Scene
1 -
Nighttime Hunting Trip Preparations: Bill and Ted's Montana Boar Hunt
EXT. MONTANA RIVER - NIGHT
SUPER: SEPTEMBER 2005
Music: 'Run to the Hills' by Iron Maiden.
A Zodiac inflatable comes to rest on a riverbank near a
stand of slim, white-barked trees. The pale trunks sway
gently in the wind as the boat's pilot reaches down to turn
off the music and ditch his headphones.
Dressed in dark tactical gear and wearing night-vision
goggles, Two men leap from the raft and pull it onto the
rocky shore. BILL and TED lift their visors and reach into
the boat for their firearms. Preparing to lock and load, the
shadowy figures begin a military-style weapons check.
BILL
Is this another National Park?
TED
Nah. It's weird. The Crow and
Blackfeet own this strip of land,
but they don't ever seem to use it.
BILL
Tribal land? Maybe there's nothing
here worth shooting, like our
infamous Bigfoot expedition.
TED
That's just it, this place is a
certified honey-hole. I rode by on
the boat last week, spotted a
couple monster bucks. Trophy racks.
Not to mention the wild boar. I'm
telling you, that thing was HUGE.
BILL
Yeah, but is this legal? My elk and
mule deer tags are already full.
TED
Well, not technically. That's why
we brought these babies.
Raises the suppressed semi-automatic rifle.
TED (CONT'D)
Nice and quiet.
BILL
Oh, come on. Fish and Game will
tear us a new asshole.
2.
TED
No they won't. This place NEEDS
population control. Those wild pigs
aren't native to Montana, the
settlers brought 'em here.
Ted finishes loading the magazine of his AR-15. He rams it
home and racks a round.
TED (CONT'D)
These days they're considered a
nuisance, so destructive that
Wildlife Management PAYS people to
take them out. Besides, you like
bacon, don't you?
BILL
Naw, man. I don't eat pork.
TED
Are you Jewish?
BILL
I ain't Jewish, I just don't dig on
swine, that's all.
TED
Whatever, more pork chops for me.
Now if you don't mind, I've got a
freezer to fill and an empty spot
over the mantle.
BILL
Great. So now I'm a poacher?
TED
No. Right now, you're a pussy.
We're not whacking rhinos. Come on
and keep it down, Puss-in-Boots.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Deadly Encounter in the Aspen Grove
EXT. ASPEN GROVE - MOMENTS LATER
The armed men silently approach the edge of the aspen forest
when Bill trips over something in the fallen leaves.
BILL
Ow. Dammit. Wait, what is that?
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a rabbit's foot
keychain with a tiny flashlight. The weak beam flickers on.
BILL (CONT'D)
Oh wow. No shit. This is cool.
3.
Bill leans his gun against a tree and picks up the object.
TED
What'd you find?
BILL
Looks like some kind of old
flintlock rifle or something.
Bill hands his partner a crumbling stock holding a rusted
gun barrel and firing mechanism, both crusted and fused with
age. Ted puts down his weapon to examine the artifact.
TED
Man, this thing's an antique. I
mean ANCIENT. Like, pre-Civil War.
The keychain's light dims and blinks out. Ted is slightly
irritated yet captivated by the unexpected find.
TED (CONT'D)
Grab a light stick, I want to get a
better look at this.
A pale blue illumination lights the immediate surroundings
as Ted inspects the remains of the antique gun.
TED (CONT'D)
That's better.
Bill finishes tying his shoe, stands and hikes up his pants.
BILL
Huh? I didn't bring the light
sticks. Left them back in the boat
In the inky darkness behind the men, two narrowed, glowing
eyes blink fully open like a pair of blue-white coals,
bathing the area in an eerie, ethereal light.
A deep, menacing growl paralyzes the men as the fiery orbs
rise 10 feet into the air. As Bill wets himself, Ted moves
to reclaim his gun. He whirls around and locates his target.
TED
Oh shit.
Ted drops the gun and goes limp. His eyes roll back in his
head and his skin shrivels tight to his skull as he is
brutally eviscerated by a set of wicked, bearlike claws.
TITLE CARD - ASPEN GROVE
4.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Captured by the Crow Warriors
EXT. MONTANA WILDERNESS - TWILIGHT
SUPER: SEPTEMBER 1845
Fur trapper GEOFF (35, bearded, dirty) moves through the
snowy, mountainous forest. A MUTT keeps pace at a distance.
Desperate and exhausted, he takes cover behind a tree and
studies his crude map, cursing. Evening descends into a
chorus of wolf howls, one very close. Tail wagging, the
scruffy dog barks and takes off.
GEOFF
Are you kidding? Good, get out of
here, you mongrel! Hope that wolf
fucks you in the ass.
The man spits tobacco juice at the departing Mutt.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
I should have killed you when I had
the chance. When this is over, as
God is my witness, I am going to
skin you alive and eat you.
The darkness closes in and the cold intensifies. Wary of
giving away his position, he employs a flint and striker to
ignite a small fire. The spark illuminates two silhouetted
figures who have been silently watching.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Oh shit.
Bows at full draw, a pair of Crow warriors (late teens) step
forward with arrows pointed at Geoff's chest. A powerful
hand reaches from behind the tree trunk, wrapping around the
trapper's face to cover his eyes while the other holds a
Bowie knife tight to Geoff's throat. SPOTTED WOLF (40, grim,
angular face) emerges from behind the tree and takes the
trapper's rifle.
Teens LAUGHING BIRD and KICKING BIRD gather the captive's
belongings and hand them to RED WOLF (60, weathered face,
kind eyes). At his feet sits the Mutt, contentedly licking
himself. The curious chief inspects Geoff's pistol before
addressing his wary son in their native tongue.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
You remember Kansas Man, yes?
Blindfolded and hands tied, Geoff sits weeping in a puddle
of urine, reciting the Lord's Prayer over and over.
5.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
Grandmother liked him.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
He spoke this language. Tried to
teach us, before the bear. Your
mother understands it better than I
do, but I believe this unfortunate
fellow is asking for help from the
Man in the Sky.
(sniffs)
Probably for some clean britches.
The teenaged Crow twins chuckle.
LAUGHING BIRD
(Crow)
What should we do with him? He
smells like a skunk.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
Like a skunk?
KICKING BIRD
(Crow)
Worse than a skunk.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
Smells like one of those pigs that
digs up our fields. Far as I'm
concerned, he's no better than the
swine he feeds on.
LAUGHING BIRD
(Crow)
Yeah, they should go back where
they came from, right father?
KICKING BIRD
(Crow)
And take your smelly pigs with you,
this is OUR land!
SPOTTED WOLF
(to boys in Crow)
Stop that.
(to Red Wolf)
I don't like this. He is a filthy
animal, and that is fresh blood.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
He's injured, yes? Why is he alone?
Where is the rest of his party?
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
Double-crossed and dead, that's
where. You know how they are.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
One thing's for sure, he isn't
equipped for hunting up here.
Spotted Wolf takes the satchel from his father and rummages
inside. He finds a beaver trap and throws it to the ground.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
Beaver? Up here? He's been hunting,
all right. We should cut his throat
and leave him for the wolves.
Red Wolf gives his son a stern look.
SPOTTED WOLF (CONT'D)
(Crow)
And what's he doing with a
Blackfoot dog? We should stay out
of it and keep moving, Dad. Who
cares if he lives or dies? They are
all beasts, this one is no
different. He will end up dead, or
worse. Send him to join his
brothers in the White Woods.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
If he's like the others we can give
him back to the wolves.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
I would rather just gut him and
leave him for the Blackfeet.
7.
Red Wolf motions to three crouching figures huddled yards
away, who dash over to gather around the Crow elder. One is
lithe and five feet tall, the other two barely taller than
her grandfather's waist, peeking out from fur and buckskin.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
Is that what you're teaching my
grandchildren? To kill strangers?
The Great Spirit would not approve.
Grandmother would be disappointed
in you.
(to children)
Your father fears the white
people's presence in our land.
He would do violence to this man.
My mother taught me that fear
causes hatred, and hatred poisons
the heart.
The three younger CROW CHILDREN nod their heads.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
(Crow)
She would say: 'Let every person be
quick to hear, slow to speak, slow
to anger; For the anger of man does
not please the Great Spirit'.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
Tell that to the Blackfeet.
RED WOLF
(To son in Crow)
We are Crow, not Blackfoot. Still,
they are our brothers.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
Brothers? The Blackfeet wage war
whenever they are able.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
The Great Spirit demands that we
love and keep our brothers, even if
they are quick to anger and
especially when they are hungry for
war.
(to CROW CHILDREN)
What did I teach you about war?
8.
TALLEST CROW CHILD
(uncertainly in Crow)
War is not the answer?
RED WOLF
(Crow)
That's right. And what else?
TALLEST CROW CHILD
(stammers in Crow)
Bless--
I mean, Blessed are the
peacemakers!
RED WOLF
(Crow)
Very good.
(To son)
No, killing wounded strangers is
not the Crow way. Not MY way.
LAUGHING BIRD waves his hand in front of his face.
LAUGHING BIRD
(Crow)
Even one that smells like a skunk?
KICKING BIRD
(Crow)
Worse.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
Grandmother would have spared him.
SPOTTED WOLF
(bitterly in Crow)
Look where that got her.
Concerned, Red Wolf pulls his son aside.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
I know your feelings about our
white visitors, yes? We all feel
your loss, the children's loss.
The younger man sighs heavily as father and son embrace.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
(Crow)
I know you miss her. We all do.
(MORE)
9.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
You still mourn, yes? Your family
mourns with you, Son. I also know
you take after your mother.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
Yes. You should listen to her.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
And YOU should honor your father
and be slow to speak. Now, no more
talk of the White Woods around the
children, yes? It will give them
nightmares.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
Yes, Father. As you wish.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
Let's get home and talk to Mother.
The pair rejoins the group as the twins help their captive
to his feet. Bound and blindfolded, Geoff suddenly takes off
and runs away in an instinctual act of self-preservation. He
runs headfirst into the closest tree and thuds heavily to
the ground. The teenaged warriors double over in laughter.
Dazed, Geoff sits up with a lump rising on his forehead. He
raises his bound hands and pleads in broken Crow dialect:
GEOFF
(sobs in Crow)
Please spare my life, oh noble
Crow! Take my belongings, but spare
my life! I only wish to return to
civilization and never come back to
this godless wilderness.
The dog ambles over, lifts a leg and pees on the begging
trapper. The surprised hunting party laughs, except for
Spotted Wolf, who gives his father a knowing look.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
Mother is NOT going to like this.
You know how she feels about you
bringing home white people.
