We open with an ominous overhead shot of the infamous House
on Haunted Hill, infamous for its dark history. The camera
captures the eerie sight of the mansion as screams and groans
echo from within its decaying walls. The sound of dragging
chains fills the air, intensifying the chilling atmosphere.
The once grand mansion now stands as a haunting reminder of
its former glory, lost in time. Thick layers of fog enshroud
the building, adding to its mystery and dread. Weeds and
thorny vines have overgrown the once elegant gardens, now
tangled and twisted, mirroring the house's haunting past.
Whispers seem to seep from the broken windows and cracked
walls, carrying with them an air of malevolence. The rusted
iron front gate creaks and groans, seemingly warning visitors
of the horrors that lie within.
As the camera pans out, the distant howling wind envelopes
the scene, and shadows dance on the periphery of our vision,
hinting at unseen horrors lurking within the mansion.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
The Hand and the Prisoner
EXT. SIDE OF MANSION - LATER THAT NIGHT
The camera now focuses on a homeless man, JOHN, as he pulls
his tattered bedroll from a shopping cart and lays it on the
cold, hard ground near the mansion. He wears ragged clothes,
his weary eyes reflecting the hardships he's faced.
John takes a long gulp from a cheap bottle of booze he found
in his pocket, trying to find some solace in the numbing
effect of alcohol. The iron gates of the mansion swing in the
wind, emitting eerie squeaks that echo through the night.
As John tries to find comfort in his makeshift bed, the side
door of the mansion quietly creaks open behind him. Unaware
of the malevolent presence lurking, he takes another swig
from the bottle, oblivious to the danger surrounding him.
Suddenly, John's eyes widen in terror as he feels an
excruciating pain in his chest. Blood gushes from his mouth,
and his body convulses violently. The audience witnesses the
nightmarish sight of a bony hand emerging from behind John,
its grip on his heart growing tighter with every passing
moment.
2.
Long, bony fingers emerge from John's chest, wrapping around
his lifeless form, and with a sinister force, the hand drags
him towards the open door of the mansion. Blood stains the
ground where he lay, but as his trembling body disappears
into the darkness within, the door eerily shuts itself,
swallowing him whole.
The blood on the ground mysteriously vanishes, as if the
house itself hungrily devoured any evidence of the gruesome
event.
FADE OUT
EXT-SAN QUENTIN PRISON-DAY
TV vans and crews stand by outside the prison focused on the
door where a person of interest is about to emerge.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
So today is the day Frederick Loren
gets released, huh?
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
Can’t believed he served 20 years
of his 40-year sentence considering
his wealth.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER (CONT’D)
I guess money isn’t always enough.
I heard his investments have
tripled during his time in prison,
making him a multi-billionaire.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
Yeah, it’s something. Kills his
wife, spends two decades behind
bars as a millionaire, and comes
out a billionaire. But now he has a
bad ticker and needs a walker to
get around.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
If I had his money I would buy my
own island and have servants to
take care of everything for me.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
You covered the original case
right? What can you tell me about
it? I’ve only heard bits and
pieces like him killing his wife
and something about ghosts in the
house. (laughs)
3.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
This case was almost as famous as
Charles Manson when it happened.
Frederick Loren had numerous
businesses and properties but his
marriages didn’t go well.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
How so?
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
The wife he killed was his fourth.
It seems like she married him for
his money, considering the age
difference. Anyway, he decided to
host a haunted house party for her
birthday. He invited a group of
people who neither he nor his wife
knew, promising them $10,000 each
to spend a night in the supposedly
haunted house.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
How many people took the offer?
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
Let me think.
She brushes her hair being blown by the wind off the Bay.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER (CONT'D) (CONT’D)
Five. Yeah five. One was a
newspaper columnist, another, a
test pilot. There was also a
psychiatrist who got killed.
(pause) There was a secretary that
worked at one of Loren’s
businesses. She didn’t know him
and vis versa. I’m missing someone.
Oh yeah, the owner of the house.
He’s in a loony bin now.
They observed the side prison door believing there was
activity but it was a false alarm.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
So, what exactly transpired?
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
Loren suspected that his wife had
made unsuccessful attempts to
poison him in the past.He wanted a
divorce but she refused.
4.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
Why didn’t he just file for one?
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
Times were different then unlike
today. Anyway, Loren planned to
throw a haunted house party for his
wife, Annabelle, who had an
upcoming birthday. She agreed,
assuming that he would invite her
friends to attend. The alleged
haunted house is located in Los
Feliz and was designed by Frank
Lloyd Wright. Ever seen that house?
MALE NEWS REPORTER
No, I haven’t.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
It looks like a damn haunted house
from the outside. Loren spared no
expense and arranged for black
limos to pick up each individual
who accepted an invitation.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
You mentioned there were five
attendees.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
Yes, when the guests arrived, there
were the five guests, Frederick
Loren and his wife, Annabelle,
along with some servants that later
left when the place was locked up.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
Locked up? Jesus.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
Yes, eventually Loren welcomed his
guests inside the house. The
condition for receiving the $10,000
prize was that they had to stay in
house the entire night locked
inside, starting from midnight. All
the windows in the place were
barred, and there was no phone
service. Annabelle, upon
discovering that none of the
invitees were her friends, refused
to attend, but Loren forced her to
be there.
5.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
So the only motivation for them to
spend a night in the haunted house
was money?
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
What can I say? Greed always seems
to be a factor in most crimes.
The Male Reporter pulls out a cigarette and offers one to the
FEMALE REPORTER who declines.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
Tell me more.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
During the subsequent trial, the
whole story unfolded. It was
bizarre. Did I mention one of the
invitees named Watson Pritchard?
MALE NEWS REPORTER
No, or was he the owner of the
house?
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
Yeah, Watson owned the house,
believed that it was genuinely
haunted by the ghosts of those who
were murdered there, including his
own brother. He claimed to have
spent a night there before and was
found nearly dead the next morning.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
Is he still alive?
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
Yes, but like I said, after that
night, he ended up in a mental
hospital mumbling that “the ghosts
want more blood.”
MALE NEWS REPORTER
I heard that Loren admitted to
scaring his wife, Annabelle,
causing her to falling into a vat
of acid.
Activity is seen at the door. A black limo drives up as close
as it can to the prison.
6.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
Yes, the psychiatrist, Dr. Trent,
was having an affair with
Annabelle. They planned to use the
haunted house party as an
opportunity to kill Frederick.
Somehow, he discovered their plan
and set up the house with ghostly
objects. The acid vat is located in
the cellar. One of the previous
owners did some experimenting with
wine or something. He tricked Dr.
Trent into going down there, shot
him, and threw the body into the
acid. Later, Annabelle arrived, and
Frederick rigged a skeleton to
emerge from the vat. After it moved
around her, she fell into the acid.
He then surrendered.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
Jesus, all the rest survived?
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
Yes if you include old Watson who
is probably mumbling to himself in
the loony bin. “The Ghosts are
restless.”(laughs)
The side door opens, and a correctional officer exits the
prison, followed by Frederick Loren using a walker. Another
correctional officer carries Loren's personal belongings.
Frederick Loren, 6’2” with a full head of gray hair and a
thin gray mustache, is dressed in a dark blue suit. A
chauffeur stands outside, opening the rear door as Loren
approaches. The guards hands his belongings to the driver.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
Mr. Loren, how do you feel getting
out of prison after twenty years?
Lauren does not respond.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
Mr. Loren, do you feel any remorse
for killing your wife?
Loren looks up from his stooped position over his walker and
glares at the reporters. He raises an eyebrow and smirks
sinisterly. The chauffeur helps Loren into the car, and the
limo leaves the parking lot.
7.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER (CONT’D)
That grin of his sent chills down
my spine.
MALE NEWS REPORTER
You’re not alone. Do you think
we’ll hear about him again?
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
With his wealth, you can count on
it.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
The Haunted House of Frederick Loren
INT. LORENS’ LIBRARY ROOM - DAY
A large library with dark oak wall coverings, filled with
bookshelves, antique furniture, and dim lighting. Frederick
Loren sits alone behind a large desk in an executive leather
chair. There is a knock at the closed door.
Stacey Austin, Loren's middle-aged personal secretary, of
average size with dark hair in a bun and wearing glasses,
enters carrying a carafe of coffee and two cups.
STACEY
Good morning, Mr. Loren. How did
you sleep? It must've been nice to
be back in your own bed.
FREDERICK LOREN
I wish you would just call me
Frederick after all these years
you’ve worked for me.
STACEY
Sorry, it's a hard habit to break.
You were gone for such a long time.
(smiles)
She serves him coffee and sits down across from him, noticing
stacks of files on his desk.
STACEY (CONT’D)
So, you have several people who
have accepted your haunted house
party invitation?
Fredrick looks up from the files with a grin.
8.
FREDERICK LOREN
I have chosen a few individuals
from that group, including some who
are genuinely in need of money, as
well as three self-proclaimed
psychics who greatly annoyed me
during my trial and subsequent TV
interviews. All of them are frauds,
and my plan is to expose their true
nature to the public.
He picks up the first file and opens it.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
John Hawthorne, a retired and
highly decorated homicide
detective. He’s a thrill seeker and
I guess that is his motivation or
perhaps there is another reason.
He hands the file to Stacey who studies it.
STACEY
He’s quite a handsome devil.
Loren looks up from this desk with a smile.
FREDERICK LOREN
Indeed, he certainly is. Now, let's
talk about Jeannie Manning, a
successful attorney who is
constantly seeking new challenges.
The $100,000 will help her payoff
her large gambling debt. Isn’t see
pretty?
He hands the file to Stacey who again studies it but only
briefly.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
Next, we have Sarah Owens, a young
nurse who is struggling to make
ends meet taking care of herself
and her elderly mother who suffers
from Alzheimer's plus an
outstanding student loan. I hope
she endures the night.
STACEY
But none of these are the psychics,
correct?
FREDERICK LOREN
No, I have saved those for last.
9.
He pulls out three additional files and opens the first one.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
Rachel Henry, a person who has
heightened sensitivity to psychic
phenomena or energies and can pick
up on subtle signals or
information. So she claims. We
shall see.
He closed the file and hands it to Stacey.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
Next, we have Jonathan Riley. He is
what they call an empath who is
highly sensitive to the emotions
and energies of others and can
often sense and understand what
others are feeling. He’s a fraud.
File handed to Stacey.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
And last, but not least, we have
Madame Redzepova a renown
spiritualist. Look at all her
press clippings.
Loren holds up a stack of articles.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
She believes in the existence of
spirits and the afterlife and
engages in the practice of
communicating with the spiritual
realm. In other words, she can talk
to the dead. I wonder if she will
talk to Annabelle once we enter the
haunted house (smile).
He closes the file and folds his hands over it.
STACEY
So these are the charlatans you
hope to expose in the house? I
understand your desire to expose
them as fraudulent psychics, but
why is it so important to you? Is
it because of what they put you
through during the trial and how
they constantly belittled you on
television?
10.
FREDERICK LOREN
Those charlatans played a
significant role in my trial, and
they took every opportunity to
ridicule and undermine me in the
public eye. They prey on people's
fears and vulnerabilities, claiming
to have supernatural abilities
while attempting to make a mockery
of the justice system. But beyond
their personal attacks on me, it's
crucial to expose their deceit for
the sake of truth and justice.By
unmasking them as frauds, we can
save people from their deception
and prevent further harm.
STACEY
But again, it’s their money. I
mean if people want to give their
hard earned money to these
fraudsters, let them.
FREDERICK LOREN
No, I don’t see it that way. I have
an opportunity to expose them for
what they are and in doing so, I
can protect the vulnerable from
falling prey to their antics.But
it's not just about seeking
retribution for the personal
attacks they launched against me,
but also about protecting others
from their fraudulent claims and
ensuring that justice prevails.
STACEY
Well it’s your money. By the way,
the construction foreman called and
said the house is almost ready. He
said it is filled with dust and
cobwebs and could really use a
cleaning. He can arrange to get a
clean up crew there if you want.He
also would like to know if you can
visit the house in the next day or
so and he can show you how to
operate everything.
FREDERICK LOREN
Call him back and tell him no
cleaning crew. The dust and cobwebs
add to the haunted house theme.
(MORE)
11.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
I will arrange to meet him at the
house the day after tomorrow in the
morning. By the way, there is one
other guest that will be coming to
the party. No need for an invite
however. I arranged for Watson
Pritchard to get out of the state
hospital. He is the one I purchased
the house from. Strange man. Why he
wants to return to the house is
beyond me. Oh well, it’s all coming
together, just as I’ve planned.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Haunted House at Dusk
EXT. HAUNTED HOUSE -DUSK
CONSTRUCTION FOREMAN
Alright, lets wrap it up for today.
It’s getting dark and with limited
lighting inside this place, I don’t
want anyone to get hurt in there.
Where in the hell is Frank? God
damn it, if he’s drinking on the
job again, I’m going to fire his
ass.
A eerie wind picks up out of nowhere and slams a door near
the foreman. Everyone is startled. The door slowly begins to
open. No one is there. He walks forward and out stumbles
Frank sober.
CONSTRUCTION FOREMAN (CONT’D)
Where the fuck have you been? We’re
getting ready to leave. Did you
fix that bathroom?
FRANK
Jesus Christ boss. You scared the
shit out of me slamming the door.
The construction crew looks at Frank confused and shaken up.
CONSTRUCTION FOREMAN
Did you finish installing all of
the hidden cameras?
FRANK
Yes, I finished the bathroom
and all the computer monitors are
setup behind the hidden wall in the
cellar. They just need to have
their batteries charged since there
is no electricity.
12.
CONSTRUCTION FOREMAN
Okay, I’ll remind the owner. He’s
coming here day after tomorrow.
FRANK
I’m telling you, this place scares
the shit out of me. It was like I
was being watched the whole time I
was working and I kept hearing
these sounds.
The side door opens again by itself.
CONSTRUCTION FOREMAN
Okay, let’s get out of here.
