INT. WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT
The light is still burning in the window of:
INT. THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Bryan reads a dispatch to Wilson and adviser House.
BRYAN
"I have never heard the old Indian
speak more eloquently. I believe
he -- "
WILSON
"The old Indian"?
(with disgust)
John Lind was certainly right about
O'Shaughnessy.
(to House)
He said O'Shaughnessy and Huerta
had a "simpatico relationship."
(to Bryan)
Go ahead.
BRYAN
(reads)
"I believe he is sincerely patriotic
in his statements, and that he will
probably not yield."
WILSON
Does he expect me to yield?
Wilson rises to pace in frustration.
WILSON
What damn choice do I have on this?
Can I let Huerta back us down?
HOUSE
No, Mister President. And Huerta's
not going to back down either.
WILSON
It's a fine situation, isn't it?
So how do you compromise on a
twenty-one gun salute? Change
it to eleven or twelve? Tell
O'Shaughnessy that unless "the old
Indian" yields, on Monday I shall
take the matter to Congress, for a
resolution to act.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE - DAY
A view of the living-quarters windows.
DOCTOR (V.O.)
Chronic nephritis is a degenerative
kidney disease...
INT. LIVING QUARTERS - DAY
Wilson and Ellen sit together on the sofa while they listen
to Grayson and an older DOCTOR, seated across from them.
DOCTOR
In this case, I'm afraid it's been
complicated by renal tuberculosis.
WILSON
What's the cause of chronic
nephritis?
DOCTOR
In cases like this, we don't know.
ELLEN
And I have tuberculosis?
DOCTOR
Of the kidneys. T.B. can strike
the kidneys, or other organs, just
like it does lungs. And, it can go
undetected for years.
GRAYSON
We're going to do all we can --
you're going to need lots of rest,
antibiotics -- but you have to
understand that there is no cure.
WILSON
Well you doctors do all you can,
I'll see that she gets her rest,
and takes her medicine. We'll see
that this doesn't progress.
And there's a higher power to call
on. We're a son and daughter of
Presbyterian ministers. The
Almighty has always been a part
of our lives.
DOCTOR
Faith can indeed do miracles.
ELLEN
I remember a verse my father used
to quote, when he would visit the
sick. From one of the prophets.
If I can remember the words. "To
those who fear my name shall the
sun of righteousness arise, with
healing in his wings."
WILSON
I can't think of a better verse,
for a daily meditation.
INT. EMBASSY CAR - MOVING - DAY
Nelson and Edith sit formally dressed in back, Jesús driving.
NELSON
If I can't get through to Huerta
today, we might as well start
packing. This whole thing's some
kind of joke. Humiliating. I wish
we were back in Vienna.
(on Edith's look)
Forget I said that.
EDITH
There's no margin for error, Nelson.
You have to assert yourself.
NELSON
I'm just being a realist.
EDITH
I don't understand it, really.
They fire a salute to our flag,
we fire a salute to theirs, and the
whole thing's resolved. How
juvenile!
NELSON
It's a matter of pride and honor,
Edith. Huerta's also afraid that
we won't salute after he does.
EDITH
Then let's fire the salutes
simultaneously. If no one fires
first, no one loses any face. The
whole thing is settled.
Nelson looks intrigued by the idea.
EDITH
Nelson, have you heard from your
friend in Vienna?
NELSON
No. Edith, I told her it was over.
I told her it was all a mistake,
that I was a fool. I told her I
love you and always will.
EDITH
"You" meaning me.
NELSON
What?
EDITH
You said, "I told her I love you
and always will."
NELSON
Yes. "You" meaning you. I told
her -- "I" meaning me -- I told her
that I love "her", meaning you.
Can I make it any clearer?
EDITH
You need to work on your pronouns,
Nelson.
INT. CHAPULTEPEC CASTLE - SALON - DAY
Diplomatic guests mingle at a reception.
Huerta's wife EMILIA, 52, chats with a diplomat and his wife,
while Edith looks over at the closed door to:
INT. AN ADJOINING BEDROOM - DAY
Huerta, with a drink and black cigarette, sits on the edge
of the bed, while Nelson paces.
NELSON
This could be the answer. No one
fires first. It's simultaneous.
HUERTA
I have said no salute will be
fired.
NELSON
I know, General, but you can't keep
saying that. Time's running out.
If we --
HUERTA
(rising)
There is still no guarantee.
NELSON
Of what?
HUERTA
A return salute.
NELSON
General, I've assured you there
will be a return --
HUERTA
Yes, that is what you say. But
what if we agree: simultaneous
salutes. Then what if we fire and
you don't? We will be humiliated.
