The New Howell Theater

presents

The Twenty-One Gun Salute

A Screenplay

by Ronald L. Ecker


Copyright 1983, 2009 by Ronald L. Ecker
All Rights Reserved




Victoriano Huerta and Woodrow Wilson



Log line: In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson has a conflict of wills with Mexican dictator Victoriano Huerta, leading to a U.S. invasion of Veracruz.




The Devil Wears A Hat




This screenplay has been divided into four Web pages, which helps with the downloading time. A "Go to" link at the bottom of each page will take you to the next page.









               FADE IN:

               EXT. WILSON HOME - DAY

               A nice two-story house with snow on the ground.  SUPERIMPOSE:

                             PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY
                                 JANUARY, 1913

               A Packard Touring car arrives in front, where TWO SECRET
               SERVICE MEN are on duty.  

               INT. AN UPSTAIRS SITTING ROOM - DAY

               WOODROW WILSON, 56, his Georgian wife ELLEN, 55, and Wilson's
               diminutive advisor, Texan "Colonel" EDWARD HOUSE, 53, sit
               laughing about something.

               Pretty NELLIE WILSON, 26, appears at the door.

                                   NELLIE
                         Mister Bryan is here, Dad.

                                   WILSON
                         Thank you, Nell.

               Wilson starts to get up.

                                   HOUSE
                         Finish your coffee, Woodrow. 
                         I'll greet him.

               House rises and heads for the door.

                                   ELLEN
                         Thank you, Colonel.

               Ellen rises.  Wilson admiringly watches her take House's cup
               to the table where the coffee pot sits.

               Finishing his cup, Wilson rises and follows her.

                                   WILSON
                         Ellen, don't call Ed "Colonel."  He
                         hates it.

               Ellen takes Wilson's cup and sets it down.

                                   ELLEN
                         I'm sorry.  I thought he was a
                         colonel.

                                   WILSON
                         It's honorary.  One of the things
                         they do out in Texas. 

               Wilson takes Ellen in his arms.

                                   ELLEN
                         What's his title going to be?

                                   WILSON
                         Advisor to the President.  

               Wilson gives Ellen pecks and nibbles.

                                   WILSON (cont'd)
                         Do you know what else they do out 
                         in Texas?

                                   ELLEN
                         What?

                                   WILSON
                         They do it in Virginia too.  My old
                         neck of the woods.

                                   ELLEN
                         Now I'm catching on.

                                   WILSON
                         They do it here in New Jersey.

                                   ELLEN
                         They do it in Rome, Georgia, too.
                         But not while William Jennings
                         Bryan is waiting outside.

               INT. THE DOWNSTAIRS PARLOR - DAY 

               Wilson paces while WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN, 52, sits having
               coffee, House lighting a cigar.

                                   BRYAN
                         Well I might as well say it,
                         Woodrow.  Colonel.

                                   HOUSE
                         Call me Ed.

                                   BRYAN
                         I'm a teetotaler, Ed.  I come from
                         a long, dry line of teetotalers.
                         If I run the State Department, 
                         I'd like to prohibit the serving 
                         of liquor at all state dinners.
                         Wine too.

                                   WILSON
                         Well, I guess I'd leave that to
                         your judgment. 

               Bryan rises and shakes hands with Wilson.

                                   BRYAN
                         Then I accept.

                                   HOUSE
                         Wine too, eh?

                                   BRYAN
                         Why compromise on one's principles?

                                   WILSON
                         Can't argue with that.  Anyway,
                         Will, the first thing on your 
                         plate is going to be Mexico.  One
                         thing I intend to do, as I said 
                         in my campaign, is to help foster
                         democracy in Latin America.  And 
                         no two-bit general like Huerta is
                         going to stop me. 

               Bryan sits down again.

                                   BRYAN
                         Could that mean armed intervention
                         in Mexico, sir?

                                   WILSON
                         No, the United States is through
                         being the bully on the block.  We
                         are not going to war with Mexico. 
                         We are going to put diplomatic
                         pressure on Huerta to undo that
                         coup he's pulled off and return
                         that country to constitutional
                         government.  Was that revolution
                         down there fought for nothing?  

                                   HOUSE
                         It may not be over.  They may 
                         have to fight it all over again. 
                         General Huerta, you know, was one
                         of the old dictator's men.  Madero
                         was a fool to give him a new army
                         command.

                                   WILSON
                         All I know is that Madero, thanks
                         to the revolution he led, is
                         Mexico's first democratically
                         elected president in some forty
                         years.  I'm going to see to it 
                         that Huerta restores that good 
                         man to power.

               EXT. A PRISON - NIGHT

               A Packard Touring Car stops at a shadowy, closed rear entrance
               of the prison.  SUPERIMPOSE:

                                LECUMBERRI PRISON
                                   MEXICO CITY

               INT. THE CAR - NIGHT

               FRANCISCO MADERO, 40, a small, gentle-looking fellow, sits in
               back between a 40-ish federal POLICE MAJOR on his right and
               RURALE #1 (federal policeman) on his left.  

               Rurale #1 gets out and stands by the open door.  The dialogue
               is in Spanish (English subtitles),

                                   MAJOR
                         Here we are, Mister Madero.  Get
                         out.

                                   MADERO
                         Aren't we going to be driven in,
                         Major?