They quickly store their equipment in their vehicles and
leave. Groans, chains dragging, and screams, emanate in the
house as they drive down the hill.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Trapped in the House on Haunted Hill
EXT. WINDING ROAD-NIGHT
A narrow, winding road leads up a dark and ominous hill to
the House on Haunted Hill. The moon is hidden behind thick
clouds, casting an eerie glow over the scene. The sound of
engines grow louder as seven sleek black limousines ascend
the hill, their headlights cutting through the darkness.
The limos come to a halt outside the mansion. JOHN HAWTHORNE,
(retired homicide detective), 6’0”, early forties, athletic
build, dark hair, steps out, looking at the house both
intrigued and cautious. He adjusts his jacket and scans the
imposing mansion before him.
The second limo arrives and JEANNIE MANNING (attorney), late
forties, average height, attractive, long dark hair, follows
Hawthorne into the courtyard. An aria of confidence and
ambition, plus a sense of trepidation on her face. She
glances around, trying to gauge the atmosphere.
The third limo pulls up, and the driver assists WATSON
PRITCHARD, an eccentric and haunted-looking elderly man, out
of the car. Watson's eyes dart nervously as he takes in the
foreboding facade of the mansion. He clutches a small duffle
bag tightly, as if finding solace in its contents. He knows
the terror inside the House on Haunted Hill.
SARAH OWENS, early thirties, attractive, short, college-aged,
long dark hair, looked scared as she glanced at the mansion.
She pulled out her small suitcase and cautiously follows
Manning, Pritchard and Hawthorne.
13.
The next to arrive is JONATHAN RILEY, early forties, average
height, thin, mustache, steps out of the limo with a
mischievous smile playing on his lips.
RACHEL HENRY, 30-something, thin, blonde hair, wearing a
business suit, begins her walk behind Riley, pulling her
small suitcase. A mysterious psychic, she exudes an air of
confidence, her gaze fixed on the house as if she can sense
the energies within.
Finally in the last limo, MADAME REDZEPOVA, late 60s, several
strands of jewelry around her neck, wearing a gypsy-type
dress, exits and pauses, looking at the house. A sense of
nervousness can be seen in her expression.
All seven people reach the front door which opens on its
own.They enter with apprehension especially Pritchard.
They enter a large hallway. A chandelier hangs from the
ceiling having 13 lamps blazing from a gas feed line.
John Hawthorn approaches Sarah Owens.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Did you notice that the chandelier
has thirteen lights?
Sarah looks up.
SARAH OWENS
No I didn’t. This place already
gives me the creeps. Hi, I’m Sarah.
Hawthorne offers his hand.
HAWTHORNE
I’m John. Do you know Mr. Loren?
SARAH OWENS
Nice to meet you. No, I don’t. Do
you?
HAWTHORNE
No. Of course I heard of him, the
trial, his wealth, and all, but
never met the man.
Hawthorne rubs his hand on a bookcase and dust flies in the
air. Cobwebs are everywhere.
HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
Well he certainly has created the
atmosphere of a haunted house.
14.
The main entrance door slams shut and Sarah screams leaning
into the chest of Hawthorne. The chandelier sways back and
forth due to the breeze of the door slamming shut. Sarah
looks up at Hawthorne embarrassed.
SARAH OWENS
I’m so sorry. I am just freaking
out for some reason.
Rachel Henry approaches Sarah and pulls a prescription bottle
from her purse.
RACHEL HENRY
This might calm your nerves. It
Valium.
SARAH OWENS
No, thank you. It’s just a case of
nerves and lack of sleep. I’ll be
alright.
Rachel Henry shrugs her shoulders and walks away.
Frederick Loren and Stacey appear at the top of the stairs
overlooking the guests.
FREDERICK LOREN
Good evening.
He slowly walks down the stairs followed by Stacey. His
walker is at the base of the stairs. Once he grabs his walker
he turns his attention back to the guest.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
I’m Frederick Loren and this is my
personal secretary Stacey. I want
to thank you all for accepting my
invitation to my haunted house
party here at the House on Haunted
Hill.
He sees the chandelier still moving.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
Seems like the ghosts are welcoming
you.
WATSON PRITCHARD
Mr. Loren, you of all people know
not to mock the spirits in this
house. They are already restless
this evening.
15.
FREDERICK LOREN
Perhaps you are right, Mr.
Pritchard. Shall we all head
towards the dining room? You must
be famished. Leave your things here
and we will return to get them
later when I show you to your
rooms. Pritchard carries his duffle
bag held tightly to his chest.
INT-DINING ROOM-NIGHT
Food is waiting for them on a large dining room table as well
as place settings for all. Everyone takes a seat. Loren and
Stacey sit at the head. Jeannie Manning doesn’t wait and
helps herself to the wine. Pritchard does the same.
An elderly male and female servant in black and white
uniforms stand expressionless near a wall overlooking the
guests.
FREDERICK LOREN
Again, thank you for accepting my
invitation. Before I go over the
rules, lets dig in to the wonderful
array of food before us. We must
eat as soon as possible since our
servants will be leaving shortly
locking us in the house for the
night.
Everyone glances at each other uneasily.He raises a glass of
wine and the others follow his lead.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
Here’s to food, drink, and perhaps
a few ghosts.
Before Pritchard could object, Loren catches his remark.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
Oh, I’m sorry Mr. Pritchard. I did
it again, didn’t I?
Pritchard glares at Loren and then pours himself another cup
of wine. As dinner concludes, Loren stands and addresses the
group. Everyone is quiet
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
The rules are simple but
challenging.
(MORE)
16.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
Survive one night in this haunted
house, and each of you will receive
a generous reward of $100,000.
There is no electricity in this
house. The lights are gas-fed,
casting a eerie glow throughout. I
thought the lighting, dust and
cobwebs added to the decor.
Communication with the outside
world is futile. Once the servants
leave, the house locks down like a
bank vault, sealing us inside until
tomorrow. Oh, and do mind the
barred windows - they are here for
your safely, after all.
The guests shift uncomfortably, realizing the gravity of the
situation.
WATSON PRITCHARD
You know that is not possible.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
What do you mean?
WATSON PRITCHARD
Mr. Loren knows that once the house
is locked up, there is no getting
out. The doors are made of steel
and all the windows as he said are
barred.
Pritchard looks at the group.
WATSON PRITCHARD (CONT’D)
If you are all smart, you will
leave now.
MADAME REDZEPOVA
I’m not afraid of spirits, Mr.
Pritchard. I talk to them everyday.
RACHEL HENRY
As do it.
JONATHAN RILEY
Same here.
WATSON PRITCHARD
You all don’t understand. There
have been countless murders in this
house including two caused by our
host.
17.
He again glares at Loren who returns the stare.
FREDERICK LOREN
But I am not a ghost, Mr. Prichard.
WATSON PRITCHARD
Not yet.
Hawthorne looks at Pritchard.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
How do you know so much about this
house?
WATSON PRITCHARD
Before Mr. Loren recently purchased
it, I was the owner. The house has
nearly killed me twice.
Nervously he pours himself another glass of wine and quickly
consumes it.
JEANNIE MANNING
Tell us more about the house Mr.
Pritchard.
Before Pritchard could respond, Madame Redzepova butts in.
MADAME REDZEPOVA
It is occupied by spirits. I can
feel them. There are many. Some are
friendly but I also feel an evil
presence among them.
Loren looks discretely at Stacey with a slight smile.
JONATHAN RILEY
Go on Mr. Pritchard. Tells us more
about the history of this place.
Pritchard fills his glass with wine again.
WATSON PRITCHARD
This house was transported stone by
stone from Spain where it was built
for Tomas de Torquemada.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
And who, pray tell, is he?
WATSON PRITCHARD
He was given the title of First
Inquisitor.
18.
SARAH OWENS
You mean from the Spanish
Inquisition period?
WATSON PRITCHARD
Yes. No one knows for sure how many
victims were tortured by
Torquemada, but it is known that he
conducted some inquisitions right
here in this house, trapping the
victim’s spirits who walk among us
even now.
Tension in the air vanishes as the main entrance door slams
shut. Everyone notices that the two servants are gone. Loren
looks genuinely surprised. He stands and grabs his walker and
starts for the door, but Hawthorne beats him there.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
It’s locked.
FREDERICK LOREN
They were supposed to tell me
before they left.
SARAH OWENS
(Hysterical) I want to leave now.
She runs to the main entrance door and pulls on it crying.
Hawthorne tries to pull her away but she pulls even harder.
Hawthorne turns to Loren.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Okay, Loren. You have had your fun.
Open the door so those of us who
want to leave can do so. You can
see the effect your haunted house
is having on her.
Sarah falls to the base of the door, giving up trying to open
it. She continues to weep.
FREDERICK LOREN
Believe me, I wish I could, but as
I told you, once the doors are
locked we are all stuck here until
morning.
The chandelier sways back and forth before crashing to the
floor into many pieces nearly striking Madame Redzepova.
JONATHAN RILEY
Didn’t see that coming did you
Madame Redzepova?(smiles)
19.
She gives him a hard stare. Sarah stands and wipes the tears
from her eyes. An uneasy calm takes over the room.
FREDERICK LOREN
Perhaps we should return to the
dining room and Mr. Pritchard can
continue his fascinating story.
JEANNIE MANNING
Good. I can use another drink or
two.
They begin walking to the dining room but Rachel stops and
feels the wall. She then places both hands on it. Everyone
stops and stares. Loren looks at Stacey.
RACHEL HENRY
I feel a presence here.
She concentrates. Her face turns to terror and she tries
unsuccessfully to pull her hands from the wall.
RACHEL HENRY (CONT’D)
Help me! It’s trying to pull me
into the wall.
She stares into the wall and see a ghostly image of a man
dressed in a tattered dark cloak. She sees a tarnished and
corroded crucifix on his chest. His hands emerge from the
folds of the cloak. Each finger is unnaturally elongated,
resembling bony talons. No one else can see it. Hawthorne and
Riley grab Rachel’s hands and the wall finally releases her.
MADAME REDZEPOVA
What are you trying to show Ms.
Henry? I felt no presence in this
hallway. You my dear, are a fraud.
Rachel regains composure and looks at Redzepova with distain.
RACHEL HENRY
You bitch! If anyone is a fraud it
is you.
Stacey leans forward towards Loren and whispers.
STACEY
That wall trick was good stuff.
FREDERICK LOREN
(Quizzically) I didn’t have
anything to do with it. As Madame
Redzepova said, it’s all a con job.
20.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
The Cellar's Secrets
INT.DINING ROOM-NIGHT
They all enter the dining room. As the last person enters, in
the hallway a ghostly figure glides from one wall across the
walkway and enters the adjacent wall. His movements are
hauntingly graceful-his steps deliberate and calculated. The
space around him recoils in fear of his maleficent presence.
In his wake, terrifying whispers echo from the walls.The
group does not witness his movement.
INT.DINING ROOM-NIGHT
Everyone takes their seats again. Jeannie fills her glass
with more wine and does Pritchard still clutching his duffle
bag.
FREDERICK LAUREN
You were saying, Mr. Pritchard,
about the history of this house.
WATSON PRITCHARD
Inside these walls, numerous
hideous tortures and death have
occurred. During the Inquisition,
Torquemada was constantly inventing
more cruel and blood thirsty ways
to inflect the most pain and
suffering on the accused. He
basically re-invented the methods
used to extract an admission from
the victim.
Jeannie, now feeling the effects of the wine and somewhat
interested in what Pritchard was saying blurted out a
question.
JEANNIE MANNING
What sort of tortures did he use?
(she burps).
WATSON PRITCHARD
There were many. Some you must have
heard of the strappado where the
victim has their hands tied behind
they back and then hoisted up off
the ground creating excruciating
pain and shoulder separation.
SARAH OWENS
Oh, my God. I think I am getting
sick.
21.
She stood and walked out to the hallway followed by
Hawthorne. Pritchard continues.
WATSON PRITCHARD
Of course he loved to used the
rack, the Judas Chair, and the
Catherine Wheel.
FREDERICK LOREN
I must apologize for interrupting,
but the vivid account you provided
regarding Torquemada's cruel
methods of torture appears to be
unsettling to my guests. To ensure
their comfort, I kindly suggest
that we gather our belongings and
proceed to our respective rooms. As
we make our way, perhaps you could
enlighten us with a guided tour.
Maybe you should start in the
cellar.
WATSON PRITCHARD
You really want to do down there
Mr. Loren?
FREDERICK LOREN
Why not? I don’t believe in ghosts.
MADAME REDZEPOVA
You should Mr. Loren, and as Mr.
Pritchard has admonished you in the
past, it is not wise to mock them.
FREDERICK LOREN
Thank you, Madame Redzepova. I will
take that under advisement.
INT-STAIRCASE AND WINE CELLAR-NIGHT
The group descends the staircase to the cellar.
FREDERICK LOREN
Mr. Pritchard, I think this room
has a story. Will you do us the
honor?
WATSON PRITCHARD
There is no honor here, Mr. Loren.
Only spirits who cry out for
revenge.(pause) If you notice,
there are thirteen lamps
illuminating this room.
(MORE)
22.
WATSON PRITCHARD (CONT’D)
Next to each lamp is a smaller room
where wine, bottles, and supplies
are stored. One of the owners use
to experiment with wine blends.
He walks toward a wall where there is a large crank. He turns
it.
As a large wooden door in the center of floor starts to rise,
revealing a sizable pool of liquid. Jeannie nearly loses her
balance, but Riley manages to save her just in time.
WATSON PRITCHARD (CONT’D)
You’re fortunate that you didn't
fall in.
RACHEL HENRY
Why? It's just water isn’t it?.
Pritchard searches the area and discovers a lifeless rat
caught in a trap. He carefully retrieves the rat and releases
it into the vat, causing the liquid to froth and bubble
vigorously. Within moments, the rat's body undergoes a rapid
transformation, turning into a mere skeleton floating to the
surface.
FREDERICK LOREN
It’s acid and still potent as you
can see.(smiles)
Pritchard glares at Loren knowing about the way he lured
Annabelle to her death in this very vat.
Pritchard leads the group back upstairs. Stacey hangs back
with Loren.
STACEY
You knew about the acid?
FREDERICK LOREN
Lets just say that both Annabelle
and I knew about it.
