The Twenty-One Gun Salute

Part Four



               INT. OLD LIGHTHOUSE - DAY

               Soldiers #4 and #5 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 SAILOR #7 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 #4 and #5, 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 #8 and #9 slip into the
               building where the machine gun is located.

               EXT. UTAH - DAY

               A battalion of sailors loads into whaleboats.

               INT. A SECOND-FLOOR ROOM - CUSTOMS ZONE - DAY

               VERACRUZ POLICEMEN #1 and #2 fire their machine gun out the
               window.

               Sailors #8 and #9 burst in.  They shoot the policemen as they
               wheel around.

               EXT. ALLEY - DAY

               Lowry and his sailors see Sailor #8 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 SAILOR #10.

                                   LOWRY
                         Get word to Captain Rush: "Customs
                         house secured."

               EXT. CORNER - MONTESINOS & CINCO DE MAYO - DAY

               MARINE #1, 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
                             (into phone)
                         Consul Canada, what the hell's
                         going on?  Didn't you talk to the
                         federal commander?

               INTERCUT: 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.

               END INTERCUT, STAY with Rush.

                                   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 #11 and #12 burst through the door of:

               INT. A BUILDING - DAY

               Sailors #11 and #12 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, leave.  She goes crying to the two
               dead civilians, as gunfire continues outside.

               EXT. THE STREET - DAY

               As SAILORS #11 and #12 hustle down the street, Sailor #11 is
               shot and falls.

               Sailor #12 helps him up, half-drags him off, as gunfire
               continues.

               INT. EMBASSY OFFICE - MEXICO CITY - 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 (cont'd)
                         Dispatch from William Canada.
                         There's fighting in the streets. 

               Nelson picks up the dispatch and reads it.  

               EXT. HARBOR AREA - VERACRUZ - 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 #13 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 #13
                         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: 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.

               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.

               END INTERCUT, STAY in the school.  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. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - WHITE HOUSE - DAY

               Wilson meets with Bryan and House.  The phone rings, Wilson
               answers,

                                   WILSON
                             (into phone)
                         Yes?

               INTERCUT: 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.  As many as 
                         two hundred Mexican dead.  I'll
                         keep you posted, sir, as the
                         admiral reports.  There's still
                         some shooting going on.

                                   WILSON
                         Thank you, Mister Daniels.

               END INTERCUT, STAY with Wilson as he hangs up.  He looks
               shaken.

                                   BRYAN
                         What has happened, Mister President? 

                                   WILSON
                         It hasn't gone as well as expected. 

               EXT. A ZAPATISTA CAMP - STATE OF MORELOS - DAY

               The wiry Indian EMILIANO ZAPATA, 33, surrounded by four or
               five armed ZAPATISTAS, walks through the camp.

               One of three North American CORRESPONDENTS, being kept by
               Zapatistas at a distance, calls to him,

                                   CORRESPONDENT
                         General Zapata, could we get a
                         statement on today's landing at
                         Veracruz?

               Zapata stops, a ZAPATISTA translating the question for him. 
               Zapata and the Zapatista walk over to the correspondents.

                                   ZAPATA
                             (speaks in Spanish)

                                   ZAPATISTA
                             (translating)
                         "Write this.  If the pigs from
                         Yanquiland march on Mexico City - "

                                   ZAPATA
                             (speaks in Spanish)

                                   ZAPATISTA
                             (translating)
                         "We will stop fighting Huerta and
                         help Huerta fight the pigs."

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

               Carranza, wearing a felt hat and his tinted glasses, stops 
               to speak to Mexican REPORTERS #8 and #9, taking notes.

               With Carranza are General ÁLVARO OBREGÓN, 50, and CARRANZA
               AIDES #1 AND #2.  (Spanish:)

                                   CARRANZA
                         As First Chief of the Constitu-
                         tionalist forces, I speak for
                         myself and General Álvaro Obregón, 
                         in calling this action of Woodrow
                         Wilson a flagrant violation of
                         Mexican sovereignty.

                                   REPORTER #8
                         Do you plan military action, sir,
                         against the invaders?

               Carranza, ignoring the question, walks away.

                                   REPORTER #8 (cont'd)
                         General Obregón - 

                                   OBREGÓN
                         If the First Chief so orders, we
                         will fight them, and fight to the
                         death.

               EXT. A VILLISTA CAMP - DAY

               Villa eats beans and tortillas with a group of his VILLISTAS,
               while being interviewed by North American REPORTER #10.

                                   REPORTER #10
                         What do you think, General Villa,
                         of the United States seizing the
                         port of Veracruz?