                                   MAJOR
                         You are going to walk in.  You will
                         be safe here.  Get out.

               Madero hesitates, then starts getting out.  

               Drawing his pistol, the major aims it at the back of Madero's
               head and fires.

               EXT. THE CAR - NIGHT

               Madero falls to the ground.  He is shot again by Rurale #1.

               INT. THE CAR - NIGHT

               Stunned RURALES #2 and #3 in front glance at each other.  The
               one behind the wheel takes a quick look out at the body on 
               the ground.  The major in back watches the two rurales.

                                   MAJOR
                         That's what he gets for trying to
                         escape.  The fool.  He deserved 
                         to be shot.

               Rurales #2 and #3 look ahead and say nothing.  Rurale #1
               waits at the open door for instructions.

                                   MAJOR (cont'd)
                             (to Rurale #1)
                         Have his body taken inside.
                             (to the driver)
                         Let's go.  I have to report what
                         has happened.

               INT. WILSON HOME - SITTING ROOM - DAY

               Ellen signs inaugural ball invitations.  Wilson sits reading
               a Washington Post article headlined DEPOSED PRESIDENT KILLED
               IN MEXICO.  The article includes a picture of Madero.

                                   ELLEN
                         Jessie and Frank want to get
                         married in the White House. 
                             (no response)
                         Woodrow . . . 

                                   WILSON
                         Sorry, dear.

                                   ELLEN
                         Jessie and Frank want a White
                         House wedding.

               Wilson scans the last few lines of the article.  He sets the
               paper aside.

                                   WILSON
                         Well, an appropriate place, I
                         suppose, to start losing the 
                         Wilson daughters.
                             (on Ellen's look)
                         President Taft says the White 
                         House is the loneliest place 
                         in the world.

               Edith keeps signing invitations.

                                   ELLEN
                         I'll try not to let you get too
                         lonely, dear.

               Wilson looks fondly at Ellen.

                                   WILSON
                         Is that a promise?

                                   ELLEN
                         I cross my heart.
                             (then)
                         What's bothering you, Woodrow?

               Wilson glances down at the newspaper picture of Madero.  

                                   WILSON
                         Victoriano Huerta.

               INT. A NICE APARTMENT - NIGHT

               Attractive EDITH O'SHAUGHNESSY, 35, sits reading a book by
               the fire.  SUPERIMPOSE:

                                VIENNA, AUSTRIA

               Edith pointedly ignores handsome NELSON O'SHAUGHNESSY, 35, 
               as he enters and removes his overcoat.

                                   NELSON
                         Well, I've got some news.

               Edith keeps reading.  Nelson sits down.  He doesn't look
               surprised by the cold reception.

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         I'm being transferred to Mexico.

               Edith lowers her book and looks off with disgust.

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         Embassy first secretary.  

               Edith goes back to her book.

                                   EDITH
                         One of President Wilson's first
                         official acts?

                                   NELSON
                         Don't laugh.

                                   EDITH
                         Who's laughing?

                                   NELSON
                         This could be a big break.  There
                         was a military coup there, Edith. 
                         The revolution has re-ignited.

               Edith reads, or pretends to.

                                   EDITH
                         I know.  Viva Pancho Villa.

                                   NELSON
                         We think Wilson is going to recall
                         the ambassador because of the coup. 
                         That'll leave me in charge there. 
                         A chance to make a real impression.

                                   EDITH
                         It's also a chance to get lynched
                         by a mob.

                                   NELSON
                         Is that wishful thinking?  

               Edith gives Nelson a look.

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         You don't have to go, Edith.  You 
                         could go home to Philadelphia.

                                   EDITH
                         That wouldn't look good for you,
                         would it?

                                   NELSON
                         No.  But I can't just think of
                         myself.

               Edith gives Nelson another look.  Nelson rises to pace.

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         How many times do I have to say 
                         I'm sorry?  It was a one-time
                         mistake.  

                                   EDITH
                         "One time."  Multiplied by how many
                         fun days or nights?
                             (beat)
                         Book your passage to Mexico,
                         Nelson.  I'll stay here to settle
                         our . . . affairs.  It'll give me
                         some time to think.  Mexico City,
                         or Philadelphia.

               EXT. THE WHITE HOUSE - DAY

               It's spring.  Some SHEEP graze on the White House lawn.

               OVERLAP SOUND:

                                   BRYAN (V.O.)
                         It's civil war, Mister President.

               INT. A CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

               Wilson meets with his CABINET, including Secretary of State
               Bryan; Treasury's handsome Georgian WILLIAM McADOO, 50; Navy
               Secretary JOSEPHUS DANIELS, 52; and Secretary of War LINDLEY
               GARRISON, 60.

                                    BRYAN (cont'd)
                         Huerta seems to be holding his own,
                         but the rebels are picking up steam.  

                                   MCADOO
                         Who's leading the rebels this time
                         around?  Is it Villa?

                                   BRYAN
                         The nominal leader is Carranza, 
                         the governor of Coahuila in the
                         north.  He calls himself First
                         Chief of the Constitutionalist
                         forces.

                                   GARRISON
                         "Constitutionalists."  That's 
                         a bunch of hooey, Mister President.

                                   BRYAN
                         Obregón is Carranza's top general. 
                         Villa is supposedly a Carranza man
                         too, but Zapata's on his own.