He turns to the group. Well, let’s gather up our belongs and
head to our rooms. I know Mr. Pritchard has at least one more
room to show you.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
The Ghostly Beckoning
INT. UPSTAIRS BEDROOM-NIGHT
The groups follows Pritchard into a bedroom. Everyone enters
and looks around.
23.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Why are we here? It looks like a
bedroom to me.
WATSON PRITCHARD
My brother was murdered on the roof
over this room. That spot up there
on the ceiling is still wet with
his blood.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Surely you jest?
A few drops of blood falls on top of the hand of Madame
Redzepova who reacts by trying to wipe it off with her other
hand.
WATSON PRITCHARD
You have been marked.
MADAME REDZEPOVA
Nonsense. I have not felt any
presence in this room.
Out of the corner of her eye, Rachel Henry sees a young
girl’s ghostly spirit motion for her to follow. Rachel leave
the unknowing group. Everyone else in the room is still
staring at Redzepova.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Haunted House Revelation
INT. BEDROOM-NIGHT
The young girl spirit floats down the hallway to another room
which she passes through. Rachel opens the door and enters.
The door closes behind her. She tries to open it but it will
not budge. She turns and faces the spirit.
RACHEL HENRY
What do you want from me? Are you
going to harm me?
The young spirit turns away and points to a wall. There is
nothing there. The spirit turns quickly and has terror on her
face.
GIRL GHOST
He’s coming. Run.
RACHEL HENRY
Who’s coming?
GIRL GHOST
He’s coming.
24.
She quickly disappears screaming as if something is chasing
her. The door opens.
FREDERICK LOREN
Here she is.(shouting)
INT HALLWAY-NIGHT
The group hurriedly comes down the hallway to where Frederick
sLoren is standing with his walker as Rachel exits a room.
FREDERICK LOREN
What are you doing in there?
He quickly looks into the room as do the others finding
nothing.
RACHEL HENRY
There was a young girl. A young
female spirit who asked me to
follow her to this room.
JONATHAN RILEY
She actually spoke to you?
MADAME REDZEPOVA
It’s possible. They talk to me all
the time.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Let her speak.
RACHEL HENRY
Well not at first. She pointed down
the hallway and looked back to see
if I was following.
MADAME REDZEPOVA
(scoffing) So she guided you here
to an empty room. Amazing. You have
talent as a psychic my dear.
RACHEL HENRY
Once in the room she pointed at the
walls and then her face turned to
terror and she became frightened
telling me to run.
FREDERICK LOREN
Run? From what?
25.
RACHEL HENRY
She didn’t say. She just
disappeared. Dissolved into thin
air.I heard a male groan and heavy
footsteps come down the hall and
then the door opened and Mr. Loren
was there.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Maybe you heard Mr. Loren and us
coming down the hallway looking for
you.
JONATHAN RILEY
But that doesn’t address the
appearance of the ghost she said
she saw.
Everyone looked at each other.
FREDERICK LOREN
I think we need to return to the
parlor. I have a cocktail mixing
there for us. I also suggest that
we stay together until we retire to
our rooms and only move throughout
the house in pairs. Don’t you agree
Mr. Pritchard?
Pritchard does not answer but opened his duffel bag and
pulled out a large knife.
SARAH OWENS
Oh, my God.
WATSON PRITCHARD
I told you Mr. Loren that the
ghosts are restless.
He turns to the group.
WATSON PRITCHARD (CONT’D)
To my knowledge, this house has
claimed at least seven people in
the last five years. One of them
was my brother. The ghosts
dismembered his body with this
knife. His head was never found.
The same with the other victims.
When they found me I was nearly
dead.
26.
His words hang in the air. The group leaves the room and head
back down the hallway. The last to leave was Hawthorne and
Sarah.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
(whispering) After we retire to our
rooms tonight, wait one hour and
then join me back in this room.
SARAH OWENS
Why?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
I have a hunch on how we can find a
way out of here.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
A Gathering of Spirits
INT.PARLOR ROOM-NIGHT
The group has gathered in the parlor room where several are
having drinks.
FREDERICK LOREN
Ladies and gentlemen. With all the
excitement so far, we have not had
time to formally introduce
ourselves and tell me why you want
my money. You already know me and
my secretary Stacey, so perhaps we
can start with you, Mr. Hawthorne.
JOHN HAWTHOREN
Well, my first name is John. I am a
retired homicide investigator. I
guess the reason I accepted your
invitation besides the money, was
out of curiosity and to see if,
similar to experiencing an escape
room or murder mystery dinner
show,I could solve whatever you
have planned for us.
FREDERICK LOREN
Excellent. Nothing like a haunted
house to test your deductive skills
huh? And who would like to go next?
SARAH OWENS
My name is Sarah Owens. I am an RN
at Valley General currently
assigned to the surgical ward.
(MORE)
27.
SARAH OWENS (CONT’D)
After nursing school I accumulated
a large student loan debt and this
sum of money will go a long way to
reducing it.
(pause)
JONATHAN RILEY
My name is Jonathan Riley. I am a
psychic. I can sense and absorb
emotions in others. In
parapsychology I am termed an
empath.
Madame Redzepova shakes her head in disgust.
MADAME REDZEPOVA
I am Madame Redzepova. I am from
Macedonia and was born with the
power to speak to those in the
after life, not wasting my time
evaluation someone’s emotions.
She stares at Riley.
Jeannie Manning clears her throat.
JEANNIE MANNING
My name is Jeannie Manning and I’m
an attorney with the Floyd,
Brewster Law Firm here in the city.
FREDERICK LOREN
What type of law do you practice
Ms. Manning?
JEANNIE MANNING
Estate planning mostly, you know,
probate and stuff like that.
(pause)
RACHEL HENRY
Well I guess I’m last. My name is
Rachel Henry and I’m also a psychic
like Mr. Riley and the Madame.
Sorry, I don’t think I can
pronounce your name correctly. My
abilities are similar to hers.
MADAME REDZEPOVA
No one can match my abilities.
No one speaks.
28.
FREDERICK LOREN
That sounds like a challenge to me.
What do the three of you psychics
say to a seance, right here, right
now? With the combined powers each
of you say you possess, we should
easily be able to contact the
spirts among us.
WATSON PRITCHARD
You can count me out. I’ll stay
right here.
He holds the large knife in one hand and a glass of booze in
the other and sits in an overstuffed chair by the fireplace.
FREDERICK LOREN
Well, Ms. Henry, Mr. Riley, Madame
Redzepva, what do you say?
JONATHAN RILEY
That’s fine with me.
FREDERICK LOREN
Ms. Henry?
RACHEL HENRY
Fine.
FREDERICK LOREN
And you, Madame Redzepova?
MADAME REDZEPOVA
This is fine. My power is all that
will be needed but these two
amateurs can join in and maybe
learn something.
FREDERICK LOREN
Splendid. We can use that table
over there.
He motions to a large circular table in a corner of the room.
Riley and Hawthorne move it to a better area. Each person
takes a seat with Rachel refusing to sit next to Madame
Redzepova. Loren lights several candles and places them on
the table.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
Do we need to turn out the other
lamps?
29.
MADAME REDZEPOVA
No. They are not very bright and
will not interfere. We will focus
on the candles you have placed
here.
Jonathan Riley and Rachel Henry roll their eyes.
MADAME REDZEPOVA (CONT’D)
I want each of you to put your
hands flat on the table like this.
She demonstrates.
MADAME REDZEPOVA (CONT’D)
Now, place your baby finger next to
the person to the right and left of
you touching their fingers.
She looks around the table satisfied.
MADAME REDZEPOVA (CONT’D)
Now we begin.
She closes her eyes and sways side to side in her seat. Loren
quickly looks at Stacey and smiles. After a few minutes, one
of the lamps shuts off, followed by the next and the next.
Soon the whole room is dark except for the light from the
remnants of the embers in the fireplace and candles.
MADAME REDZEPOVA (CONT’D)
Do not break the circle.
She sways continuously, then abruptly halts. The voice of a
terrified young girl resonates from her mouth.
MADAME REDZEPOVA (CONT’D)
You must all leave. You must all
leave now. He is coming for you.
Run! Run!
Groans emanate from the walls, accompanied by piercing
screams reverberating throughout the room. Chaining being
dragged sporadically mix with the other sounds.
JONATHAN RILEY
Who are you? Tell us your name.
The table begins to shake and rise. Sarah begins to scream.
The circle is broken but Madame Redzepova is still in a
trance.
MADAME REDZEPOVA
30.
(Still in the voice of the young female ghost)
He is approaching. Flee. Flee
swiftly.
The fire in the fireplace surges, frightening Pritchard. Then
it subsides. Madame Redzepova awakens, visibly shaken. The
gas lamps come back on.
FREDERICK LOREN
Well, that was entertaining. And
what pray tell did you see Madame
Redzepova?
Madame Redzepova was still shaken and did not answer.
RACHEL HENRY
It was the same girl that invited
me into that empty room. She had
the same voice and she was scared.
JONATHAN RILEY
I think scared is an
understatement. She was terrified.
FREDERICK LOREN
Terrified of what? Other ghosts?
SARAH OWENS
Please Mr. Loren, I need to get out
of here.
She looks a Hawthorne for strength.
FREDERICK LOREN
Perhaps we should retire for the
evening.I have already taken the
liberty of placing name cards on
your bedroom doors so if you will
follow me. Oh, and here is a candle
for each of you in case the gas
burning lamps go out.
He hands each one a long black candle and has them follow him
back upstairs.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
The house has over twenty-five
rooms and it is easy to get lost.
Each room has it’s own bathroom so
that is convenient. I again advise
that you only travel through the
house in pairs if you must.
(MORE)
31.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
Here is your room Ms. Henry. Please
make sure you lock your door.
She enters her room and closes the door. Everyone hears her
locking it.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
Stacey I have you here and Ms.
Manning you are next door. Sleep
tight. Now if the rest of you will
follow me.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Where is Pritchard?
FREDERICK LOREN
Oh, that strange little man refuses
to leave the parlor. I guess he
wants to stay close to the liquid
libations. (pause) You are here Mr.
Hawthorne and Ms. Owens you are
next door. I assume Mr. Hawthorne,
that as a retired police officer,
you are carrying a concealed
weapon.
Hawthorne did not answer but looked at Sarah.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
I hope we can count of you if
things go bump in the night.
Mr. Riley, this is your room. I
will be around the corner. Good
night.
INT/EXT-HALLWAY BEDROOM OF STACEY- NIGHT
Stacey hears a knock on her door and goes to answer.
STACEY
Hurry, come in before anyone sees
you.
Jeannie Manning enters the room and is immediately given a
kiss and embrace from Stacey.
JEANNIE MANNING
Do you think he suspects anything?
32.
STACEY
Frederick? No. He is so tied up
trying to expose those three
psychics I’m surprised he hasn’t
had a heart attack already. I must
say the special effects he had his
construction crew installed sure
gives this old house the right
atmosphere. All the rooms are being
monitored except this room and his.
JEANNIE MANNING
A natural heart attack in front of
all these people would be great for
us.
STACEY
Yes it would, but I think we need
to stick with our plan. I’m sure
sometime tonight he will make his
way down to the cellar to check on
what his cameras have recorded so
far. When we hear him approach the
stairs, one good push should send
him tumbling. Everyone here has
seen how dependent he is with his
walker. Poor fellow slipped on the
stairs and broke his neck. Are you
sure all the estate documents are
in order?
JEANNIE MANNING
Everything is ready to be executed.
The fact that he had you sign all
of his documents throughout these
years simplifies matters. After his
demise, his entire estate will
rightfully belong to you, Stacey.
STACEY
Not mine my love, ours (they
embrace).
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
The Ghost in the Hidden Room
INT.-HALLWAY-NIGHT
Sarah Owens and John Hawthorne enter the bedroom where Rachel
Henry said she had seen a young female ghost.
SARAH OWENS
What are we looking for?
33.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Remember when Rachel said the ghost
or whatever she saw pointed to the
walls?
SARAH OWENS
I was so afraid I don’t remember
what she said.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
These old places, especially if
Pritchard is telling the truth
about it being build during the
Spanish Inquisition, were notorious
for having hidden passages and
rooms. If Rachel is right and an
apparition did tell her to get out
of the house, and then pointed to
the walls...
SARAH OWENS
Then possibly there is a hidden
room or a way to get out of here.
Hawthorne smiles.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Start tapping on the walls and see
if you hear an echo.
Hawthorne goes to one wall and Sarah taps on another. Nothing
on the first two walls. On the third wall Sarah hears an
empty echo.
SARAH OWENS
John, I think I found something.
Listen.
She taps on the wall and after listening, he does the same.
He looks at Sarah with a smile.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
There’s something behind this wall.
Feel around the edges. Maybe there
is some type of release mechanism.
Sarah starts on one side and Hawthorne the other. Sarah
pushes in on a baseboard and the wall opens inward. He pulls
out his cigarette lighter and flicks it on. They both enter.
It is a large empty room, dusty and full of cobwebs.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
Stay here. I’m going to the room
next door.
34.
SARAH OWENS
Wait. I don’t want to be in here
alone with no light.
Hawthorne pulls out the candle that Loren gave everyone and
with his lighter, lights it. He gives the lighter to Sarah
and with candle in hand, leaves.
Hawthorne begins tapping, the sounds reverberating through
the cold, desolate room.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (V.O.)
Sarah, can you hear me?
SARAH OWENS
Yes, I hear you.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (V.O.)
Let me know when you hear an echo
on your side.
He starts tapping. She is listening intently. Outside, the
feeble gas lamps that provided a semblance of comfort
suddenly flicker and die, plunging that room and the hidden
room into pitch-blackness. Sarah's grip tightens on the
lighter, its glow becoming her only source of light.
In the eerie half-light, she sees it—a grotesque, decaying
figure emerges from the shadows. The woman is covered in
blood, her long gray hair matted and disheveled. Her bony
hands rise, revealing elongated, claw-like fingernails. Her
joints are contorted. Sarah's scream pierces the air as
terror takes hold of her, compelling her to flee the hidden
room and race back into the hallway. She runs into Hawthorne.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
The Figure in the Shadows
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF BEDROOM-NIGHT
HAWTHORNE
Sarah, what’s wrong?
