INT. A NICE RESTAURANT - MEXICO CITY - DAY
Edith continues eating lunch, other PATRONS in b.g., while
Nelson, across the room, stands listening to someone on a
phone.
NELSON
(into phone)
I don't believe it. A twenty-
one gun salute? Louis, I want you
to find the foreign minister.
INTERCUT: INT. OFFICE - U.S. EMBASSY - DAY
Embassy first clerk D'Antin is on the phone, dispatch in hand.
D'ANTIN
Moheno's not even in town. It'll
have to be the sub-minister, uh -
Esteva Ruiz.
NELSON
I don't care what his name is,
call him. Tell him we've got
to find Huerta.
EXT. A ROAD - DAY
Huerta's car cruising, with three cars behind it.
INT. HUERTA'S CAR - DAY
Huerta and Nelson sit on the back seat, with sub-minister
ROBERTO ESTEVA RUIZ, 35, on the jump seat facing them.
HUERTA
To solve the matter, mi hijo,
I personally will apologize for
the incident. You can have it
in writing.
NELSON
My government won't consider that
sufficient.
HUERTA
What is it you want?
NELSON
The salute. General, the exchange
of naval salutes is a common
international courtesy.
HUERTA
Exactly - a courtesy. They are not
fired on demand.
NELSON
Your salute will be returned. The
salute could be arranged very
quietly. It could be fired early
in the morning, when there's no
one around.
Huerta laughs.
NELSON (cont'd)
General, this is no laughing matter.
HUERTA
I know. And what says the foreign
ministry?
RUIZ
Señor Presidente, to fire such a
salute, on demand, would be a
disgrace for our country. It would
insult our honor, humiliate our
people, and violate our nation's
sovereignty. Furthermore, we would
have no guarantee that our flag
would then be saluted.
NELSON
I have said the salute will be
returned. We have Admiral Mayo's
word.
RUIZ
Señor Presidente, our sovereignty
is involved here. And our national
dignity. For Mexico to meet this
demand and fire the salute would go
far beyond courtesy. It would be a
disaster.
Huerta looks at Nelson, who seems to have no reply.
INT. EMBASSY OFFICE - NIGHT
Nelson is dictating to the embassy clerk. D'Antin is
present.
NELSON
(dictating)
"I have discussed the situation
with Huerta. He has given us
a written statement of regret for
the incident, along with assurance
that the responsible officer will
be punished. His statement is
included herewith. He asks that
Mayo's ultimatum be withdrawn."
CLERK
That it?
NELSON
Add one more sentence.
(dictating)
"I honestly cannot understand
such an ultimatum being issued
without superior authority, in
view of the tense situation
existing." That's it.
EXT. TRAIN STATION - WASHINGTON - DAY
REPORTERS are waiting as Wilson, Ellen, Grayson, House,
Tumulty, and SECRET SERVICE MEN leave the train.
REPORTER #5
Mister President, would you comment
on the Mexican situation?
REPORTER #6
Are we going to war, Mister
President?
Wilson is holding Ellen by the arm as they walk.
WILSON
Gentlemen, please, let's not jump
to conclusions. We have no quarrel
with the Mexican people. Our only
quarrel is with Huerta.
REPORTER #6
But what if he refuses to fire the
salute?
Reporter #7 is studying pale-looking Ellen.
REPORTER #7
Are you doing okay, Mrs. Wilson?
ELLEN
Yes, I'm fine.
REPORTER #6
Are you willing to withdraw the
demand, Mister President?
WILSON
Certainly not. That is out of the
question.
REPORTER #5
But what if the salute isn't fired?
WILSON
The salute will be fired.
INT. DOOR TO LIVING QUARTERS - WHITE HOUSE - DAY
Wilson and Grayson exit the quarters. Ellen can be seen
inside resting on a sofa, talking to secretary Helen Bones.
WILSON
She's not any better.
GRAYSON
I know, sir.
WILSON
Do whatever you have to do, to find
out what's wrong.
INT. THE PRESIDENT'S STUDY - WHITE HOUSE - DAY
Wilson is reading a dispatch. With him are Bryan and Navy
Secretary Daniels. As Wilson hands the dispatch to Bryan:
WILSON
Tell O'Shaughnessy that Huerta's
apology is not sufficient. Admiral
Mayo has issued a demand and it
stands as written.
BRYAN
Yes, Mister President.
