Copyright 1983, 2011 by Ronald L. Ecker
All Rights Reserved
Log line:
President Woodrow Wilson orders an invasion of Veracruz, Mexico, during the Mexican Revolution.
This online version has been divided into four Web pages.
FADE IN:
EXT. HOME OF THE WILSONS - 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 agents are on duty.
INT. UPSTAIRS SITTING ROOM - DAY
WOODROW WILSON, 56, has coffee with his Georgian wife ELLEN,
55, and Wilson's diminutive advisor, Texan "Colonel" EDWARD
HOUSE, 53.
They laugh 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
go greet him.
House rises and heads for the door.
ELLEN
Thank you, Colonel.
Ellen rises. Wilson watches her admiringly as she takes
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
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. 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 walks over to Wilson.
BRYAN
Then I accept.
Wilson and Bryan shake hands.
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, once I've taken that oath,
is going to be Mexico.
Bryan sits down again as Wilson paces.
WILSON
As I said during my campaign, we're
going to foster democracy in Latin
America. And no one like this
General Huerta is going to stop us.
BRYAN
Are you considering armed
intervention?
WILSON
No, the United States is through
being the bully on the block.
We're going to handle this thing
diplomatically.
(with frustration)
Madero was that country's first
democratically elected president in
forty years. Now this. Was that
revolution fought for nothing?
HOUSE
No, it gave them democracy for a
while. But now, with a military
coup, it'll have to be fought all
over again.
BRYAN
Do we know where Madero is now?
Have them shot him already?
HOUSE
No, the last we heard he is safe.
Under house arrest in the palace.
EXT. PRISON - NIGHT
A Packard Touring Car stops at a shadowy, closed rear entrance
of the prison.
SUPERIMPOSE: "LECUMBERRI PRISON, MEXICO CITY."
INT. 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.
The Rurale gets out and stands by the open door. The
dialogue is in Spanish (English subtitles),
MAJOR
Here we are, Mister Madero. You will
be safe here for now. Get out.
MADERO
Aren't we going to be driven in,
Major?
MAJOR
No, that man is going to escort you.
Get out.
Madero hesitates, then starts getting out.
The Major draws his pistol. Aiming it at the back of
Madero's head, the Major FIRES the pistol.
EXT. CAR - NIGHT
Madero falls to the ground. He is SHOT again by Rurale #1.
INT. CAR - NIGHT
RURALES #1 and #2 in the front seat look at each other.
Behind the wheel, Rurale #2 takes a quick look out at the
body on the ground. The Major watches him.
MAJOR
That's what he gets for trying to
escape. The fool. He deserved
to be shot.
Rurales #2 and #3 look straight ahead.
MAJOR
(to Rurale #1)
Have his body taken inside.
Rurale #1 closes the car door and heads for the prison's rear
entrance.
MAJOR
(to Rurale #2)
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."
ELLEN
Jessie and Frank want to get
married in the White House.
(waits for response)
Woodrow...
Wilson looks at a picture, accompanying the article,
captioned "Provisional President Victoriano Huerta."
WILSON
Sorry, dear.
ELLEN
Jessie and Frank want a White
House wedding.
Wilson 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. What's bothering
you, Woodrow?
Wilson glances down again at the picture.
WILSON
Victoriano Huerta.
INT. NICE APARTMENT - NIGHT
Attractive EDITH O'SHAUGHNESSY, 35, reads a book by the fire.
She looks grim, her mind perhaps not on the book.
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
I'm being transferred to Mexico.
Edith lowers her book and looks off with disgust.
NELSON
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
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
How many times do I have to say
I'm sorry?
A pause, Edith's eyes on her book.
EDITH
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. MEXICO CITY - NATIONAL PALACE - DAY
A view of the sprawling palace 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 stand 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
Señor 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.
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 sing.
A waiter sets 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 señoritas,
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
Que macho!
EXT. U.S. EMBASSY - NIGHT
Huerta's Pierce-Arrow Model 48, Huerta's chauffeur driving,
pulls up at the gate, where two Mexican soldiers 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
-- 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
It's all right. Just leave me here
till mornin'.
