deep
breath. I need you to be strong.
But he’s off in his own world of self-recrimination.
UDO (SUBTITLE)
I was so sure I was doing the right
thing.
Whack! Gaby slaps him across the face.
GABY (SUBTITLE)
I need you to stop feeling sorry
for yourself and listen carefully
to me.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
44 -
The Steward Reveals All
INT. PRIVATE PLANE - DAY
Solo stirs uncomfortably in his seat. He’s half sitting on a
cushion, a failed attempt to ease some of the effect of his
torture. Kuryakin sits opposite, smirking at Solo’s
predicament.
KURYAKIN
You okay, Cowboy?
SOLO
No, but I’ll manage.
Kuryakin chuckles. Solo looks annoyed. Long silence.
SOLO (CONT’D)
I didn’t have her down as a Nazi, I
missed that one.
KURYAKIN
I knew she was a Nazi.
SOLO
(sarcastic)
Of course you did.
KURYAKIN
I bugged her, didn’t I?
SOLO
Do me a favor.
KURYAKIN
You let her get into you, didn’t
you, Cowboy? That’s never a good
idea.
SOLO
You know what, Kalinka, you’re
really rather sweet in a perverse,
dangerous, and naive sort of way.
She didn’t “get into me,” the job
did. I sometimes find myself
chuckling at the absurdity of it
all.
KURYAKIN
Ah, Solo the philosopher.
SOLO
You should try thinking sometime,
Kalinka, a wild idea for you I
know.
KURYAKIN
What’s there to think about? I kill
bad people, that’s my job. I like
my job.
SOLO
It must be so comforting not to
understand the concept of irony.
Last week you were trying to take
my life, and this week you’re doing
quite a good job of saving it.
Can’t wait to see what happens next
week, if it turns out that I have
something that you want. You don’t
know if you’re coming or going.
KURYAKIN
I know enough to be satisfied that
I’m doing the right thing.
SOLO
Is that so? Do you really think the
men who give us orders care about
making the world a safer place? Or
do they just want to be the only
kids in the playground with a gun?
Hmm, I wonder.
KURYAKIN
It must be terribly sad not to
believe in anything anymore.
At that moment, the door to the cabin opens and in walks the
STEWARD, carrying a silver tray with three glasses on it.
As he approaches, we recognize Mr. Waverly from the hotel and
the racetrack.
WAVERLY
Vodka for Mr. Solo? Bourbon for Mr.
Kuryakin. And...
He sits down next to Solo.
WAVERLY (CONT’D)
Sherry for me.
(beat)
Since you two are at the
disadvantage here, allow me to
introduce myself, retired Admiral
Percival Waverly. Currently, Deputy
Head of British Naval Intelligence.
Your employers send their regards.
Given the latest developments, we
are all in agreement that we need
to stop competing, and help one
another on this one. You will
report to me for the remainder of
the mission. You can confirm this
with your bosses when we land. Down
she goes.
He takes a large swig of his sherry.
SOLO
What exactly are the latest
developments?
WAVERLY
We have it on good authority that
the Egyptians are expecting
delivery of the warhead within the
next twelve hours. There are rumors
that they’re sending a submarine.
And... there’s the small matter of
retrieving our agent.
KURYAKIN
Your agent?
SOLO
Here we go. I’m starting to smell
the irony. She’s working for you,
isn’t she?
WAVERLY
Gaby is a British agent, has been
for years. There are some things
too sensitive to share, even with
one’s allies.
SOLO
In other words you wanted the
credit for bagging the Professor
for yourself.
WAVERLY
Once you Americans lost her father,
it was only a matter of time before
his old Nazi chums would turn up.
We were expecting Nazis, but we
weren't expecting you two. You
nearly cocked up fifteen years of
our work, but we have to make do,
don’t we?
KURYAKIN
She’s a Nazi. Solo’s buttocks can
prove it, and I heard her betray
us.
SOLO
I’m surprised you’re surprised. You
were so sure you were right.
WAVERLY
We knew that Alexander Skorpios
already had his doubts about you,
Mr. Kuryakin, and your botched
break-in to his headquarters only
fuelled his suspicions.
He looks at Solo.
WAVERLY (CONT’D)
Honestly, kicking in a door? Where
did you learn your skills?
Solo doesn’t bother to protest.
WAVERLY (CONT’D)
My agent was forced to denounce
you, in order to maintain her own
credibility and stay in the game.
She knew that you’d planted a bug
on her and would be listening to
every word she said.
KURYAKIN
Except that she didn’t know about
the bug. Only the transmitter,
which she destroyed.
WAVERLY
Where did they send you to school
my dear boy?