10.
Scene
4 -
Little Owl's Lessons: Patience and Longing
EXT. CROW ENCAMPMENT - THE NEXT DAY
Colorful teepees line the bank of a flowing river. Canoes
rest on shore, horses graze in a nearby meadow. A young
woman scrapes deer hides as children play fight with sticks.
A teenaged Crow girl carries a basket of black currants. She
is greeted by her aunt who pops one into her mouth. LITTLE
OWL (50, sharp features) sits teaching 2 of her young
granddaughters the art of drying fish as the tribe prepares
for the return of the hunting party.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
I taught this to your brothers too,
when they were your age.
The older woman calls to the teen girl carrying berries.
LITTLE OWL (CONT'D)
(Crow)
Well done! Now run and fetch some
water, dear. Your brothers and
sister should be back any minute
now. They will be thirsty.
The Crow grandmother returns to her pupils.
CROW GIRL 1
(Crow)
Next time, can I go hunting with
Papa and grandfather?
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
We'll see.
CROW GIRL 2
(Crow)
When can we go with them?
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
You must be patient, little ones.
CROW GIRL 1
(Crow)
Papa will never take us.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
When it is time and you are old
enough, I will take you myself.
11.
Little Owl leans in and speaks warmly to her granddaughters.
LITTLE OWL (CONT'D)
(Crow)
You two are lucky. My father was
not like yours. When I was a child,
girls were not permitted to
accompany the men on a hunt. We
stayed at camp, no exceptions.
The Crow woman adjusts the blade in the child's hand,
flipping her own knife nimbly to help her granddaughter
remove the fins from a fish.
LITTLE OWL (CONT'D)
(Crow)
It didn't matter that I was faster
than my brothers, or a better shot.
That's the way things used to be.
That didn't stop me, though.
With a bittersweet smile, Little Owl pauses her work to
address the youngsters.
LITTLE OWL (CONT'D)
(Crow)
It didn't stop your mother, either.
If you're strong and brave like
her, nothing can stop you.
Looking up, Little Owl asks the teenaged girl:
LITTLE OWL (CONT'D)
(Crow)
You remember YOUR first time, yes?
CROW TEENAGER
(Crow)
I do. A ram. Papa was so proud.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
We all were, your Grandfather and
I. Especially your mother.
CROW GIRL 2
(Crow)
When is she coming back?
Grandmother strokes the child's concerned face.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
I don't know child, hopefully soon.
12.
CROW GIRL 1
(Crow)
Daddy cries after he puts us to
bed. He misses her.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
We all do. I cry too, don't you?
CROW GIRL 1
(Crow)
Sometimes.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
It's okay to cry, little one. I
know how it feels.
CROW GIRL 2
(Crow)
Grandfather says she could come
back any day now, so don't cry.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
The Crow Tribe's Unexpected Guest: A White Man Named Geoff
EXT. CROW ENCAMPMENT - MOMENTS LATER
Spotted Wolf emerges from the underbrush carrying the
trapper's rifle and satchel. He is followed by his twin
sons, who are guiding a stumbling, blindfolded Geoff.
Three Crow children (two boys and a girl) exit the forest
carrying a butchered animal. Each of them proudly sports a
ceremonial streak of dried blood across the nose.
Red Wolf brings up the rear, wearing the white fleece and
black-horned skull of a mountain goat like a cape. Mutt
keeps pace. A whoop goes up from the camp as everyone
hurries to greet the returning family members.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
Honey, I'm home!
Shaking her head, his wife approaches and looks at Geoff.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
Don't 'Honey' me. Another one? He
smells worse than the last!
RED WOLF
(Crow)
Yes, he is a wretched thing. He
speaks like Kansas Man.
13.
LAUGHING BIRD
(Smirking in Crow)
Yeah, before the bear.
KICKING BIRD
(Laughing in Crow)
Before the bear!
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
Quiet, you two.
Spotted Wolf whispers to Little Owl.
SPOTTED WOLF (CONT'D)
(Crow)
I think he understands our words.
The Crow woman instructs her teenaged grandsons.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
You boys get him cleaned up, but
keep his hands tied.
Little Owl turns and calmly instructs her son:
LITTLE OWL (CONT'D)
(Crow)
Feed him to the bears.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
Right away, Mother.
GEOFF
(Crow)
No! Please don't feed me to the
bears! I am harmless. Show mercy.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
So, you understand me.
(English)
Do you speak English?
GEOFF
Yes! I am a trapper and friend of
the Crow. I am wounded and hungry.
Please, let me stay the night and I
will be on my way in the morning.
Geoff bursts into sobs, his pleading unintelligible. The
Crow woman rolls her eyes and pulls down his blindfold.
14.
LITTLE OWL
Enough, enough. You may stay for
one night. Do you understand?
The pathetic Geoff nods and wipes his tears.
GEOFF
(Sniffle)
God bless you, sister.
Little Owl waves her hand in front of her face, indicating
his terrible smell. She points him to the river.
LITTLE OWL
Now go wash yourself before your
stink makes ME cry as well.
Spotted Wolf smiles.
SPOTTED WOLF
(To boys in Crow)
Take the piggy to wash itself.
Grinning, Laughing Bird and Kicking Bird take Geoff by the
elbows and lead him to the river as Spotted Wolf embraces
his mother.
SPOTTED WOLF (CONT'D)
(Crow)
I told him not to.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
He can't help it. He keeps hoping.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
I love you Mom, but I can't hope
anymore. She's gone, and I can't
lie to the children forever.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
I know. They will understand in
time. Until then, let them believe.
That reminds me, I need you to do
your 'Mean Old Mom' a favor, okay?
SPOTTED WOLF
(Tenderly in Crow)
Anything, you know that.
15.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
Something the babies said. We can
talk about it later, though.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
Of course. Let me get unpacked. The
boys can watch Piggy Man.
The warrior kisses his mother's cheek and turns to leave.
SPOTTED WOLF (CONT'D)
(To Red Wolf in Crow)
What do you want to do with that
dog, Dad? I think he likes you.
The patriarch kneels to give Mutt a playful scratch.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
I don't know.
What do you think, Mother?
(To Mutt in English)
White man should be grateful, yes?
Your barking saved his life.
Brave. Good tracker.
(Stands up)
Had a good teacher, yes? You are a
most welcome guest, my Blackfoot
brother. Besides, you smell better
than your Master. I think I'll call
you-- Lifesaver.
LITTLE OWL
Now we have 2 extra mouths to feed.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
Good thing we brought home plenty
of meat. We'll get settled, and let
our guest prepare for supper.
Little Owl nods, embracing her husband.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
The babies want to hunt.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
It is almost time. Soon.
16.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
Can we take them next time?
RED WOLF
(Crow)
Take them. Why not? It's your turn.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
Wonderful.
Lifesaver scampers off with a yelp toward a cluster of
children. The Crow chief wraps the goatskin around his
wife's shoulders.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
If your son agrees. Which he will.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
Let me go find him.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
You two always had better luck with
elk, anyway.
His wife smiles before walking off.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Red Wolf's Suspicion of the Stranger
EXT. CROW ENCAMPMENT - CONTINUOUS
As the stranger awkwardly washes, Red Wolf waits by the
shoreline, inspecting him. His twin grandsons stand guard as
he scans Geoff for any signs of disease or injury.
RED WOLF
(quietly to himself)
I still have hope, Mother. I must
believe they are not all wicked.
The white man's body sports superficial wounds. Most are
partially healed. None serious enough to explain the fresh
blood that coated his leggings and jerkin.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
What are you hiding, my friend?
Come on, show me. Prove them wrong.
Geoff wipes the gore from his buckskins, revealing two large
purple bruises in the middle of his back. The chief raises
an eyebrow at the odd, semicircular shape of the marks.
17.
The trapper turns to meet the old man's stare and nods. Red
Wolf returns the gesture when he suddenly spots 4 parallel
scratches dug into Geoff's cheek.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
(bitterly)
Not again. I have seen enough.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Geoff's Uneasy Dining Experience with the Crow Tribe
EXT. CROW ENCAMPMENT - EVENING
Food is prepared and the tribe eats. Red Wolf has Geoff's
restraints removed, deeming him harmless while in custody.
During the meal, the youngest stare at the white man, who
smiles politely but remains silent.
The older youths joke amongst themselves about the
newcomer's bout of incontinence. Laughing Bird pours a bowl
of water into his brother's lap and runs off, roaring with
laughter.
EXT. CROW ENCAMPMENT - LATER
As the tribe cleans up, the 10 year-old huntress tosses a
scrap of fish to Lifesaver, who snatches it in midair to the
child's delight.
Lifesaver saunters through the center of camp, a strip of
salmon skin dangling from his mouth. As he spots Geoff
sitting by the fire, the dog issues a low growl, hackles
raised as he passes.
GEOFF
Yeah, yeah. You gonna bark or you
gonna bite, huh? Go on and growl.
You're lucky I've already eaten.
(To himself)
If you can call that food. How do
they eat that shit?
The man picks his teeth and rises to relieve himself. He
mutters under his breath as he walks into the forest.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
What's for dessert?
Hidden in the treetop canopy a short distance away, watchful
eyes peer out through the branches, spying on the newcomer.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Confrontation and Humiliation: Geoff's Lewd Actions Lead to His Downfall
EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF CROW ENCAMPMENT - MOMENTS LATER
Finding a spot behind a tree, the trapper watches the camp
from the darkness as he urinates, hidden from view. His gaze
lingers on the 10 year old girl helping her teenage sibling.
18.
GEOFF
(French)
My oh my. Well, hello there my
delicate flower. I bet your blossom
tastes very sweet. Will you permit
me a lick, little rose?
Sinewy arms emerge from behind Geoff, looping a length of
braided rope around his neck.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Perhaps I take your sister instead?
Spotted Wolf tightens his vise-like grip. Geoff claws at his
throat as he is choked. The muscular Crow bears down and
wrenches the white man off his feet.
A wraith-like form materializes from the shadows. Grabbing a
fistful of Geoff's hair, Little Owl faces him.
LITTLE OWL
(French)
My oh my. Seems our guest fancies
the pretty flowers, does he?
With practiced lethality, Little Owl flips a knife around in
her hand and presses its blade to the trapper's groin.
LITTLE OWL (CONT'D)
You don't look like a bee. Shall I
cut off your stinger, little bee?
Look, it shrivels before our eyes,
too small to sting anyone.
Red Wolf and his grandsons join the group. Geoff's eyes
bulge and his flailing arms fall limp as he strangles.
LITTLE OWL (CONT'D)
Do you make honey, little bee? Does
it taste as bad as you smell?