                                   VILLA
                         Let me tell you.  The gringos
                         should hold Veracruz so tightly
                         that not even water can get in 
                         to Huerta.

               Villa laughs.  The Villistas laugh as if on cue.

               INT. HUERTA'S OFFICE - NATIONAL PALACE - NIGHT

               Huerta gulps down the last of a drink at his desk.  With him
               are Moheno and Generals Blanquet and Izquierdo.  A map is
               spread on the desk.  (Spanish:)

                                   HUERTA
                         I have had enough for one day. 
                             (rising)
                         You will closely monitor the
                         situation.  I want a full report 
                         in the morning.

                                   BLANQUET
                         Yes, General.

                                   HUERTA
                         Moheno, we must not forget to give
                         O'Shaughnessy his passports.

               EXT. U.S. EMBASSY - NIGHT

               An ANGRY CROWD, chanting "mueran los gringos," demonstrates
               in front of the building, guarded by FEDERAL SOLDIERS.

               INT. EMBASSY OFFICE - NIGHT

               Edith, by the window of the darkened office, watches the
               chanting crowd.  Nelson moves to her side, puts an arm around
               her shoulders, and watches too.

               INT. LIVING QUARTERS - WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT

               Wilson sits in his robe by a desk, reading the Bible.

               INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT

               Ellen awakes, finds Wilson is not in bed.  She rises with
               effort.

               INT. LIVING QUARTERS - NIGHT

               Ellen enters in her nightgown. 

                                   WILSON
                             (rising)
                         Darling, you shouldn't be up. 

               Wilson, Bible in hand, walks over to meet her.

                                   ELLEN
                         You shouldn't be either. 

               They sit down together on the sofa.  

                                   ELLEN (cont'd)
                         What are you reading?

                                   WILSON
                         The Psalms.
                             (reading)
                         "I will lift up mine eyes unto the
                         hills, from whence cometh my help."
                             (beat)
                         All those lives lost today, Ellen. 
                         I can't get it off my heart.

                                   ELLEN
                         You can't blame yourself.

                                   WILSON
                         Then who do I blame?  Sending poor
                         farmers' sons to fight and die. 
                         Just what I said I wouldn't do.

               INT. HUERTA'S OFFICE - NATIONAL PALACE - DAY

               Huerta sits at his desk smoking a black cigarette as Nelson
               is shown in by Rábago, who leaves.

               Huerta motions to a chair in front of the desk.  Nelson sits
               down.  Huerta gestures toward something on the desk.

                                   HUERTA
                         Your passports.

               Nelson takes them from the desk.  Huerta opens a drawer,
               takes out two glasses and a bottle of cognac.

                                   HUERTA (cont'd)
                         We will have a last copita. 

               Huerta pours the drinks.

                                   NELSON
                         Please believe me, General, when I
                         say I didn't know.  I was told
                         nothing beforehand of the Veracruz
                         landing.

               Huerta shrugs.  He rises with the drinks.  He moves around
               the desk toward Nelson, who rises too.

                                   HUERTA
                         What does it matter?  Even if you
                         had known, you could have said
                         nothing to me.

                                   NELSON
                         I could have protested. 

               Huerta hands Nelson his drink.

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         Of course, that wouldn't have
                         mattered either.

               Huerta gestures a toast.  They drink, then,

                                   HUERTA
                         You leave tonight, by special
                         train.  The safest way is to
                         Veracruz.  You will be well
                         guarded, as far as Tejería.  
                         There your people can meet you.

                                   NELSON
                         I will let them know.

               The door opens and Rábago steps in.

                                   RÁBAGO
                         Excuse me.  The Jalisco delegation
                         is here, sir.  In the salon. 

               Rábago leaves.

                                   HUERTA
                         I must go.

               They drink another toast.  Leaving the glasses on the desk,
               they move toward the door.

                                   HUERTA (cont'd)
                         I will tell you something, mi 
                         hijo.  There was a moment, before
                         Veracruz, when I came very close -
                         that much - to deciding to fire
                         that salute.  Do you know why I
                         didn't?

               They walk into:

               INT. THE CORRIDOR - DAY

               Huerta and Nelson emerge from the office.

                                   NELSON
                         Honor.

                                   HUERTA
                         Above all else, yes.  There was
                         also this.

               They walk down the corridor.

                                   HUERTA (cont'd)
                         If I had fired the salute, then a
                         week later - or two, or three -
                         there would have been something
                         else.

               They stop as they reach an adjoining corridor.

                                   HUERTA (cont'd)
                         His Excellency would have found a
                         way.  Do you agree?

                                   NELSON
                         Yes, I'm afraid I do, sir. 