SOLO
Go easy on him, he’s only just
learning that the game he thinks
he’s playing, isn’t the game he’s
really playing.
WAVERLY
Do you honestly think you could
plant a bug on an agent, who has
been in the field for more than a
week, without them knowing?
There’s a ding and the “fasten seat belt” light comes on.
WAVERLY (CONT’D)
Now fasten up, we’re going in.
Solo and Kuryakin look out of the window. Nothing but ocean
below them, until the plane banks and a British aircraft
carrier comes into view.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
45 -
A Spartan Welcome
INT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - CASTLE - DAY
Alexander stands at a window, looking down at Gaby and her
father on the terrace below.
Elena enters.
ALEXANDER
Sister.
They hug.
ELENA
We’re almost there.
ALEXANDER
Our father would be proud.
ELENA
They’ll send an army to stop us.
ALEXANDER
We’ll give them a Spartan welcome.
EXT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - TERRACE - DAY
Gaby and her father walk along the terrace. From his
expression, it’s clear that she’s told him why she’s really
there.
UDO
How do I know that this isn’t some
kind of trick?
GABY
We’ll have to trust one another
won’t we. Father... you must agree
to complete the bomb assembly.
That’s the best opportunity we have
to disable it once and for all.
Udo thinks.
UDO
If I can substitute the neutron
reflector lens... But they’ll be
watching every step of the process.
My assistant Nikos, he’ll know.
GABY
Leave him to me.
Father and daughter stare at each other.
UDO
Thank you. I know you despise me
but...
GABY
Hug me, Father.
He looks surprised, until her eyes flick towards Alexander
and Elena, who are walking out to greet them. Father and
daughter hug awkwardly.
GABY (CONT’D)
My father hasn’t been feeling well.
That, and the stress of the work
led to a certain amount of self-
doubt. However, he is now ready to
resume his work.
ALEXANDER
Udo?
The Professor nods.
UDO
I’m ready.
ALEXANDER
(to Gaby)
I’m impressed.
UDO
I want my daughter with me.
Alexander glances at Elena, who nods.
ALEXANDER
Good. I need you to finish tonight.
UDO
(to Gaby)
Come, I’ll show you my laboratory.
Alexander and Elena watch them walk away.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Orders of Distrust
EXT. AIRCRAFT CARRIER - DECK - DAY
The plane lands. Waverly exits, followed by Solo and
Kuryakin. They are greeted by the CAPTAIN, who is
surprisingly short in stature.
CAPTAIN
Good day gentlemen. I hope you
understand that this is my vessel
and we won’t have any issues over
who is in command?
WAVERLY
Not at all Captain, understood.
Now, I need to get these men to a
radio.
CAPTAIN
Very well, follow me.
Waverly turns to the two agents and says under his breath.
WAVERLY
The Captain has a bit of a power
issue, I’m sure you can understand
why. It’s best you leave him to me.
They are escorted inside.
INT. AIRCRAFT CARRIER - RADIO ROOM - DAY
INTERCUT BETWEEN: Solo and Kuryakin are pacing as they listen
to their bosses on separate telephones at opposite sides of
the room.
SANDERS (V.O.)
The Brits have the biggest naval
presence in the area.
OLEG (V.O.)
You’ll need their firepower.
SANDERS (V.O.)
But you will be leading the
assault.
OLEG (V.O.)
Once you’ve stopped the bomb.
SANDERS (V.O.)
You must retrieve the disk...
OLEG (V.O.)
Whatever it takes, the disk is
fundamental.
SANDERS (V.O.)
Get rid of the Russian if
necessary.
OLEG (V.O.)
The American will be looking for
it, if he gets in your way, do what
you must.
Solo and Kuryakin stare at each other across the room.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
47 -
The Skorpios Briefing
INT. AIRCRAFT CARRIER - BRIEFING ROOM - DAY
The Captain leads Waverly, Solo, and Kuryakin inside.
There’s a big map on the wall of Skorpios Island and the
surrounding coastline.
Seated, facing it, are a dozen Special Boat Service (SBS)
TROOPS. These are the British equivalent of Navy Seals. They
all stand to attention.
CAPTAIN
This is Major Jockelson and his
team. They’re my finest men. They
will be supporting your efforts.
A tough looking young man, MAJOR JOCKELSON, with a scar down
his left cheek, steps forward to shake their hands.
Waverly moves in front of the map.
WAVERLY
Please sit down....Skorpios Island
has been a fortress of some kind
since the time of the ancient
Greeks. The Knights Templar built a
castle there in the Middle Ages,
and the Germans built a massive
fortified gun emplacement there
during the war. Several attempts to
capture it were unsuccessful.