The chief takes the Bowie knife from his wife's grasp as the
trapper blacks out and is dumped to the ground in a heap.
LITTLE OWL (CONT'D)
No, you are not a bee. Bees are
noble creatures. You are a wasp.
You prey on others, on our
children. There is nothing noble
about you. You are just a savage.
19.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Geoff's Prayers and Red Wolf's Story
EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF CROW ENCAMPMENT - MOMENTS LATER
Geoff comes to his senses lying hogtied in the dirt. He
coughs and spits as Red Wolf crouches down to address him.
RED WOLF
Quite the spot you've found
yourself in, yes? While I have your
attention, I will tell you a story.
Eyes wide and pleading, Geoff slowly comes to grips with his
predicament and settles down to listen.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
I will speak in your tongue as best
I can so you understand every word,
yes? Yes. Very good. Let me begin
by saying that my mother lived with
joy and kindness in her heart. She
raised me to respect life and care
for others, even strangers.
GEOFF
Your Mother's beliefs and my own
are one and the same. Don't you
see? We are brothers! I am a God
fearing follower of Our Lord Jesus
Christ. My mother is kind and
saintly like yours. Please, I am
her only son!
(praying)
Protect me, O Lord. Forgive my
lustful thoughts and sinful
compulsions! Deliver me from these
brutes who would take my life! If I
am to die, let me be martyred as
Jesus upon the hills of Calvary!
Geoff sobs and recites the Lord's Prayer repeatedly, his
tearful eyes squeezed shut in religious fervor.
KICKING BIRD
(Crow)
Grandmother, what is he saying to
the Man in the Sky?
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
He is lying. Over and over.
With a yank, Spotted Wolf hauls the trapper upright and
delivers a ferocious open-handed slap flush to Geoff's face,
which silences his mewling cries.
20.
RED WOLF
As I was saying. My mother. It was
her way to welcome strangers and
assist those in need. I have
honored her wishes, for better or
worse. Why do I tell you this?
FLASHBACK
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Desperation in the Montana Wilderness
EXT. MONTANA WILDERNESS - DAWN
Six emaciated figures are camped against a rocky
outcropping. They wear the tattered remnants of clergy.
RED WOLF (V.O.)
Some years ago, A group of white
Holy Men made camp not far from
where we found you. Fools brought
ducks and pigs, yet had no guns or
weapons to speak of. Half of them
had already died along the way.
When the Blackfeet attacked, they
were defenseless. The survivors
fled with their wounded.
3 of them are huddled against the cave wall, eyes distant
and glassy. One of the trio is wracked by a chest-rattling
cough. A tall grey-bearded priest straggles into camp,
dumping some twigs and branches to the dirt floor.
RED WOLF (V.O.) (CONT'D)
They were starving when we found
them, raving like madmen and
gnawing on the bones of a horse.
But that wasn't the worst of it.
The last survivor crouches by a meager fire. He tosses a
bible in and uses a buck knife to stoke the flames with his
hollow eyes fixed anxiously on the body of his dead comrade.
END FLASHBACK
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
A Glimpse into the Past: The Crow Tribe's Kindness and Hospitality
EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF CROW ENCAMPMENT - CONTINUOUS
RED WOLF
Perhaps Mother was naïve, and to be
sure, our people had not met many
outsiders. The ones we had met
would claim to be hunters, just
passing through, but they were not.
In truth, they were wicked beasts,
running from their evil deeds.
21.
LITTLE OWL
Filthy animals.
INT. CROW EMCAMPMENT - EVENING
FLASHBACK
RED WOLF (V.O.)
But not this group. They were
different. Not cruel or
treacherous. We brought them to
camp. Mother insisted we tend to
those we could save. We gave them
food, shelter, even healed them in
our fashion. One was too far gone
and never woke up.
Four bedraggled white men sit beside their Crow hosts,
eating as the fire warms them. Three have the far away look
of the traumatized.
RED WOLF (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Mother took a liking to one of
them. We called him Kansas Man. He
taught us your language, and about
your Man in the Sky.
A Catholic priest (mid 60's, thinning hair, grey beard)
speaks with an older Crow woman (70's and petite), whose
role is clearly Matriarch of this family. She smiles
placidly as Kansas Man expresses his gratitude, waving his
arms excitedly as he converses with her.
END FLASHBACK
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Red Wolf's Story: A Deadly Disease and Blame
EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF CROW ENCAMPMENT - CONTINUOUS
Geoff sits listening attentively as the old man continues.
RED WOLF
A few weeks after they arrived, our
people started getting sick. It was
a disease none of us had seen
before. Red bumps appeared all over
their skin. My brothers and sisters
grew weak, unable to stand or feed
themselves. Soon they were coughing
blood and struggling to breathe.
Scores of Crow died. Blame fell on
the white Holy Men. I joined my
brothers in favor of killing them
on the spot.
22.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
The Expulsion of the Priests: A Somber Farewell
EXT. CROW ENCAMPMENT - MORNING
FLASHBACK
Two canoes rest on the river bank, both stocked with
supplies. The three priests are shoved along at spearpoint
by a group of Crow, including a younger Red Wolf.
RED WOLF (V.O.)
Mother insisted on showing them
mercy, to honor the Son of the Man
in the Sky. The white men were
provided canoes, food and supplies,
and all but Kansas Man were sent
away downriver to meet their fate.
The trio of men board the canoes and are pushed away from
the shore and into the current. A short distance away,
Kansas Man stands next to the elder Crow woman, waving as
the exiles depart.
Scene
14 -
Geoff's Failed Escape Attempt and Little Owl's Suspicions
EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF CROW ENCAMPMENT - CONTINUOUS
The helpless Geoff senses a possible avenue of escape.
GEOFF
Yes please, send me down the river!
RED WOLF
(suspiciously)
Are you wanted by the law?
GEOFF
I have renounced my wicked ways. I
am reformed and renewed in Christ!
I just need to get back to Bannack.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
He is lying. They all lie.
GEOFF
No! Only the Blackfeet would see me
harmed. I beg you to treat me
fairly. I will tell all who will
listen of your mercy. Please, in
the name of our saintly mothers!
The hysterical trapper starts bawling. Little Owl open-hand
slaps him viciously on the opposite cheek and he quiets.
23.
LITTLE OWL
That will do.
She notices the set of deep scratches on his face and her
eyes harden with knowing certainty. Suspicions confirmed,
she leans in nose to nose with the white man.
LITTLE OWL (CONT'D)
PIG.
The formidable woman releases his face and stalks away.
Spotted Wolf comforts his wrathful mother. Red Wolf pivots
to face Geoff, puts his hand on the man's shoulder and
continues his monologue.
RED WOLF
Be quiet and listen, yes?
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
A Prayer for the Sick Matron
INT. CROW EMCAMPMENT - EVENING
FLASHBACK
Kansas Man stands inside the teepee of the Crow matron, who
coughs and writhes under a pile of skins. A worried young
Red Wolf enters, his face full of grief and anguish.
RED WOLF (V.O.)
Soon after we sent the Holy Men
away, Mother got sick as well.
Kansas Man kneels beside the old woman, rocking back and
forth as he prays. Red Wolf approaches to join him by her
side. As he silently weeps, his tears leave dark spots on
the yellow, dog-eared pages of the priest's small bible.
RED WOLF (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Kansas Man would sit at Mother's
side, speaking his verses again and
again. Pleading with the Man in the
Sky to heal her, offering to trade
places with the woman who had saved
his life, saved him from living
death, from becoming a skin-walker.
The Crow mother reaches up weakly to stroke her son's cheek.
Looking to the heavens, Red Wolf breaks down in sobs and
buries his head in his hands. The mournful priest reaches
over to rest a comforting hand on Red Wolf's shoulder.
RED WOLF (V.O.) (CONT'D)
He sat with her for days reading
from his book. He was foolish, I
think. Begging the Man in the Sky.
24.
END FLASHBACK
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
A Confrontation of Beliefs: Red Wolf vs. Geoff
EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF CROW ENCAMPMENT - CONTINUOUS
Red Wolf's demeanor gives away the slightest hint of anger.
RED WOLF
I know he meant well. But for all
his words, his tears, his devotion,
Mother still died. The Man in the
Sky did nothing. Nothing. 3 days
after Mother died, Kansas Man was
killed and eaten by a bear. The Man
in the Sky let him die as well. And
yet, every white man I encounter:
The Crow elder raises the Bowie, and with the tip of the
large knife, traces each of the four scratches on the man's
cheek. He emphasizes each word.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
Holy Man. Poacher. Rapist.
(pause)
MURDERER.
He lowers the blade, his voice measured but slightly shaky.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
You all claim a covenant with the
Man in the Sky, yes? This Heavenly
Father, the Father of All Things.
Abandoned his only Son to die, yes?
(scoffs)
That is no Father. Tell me, what
use is a God who listens without
answering? Sees everything, but
stops nothing. Is your Sky Man
weak? His Holy Spirit holds all of
you in divine judgement. Yet his
children are cruel, wicked beasts.
Is he wicked as well? Does the Man
in the Sky care at all?
Clearly upset, Red Wolf composes himself and continues:
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
Your impotent fable does not give
you white men license to claim our
land and game as your own. Your
kind is infected with greed. You
can not hide behind your Man in the
Sky or his Black Book. Or conceal
your wicked nature from the Great
Spirit.
(MORE)
25.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
Your soul is corrupt, and you will
answer to the Great Spirit for your
crimes.
Geoff defiantly smiles a black-toothed grin.
GEOFF
You are wrong, Old Crow. So very
wrong. It is God's will for the
white man to assert his rightful
dominion over the Earth and bring
the Heathens into God's light. Are
you blind, Old Crow? It's already
begun. Progress. You can't stop it.
Can't stop what's coming. There are
more of us arriving in Bannack
every day. We are the true
descendants of Adam, and Eden is
our inheritance. It is our God
given right to do as we please with
this land! Our destiny has been
preordained! We will seize this
land by force and cleanse the Earth
of all you savages!
(chuckling)
Do you hear me, Old Crow? Do You?
Growling his displeasure, Lifesaver trots into the group and
lifts his leg, peeing on the raving man's midsection. The
trapper cries out in protest.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
You little shithead! I swear to God
I will skin you alive and eat you--
Frustrated, Red Wolf stuffs a rag in Geoff's mouth and
shakes his head.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
What if Mother was wrong?
(heavy sigh)
Maybe we should have killed them
when we had the chance.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
A Fateful Encounter: Geoff's Fate Hangs in the Balance
INT. CROW CHIEFTAN'S TEEPEE - DAWN
A blindfolded Geoff snaps awake on a dirt floor lying face
down, gagged, and hogtied in the center of a teepee.