                                   DANIELS
                         I think what you've got down there,
                         with Carranza, Villa, and Zapata,
                         is a free-for-all.

                                   GARRISON
                         You're exactly right, Mister Daniels. 
                         The day's coming, if it's not already
                         here, Mister President, when we'll
                         need to march into Mexico.  To save
                         American lives and property from
                         total depredation.

                                   WILSON
                         We're neutral on the war, Mister
                         Garrison, for now anyway.  Our 
                         policy is still watchful waiting. 
                         Huerta claims he's going to hold 
                         an election.

                                   GARRISON
                         It'll be a sham, Mister President. 
                         He'll have himself, or some crony,
                         elected.

                                   WILSON
                         No, he will not.
                             (to Bryan)
                         I want to send a special envoy,
                         from me to Huerta - is our new
                         chargé down there yet?

                                   BRYAN
                         Yes, Mister President.

                                   WILSON
                         Our envoy will tell Huerta face-to
                         face:  A free election, soon, and
                         Huerta will not be a candidate.

                                   DANIELS
                         Perhaps an interim government
                         first, Mister President.  For
                         electoral order.

                                   WILSON
                         Fine, as long as Huerta resigns.
                             (to Bryan)
                         At the same time, let's send a
                         confidential agent to Carranza, 
                         to talk things over with him.  
                         Both sides might agree to
                         elections, an interim government,
                         an end to hostilities.  Let's 
                         find out how "Constitutionalist"
                         the rebels really are.

               EXT. NATIONAL PALACE - MEXICO CITY - DAY

               ESTABLISHING SHOT of the sprawling building on the Zócalo,
               the city's central plaza. 

               INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY

               U.S. chargé Nelson is escorted to the ornate double doors 
               of the presidential office by CHUCHO RÁBAGO, 45, Huerta's
               male secretary.  TWO FEDERAL SOLDIERS stands guard.

               INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY

               Federal General VICTORIANO HUERTA, 59, of Huichol Indian
               blood, stands at the window overlooking the plaza.  Huerta
               wears his military uniform.  Rábago brings Nelson in.  

                                   RÁBAGO
                         Seńor Presidente, aqui está el chargé
                         d'affaires de los Estados Unidos. 

                                   HUERTA
                         Ah!  Mister O'Shaughnessy.  How are
                         you?

               Huerta and Nelson shake hands, Rábago leaving.

                                   NELSON
                         Fine.  It is a pleasure to meet
                         you, General Huerta.

                                   HUERTA
                         I may call you Nelson?

                                   NELSON
                         Please do.

                                   HUERTA
                         How soon, Nelson, might they name  
                         a new ambassador?  Might it be you?

                                   NELSON
                         Oh, I have no idea, sir.  We have
                         to see how things go.

                                   HUERTA
                         But for now you are the man to deal
                         with, eh?  How is my English?

                                   NELSON
                         Excellent - Your Excellency.

               Huerta laughs.  He takes Nelson by the arm.

                                   HUERTA
                         Come, let us go for a ride.

               EXT. HUERTA'S CAR - DAY

               The Pierce-Arrow Model 48 moves along a suburban road, with
               BODYGUARDS following in a Packard Touring Car.

               INT. HUERTA'S CAR - DAY

               Huerta and Nelson sit in back, Huerta's CHAUFFEUR driving.

                                   HUERTA
                         A Mexican and a Frenchman are
                         standing on the corner.  A brazen
                         woman comes by, in a light dress
                         that opens in front.  Underneath
                         she wears nothing.  A strong wind
                         lifts open her skirt.  She pulls 
                         it down and keeps going.  The
                         Frenchman says, "C'est la vie." 
                         The Mexican thinks he was speaking
                         Spanish: "Sé la ví."

                                   NELSON
                         "I know I saw it."

                                   HUERTA
                         Yes.  And the Mexican says, "I saw
                         it too."

               Huerta laughs, Nelson smiling.

               INT. EL GLOBO SALOON - NIGHT

               Huerta and Nelson drink at a table, Huerta with his back to
               the wall.  Bodyguards sit nearby.  The other PATRONS are
               working-class Mexicans, MARIACHIS SINGING.

               WAITER #1 sits down a fresh bottle.  Nelson is already drunk,
               Huerta just hitting his stride.

                                   HUERTA
                         Your wife, mi hijo.  She is with you?

                                   NELSON
                         Not yet.  She'sh on her way from
                         Vienna.

               Huerta slyly points out a couple of smiling SEŃORITAS, clearly
               available, watching them.

                                   HUERTA
                         You would like some companionship,
                         eh?

               Nelson looks at the smiling women.

                                   NELSON
                         Oh, no.  No, General.  I'm in
                         enough trouble already.

                                   HUERTA
                         You are?

               Huerta laughs.  He shakes Nelson chummily by the shoulder.

                                   HUERTA (cont'd)
                         Que macho!

               EXT. THE U.S. EMBASSY - NIGHT

               Huerta's car pulls up at the gate, where TWO MEXICAN GENDARMES
               stand guard.  Nelson gets unsteadily out of the car.

                                   HUERTA
                         Good night, mi hijo.

                                   NELSON
                         G'night, sir.

               INT. EMBASSY FOYER - NIGHT

               Embassy butler HECTOR, a 50-ish, stoical Indian, opens the
               door for Nelson, who walks drunkenly in.