WILSON
We'll extend the deadline, but
we won't wait for long. Mister
Daniels, I want you to order the
rest of the Atlantic Fleet to the
Mexican coast.
DANIELS
Very well, sir.
WILSON
Meanwhile, send word to Admiral
Fletcher at Veracruz, and Admiral
Mayo at Tampico, to make
contingency plans for landings.
(to Bryan)
I want State Department counsel
to advise us of what precedents
exist for this case. What action
was taken - blockade, seizure of
ports, et cetera.
BRYAN
Right away, sir.
WILSON
Tell O'Shaughnessy he must make
Huerta understand. That salute
will be fired.
INT. LIVING QUARTERS - WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT
Tired-looking Ellen sits leafing through a family photo album
on the sofa. Wilson enters, Tumulty outside.
TUMULTY
Good night, Mister President.
WILSON
Good night.
Wilson sits down beside Ellen. He kisses her cheek.
WILSON (cont'd)
Get much done today, dear?
ELLEN
No. I didn't spend much time in
the office. You know, I don't
think they even intend to get my
alley bill out of committee.
WILSON
I'll look into it.
ELLEN
No, I can handle it.
Ellen turns a page of the album. She looks at a photo of
oldest daughter Margaret, a bit plainer than her sisters.
ELLEN (cont'd)
I wish Margaret would find a
husband, before too long.
INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - WHITE HOUSE - DAY
Wilson stands alone at the window. Looking out at nothing,
he looks troubled and burdened.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - WHITE HOUSE - DAY
Wilson presides as Bryan, with notes, is addressing the other
Cabinet officials, including Daniels, McAdoo, and Garrison.
BRYAN
I wish to remind you all of the
mail orderly from the battleship
Florida, who was attacked on a
Veracruz street, and briefly
arrested without cause, on April
eleventh. So far no one has been
punished for the incident.
Secondly, that same day, a
coded dispatch, from myself to
O'Shaughnessy, was held for two
hours in the Mexican censor's
office. O'Shaughnessy had to
personally demand its release.
WILSON
I submit, gentlemen, that the
arrest of our sailors in Tampico
was no aberration. What we have
with these incidents is a pattern
of studied contempt for this
country on the part of the Huerta
government.
BRYAN
(making a note)
That's a good term, Mister President.
"Studied contempt." That's how I'll
describe it.
GARRISON
Absolutely. It's all the more reason
to stand behind Mayo's demand for
that twenty-one gun salute.
BRYAN
On the matter of a precedent for
action, Mister President, we have
a good one.
(referring to notes)
In eighteen fifty-four, the town
of Greytown, Nicaragua, was shelled
by United States warships in
retaliation for an insult to the
American consul.
Wilson looks wonderingly toward Bryan's notes.
MCADOO
Well, that's not fooling around.
WILSON
(to Bryan)
Are you sure about that?
BRYAN
Yes, Mister President.
GARRISON
I think we should make 'em fire
that salute if we have to blow up
the whole damn place.
INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - MEXICO CITY - DAY
Huerta, arguing with Nelson, pours a drink.
HUERTA
"Studied contempt"? What is
studied contempt?
NELSON
Those are the President's words,
not mine. The point is, General,
that, uh - the point -
HUERTA
(interrupting)
I see no point. They are
unrelated, these incidents you
refer to. They are trivial,
due to ignorance, not intent.
NELSON
I agree these matters seem
trivial, General, but . . .
HUERTA
But what?
NELSON
You must look to the urgency,
General, the expediency, of
coming to some arrangement.
HUERTA
What more can we do? We have
apologized. We have arrested
the colonel who ordered the
arrest of your men - though
your men had no right to be
where they were. We have done
all that one should expect.
NELSON
General, I cannot stress too
strongly the danger - the
imminent danger - in your
refusing to fire the salute.
Public opinion may force the
President to uphold the nation's
honor - with armed force if -
HUERTA
(interrupting)
There is our nation's honor at stake
here too! Does our honor mean so
little? We are a weaker nation -
yes, much weaker, and torn by civil
war - but we too have pride. Force
shall be met with force!
NELSON
Then what shall I tell the President?
HUERTA
That I must do what is right,
not what is expedient. No salute
will be fired.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT
The light is still burning in the window of:
INT. THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Bryan is reading a dispatch to Wilson and adviser House.
BRYAN
(reading)
"I have never heard the old Indian
speak more eloquently. I believe - "
WILSON
(interrupting)
"The old Indian"? John Lind was
certainly right about O'Shaughnessy.