               They share an abrazo.

                                   HUERTA
                         Mi hijo . . .

               They shake hands.

                                   HUERTA (cont'd)
                         You have been a friend.  Vaya con
                         Diós.

                                   NELSON
                         Gracias.  Adiós.

               Huerta turns, starts walking away for the salon.

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         General . . .

               Huerta stops and turns.

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         Take care.

                                   HUERTA
                         "The bullet that is to kill me has
                         not yet been molded" - Napoleon
                         Bonaparte. 

               Huerta turns and walks away.

               INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY

               Wilson meets with REPORTERS.

                                   REPORTER #11
                         Mister President, is the elimination
                         of Huerta the main purpose of this
                         action?

                                   WILSON
                         No, it is not.

               REPORTERS #12 and #13 exchange who's-he-kidding glances.

                                   WILSON (cont'd)
                         It's to compel recognition of
                         United States sovereignty.  That's
                         all we seek.  Such a recognition as
                         will guarantee that this kind of
                         thing will not happen again.

                                   REPORTER #12
                         Then if Huerta should give in and
                         fire that salute, that would end
                         hostilities?

                                   WILSON
                         Yes.  It would depend, though,
                         entirely on the circumstances.  But
                         I wish to repeat, we do not want
                         war with the Mexican people.  As
                         I've said before, our only quarrel
                         is with Victoriano Huerta.

               EXT. CENTRAL PLAZA - VERACRUZ - NIGHT

               A squad of marines marches past the lit plaza, where citizens
               are at their evening promenade.  SUPERIMPOSE:

                                    VERACRUZ
                                 ONE WEEK LATER

               EXT. A HOTEL BALCONY - NIGHT

               Nelson sits alone, looking off at the plaza.  

                                   EDITH
                         There you are.

               Edith sits down beside him.  

                                   EDITH (cont'd)
                         I hear the Army's coming in.

                                   NELSON
                         Yeah.  They can't get any locals 
                         to run the place.  Tomorrow Uncle
                         Sam hoists the flag and declares
                         martial law.

                                   EDITH
                         How long do you think we'll be
                         here?  Uncle Sam, I mean.

                                   NELSON
                         Till Huerta's out.  We've got
                         Veracruz.  Soon the rebels will
                         have Tampico.  The two major ports. 
                         We've got Huerta virtually cut off
                         from the world.  And from all the
                         revenue that comes from that
                         customs house.  There's no need to
                         march on him now.  He's finished.

               Nelson takes an envelope from his pocket, and hands it to
               Edith.  She takes a letter from the envelope.

                                   EDITH
                         What is it?

                                   NELSON
                         My recall from Mexico.  It just
                         came today. 

               Edith reads it.  

                                   EDITH
                         Where do you think they'll send us?

                                   NELSON
                         I'm going to resign from the Foreign
                         Service.  If it's all right with you.
                         The way I feel now . . . 

                                   EDITH
                         Do you know what?  I was hoping you
                         would say that.

               They share a fond look, then lean to each other for a kiss. 
               They emotionally embrace. 

               EXT. TERMINAL HOTEL - VERACRUZ - DAY

               A U.S. NAVY BAND strikes up "The Star-Spangled Banner," as 
               a U.S. flag is raised over the hotel.

               Nelson, Edith, marines, sailors, and other NORTH AMERICANS
               are gathered for the ceremony.  

               There begins the sound of heavy guns firing in the distance.

               Nelson, Edith, and the others look off toward the harbor.

               EXT. BATTLESHIP FLORIDA - DAY

               The Florida's 12-inch guns are firing a twenty-one gun
               salute.

               INT. WHITE HOUSE - BLUE ROOM - DAY

               The WEDDING of Nellie and McAdoo.  Among the GUESTS, Wilson

               stands with his arm around Ellen, who looks weaker than ever.

                                   MINISTER
                         Do you, William McAdoo, take Nellie
                         Wilson as your lawful wife, to have
                         and to hold, from this day forward,
                         for better or for worse, for richer
                         or for poorer, in sickness and in
                         health, to love and cherish until
                         death do you part? 

                                   MCADOO
                         I do.

               INT. WILSON BEDROOM - DAY 

               Ellen, still in the dress worn at the wedding, sits down to
               rest.  She seems to be in some pain.  Margaret looks in, and
               goes to her.

                                   MARGARET
                         Mama, are you all right?

                                   ELLEN
                         Yes, darling, just tired.  Dear,
                         would you bring me two of those
                         pills?

               Margaret pours a glass of water from a pitcher, and brings
               the glass and pills.  She kneels down by Ellen's chair. 