                                   HECTOR
                         Are you okay, sir?

               Nelson puts an arm around Hector's shoulders.

                                   NELSON
                         Yes, yes - What was your name again?

                                   HECTOR
                         Hector, sir.

                                   NELSON
                         Hector, I feel great.  We had a
                         wunnerful time.

                                   HECTOR
                         Very good, sir.

                                   NELSON
                         I just had a little much too to drink.

                                   HECTOR
                         Very bad, sir.

                                   NELSON
                         But the gen'ral an' I get along fine.

                                   HECTOR
                         Very good.

               Moving away from Hector, Nelson half-turns, walking sideways.

                                   NELSON
                         Yep.  Things are going to be
                         straightened out around here -

               Nelson trips over a hall bench by the wall.

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         - in no time at all.

               Nelson falls to the floor.  

               Hector starts to help him up, but drunken Nelson, as if 
               ready to sleep it off, lies down on his side, trying to 
               make himself comfortable.

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         It's all right.  Just leave me here
                         till mornin'.

                                   HECTOR
                         Very good, sir.

               Hector leaves him lying on the floor.

               INT. WHITE HOUSE - THE FIRST LADY'S OFFICE - DAY

               Ellen sits at her desk, listening to social activist CHARLOTTE
               HOPKINS, mid-30's, while looking at a drawing of a simple,
               prototypal two-family house.  (The drawing is labeled SANITARY
               HOUSING COMPANY.)

               With Hopkins are two other LADIES.  Ellen's small, 50-ish
               secretary HELEN BONES is also present.

                                    HOPKINS (cont'd)
                         It's such a disgrace, Mrs. Wilson,
                         that, with this type of low-cost,
                         sanitary housing available, folks
                         live, right here in the nation's
                         capital, in alleys like Goat and
                         Willow Tree.

                                   ELLEN
                         Alleys like - ?

                                   HOPKINS
                         One of the slums I referred to.  Goat
                         and Willow Tree, Logan's Court -

                                   LADY #1
                         They're alleys, Mrs. Wilson, of 
                         dilapidated shacks, where most of 
                         the black people live.  Right in
                         sight of Capitol Hill. 

                                   ELLEN
                         I haven't been around much to notice.

                                   HOPKINS
                         Even those who know about them,
                         Mrs. Wilson, choose not to notice. 
                         But the conditions are awful.

                                   LADY #2
                         The slumlords - that's what they
                         are - could put in this type of
                         housing, if Congress would just
                         make them do it.

                                   ELLEN
                         Well I'd like to see these alleys
                         you're talking about.  Can we check
                         my calendar, Helen?

               EXT. TRAIN STATION - MEXICO CITY - NIGHT

               Nelson stands waiting as Edith steps from the train, followed
               by the embassy's Mexican chauffeur JESÚS with luggage.

               As Nelson kisses her, Edith turns her head slightly, so that
               the kiss is a peck on the cheek.

                                   NELSON
                         Welcome to Mexico City.

               INT. U.S. EMBASSY - DINING ROOM - NIGHT 

               Nelson and Edith finish a light meal.  Mexican MAID #1 attends.  

                                   NELSON
                         Louis is the embassy first clerk
                         and legal advisor.  You'll meet him
                         tomorrow.

               Edith declines more coffee from the maid.  After a moment,

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         Would you like a grand tour of the
                         embassy?

                                   EDITH
                         I'm kind of tired after riding
                         that train all day.  Think I'd
                         like to turn in.

               INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT

               Nelson and Edith stop at the door of a room.  A trunk and two
               suitcases sit in the hallway.

                                   NELSON
                         I wasn't sure about your clothes,
                         so I told Hector to leave them out
                         here till I knew where you want to
                         sleep.  This is the master bedroom.

               A beat.  Nelson gestures down the hall.

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         There are two other bedrooms close
                         by, across from each other.

                                   EDITH
                         I'd like my own room for now, if
                         that's all right.

               Nelson picks up one of the suitcases and follows her down 
               the hall.

                                   NELSON
                         Suit yourself, Edith.  How long do
                         you think you might want it?

                                   EDITH
                         I don't know, Nelson.

                                   NELSON
                         Let me know when you do.

                                   EDITH
                         I will.

               Edith starts to enter an open bedroom door.

                                   NELSON
                         Edith, wait . . . You take the
                         master bedroom, and I'll take 
                         this one.

                                   EDITH
                         No, I'd rather you keep it.

                                   NELSON
                         No, then you take this room, and
                         I'll take the one over here and -

                                   EDITH
                         Whatever you want to do, Nelson. 
                         I'm tired.

               Nelson follows her into:

               INT. EDITH'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

               Looking the room over, Edith moves to a dresser.  Nelson puts
               the suitcase on the bed.

                                   NELSON
                         I'll have 'em bring in the rest.
                             (then)
                         Tomorrow's Chinese Independence
                         Day.

                                   EDITH
                         Thanks for reminding me.

               Edith sits down at the dresser.  She looks tiredly at her
               reflection.  Nelson walks over.

                                   NELSON
                         There'll be a big reception at
                         the Chinese legation.  You'll
                         get to meet a lot of people.
                         You might even meet Huerta.

               Nelson puts a hand on her shoulder and kisses the top of her
               head.

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         Good night, dear.

                                   EDITH
                         Good night.