SARAH OWENS
John, it was horrible (sobbing).
She stood there and stared at me
with this hideous grin. Her eyes
were bloodshot and her fingernails
looked like daggers. Her arms were
all twisted. She smelled like
death.
35.
INT. HIDDEN ROOM-NIGHT
They walked back into the hidden room. Nothing was there.
Hawthorne looked at Sarah who sees disbelieve in his eyes.
SARAH OWENS
She was there. She was real I tell
you.
Hawthorne looks skeptical and Sarah noticed.
SARAH OWENS (CONT’D)
You are just like Loren.
She turns and runs out of the room into the hallway.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Sarah, wait for me.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Terror in the Night
INT.RACHEL HENRY’S BEDROOM-NIGHT
Rachel Henry lies motionless on her bed, still dressed in her
street clothes without her shoes, engrossed in a book. The
gentle glow of the wall lamp illuminates the room, casting a
sense of security. But then, in an instant, darkness descends
as the lamp abruptly shuts off, plunging Rachel into a
chilling void.
A stifled gasp escapes her trembling lips as a faint sound
emerges from beneath her bed—an ominous, sinister presence
lurking in the shadows. Fear paralyzes her, rendering her
unable to move a muscle. The thing beneath her bed starts to
ascend, its sinister intentions growing stronger.
And there, at the foot of her bed, materializes the
apparition of Torquemada, the infamous ghost from the
Inquisitions. Draped in spectral garments, he wears a stiff,
ruffled collar encircling his neck like a noose. His
countenance is a ghastly sight to behold—pallid, corpse-like,
marked by the weight of age and the sins he committed. A deep
scowl etches cruel lines upon his lips, twisted with sadistic
delight. His eyes, sunken and devoid of mercy, bore into
Rachel's soul, stripping her of all hope.
Rachel's terror intensifies, a vice grip of terror
constricting her every fiber. Desperate to flee or scream for
help, she finds herself bound by an invisible force. The
ghostly presence of Torquemada looms over her.
Within an instant, the room transforms into a nightmarish
torture chamber, its walls adorned with sinister instruments
of torment.
36.
Rachel, trapped in a state of disbelief, finds herself
levitating from her bed, helpless against the malevolent
forces at play. The restraints slither like snakes from the
shadows, entwining tightly around her trembling limbs,
constricting her movement.
The ghostly apparition, its eyes gleaming with sadistic
pleasure, hovers ominously nearby, relishing in the unfolding
horror. A ghastly presence seizes hold of the rack's crank,
turning it with a malevolent intent. She sees two other
inquisitors standing by her. Slowly, relentlessly, the
mechanism begins to stretch Rachel's fragile body, her joints
popping and grinding with grotesque intensity. Agonizing pain
courses through her every nerve, her screams stifled by the
malefic restraints that bind her.
In a horrifying spectacle, Rachel's limbs contort at
unnatural angles, dislocating and distorting beyond
recognition. The room echoes with the sickening sound of
snapping bones and the haunting chorus of her tortured cries.
Her body, pushed beyond the limits of endurance, succumbs to
the overwhelming shock, as her heart pounds with a final
desperate beat.
In the midst of the torment, Rachel's life ebbs away. The
ghostly apparitions, fade into the shadows, leaving behind a
chamber of eternal suffering and a life extinguished by the
ultimate horror. Then the room returns to normal leaving no
trace of the torture that had just taken place.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
The Ghostly Labyrinth
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
The noise of Sarah Owens running out in the hallway awoke
everyone who gathers near her and John Hawthorne.
FREDERICK LOREN
What happened? Is everyone alright?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Sarah believed she saw a ghost in a
hidden room we found in here.
SARAH OWENS
I know what I saw.(glaring at
Hawthorne)
FREDERICK LOREN
A hidden room you say.
37.
INT. HIDDEN ROOM-NIGHT
Everyone follows Frederick Loren into the room and examine
the hidden room. Loren looks at the floor.
FREDERICK LOREN
Sorry Ms. Owens. I don’t see
anything either. I think we need to
join Mr. Pritchard in the parlor
and gather our wits.
Sarah, in a huff, is the first to walk out. Frederick Loren
looks at Hawthorne with a smile.
INT. PARLOR-NIGHT
As they enter the parlor Watson Pritchard jumps up and
displays his knife.
FREDERICK LOREN
Relax Mr. Pritchard. It is only us.
No ghosts.
Pritchard sits back down.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
Mr. Hawthorne, why did you and Ms.
Owens feel a need to go that room
again?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
After Pritchard here told us the
history of the house being built
during the Spanish Inquisition, I
felt that there must be hidden
rooms and passage ways through the
building. We did find one hidden
room and were continuing to explore
when the apparition appeared to
Sarah.
SARAH OWENS
So now you believe me?
WATSON PRITCHARD
Mr. Hawthorne is correct. The house
if riddled with secret passages and
hidden rooms. The spirits who haunt
this place have many places to
hide.
38.
FREDERICK LOREN
But why hide. If they want us to
know they are here, why don’t they
show themselves.
WATSON PRITCHARD
First you mock them, now you
challenge them. You are not long
for his world Mr. Loren.
JONATHAN RILEY
Where is Ms. Henry?
Everyone looks around but she is not there.
JEANNIE MANNING
Come to think of it, she wasn’t
with us when we checked out that
hidden room.
FREDERICK LOREN
I’ll go check on her.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
I'll accompany you. Mr. Riley, I
think you should stay here with the
women.
Riley nodded in agreement.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
A Night of Unease
INT. OUTSIDE RACHEL’S ROOM -NIGHT
Loren knocks on the door. No response. He knocks again.
Hawthorn tries the doorknob, and it opens. They both enter.
FREDERICK LOREN
Ms. Henry, are you alright?
The room is empty, but the bathroom door is closed. Loren
looks at Hawthorne, who goes to the door and knocks on it. No
answer. After knocking again, he slowly opens it. The
bathroom is empty. They exchange puzzled glances.
INT. PARLOR-NIGHT
Loren and Hawthorne return.
FREDERICK LOREN
She's not in her room. I can't
figure out where she could be.
39.
STACEY
Alright, everyone, let's take a
breath. I'm sure she'll show up.
Perhaps she's exploring the house
to make contact with the spirits,
although that's not advisable.
(smiling) We're all stuck together
until morning. I suggest we go back
to our rooms, lock the doors, and
stay there until tomorrow morning.
Everyone looks at each other, contemplating what Stacey said.
FREDERICK LOREN
I believe that's what we should do.
Does everyone agree? I know you
don't, Pritchard.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Secrets and Shadows
INT. HALLWAY WITH BEDROOMS-NIGHT
Without saying anything, everyone follows Stacey back
upstairs, with Frederick Loren being the last one. Everyone
returns to their respective bedrooms, except for Loren. As he
starts to enter, he quickly glances around to ensure no one
is watching. With a determined look on his face, he quietly
tiptoes down the dimly lit hallway.
INT. EERIE STAIRS AND CELLAR - NIGHT
Frederick Loren cautiously descends a creaky staircase,
leading to the cellar. The air grows colder and the
atmosphere becomes more foreboding as he reaches the bottom.
He scans the room, illuminated by faint, flickering thirteen
lights, until his gaze settles on a hidden door.
He approaches the door, concealed amidst the shadows, and
with a subtle click, unlocks it. Pushing it open slowly, he
enters a secret room filled with an array of high-tech
equipment.
INT. ROOM IN CELLAR WITH MONITORS-NIGHT
Numerous TV monitors line the walls, displaying live feeds
from various rooms of the house, including the bedrooms.
Loren's eyes narrow as he focuses on Rachel Manning's room.
He replays recording of her room. He sees her lying on the
bed, still dressed in her street clothes, engrossed in a
book. A sense of relief washes over him momentarily, but it
is quickly replaced by unease.
40.
Suddenly, the monitor’s screen abruptly turns black, plunging
the room into darkness. After a tense moment, the screens
flicker back to life showing an empty room. Rachel Manning is
nowhere to be seen. Loren's brow furrows with concern and
confusion.
INT. PARLOR - NIGHT
Watson Pritchard is nursing another drink. Sarah Owens and
Hawthorn enter. Pritchard turns around quickly from his chair
displaying his knife.
WATSON PRICHARD
Why are you two out of your rooms?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Relax Pritchard. We want to ask you
some more questions about the
house.
WATSON PRITCHARD
It’s too late. The ghosts are upset
with Mr. Loren and the rest of you.
We will not make it till morning.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
(frustrated) Look Pritchard, I’m a
retired cop and I don’t believe in
ghosts. With your help, I think we
might be able to find a way out of
here. Tell us everything you know
about the house.
WATSON PRICHARD
I told you. It was built for
Torquemada, the First Inquisitor.
Rumor has it that he used it to
conduct some of his interrogations
here in secret.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Why secret?
WATSON PRITCHARD
Torquemada was a sadist. It is said
that he would kidnap young females
and after having his way with them,
tortured them to death.
SARAH OWENS
Oh my God.
41.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Do you know how many and where in
the house he tortured them?
WATSON PRITCHARD
No one knows for sure. He used the
cellar a lot according to legend.
Some say he kept on adding rooms so
that each room had a particular
type of torturing equipment. The
rack, the Catherine Wheel....you
know.
SARAH OWENS
I don’t know and I don’t wish to
know. I just want out of this
house.
WATSON PRITCHARD
He became quite mad you know.
People began telling stories about
his unquenchable desire for blood.
Pope Alexander VI had to appoint
four assistant inquisitors in June
1494 to restrain him. Some accused
him of practicing witchcraft and
that is what drove him mad. Who
knows?
Hawthorne motions for Sarah to meet him away from Pritchard
who is lost in thought.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
(whispering)Sarah, I think we need
to go back to that room where you
saw the ghost. Think about it.
Remember when Rachel Henry said a
young girl pointed to the wall
before she vanished?
SARAH OWENS
What are you thinking?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
I’m hoping that some answers are in
those walls. We will stay together
this time.
He pulls back his jacket showing his weapon.
42.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Tormented by Torquemada
INT. JONATHAN RILEY’S ROOM-NIGHT
Riley lies sound asleep. Suddenly, he stirs, sensing a
disturbance. His eyes flutter open as he feels the bed
comforter slowly rise. Paralyzed with fear, he remains
motionless.
The comforter is violently ripped away from him. Panic grips
Riley as he desperately tries to scream, but no sound escapes
his lips. A malevolent presence materializes floating above
him - the ghostly figure of Torquemada. Torquemada's face
contorts into a sinister smile, exuding an eerie aura.
The room undergoes a ghastly transformation, morphing into a
nightmarish torture chamber. Riley's eyes widen in terror as
he takes in the horrifying sight before him. Positioned in
the center of the room is a gruesome Catherine Wheel. Two
other inquisitors, adorned in black robes, stand nearby,
their faces concealed.
Riley's body is hoisted by the two inquisitors, their black
robes billowing ominously. They carry him towards the
gruesome Catherine Wheel, its presence casting a foreboding
shadow over the room. Riley's limbs are forcibly bound to the
wheel, his futile struggles met with unyielding resistance.
The merciless turning of the wheel commences, orchestrated by
one of the inquisitors. Riley's agonized face contorts with
pain as the straps constrict, cutting into his flesh. His
desperate attempts to scream are stifled, silenced by an
invisible force. Torquemada smiles while looking on.
Sounds of ligaments tearing, muscles rending, and bones
snapping intertwining with the stifled cries of Riley.
As life slips away from Riley, his body succumbs to the
brutality inflicted upon it. The room shudders with a final
crescendo of terror and a hideous laugh from Torquemada.
Abruptly the room falls silent. The wheel ceases its
relentless turning, and the inquisitors retreat into the
shadows.
The room returns to its former state of normalcy, as if
nothing had occurred within its walls. The bed lies empty,
devoid of any trace of Riley's existence. His life has been
extinguished, his presence erased, leaving only an eerie
emptiness behind.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
The Hidden Bookcase
INT. BEDROOM- NIGHT
43.
John Hawthorn and Sarah Owens cautiously step into the room,
their eyes scanning the surroundings. Hawthorn again hands
Sarah his cigarette lighter.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Here, hold this. He flicks it on.
We stick together. We'll be okay.
Determined, they enter the hidden room, driven by the mystery
that awaits them.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
There must be something in here
that the young girl wanted us to
discover.
Side by side, they begin tapping on the walls, searching for
any hidden secrets. Suddenly, a distinct thud reverberates
through the room, catching their attention.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
There's something behind this wall.
Hawthorne retrieves his semi-automatic, removes the clip, and
starts striking the wall with the butt of the gun, breaking
away the sheetrock creating an opening.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
Pass me the lighter.
Sarah hands him the lighter, and Hawthorne points it inside
the newly formed gap.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
There's a bookcase back here.
Eagerly, they both continue removing sheetrock from the wall,
clearing a path towards the bookcase. Finally, they reach
through and pull out a large, ancient-looking bound book.
The room is filled with anticipation as Hawthorne
successfully retrieves the mysterious item. They go back into
the main bedroom where the illumination is somewhat better.
They examine the book.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Whispers of the Past
INT. BEDROOM- NIGHT
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
It’s in Spanish. Can you read it?
44.
SARAH OWENS
Four years of high school Spanish
and three more in college. Let’s
see if I can remember any of it.
She looks at the beginning of the book and the numerous
drawings.
SARAH OWENS (CONT’D)
Oh my God. This is a record of the
court of the Inquisition. It lists
the names of the accused and the
charges against them. Blasphemy,
heresy, sodomy, sorcery. Look
here....it shows how many in one
year were accused of sorcery and
witchcraft and burned at the stake-
2,000 of them.
Sarah scans the book until she gets to the middle.
SARAH OWENS (CONT’D)
This is actually two books in one.
The first is the official recording
of the Inquisition. Huh.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
What?