                                   ELLEN (cont'd)
                         Well, Margaret, any chance of there
                         being a third White House wedding?

                                   MARGARET
                         Nothing that serious yet, Mama.

                                   ELLEN
                         I'm sure you meet a lot of young
                         men in New York.  You just pick out
                         a good one.

                                   MARGARET
                         Do you want me to come home and
                         stay, Mama, now that Nellie has
                         flown the coop?

                                   ELLEN
                         Oh no, dear, you look after your
                         singing career.

                                   MARGARET
                         I don't have much of one yet to
                         look after.

               Margaret hugs Ellen and holds on, Ellen stroking Margaret's
               hair.

                                   MARGARET (cont'd)
                         I just want you to get well, Mama.

               EXT. NATIONAL PALACE - MEXICO CITY - DAY

               A summer day.  SUPERIMPOSE:

                                  JULY, 1914

               INT. A SALON - PALACE - DAY

               Huerta, with Emilia at his side, stands before a solemn group
               of FEDERAL OFFICERS, Moheno, and other GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.

                                   HUERTA
                             (in Spanish)
                         As my last official act, I appoint
                         Francisco Carvajal as foreign
                         minister, to succeed me as
                         provisional president, upon my
                         resignation at this moment.  I 
                         leave in good conscience, having
                         fought for order in Mexico, and 
                         in defense of our national honor.
                         Mexico will survive these turbulent
                         times.  Let some men do their
                         worst, there will be others, God
                         willing, to redress the wrongs they
                         may do.  Mexico, like the Earth
                         itself, will abide forever.

               Huerta offers Emilia his arm, she takes it.

                                   HUERTA (cont'd)
                         Viva la patria.  Adiós. 

               The group applauds as Huerta and Emilia walk together out of
               the salon.

                                   OFFICIAL #3
                         Que viva!

                                   OFFICIAL #4
                         Viva México!

               EXT. THE WHITE HOUSE - DAY

               It's raining, with thunder.  SUPERIMPOSE:

                                 AUGUST, 1914

               INT. ELLEN'S BEDROOM - DAY

               Ellen lies in bed.  She is almost too weak to talk, as
               Grayson sits leaning over her. 

               Daughter Jessie, looking sad and tired, sitting in an
               armchair, apparently can't hear what Ellen is saying.

                                   GRAYSON
                         I'll tell him, Mrs. Wilson, don't
                         worry.

               Wilson enters.  Grayson rises, to give Wilson the bedside
               chair.  Grayson glances grimly at Wilson, as if offering
               little hope, as he leaves.

               INT. THE BEDROOM - DAY (HALF AN HOUR LATER)

               Wilson sits holding Ellen's hand.  He's musing, she's half
               asleep.  Jessie sits asleep in her chair.

                                   WILSON
                         My earliest memory - I was four
                         years old - is of standing at the
                         gate of the house.  A man went by,
                         and I heard him say, "Mister
                         Lincoln has been elected, and
                         there's going to be war."  The 
                         way he said it - so excited - I
                         remember running inside to ask my
                         father what it meant. 

                                   ELLEN
                             (weakly)
                         I'm glad you were too young to
                         fight . . . Is there going to 
                         be war?

                                   WILSON
                         Yes, it's broken out in Europe. 
                         But we're going to stay out of it. 
                         Out of the bloodshed.  We're going
                         to work someway for peace. 

               Wilson becomes emotional.

                                   WILSON (cont'd)
                         You don't know what it's like to
                         have the blood of young men on your
                         hands.  I've been living with that
                         day and night.  Now I can't lose
                         you, Ellen.

                                   ELLEN
                         God brought us together . . . If he
                         takes us apart, . . . then you have
                         to go on.

                                   WILSON
                         I can't do it without you.

                                   ELLEN
                         Yes, you can.

               Weak Ellen is falling asleep.

                                   ELLEN (cont'd)
                         I know . . . "The loneliest place
                         in the world" . . . But the world
                         needs you, Woodrow.

                                   WILSON
                         Yes, go to sleep.  You need all
                         your strength.

               Wilson watches her sleep.

                                   WILSON (cont'd)
                         Don't leave me, Ellen.

               EXT. NATIONAL PALACE - MEXICO CITY - DAY

               First Chief Carranza comes out on the balcony, to acknowledge
               cheers of a CROWD in front of the palace.

                                   CROWD
                             (chanting)
                         Viva Carranza!  Viva Carranza! 

               At Carranza's side is General Obregón.

               INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - PALACE - DAY

               The crowd (o.s.) can still be heard, as Carranza and Obregón
               come in from the balcony.  CARRANZA AIDE #3 closes the
               balcony doors.  

               Carranza strolls to a rocking chair.  (Spanish:)

                                   CARRANZA
                         Well, General.  Two things of
                         immediate concern.  One is the port
                         of Veracruz.

               Carranza sits down in the rocker.  Obregón takes an armchair.

                                   OBREGÓN
                         Huerta's gone.  Tell Wilson to ship
                         home his soldiers.

                                   CARRAMZA
                         I will do that, of course.  He will
                         want some kind of assurances. 

                                   OBREGÓN
                         Then give them.

               Carranza thoughtfully strokes his beard.

                                   CARRANZA
                         Secondly, there is Pancho Villa,
                         who no longer obeys me, back home
                         in Chihuahua -

                                   OBREGÓN
                         With a fifty-thousand-man army.

                                   CARRANZA
                         This convention that he and Zapata
                         have called for, to elect a
                         provisional president, as if I 
                         were not here -

                                   OBREGÓN
                         He has to be dealt with.

                                   CARRANZA
                         Yes.  As First Chief, I must give
                         Villa some kind of assurances.

                                   OBREGÓN
                         I will take them to him myself.

                                   CARRANZA
                         Too dangerous.

                                   OBREGÓN
                         Perhaps he will listen to reason.

                                   CARRANZA
                         Pancho Villa?

                                   OBREGÓN
                         I am going to take care of him,
                         sir.  One way or the other.

               INT. WHITE HOUSE - LIVING QUARTERS - DAY

               Wilson sits talking on the phone.

                                   WILSON
                             (into phone)
                         Senator Gale . . .

                                   GALE'S VOICE
                             (filtered, on phone)
                         Yes, Mister President?

                                   WILSON
                         Mrs. Wilson is dying.

                                   GALE'S VOICE
                         No, Mister President.  I knew she
                         was ill.

                                   WILSON
                         She has kidney disease.  Incurable.

                                   GALE'S VOICE
                         I'm so sorry to hear this.

                                   WILSON
                         It would mean a lot to her,
                         Senator, if I could tell her that
                         her alley bill has passed.

                                   GALE'S VOICE
                         Mister President, I will see that
                         the Senate passes that bill this
                         afternoon.  We'll see that it gets
                         through the House tomorrow.

                                   WILSON
                         Thank you, Senator.

                                   GALE'S VOICE
                         Mister President, our prayers are
                         with you, sir, for you and Mrs.
                         Wilson and your family.

                                   WILSON
                         Thank you.

               Wilson hangs up.

               INT. A MODEST APARTMENT - WASHINGTON - DAY

               Edith sits typing, the handwritten pages of a notebook or
               journal beside her.

               Nelson sits reading the newspaper.  The headline reads,

                         BRITAIN DECLARES WAR ON GERMANY

               EXT. WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT

               Two or three windows are lit.

               INT. ELLEN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

               Wilson sits holding Ellen's hand.  Also present are Nellie,
               Jessie and Francis Sayre, and Grayson.

               Tumulty comes in and hands Wilson a note.  Wilson reads it,
               then leans forward to Ellen.

                                   WILSON
                         Ellen . . .

               Opening her eyes, Ellen looks at him groggily.

                                   WILSON (cont'd)
                         The Senate passed your alley bill
                         today.  The House will pass it
                         tomorrow. 

                                   ELLEN
                         Then you better sign it.

                                   WILSON
                         I will.

               EXT. VILLA'S HEADQUARTERS - CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO - DAY

               ESTABLISHING SHOT of an armed camp, as many VILLISTAS move
               about.  

               Some Villistas SING and PLAY instruments as a pretty
               SOLDADERA (one of the women who travel with their men in
               Villa's army) dances to the song "La Cucaracha."

               INT. VILLA'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY

               Villa hosts Carranza's General Obregón, at a hearty mid
               afternoon meal. 

               Seated with them at the table are Villa's sidekick Urbina and
               30-ish LUZ CORRAL, a reserved but self-assured wife of Villa. 

               The amiable Obregón seems wary, while Villa and Urbina
               exchange sly glances.  Luz is through eating.

                                   VILLA
                         How was the welcome, in Mexico
                         City, for First Chief Carranza?

                                   OBREGÓN
                         Oh, they lined the streets.  They
                         filled the plaza in front of the
                         National Palace.

                                   LUZ
                         General Obregón, I will leave you
                         gentlemen now, to discuss your
                         affairs of state.

               Obregón politely rises as Luz does.

                                   OBREGÓN
                         Señora.