NELSON
And what if we fire and you don't?
Have you thought about that?
They stare at each other, then,
NELSON
Do you know something, General?
HUERTA
What?
NELSON
This is ridiculous.
HUERTA
Yes, it is.
NELSON
What the hell, they wouldn't have
bought it anyway. So what are we
left with?
Huerta paces.
HUERTA
If we had an agreement -- something
in writing...
NELSON
Sure. Why not?
HUERTA
We fire the salute -- twenty-one
guns. You return the salute --
round for round...
NELSON
Round for round.
HUERTA
If I had Moheno draw up an
agreement --
NELSON
A protocol.
HUERTA
Would you sign it?
NELSON
You get Moheno working on it. I'll
talk to Washington -- here, on the
nearest phone. We'll see what they
say.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - WILSON BEDROOM - NIGHT
Ellen lies in bed, with her daughter Nellie holding her hand.
ELLEN
I haven't been keeping any secret,
Nell. We just found out today.
But don't you worry. I'm going to
have good care.
NELLIE
You're going to have the best.
You're going to beat this, Mama.
Look, if you want, we can put
off the wedding, till you start
to feel better. Then --
ELLEN
Oh no, I won't hear of it, Nellie.
I plan to dance at your wedding,
so don't you put it off.
NELLIE
I'm sure you will, Mama.
They hear from the adjoining sitting room,
WILSON (V.O.)
Absolutely not!
INT. SITTING ROOM - NIGHT
Wilson, in shirtsleeves, stands talking angrily on the phone.
WILSON
How dare O'Shaughnessy propose
some written agreement with a
government we don't even recognize.
INT. WILSON BEDROOM - NIGHT
Ellen and Nellie as before.
NELLIE
I'm going to go now, Mama, and let
you rest. If you can rest with
that going on.
INT. BRYAN'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Bryan is on the phone at his desk.
BRYAN
Mayo's written demand is quite
clear, of course. It states the
salute will be returned. That's
protocol enough.
INT. SITTING ROOM - NIGHT
Wilson is still angry as Nellie stops by him to say good
night.
WILSON
(into phone)
Of course it is. Tell O'Shaughnessy
for the last time -- Hold on.
Nellie kisses Wilson on the cheek.
NELLIE
I love you, Dad. Good night.
WILSON
Good night, Nell. Pray for your
mother.
NELL
I will. You too.
Nellie leaves.
WILSON
(into phone)
Mayo's demand remains unchanged and
shall be met unconditionally. Good
night.
Wilson hangs up.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Edith in bed wipes a tear from her cheek, as if not wanting
him to see it, as Wilson enters.
ELLEN
You shouldn't get so upset, dear.
Wilson starts undressing.
WILSON
It's that brute General Huerta.
How can I help it? I'm sorry.
It's like trying to deal with the
devil himself. And then there's
O'Shaughnessy in Mexico City.
ELLEN
What about him?
WILSON
How did we find him? The Foreign
Service couldn't have a more
incompetent man.
ELLEN
What do you want him to do?
WILSON
I want him to stop letting Huerta
lead him around in circles.
INT. EMBASSY - NIGHT
Nelson, Edith, and D'Antin sit as if waiting for something.
The PHONE RINGS. Nelson answers,
NELSON
(into phone)
Embajada.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. CAFÉ COLÓN - PRIVATE ROOM - NIGHT
Moheno is on the phone. MARIACHI MUSIC can be heard from
the main room.
MOHENO
I have found Huerta. I have given
him Washington's answer.
NELSON
And?
MOHENO
No salute will be fired. He says
there is nothing more to discuss.
NELSON
I understand.
MOHENO
He said to tell you this: You
tried very hard. He is sorry.
NELSON
So am I.
MOHENO
Buenas noches.
Nelson and Moheno hang up.
Edith and D'Antin look at Nelson, glumly gazing off.
EDITH
Well?
NELSON
(pause)
Even over the phone, you can hear
the mariachis at the Cafe Colón.
EXT. A WHITE HOUSE DRIVEWAY - DAY
Two cars bring in Congressional leaders.
INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY
Wilson sits with the text of a speech on his lap, but he's
not reading it. He sits gazing out the window.
Tumulty enters with notes.
TUMULTY
The Congressional leaders are here,
Mister President.
Wilson rises, speech in hand.
WILSON
Very well.
TUMULTY
Also, State just called. They
confirm that ship Ipiranga is
of German registry.