(to House)
He said they had a simpatico
relationship.
(to Bryan)
Go ahead.
BRYAN
(reading)
"I believe he is sincerely patriotic
in his statements, and that he will
probably not yield."
WILSON
Does he expect me to yield? 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?
(then)
Tell O'Shaughnessy that unless "the
old Indian" yields, on Monday I
shall take the matter to Congress,
for a resolution to act.
EXT. CHAPULTEPEC - MEXICO CITY - DAY
Diplomatic GUESTS are arriving in chauffeured cars at
Chapultepec Castle.
INT. SALON - CASTLE - DAY
Huerta and his wife Emilia are greeting GUESTS at a state
reception.
INT. EMBASSY CAR - DAY
Nelson and Edith are being driven by Jesús to the event.
NELSON
If I can't get through to him, we
might as well start packing. This
whole thing's some kind of joke.
Humiliating. I wish we were back
in Vienna.
(on her 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 (cont'd)
Nelson, have you heard from your
friend in Vienna?
NELSON
No. But she heard from me. I
wrote her right after I got here,
to put it in writing, that it's
over, that 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.
EXT. THE WHITE HOUSE - DAY
REESTABLISHING. OVERLAP SOUND:
DOCTOR (V.O.)
Chronic nephritis is a degener
ative kidney disease . . .
INT. THE LIVING QUARTERS - DAY
Wilson and Ellen sit together on the sofa while they listen
to Grayson and an older DOCTOR.
DOCTOR (cont'd)
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.
INT. SALON - CHAPULTEPEC CASTLE - DAY
Guests mingle at the Huertas' reception.
Emilia chats with the Mornets, 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 is pacing.
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
(interrupting, rising)
There is still no guarantee.
NELSON
Of what?
HUERTA
A return salute.
NELSON
You don't understand. We -
HUERTA
(interrupting)
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 (cont'd)
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 begins pacing.
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 - we'll see what
they say.
INT. WILSON BEDROOM - NIGHT
Ellen lies in bed, with her daughter Nell 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.
NELL
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
(interrupting)
Oh no, I won't hear of it, Nell. I
plan to dance at your wedding, so
don't you put it off.
NELL
I'm sure you will, Mama.
They hear from the adjoining sitting room:
WILSON (V.O.)
Absolutely not!
INTERCUT: INT. THE SITTING ROOM
Wilson, in shirt sleeves, stands talking angrily on the
phone.
WILSON (cont'd)
(into phone)
How dare O'Shaughnessy propose
some written agreement with
a government we don't even
recognize.
NELL
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
(into phone)
Mayo's written demand is quite
clear, of course. It states the
salute will be returned. That's
protocol enough.
INT. LIVING QUARTERS - WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT
Wilson is still angry as Nell stops by him to say goodnight.
WILSON
(into phone)
Of course it is. Tell O'Shaugh
nessy for the last time - hold on.
Nell kisses Wilson on the cheek.
NELL
I love you, Dad. Good night.
WILSON
Good night, Nell. Pray for your
mother.
NELL
I will. You too.
As Nell is leaving:
WILSON
(into phone)
Mayo's demand remains unchanged and
shall be met unconditionally . . .
Good night.
Wilson hangs up.
INT. THE 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.
He's a hard man to deal with.
ELLEN
He probably says the same of you.
WILSON
Thanks a lot.
(then)
It's like dealing 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.
INT. EMBASSY OFFICE - MEXICO CITY - NIGHT
Nelson, Edith, and D'Antin sit as if waiting for something.
The phone rings. Nelson answers:
NELSON
(into phone)
Embajada.
INTERCUT: INT. PRIVATE ROOM - CAFÉ COLÓN
Moheno is on the phone. Mariachi music can be heard in
another 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.
END INTERCUT, STAY with Nelson.
NELSON
So am I.
EXT. A DRIVEWAY - THE WHITE HOUSE - DAY
Two cars bring in CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS.
INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - WHITE HOUSE - 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.
As they walk toward the door:
WILSON
Well, we're doing something about
it, no matter what registry.
TUMULTY
Mister President . . .
They stop at the door.
TUMULTY (cont'd)
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. A CONFERENCE ROOM - WHITE HOUSE - DAY
Wilson, meeting with the Congressional leaders, finishes
reading aloud the text of the speech:
WILSON
(reading)
"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 (cont'd)
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
(interrupting)
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
Mister President, we're talking
about war in any event.