Later, Alexander’s father purchased
it and it has been refurbished
extensively since then. We’ve
managed to “borrow” the plans from
the architect in Athens... After
careful study, our conclusion is
that our best approach is a stealth
operation. A surprise attack by a
small team of our best men. That is
you gentlemen.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Night Operations
INT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - CASTLE COMMAND CENTER - NIGHT
Alexander stands with his HEAD OF SECURITY. They are watching
a bank of primitive CCTVs, which show different sections of
the island: the harbor, the road up to the castle, the gate.
ALEXANDER
I’m expecting trouble tonight.
Prepare your men.
INT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - UNDERGROUND LABORATORY - NIGHT
A glass fronted room, full of scientific equipment and
machinery, including three or four warheads on a rack, which
are off to one side.
In the center, resting on a metal trolley, is the nuclear
bomb casing.
Udo stands over it, wearing a white lab coat. He is
assembling the internal components. It’s a delicate process
involving patience and precision. There are several white-
coated TECHNICIANS servicing him.
UDO
Nikos? Micro-wrench.
His chief assistant, NIKOS, is a slimy young man with a
ferret-like appearance. He hands Udo a precision tool, which
Udo uses to secure a connection inside the bomb.
Gaby stands just a little too close to Nikos, watching her
father work.
GABY
(to Nikos)
Which part did you work on?
Nikos is flustered. He’s not used to beautiful women paying
attention to him.
NIKOS
Uh...well...uh.
UDO
Nikos has been part of the whole
process. He’s quite brilliant.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
49 -
The Coup de Grâce
EXT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - HARBOR - NIGHT
Two GUARDS patrol the dock. They reach the end, and look out
at the dark water. Suddenly, a hole appears in each of their
foreheads.
One tumbles off the dock, where he is caught by two SBS
Frogmen waiting below. The other crumples onto the dock.
More Frogmen emerge from the dark water and secure the dock.
Then a pair of low profile rafts are floated in, carrying men
and weapons.
Among them are Solo and Kuryakin.
The SBS team are crack troops, and they move with well-oiled
precision. Snipers, a Radio-man, and a RPG team.
INT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - CASTLE COMMAND CENTER - NIGHT
Alexander watches all this activity on the CCTV. He nods
gravely to his chief of security.
ALEXANDER
You know what to do.
Alexander gets up and leaves the room.
INT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - UNDERGROUND LABORATORY - NIGHT
Udo is still working on the bomb. Gaby points to a metal box,
attached to the side of the bomb with a red light and green
light on it.
GABY
What does that do?
NIKOS
That is known as the coupler. It
sends a signal which enables a
second missile to lock onto this
one for double the impact. Your
father invented it.
UDO
Nikos? Neutron focus lens.
Nikos takes the lens out of a wooden box and hands it to the
Professor.
This is Gaby’s cue. She “accidently” brushes against a glass
beaker full of a dark brown liquid, which smashes on the
floor.
Everyone turns to look at her, at which point the Professor
slips the lens into one pocket and pulls a substitute lens
out of another.
GABY
I’m sorry! I’m so clumsy. I hope that
wasn’t important.
NIKOS
Very important...
He holds up a glass containing more of the brown liquid.
NIKOS (CONT’D)
Coca-cola.
He takes a swig. Everyone laughs.
Father and daughter glance at each other as Udo installs the
substitute lens.
UDO
Nikos, pay attention! Reflector wrap.
NIKOS
Yes boss.
In walks Alexander. He walks up next to Gaby.
ALEXANDER
How much longer Udo?
UDO
Almost done.
ALEXANDER
Excellent.
He slaps Gaby across the face, knocking her to the ground.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
(to guards)
Take her to one of the cells. If
you don’t hear from me in ten
minutes, shoot her.
(to Udo)
Now, you have nine minutes to
install the correct lens and finish
the assembly.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
50 -
The Wooden Floor Trap
EXT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - CASTLE - NIGHT
The assault team progresses up the hill, silently taking out any
sentries with deadly precision.
They are outside the main gate, where two SENTRIES stand,
smoking and chatting.
Jockelson signals for his men. Two silenced shots, and they are
down. The team is through the gates.
EXT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - CASTLE COURTYARD - NIGHT
And that is when all hell breaks lose. They’ve walked straight
into an ambush. Shots rain down on them from all sides.
There is no cover. They are sitting ducks.
Jockelson signals a retreat, but there are snipers outside the
gate as well.
There is one open doorway across the courtyard. They have no
choice but to make a run for it.
The team zig-zigs across the open space, using parked vehicles
and the central well as partial cover.
INT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - CASTLE - GREAT HALL - NIGHT
Only half the team makes it inside, the others are wounded.