WILSON
Well, we're doing something about
it, no matter what registry. Any
further word from Mexico City?
TUMULTY
Not since O'Shaughnessy's dispatch
quoting Huerta: "There is nothing
more to discuss."
WILSON
He's right.
They walk toward the door.
TUMULTY
Mister President...
They stop at the door.
TUMULTY
There are questions from the press
about Mrs. Wilson. Rumors about
her health.
WILSON
Tell them Mrs. Wilson is doing
well. Tell them she's been under
the weather. Mrs. Wilson is going
to get through this.
Wilson moves off.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Wilson, meeting with ten CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS, finishes
reading aloud the text of the speech.
WILSON
"Any action will be to keep our
great nation's influence
unimpaired, for the uses of
liberty, both here and abroad, for
the benefit of mankind."
Wilson lays the speech aside.
WILSON
That, gentlemen, is the address
I'll be delivering to the joint
session. Any comments, please.
LEADER #1
It's a fine speech, Mister President.
I wouldn't change a word.
LEADER #2
I agree. The country's behind you
on this, Mister President. A
resolution is as good as passed, for
whatever action you feel necessary.
Mustachioed Senator HENRY CABOT LODGE, 64, speaks up,
LODGE
Mister President...
WILSON
Senator Lodge.
LODGE
I'm inclined to agree that it's
time for some sort of intervention
in Mexico. However, I think the
basis for any action should be more
substantive -- broader, if you
will -- than these incidents you've
cited.
WILSON
What broader basis for action would
you propose, Mister Lodge?
LODGE
The protection of American lives and
property. Our investments in Mexico
are substantial, to say the least.
And we have citizens' lives
endangered by the fighting. In
Tampico --
WILSON
Senator, as I state in my speech,
the use of armed force -- if
necessary -- will only be used
against Huerta, for the incidents
cited and the refusal to meet our
demand. To go in on a broader
basis could mean war with the
Mexican people.
Lodge looks confused.
LODGE
Mister President, we're talking
about war in any event.
WILSON
(firmly)
We are not. We're talking about
action against the dictator
Huerta, that's all.
Silence, then,
LEADER #3
Have you a specific action in mind,
Mister President?
WILSON
Yes. What I say now is confidential.
It will not be added to this
afternoon's speech.
A pause, as if for a moment Wilson has some misgiving.
WILSON
Through our Veracruz consulate,
we've learned that a German
freighter, the Ipiranga, is due
shortly at Veracruz with a large
shipment of arms for the Huerta
government. Rifles --
Wilson checks a note.
WILSON
Two hundred machine guns, fifteen
million rounds of ammunition. If
Huerta is allowed to receive such a
shipment, he could hold out
indefinitely. Our immediate course
of action, therefore, is to prevent
that cargo from reaching him.
LEADER #1
We stop the German ship?
LEADER #4
Can we legally do that? Without a
blockade?
WILSON
No. The plan is to seize the port,
and cut off that cargo.
LODGE
We're going to seize Veracruz?
WILSON
Only the port. Those arms must
never reach Huerta.
LEADER #3
We could meet armed resistance,
Mister President.
WILSON
Senator, who at Veracruz is going
to take on the Atlantic Fleet to
defend Victoriano Huerta?
A few glances are exchanged, but no one responds.
WILSON
It's just like Ed House has said.
If a man's house is on fire, he
ought to be glad if his neighbors
come put it out.
INT. U.S. CONGRESS - HOUSE CHAMBER - DAY
Wilson addresses a joint session of CONGRESS.
WILSON
The Tampico affair can therefore
not be regarded as a trivial or
isolated incident. We have been
singled out for these slights and
affronts by the Huerta government
in retaliation for our refusal to
recognize Huerta as the provisional
president of Mexico. We must
support to the full Admiral Mayo's
demand, by using --
Wilson is interrupted by applause.
WILSON
By using our armed forces as may be
necessary to obtain from Huerta the
fullest recognition of the rights
and dignity of the United States of
America.
Wilson pauses for more applause.
WILSON
If armed conflict ensues, we shall
be fighting only General Huerta
and those who support him. Our
objective: To restore to the
people of that distracted republic
the opportunity, and the right,
to establish constitutional
self-government once again.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT
All is dark.
INT. CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Secret Service Agent PHILLIPS, 40, with loosened tie, a
newspaper in hand, picks up a RINGING PHONE.
PHILLIPS
(into phone)
Agent Phillips speaking.
INT. BRYAN'S HOME - NIGHT
Bryan, in pajamas and robe, is on the phone.