26.
Strewn around the tent's perimeter is an assortment of gear:
long guns, knives, sidearms, powder horns, traps, liquor
flasks, and bibles. Nearby sits an impressive pile of furs,
pelts and skins.
Sensing he is alone, the trapper squirms and drags his head
along the ground. He fails to spit out the gag, but succeeds
in dislodging his blindfold.
The weathered Crow leader sits cross-legged less than six
feet from the trapper, eyes fixed intently on the bound man.
With a snort of surprise, Geoff scoots back and fights to
sit upright.
RED WOLF
Awake, yes? Time we had a talk,
don't you think?
In one smooth motion, Red Wolf rises, Bowie knife in hand,
and approaches Geoff, who winces and shifts his body weight,
looking nervously for an escape route.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
Take it easy, you'll hurt yourself.
If I wished you dead you would be
wolf bait by now. Turn around, yes?
The white man rolls over onto his belly in compliance. With
deft precision, Red Wolf neatly cuts the rope connecting the
man's ankles to his wrists.
Geoff cries out in relief as his gag is removed and he
assumes a somewhat normal seated position, albeit with hands
and feet still bound.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
My wife and son would prefer I put
this knife in your chest. Offered
to do it themselves, in fact.
Geoff raises his voice to protest but is cut off by the
older man, whose face grows deadly serious as he raises the
razor-sharp blade. Maintaining eye contact, Red Wolf
smoothly shaves off a bit of the trapper's beard, leaving a
bare patch on his reddened, still-smarting jawline.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
(solemn)
I meant what I said.
Lowering the knife, his voice brightens.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
I was raised to value every life.
(MORE)
27.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
Even yours. I still do. Raised my
children the same way.
Red Wolf takes a seat and settles in as he elaborates.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
Now, whether you leave here with
yours is entirely up to you. Speak
the truth, you may live to rejoin
your Mother. But if you lie to me,
you will be stripped naked, staked
to the ground, covered with fish
guts and left for the wolves.
Dead silence reinforces the seriousness of the threat.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
Don't worry, the ravens will pluck
out your eyes so you don't have to
watch. That is, if the bears don't
find you first, of course.
Geoff swallows hard, realizing that his very life may depend
on his next words. The chieftain leans in and raises the
Bowie under the trapper's chin.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
You have a tale to tell, yes?
Why were you in the mountains
without gear, and covered in blood?
Nothing lives there but goat and
cougars. Where were you going?
Did you lose your way? And you are
travelling with a Blackfoot dog?
Excellent trackers. Very loyal and
protective. For some reason, he
doesn't seem too fond of you.
GEOFF
Good. I don't like that damn hound,
either. Belonged to my partner.
Told me he got him in trade from
the Piegans. Guess he just follows
me around out of habit. Never did
like me, the little prick.
Lifesaver pokes his head into the teepee. The chief shoos
him away and the furry scout retreats.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Let me apologize for what I said
last night.
(MORE)
28.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
My words were those of a man
certain that his end was near. I
was half-crazed. Terrified.
Adopting a respectful tone, the white man continues.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Recent events have bid me to forget
myself. To behave contrary to my
civilized nature. I am genuinely
sorry for what happened to your
Mother. She sounds like she was a
true Child of God.
RED WOLF
You are kind to say. I forgive you
for last night. We will 'turn the
other cheek', yes? Please continue.
The trapper raises his bound hands and rubs his face, prints
still visible from last night's reprimands.
GEOFF
Very well, Old Crow. Allow me to
impart to you the harrowing ordeal
I endured, and how you came to find
me in such wretched condition.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
A Nostalgic Journey Through the Montana Wilderness
EXT. MONTANA WILDERNESS - AFTERNOON
FLASHBACK
Geoff and his partner Hervé (40's paunchy, bald) ride horses
along a pastoral stretch of grassland, looking up to see the
high mountains in the distance. A loaded pack mule is
tethered to Geoff's saddle.
GEOFF (V.O.)
My partner and I started out from
Bannack 2 months ago. We followed
the game trails and hoped to make
it up to Salish Lake before the
first frost. Following the path of
Mr. Lewis and Mr. Clark, we reached
Clearwater a fortnight ago.
Hervé pulls in an empty beaver trap from the edge of a pond.
Geoff checks a snare, to find only the chewed-off rear leg
of a rabbit remaining. He pulls the rabbit's foot out and
tucks it in his trouser pocket.
29.
GEOFF (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Trapping was poor, so we headed
North and made camp no more than
three days travel from here.
END FLASHBACK
Genres:
["Western","Historical","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Ambush and Divine Intervention: A Trapper's Tale
INT. CROW CHIEFTAN'S TEEPEE - CONTINUOUS
Red Wolf nods as the trapper continues.
GEOFF
Five nights ago, as we slept, we
were ambushed by a Blackfoot
raiding party.
RED WOLF
The Blackfeet are protective of
their land. They do not welcome
strangers and kill poachers on
sight. How did you escape?
If you were caught trespassing,
likely you would not be speaking
with me now. My brothers leave none
alive, yet here you are.
GEOFF
The good Lord was watching over me
that awful night.
Genres:
["Historical Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Nighttime Attack on Trappers' Camp
EXT. TRAPPER'S CAMP - NIGHT
FLASHBACK
The two white men lie wrapped in blankets on the ground near
their fire. A pair of horses and a mule are tied to adjacent
trees. Shifting uncomfortably, Geoff rises in exasperation
and trots out of camp while Hervé remains sleeping.
GEOFF (V.O.)
I was awakened from my slumber by a
rumbling in my bowels. As I was
shitting in the dark, I watched
four of the murderous savages enter
our camp.
Crouching in the darkness, the trapper sees four shadowy
figures silently enter the ring of glowing firelight.
One swiftly unties the mounts and leads them off. Another
brandishes a wicked-looking knife as a third gathers the
drying skins. The fourth points to Geoff's empty bedding and
darts into the woods.
30.
Blade in hand, the Blackfoot warrior pounces on the sleeping
man. He sits atop the trapper's partner, pinning the
struggling Hervé to the ground in his blanket.
GEOFF (V.O.) (CONT'D)
My partner was held down as those
bloodthirsty demons tore his scalp
from his skull.
The forests echo with a bloodcurdling shriek as the
Blackfoot savagely drags his blade across the white man's
forehead.
Blood streams down his face as Hervé spies Geoff hiding in
the underbrush. Their terrified eyes meet for a split-second
as the doomed trapper's screams reach a crescendo before
ending abruptly.
END FLASHBACK
Genres:
["Drama","Western","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Geoff Recounts the Traumatic Story of His Partner Hervé's Death
INT. CROW CHIEFTAN'S TEEPEE - CONTINUOUS
GEOFF
His screams are still fresh in my
ears. The bastards slit his throat.
Left him to die.
(angry)
They took everything, horses, mule,
skins. It was a miracle from God
they didn't see me. When I was sure
they were gone, I emerged from
cover. Rushed in to try and aid my
partner. It was too late.
(sobs)
Hervé died in my arms. It was his
blood on my buckskins.
The Crow patriarch nods, seeming to accept the man's account
and urging him to continue.
RED WOLF
And the bruises on your back?
GEOFF
What? Those? Aw hell--
(sad laugh)
Kicked by my own horse. God only
knows what happened to him.
RED WOLF
Go on.
31.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Geoff's Revenge: A Deadly Encounter at the Trapper's Camp
EXT. TRAPPER'S CAMP - NIGHT
FLASHBACK
At the now empty campsite, Geoff stands covered in blood.
Faint gurgling sounds emanate from Hervé's slashed throat,
blood trickling down his now bare skull. Listening intently,
Geoff darts into the darkness of the bushes and hides.
GEOFF (V.O.)
Blackfeet always come back. Flush
out survivors, finish off the
wounded. I figured they still
wanted my scalp, so I hid. Hoping I
could get my horse back, maybe make
them pay for what they did to my
partner. One of them did come back,
with Hervé's satchel, pistol, and
that rifle over there. He emptied
my partner's pockets and started
pulling off his boots.
A teenage Blackfoot warrior re-enters the deserted campsite
leading one of the horses. In his other hand is a long gun.
He walks over to Hervé's corpse and searches his clothes,
tucking some coins into the satchel before grabbing a heel
and yanking.
GEOFF (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I saw my opportunity. Crept up
behind him to dash his brains in.
The trapper sneaks up on the Blackfoot, preparing to smash
him in the head with a rock. At the edge of the firelight, a
scruffy Mutt watches the scene, tail wagging.
END FLASHBACK
Genres:
["Western","Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Geoff's Brush with Violence: A Life-or-Death Struggle
INT. CROW CHIEFTAN'S TEEPEE - CONTINUOUS
GEOFF
For some reason, whether out of
spite or just to see me dead, that
furry little prick decided to bark.
The scout saw me and instantly I
was fighting for my life. You can
see by these scratches, he almost
took my eye out. We fell to the
ground and he went for that pistol.
Geoff points to the weapon.
32.
EXT. TRAPPER'S CAMP - NIGHT
FLASHBACK
The larger white man shoves the slim Blackfoot, who stumbles
backward and trips. Geoff rushes to mount the fallen teen.
GEOFF (V.O.)
By the grace of God, I gained the
upper hand. Cracked him good with
my rock just as the gun went off.
The youth grasps the handgun, bringing his arm around to
fire. The older man deflects the boy's limb with one hand
and brings his rock down with the other.
As his stone weapon impacts bone, the gun discharges and
Geoff's body is suddenly thrown violently forward.
GEOFF (V.O.) (CONT'D)
That's when he kicked me. Both
hooves, right in the back. Bastard
shot my horse! Couldn't believe it.
The trapper lies dazed, gasping for breath and moaning in
pain. He rolls around on the ground as his wounded horse
gallops off into the gloom.
GEOFF (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Well, the horse run off, and that's
the last I seen of him.
Recovering, the white man looks down at the teen Blackfoot,
who stirs weakly, a trickle of blood running down his cheek.
A scowling and furious Geoff approaches and kneels down.
Raising the rock in both hands, he prepares to end the boy's
life, his face twisted in a deranged grin of sadistic glee.
END FLASHBACK
Genres:
["Drama","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Geoff's Necessary Act: A Tale of Survival
INT. CROW CHIEFTAN'S TEEPEE - CONTINUOUS
GEOFF
Bashed that Blackfoot with my rock
till he stopped moving. It was then
and there I resolved to skin and
eat that goddamn dog. Heard a
commotion and saw that the
Blackfeet were nearly upon me.