They manage to bar the door and also the interior door, before
more of the SPARTAN GUARDS arrive.
The men hunker down, out of sight of the windows. There’s no way
out.
A thumping is heard as the Spartan Guards start to pound the
doors. It won’t be long before they break through.
SOLO
(to Jockelson)
You’d better radio for support.
JOCKELSON
We lost the radio...
A pause while the gravity of the situation sinks in.
JOCKELSON (CONT’D)
(to his men)
Listen up. We’re going to form a
defensive position.
He directs his men to turn the banquet tables on their sides,
each facing one of the doors.
Solo and Kuryakin look at each other.
KURYAKIN
Cowboy?
SOLO
Yes, Kalinka.
KURYAKIN
Alexander’s mine.
SOLO
Fine. I want the sister. But
first...
He looks around.
SOLO (CONT’D)
We need to figure out a way out of
here. Any hall of this period
should have a stone floor, but this
one is wood.
KURYAKIN
And?
SOLO
It doesn’t make sense, unless there’s
something underneath, in which case a
stone floor would be too heavy.
The doors are cracking.
SOLO (CONT’D)
We just need to get through it
rather quickly....
He looks around, but Kuryakin is already striding across the
room, towards the Soldier carrying the RPG.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
51 -
Race Against Time
INT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - LABORATORY - NIGHT
As gunfire sounds above, Udo quickly closes the bomb casing.
Alexander looks at his watch.
ALEXANDER
Only seven minutes. Very good.
Alexander gestures to his guards. They wheel the bomb trolley
out of the lab.
UDO
What about Gaby?
ALEXANDER
You don’t need to worry about her,
she’ll be joining you shortly.
He shoots the Professor between the eyes.
ALEXANDER (CONT’D)
(to Nikos)
The disk with the Professor’s
research, where is it?
Nikos opens a small safe and takes out the disk.
Alexander grabs it and tucks it in his jacket.
INT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - GREAT HALL - NIGHT
The Spartan Guards are almost through the inner door.
Kuryakin has the RPG, and is aiming at the floorboards across
the room.
Kuryakin pulls the trigger, and the rocket ploughs into the
floor exploding on impact.
Kuryakin is knocked off his feet and the room is filled with
smoke, but as it clears, we see that a large section of the
floor has been blown away, revealing a room below.
Solo picks Kuryakin up, and they start down the hole, followed
by Jockelson and his team.
INT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - CELL - NIGHT
Gaby is seated on a stone bench. Outside the cell, one of the
Guards looks at his watch. Nods to the other, who starts to
unlock the door.
INT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - CELL - NIGHT
One of the men raises his gun to shoot her.
Gaby closes her eyes. Ready to die.
Two shots. Gaby opens her eyes to find Solo standing over
her. The two Guards lie at his feet.
Kuryakin and the others are behind in a fire-fight with other
Guards.
Solo helps her up. She’s shaking.
GABY
I...
She throws her arms around him and holds on for dear life.
Solo is awkward, doesn’t know what to do, but gradually his
arms close around her.
Kuryakin interrupts the moment.
KURYAKIN
The warhead.
Gaby pulls herself together. Kuryakin continues down the
corridor. Gaby follows.
SOLO
(to Jockelson)
Find a radio and get us some help.
He’s about to follow the others, when he spots something
familiar about the Guard he just shot. He bends over him and
takes something off his left wrist.
INT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - CONTROL ROOM - NIGHT
Empty. The bank of monitors flicker. Kuryakin enters, scans
them, spots Alexander and Nikos passing various cars in a
garage.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
52 -
The Cost of Victory
INT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - UNDERGROUND GARAGE - NIGHT
Gaby, Solo, and Kuryakin enter. There’s a tunnel entrance at one
end. Alexander’s car engine can be heard echoing back down the
tunnel.
There are several ATVs (lightweight SUV’s on steroids with huge
tires) parked in a row, and a line of dirt bikes as well.
Kuryakin slings his rifle over his shoulder and jumps on a
bike.
Solo heads for an ATV.
SOLO
(to Gaby)
You drive.
The ATV and the bike hurtle down the tunnel.
EXT. SKORPIOS ISLAND - ROAD - EARLY MORNING
It’s just starting to get light out as the ATV and the bike fly
out of what appears to be a cave in side of the rock. They
splash through a foot of ocean water, and careen up onto the
causeway, which connects the island to the mainland.
Alexander’s car is ahead in the distance. He’s in a souped-up
Land Rover.
INT. ATV - EARLY MORNING
Solo and Gaby are travelling at tremendous speed, but Alexander
is quite far ahead.
GABY
Do you hate me?
SOLO
Does it matter?
GABY
What do you think?
Solo smiles.