BRYAN
This is Secretary Bryan. I need to
speak with the President.
INT. CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Phillips on phone as before.
PHILLIPS
Mister Bryan, the President just
got to bed two hours ago. Is it
that important?
INT. DANIELS' OFFICE - NIGHT
Navy Secretary Daniels, casually dressed, is also on the
phone.
DANIELS
This is Secretary Daniels. I am
also on the line. Wake up the
President.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - LIVING QUARTERS - NIGHT
Wilson, in pajamas and robe, picks up a phone.
WILSON
(into phone)
Yes?
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
BRYAN
Mister President, we are sorry to
disturb you at this hour. We have
news from the Veracruz consul
concerning the freighter Ipiranga.
It's expected to arrive in port at
eleven o'clock this morning.
DANIELS
It doesn't leave us much time,
Mister President.
WILSON
Where is Admiral Badger with the
rest of the fleet?
DANIELS
Still two days away. Even Mayo
can't get there from Tampico in
time, if we move by eleven.
WILSON
Do we have any choice?
DANIELS
Admiral Fletcher has enough men to
handle it. The Veracruz garrison
is only some six hundred men.
BRYAN
Considering our strength and
objective, I really expect no
resistance.
DANIELS
Nor do I, Mister President. It
should go quite smoothly.
WILSON
We're trying to help them, after
all. We're trying to get rid of
Huerta.
DANIELS
The consul also reports three
trains -- about thirty boxcars --
waiting at the harbor rail yard,
to get those arms to Huerta. I
think we have to move.
WILSON
I agree. Order Fletcher to seize
the port.
EXT. VERACRUZ - DAY
A picturesque city between sand hills and sea. There's an
overcast, threatening sky.
SUPERIMPOSE: "VERACRUZ."
EXT. HARBOR - DAY
Anchored in the busy inner harbor is the U.S. gunboat
Prairie. Anchored outside the breakwater are the U.S.
battleships Florida and Utah.
INT. BATTLESHIP FLORIDA - ADMIRAL'S CABIN - DAY
Rear Admiral FRANK FLETCHER, 59, meets with Navy Captains
WILLIAM RUSH, 57, and HENRY HUSE, 56, Commander HERMAN
STICKNEY, 47, and Marine Lt. Col. WENDELL NEVILLE, 44.
Captain Rush stands with a pointer at a map of Veracruz.
RUSH
To review, then: All boats to
the terminal wharf. Upon landing,
I will immediately set up
headquarters, with signalmen,
at the Terminal Hotel. Colonel
Neville, your First Marine Regiment
will go inland as far as Guerrero
Street, taking the terminal
station, rail yard, cable office,
and power plant. First Rifle
Company will occupy the post office
and telegraph station. Second
Company will proceed southeast and
occupy the customs house. Third
Company in reserve at the wharf.
Any questions?
There are none. Mustachioed Admiral Fletcher steps forward.
FLETCHER
Now I'd prefer to wait for that
freighter before showing our hand.
On the other hand, I don't like the
looks of the weather. If a norther
hits, there can't be a landing at
all. That's a chance we can't
take. We have the order and we're
not going to wait.
HUSE
What about Admiral Mayo?
FLETCHER
A large number of U.S. citizens are
at risk in Tampico if the rebels
break through. I'm going to tell
Mayo to stay there. Till the rest
of the fleet gets here tomorrow,
it's up to the men of the Florida,
Utah, and Prairie. Anything else?
(waits, then)
Mister Neville, return to the
Prairie. Signal when ready.
INT. U.S. CONSUL'S OFFICE (VERACRUZ) - DAY
U.S. Consul WILLIAM CANADA, 50-ish, sits at his desk as a
MARINE GUARD enters.
GUARD
Mister Consul, sir, Commander
Stickney is here.
Commander Stickney walks in. Canada rises, the Marine Guard
leaving and closing the door.
CANADA
Commander.
STICKNEY
Consul, I'm here to inform you that
a landing of marines and
bluejackets will commence at eleven
hundred hours. You should inform
the other consulates.
CANADA
Very well.
STICKNEY
As soon as you see the first men
disembarking, contact the federal
commander. Assure him that only
the harbor area is involved. We're
not here to take the city. Tell
him we trust there will be no
resistance.
INT. FEDERAL COMMANDER'S HQ (VERACRUZ) - DAY
Federal General GUSTAVO MAASS, a 50-ish dandy, grooms his
handlebar mustache at a mirror.
His 30-ish AIDE, a sergeant, comes in. (Spanish:)
MAASS
Any word on the Ipiranga?