So, I left my partner's body,
gathered what I could and ran.
33.
EXT. MONTANA WILDERNESS - SUNDOWN
FLASHBACK
Wearing a satchel and carrying a rifle, Geoff heads into the
foothills of the mountains. His buckskins smeared with
blood, he looks back nervously every few hundred yards.
GEOFF (V.O.)
I knew the Blackfeet wouldn't lead
their horses into snow, so I made
my way to the mountains.
As he reaches the snow and begins hiking the steep incline,
the Mutt pokes his head around a tree and trots along at a
distance.
GEOFF (V.O.) (CONT'D)
And that is where you found me,
frozen half to death, fixing to eat
that asshole dog.
END FLASHBACK
Genres:
["Drama","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
A Wary Parting: Red Wolf Spares Geoff's Life
INT. CROW CHIEFTAN'S TEEPEE - CONTINUOUS
GEOFF
I am convinced that, if it was not
for my profound and abiding faith
in the Good Lord above, I would not
have had the strength or fortitude
to prevail. Amen?
RED WOLF
Amen. Quite a story. Yes it was.
One thing. It wasn't the Man in the
Sky who saved your life. It was
that asshole dog, yes?
Had he not led us to you, the
wolves would have finished you
before dawn. You should show some
gratitude, yes?
The white man shrugs. Red Wolf lowers the knife, rubbing his
chin while Geoff's anxiety rises.
GEOFF
Please! You must believe me. I am
speaking the truth, I swear before
Almighty God! You are not like the
Blackfeet! They are ruthless
animals who kill for pleasure.
(MORE)
34.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
The Crow are merciful and just.
Please, I beg you to spare me and
allow me to repay your kindness!
Keep my traps, my gun, whatever I
have is yours! Let me live and I
can return and shower your family
with modern comforts befitting a
king. Let me reward your people for
saving my life. For your
hospitality. For our Mothers! For
not feeding me to the bloody bears!
Surely there is something I can
offer in exchange for my freedom?
Red Wolf casually gestures to the rows of weapons, stacks of
gold coins, Native silver bracelets and precious furs.
He retrieves a small watch from his loot and winds it before
putting a hand on Geoff's shoulder to make a proposal.
RED WOLF
There is a small canoe outside. The
children use it to fish. Light and
maneuverable. Strong enough to take
you far from this place, yes? Fill
it with gear, traps, and weapons.
All you will need. Depart from here
immediately and forever. You must
swear never to return. Tell not a
single person of us or our camp's
location. Do as I say, yes? If you
are a skilled navigator, you may
yet live to tell your own
grandchildren of your adventure.
The trapper agrees but gives the older man a puzzled look.
GEOFF
So that's it? You ask nothing of
me? You will simply release me and
send me downriver?
He motions to the gear and weapons.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
And I can take as much of this as I
want? There's a small fortune here.
RED WOLF
All that you see, I offer freely.
But you must go and never return.
35.
GEOFF
Forgive me Old Crow, but I don't
believe you. What's the catch?
If there's one thing civilization
has taught me, it's that no one
gives away something for nothing.
Not Ever.
RED WOLF
I am offering you Grace. That is
the Christian way, yes?
GEOFF
Whatever happened to those Holy
Men, anyway?
RED WOLF
Just leave us and never return.
GEOFF
How do I know that this current
won't send me right back to the
Blackfeet?
RED WOLF
I guess you will have to have
faith.
GEOFF
Look, Old Crow. Let me borrow one
of those ponies out there? I
promise to bring it back.
RED WOLF
No chance. In my old age, I have
become less trusting. Wiser as
well. My wife would disagree, yes?
I trusted a white man much like
yourself once and soon came to
regret it. His words were lies.
I should not have trusted them.
That lapse in judgement brought
great sadness upon my home, great
suffering. Anger. Loss. No, only
the Great Spirit can see the truth
of a man. I cannot, I see only his
deeds. Let me explain another way.
Do I believe you will honor your
promise? Not so much.
Head shaking, the Crow elder claps Geoff on his bruised
back. The man gasps in pain.
36.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
It is likely that you would get
along with Crow horses no better
than you get along with Blackfoot
dogs. Better stick to the water,
yes? Less chance of another raiding
party, yes? Besides, my wife would
not be pleased. Those horses belong
to the tribe. We need them to move
our camp, to follow the herds. No,
we simply have none we can spare.
The canoe is all I have to offer.
Take it or leave it.
Grimacing, the trapper nods his agreement.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
Alright then. Give me your word
that you will do exactly as I have
instructed, yes? Do you swear to
the Man in the Sky?
Geoff nods again.
GEOFF
You have my word. As a civilized
white man, forgiven through the
blood of Christ, I swear it.
RED WOLF
Your hands.
Red Wolf cuts the trapper's bindings, leaving him rubbing
his wrists as he unties his ankles. Rising to stand, Geoff's
feet refuse to hold his weight. Red Wolf reaches out to
steady him before turning to exit the teepee. In his free
hand, he holds a silver pocket watch, open and ticking.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
You have five minutes. Gather what
you need. One minute late, it's
fish guts and wolves. Understand?
GEOFF
Absolutely. Hey, I answered your
questions Old Crow. I have a
question for you.
Red Wolf nods.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
You and the missus speak pretty
good American. Better than most.
37.
RED WOLF
She understands French as well. But
you already knew that, yes?
GEOFF
Now, there is no way some priest
taught you all that in a few weeks.
How did you learn English?
The aged Crow flips a thumb at the dozen or so bibles. Many
are missing whole sections and torn out pages lay in piles.
RED WOLF
I read those. Many times. As did my
wife. The Holy Men left them when
they were sent away. They abandoned
the Man in the Sky. As the Sky Man
abandoned them to die starving in
the cold, yes? It was enjoyable to
read stories to the little ones of
The Jesus and his teachings. In the
end, we grew tired of the white
man's fables. We found another use
for their Holy books, yes?
Red Wolf comically mimes wiping his butt while the
distracted trapper scans the room for useful items.
GEOFF
Five minutes. Got it.
The unbound Geoff limps over to retrieve his rifle and looks
down the breech. It's empty.
RED WOLF
Unloaded. Your pistol, too.
Actually, none of those are loaded.
Guns are too dangerous to leave
lying around, yes? Someone could
get hurt. So we keep them here,
away from the children. Can't be
too careful, yes? Yes.
Pleased, he checks the watch as Geoff rummages for supplies.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
All right. I'll leave you to it.
You have three minutes left.
(stops and grins)
Just kidding. Four and a half.
To illustrate his point, Red Wolf lifts his fingers to his
head like ears, tilts his head back and howls.
38.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
Arooooo--
He pauses mid-howl, looking a bit ashamed.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
I apologize. The Great Spirit would
not approve.
Pausing his frantic scavenging, Geoff engages finger guns at
Red Wolf and feigns amusement.
GEOFF
Ahhh, it's okay. That was a good
one, Old Crow. Ya got me.
As he departs, Red Wolf makes an announcement to the tribe.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
He has agreed. Fetch the canoe.
The trapper scowls and gimps over to the hides. He flips
over a grizzly bear skin. Snatching any weapons he can find,
Geoff scoops double handfuls of lead ammunition, gold coins
and silver, tossing them in a pile on the bear hide.
After drinking it dry, he empties all the smaller flasks
into one large one. He similarly pours black powder sloppily
from other powder horns into a large one.
While tossing some furs into his plunder, he spies something
familiar.
GEOFF
Oh, shit.
Reaching over, he palms a lookalike of the oversized Bowie
used to threaten him earlier.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Now THAT'S a knife!
(muttering)
Let me save this little beauty for
when I return.
Red Wolf abruptly reenters the teepee holding the watch.
Geoff looks up innocently, eyes wide, Bowie in hand. He
grins, sheaths the heavy blade and tosses it into the pile.
RED WOLF
Sorry. You've had a rough morning.
Take an extra minute. I will send
my grandsons to help, yes?
(MORE)
39.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
(serious tone)
We have given this much thought,
and my people have one request--
Genres:
["Drama","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Geoff's Journey Begins: A Promised Voyage Down the River
EXT. CROW ENCAMPMENT - LATER
Kicking Bird and his brother are handing rifles, various
trapping equipment, and assorted camping gear to Geoff, who
is seated in the small, lightweight canoe as it rests at the
water's edge.
Red Wolf, Spotted Wolf, and Little Owl stand nearby watching
the proceedings.
GEOFF
So, it's what, five days travel by
water to Clearwater Lake?
And another six on foot from there
back to Bannack?
RED WOLF
Sounds about right.
The chieftain leans to confer with his stone-faced son.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
(Crow)
That went well, don't you think?
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
The sooner he leaves, the better.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
That's the idea.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
He answered your questions?
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
I doubt it.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
He did not disappoint. I was
surprised he could speak so well
with that forked tongue.
40.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
He is taking too long.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
White people are always late, son.
Everyone knows that.
The heavily laden canoe wobbles as Geoff wipes the sweat
from his brow, adjusts his grip on the paddle and prepares
to push away from the bank. The twins hand over the last of
the gear and join their relatives.
Looking at the absurd amount of items the trapper has
selected, the assembled Crow talk softly amongst themselves.
LAUGHING BIRD
(Crow)
He took WAY too much stuff. Look
how low he's sitting in the water.
KICKING BIRD
(Crow)
What's he doing? He has no use for
half of that. How many guns do you
need anyway?
LAUGHING BIRD
(Crow)
Papa, how far do you think he gets?
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
He will be lucky to survive the
shallows. Half a day before he
turtles and we're fishing his body
out of the river.
The young brothers nod in agreement.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
Come on now, Son.
(English)
He is a civilized white man, yes?
His people have crossed vast
oceans. Navigated the mighty
rivers, like Mister Lewis and
Mister Clark. Came all this way
just to bring us civilization. We
should thank him, yes?
41.
SPOTTED WOLF
(bitterly in Crow)
They took her away from me.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
They stole her from all of us. But
we are still here, son.
KICKING BIRD
(Crow)
The water's freezing. He'd better
be a good swimmer.
LAUGHING BIRD
(Crow)
Pigs know how to swim?
KICKING BIRD
(Crow)
Who cares? The Man in the Sky will
protect him.
The group laughs, except for Spotted Wolf and Little Owl.
LITTLE OWL
Two days. Unless he ends up in the
White Woods.
Red Wolf takes his leave and walks to the river's edge to
bid farewell to their guest. He holds something small and
black in his hand.
RED WOLF
Take this with you, yes?
It belonged to Kansas Man.
He gave it to me before the bear.
He hands the bible to Geoff.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
We still have a few copies.