               Obregón sits down again as Luz leaves.

                                   OBREGÓN (cont'd)
                         I must compliment you.  A very nice
                         lady, your wife, General Villa.

                                   VILLA
                         Yes.  Luz understands me.  She
                         knows I marry the ladies, if that's
                         what they want, then they have no
                         guilty conscience.  I hate to leave
                         guilty women.  But she knows it is
                         her that I love.  It is Luz that 
                         I always come home to.
                             (beat)
                         How many wives have you got,
                         Obregón?

                                   OBREGÓN
                         Only one.

                                   VILLA
                         Good.  Then you will leave only one
                         widow.

                                   OBREGÓN
                             (beat)
                         I trust that means when I die of
                         old age.

                                   VILLA
                         No.  It means when you die right
                         here, in a couple of minutes.

               Urbina produces a pistol, covering Obregón.  

               VILLISTAS #8 and #9 appear, one to hold a pistol to Obregón's
               head, the other taking Obregón's gun from its holster.

                                   VILLA (cont'd)
                         You, Obregón, are a traitor to the
                         Revolution.

                                   OBREGÓN
                         On the contrary, sir, my allegiance
                         is to Revolutionary Mexico.

                                   VILLA
                         Your allegiance is to Carranza.  He
                         is a traitor too.

                                   OBREGÓN
                         You are wrong.  I am here, General
                         Villa, to explain the First Chief's
                         plans for the (future) -

                                   VILLA
                             (interrupting) 
                         (You are) here to trick me, and to
                         spy on the strength of my troops. 

               Villa rises, anger mounting.  He moves around the table
               toward Obregón.

                                   VILLA (cont'd)
                         We men of Chihuahua, and Zapata in
                         Morelos, we did the fighting, we
                         did the dying, and you, yes, you
                         fought for Carranza.  But that
                         chocolate drinker sat safe on his
                         rump in Coahuila, issuing his
                         orders, saying "I am First Chief." 
                         Self-appointed.

               INT. ADJOINING ROOM - DAY

               Luz surreptitiously listens by the door.

                                    VILLA (O.S.) (cont'd)
                         It is just as I suspected with
                         Carranza.

               INT. DINING ROOM - DAY

               Villa is in Obregón's face.

                                    VILLA (cont'd)
                         Where is reform?  A decree giving
                         land to the peasants?  Where is a
                         Congress?  When are elections?

                                   OBREGÓN
                         Those things are coming, General
                         Villa.  It takes time -

                                   VILLA
                         You will not live to see them.  We
                         will have our convention and throw
                         out Carranza.
                             (to Urbina)
                         Take him out and shoot him. 

               Urbina and the two Villistas grab hold of Obregón as he
               rises.

                                   OBREGÓN
                         You are wrong, General Villa.  I
                         would never serve a traitor.  Why
                         do you think we fought Huerta?

                                   VILLA
                         To take power for yourselves, that
                         is why.

                                   OBREGÓN
                         Not for my part, General.

                                   VILLA
                         Then you keep some bad company.
                             (to Urbina)
                         Get a squad.  I will come give 
                         the order.

               INT. ADJOINING ROOM - DAY

               Luz stands to the side of the door as Villa, still angry,
               comes through. 

                                   LUZ
                         What are you doing? 

               Villa turns to her quizzically.

                                   LUZ (cont'd)
                         I thought you were a man, but now I
                         don't know.

               Villa, eyes glaring, steps over to her, but Luz stands her
               ground.

                                   LUZ (cont'd)
                         What kind of a man shoots his
                         guests?  Have you no honor?  If
                         Obregón is your enemy, then kill
                         him in battle.  Not when he comes
                         to your home, where one has the
                         right (to expect) -

                                   VILLA
                             (interrupting)
                         Shut up!

                                   LUZ
                         Go ahead.  Shoot a defenseless man. 
                         Go show the world that Pancho Villa
                         has no cojones. 

               Luz moves off, leaving Villa apoplectic.

               EXT. BY A BULLET-POCKED WALL - DAY

               Obregón stands, as calmly as he's able, at the wall.  A
               FIRING SQUAD waits, with Urbina and FIRING SQUAD LEADER #2
               standing by.  

               Villa arrives angrily from the house.

                                   SQUAD LEADER #2
                         We are ready, my General. 

               Villa tries clumsily to kick the startled squad leader, who
               eludes Villa's boot.  Villa then paces aimlessly around in 
               a rage.

               Villa finally walks over to Obregón.

                                   VILLA
                         We are not going to shoot you.  Not
                         yet.  You deserve to be shot, but
                         you will be shot in battle.  I will
                         see to that.