HECTOR
Very good, sir.
Hector leaves him lying on the floor.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - 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
It's civil war, Mister President.
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.
Secretary of War Garrison gestures with disdain.
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 seems almost beside himself.
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. Nelson
O'Shaughnessy.
WILSON
Good, but I want a special envoy
to get General Huerta's attention.
Someone impressive. Make me a list
to choose from, Will.
BRYAN
Right away, sir.
WILSON
At the same time, let's send a
confidential agent to Carranza, to
talk things over with him. Let's
find out how "Constitutionalist"
the rebels really are.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - FIRST LADY'S OFFICE - DAY
Ellen sits at her desk, listening to social activist CHARLOTTE
HOPKINS, mid-30s, 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
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.
This all seems new to Ellen.
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?
INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY
Wilson paces while Bryan, House, and JOHN LIND, a tall, 40
ish Minnesotan, sits listening.
WILSON
Your instructions as special envoy,
John, are simple. You are to
personally urge General Huerta to
hold free elections.
In which he will not be a
candidate. He should step down in
favor of an interim government,
with power then transferred to the
republic's new president, duly
elected, whoever that shall be.
Wilson stops pacing and looks at Lind.
WILSON
Let Huerta know, without stating
it explicitly, that unless he
complies, we will find a way to
remove him. I don't mean their
way. Not by violence. But we'll
find a way. We're going to give
those people the democracy they
fought for.
EXT. MEXICO CITY TRAIN STATION - 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. A Mexican maid 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
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 know where you want to
sleep. This is the master bedroom.
A beat. Nelson gestures down the hall.
NELSON
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
(exasperated)
Whatever you want to do, Nelson.
I'm tired.
INT. EDITH'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Edith and Nelson enter. 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
Good night, dear.
EDITH
Good night.
Nelson starts to go.
EDITH
Nelson...
Nelson stops and turns.
EDITH
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. ALLEY OF SHACKS (WASHINGTON) - DAY
PATRICE, a humbly clothed, 30-ish black woman, stands holding
a small child in her arms.
She calmly watches Ellen and Ms. Hopkins come walking along
the alley, with SERVICE AGENTS #1 and #2 a few steps behind
them. It's a mild day.
Ragged black children play in the narrow, shack-lined dirt
street, in which sewage runs. A few black adults move about.
Ellen and Hopkins stop in front of Patrice's shack.
HOPKINS
Hello, Patrice.
PATRICE
Ms. Hopkins, how are you?
HOPKINS
Fine. I want you to meet Mrs.
Wilson. She's --
Ellen tactfully cuts Hopkins off,
ELLEN
(to Patrice)
You can call me Ellen.
Patrice, glancing curiously at the Service agents, clearly
doesn't recognize Ellen.
PATRICE
Pleased to meet you, Miss Ellen.
ELLEN
Is this your only child?
PATRICE
No, ma'am, we have four. This is
the youngest.
ELLEN
You could use a better place for
them, couldn't you.
PATRICE
We sure could. Everyone could.
Everyone here works hard, those
with jobs. But this is what we
come home to. You know we can't
get a place nowhere else.
ELLEN
Well, maybe we can get something
done here.
PATRICE
(chuckles)
Excuse me for laughin', Miss Ellen.
I sure hope you know the right
folks.
It would take the president himself
to get something done about this
place.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - WILSON BEDROOM - NIGHT
Ellen is already in bed as Wilson, in pajamas, sits down on
the edge of the bed to tiredly take off his slippers.
WILSON
"The president"? Hah. You need to
talk to the Congress, lady.
They've got all the money.
Wilson lies down.
ELLEN
Okay, I will. I'll take a couple
of senators down there to Goat and
Willow Tree. I'll take a whole
committee.
A pause. Wilson looks pensive, staring up at the ceiling, as
Edith regards him.
ELLEN
You ought to see those places,
Woodrow.