SARAH OWENS
The second part lists the
activities here in the house. If
this is the work of Torquemada,
then Pritchard was right. All of
these victims were young
females...11 years old, 10 years
old, 13 years old. This guy was a
sick fuck, pardon my French.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
But why did that young girl want
Rachel to find this? It doesn’t
show us how to get out of the house
nor anything that will help us.
Just then all of the lamps in the room go out one by one. A
ghostly presence starts coming out of the floor. Sarah runs
to Hawthorne who pulls out his gun. It’s a young girl dressed
in 12th century clothing. The clothing was torn, caked with
dried blood. The girl showed signs of being tortured. She
floats past them and enters the hidden room. She raises her
hand and points to an adjacent wall.
45.
YOUNG GIRL GHOST
You need to leave. He will come for
you.
She then evaporates into thin air. Sarah releases her grasp
for Hawthorne who puts his gun back into his shoulder
harness. The two stare at each other trying to make sense of
what they had just witnessed. Composed they start taping on
the wall the spirit pointed to.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Rachel's Disappearance
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE STACEY’S ROOM -NIGHT
Loren softly knocks on Stacey’s door who slowly opens it.
STACEY
What happened now?
FREDERICK LOREN
Let’s just say things are not going
as planned.
STACEY
Have you found Rachel Manning?
FREDERICK LOREN
No. I just came from the cellar and
checked the monitors.
SARAH OWENS
(surprised)You did? I didn’t hear
you leave your room. Did you see
anything in Rachel’s bedroom?
FREDERICK LOREN
That’s the strangest thing. Ms.
Manning was laying on her bed
reading a book. Then the monitor
goes black for several minutes.
When it comes back on, the room is
empty.
SARAH OWENS
What do you think happened to her?
FREDERICK LOREN
I have no idea. All the other
guests are accounted for. It’s the
weirdest thing. Are you alright?
STACEY
Yes, Frederick. Now you promise to
be careful going up and down those
stairs to the cellar.
(MORE)
46.
STACEY (CONT’D)
Better yet, next time you plan
going down there, come and get me.
FREDERICK LOREN
Always looking out for me, aren’t
you?(smiles)
Genres:
null
Ratings
Scene
20 -
The Torture of Madame Redzepova
INT. MADAME REDZEPOVA ROOM-NIGHT
Steam fills the bathroom as Redzepova, wearing a robe,
prepares a bath. She looks into the mirror but it has steamed
over. She wipes it clear and opens the medicine cabinet
finding it empty. (tension builds) She slowly closed it, and
sees a young girls ghostly face.
YOUNG GIRL GHOST
(scared) You must hide. He is
coming.
The apparition disappears.
MADAME REDZEPOVA
Nonsense, young lady. I am here to
talk to him, who ever he is, and
put him to rest.
She undresses and gracefully steps into the warm water of the
bathtub. Placing a washcloth over her eyes, she hums a
soothing melody.
Unbeknownst to her, the presence of Torquemada materializes,
gradually entering the room through the closed door. His
ominous figure is accompanied by two other inquisitors. They
stare at Redzepova.
Madame Redzepova's humming falters as she senses a shift in
the room. Suddenly, a forceful hand descends upon the crown
of her head, mercilessly pushing her beneath the water's
surface. Panic sets in as she fights desperately for air, her
survival instincts kicking in, water sloshing out of the tub.
She struggles with every ounce of strength, battling against
the relentless pressure on her head. But exhaustion takes
hold, weakening her resolve. Her resistance wanes until she
succumbs to the overpowering force, her body becoming limp
and lifeless.
In a chilling moment, the hand releases its grip, and
Redzepova is pulled from the bath, now unconscious in the
clutches of the relentless spirits.
Redzepova awakens, her surroundings transformed into a
nightmarish torture chamber.
47.
Her room, once familiar and comforting, now holds sinister
secrets. She finds herself dressed in a ghastly purple gown.
Hanging below her is a menacing device known as the Judas
Cradle, a wooden pyramid-shaped seat designed for unspeakable
torment. Redzepova is suspended, her body positioned with the
apex of the pyramid aimed precisely between her legs. Her
hands and legs are bound, leaving her unable to shift her
weight or escape the impending horror.
A wave of dread washes over her as she becomes acutely aware
of the pointed edge of the pyramid slowly penetrating her
most intimate area. Torquemada, the orchestrator of this
sadistic performance, revels in his sadistic amusement, his
laughter echoing through the chamber. His two assistants
assist in lowering Redzepova, intensifying her excruciating
descent onto the unforgiving seat.
As the torment continues, blood begins to drip onto the
floor. In a matter of minutes,Madame Redzepova succumbs to
her torturous fate, her life extinguished.Torquemada Has a
sinister grin on his face as he slowly rises through the
ceiling. As the final inquisitor vanishes, the room returns
to normal.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
The Manuscript of Vanquishing
INT. HIDDEN ROOM-NIGHT
Hawthorne and Sarah remain persistent, tapping on the walls
with a sense of urgency. Suddenly, another distinct thud
reverberates through the air, capturing their attention.
Their eyes meet, a glimmer of anticipation flickering between
them.
Without hesitation, Hawthorne retrieves his gun once again,
He forcefully strikes at the sheetrock, fragmenting it piece
by piece until a gap is created. Carefully, he removes the
loosened sheetrock, revealing a hidden compartment concealed
for ages.
Their eyes fall upon a solitary manuscript, coated in cobwebs
and dust, untouched by human hands for years. A large spider
walks across it. Hawthorne and Sarah exchange a knowing
glance. Hawthorne reaches in, brushing away the spider, and
cobwebs and gingerly retrieve the ancient manuscript. He
blows on the cover sending dust everywhere. He hands it to
Sarah who opens it.
SARAH OWENS
This text is different from the
other one. It contains a series of
rituals and actions that can weaken
and ultimately vanquish a spirit.
48.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
(nods) Alright. Let’s gather in the
parlor. We need to share this
information and devise a plan with
everyone.
Genres:
null
Ratings
Scene
22 -
The Ghosts Unleashed
INT.EXT- HALLWAY OUTSIDE STACEY’S ROOM - NIGHT
Jeannie Manning knocks on the door and Stacey opens it
cautiously.
STACEY
(hushed) Come in quickly. Did
anyone see you?
JEANNIE MANNING
(smiling) No need to worry. Soon
we’ll have a fortune in our hands.
They embrace, sharing a moment of excitement and secrecy.
JEANNIE MANNING (CONT’D)
But we must hurry. It’s already
three in the morning. When will
Frederick go down to the cellar?
STACEY
He already went down about an hour
ago. I haven’t heard him leave his
room since then. I’ll have to come
up with a reason for him to go down
again.
INT. PARLOR-NIGHT
Hawthorne and Sarah return to the parlor expecting to find
everyone, but only Pritchard is present.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Where is everyone?
WATSON PRITCHARD
In their rooms where you two should
be. The ghosts are growing restless
more so than before.
He brandishes his knife, emphasizing the gravity of the
situation. Hawthorne glances at Sarah.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Stay here with Pritchard. I’ll go
and gather everyone.
49.
Hawthorne exits leaving Sarah feeling uneasy in Pritchard’s
presence. She stands close to him while still maintaining her
guard.
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE LOREN’S ROOM - NIGHT
Hawthorne knocks on Loren’s door who answers looking anxious.
FREDERICK LOREN
Is everyone alright? Has Rachel
returned?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Not that I know of. Sarah, Ms.
Manning, and I have found something
that might help us escape this
house. I’m trying to gather
everyone in the parlor.
Loren grabs his walker and closes his door moving slowly
towards Jonathan Riley’s room. He knocks but there is no
response. Hawthorne opens the door, revealing an empty room.
They proceed to Madame Redzepova’s room and knock, but again
no answer. They enter the room finding it also vacant.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
Mr. Loren, this has gone too far.
Someone is bound to get hurt. You
need to call off this haunted house
party.
FREDERICK LOREN
(defeated) Mr. Hawthorne, I wish I
could. But it seems that things are
beyond my control.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
What do you mean?
FREDERICK LOREN
(pause) I must confess, I staged a
few haunted house effects to expose
our supposed psychics. I wanted to
prove to the world that they were
nothing but frauds.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
So the ghosts that Sarah and Rachel
claimed to see were actually your
contraptions?
50.
FREDERICK LOREN
(shaking his head) No, Mr.
Hawthorne. That’s what I am trying
to tell you. The only special
effects I orchestrated were the
crashing chandelier and the closing
of the main entrance door. But
since then, these events we’re
witnessing must be coming from the
house itself.
They exchange concerned glances, realizing that the
malevolent forces at play are far beyond their expectations.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
We need to check on Stacey and Ms.
Manning.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
The Books of Torquemada
INT. PARLOR -NIGHT
Stacey, Manning, Hawthorn, and Loren enter the parlor.
SARAH OWENS
Where are Madame Redzepova and Mr.
Riley?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
They’re not in their rooms.
SARAH OWENS
Have they disappeared as well?
WATSON PRICHARD
(drunk) The ghosts took them.
They’re getting closer.
Loren turns to Stacey and Jeannie Manning.
FREDERICK LOREN
Ms. Owens and Mr. Hawthorne believe
they’ve found a potential way out
of this house.
Hawthorne and Sarah place two books on a table.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
We discovered these in the secret
room upstairs. The first book has
two parts.
(MORE)
51.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
The first section is an official
record of the Spanish Inquisition
led by Torquemada, but the second
half lists the various murders he
committed in this house. His
victims were all young girls.
The group gathers around Sarah and Hawthorne, including
Pritchard.
SARAH OWENS
This smaller book contains various
rituals, but most importantly, it
provides instructions on how to rid
the house of his spirit.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
The Pendant and the Split
INT. CELLAR-NIGHT
Groans and screams echo through the cellar walls. The lamps
gradually go out, one by one. The door covering the vat of
acid lifts. Spirits dressed as inquisitors, accompanied by
the ghost of Torquemada, begin to wander about.
INT. PARLOR-NIGHT
Sarah continues to thumb through the smaller of the two
books.
SARAH OWENS
It says here that there is a sacred
relic hidden within the house, said
to hold the power to weaken
Torquemada. Here is a drawing.
Everyone gathers around Sarah fixated on the drawing. The
drawing shows an ornate pendant, intricately designed with
swirling patterns that intertwine with ancient symbols.
FREDERICK LOREN
Ladies and gentlemen, I must
express my skepticism about this
entire situation. I believe our
three so-called psychics have
orchestrated their own
disappearance. It's quite possible
they discovered my intentions to
expose their fraudulent practices
to the world. Undoubtedly, they are
hiding somewhere within this house.
52.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
If that's the case, Mr. Loren, we
may encounter them as we search for
the relic. It would be wise for us
to stick together in groups.
STACEY
Ms. Manning and I can join
Frederick in his search, while the
three of you can form another
group. We can start in the cellar.
She looks at Hawthorne, Sarah, and Pritchard.
WATSON PRITCHARD
You're all out of your minds. I
refuse to venture any further into
this house. Mr. Loren, you're
mistaken. The ghosts have already
claimed Madame Redzepova, Mr.Riley,
and Ms. Henry. They will pick us
off one by one.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Very well, Pritchard. If you insist
on staying behind with your knife
and alcohol, so be it.
He looks at the others.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
We won't be able to communicate
with you or know if you've
succeeded in finding the relic.
Let's plan on reconvening here in
one hour, and we can assess which
areas of the house still require
searching.
The group splits into two, resolved to face the supernatural
challenges ahead. With a mix of determination, fear, and a
glimmer of hope, they disperse into the eerie depths of the
haunted house.
Genres:
null
Ratings
Scene
25 -
A Spectral Warning
INT. EERIE HALLWAY-NIGHT
Sarah and Hawthorne advance cautiously through a foreboding
corridor. The hear a sound and turn around. Abruptly a figure
materializes from the wall. It is the tortured apparition of
Madame Redzpova, her features distorted and contorted. She
reaches out with a spectral hand. Her eyes are filled with
both desperation and warning.
53.
MADAME REDZEPOVA
Stop! You must not proceed. He is
waiting for you. The relic you seek
holds the key to our eternal
suffering. Turn back or you will
fall victim to the same fate as us.
SARAH OWENS
We understand the pain that grips
this place. We seek to break the
cycle, to free you and the trapped
souls from their torment.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
With the relic, we aim to restore
balance and grant solace to those
who have suffered.
Madame Redzpova’s apparition’s ghostly form wavers, as if
torn between the desire to protect them and the realization
of their intentions. Slowly, she withdraws her spectral hand
and dissipates like mist.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
The Acid Vat
INT. STAIRCASE TO CELLAR-NIGHT
Frederick Loren reaches the top of the stairs and leaves his
walker. Jeannie Manning is behind him followed by Stacey.
Manning turns to Stacey who nods. Manning starts to push
Loren forward but he quickly turns and she falls down the
stairs breaking her neck. Stacey screams and runs past Loren
to Manning’s lifeless body. She turns to Loren.
STACEY
You killed her, you murderer.
Loren has a sinister smile on his face as he slowly walks
down the staircase.
FREDERICK LOREN
Stacey, my loyal secretary. There
for me these many years. Running my
business as I aged away in prison.
I couldn’t help by notice something
while putting my little haunted
house party together, how you went
to great length to select Ms.
Manning, our recently deceased
attorney. I wondered why she was so
important to you.
STACEY
Oh, Loren, it was just a
coincidence.
(MORE)
54.
STACEY (CONT’D)
Ms. Manning seemed enthusiastic
about the opportunity to attend
your party, that’s all.
FREDERICK LOREN
I find it hard to believe that it
was a mere coincidence. You’ve been
acting suspiciously lately and I’ve
been putting the pieces together.
STACEY
What are you talking about, Loren?
I don’t understand.
FREDERICK LOREN
Your bedroom here in the house is
not being monitored, but the
hallways are.
Stacey looks stunned recalling the two times Manning had come
to her room in the night.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
You had two meetings with Ms.
Manning in your room behind closed
doors. I wondered what that was all
about.
STACEY
Loren, you’re just being paranoid.
Jeannie, I mean Ms. Manning and I
are friends. We were catching up,
that’s all. I wanted her to have a
chance of earning your $100,000
prize.
Loren continues to smile and raises an eyebrow.