Who knows, maybe one day the Man in
the Sky will answer, yes?
GEOFF
Yes. Thanks. I'll take all the help
I can get, Old Crow. Sure you
didn't wipe your ass with it?
RED WOLF
Pretty sure. Have all you will
need? Enough food, yes? This gear,
you have enough, yes? Enough guns?
42.
Geoff leans and reaches out to grasp Red Wolf's forearm in a
farewell gesture.
GEOFF
You can never have enough guns.
RED WOLF
We shall see, my white brother.
The Crow chieftain crouches, holding the side of the canoe.
His voice adopts a stern, authoritative tone.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
Now, stick to the route I outlined,
yes? Pay attention to the current
and stay close to the shore. If you
must stop, return to the water
quickly. The Blackfeet are not the
only danger you may encounter
downstream. Far from it. During
your second day's travel, you will
pass through a valley of aspens. Do
not stop there. Not for any reason.
Not to eat, not to sleep, not to
shit. Do not make camp, hunt, or
take any game. If it grows dark,
and you seek a place to sleep,
continue downstream until you
emerge from the valley and the
aspens are well behind you, yes?
(deadly certainty)
Hear my words, yes? Hear them well.
If you set foot on its shores,
especially after sunset, you will
never leave the White Woods again.
The trapper is momentarily taken aback, processing this new
information. His quizzical look is replaced with bemusement.
GEOFF
Why must I avoid these--
White Woods, exactly?
RED WOLF
It is a sacred place. The home of
the Great Spirit. The fiercest
Blackfoot warrior would not dare to
hunt there.
GEOFF
Well, what do you know? Old Crow
has a few fables of his own.
He raises the diminutive bible and wags it playfully.
43.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Don't worry about me, my brother.
This will protect me. The Lord God
Almighty is my shield. What can
evil do if the Lord is my friend?
Yea, I shall not be sacrificed
until my time comes, then I shall
be offered freely to join the choir
of angels in Heaven.
Red Wolf knits his brow.
RED WOLF
Do as I say and do not enter the
White Wood, or that time you speak
of may arrive sooner than you
bargained for.
The skeptical trapper considers the odd request and defers.
GEOFF
Okay Old Crow, You done me a solid
turn, so I'll honor your wishes.
I will avoid your haunted forest.
And hey, if all else fails, I still
have these.
Powder horn around his neck, Geoff motions to the small
arsenal of firearms he has brought. Red Wolf rolls his eyes.
RED WOLF
Very well. There is nothing more I
can do to prepare you. I will bid
you farewell, yes? May the Man in
the Sky guide and protect you.
GEOFF
Amen to that, Old Crow. Amen to
that. Thank you. You saved my life.
I owe you a debt that I can never
repay. My regards to your family.
God bless them all. You'll-- uh,
forgive me if I keep my distance
from your wife and son.
Geoff rubs his swollen cheek as Red Wolf glances over to
Little Owl and Spotted Wolf, who stand silently with arms
crossed, expressions equal parts stoic and intimidating.
RED WOLF
They will understand.
Found an anchor there, yes?
44.
Resting between Geoff's feet on the floor of the canoe, is a
massive iron bear trap with it's links of bulky chain.
GEOFF
What can I say? Can't be too
careful. Bear can't eat you if you
eat him first. Besides--
The trapper rocks the canoe for emphasis.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
--These things tip too easy.
The weight will help steady the
boat. Trust me, I know what I'm
doing, Old Crow. Maybe I'll see you
again sometime, yes?
Red Wolf releases the boat and gives it a solid push.
RED WOLF
Not if I see you first.
Geoffry steadies the overloaded craft, and starts off
downstream. The canoe is instantly picked up by the current
and glides smoothly away from the camp.
The chief walks along the bank and rejoins his family.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
Heed my words and do exactly as I
have instructed! Your eternal
spirit is in great jeopardy!
A furry blur bounces across the meadow, coming to rest at
his master's feet.
RED WOLF (CONT'D)
Oh, and thanks for the dog!
Tail wagging, Lifesaver lets out a steady stream of
aggressive barks at the departing fur trapper.
GEOFF
Yeah? Well, fuck you too!
Genres:
["Western","Historical","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Fur Trapper Geoff Taunts and Threatens Crow Onlookers
EXT. MONTANA RIVER - CONTINUOUS
Moving swiftly in the flowing water, Geoff lifts a hand and
waves to the Crow onlookers while mumbling to himself.
GEOFF
Oh yes, I will most definitely be
seeing you all again very soon.
(MORE)
45.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
And when I do, I will bring the
militia with me and we'll put a
bullet into each one of your
pointy, savage heads. Maybe I'll
save the girls for my soldier
friends to enjoy. Would you like
that, Old Crow? When I return, you
will know that the Wrath of
Almighty God has come with me, and
you will beg the Man in the Sky for
death. I have a promise to keep
with that furry little prick, too.
Your day will come.
Genres:
["Western","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Crow Family Reflects on Past and Future Journeys
EXT. CROW ENCAMPMENT - MOMENTS LATER
The Crow Family watches the canoe plow through the water,
squinting as it rounds a bend and disappears from view.
Little Owl turns to her husband and son.
LITTLE OWL
Will we see this one again?
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
Sure we will. Roaming the forest
with guts hanging from his mouth.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
We'll wait a bit, and see how far
he gets, yes? In a few days, the
boys and I will head downstream in
the big canoes. Same as last time.
The woman walks over to Spotted Wolf and tenderly wraps her
arm in his, leaning in to her son.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
You stay home, Papa. We'll go.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
We're thinking about taking the
girls out with us.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
Dangerous journey for their first
time, yes?
46.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
They have nothing to worry about
out there. They are fearless, like
their mother.
Little Owl hugs her son around the waist.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
She had a good teacher, yes?
SPOTTED WOLF
(emotional in Crow)
The best. I miss her so much, Mom.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
I know. We all do.
Little Owl kisses the tears on her son's cheek. She offers
Spotted Wolf a wan smile and nods downriver.
LITTLE OWL (CONT'D)
(Crow)
What do you think?
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
He's as good as dead.
Or worse. I say good riddance.
Red Wolf walks over to join them, putting an arm around his
son. The family's newest member scampers happily at their
feet, tail wagging.
RED WOLF
(Crow)
I am inclined to agree, son. He'll
never make it back to Bannack.
LITTLE OWL
(Crow)
Let his Man in the Sky protect him.
SPOTTED WOLF
(Crow)
Like he protected Kansas Man?
LITTLE OWL
What do you think, Papa?
RED WOLF
He is going to need a bigger boat.
47.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Geoff's Perilous Journey Down the Montana River
EXT. MONTANA RIVER - NEXT DAY - AFTERNOON
Exhausted from hours of nonstop paddling, Geoff dozes off
while sitting upright.
The canoe travels on for untold miles, seemingly on
autopilot. Dumping precious cargo with every bump, the boat
is propelled ever faster by the current.
EXT. MONTANA RIVER - LATER
Head tilted to the side, Geoff's snoring mouth is agape as
he sleeps. A horsefly flies directly into his festering gob,
snapping him awake. He chokes, then coughs up and chews his
unexpected morsel, swallowing as he attempts to retake
control of the boat.
The wayward craft strikes a large boulder, dumping more
gear. Geoff is launched sideways, smashing his forehead with
the paddle as it tumbles out and floats away.
GEOFF
Oh, shit!
The lightweight boat corrects, faceplanting Geoff into the
rocks dotting the turbulent river. He pops back upright,
nose bleeding, as the canoe loses still more provisions.
A distraught Geoff issues a steady stream of profanity as he
continues to pinball out of control. He enters a patch of
intense whitewater and struggles to keep the craft afloat.
Hitting an eddy wall, the unstable canoe smashes into some
debris, damaging and nearly overturning it. The bear trap
tumbles out as the metal links loop around Geoff's calf.
The iron trap sinks immediately, wrenching Geoff leg-first
from his perch on the disintegrating boat and dragging him
underwater. Beneath the torrent, he pulls frantically at his
ensnared leg before finally uncoiling the chain.
Geoff's face breaks the surface in calmer water. He gains a
lucky handhold on the boat as it careens into the shoreline,
leaving him soaked on the bank. Thanking his Creator, he
pulls the vessel onto dry land and collapses, chest heaving.
After taking a moment to catch his breath, Geoff rises
wearily and ventures inland, wandering into a grassy
clearing near a dense forest of slender trees with golden,
oval-shaped leaves and bone-white bark.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Oh shit.
48.
Genres:
null
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Geoff's Frustration: A Struggle Against the Wilderness
EXT. ASPEN GROVE - SUNSET
The trapper quickly establishes a makeshift campsite and
sparks a modest fire. He busies himself by organizing his
inventory, seeking to repair the damaged boat.
Shivering in sopping wet clothing, Geoff checks the contents
of the powder horn and empties the dripping satchel, dumping
out its waterlogged contents to sort through his meager
supply of bullets and lead shot.
Geoff's empty stomach grumbles, so he ransacks his
provisions for sustenance. Most of the remaining food is
soaked and inedible, and that which remains dry is
distinctly unpalatable.
GEOFF
(sniffs)
Let's see, stinky dried elk with
berries and twigs.
He pulls the Bowie knife from its sheath, meaning to cut his
pemmican. Sawing into the meat, his brow furrows as the
Bowie fails to cut.
Running his thumb along its length, he finds the edge to be
rolled and dull, chipped and rife with cracks. The handle is
loose as well, causing the blade to spin freely on its tang.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Ah, Old Crow, you son of a bitch!
You knew about this, didn't you?
Frustrated, he throws down the broken knife.
Foraging in the canoe, Geoff finds a small hatchet. He
raises it to chop up his paltry meal and the axe head flies
off it's handle, somersaulting into the stand of nearby
aspen trees. Stymied, he tosses the handle into the fire.
Taking a close look at the handful of knives still in his
possession, he finds all the edged weapons to be dull,
warped, fractured, or lacking a decent handle. Sensing he
has been hoodwinked by Red Wolf, his blood boils.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
You have got to be kidding!
Utterly famished, he raises the slab of elk pemmican and
takes a tentative bite. Unsuccessful at first, Geoff uses
his back teeth to gnaw at the dry-aged jerky.
49.
Finding the flavor repellent, he chews vigorously and forces
himself to swallow, pulling a sprig of wild herb wedged
between his stained teeth.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
(gagging)
Okay, it could be worse.
Fracturing another splinter of the preserved elk loin, he
fights the urge to vomit as he chews.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
At this point, as God is my
witness, I really would eat that
asshole dog.
