Copyright 1983, 2009 by Ronald L. Ecker
All Rights Reserved
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.
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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.
Go to Part TwoBack to beginning of script