AIDE
Nothing yet, General.
Maass glances at a clock. It's almost eleven.
EXT. CENTRAL PLAZA - DAY
In the front arcade of the Hotel Diligencias, North Americans
and well-to-do Mexicans sit reading their newspapers and
chatting. Townspeople move routinely about in the plaza.
EXT. GUNBOAT PRAIRIE - DAY
Anchored in the inner harbor. A marine battalion is
assembled, with knapsacks and rifles, ready to disembark.
Col. Neville is in charge.
EXT. BATTLESHIP FLORIDA - DAY
Anchored beyond the breakwater. The Utah is in b.g.
EXT. ABOARD THE FLORIDA - DAY
Admiral Fletcher and Capt. Huse stand on the bridge.
They watch a battalion of sailors, with haversacks and
rifles, assemble on deck. Capt. Rush is in charge.
EXT. BARRACKS (ACROSS TOWN FROM HARBOR) - DAY
Dapper General Maass, his aide following, steps out of his
headquarters building. Soldiers move about in b.g. Maass
notes the threatening sky. (Spanish:)
MAASS
Looks like a storm brewing.
AIDE
Yes, my General.
EXT. GUNBOAT PRAIRIE - DAY
The marines load via gangway into whaleboats.
EXT. BATTLESHIP FLORIDA - DAY
Sailors load into whaleboats.
EXT. PRAIRIE - DAY
Motor launches tow the first whaleboats, loaded with marines,
from the Prairie toward shore.
EXT. MEXICO CITY - OUTDOOR THEATER - DAY
Nelson and Edith sit among dignitaries enjoying a Mexican
traditional music and dance festival.
Huerta, sitting with General Blanquet, exchanges friendly
waves with Nelson and Edith.
EXT. VERACRUZ HARBOR - DAY
Strings of whaleboats, loaded with marines and sailors, are
towed by motor launches toward the terminal wharf.
INT. MAASS' HQ - DAY
General Maass, alarmed, is on the phone.
MAASS
(into phone)
Señor Consul, what are you saying?
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. CONSUL'S OFFICE - DAY
Canada tries to reason with Maass on the phone.
CANADA
Please do not resist, General
Maass. They will need your help
to keep order in the city.
MAASS
How can you say not resist?
(MORE)
MAASS
Señor Consul, can't we tell them to
wait? Can't we first have a
conference?
CANADA
The landing has already started.
MAASS
Ay, mi Diós!
Maass hangs up and dashes outside.
EXT. BARRACKS - DAY
Maass looks desperately around, then heads for:
INT. A BARRACKS BUILDING - DAY
Rushing in, Maass finds Colonel ALBINO RODRÍGUEZ CERRILLO,
45, doing paperwork at a desk. (Spanish:)
MAASS
Rodríguez, the gringos are landing!
Get your men!
The colonel rises as Maass turns to hurry back out.
RODRÍGUEZ CERRILLO
What do you want us to do?
MAASS
Repel the invasion!
EXT. BARRACKS - DAY
Rushing out, Maass stops General FRANCISCO FIGUEROA.
(Spanish:)
MAASS
Figueroa, assemble your men! You
will defend the barracks!
FIGUEROA
What's happening?
MAASS
We are under attack!
Maass' aide catches up with him.
MAASS
(to the aide)
Send a wire to the minister of war:
"The North Americans are invading.
I await instructions."
The aide hurries toward a car. Maass looks around, as if
wondering what to do next.
MAASS
Ay, mi Diós.
EXT. HARBOR - DAY
The boatloads of marines and sailors head for the terminal
wharf.
EXT. SEAWALL - DAY
A crowd, including many North Americans, gathers along the
seawall, watching the boats approaching the wharf.
INT. VERACRUZ NAVAL SCHOOL - DAY
A 40-ish Mexican INSTRUCTOR lectures to teenage Mexican naval
cadets in a second-floor classroom.
INSTRUCTOR
By the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo,
the United States received Arizona,
California, Nevada, New Mexico,
Texas, Utah, and part of Colorado.
A CADET
Only part of Colorado?
The Instructor notices something outside.
INSTRUCTOR
Yes. They already had the other
part.
The Instructor moves to the windows, facing the harbor. The
cadets also move to the windows, to see what's happening.
They see the marines and sailors landing on the wharf.
EXT. SEAWALL - DAY
The crowd watches the landing.
There is a light air among the North Americans in the crowd,
but Mexicans -- as if beginning to realize what's happening --
begin to back away and leave.