SOLO
I think you can drive better than
this.
The road winds as it travels uphill.
Gaby accelerates, taking the turns at alarming speed, but she’s
not getting any closer.
Suddenly, she jams on the brakes. Reverses. There’s a dirt track
heading up a steep slope.
GABY
Hold on tight.
They bounce up the hill at tremendous speed, flying through the
air as they hit bumps. But once they crest the hill the track
joins the road again, and now they’re just behind Alexander.
Kuryakin has followed behind on his bike. Now, instead of taking
the road, he continues across country, heading uphill to a
vantage point where he can see the road below.
In the meantime, the road is heading into woodlands as Gaby and
Solo close in on Alexander.
Gaby bumps the back of the Land Rover. Alexander jams on his
brakes, trying to shake her off.
It’s bumper cars until Gaby sees an opening. She accelerates up
the bank and passes Alexander. She then swerves the ATV down in
front of the Land Rover, forcing it off the road and into a
ditch.
The ATV flips and lands upside down next to the Land Rover.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILLTOP - EARLY MORNING
Kuryakin can barely see the cars through the trees. He raises
the rifle and looks through the sight.
Relief as he sees Solo crawl out of the ATV and pull Gaby out.
CUT TO:
EXT. WOODLANDS - EARLY MORNING
Nikos lies nearby, also unconscious. Solo tries to help Gaby to
her feet, but she yelps in pain.
GABY
I think my leg is broken.
SOLO
I’m never getting in a car with you
again.
Whack! Alexander comes out of nowhere, knocking Solo off his
feet.
Solo fights Alexander, but the Spartan is bigger and better.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILLTOP - EARLY MORNING
Kuryakin tries to take a shot, but between the trees and the
moving bodies, he’s just as likely to hit the wrong person.
CUT TO:
EXT. WOODLANDS - EARLY MORNING
Solo is being pummeled. Alexander punches him so hard that he’s
pretty much knocked senseless.
Finally, he gets behind Solo and lifts him by the neck.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILLTOP - EARLY MORNING
Kuryakin tracks the action through his sight. Finger on the
trigger. He gets glimpses of Alexander, but he’s blocked by
Solo’s body.
Alexander grips Solo’s head to twist it and break his neck.
KURYAKIN
Sorry, Cowboy.
He pulls the trigger.
We travel with the bullet as it flies through the air, whistling
past tree branches, penetrating Solo’s shoulder, travelling
through his body, and out the other side into Alexander’s heart.
He drops. Solo collapses beside him.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILLTOP - EARLY MORNING
Kuryakin jumps on the bike and rides down through the trees.
EXT. WOODLANDS - MORNING
Clutching his shoulder, Solo reaches inside Alexander’s
jacket and snags the disk, which he pockets. He then leans
back against a tree.
Kuryakin arrives his bike. Hurries over to Solo.
Kuryakin grins, seeing that Solo is okay.
KURYAKIN
Sorry I had to shoot you, Cowboy.
SOLO
Something you’ve been wanting to do
since we met.
KURYAKIN
Is he dead?
Kuryakin goes over to Alexander’s body ostensibly to check
and surreptitiously rummages through his pockets.
SOLO
I’ve got something for you.
He produces Kuryakin’s father’s watch.
SOLO (CONT’D)
After all that, you shot the guy
who took it and didn’t even
recognize him.
Kuryakin’s eyes light up.
KURYAKIN
I love you, Cowboy!
He kisses Solo on both cheeks.
SOLO
Ouch. Be gentle with me!
The sound of a helicopter approaching rapidly. A British
naval helicopter lands in a field just beyond the trees, and
Waverly steps out.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
53 -
The Decoy Deception
INT. HELICOPTER - DAY
A battered Solo, Kuryakin, and Gaby, whose leg in a splint,
watch as four MEN carefully carry the warhead over to the
helicopter, and place it in the hold.
One of the men comes over and says something to Waverly. He
then walks over to the warhead, where they talk some more.
The sound of the helicopter drowns out what they are saying.
Waverly comes over to our trio.
WAVERLY
Well, it appears we have the wrong
warhead.
GABY
But it’s identical to the one...
WAVERLY
It is, only there’s no plutonium.
It’s a decoy. We’ve been had.
(to pilot)
Let’s go.
Waverly gets into the front of the helicopter and starts
barking orders into the radio.
INT. HELICOPTER - DAY
Waverly finishes on the radio.
WAVERLY
They’ve searched the castle from
top to bottom. Nothing. No sign of
the warhead or Elena Skorpios.
We’ve had the place locked up all
night. Radar, sonar, aerial
patrols, no ships have been in or
out of the harbor, including
submarines. But... some fishing
boats left the village this morning
just before dawn. The Harbor Master
is being brought to the carrier to
help us.