               Nelson starts to go.

                                   EDITH (cont'd)
                         Nelson . . .

               Nelson stops and turns.

                                   EDITH (cont'd)
                         I still haven't decided.  About 
                         Philadelphia.  You have an
                         important job to do.  I'm here 
                         for appearance's sake.

                                   NELSON
                             (beat)
                         I appreciate that.

               Nelson leaves.  Edith looks in the mirror and sighs.

               EXT. CHINESE LEGATION - MEXICO CITY - DAY

               Diplomatic GUESTS arrive.

               INT. A SALON - DAY

               At the reception, Chinese legate CH'AN and MRS. CH'AN greet
               Nelson and Edith, among arriving GUESTS.

                                   CH'AN
                         Mister O'Shaughnessy.

                                   NELSON
                         May I present my wife Edith.
                             (to Edith)
                         Mister and Mrs. Ch'an.

                                   CH'AN
                         So pleased to meet you.

                                   MRS. CH'AN
                         Welcome to Mexico.

                                   EDITH
                         Happy Independence Day.

               INT. THE SALON - DAY (LATER)

               Nelson chats with British LORD CARDEN, 65, and a FRENCH
               DIPLOMAT, 40.

                                   LORD CARDEN
                         Do you really believe Huerta can 
                         survive this renewed civil war
                         without your government's
                         recognition?

                                   NELSON 
                         President Wilson is not going to
                         recognize Huerta.

                                   FRENCH DIPLOMAT
                         But governments are recognized as
                         existing or not existing -

               A 50-ish GERMAN DIPLOMAT hurries in.

                                   GERMAN 
                         Where is the American chargé?

                                   NELSON
                         Over here.

               Edith, listening with other ladies to LADY CARDEN, 60, notices
               Nelson and others across the room listening with concern to
               the German.

                                   LADY CARDEN
                         Personally I think Mexico needs 
                         a strong hand like Huerta's.  We
                         can see that this country is not
                         ready for democracy.

               Edith sees Nelson heading toward her.

                                   EDITH
                             (to a lady beside her)
                         Excuse me.

               Edith moves toward Nelson.

                                   LADY CARDEN
                         The general may have his faults,
                         but who else is there?

               Nelson and Edith meet.

                                   NELSON
                         I've got to get back to the embassy.

                                   EDITH
                         What's wrong?

                                   NELSON
                         Huerta just dissolved the Congress.
                         Not only that, he arrested some of
                         the deputies.  One hundred and ten
                         of them.  

                                   EDITH
                         Deputies?

                                   NELSON
                         Representatives.  The Chamber of
                         Deputies.  You stay here. I want
                         everyone to meet you.

                                   EDITH
                         Nelson, what's going to happen to
                         all those arrested?

                                   NELSON
                         Nothing if I can help it.  
                             (then)
                         Wait till Washington hears about
                         this.

               EXT. WHITE HOUSE - DAY

               Wilson daughter Jessie, 25, and 30-ish FRANCIS SAYRE, just
               married, head happily for a waiting car and their honeymoon.

               Wilson, Ellen, oldest daughter Margaret, and the rest of the
               WEDDING GUESTS see the couple off.  

               Treasury secretary McAdoo stands by pretty Nellie.  They
               share a smile.

               As the car drives off, Wilson's secretary JOE TUMULTY, a
               short man about 40, appears at Wilson's side.

                                   TUMULTY
                             (whispering to Wilson)
                         Huerta just dissolved the Mexican
                         Congress.  Over one hundred members
                         arrested.

               Ellen notes Wilson's change of expression.

                                   ELLEN
                         What is it, dear?

                                   WILSON
                         Victoriano Huerta.

               INT. THE EMBASSY - NIGHT

               Nelson paces as he speaks on the phone.  An EMBASSY CLERK
               types a dispatch.

                                   NELSON
                             (into phone)
                         Mister Moheno, it is imperative
                         that I see General Huerta without
                         further delay.  Where is he? . . .
                         Then you and I have to find him.  

               EXT. A SALOON - NIGHT

               Mariachi music from within.  A Packard Touring car sits in
               front.  

               INT. THE CAR - NIGHT

               Nelson sits impatiently in the back seat, MOHENO'S CHAUFFEUR
               in front.

               Portly, 40-ish foreign minister QUERIDO MOHENO gets in beside
               Nelson.

                                   MOHENO
                         They have not seen General Huerta.

                                   NELSON
                         Okay, let's try El Globo.

               INT. EL GLOBO SALOON - NIGHT

               General Huerta sits at a table with his back to the wall, a
               glass and bottle of cognac before him.

               Enjoying himself, Huerta sings along with the MARIACHI BAND
               on a catchy traditional tune.  BODYGUARDS #1 and #2 sit
               nearby.  Other PATRONS are working-class Mexicans.

               Huerta sees Nelson and Moheno enter.  Huerta motions them
               over to his table.

                                   HUERTA
                         Mi hijo!

               Nelson sits down beside Huerta, who gives him a one-arm
               abrazo.  Moheno also sits down.

                                   HUERTA (cont'd)
                         Cómo te va, amigo?

                                   NELSON
                         Bien, mi General. 

               Huerta picks up the bottle.

                                   HUERTA
                         Una copita?

               Huerta chummily nudges Nelson.