EXT. INDEPENDENCIA AVENUE - DAY
Colonel Rodríguez Cerrillo marches a battalion of federal
soldiers along the street from the barracks. He orders some
to take defensive positions along the way.
EXT. TERMINAL WHARF - DAY
Marines and sailors continue to land.
INT. BARRACKS - ARMORY - DAY
Mexican civilian volunteers are being supplied by federal
soldiers with rifles and ammunition.
INT. MILITARY PRISON - NEAR BARRACKS - DAY
Maass gives a pep talk to a large group of CONVICTS, still in
their stripes, as soldiers hustle in with an arms supply.
(Spanish:)
MAASS
It is the duty of all good Mexicans
to fight for the land where they
first saw the light of day. If you
don't have the honor to fight, in
this our time of need, then leave
the arms here for someone who has.
A CONVICT
We're ready to fight!
CONVICTS
Viva Mexico! Viva la patria!
Maass gestures for the soldiers to start distributing arms.
EXT. WATERFRONT - DAY
As marines and sailors continue landing on the wharf, an
adjacent plaza is being used as a staging area.
Col. Neville marches his marines from the plaza toward the
terminal station.
Capt. Rush leads a squad of sailors, including signalmen,
toward the Terminal Hotel.
EXT. STREETS - SERIES OF SCENES - DAY
Citizens close their doors, shopkeepers pull down iron
grills, schoolchildren are sent home by teachers.
INT. TERMINAL HOTEL - LOBBY - DAY
Rush enters with his sailors. Quickly checking the layout,
Rush goes to the MANAGER at the desk, while hotel guests
curiously look on.
RUSH
(to sailors)
Semaphore section to the roof!
(to Manager)
You speak English?
MANAGER
Yes.
RUSH
I'm Captain Rush of the United
States Navy. We're going to have
to use your hotel.
EXT. CENTRAL PLAZA - DAY
Rodríguez Cerrillo, marching his soldiers into the plaza,
orders some to positions in the Hotel Diligencias arcade,
others to positions behind the plaza's benches and bandstand.
EXT. OLD LIGHTHOUSE - DAY
An old tower seemingly abandoned.
INT. OLD LIGHTHOUSE - DAY
FEDERAL SOLDIERS #1 and #2 finish hauling a one-pounder gun
to the top floor, where they have a view of:
EXT. THE WATERFRONT - DAY
Marines and sailors fan out from the plaza near the wharf,
the crowd watching.
EXT. STREETS - SERIES OF SCENES - DAY
Armed civilians and convicts take defensive positions -
rooftops, balconies, windows, barricades -- and lie in wait.
EXT. ROOF OF THE TERMINAL HOTEL - DAY
A Navy signalman wigwags a message with flags to:
EXT. THE FLORIDA'S BRIDGE - DAY
Fletcher and a QUARTERMASTER look shoreward through
binoculars.
A signalman hands a note to the Quartermaster, who reads it
to Fletcher,
QUARTERMASTER
"Rail station, cable office, power
plant, all okay. No resistance."
Fletcher still looks off through binoculars.
FLETCHER
What about the customs house?
EXT. CUSTOMS HOUSE - DAY
The building looks deserted. The only sound is of MARCHING
BOOTS on cobblestones in the distance.
EXT. MORELOS STREET - DAY
Ensign GEORGE LOWRY, 25, marches a company of sailors along
the ominously deserted street, toward the customs house a
block and a half away.
From a roof, a window, an arcade, unseen eyes watch, to the
sound of the MARCHING BOOTS.
As Lowry and his sailors march through an intersection, a
RIFLE SHOT rings out.
A FUSILLADE follows. Two sailors fall, the others take cover
in doorways, behind arcade columns, wherever they can, FIRING
back in all directions.
EXT. POST OFFICE - DAY
Occupying sailors listen with concern to the distant sound
of GUNFIRE.
They suddenly come under FIRE from buildings across the
street. They take cover. Two sailors fall.
EXT. TERMINAL HOTEL - DAY
Capt. Rush comes out to see what the SHOOTING is about. He
is immediately SHOT through his calf.
A sailor helps him back inside as FIRING continues.
EXT. ROOF OF TERMINAL HOTEL - DAY
The wigwagging signalman is hit by a RIFLE SHOT from a
building across the street. He falls, a sailor on the roof
FIRES back.
EXT. MORELOS STREET - DAY
Lowry and his sailors are pinned down, exchanging FIRE with
the well-concealed Mexicans.
Lowry and SAILOR #4 are behind two arcade columns, BULLETS
HITTING the walls around them.