Solo stares at the decoy.
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Piecing the Clues
INT. AIRCRAFT CARRIER - BRIDGE - DAY
The HARBOR MASTER is standing in front of the group.
HARBOR MASTER
One hundred and twenty seven
fishing boats left the village
before dawn as they do every day.
(MORE)
HARBOR MASTER (CONT'D)
They are now spread over a two
hundred mile radius.
CAPTAIN
We don’t know the name, let alone
the location of the boat that we’re
looking for. It will be impossible
for us to find and search more than
twenty boats in the next few hours.
I simply don’t have the manpower.
Solo looks up, he shuts his eyes in thought.
FLASHBACK TO: The photograph he saw in Alexander’s office.
Achilles Skorpios with his kids standing in front his fishing
boat. But the name is obscured. Only the middle two letters
“ON” are visible.
Solo thinks harder.
FLASHBACK TO: A second, older picture (in gym) of Achilles
Skorpios as a young man standing in front of the boat. This
time only the last two letters “AS” are visible.
FLASHBACK TO: Elena’s face as she says:
ELENA
My father was obsessed with the
“Spartan way.”
FLASHBACK TO: The Secretary giving Solo the guided tour as
she says:
SECRETARY
Legend has it that the 300 Spartans
used this fighting technique to
defeat two thousand Persians at the
battle of Thermopylae.
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
55 -
The Spartan Connection
INT. AIRCRAFT CARRIER - BRIDGE - DAY
Solo turns to the group.
SOLO
What was the name of the leader of
the 300 hundred Spartans?
CAPTAIN
What has that got to do with
anything?
SOLO
Please answer the question.
WAVERLY
Leonidas.
FLASH TO: The pictures of the boat. Solo fills in the missing
letters, they fit perfectly.
SOLO
Leonidas is the name of the boat
we’re looking for.
The Captain looks skeptical.
CAPTAIN
I am afraid that’s not enough agent
Solo. Waverly, I need the radio,
every minute my man spends on this
theory is a minute wasted in co-
ordinating the broader search.
WAVERLY
Give my man a minute, Captain.
The Captain huffs and puffs, and stands on his tip toes.
CAPTAIN
One minute.
CUT TO:
The Harbor Master is on the radio.
HARBOR MASTER (SUBTITLE)
(in Greek)
Leonidas, come in Leonidas. This is
the Harbor Master.
No response, everybody exchanges looks of doubt, why does
Solo think that this is the boat they have been looking for?
Solo holds fast and looks at a RADIO TRACKING MAN who sits
near by.
HARBOR MASTER (SUBTITLE) (CONT’D)
Leonidas, come in Leonidas. This is
the Harbor Master.
OVER RADIO (SUBTITLE)
Harbor Master. This is Leonidas.
Solo takes the radio.
SOLO (SUBTITLE)
This is Napoleon Solo. I have a
message for the owner of your boat,
Elena Skorpios.
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
56 -
The KGB Kiss
EXT. LEONIDAS - DAY
We see a Greek FISHING CAPTAIN looking surprised.
FISHING CAPTAIN (SUBTITLE)
Sorry, do not understand message.
CUT TO:
INT. AIRCRAFT CARRIER - BRIDGE - DAY
Silence, more doubt in the room. The Radio Tracking Man rolls
his finger, he needs more time to find a position. Solo
continues.
SOLO (SUBTITLE)
The message is: earlier today I
killed your brother.
Silence from the radio. The Captain looks at his watch.
CAPTAIN
Your minute is up agent. I am
taking control of my radio.
The Russian is standing behind the diminutive captain.
KURYAKIN
Are you sure, Cowboy?
SOLO
Sure enough.
We see the Russian put his hands behind his back in
preparation for the “KGB Kiss.” Off screen we hear it’s
delivery.
Solo on the radio.
SOLO (CONT’D)
I would like to report that he died
according to the Spartan tradition,
with honor and courage.
But alas, this was not the case.
(MORE)
SOLO (CONT’D)
It was sadly really rather pitiful.
So, I’d just like to send you my
condolences.
Long silence. It looks like nothing is going to happen. Then
the radio crackles to life.
ELENA (SUBTITLE)
(over radio)
Hello Napoleon.
CUT TO:
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
57 -
Counterstrike at Sea
INT. LEONIDAS - BRIDGE - DAY
Elena speaks into the radio.
ELENA
I appreciate the sentiment of your
message, and now I hope you will
appreciate the significance of
mine. I want you to listen
carefully, any blood relation that
you still have living will be dead
within the year, they will die as
slowly and as painfully as
possible. You already know from
personal experience this is our
area of expertise. You have no idea
of the size and sophistication of
our organization. There is nothing
you can do to protect or hide them.