FREDERICK LOREN
Friends? Friends don’t conspire
behind closed doors, Stacey. I’ve
also been thinking about how you’ve
been signing my legal documents all
these years, signing my signature.
That’s when it all came together.
Stacey pauses, looking nervous.
STACEY
Loren, I...I can explain. It was
for your own benefit. I was taking
care of things while you were away.
55.
FREDERICK LOREN
Taking care of things, like forging
my signature on new trust documents
so that upon my death, you would
inherit my wealth?
STACEY
(Stuttering) Loren, you’re...you’re
mistaken. I would never....
FREDERICK LOREN
Don’t lie to me, Stacey. I’ve put
the pieces together. The House on
Haunted Hill invitation, your
secret meeting with Manning....all
part of the plot to kill me.
STACEY
Loren, you’re mad. No wonder
Annabelle hated you so.
FREDERICK LOREN
You can leave that bitch out of
this conversation. Your plan is not
going to happen, Stacey.
Loren continues to walk towards Stacey who continues to back
up. Unbeknownst to Stacey, the door covering the vat of acid
in the background begins to rise, revealing the dangerous
chasm beneath it.
In her haste to retreat from Loren's approaching figure,
Stacey's foot slips on a slick patch of the floor. Her arms
flailed momentarily, but she couldn't regain her balance.
With a startled cry, she tumbled backward, her body hurtling
towards the open door of the vat of acid.
The acid bubbles as Stacey's body disappears into the abyss,
vanishing with a dreadful splash until moments later her
bones rise to the surface.
The room fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the faint
hissing of the acid below. Loren stood there, staring at the
spot where Stacey had disappeared. He drags the body of Ms.
Manning and lowers her into the vat.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
Say hello to Annabelle for me
ladies.
56.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
The Stirring Carpet
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
Sarah Owens and John Hawthorne cautiously make their way down
the dimly lit hallway, their footsteps echoing in the
silence. They approach a closed door.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
(whispering)
Let's try this one.
Just as Hawthorne reaches for the doorknob, a deep groan
reverberates through the hallway, causing both of them to
freeze. Their eyes widen as they notice the carpet in front
of them rising, undulating like a living entity, inching
closer with an unsettling purpose.
They open the door and enter. Hawthorne pulls out his gun.
The door begins to shake violently but then the sound stops
and the door is silent.
SARAH OWENS
(terrified) What... what is
happening?
But then, just as suddenly as it stopped, it starts again
even more violently. Once again it stops.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
(slightly unsettled) I'm not sure,
Sarah. Maybe Torquemada. But it
seems like whatever it was... it's
gone, at least for now.
They exchange a knowing glance, aware that their encounter
with the hallway's mysterious force was not a mere
coincidence.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
Lets check this room.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
The Hunt for the Relic Begins
INT. PARLOR-NIGHT
Sarah and Hawthorne join Pritchard in the parlor.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Mr. Loren, Stacey, and Ms. Manning
have not returned?
Pritchard stares at them stroking his large knife.
WATSON PRITCHARD
One by one. I told you. One by one.
57.
Frederick Loren enters the room.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Where is Stacey and Ms. Manning?
FREDERICK LOREN
I don’t know. I thought they were
back here already. We separated to
cover more ground.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Alright, look. We need to find that
relic. Sarah and I saw something
not of this world. Time is of the
essence. We have to continue our
search.
Pritchard gets out of his chair unsteady. He spills his
drink.
WATSON PRITCHARD
Let me see that drawing again.
He studies it.
WATSON PRITCHARD (CONT'D) (CONT’D)
You know, I’ve been in this haunted
house twice before and I swear I’ve
seen this somewhere.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Where Pritchard? Think man.
Hawthorne grabs Pritchard by the shoulders.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
Focus. If there’s a relic that can
help us, we need to find it. Tell
us where you saw it.
WATSON PRITCHARD
I’m trying. I’m trying.
Pritchard steadies himself and grows more coherent.
WATSON PRITCHARD (CONT’D)
It’s in the library. Yeah, that’s
where I saw it, in the library. I
recall seeing a secret compartment
as I hid from the ghosts. Yeah, it
is behind a portrait of Torquemada.
58.
SARAH OWENS
Mr. Pritchard. Do you remember
where the library is?
FREDERICK LOREN
I do and Mr. Pritchard I think you
need to join us this time.
Pritchard agrees and the group exits the parlor, making their
way through the winding corridors of the haunted house.
Pritchard, now focused and sobering up, leads them with a
sense of purpose, with his knife in front of him.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
The Ghostly Guardian
INT.HALLWAY- NIGHT
Pritchard takes the lead as the group navigates through the
dimly lit upper hallway towards the library. Suddenly, a
thick mist begins to come out of a wall.
GHOSTLY INQUISITOR FIGURE #1.
You will not get what you seek. You
will stay in this house forever.
Sarah’s eyes widen in terror as the ghostly figure
materializes from the wall, reaching out towards her with
ghostly hands. It grabs her ankle. She screams. Pritchard
waves his knife doing little to help.
Rushing to Sarah’s aid, Loren and Hawthorne free her from the
spectral form. It hisses as it returns into the wall.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Are you alright.
He looks at her ankle and sees nothing.
SARAH OWENS
I’m fine
WATSON PRITCHARD
Here we are.
INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT
They four enter the library, a vast room filled with towering
bookshelves and a haunting atmosphere. Pritchard walks
straight towards the large portrait of Torquemada hanging
prominently on the wall.
Watson PRITCHARD (breathing
heavily) Here...
(MORE)
59.
WATSON PRITCHARD (CONT’D)
behind this portrait... there's a
hidden compartment.
Hawthorne and Loren rush to Pritchard's side, their eyes
fixed on the portrait. Together, they pull on the edges of
the heavy frame, revealing a secret compartment concealed
behind it.
Inside the compartment they find the relic. Sarah grabs it.
SARAH OWENS
(amazed) This is it... the relic.
The key to banishing the evil
spirits from this house.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Let’s get back to the parlor.
A ghostly figure rises from the floor. Another inquisitor. It
lungs at Pritchard. It stretches out a arm and a claw like
hand. Pritchard reacts swiftly, swinging his knife slashing
through the specter’s arm. The severed arm falls to the
floor, convulsing briefly before being absorbed back into the
mist. It lets out a spine-chilling scream before it
dissipates.
WATSON PRITCHARD
That is for my brother you asshole.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Facing the Darkness
INT. PARLOR-NIGHT
FREDERICK LOREN
Now that we have the relic, what do
we do with it?
Sarah grabs the book and begins reading in earnest.
SARAH OWENS
The next step is to embrace the
embodiment of Torquemada’s
inquisitors. We must don robes
resembling their sinister attire
and perform a ritual of
purification in the cellar, where
they normally gather.
FREDERICK LOREN
You mean to defeat the darkness we
must become one with them?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Where are we going to get robes.
60.
WATSON PRITCHARD
There are some in one of the
thirteen rooms in the cellar. Are
you sure this is the right course
of action?
SARAH OWENS
The writings say we must face the
darkness in order to banish it.
Trust in the process Prichard. This
is our only chance.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
The Warning
INT. CELLAR-NIGHT
The group descends into the dimly lite cellar.
WATSON PRITCHARD
The robes are in one of those rooms
over there.
He points across the room to the other side of the floor
covering the vat of acid. Hawthorne and Loren check the rooms
and find the robes in the second one. The black robes are
dusty and the two shake them.
FREDERICK LOREN
Now what?
SARAH OWENS
We have to put them on.
After she does, she refers back to the ancient text.
SARAH OWENS (CONT’D)
(looking around)We need something
to mark the floor, something more
substantial than chalk.
WATSON PRITCHARD
(pointing)Look over there, by the
old workbench. I think I spotted a
box of red paint cans.
They make their way to the workbench where a box of paint
cans sits, covered in dust and neglect.Loren reaches for a
can.
FREDERICK LOREN
This will serve our purpose well.
61.
Loren opens the can, revealing a vibrant red paint within.
The group gathers brushes and begins to dip them into the
paint, ready to create the symbol for the ritual shown in the
drawing
As they work the cellar seems to come alive with an ethereal
energy. The air crackles with anticipation, as if the house
itself senses the significance of their actions.
Once the symbol is complete, they step back to admire their
handiwork. Hawthorne compares it to the drawing.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Looks good to me. Lets just hope
this works.
SARAH OWENS
(nods) We've done it. Now, let us
prepare for the final phase of the
ritual.
WATSON PRITCHARD
What’s that?
SARAH OWENS
We each take a position around the
symbol.
FREDERICK LOREN
Look at the red paint.
The paint is glowing reflecting in their eyes. A cold wind
invades the cellar and one by one, each lamp goes out. From
the cover over the vat of acid a mist begins to rise. As it
materializes it takes the shape of the young girl Sarah and
Hawthorn saw before.
GIRL GHOST
(scared voice) You are not strong
enough to face Torquemada. He feeds
on fear and despair, growing
stronger with each attempt to
vanquish him. You must hurry. He
knows what you are trying to do. He
is coming. He is coming. Run! Run!
Another apparition rises next to her. It is the ghost of
Rachel Henry. She hovers gracefully above the ground, her
presence both eerie and comforting. She appears as a
translucent, gentle soul, her eyes filled with a mixture of
sadness and hope.
62.
SARAH OWENS
(whispering, filled with
wonder)
Rachel... You're here.
Her spirit waves back and forth before she speaks.
RACHEL HENRY
The girl is right. Torquemada's
power is formidable. He is too
powerful. The ritual in the ancient
book is only part of what you must
do to rid this house of his evil
presence. You must leave this
cellar and seek further guidance
from the ancient text.You must all
leave. Leave now before it is too
late.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Unveiling the Graveyard
INT. PARLOR-NIGHT
SARAH OWENS
What do we do now? How can we
become strong enough to defeat
Torquemada?
FREDERICK LOREN
We must do what the two ghosts told
us to do. Continue reading the
ancient text. We mustn't lose hope.
We've come too far to give up now.
Let's delve deeper into the ancient
text, uncover its secrets, and
strengthen ourselves for the battle
ahead.
WATSON PRITCHARD
I think we should go back to the
library. There is nothing in this
room except us and the ancient
texts. I don’t ever recall ever
seeing books in any of the other
rooms.
The group agrees and they start walking cautiously back to
the library.
INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT
Sarah Owens, Frederick Loren, John Hawthorne, and Watson
Pritchard huddle around a large wooden table in an ornate
library, the ancient manuscript spread out before them.
63.
The room is adorned with towering bookshelves, their shelves
filled with leather-bound tomes and dust-covered volumes.
Lamps flicker, casting eerie shadows across their faces as
they search for answers.
Loren gently turns pages of the fragile manuscript with Sarah
and Hawthorn looking on.
FREDERICK LOREN
Look here, a passage about the
ritual of purification. It speaks
of a hidden chamber within the
house—a place where Torquemada's
evil is at its strongest.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
(frowning) Purification? How do we
cleanse ourselves in order to
confront him?
WATSON PRITCHARD
(leaning closer)Perhaps there are
objects or artifacts we must gather
to aid us. The text might reveal
their purpose.
They comb through the manuscript, their eyes scanning the
ancient words for any clue that might lead them to their next
step. Suddenly, Sarah's finger halts on a page, her eyes
widening with realization.
SARAH OWENS
I've found it! The text mentions an
amulet of protection, a relic
rumored to possess the power to
ward off evil. It's said to be
hidden within the depths of an
ancient cemetery.
FREDERICK LOREN
Venturing into a cemetery? How? We
can’t get out of the house.It
sounds treacherous.
WATSON PRITCHARD
No, the text is referring to the
graveyard on the other side of the
house.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
The other side of the house? I
didn’t see any graveyard, just the
cellar.
64.
WATSON PRITCHARD
This house has many secrets, past
and present. Rumors have it that
Torquemada and his demons, after
torturing and killing their
victims, buried them on the side of
the house. It is on the opposite
side of where we are now. One of
the past owners sealed it up. To
get to it, we will have to break
the wall down.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
And how are we going to do that. I
used my gun in the upstairs bedroom
but that was made of sheetrock. It
will be of little use against a
wall made of stone.
FREDERICK LOREN
Perhaps that coat of armor in the
entrance hall will help.
They all quickly left the parlor.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Grave Discovery
INT. ENTRANCE HALLWAY-NIGHT
A statue of a knight dressed in heavy armor holding a mace
stands guard in the room. Hawthorne grabs the mace and swings
it.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
This should work. Okay, Pritchard,
show us the way to the wall.
The group follows Pritchard, who takes a few turns becoming
disoriented until he finally discovers the correct wall.
WATSON PRITCHARD
It's on the other side of this
wall.
Hawthorne gestures for everyone to step back as he swings the
mace, forcefully striking the wall. Chips of brick scatters
through the air.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
This might take some time.
Groaning could be heard from another part of the house.
65.
WATSON PRITCHARD
We don't have much time. Keep
swinging.
After several minutes, larger chunks of the wall started to
give way. Loren and Pritchard assisted in removing the
debris. A foul odor permeated the air, catching everyone's
attention.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Sarah, give me my lighter.
Sarah handed him the lighter, and after flicking it on, he
peers inside the wall.
FREDERICK LOREN
What do you see?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Pritchard was right. There aren't
any grave markers, but you can make
out mounds of dirt indicating
burials. I can’t believe that when
this place was brought from Spain
here, the owner even brought the
graveyard.
WATSON PRITCHARD
He didn’t. My understanding was one
night it just appeared. The owner
was so frightened, he just enclosed
it with this large room.
Louder groaning is heard by all.
FREDERICK LOREN
Pritchard is right. No time to
waste.
He is the first to climb through the opening in the wall,
followed by the rest of the group. Using the lighter,
Hawthorne directs the beam around the whole area giving
everyone a sense of the burial ground.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
Look, over there. It looks like a
small mausoleum.
Hawthorne focus the light on the dilapidated structure.
WATSON PRITCHARD
Why would Torquemada build a
mausoleum?
66.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Maybe for his wife.
WATSON PRITCHARD
Torquemada never entered wedlock.