WILSON
We are not. We're talking about
action against the dictator Huerta -
that's all.
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. 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 -
(checks a note)
- 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? 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. THE HOUSE CHAMBER - U.S. CONGRESS - DAY
Wilson is addressing 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 -
(interrupted by applause)
- 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.
(pause for more applause)
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 self-government and
constitutional guarantees, once
again.
EXT. THE WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT
All is dark.
INT. A CORRIDOR - WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT
Secret Service Agent PHILLIPS, with loosened tie, a newspaper
in hand, picks up a ringing phone.
PHILLIPS
(into phone)
Agent Phillips speaking.
INTERCUT: 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.
PHILLIPS
Mister Bryan, the President just
got to bed two hours ago. Is it
that important?
INTERCUT: 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. LIVING QUARTERS - WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT
Wilson, in pajamas and robe, picks up a phone.
WILSON
(into phone)
Yes?
INTERCUT WILSON, BRYAN, AND DANIELS AS NEEDED.
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 - ESTABLISHING - DAY
A picturesque city between sand hills and sea. There's an
overcast, threatening sky.
Anchored in the busy inner harbor is the U.S. gunboat
Prairie. Anchored outside the breakwater are the U.S.
battleships Florida and Utah. SUPERIMPOSE:
VERACRUZ
INT. ADMIRAL'S CABIN - U.S. BATTLESHIP FLORIDA - DAY
Rear Admiral FRANK FLETCHER, 59, is meeting 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 - VERACRUZ - DAY
In the front arcade of the Hotel Diligencias, NORTH AMERICANS
and well-to-do MEXICANS sit reading their newspapers,
chatting. TOWNSPEOPLE move routinely about in the plaza.
EXT. THE GUNBOAT PRAIRIE - DAY
Anchored in the inner harbor.
EXT. ABOARD THE PRAIRIE - DAY
A MARINE BATTALION has assembled, with knapsacks and rifles,
ready to disembark. Col. Neville 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 watch from the bridge, as
a battalion of SAILORS, with haversacks and rifles, has
assembled on deck. Capt. Rush 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. PRAIRIE - DAY
The Marines are loading via gangway into whaleboats.
EXT. FLORIDA - DAY
Sailors are loading into whaleboats.
EXT. PRAIRIE - DAY
Motor launches are towing the first whaleboats, loaded with
marines, from the Prairie toward shore.
EXT. AN OUTDOOR THEATER - MEXICO CITY - DAY
Nelson and Edith sit among DIGNITARIES enjoying a Mexican
TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL.
Huerta, sitting with Blanquet, exchanges friendly waves with
the O'Shaughnessys.
EXT. HARBOR - VERACRUZ - DAY
Strings of whaleboats, loaded with marines and sailors, are
being 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: 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?
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!
Maas hangs up and dashes for the door.
EXT. HARBOR - VERACRUZ - DAY
The boatloads of marines and sailors are heading for the
terminal wharf.
EXT. SEAWALL - DAY
A CROWD, including many NORTH AMERICANS, is gathering along
the seawall, watching the boats approaching the wharf.
INT. VERACRUZ NAVAL SCHOOL - DAY
A Mexican INSTRUCTOR is giving a lecture 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 has noticed something outside.
INSTRUCTOR
Yes. They already had the other
part.
The instructor moves to the windows, facing the harbor. The
cadets also begin moving 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 ALBINO RODRÍGUEZ CERRILLO, 45, is marching 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 are continuing to land.
INT. ARMORY - BARRACKS - DAY
Mexican CIVILIAN VOLUNTEERS are being supplied by FEDERAL
SOLDIERS with rifles and ammunition.
INT. A MILITARY PRISON - NEAR BARRACKS - DAY
Maass is giving 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 starts marching 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 are closing their doors, SHOPKEEPERS pull down iron
grills, SCHOOLCHILDREN are being sent home.
INT. LOBBY - TERMINAL HOTEL - 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
Rodriguez 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 #3 and #4 finish hauling a one-pounder gun
to the top floor, where they have a view of:
EXT. THE WATERFRONT - DAY
Marines and sailors are fanning out from the plaza near the
wharf, the crowd watching.
EXT. STREETS - SERIES OF SCENES - DAY
ARMED CIVILIANS and CONVICTS are taking defensive positions -
rooftops, balconies, windows, barricades - and lying in wait.
Go to Part FourBack to beginning of script