You will be helpless to do anything
but witness their suffering as you
await your own death which we will
save for last. This I vow on the
death of my brother.
She looks out the window and we see a submarine in the
distance. The warhead is being lowered into a zodiac.
INT. AIRCRAFT CARRIER - BRIDGE AND INT. LEONIDAS - BRIDGE -
DAY
INTERCUT BETWEEN SOLO AND ELENA.
The Radio Tracking Man gives Solo the thumbs up. Waverly nods
to a TECHNICIAN, who taps the coordinates into a computer.
SOLO
I am most flattered you feel so
strongly about me, however, in
order for that to happen don’t you
first need to be able to inform
your organization?
CUT TO:
ELENA
That will take a matter of minutes,
as will the delivery of the warhead
that you so desperately sought.
CUT TO:
SOLO
I see one flaw in your logic.
CUT TO:
ELENA
Entertain me.
CUT TO:
Solo watches through the window as the decoy warhead is
launched.
SOLO
While you’ve been busy telling me
how dangerous you are, we’ve been
busy locking onto your location,
via your radio signal. This gave us
your general location.
CUT TO:
ELENA
Aren’t you clever? But that’s not
going to help you much. I’ll be
gone in five minutes.
CUT TO:
SOLO
I haven’t finished, the coupling
device, that you so considerately
left us on your decoy warhead, is
accurate to ten feet.
(MORE)
SOLO (CONT'D)
That warhead, although not nuclear,
shouldn’t have too much trouble
obliterating a medium sized Greek
fishing boat.
CUT TO:
Elena, as doubt starts to creep across face.
CUT TO:
SOLO (CONT’D)
Now, just in case you still haven’t
worked out exactly what’s going on,
the aforementioned missile was
launched forty-five seconds ago,
which gives you about thirty
seconds to impact. Don’t worry, it
won’t trigger the nuclear warhead,
as that requires fission.
CUT TO:
At which point, Elena can see panicked members of her crew
pointing up in the air and jumping overboard.
SOLO (CONT’D)
But I suggest you abandon ship
immediately if you want to make
good on your vow.
(pause)
How’s that for entertainment.
CUT TO:
Elena turns white... KABOOM!
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
58 -
The Standoff in Athens
INT. ATHENS HOTEL ROOM - DAY
Solo is packing his gear into a suit case, on the bed we can
see the disk, on a dressing table is his gun. There is a
knock at the door. Solo covers the gun with a towel and opens
the door. Kuryakin is standing there holding a bottle.
KURYAKIN
I bought you the best vodka I could
find. Can’t get my head round it
while there is still whiskey in the
world. Can I come in?
SOLO
You might as well, cause I got
something for you too.
He gestures to a bottle of whiskey.
Solo clocks that Kuryakin has seen the disk on the bed.
KURYAKIN
You have a couple of glasses? I
could use a drink about now.
Solo, goes to the dressing table where there are glasses. In
the mirror he can see Kuryakin looking longingly at the disk.
Kuryakin undoes a button on his jacket.
SOLO
Why don’t you sit down?
Kuryakin does so, but his hand looks like it could reach for
his gun. Solo gives Kuryakin his glass and smiles, he returns
to his seat at the dressing table and puts his glass down by
the towel with the gun underneath it, he uses the drink as a
cover.
SOLO (CONT’D)
All in all, I think we made a
pretty good team.
KURYAKIN
It seems so, I have to admit, I
didn’t have a great deal of
confidence in you at the beginning.
SOLO
So what now? You go back to Russia?
Mission accomplished?
The Russian’s eyes again flick toward the disk, and his hand
seems to creep inside his jacket looking for a gun. In
response, Solo’s hand is creeping under the towel. The
tension mounts. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door. The
tension is shattered.
SOLO (CONT’D)
Could you get that for me?
The Russian opens the door. There stands Gaby.
GABY
Thought you’d like to know, the
salvage team managed to retrieve
the missile’s plutonium core from
the sea bed, it’s intact.
She notices the tension in the room.
GABY (CONT’D)
I hope I am not interrupting
anything.
SOLO
Just a drink, and we can continue
that downstairs. I have to catch a
plane in an hour.
There’s a release of tension.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
59 -
The Disk and the Debt
INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
Solo puts his bags on his chair, and checks his inside
pocket, it contains the disk, he’s happy. He then attempts to
put his bags up into the space above his seat. He’s having
some trouble due to his injured shoulder. A hot STEWARDESS
helps him while people push behind.
SOLO
Thank you, young lady.