He vowed to lead a life of
chastity.
SARAH OWENS
It doesn't matter. Our priority is
to gain access and see if the
amulet is inside.
They navigate the labyrinthine path to the mausoleum. With
trepidation, they approach a dilapidated mausoleum. Its stone
door barely hanging on its rusted hinges. Unbeknownst to
them, the ground beside the path appears to be stirring, as
if something beneath it is struggling to emerge.
Frederick Loren pushes the door open, revealing a dark
chamber within.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Look, there’s a torch on the wall.
He grabs it and with the lighter the torch goes to life.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Trapped in the Mausoleum
INT. MAUSOLEUM - NIGHT
They cautiously step inside, the beam of the torch cutting
through the darkness. Cobwebs cling to ancient coffins, and
the scent of decay fills the air.
WATSON PRITCHARD
It smells as bad in here as out
there. Let’s make this quick. I
can feel the ghosts closing in on
us.
Loren is looking at the decaying caskets.
FREDERICK LOREN
He built this mausoleum for his
fellow inquisitors. Look, here is a
tomb that was reserved for old
Torquemada himself.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Look! There, on that pedestal.
In the flickering torch’s beams, they see the amulet—a
radiant artifact with intricate symbols etched onto its
surface.
67.
SARAH OWENS
This must be it. The amulet of
protection. The text mentioned it
would grant us strength in our
battle against Torquemada.
As they draw nearer to the pedestal, an icy gust sweeps
through the chamber, whispering through the cracked walls.
FREDERICK LOREN
Listen. Can you hear that?
The ghostly whispers grow louder.
(V.O) Get out! You need to get
out! He’s coming! He’s coming!
Run! Run!
Sarah seizes the amulet, and they make a beeline for the
mausoleum's entrance. The door slams shut, its echo
reverberating throughout the sepulcher. Hawthorne, being the
first to reach the door, pulls on it, but the aged barrier
remains steadfast. The frenzied whispers outside escalate.
Hawthorn draws his gun and aims it at the handle.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Everyone, take cover. Get behind
those old coffins. On my count of
three, I'll shoot.
He scans the area to ensure everyone has sought refuge and,
satisfied, takes aim.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
Three, two, one.
The gunshot's blast resonates through the mausoleum, stirring
up clouds of dust and causing cobwebs to sway in the air. The
door handle explodes into several pieces and the door sways
open.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Whispers From the Grave
EXT. GRAVEYARD NEAR MAUSOLEUM-NIGHT
The group hastily exits the chamber through the now-open
door, only to witness a macabre sight. Skeletons of
Torquemada's victims emerge from their earthen graves among
the fog, their bones creaking and rattling. Many have joints
twisted from torture. They stagger towards the group,
repeating their warning in haunting whispers.
SKELETON #1
Get out... before it's too late.
68.
SKELETON #2
Torquemada is coming with his men.
The group stands paralyzed, fear etched on their faces. Sarah
clutches the amulet tightly, her hands trembling.
SARAH OWENS
We have to listen to them. We need
to leave now!
FREDERICK LOREN
Agreed. We can't stay here any
longer.
They begin to back away, their eyes locked on the advancing
skeletons. With each step, the skeletons grow more
relentless, their whispers growing louder and more desperate.
SKELETON #3
Flee... while you still can!
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Move! Let's get out of here!
The group turns and runs, their footsteps echoing through the
graveyard. The warning of the tormented souls reverberates in
their ears as they make their escape.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Confessions in the Parlor
INT. PARLOR-NIGHT
The group is back in the parlor. Pritchard is hitting the
bottle again with the knife in one hand.
SARAH OWENS
We’ve obtained the amulet, but the
spirits continue to warn us that
Torquemada knows what we are up to
and is coming for us. We have to
try the ritual again.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Agreed. We can’t waste any more
time. The longer we stay in this
house, the stronger he becomes.
FREDERICK LOREN
Is it just me or do you feel the
ghosts in the cemetery might be
trying to help us? And by helping
us, we can help them?
Silence enveloped the room. A cacophony of groans followed by
hideous laughter shattered the stillness.
69.
Prichard instinctively brandishes his knife while Sarah
tightens her grip on the amulet. Hawthorne and Loren exchange
bewildered glances
From the floor, the ghostly figure of Torquemada
materializes, accompanied by several of his inquisitors,
their spectral forms exuding a chilling presence.The three
surviving individuals huddle around Sarah who raises the
amulet and aims it directly at Torquemada. The ghostly
inquisitor recoils as does the other accompanying spirits,
shielding their ethereal faces from the amulet’s power.
TORQUEMADA
(voice resonating with authority)
You have each been charged with
crimes and there is a need for
interrogation.
With a sinister smile, Torquemada turns his attention towards
Prichard.
TORQUEMADA (CONT’D)
Watson Pritchard, you are charged
with debauchery and I demand a
plea.
Pritchard, overcome with terror, seeks refuge behind Loren,
his knife trembling in his hand. Torquemada then shifts his
gaze toward Hawthorne.
TORQUEMADA (CONT’D)
John Hawthorne. You stand accused
violating the Eight Commandment-
bearing false witness against your
neighbor.
Confusing appears on Hawthorne’s face. His eyes dart toward
the other survivors.
TORQUEMADA (CONT’D)
How do you plea?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
What are you talking about?
TORQUEMADA
And you Sarah Owens, are accused of
taking a life entrusted to you
care. A weighty transgression that
demands justice.
70.
As the inquisition continues, Torquemada’s gaze falls upon
Frederick Loren.
TORQUEMADA (CONT’D)
And you, Frederick Loren, you are
the greatest sinner of the lot.
His spectral voice grows more haunting.
TORQUEMADA (CONT’D)
You killed your fourth wife and
others. How do you plea?
Sarah summons her courage, bravery and terror, and steps
forward towards Torquemada, clutching the amulet tightly in
her trembling hand. She has a defiant determination shone in
her eyes as she faced the ghostly inquisitor, ready to
challenge his authority.
With a piercing scream, Torquemada recoils as Sarah holds the
amulet before him. The other accompanying ghosts, equally
affected by the amulet's power, swiftly depart from the room,
their ethereal forms dissipating into the darkness.
A moment of silence settled upon the parlor, punctuated only
by the hushed breaths of the remaining survivors. The weight
of the accusations still hung heavy in the air, the need for
confession lingering like a shadow.
Finally, Pritchard breaks the silence. With a voice choking
with sorrow, he steps forward.
WATSON PRITCHARD
What he said is true. You all
already knew that I am an
alcoholic.(sobbing) Several years
ago before I ended up in the mental
hospital, I took my only son out to
dinner for his birthday. His mother
and I had divorced a long time ago
due to my drinking. He told me over
dinner that I was drinking too much
but I just laughed it away, saying
it was his birthday and we needed
to celebrate.
Pritchard pauses, wiping his nose with a handkerchief,
regaining composure.
WATSON PRITCHARD (CONT’D)
I don’t know what happened but I
swerved into the path of an
oncoming car.
(MORE)
71.
WATSON PRITCHARD (CONT’D)
When I regained consciousness in
the hospital, I learned that my son
had died in the crash.
Sarah walks over and hugs Pritchard as he continues to speak.
WATSON PRITCHARD (CONT’D)
You would think that I would have
stopped drinking from there on, but
no, I just climbed deeper into the
bottle. (sobbing).
The weight of his guilt pressed upon him as tears streamed
down his face. The room embraced the profound sadness of his
confession. As Pritchard regains composure,Hawthorne steps
forward.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Well, I guess it’s good to unburden
oneself of guilt by talking with a
brother and sister about things
which are weighing so much on a
person’s heart. I don’t know how
Torquemada found out about what I
did while I was a police officer
and frankly, if I had to do it over
again, I would.
No one spoke, waiting for Hawthorne to continue.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
Years ago I was the primary
investigator assigned to the
American River murder case.
SARAH OWENS
Oh, my God. The case where the
murderer kidnapped those children,
kept them as sex slaves, and when
he tired of them, killed them and
weighed their bodies in the river?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
That’s the one.
FREDERICK LOREN
I’ve never heard of it. I’ve been
away.(smiles)
JOHN HAWTHORNE
The first murder that we know of
was discovered over fifteen years
ago. A family went down to the
river to have a picnic.
(MORE)
72.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
As they were playing in the water,
they discovered a submerged young
girl, Judy Turner. She was fourteen
years old. At that time, we didn’t
know who she was. We put an
artist’s picture of her in the
newspaper back in the day and
finally got a hit. She was a
runaway from San Francisco.
WATSON PRITCHARD
Yes, now I recall seeing that on
television. They interviewed her
mother who showed little emotion
over her daughter’s loss.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
No, her mother was a drug addict
which was one of the reasons Judy
run away. The other reason was that
her mother would bring men to their
mobile home an engage in
prostitution.
SARAH OWENS
How repulsive.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Yes, the deterioration of family
values had already begun during
that time.
FREDERICK LOREN
How many victims did the murderer
claim?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Once we apprehended him, he
admitted to twenty-one, but even
with his help, we only recovered
the bodies of sixteen.
FREDERICK LOREN
Why did it take so long to capture
him?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
(smiling) The suspect was a Gary
Willis, a Criminal Justice Ph.D.
student at UCLA. He would accompany
various law enforcement agencies on
their operations as part of his
studies.
(MORE)
73.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
One assistant chief liked him so
much that he even allowed him to
observe our homicide task assigned
to the American River murders to
learn our techniques.
FREDERICK LOREN
So essentially, the police were
unknowingly assisting him
perfecting his methods of evading
capture.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
(pause) Essentially, yes. He took
great care to leave little to no
forensic evidence, and the fact
that he disposed the bodies by
submerging them, made it even more
challenging.
WATSON PRITCHARD
How did you finally catch him?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
After seven long years of
delivering the devastating news to
parents that their daughters would
not be coming home, we finally
received a breakthrough in the
case. He attempted to kidnap a
young girl as she was leaving
school, but a vigilant crossing
guard intervened. Fleeing the
scene, he was described as driving
a dark blue Malibu, a classic 1969
SS model. Through a statewide
search, we narrowed down our
suspects to four individuals, and
once I interviewed him, I knew he
was our man.
WATSON PRITCHARD
So what happened?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
We obtained a search warrant for
his car and house but we found
nothing incriminating. Gary merely
laughed at us as we left empty-
handed.
74.
FREDERICK LOREN
I fail to see how any of this
relates to the accusations made by
Torquemada.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
While executing the search warrant
in his bedroom, I secretly
collected several strands of hair
from his comb. When we discovered
the next victim’s body, I planted
his hair under her finger nails.
FREDERICK LOREN
So basically you framed him.
Hawthorne did not reply.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
When a witness spotted his car at
the scene of another attempted
kidnapping, we obtained another
search warrant and collected hair
fibers. The rest, as you can
imagine, is history. During his
interrogation, he smirked at me,
claiming he knew we set him up,
which proved to be his downfall.
SARAH OWENS
What mistake did he make?
JOHN HAWTHORNE
He stated that we could never find
any hair on any of his victims
because he washed them before
dumping them to the river. His slip
up was caught on tape. He was
eventually convicted and got the
death penalty but committed suicide
in prison.
SARAH OWENS
He got what he deserved.
WATSON PRITCHARD
I agree.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Nevertheless, this is what our
tormentor is alluding to.
Sarah flips over the ancient textbook and looked at everyone.
75.
SARAH OWENS
I’ve carried this guilt for five
years. If we manage to escape this
house, I will turn myself in to the
police once I ensure my mother is
taken care of.
Tears well up in her eyes and she holds onto the table
addressing the group.
SARAH OWENS (CONT’D)
As I told you, I work at County
General, originally assigned to the
terminal illness unit. I’ve been
there for almost six years now.
Despite trying to maintain a
professional distance and not
getting attached to patients, I had
formed a deep bond with one of
them. Angie was nearing her ninety-
fourth birthday, with no family or
friends. She felt immense suffering
and questioned why she was still
alive and enduring such pain.
Sarah breaks down, and Hawthorn approaches her, offering a
comforting hug.
SARAH OWENS (CONT’D)
Angie had Stage IV pancreatic
cancer causing excruciating pain.
Despite multiple unsuccessful chemo
treatments, her condition worsened.
We were authorized to administer
morphine for her pain, but she
still writhed in agony. She
became like a grandmother to me.
So, (pause) I took morphine from
another patient who didn’t require
and intentionally overdosed Angie,
releasing her from further
suffering. She passed away shortly
afterward, with me by her side,
holding her hand. I knew I
wouldn’t get caught since she was
under a doctor’s care, and her
prognosis was only a few days at
most.
Silent fills the room as Sarah embraces Hawthorne, and
Pritchard pours himself another glass of wine.
76.
The group forms a solemn circle, their faces reflecting
compassion, remorse, and an understanding of human
fallibility.
FREDERICK LOREN
Well, I believe it is essential to
continue with the ritual.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Hold on, Mr. Loren. You’re the one
who got us trapped in this house.
What confession did Torquemada want
to expose from you?
WATSON PRITCHARD
Yes, Mr. Loren. What skeletons do
you have in your closet? I suspect
there are many.
Loren raises his eyebrow, a cynical smile gracing his face.
FREDERICK LOREN
Very well. Where should I begin?
Oh, how about the murder of my
wife?
WATSON PRITCHARD
He contacted me about renting this
place and I warned him it was
haunted and that people would die,
but he insisted.
FREDERICK LOREN
I didn’t hear you complaining when
I offered you a considerable sum of
money for the property.
Pritchard scoffs and takes a sip of wine.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
After acquiring the keys fo this
place, I enlisted a few trusted
employees from my company to help
set up Halloween props inside the
house and invited my quests. Like
you, none of them knew each other,
but I ensured that Annabelle’s
lover would be present.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
My God, Loren. If you planned on
killing them, it would be
premeditated murder.
77.
FREDERICK LOREN
(defensively) Yes, it was and I
served a twenty-year sentence for
it.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
I didn’t follow your trial closely,
but you admitted killing both of
them?