Geoff resumes checking his gear, carefully looking over the
remaining weapons he was able to salvage.
Raising the first rifle to his shoulder, Geoff looks down
the muzzle. As he aims, he realizes that the barrel is bent.
The trapper soon finds that every donated gun has been
sabotaged and rendered useless, leaving his original deer
rifle and pistol as the only firearms in working order.
Realizing he has been outsmarted, Geoff rages at the sky.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Heavenly Father, I hated them
before, but now I despise these
godless savages even more. Worse
than the filthy Negroes, at least
those stupid animals know their
place! Oh Lord, please find it in
your infinite wisdom to send each
and every one of those red devils
straight back to Hell, with their
haunted forests and shitty food.
May your fiery sword of vengeance
cut down all these vile heathens
and cast them into the everlasting
lake of fire. In Jesus' name, Amen.
His sermon over, Geoff inserts a fresh wad of chewing
tobacco and sets off to explore his immediate surroundings.
Genres:
["Western","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Geoff's Thrilling Encounter with Wildlife
EXT. ASPEN GROVE - CONTINUOUS
By the light of the rising moon, Geoff observes a herd of
mule deer browsing. A beaver splashes into the river,
pulling a branch. Everywhere he looks, wildlife frolics and
feeds, unperturbed by his presence.
50.
Suddenly energized, he dashes back to camp and excitedly
searches through his collection of trapping supplies.
GEOFF
Here we are. Hallelujah!
Geoff gathers two wire loops from his gear, walks to the
water's edge and rigs the snares outside a muskrat lodge.
EXT. TRAPPER'S CAMP - MOMENTS LATER
Returning to the fireside, Geoff settles in for the night.
He bunches up his satchel as a pillow and wraps himself in a
horse blanket, cursing the smell.
No sooner has the trapper begun to doze off, when he is
awakened by a grunting, snuffling noise from close by.
Geoff kicks off the blanket and reaches for his pistol.
Rising into a crouch, Geoff creeps silently into the forest.
As the white trunks sway hypnotically, he squats motionless,
scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement.
The grunting snort repeats. A blur of motion at the edge of
his vision prompts Geoff to whirl and fire off a round from
his trusty sidearm.
Geoff's ears ring from the gunshot as his intended target
cries out in surprise and pain. The wild boar explodes from
cover and flees deeper into the aspens, leaving a trail of
crimson splashes in the dappled moonlight.
GEOFF
Praise the Lord! No more shitty
Injun food. Haha! You hear that,
Old Crow? Shove your twigs and
berries up your ass, we're serving
roast pork tonight!
Pistol in hand, Geoff pursues the mortally wounded swine,
striding confidently into the diffused gloom of the forest.
The veteran trapper follows the pig's blood trail for
several hundred yards before stopping. A guttural sound
burbles from a nearby thicket. In response, Geoff raises the
shooting iron to dispatch his cornered quarry.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Here, piggy, piggy.
Come out, come out--
A dark form shifts in the tangle of brambles. Geoff steadies
his arm, cocks the hammer and takes careful aim.
51.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
There you are, I see you. Hold
still, this won't hurt.
The bear bursts from the undergrowth with a ferocious roar.
Before he can react, the huge grizzly locks eyes with the
shell-shocked Geoff and launches itself in his direction.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Oh shit.
Geoff pulls the trigger repeatedly, firing wildly until the
cylinder goes click.
The pistol slugs have no noticeable effect on the fifteen
hundred pound omnivore. Geoff drops the gun and turns tail,
shrieking in fear as he attempts to outrun the furious bear.
He makes a beeline for camp in a last-ditch effort to reach
the more powerful deer rifle. Eyes focused on the flickering
firelight, the tiring Geoff grits his teeth and presses on
as the galloping bear closes the distance between them.
Genres:
["Western","Action","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Geoff's Tragic Encounter with a Bear
EXT. TRAPPER'S CAMP - CONTINUOUS
Emerging from the trees and entering the campsite at top
speed, Geoff gathers himself to dive for the rifle.
As he plants his foot to leap, Geoff's heel makes contact
with the metal trigger plate of the bear trap. The toothed
hinges slam together with terrifying force, instantly
shattering both leg bones in a sickening crunch.
Geoff's momentum carries him forward, depositing him mere
feet from the waiting rifle. He claws maniacally at the
dirt, straining with maximum effort to reach his gun. He
cries out in despair as his fingers brush against the stock.
GEOFF
(shocked)
Don't let me die like this!
Just as his fingers curl around the rifle butt, Geoff's body
is suddenly yanked backward, once again leaving his
potential salvation a few tantalizing inches out of reach.
Consumed with agonizing pain, Geoff looks down in horror to
see splintered bone poking out of his pulverized limb as it
dangles from the trap at an unnatural angle.
Holding the chain in its slobbering maw, the bear pulls its
prey closer to deliver the coup de grace. It gives the iron
links another tug, bringing the man closer to certain death.
52.
Reaching into the campfire, Geoff rolls over and smashes the
grizzly in the head with a flaming log. The impact sends a
cloud of embers aloft as the enormous bear bellows in rage.
The growling brute rears up and brings down it's massive
paws on Geoff's chest with crushing force, snapping multiple
ribs like matchsticks and pinning him to the spot.
With scorched bits of its matted fur still smoking, the
angry giant lowers its drooling muzzle. Gravely injured and
spitting blood, Geoff pleads with the Almighty:
GEOFF (CONT'D)
(gasps painfully)
No! Please God! Not a bear!
The massive ursine opens it's jaws, sporting yellow, three-
inch canines. Turning it's head sideways, the grizzly puts
Geoff's entire head in its mouth and bites down.
Genres:
["Western","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Geoff's Struggle: Survival and Self-Reflection
EXT. ASPEN GROVE - MORNING
Geoff bolts upright, the leather satchel still stuck to his
face with dried saliva. Drenched in sweat, he frantically
throws off the horse blanket, waking in a confused panic to
the chirping of songbirds in the early morning sun.
GEOFF
Jesus Christ! What was that?
Did you poison that elk meat, Old
Crow? Is that what you did?
A foul yet familiar smell wafts from his nether region.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Shit. Let's get that boat fixed.
Geoff gingerly tiptoes down to the river to wash off.
EXT. ASPEN GROVE - LATER
With two muskrat pelts drying nearby, Geoff inspects his
work. Satisfied, he admires his newly-repaired craft.
GEOFF
Hell, maybe I can make a little
money before I leave? Just one more
night, Old Crow, I promise.
EXT. ASPEN GROVE - AFTERNOON
Geoff gets down to business with his guns, traps, and
snares. His deadly handiwork soon bears lethal fruit.
53.
MONTAGE:
A) At the riverside, Geoff pulls a dead beaver from a trap
and resets it.
B) Carrying the beaver, he quickly pulls his pistol to shoot
a goose as it leads it's goslings to the water.
C) A bobcat grooms its fur as it rests on a fallen log. The
trapper aims his rifle and fires, killing it instantly.
D) On a trail, a mother fox sniffs at a small bone as her
two little ones cavort around her. Taking it in her mouth,
her leg gets caught in a snare and the kits scatter.
E) Geoff sits among a pile of dead animals. Using a sharp
sliver of rock, he slices open the belly of a rabbit before
brutally peeling off its skin and tossing the body aside.
F) Skinned carcasses lie discarded in a heap beneath a cloud
of buzzing flies at the edge of the ivory forest.
END MONTAGE
Genres:
["Western","Drama","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Geoff's Defiant Disbelief
EXT. ASPEN GROVE - EVENING
A veil of darkness envelops Aspen Grove, but on this
moonless night, Eden is strangely silent. Filling the void
are the whispering voices of the swaying trees, leaves and
branches brushing together like a cicada's wings.
Geoff sits by the fire, finishing a goose's drumstick. He
flicks the bone out of the campsite. His repaired boat rests
nearby with a bounty of valuable furs stowed away inside.
Burping, he chews tobacco and drinks from the flask.
As he takes a swig of booze, Geoff pulls the small bible
from his jerkin and tears out a page from the Good Book.
Using a goose feather dipped in charcoal ink, Geoff takes
some visual cues and scribbles notes, planning to return.
Chuckling to himself and quite drunk, Geoff squints to make
out the words as he thumbs through the psalms. With a snort,
he tosses the bible onto the fire where it is consumed.
GEOFF
Yeah, thanks but no thanks. I know
you're right, Old Crow. We all
know, we just pretend. Hell, even
the Pope knows. There is no God.
He takes another pull of rotgut whiskey.
54.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Who gives a damn? The Man in the
Sky is bullshit. So what? Doesn't
matter. I have faith in this--
Geoff caresses the pistol and lovingly strokes its cold,
steel barrel. Raising the flask, he toasts:
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Here's to you, Old Crow.
You AND your Great Spirit.
To hell with you both!
He stands, his balance a bit unsteady.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
You wanna take my life?
Poison me with that tainted meat?
The trapper grabs the deer rifle, holds it over his head and
cries out in defiance to the universe.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
You want my life? Come and take it!
Genres:
["Western","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Geoff's Terrifying Encounter with the Pale, Skeletal Figures
EXT. ASPEN GROVE - HOURS LATER
As the trapper fitfully sleeps, he is awakened by the
distinct rustling of footsteps. Geoff reaches for his long
gun, scanning the perimeter.
GEOFF
Who's there?
His query is met with empty silence. The footfalls repeat,
this time much closer. He calls into the void:
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Old Crow? That you? Show yourself!
The rustling footsteps continue, now just outside the
glowing ring of firelight. Clearly rattled, Geoff aims in
the direction of the mysterious intruder and makes a
declaration in a loud but shaky tenor:
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Whoever you are, I swear to
Almighty God that I will shoot you
dead right where you stand!
Illuminated by the fire, Geoff can barely make out a pale,
skeletal figure, swaying as it advances at an alarming rate.
55.
Lowering the rifle, Geoff raises it again to see three more
phantoms have joined the ghostly spectre. They sway in
unison, trudging ever closer to his camp.
A ropy loop of small intestine protrudes from the mouth of
the apparition as it chews, an armful of viscera in its
shriveled hands. The malevolent fiend shuffles forward,
dragging along the rest of its sticky grey innards.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit--
His mind reeling in disbelief, Geoff swallows involuntarily
and gags on his chewing tobacco. Retching, he pulls wet
strands of chaw out of his teeth as he seethes.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
God damn you straight to hell, Old
Crow! This is all your fault!
Geoff kneels and steadies the rifle. Aiming for the head of
the closest ghoul, he recognizes his own face. He lowers the
gun, then refocuses and squeezes the trigger.