                                   HUERTA (cont'd)
                         We speak in English, eh?  So these
                         peónes, they don't understand.

               Huerta laughs.  WAITER #2 sets down glasses for Nelson and
               Moheno.  Nelson, a bit nervous, has to speak rather loudly 
               as the mariachis strike up another tune,

                                   NELSON
                         I am here in my capacity as
                         American chargé, about your
                         dissolution of Congress and -

               The mariachis sing loudly, frustrating Nelson.

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         General, could we talk someplace
                         where -

                                   HUERTA
                         Of course, mi hijo.  Come, we go
                         outside.

               EXT. PATIO - NIGHT

               Huerta and Nelson come out of the saloon.  They are followed
               by Bodyguards #1 and #2.

                                   HUERTA
                         Has your wife arrived, mi hijo?

                                   NELSON
                         Yesterday.

                                   HUERTA
                         Ah!  I look forward to meeting her.

               Huerta lights a black cigarette.

                                   HUERTA (cont'd)
                         Do you bring some word from your
                         government?

                                   NELSON
                         No, General, I've come here on 
                         my own.  I'm sure Washington hasn't
                         had time to - digest the news. 

               Huerta laughs.

                                   HUERTA
                         Let us hope, mi hijo, there will 
                         be not too much indigestion.

                                   NELSON
                         General, are the arrested members
                         of the Chamber of Deputies safe?

                                   HUERTA
                         Yes.  They are in safekeeping.

                                   NELSON
                         All one hundred and ten?

                                   HUERTA
                         Ever how many there were.

                                   NELSON
                         Might they be released?

                                   HUERTA
                         Oh, that is not possible.  Not yet. 
                         But safe, yes, they will not be
                         harmed.

                                   NELSON
                         What about members of the Senate,
                         sir?

                                   HUERTA
                         Were there any senators arrested?

                                   NELSON
                         Not that I know of.

                                   HUERTA
                         Not that I know of either.  The
                         Senate is dissolved, that is all.

                                   NELSON
                         The arrested deputies, I have your
                         guarantee of their safety?

                                   HUERTA
                         You have it.  You must tell His
                         Excellency Mister President Wilson. 
                         He has my word.  We will drink on it. 

               Huerta gestures for a bodyguard to fetch the liquor.

                                   NELSON
                         I'm sure you realize, General,
                         there's bound to be strong words
                         from Washington.

                                   HUERTA
                         It cannot be helped.  Every day
                         those deputies would speak out
                         against me, defying me, while I 
                         am trying to hold things together.

                                   NELSON
                         In the eyes of the President, the
                         action you've taken - 

                                   HUERTA
                         Something had to done!  I am
                         fighting Carranza and Villa in 
                         the north, I am fighting Zapata 
                         in the south!  I have to fight 
                         my own Congress here in Mexico
                         City?  And the United States too?
                             (beat)
                         You must forgive me.  These
                         problems, they are none of your
                         doing.  You only say what you must.

               Bodyguard #1 sets the bottle of cognac and two glasses on a
               table.  Huerta and Nelson sit down.

                                   HUERTA (cont'd)
                         His Excellency President Wilson is
                         a hard man to deal with.

                                   NELSON
                         He says the same of you. 

               Huerta pours drinks.

                                   HUERTA
                         You must reassure His Excellency.
                         There will be elections, as I 
                         have said.  And I will not be 
                         a candidate, that I have said.  
                         But first, I must deal with 
                         these rebels - these so-called 
                         Constitutionalists.

                                   NELSON
                         He's tired of waiting, General.

                                   HUERTA
                         He does not understand the situation.

                                   NELSON
                         That may be true.  But we're not
                         going to change his thinking.  He
                         has strong feelings, as you know,
                         about democracy and law.

                                   HUERTA
                         That is good.  But there is war
                         here.  His Excellency should
                         remember the words of Napoleon
                         Bonaparte:  "He who saves his
                         country has broken no law."  I 
                         am going to save this country. 
                         I am going to restore peace to
                         my people, whatever the cost.

               Huerta gestures a toast.

                                   HUERTA (cont'd)
                         Salud.

                                   NELSON
                         Salud.

               They drink.  Nelson coughs.

                                   HUERTA
                         Mexico, mi hijo, is like the 
                         snake.  Its life is in its head.

               Huerta taps his temple.

                                   HUERTA (cont'd)
                         I am the head of Mexico.  For now
                         there is no other government.  His
                         Excellency Mister President Wilson
                         has to understand that.

               INT. EMBASSY - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT 

               Nelson, about to enter the master bedroom, sees Edith, in
               nightgown and robe, step out of her bedroom door.

                                   EDITH
                         Did you see Huerta?

                                   NELSON
                         Yes.

                                   EDITH
                         What did he say?

                                   NELSON
                         The deputies are safe.

                                   EDITH
                         Where are they?

               Nelson, looking tired and irritated, says nothing.

                                   EDITH (cont'd)
                         You don't know?  Then how do you
                         know they're safe?  You have to
                         secure their release, Nelson.

                                   NELSON
                         How the hell am I going to do that?

               Edith turns to go back in her bedroom.

                                   EDITH
                         Sleep on it.

                                   NELSON
                         Hell, for all I know Wilson is
                         already -

               The bedroom door slams shut.  Nelson goes to the door and
               furiously shouts at it,

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         - already sending in the troops!