INT. OLD LIGHTHOUSE - DAY
Soldiers #1 and #2 in the tower FIRE their one-pounder gun
at:
EXT. MORELOS STREET - DAY
The round BLASTS a chunk from one of the columns where Lowry
and Sailor #4 are positioned.
EXT. OUTDOOR THEATER - MEXICO CITY - DAY
The music and dance festival is in progress.
A Mexican messenger says something to Huerta and Blanquet
where they sit.
The two generals rise, Huerta pausing to look grimly toward
Nelson and Edith.
Edith notices as Huerta turns to leave. She nudges Nelson.
EDITH
Something's happened.
EXT. VERACRUZ HARBOR AREA - DAY
Throughout the area now GUNFIRE is heard.
EXT. ALLEY - DAY
Lowry, Sailor #4, and four other sailors try to reach the
customs house. They come under FIRE from buildings,
including MACHINE-GUN FIRE from an upper-story window.
Sailor #4 is SHOT in the head.
EXT. FLORIDA'S BRIDGE - DAY
The quartermaster reads a signal to Fletcher,
QUARTERMASTER
"Under fire. One thousand
defenders reported in area. Need
support. Hurry Utah's troops."
FLETCHER
Signal the Utah to land her
battalion.
INT. OLD LIGHTHOUSE - DAY
Soldiers #1 and #2 again FIRE their one-pounder gun at:
EXT. MORELOS STREET - DAY
Sailors are still pinned down, under FIRE from well-concealed
civilians and convicts. The one-pounder's round BLASTS the
pavement, wounding a sailor with debris.
EXT. CONSULATE - DAY
In front of the building, sailors FIRE a hand-drawn, 3-inch
gun at:
EXT. THE OLD LIGHTHOUSE - DAY
The EXPLODING SHELL hits the tower.
INT. OLD LIGHTHOUSE - DAY
Soldiers #1 and #2, rattled by the hit, see the gun in front
of the consulate. They scramble to aim their gun at it.
EXT. CONSULATE - DAY
The 3-inch gun FIRES again.
INT. OLD LIGHTHOUSE - DAY
The EXPLODING SHELL scores a bullseye, killing both soldiers.
EXT. BARRACKS - DAY
Soldiers wait behind barricades. Maass stands in front of
his headquarters as his aide speeds up in a car.
As he jumps out, the aide waves a dispatch. (Spanish:)
AIDE
General, we've been ordered to
retreat to Tejería!
MAASS
To the roundhouse! Everybody to
the train!
EXT. ALLEY - DAY
Lowry and sailors are pinned down by the RIFLE and MACHINE
GUN FIRE from buildings. SAILORS #5 and #6 slip into the
building where the machine gun is located.
EXT. UTAH - DAY
A battalion of sailors loads into whaleboats.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY
Wilson sits waiting in silence with Bryan and House.
BRYAN
We should have heard something by
now, Mister President.
HOUSE
(beat)
Not necessarily.
A pause. Wilson looks at Bryan.
WILSON
Did you get that letter off to
O'Shaughnessy?
BRYAN
Yes, Mister President.
Silence resumes.
INT. A SECOND-FLOOR ROOM - CUSTOMS ZONE - DAY
VERACRUZ POLICEMEN #1 and #2 FIRE their machine gun out the
window.
Sailors #5 and #6 burst in. They SHOOT the Policemen as they
turn around.
EXT. ALLEY - DAY
Lowry and his sailors see Sailor #5 signal all clear from the
second-floor window.
LOWRY
Let's go!
Lowry and the sailors break for:
INT. THE CUSTOMS HOUSE - DAY
Windows SHATTER, Lowry and sailors come bounding in.
Armed customs officials drop their weapons and surrender.
EXT. ALLEY - DAY
More sailors hurry to the customs house from Morelos Street,
RIFLE FIRE from buildings continuing.
INT. CUSTOMS HOUSE - DAY
Lowry finishes a quick inspection, scattered SHOTS heard
outside. He turns to the nearest sailor.
LOWRY
Get word to Captain Rush: "Customs
house secured."
EXT. CORNER - MONTESINOS & CINCO DE MAYO - DAY
A marine, manning a machine gun on the street corner, RAKES
Cinco de Mayo with bullets.
Armed civilians on Cinco are FIRING, running for cover, some
SHOT down in the street.
EXT. CENTRAL PLAZA - DAY
Rodríguez Cerrillo retrieves his soldiers, who have been
waiting in position, listening to the GUNFIRE in distance.
RODRÍGUEZ CERRILLO
Come on, men! To the roundhouse!