               Villa starts to go, then,

                                   VILLA (cont'd)
                         Now get out of here before I let
                         them shoot you!

               Villa moves off.  Obregón breathes a sigh of relief.

               INT. VILLA'S HOUSE - A WINDOW - DAY

               Luz watches from the window.  She turns away with satisfaction.

               EXT. WHITE HOUSE - DAY

               It's morning.

               INT. WHITE HOUSE - ELLEN'S BEDROOM - DAY

               Wilson, holding Ellen's hand, sits with eyes closed, as if
               exhausted.  Also sitting in the room are the three daughters,
               McAdoo, and Grayson.

               Wilson opens his eyes, as if sensing something, and looks at
               Ellen.  Grayson rises from his chair and goes to her.

                                   WILSON
                         Is it all over?

                                   GRAYSON
                         Yes, Mister President. 

               The girls begin crying, McAdoo comforting Nellie. 

               Wilson still holds Ellen's hand, as Jessie comes to him
               consolingly.

                                   WILSON
                             (softly)
                         What am I going to do?

               EXT. A WHITE HOUSE GARDEN - DAY

               Wilson sits in a state of depression.  He seems all but
               oblivious to the worried House, sitting by him with notes 
               and cigar.  SUPERIMPOSE:

                                NOVEMBER, 1914

                                   HOUSE
                         Here's a rundown from Bryan on
                         Mexico . . .

               House, with his Texas drawl, clearly tries to humor Wilson
               with what he's reporting, though Wilson doesn't seem to be
               listening:

                                   HOUSE (cont'd)
                             (from notes)
                         The rebel convention at Aguas-
                         calientes elected General Eulalio
                         Gutiérrez as provisional president. 
                         His main role in the revolution has
                         been blowing up trains.  Carranza's
                         gotten out of Mexico City, seeing
                         as how Villa and Zapata are helping
                         Gutiérrez move in.  But Carranza
                         still says he is "first chief."
                         Carranza's army has moved into
                         Veracruz, now that we've moved our
                         soldiers out - based on Carranza's
                         assurance, which may not be worth
                         much right now, there'll be free
                         elections in Mexico.  Carranza and
                         his general Obregón plan to build
                         up a force to retake Mexico City. 
                         Villa has vowed to defeat them.  

               House looks at Wilson, staring off. 

                                   HOUSE (cont'd)
                         I understand your grieving, Mister
                         President.  I know you'll never get
                         over it completely.  But a lot of
                         work lies ahead.

                                   WILSON
                         I'm like a machine, Ed, that's run
                         down, and there's nothing left in
                         me.

                                   HOUSE
                         There's so much that you have 
                         to do, Mister President, for
                         humanity, with this disaster
                         unfolding in Europe.  It will take
                         all of the leadership, all of the
                         tenacity, that you and others can
                         muster.  Few men, Mister President,
                         have been given the opportunity to
                         serve, as you have been given.

               INT./EXT. HELEN BONES'S OFFICE - A WINDOW - DAY

               Helen Bones looks out at Wilson and House where they sit in
               the garden.  She seems worried.

               Dr. Grayson, with a cup of tea, steps to Helen's side to look
               out too.

                                   HELEN
                         We have to do something for Mister
                         Wilson.  I don't know what.

               Grayson sips his tea.  He looks at the tea in his cup, as if
               it has given him an idea.

               EXT. NATIONAL PALACE - MEXICO CITY - DAY

               REESTABLISHING.  SUPERIMPOSE:

                                   VILLA (O.S.)
                             (angrily, in Spanish)
                         Resignation? . . .

               INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY

               Villa and EULALIO GUTIÉRREZ, 45, heavy-set and manly, are in
               a heated discussion.  (Spanish:)

                                   VILLA (cont'd)
                         What makes you talk of resigning?

                                   GUTIÉRREZ
                         I have been given, sir, an
                         impossible task as provisional
                         president.  I had hoped, General
                         Villa, to depend on you and your
                         troops.  But the people of Mexico
                         have been under a reign of terror.

                                   VILLA
                         Reign of terror?

                                   GUTIÉRREZ
                         Thanks to you.  Your men and Zapata's.

                                   VILLA
                         Zapata has gone back to Morelos.

                                   GUTIÉRREZ
                         Why don't you go back to Chihuahua? 
                         You have had some one hundred and
                         fifty men in Mexico City shot.

                                   VILLA
                         They were Huerta men.  And Carranza's.

                                   GUTIÉRREZ
                         The men of Carranza to worry about,
                         General, are in Veracruz.  Obregón
                         may soon bring them marching on
                         Mexico City.