WILSON
Ellen, I've got enough on my mind.
ELLEN
Pardon me?
WILSON
Ellen, for Pete's sake, I talk
about democracy in Latin America,
and we've got a butcher next door
running Mexico. What should I do?
ELLEN
You're asking me? Honey, "I've got
enough on my mind."
Wilson gives her a look. He sighs.
WILSON
(half-seriously)
President Taft was right. This is
the loneliest place in the world.
Ellen smiles at him.
ELLEN
You've got your little project, and
I've got mine.
INT. CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES (MEXICO CITY) - DAY
At the podium, Congressional Deputy JORGE VERA ESTAÑOL, 45,
rails to his COLLEAGUES in session (about 200 in all).
Dialogue is in Spanish with English subtitles.
ESTAÑOL
And what has General Huerta
had to say of the mysterious
disappearance, two nights ago,
of our esteemed colleague, the
Honorable Belisario Domínquez?
Not a word! And who among us
will be next?
The chamber doors suddenly open. Federal General AURELIANO
BLANQUET, 60-ish, comes in with armed federal soldiers. The
general is followed by the MEXICO CITY POLICE CHIEF.
There is stunned silence as Blanquet strides down the aisle,
the Chief close behind him, to stand before the podium.
BLANQUET
(to Estañol)
What is your name?
ESTAÑOL
Jorge Vera Estañol.
BLANQUET
(to Chief)
Is he on the list?
The Police Chief checks a long list of names.
CHIEF
Yes.
BLANQUET
(to Estañol)
You are under arrest.
Deputies angrily protest.
BLANQUET
This Congress is dissolved, by
order of General Victoriano Huerta,
Provisional President of the
Republic!
(to Police Chief)
Read off the names.
INT. CHINESE LEGATION (MEXICO CITY) - SALON - DAY
The Chinese legate and his wife greet guests at a reception.
The half-Mexican LOUIS D'ANTIN, 40, hurries into the salon.
Anxiously looking around, he spots Nelson chatting with two
male guests, and quickly goes to him.
Edith is with a group of ladies listening to a pontificating
BRITISH LADY, 60.
BRITISH LADY
Personally I think Mexico needs a
strong hand like Huerta's. We know
he has his faults, but who else is
there?
During this, Edith notices Nelson listen with concern to
D'Antin. Nelson looks around for Edith. She leaves the
ladies and meets Nelson as he walks over to her.
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.
(beat; with dread)
Wait till Washington hears about
this.
Nelson turns to go with D'Antin.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY
Wilson and Ellen eat lunch together, a maid attending.
WILSON
They think the fact that we built
the Panama Canal gives us the right
to pay lower tolls.
ELLEN
It's an international waterway. We
should pay as much as everyone
else.
WILSON
Exactly. I wish everything was
that simple.
Wilson's secretary JOE TUMULTY, a short man about 40, steps
to the table to hand Wilson a dispatch.
TUMULTY
Excuse me, Mister President.
Tumulty lingers uncertainly for a moment, then leaves, as
Wilson reads the dispatch.
Wilson closes his eyes and sighs. Ellen looks at him
quizzically.
ELLEN
What is it, dear?
WILSON
(beat)
Victoriano Huerta.
INT. EMBASSY - NELSON'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Nelson paces as he speaks on the phone. An EMBASSY CLERK
sits waiting with a notepad.
NELSON
(into phone)
Mister Moheno, it is imperative
that I see General Huerta without
further delay. Where is he?
(listens)
Then you and I have to find him.
EXT. SALOON - NIGHT
MARIACHI MUSIC from within. A Packard Touring Car sits in
front.
INT. CAR - NIGHT
Nelson sits 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. Two bodyguards 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
Cómo te va, amigo?
NELSON
Bien, mi General.
Huerta picks up the bottle.
HUERTA
Una copita?
Huerta chummily nudges Nelson.
HUERTA
We speak in English, eh? So these
peónes, they don't understand.
Huerta laughs. A waiter 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
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 the two bodyguards.