FREDERICK LOREN
Yes, but at trial I showed that I
acted in self-defense when it came
to shooting my wife’s lover. You
see, at trial the jury learned of
their conspiracy to kill me that
night in this house. Annabelle’s
lover followed me downstairs with a
handgun. Fortunately, I heard him
on the cellar stairs and turned off
the lights, shooting him first
before he got me.
WATSON PRITCHARD
Then you dragged his body over to
the vat of acid and later used his
skeleton to lure your wife to the
pit.
Loren smiles and raises an eyebrow.
FREDERICK LOREN
No, Mr. Prichard. Nothing so
grotesque. I had already prepared a
skeleton in the cellar as part of
my Halloween party decor. I decided
to use it when my “beloved” wife
descended the stairs, calling for
her lover.
SARAH OWENS
So you frightened her to death?
FREDERICK LOREN
No, I’m afraid the acid took care
of that
JOHN HAWTHORNE
So you killed both the doctor and
your wife?
78.
FREDERICK LOREN
Yes, it all came out in the trial.
They both conspired to kill me that
night in this house. On that
evening, Annabelle’s lover followed
me downstairs with his handgun.
Fortunately I heard him on the step
to the cellar and shut off the
lights shooting him first.
Loren smiles and raises his eyebrow.
A heavy silence envelops the room as Loren's words linger in
the air. Sarah turns the ancient text over and continues to
scan it. Her eyes open wide. She turns to face the group.
SARAH OWENS
Wait! I think I’ve stumbled upon
something. The confessions we just
made, hold a deeper meaning
according to this text.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
What do you mean Sarah?
SARAH OWENS
It states that those who form the
sacred circle must be purged of
their sins.
Hawthorne, Pritchard, and Loren exchange puzzled glances.
SARAH OWENS (CONT’D)
Think about it. Each confession
we’ve heard represents a sin
committed by each of us. By
acknowledging and confessing these
sins, we’ve taken the first step
toward purging ourselves of guilt
and darkness. A purification. Now,
we must delve deeper into the
ritual and gather the strength to
confront Torquemada.
Sarah’s words settles on the other three. Loren has a guilty
look on his face not noticed by the others. Sarah returns to
reading the text.
SARAH OWENS (CONT’D)
It says here that Torquemada draws
his power from our sins and
weaknesses. By confronting our past
actions, we diminish his hold on us
and the house.
(MORE)
79.
SARAH OWENS (CONT’D)
We have to gather our strength,
both individually and as a group,
and complete the ritual that will
bring an end to Torquemada’s reign.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
I guess it is time to return to the
cellar.
Reluctantly, everyone agrees.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Torquemada's Fury
INT. CELLAR-NIGHT
They return to the dimly lit cellar. Loren looks at the
closed vat of acid and then looks away. The group walks over
to the painted circle they made earlier. Sarah puts the
sacred amulet around her neck.
As Sarah positions herself at the forefront, ready to lead
the group n the ancient chant, a disconcerting symphony of
groans and screams began to build, permeating the very walls
of the house.
SARAH OWENS
We all need to take a place around
the circle.
They follow her direction. Once they take a position on the
circle it begins to glow and the center pulsates. They each
look at each other.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
So far, so good. Keep going.
She starts the chant reading it verbatim from the text.
SARAH OWENS
In the depths of darkness,
Torquemada's reign, We gather
strength to break his binding
chain. With spirits united, our
voices combined, We banish evil,
leaving no trace behind.
In sacred circle, we stand strong
and true, Torquemada's power, we
shall undo. Through ancient words,
our plea we proclaim, Release this
realm from his malevolent claim.
By light and love, we cast him
away, Torquemada's presence, no
longer may stay. With every chant,
his hold shall sever, We invoke the
light, his reign to sever.
(MORE)
80.
SARAH OWENS (CONT’D)
Torquemada, your time has come to
cease, In this sacred ritual, we
find our release. Be gone, be gone,
leave this realm in peace, In the
name of all that's good, our power
will increase.
With unwavering faith, we reclaim
this place, Torquemada's darkness,
we fully erase.
By our will and ancient rites, we
command,
The spirit of Torquemada, leave
this land.
Banging, groans, and screams fill the cellar chamber. The
lamps flicker on and off. The door covering the vat of acid
opens on it’s own, and then slams back down. The thirteen
doors open and then slam shut.
Genres:
["Horror","Supernatural","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Torquemada's Torture
INT. CEMETERY-NIGHT
From the dirt-covered graves, the ghosts of Torquemada’s
tortured victims began to emerge. Their ethereal forms hover
above the ground, their eyes filled with a mixture of pain
and determination. They are drawn to the cellar.
INT. BEDROOM-NIGHT
The ghost of Torquemada screams as it emerges from his
painting on a wall followed by his inquisitors. They leave
the bedroom going through the wall into the hallway.
INT. CELLAR-NIGHT
The action continues with the lamps and doors with more
voracity.
WATSON PRITCHARD
(shouting) I think it is working.
Just then Torquemada and his henchmen descends from the
ceiling. They face Sarah and the group.
Sarah stops chanting and screams.
They rush the circle surprising the group who thought the
amulet would protect them. Torquemada and his inquisitors
seize Loren, wrenching him from the safety of the circle and
forcibly drag him to a distant corner of the cellar.
81.
In an instant, the room is transformed before their eyes,
becoming a grotesque torture chamber.Loren has been stretched
out on a rack.
TORQUEMADA
Frederick Loren. You stand accused
of murder. How do you plea?
SARAH OWENS
He already confessed. Leave us
alone.
TORQUEMADA
Did he now?
Torquemada points with his bony finger to the ceiling where
through re-enactment, Loren is seen first pushing Jeannie
Manning down the stairs killing her. Another re-enactment
shows Loren confronting Stacey and backing her into the pit
and then placing both bodies in the vat of acid.
Frederick Loren, his face contorted in denial, struggles
against the truth that was revealed. The inquisitors tighten
the rack, causing him intense pain and distress.
FREDERICK LOREN
(gritting his teeth)
No, it's not true! Those images,
they're twisted lies!
Torquemada and his inquisitors exchange a knowing glance,
tightening the rack further, intensifying Loren's torment.
TORQUEMADA
(laughing sinisterly)
Deny it no longer, Frederick Loren.
The rack shall squeeze the truth
from your very bones.
FREDERICK LOREN
(grimacing, tears welling
in his eyes)
Alright, alright! I confess! It's
all true!
Torquemada's inquisitors release the pressure on the rack
slightly, allowing Loren to speak.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
I killed Jeannie Manning... and
Stacey too. I couldn't bear their
betrayal.
(MORE)
82.
FREDERICK LOREN (CONT’D)
I found out that Stacey who had the
power to sign my signature during
my incarceration, conspired with
Ms. Manning to change my trust. I
was to die in this house due to an
accidental fall down those stairs
and she would collect everything.
Torquemada smirks triumphantly.
Torquemada, his twisted satisfaction evident, looks upon
Loren with cold indifference. He raises his hand, commanding
his inquisitors to carry out his dreadful sentence.
TORQUEMADA
(grimly)
The time for redemption has passed,
Frederick Loren. Your confession
may be acknowledged, but your
punishment remains.
Torquemada's inquisitors begin to turn the rack with
merciless determination. The sound of creaking metal fills
the chamber as Loren's body is subjected to excruciating
torment.
FREDERICK LOREN
(agonized screams)
No! Please, I beg you, have mercy!
Sarah's eyes widen in horror, and a scream escapes her lips.
Amidst the chaos, Hawthorne's voice cuts through the anguish.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Sarah, start the chant again! Now
that we've confessed, we are all
pure within the circle. Our unity
will break the darkness that
consumes us!
Sarah, shaken but resolute, gathers her strength. She takes a
deep breath and begins to recite the chant once more, her
voice quivering yet determined.
SARAH OWENS
In the depths of darkness, our
spirits rise,
With purity and hope, evil meets
its demise. Together we stand,
united we prevail, Break the chains
of torment, let goodness unveil....
The remaining members of the group, their faces etched with
determination, join in the chant.
83.
As their voices intertwine, a surge of energy fills the
chamber. Torquemada and his inquisitor panic and begin to
circle the room groaning and screaming. As it grows, they
begin to fade.
Sarah's voice grows stronger, resonating with unwavering
resolve. The weight of their confessions and the purity of
their intentions fuel their collective will to banish
Torquemada and his reign of terror.
With each verse, the oppressive atmosphere in the chamber
dissipates. The room trembles and the torture chamber
disappears along with the body of Loren. The cellar returns
to its normal shape.
A new blinding burst of radiant energy fills the space. The
ghosts of Torquemada and his inquisitors victims fill the
room combining their energy with the group of chanters. They
dart about Torquemada and his men who swing at them but have
no power.
Torquemada and his inquisitors recoil, their forms weakening
and dissipating under the onslaught of pure, untainted power.
The room returns to normal with the exception of Torquemada’s
victims ghostly figures still circling the ceiling.
WATSON PRITCHARD
Is it over?
Hawthorne and Sarah stare in awe at the circling children
spirits.
Just then, the earlier young female ghost that had visited
Sarah and Hawthorne, descends from the ceiling and hovers
over the three.
YOUNG GIRL GHOST
Thank you. We are now free.
As she says this, the other spirits begin to leave going
through the ceiling.
The young girl spirits rise through the roof towards heaven.
INT. CELLAR-NIGHT
Sarah goes into Hawthorn’s arms. The glowing circle dims and
then is extinguished.
84.
As the spirits continue to leave the house they repeat the
words over and over.
RISING YOUNG FEMALE SPIRITS
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
INT. PARLOR -DAY
Hawthorne was the first of the three to awaken back in the
parlor. It is 9:45 A.M.- 15 minutes before the house is to
open. He goes to the entrance door and trying the lock, finds
the house open. He quickly returns to the other two.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
Sarah, Pritchard. The house is
already open. We can leave.
SARAH OWENS
I thought Loren said it would not
open until 10 A.M.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
I think that the freeing of those
poor souls and the banishment of
Torquemada broke what ever spell or
power he had on the place.
WATSON PRITCHARD
Let’s not debate the issue but get
the hell out of here.
They walk outside and see three black limos coming up the
hill, slowly approaching the house.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Haunted House Aftermath
EXT. HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL - DAY
The group, shaken but triumphant in a collective ordeal,
exchange glances, shared their new found friendship.
The limo drivers park in a neat row. The drivers, wearing
dark suits and impassive expressions, stand beside the open
doors.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
I can tell you the police are not
going to believe anything we tell
them.
85.
SARAH OWENS
I didn’t think about that. Six
people died tonight and yet what
evidence do you have to confirm our
story?
WATSON PRITCHARD
I can tell you one thing. The
ghosts won’t say a damn thing. They
will just wait for the next victims
to enter the house.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
I think we need to have these limo
drivers take us to the police
department so we can tell them of
the events that happened here. It
is up to them to decide if we are
telling the truth or just a bunch
of insane people who need to be in
a mental hospital.
WATSON PRITCHARD
You had to bring that up, didn’t
you.
Sarah and Hawthorne smiled, and Pritchard joined in.
Genres:
["Horror","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
A Token of Gratitude
INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY
Sarah, Hawthorn, and Pritchard sit in separate limousines,
the luxurious interiors a stark contrast to the horrors
they've witnessed. Each driver hands them a sealed envelope.
INT. SARAH’S LIMO-DAY
SARAH OWENS
(receiving the envelope)
What is this?
DRIVER #1
(slightly smiling)
It is from Frederick Loren.
Consider it a token of gratitude
for your courage and survival.
86.
INT. HAWTHORNE’S LIMO -DAY
DRIVER #2.
My orders from Mr. Loren were to
give you this envelope to you as
soon as I picked you up.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
(opening his envelope)
Wait... it's... it's a hundred
thousand dollars.
INT. PRITCHARD’S LIMO -DAY
Pritchard has an opened nvelope on his lap.
WATSON PRICHARD
(astonished)
But... why?
DRIVER #3
Mr. Loren's final gesture, a way to
honor those who faced their fears
and emerged victorious.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
A Legacy Unveiled
INT. SARAH’S LIMO-DAY
Sarah opens her envelope, her eyes widening as she discovers
the contents.
SARAH OWENS
She looks at it’s contents and states out loud, overhead by
the driver.
(stunned)
Oh my... it's... its a substantial
amount of money, and there's
something else.
Sarah limo is in the lead.
SARAH OWENS (CONT’D)
Driver, can you pull over and
signal the other drivers to do the
same?
EXT. SIDE OF ROAD-DAY
Hawthorne and Pritchard get out of their limo carrying their
envelopes and join Sarah who has her’s also in hand.
87.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
(curious)
What is it? What’s wrong? Didn’t
you get $100,000 also?
SARAH OWENS
(grinning)
Yes, but I also have a legal
document. John, we've been named
the beneficiaries of Frederick
Loren's estate. Each of us receives
50%.
Hawthorne's eyes widen in disbelief, his mind struggling to
process the unexpected turn of events.
JOHN HAWTHORNE
I can't believe it... Loren's
fortune... shared between us.
They both turn at look at Pritchard.
JOHN HAWTHORNE (CONT’D)
Sorry Pritchard. Did you at least
get $100,000?
WATSON PRITCHARD
(raising an eyebrow)
Yes, but apparently no share in
Loren’s estate.
His limo driver approached.
DRIVER
(smiling)
Excuse me sir, so for the House on
Haunted Hill, it now belongs to
you. Mr. Loren saw fit to pass it
on to the one who dared to expose
its secrets and was brave enough to
enter it three times.
Pritchard's expression transforms, a mixture of surprise and
contemplation.
WATSON PRICHARD
(defiant)
Then I'll tear it down, rid the
world of its cursed legacy once and
for all and collect on what the
land is worth.
88.
The three friends laugh, their joyous spirits intertwining as
they share a hug, ready to face the future with newfound
wealth and newfound purpose. They return to their limos and
head down the hill.
EXT. HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL-DAY
Overhead shot of the house with more screaming and groaning
emanating from the inside. A close up of the top floor see
the ghostly apparitions of Rachel Henry, Madame Redzepova,
Jonathan Riley, Jeannie Manning, Stacey, finally, Frederick
Loren