The hammer falls and the primer sparks. Nothing happens.
Geoff drops the rifle, pulls his pistol and unloads. The
bullets pass right through the shambling revenant, striking
the trunks of the trees behind. Bright blood gushes forth in
spurts from the holes, drenching the chalky bark in gore.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Oh, shit.
Surrounded on three sides, Geoff spies an opening and
sprints from camp. He looks to be in the clear when his foot
comes down on something hard in the grass, turning an ankle.
He stumbles and falls headfirst into the rotting pile of
skinned carcasses.
Geoff crawls back to the trail, wiping away maggots stuck to
his face. He gropes blindly for a weapon in the debris at
his feet and finds the object that tripped him up.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Of course...
Holding the wayward axe head in both hands, Geoff rolls over
to face the music. The abominations descend on him, biting
and tearing at his flesh. Geoff's eyeball is pulled from its
socket and eaten by his undead doppelganger, his scream cut
short when it tears out his tongue in a gush of blood.
56.
Genres:
["Horror","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Geoff's Fateful Encounter with the Horned God
EXT. ASPEN GROVE - NIGHT
SUPER: 3:33 AM
Geoff is jolted awake from his nightmare. Gasping and
praising God, he laughs and wipes sweat from his forehead.
GEOFF
You were right, Old Crow.
Time to leave.
A twig snap in the darkness activates his fight or flight
response. He rises with his rifle and checks to see if it's
loaded before he pulls the hammer back to firing position.
After a few tense moments, the trapper spies a huge rack of
antlers moving among the branches. Relieved, he relaxes and
chides himself. He rises and takes aim.
A deep, rumbling growl reverberates through the aspens. The
daggerlike antlers rise high above the brush to reveal the
Great Spirit. Fully ten feet tall, its hypnotic eyes smolder
with an intense blue-white light.
The wolflike muzzle snarls, revealing sharp, glistening
canine fangs. Paralyzed with fear, Geoff begins to mumble.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Oh shit. Oh shit. Our Father, who
art in heaven, Hallowed be thy
Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be
done on Earth, as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our trespasses, As we
forgive those that trespass against
us. Lead me not into temptation,
But deliver me from evil. For thine
is the kingdom, The power, and the
glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
His shaking hand pulls the trigger. The rifle misfires.
Geoff drops it and grabs his pistol. It's empty. He searches
his pockets for bullets but finds only a rabbit's foot.
The impossible beast walks upright into the campsite on
powerful hominid legs supported by a pair of broad hooves.
It closes the distance in three strides.
Geoff stands transfixed and voices fill his head as he
stands before the Great Spirit. His hand goes slack and he
drops the good luck charm.
57.
The Horned God seems to stare into Geoff's mind. He goes
limp and begins to sway. Mouth wide open, eyes blank and
unblinking, Geoff levitates several inches off the ground.
Genres:
["Drama","Horror","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Violent Encounter in the Montana Wilderness
EXT. MONTANA WILDERNESS - MORNING
FLASHBACK
Mutt scampers along a stream bank. Nearby, Geoff stands
hidden behind a tree, spying on a young Blackfoot girl as
she picks blackberries.
He approaches silently from behind. A twig snaps. The dog
barks. Startled, the youth pivots and sees Geoff's feral
expression. He lunges at her and she inhales in surprise.
He covers the girl's mouth and with a brutal yank of her
long braided hair, drags her into the forest. She fights
back, reaching up to scratch his face. He bends her arm
painfully backward, lifting her off her feet. Mutt barks
furiously before running off.
Genres:
["Western","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Escape and Escape: A Forest Confrontation
EXT. TRAPPER'S CAMP - MOMENTS LATER
At his camp, Geoff and his partner Hervé tie the young woman
to a tree, preparing to assault her. Mutt barks and the
men's heads swivel around. A young Blackfoot boy has
wandered into camp looking for his sister.
The villains panic and Hervé throws a hatchet at the boy,
missing as the child scrambles away. He and the dog retreat,
finding cover behind the trunk of a massive pine.
Realizing their evil deeds have been discovered, the
trappers immediately begin to gather their belongings. Geoff
secures the bound girl onto one of their mounts as they
scramble to evacuate the camp before reinforcements arrive.
They leave the clearing and enter the forest. Other than the
sound of the horses and the struggling girl, the woods are
silent. The men look at one another, unnerved by the quiet.
A hiss cuts the air as an arrow embeds itself in the throat
of Geoff's companion. Hervé falls sideways off the horse and
hits the ground with a thud. His shotgun discharges into the
belly of his unfortunate steed. It rears up and falls on top
of Hervé, killing him and spilling supplies everywhere.
Geoff scans the surroundings and quickly dismounts, aiming
his rifle. The young Blackfoot peers from behind the cover
of his tree trunk and Geoff fires, hitting the boy's arm.
The kidnapped girl spits out her gag and bites the horses
flank as hard as she can.
58.
The mustang's legs piston backward, kicking the white man in
the back, sending him flying and dumping the teen onto the
forest floor. Unburdened, the horse snorts and trots off
with a nicker, its tethered pack mule close behind.
The girl screams as Geoff gains his feet, attempting to
reload his rifle and gather his mount. The girl screams
again before Geoff rushes over and covers her mouth.
With an audible THWIP!, a Blackfoot arrow sinks itself in
Geoff's horse. It whinnies as it trots off into the forest,
dragging the pack mule against its will.
The bleeding boy stands his ground and bravely attempts to
nock another arrow.
In a frenzy, Geoff pulls his knife and brutally stabs the
struggling girl, leaving her to bleed. Turning to face the
boy, Geoff dodges the child’s weak shot. He hoists the
rifle, flips it around and steps forward to strike the
Blackfoot youth in the chest, knocking him to the ground.
A whooping cry is heard through the forest, and it becomes
clear that the alarm has been sounded. Muttering racist
curses, the trapper prepares to deliver a killing blow.
Mutt leaps in fearlessly to bite Geoff's calf, causing him
to abandon the attack and make his escape instead. Hands
slick with blood, Geoff grabs what he can and sets off.
The dog leaves the boy's side and hurries over to the
motionless girl. Lifesaver licks her face before he charges
off to track Geoff, shadowing him discretely at a distance.
END FLASHBACK.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Geoff's Fatal Encounter with the Wendigo
EXT. ASPEN GROVE - NIGHT
A stream of urine runs down the trapper’s buckskin leggings,
hissing as it reaches the embers of the campfire.
The sound breaks the creature's spell, releasing Geoff from
his hypnotic trance. His body drops to the dirt. Gasping, he
rises unsteadily, trying to rationalize what he is seeing.
Dazed, he blurts one final question.
GEOFF
Wait, am I still dreaming?
The Wendigo lifts a huge, bear-like paw. In one vicious
swipe, Geoff is disemboweled. His insides spill to the
ground in a steaming pile of organs. Confused, he looks
down, gawking at his exposed guts as they lie at his feet.
59.
GEOFF (CONT'D)
Oh shit.
Geoff's body convulses and spasms. His skin bleaches and
shrivels tight to his bones as his mist-like essence is
consumed by the Great Spirit.
The cadaverous wight crouches to scoop up the body's
eviscerated contents, stuffing loops of intestine into it's
mouth, chewing in eternal, insatiable hunger.
Geoff's animated corpse tromps out of the campsite, lurching
into the White Wood's aspen labyrinth. Its pale skin
blending into the bark, it staggers into the forest,
becoming more intangible until it disappears from sight.
Genres:
["Horror","Supernatural","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Aftermath of a Deadly Encounter: A Poacher's Fate
EXT. ASPEN GROVE - MOMENTS LATER
At the empty campsite, the dwindling fire casts ghostly
shadows on the surrounding forest. Falling leaves land on
the trapper's deer rifle and cover it completely.
A drop of blood trickles down the ivory trunk of an aspen
tree and finally reaches the roots, where it soaks into the
soil. Under a dazzling sky full of countless stars, the
mournful wail of the Wendigo echoes through the valley.
CUT TO BLACK - TITLE CARD - CREDITS
Music: 'Run to the Hills' by Roma Symphony Orchestra.
MID CREDITS SCENE - INT. HOSPITAL - EVENING
Bill lies heavily bandaged, reclined in his hospital bed.
His eyes are wide open, unblinking and staring at nothing.
Nurse TINA adjusts a pillow and gossips with Nurse AMY.
TINA
Life Flight guy said he's been like
that since they picked him up.
AMY
He's lucky the Natives found him.
TINA
Damn poachers. Police are still
looking for his buddy's body, but
they think a grizzly got him.
AMY
Hey, bear's gotta eat too, right?
The nurses laugh and turn to leave.
60.
TINA
That is so wrong.
The overhead light is switched off and the door closes. Bill
remains motionless under the dim halo of a desk lamp. An IV
drips out its dose while a cardiac monitor blips steadily.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Bill's Awakening: A Hopeful Dawn
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - LATER
A clock radio reads 3:33am. Bill's heart rate quickens,
speeding up rapidly and triggering a flashing alarm. The
motionless man's feet twitch beneath the blanket. He opens
the clenched fist of his bandaged hand to reveal the
rabbit's foot keychain held tightly in its grasp.
CUT TO: AN EXTREME CLOSEUP OF BILL'S FACE
Locked in a perpetual stare, the catatonic man's eyes
suddenly blink, creating a wisp of misty, glowing blue
aether that soon dissipates. The rapid beeps of the monitor
smooth out, steadying as Bill awakens. Tears of joy form in
his eyes as he raises the good luck charm.
BILL
Holy shit.
CUT TO BLACK. RESUME CREDITS.
Genres:
["Horror","Thriller","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Heartwarming Reunion by the River
POST CREDITS SCENE - EXT. ASPEN GROVE - AFTERNOON
A pair of canoes come to a halt on the river's shore.
Spotted Wolf leaps out and pulls the boats onto the gravelly
beach. Little Owl instructs the two young Crow girls to jump
out and they do, fearlessly.
Several yards further inland sits the small Native boat,
crudely patched up. Geoff's camp is empty and deserted. As
the family approaches to reclaim their property, something
shifts inside the canoe. The protective father draws his bow
as Little Owl shields the children from possible danger.
A woman's hand emerges over the side of the canoe. She sits
upright, long black hair flowing in the breeze. Wordlessly,
Spotted Wolf throws down his bow and races forward to
tearfully embrace his wife. Screaming their delight, the two
young girls run and throw themselves at their parents.
Standing in mute astonishment, Little Owl drops to her knees
and silently weeps tears of unfathomable joy. The forest is
once again alive with birds and animals, as the aspens wave
in leafy unison.