HUERTA
Has your wife arrived, mi hijo?
NELSON
Yesterday.
HUERTA
Ah! I look forward to meeting her.
Huerta lights a black cigarette.
HUERTA
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 looks surprised.
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
(angrily)
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?
(pause; calming down)
You must forgive me. These
problems, they are none of your
doing. You only say what you must.
A bodyguard sets the bottle of cognac and two glasses on a
table. Huerta and Nelson sit down.
HUERTA
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.
(gestures toast)
Salud.
NELSON
Salud.
They drink. Nelson coughs from the liquor.
HUERTA
Mexico, mi hijo, is like the
snake. Its life is in its head.
(taps his temple)
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
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 resentfully 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
-- already sending in the troops!
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. EDITH'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Edith listens, standing with her back to the door.
NELSON
In which case I'll be strung up
tomorrow on a lamp post!
(starts to go, then)
While I'm hanging there, it would
be nice to know that you cared!
Nelson heads for his room.
EXT. TRAIN STATION (MEXICO CITY) - DAY
Nelson meets special envoy Lind 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
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 - MOVING - DAY
Nelson and Lind sit in a Pierce-Arrow, Jesús driving.
LIND
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.
LIND
(half-seriously)
Well I hope we won't have to meet
with him in a cantina somewhere.
NELSON
(chuckles)
Frankly I wouldn't be surprised.
Lind stares incredulously at Nelson, who seems to wish he
hadn't said that.
INT. FOREIGN MINISTER'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
I have conveyed your position to
His Excellency. The demands you
bring are rejected out of hand. If
you wish to discuss other matters,
he 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.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Wilson, upset, dines with Ellen and daughters JESSIE, 25, and
Nellie. A maid attends.
WILSON
He refuses to see our envoy. Won't
let John Lind in the door. I've
given Lind permission to terminate
his mission.
ELLEN
You're a poet.
WILSON
What do you think I should do?
ELLEN
I hope you're not thinking of using
armed force.
Wilson becomes agitated.
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, who are clamoring
for war, to protect our material
interests down there.
ELLEN
I'm glad you feel that way.
WILSON
(bitterly)
Here's what we would do. We would
send some poor farmers' sons down
there to do the fighting and dying.
But me? Why, I'd be applauded, my
administration would be judged a
success.
ELLEN
We know what you mean, dear.
NELLIE
Don't get so upset, Father. You'll
have indigestion.
Wilson sighs.
WILSON
I'm sorry. I shouldn't bring these
problems to the dinner table.
ELLEN
We all have problems, dear. Try
getting an alley bill passed.
WILSON
But Huerta is trying my patience.
JESSIE
Can we talk about my wedding now?
WILSON
I will not go to war against Mexico
till I have exhausted every means
to avoid it.
EXT. ALLEY (GOAT AND WILLOW TREE) - DAY
Ellen and 50-ish SENATORS GALE and BURKE return to a White
House car, parked at the alley entrance.
Secret Service Agents #1 and #2 stand by. Black residents
watch in b.g.
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.
They stop by the car. Ellen gestures back toward the shacks.
ELLEN
These alleys are separate, Senator,
but would you call them equal?
GALE
Well --
BURKE
On the subject of slums, ma'am,
it's up to the people who own 'em
to do something about the
conditions.
Secret Service Agent #1 opens the car door for her, but Ellen
doesn't get in. As Gale and Burke walk around to the other
side of the car,
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.
As Burke gets in the back seat,
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.
Ellen sighs, looking irritated, as Gale gets in the back seat
next to Burke.
Ellen starts to get in the back seat, then stops, bending
forward slightly. She braces herself with a hand against the
door frame.
Secret Service Agent #1 takes hold of her arm with concern.
SECRET SERVICE AGENT #1
Are you all right, Mrs. Wilson?
ELLEN
Yes, I... just felt a little
light-headed.
Ellen gets into the car.
Secret Service Agent #1 looks vaguely concerned as he closes
the car door.
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