He sits, sighs with relief, closes his eyes and falls asleep.
He wakes at 30,000 feet, looks out of the window, and taps
his breast pocket, a look of shock comes over him, there’s
nothing there. He’s been pick-pocketed. He starts frantically
searching his clothes.
We hear a voice off screen, it’s the Russian.
KURYAKIN
Looking for this?
He’s holding the disk.
KURYAKIN (CONT’D)
I think you know what my orders
are, but you know what, Cowboy? I
don’t like debts. So this is for
you saving my life when I was
drowning. And for my father’s
watch. Now we’re even.
He drops it on Solo’s lap, and marches off.
Moments later, the Russian is having a drink, when all of a
sudden, Solo drops the disk on his lap.
SOLO
That’s for taking out the
electrodes from my behind and
shooting me through the shoulder,
and both times somehow saving my
life. Now we’re even.
He walks off. He goes to the bar. The Russian approaches and
throws the disk on to the bar.
SOLO (CONT’D)
This isn’t going to work is it?
KURYAKIN
So you’re really retiring, Cowboy?
(beat)
What will you do?
Solo shrugs.
SOLO
Go fishing.
KURYAKIN
So what we just did doesn’t change
anything? You don’t think we did
any good at all?
SOLO
Oh, you are sweet, Kalinka. Tell
you what, the day there’s an
organization that only deals with
real threats, and bypasses national
oneupmanship, I’ll be interested.
KURYAKIN
So, what are we going to do with
this?
They look at the disk.
SOLO
Well I don’t see how it can do
anyone any good do you? It’s a pity
that neither of us found it.
INT. AIRPLANE TOILET - DAY
We see them snap the disk in half and drop it into the
toilet. They hit the flusher.
SOLO
Well that’s the end of that.
CUT TO:
INSERT: THREE MONTHS LATER.
Genres:
Ratings
Scene
60 -
The Tailor Shop Reveal
EXT. NEW YORK STREET - DAY
Solo is walking down a street in the East Forties. He sees
Del Florio’s Tailors.
INT. DEL FLORIO’S TAILORS - DAY
The bell dings as Solo enters and produces a ticket. He hands
it over, the MAN behind the counter looks up at Solo.
MAN
Just wait here a minute please,
sir.
The Man disappears. A beat or two later, the curtains of the
changing room part and there stands Sanders.
SANDERS
Good to see you Solo, so glad you
could make it. You’ve come about
thawing account number 583937994?
SOLO
That was our deal.
SANDERS
Nothing to worry about, it can
thaw. You just have to sign a few
receipts first, you understand the
bureaucracy. Could you follow me?
Sanders turns and walks away down a corridor, Solo follows.
INT. DEL FLORIO’S TAILORS - OFFICE - DAY
Sanders pushes various forms in front of Solo.
SANDERS
That’s a good man. Just sign here,
and here.
Solo can’t be bothered to read the forms and just signs away.
SANDERS (CONT’D)
You and the Russian did a good job
back there Solo, a proper team,
even our governments thought so.
Wouldn’t it be good if all the jobs
you had to do were for such a good
cause? An organization consisting
of agents of all nationalities.
Sanders puts more forms in front of Solo.
SANDERS (CONT’D)
Just a few more.
SOLO
Great idea sir, but it would never
happen. Anyway what would you call
it?
SANDERS
U.N.C.L.E.
SOLO
As in my father’s brother? What
does that mean?
SANDERS
The United Network Command For Law
and Enforcement.
SOLO
Sounds like you’ve been thinking
about it sir. Of course, you’d need
the Russian, and the girl was
pretty useful as well.
SANDERS
I am sure that could be arranged.
SOLO
I’ll believe it when I seen it.
He continues signing.
SANDERS
Would you? What if I’d told you,
you’d be the head agent, and you’d
only commit to missions that were a
global threat? No paperwork, and no
politics.
SOLO
Very entertaining sir. In that
case, you’d have my attention. I’d
be your man.
Sanders looks relieved and takes away the last paper that
Solo was signing. He checks the signature and blows it dry.
SANDERS
I was hoping you’d say that,
because the Russian put some money
on you saying “yes.” I, as you
know, am a bit more cynical. I said
I’d need to see your signature
first, but it seems we were both
right.
He presses a button, and the wall of clothes behind Sanders
disappears. We reveal -
INT. U.N.C.L.E. HEADQUARTERS - MISSION CONTROL - DAY
Kuryakin and Gaby are sitting with Waverly and Oleg, in front
of a bank of computers and monitors, all staring at where
Solo is sitting. Solo’s eyes are wide in shock.
KURYAKIN
And they even said you can fly
first class. Good to see you,
Cowboy.