Come on before they leave us!
EXT. ROUNDHOUSE - DAY
Maass loads his soldiers on a freight train.
EXT. CINCO DE MAYO AVENUE - DAY
Marines SHOOT IT OUT with civilians. Two marines lie dead or
wounded.
A convict is SHOT from a roof, more convicts and civilians
lie dead in the street.
INT. TERMINAL HOTEL - DAY
Rush, his leg in a bloody bandage, is on the phone.
RUSH
Consul Canada, what the hell's
going on? Didn't you talk to the
federal commander?
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. CONSUL'S OFFICE - DAY
Canada is on the phone, scattered SHOTS heard outside the
building.
CANADA
Yes. He wouldn't listen. Word now
is, the garrison's been ordered to
retreat to Tejería.
RUSH
Where?
CANADA
Tejería -- ten miles away. The
men you're fighting are mostly
civilians and convicts.
Rush looks livid.
RUSH
Convicts? What the hell's going
on?
EXT. MORELOS STREET - DAY
More FIRING in the street, dead Mexicans and two dead sailors
on the pavement.
SAILORS #7 and #8 burst through the door of:
INT. A BUILDING - DAY
Sailors #7 and #8 kill two armed civilians, who have been
shooting from a window, in a BLAZE OF GUNFIRE.
During this, a WOMAN, protecting a child, crouches screaming
in a corner.
The sailors look at her, then leave. She goes crying to the
two dead civilians, as GUNFIRE continues outside.
EXT. THE STREET - DAY
As Sailors #7 and #8 hustle down the street, Sailor #7
is SHOT and falls.
Sailor #8 helps him up and half-drags him off, as GUNFIRE
continues.
INT. EMBASSY - NELSON'S OFFICE - DAY
D'Antin stares out the window into space. Nelson and Edith
anxiously enter.
D'ANTIN
We've landed at Veracruz.
D'Antin gestures toward a dispatch on the desk.
D'ANTIN
Dispatch from William Canada.
There's fighting in the streets.
Nelson grimly picks up the dispatch and reads it.
EXT. VERACRUZ HARBOR AREA - DAY
GUNBATTLES continue, dead or wounded Mexicans, marines, and
sailors lie in streets.
EXT. TERMINAL WHARF - DAY
More boatloads of sailors are landing.
A U.S. NAVY LIEUTENANT looks off toward the Naval School,
from which SHOTS ARE FIRED toward the wharf.
He grabs SAILOR #9 and gestures toward the Terminal Hotel.
NAVY LT.
Go tell 'em to signal the Prairie.
Tell 'em we've got fire from the
second floor of the Naval School.
SAILOR #9
Yes, sir!
NAVY LT.
Tell 'em to shell the shit out
of it!
INT. NAVAL SCHOOL - SECOND-FLOOR DORMITORY - DAY
Commodore MANUEL AZUETA, 60, and his teenage naval cadets are
at the windows, FIRING rifles at the landing parties.
INTERCUT WITH:
EXT. GUNBOAT PRAIRIE - DAY
Sailors aim 3-inch deck guns at the Naval School.
Azueta and cadets continue FIRING their rifles.
The first deck gun FIRES, then the second. An EXPLODING
SHELL hits the second floor of the school.
Azueta and cadets take cover as the second shell smashes in
and EXPLODES.
The deck guns FIRE again.
An EXPLODING SHELL hits, then ANOTHER, dust and debris flying
on the school's second floor.
Some cadets lie wounded, cries of pain, other cadets try to
help or are hunkered down.
Azueta kneels, takes wounded cadet VIRGILIO URIBE in his
arms.
AZUETA
Virgilio...
Virgilio is dead.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY
Wilson sits with Bryan and House. The PHONE RINGS, Wilson
answers,
WILSON
(into phone)
Yes?
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. DANIELS' OFFICE - DAY
Daniels is on the phone, a dispatch in hand.
DANIELS
Mister President, we have a first
report from Veracruz.
WILSON
Yes?
DANIELS
The harbor area is secured.
However, there has been armed
resistance -- mostly by civilians.
American casualties: sixteen
dead, twenty-six wounded.
Wilson looks stunned.
DANIELS
As many as a hundred Mexicans dead.
I'll keep you posted, sir, as the
admiral reports. There's still
some shooting going on.
WILSON
Thank you, Mister Daniels.
Wilson hangs up. He looks shaken.
BRYAN
What has happened, Mister
President?
WILSON
(pause)
It hasn't gone as well as expected.
Go to Part FourBack to beginning of script