               INTERCUT: INT. EDITH'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

               Edith listens, standing with her back to the door.

                                    NELSON (cont'd)
                         In which case I'll be strung up
                         tomorrow on a lamp post!  While 
                         I'm hanging there, it would be 
                         nice to know that you cared!

               END INTERCUT, STAY with Nelson heads for his room.

               EXT. TRAIN STATION - MEXICO CITY - DAY

               Nelson meets special envoy JOHN LIND, a tall, 40-ish
               Minnesotan, as he gets off the train.

                                   NELSON
                         Mister Lind?  Nelson O'Shaughnessy. 

               They shake hands.

                                   LIND
                         Mister O'Shaughnessy.  I bring 
                         the regards of the President 
                         and Secretary Bryan.

                                   NELSON
                         Thank you.  Welcome to Mexico City. 

               Embassy chauffeur Jesús takes the luggage.  The three start
               walking.

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         Sleep well on the train?

                                   LIND
                         Fitfully.

                                   NELSON
                         See much of Veracruz?

                                   LIND
                         All I cared to see.  It's hot 
                         as hell there.

                                   NELSON
                         Well, I'll be glad to show you
                         Mexico City.  How's your Spanish?

                                   LIND
                         "No agua."  That's it.  No water
                         unless it's boiled.

               INT. EMBASSY CAR - DAY

               Nelson and Lind sit in a Pierce Arrow, Jesús driving.

                                   LIND
                         I'll be frank with you, Nelson.  I
                         didn't want this job - I don't know
                         why he named me special envoy - but
                         I'm here to lay the cards on the
                         table.  Either Huerta resigns or
                         the United States will find a way
                         to force him out.  Those are the
                         President's words.

                                   NELSON
                         Not to be conveyed that bluntly, I
                         hope.

                                   LIND
                         Emphasis on the virtues of resignation,
                         and our willingness to help negotiate
                         an interim government.

                                   NELSON
                         He's not going to buy it.

                                   LIND
                         When we see him, do you think he'll
                         be sober?  I'm told he virtually
                         subsists on alcohol.

                                   NELSON
                         An exaggeration.  Let's just say
                         he's hard to get with sometimes
                         unless you're willing to turn a cup
                         or two.  Or ride in his motor car.

                                   LIND
                         "Ride in his motor car"?

                                   NELSON
                         He's like a child with a new toy.

                                   LIND
                         You get along well with the general?

                                   NELSON
                         He's always very cordial.  Even
                         calls me his "hijo."  That's "son" 
                         in Spanish.

               EXT. GOVERNOR'S PALACE - COAHUILA, MEXICO - NIGHT

               ESTABLISHING SHOT.  An office window is lit.  SUPERIMPOSE:

                             CARRANZA'S HEADQUARTERS
                                COAHUILA, MEXICO

               INT. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE - NIGHT

               Governor VENUSTIANO CARRANZA, 53, sits behind his desk, with
               American agent WILLIAM BAYARD HALE, 40-ish, sitting in front.

               Carranza has tinted spectacles, a pointed white moustache,
               and a white six-inch beard, which he habitually strokes.

               He wears the gray, brass-buttoned tunic of his self-styled
               "Constitutionalist First Chief" uniform.

                                   CARRANZA
                         You do not understand, Mister Hale.
                         To begin with, I dislike being
                         called a rebel.  I am First Chief
                         of the Constitutionalist forces.  The 
                         rebels are in Mexico City - those who
                         have taken power for themselves,
                         against the will of the people.

                                   HALE
                         Yes, Governor Carranza.

                                   CARRANZA
                         Secondly, this is a Mexican quarrel,
                         and must be settled by the Mexican
                         people, or else it will never be
                         settled.  We would not wish Mister
                         Wilson to intervene on our side,
                         any more than on the side of
                         Huerta.  Furthermore, we reject 
                         the idea of an interim government. 
                         Our objective is military victory
                         over General Huerta.  Only then 
                         can there be free elections.  Now
                         Mister Wilson wishes to help us?

                                   HALE
                         Yes.  For the cause of democracy.
                         What do you need?

                                   CARRANZA
                         It is simple.  Lift the embargo on
                         arms into Mexico.  Mister Wilson's
                         embargo on arms hinders our ability
                         to wage war against Huerta.

               INT. MOHENO'S OFFICE - MEXICO CITY -  DAY

               Moheno sits behind his desk, Lind and Nelson in front of it.

                                   LIND
                         You mean I can't even see him?

                                   MOHENO
                         These demands, these conditions you
                         bring, are rejected out of hand. 
                         If you wish to discuss other
                         matters, General Huerta will be
                         glad to receive you - as always he
                         receives our friend the chargé - 
                         if and when you come bearing the
                         official credentials of ambassador.

               EXT. AN ALLEY OF SHACKS - WASHINGTON - DAY

               Ellen and SENATORS GALE and BURKE walk back toward a White
               House car, parked at the entrance of the narrow, shack-lined
               dirt street.  

               SECRET SERVICE AGENTS #1 and #2 walk with them.  

               Ragged black CHILDREN play in the street, in which sewage
               runs.  A few humbly clad ADULT RESIDENTS watch the visitors
               or move about.

                                   ELLEN
                         What do you think, Senators?

                                   GALE
                         Well you have to remember, Mrs.
                         Wilson, this can be kind of a
                         touchy subject.  After all, the
                         best thing for the black people, 
                         as well as the whites, is separate
                         but equal.

                                   ELLEN
                         These alleys are separate, Senator,
                         but would you call them equal?

                                   GALE
                         Well that's -

                                   BURKE
                         On the subject of slums, ma'am,
                         it's up to the people who own 
                         'em to do something about the
                         conditions.

                                   ELLEN
                         Isn't that what we're talking 
                         about?  A law to make them put up
                         houses here like I showed you, for
                         these folks to live in.

                                   GALE
                         And I'll be glad to work with you
                         on that.  Senator Burke and I both
                         will.  I'm just saying, ma'am, that
                         issues of color must be handled
                         with sensitivity.

               INT. WHITE HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY

               Wilson and Edith eat lunch together, MAID #2 attending.

                                   WILSON
                         They think the fact that we built
                         the Panama Canal gives us the right
                         to pay lower tolls.

                                   ELLEN
                         Well, it's an international waterway.
                         We should pay as much as everyone
                         else.

                                   WILSON
                         Exactly.  I wish everything was
                         that simple.

                                   ELLEN
                         So do I.  Try getting an alley bill
                         passed.

                                   WILSON
                         In Mexico our friend General Huerta
                         has refused to see our envoy. 
                         Won't let him in the door.  I've
                         given Lind permission to terminate
                         his mission.

                                   ELLEN
                         You're a poet. 

                                   WILSON
                         What should I do now?

                                   ELLEN
                         I hope you're not thinking of armed
                         intervention.

                                   WILSON
                         No, I am not.  It would be an easy
                         thing for me to declare war against
                         a country like Mexico.  I wouldn't
                         have to do the fighting.  Neither
                         would those on the hill, or those
                         in my cabinet, clamoring for war,
                         to protect our material interests
                         down there.

                                   ELLEN
                         I'm glad you feel that way.

                                   WILSON
                         We'd send some poor farmers' sons
                         to do the fighting and dying.  But
                         me?  Why, I'd be applauded, my
                         administration would be judged a
                         success.

                                   ELLEN
                         I know what you mean, dear.

                                   HUERTA
                         Huerta is trying my patience, but I
                         will not go to war against Mexico
                         till I have exhausted every means
                         to avoid it.

                                   ELLEN
                         Calm down, dear.  You sound like
                         you're exhausting your patience.

               INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY

               Wilson meets with Lind, Bryan, Hale, and advisor House.

                                   HALE
                         I was fairly impressed with 
                         Carranza, Mister President. 
                         He's a politician, not a military
                         man, but he's got some good
                         soldiers under him.  Obregón, 
                         Pablo González, Pancho Villa.  
                         With Carranza's men pushing south,
                         and Zapata's men pushing north,
                         they just might rid us of Huerta.

                                   WILSON
                         And then what?  Secretary Garrison
                         tells me there will be a bloodbath
                         in Mexico City.

                                   HALE
                         I don't see many options, Mister
                         President, if you rule out armed
                         intervention.  They've ruled out an
                         interim government.  We just have
                         to hope the Constitutionalists will
                         live up to their name.  Carranza
                         does make one request.  Lift the
                         embargo on arms into Mexico.

                                   LIND
                         I second that motion, Mister
                         President.

                                   BRYAN
                         But, gentlemen, lifting the arms
                         embargo would leave no semblance of
                         neutrality.

                                   HOUSE
                         Why not?  We'd be letting 'em fight
                         it out.  Just so they end up with
                         free elections.

                                   WILSON
                         What does O'Shaughnessy think of
                         all this?  Do we know?

                                   LIND
                         Mister President, I hope you won't
                         think I'm trying to question the
                         loyalty of Mister O'Shaughnessy. 
                         I'm sure the chargé is just as
                         loyal as the next man.  But from
                         what I gathered in Mexico City, he
                         and Huerta seem to have developed 
                         a simpatico relationship.  It's 
                         my feeling that if you receive 
                         a suggestion or recommendation 
                         from the embassy, you may want 
                         to consider its possible source.

                                   WILSON
                         Meaning Huerta himself.

                                   BRYAN
                         Perhaps O'Shaughnessy should be
                         instructed to be less familiar with
                         the general.

                                   LIND
                         O'Shaughnessy allows himself to 
                         be seen riding around in Huerta's
                         car - even having drinks with him
                         in disreputable saloons.

                                   BRYAN
                         O'Shaughnessy shall be given
                         instructions!

                                   LIND
                         Huerta even calls him his "hijo."
                         That's "son" in Spanish.

                                   BRYAN
                         Perhaps we made a wrong choice.

                                   WILSON
                         Forget O'Shaughnessy for now.
                         Something has to be done about
                         Huerta.

                                   HOUSE
                         I say lift the embargo, Mister
                         President.  Civil war is not a good
                         way to settle things, but it looks
                         like that's how it is. 

               INT. THE EMBASSY - DAY

               Nelson seems stunned by a dispatch in his hand.  With him is
               the embassy's half-Mexican first clerk LOUIS D'ANTIN, 40.

                                   NELSON
                         They've lifted the embargo on arms.

                                   D'ANTIN
                         As soon as Huerta finds out, he
                         will come here, to take you for 
                         a ride.

                                   NELSON
                         That doesn't sound very good.




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