                                   VILLA
                         Obregón I should have shot long ago.

                                   GUTIÉRREZ
                         That's your solution to everything! 
                         One cannot govern this way.  Things
                         are out of control.  I am left with
                         no choice but to -

                                   VILLA
                             (interrupting)
                         Do what you want, Gutiérrez.  Have
                         it your way.  I can take charge of
                         things here if you want to quit. 
                         And I will fight Obregón when the
                         time comes.  There is one thing you
                         are going to do, though, or I will
                         have you shot too.

                                   GUTIÉRREZ
                         What is that?

                                   VILLA
                         You are going to attend the
                         reinterment of Francisco Madero.

               EXT. A CEMETERY - MEXICO CITY - DAY

               A new marble tomb is engraved,

                               FRANCISCO I. MADERO
                                   1873-1913

               Villa stands at the podium before a CROWD of Mexicans near
               the tomb.  Gutiérrez is seated among DIGNITARIES behind
               Villa. 

               Villa speaks his prepared words rather awkwardly, but with
               passion that will steadily mount.  (Spanish:)

                                   VILLA
                         I wish to thank our esteemed
                         provisional president, and other
                         dignitaries of Mexico City, for
                         joining us here today, as we
                         properly lay to rest the remains 
                         of Francisco Madero.

               INTERCUT FACES IN THE CROWD

               listening, watching Villa with rapt attention.

                                    VILLA (cont'd) 
                         I wish to say a few words from the
                         heart, that of an uncultured man. 
                         There is no darker stain on the
                         honor of the Mexican nation than
                         the assassination of Francisco
                         Madero.  Madero loved his people,
                         and led the people's Revolution,
                         only to be betrayed by a tyrant
                         from the old regime.
                             (beat)
                         My little friend, father of the new
                         republic -

               Tears fill Villa's eyes, he chokes with emotion.

                                    VILLA (cont'd) 
                         - who once saved me from a firing
                         squad's bullets - and who I loved
                         as a father - 

               The tears roll down his cheeks, Villa struggling to continue.

                                    VILLA (cont'd) 
                         - we have reclaimed the Revolution
                         for you.
                             (beat)
                         Rest in peace, Francisco Madero.

               EXT. WASHINGTON COUNTRY CLUB - GOLF COURSE - DAY

               Wilson hits a long shot.  His golfing partner is Grayson. 
               SECRET SERVICE AGENTS are in b.g.

                                   GRAYSON
                         Looking good.

               Wilson's mood seems solemn, as if this is work, not play.

                                   WILSON
                         Keep holding back, Carey, and I'll
                         win this round.

               They walk toward the green.

                                   GRAYSON
                         Mister President, before she passed
                         away, Mrs. Wilson asked me to tell
                         you something, when the time was
                         right.

               They stop, Wilson looking at Grayson.

                                   WILSON
                         What did she say?

                                   GRAYSON
                         That she hoped you would marry
                         again someday.  She said, "I know
                         Woodrow.  He can't live without a
                         woman's love."

                                   WILSON
                             (beat)
                         Thanks for telling me, Carey.
                         But she was the love of my life. 

               Wilson resumes walking, Grayson lingering for a moment before
               following.

               INT. WHITE HOUSE - HELEN'S OFFICE - DAY 

               Helen sits in her office with attractive EDITH BOLLING GALT,
               42.

                                   HELEN
                         The President, after Mrs. Wilson
                         died, told me I could stay on as
                         long as I wanted, in the role of
                         White House hostess.

                                   GALT
                         That was so nice of him.

                                   HELEN
                         He has been so kind.

               Helen slyly notes Secret Service agent Phillips stop by the
               open door and mouth "He's here" to her.  Phillips moves on.

                                   HELEN (cont'd)
                         But I think we've heard enough
                         about me.  Let's go have our tea
                         and hear about you.

               INT. WHITE HOUSE - A FIRST-FLOOR CORRIDOR - DAY

               Helen walks along with Galt.  Behind them, Wilson and
               Grayson, still in their golfing attire, enter the corridor. 
               Helen looks back and stops.

                                   HELEN
                         Oh, it's the President.

               Wilson and Grayson wait as the two ladies walk over to them. 

                                   HELEN (cont'd)
                         Mister President, this is a friend
                         of mine, Edith Galt.  I invited her
                         over for tea.

                                   GALT
                         Hello, Mister President.

                                   HELEN
                         Would you and Doctor Grayson join
                         us?

                                   WILSON
                             (to Galt)
                         We've met before.

                                   GALT
                         Yes, we have.  I'm so flattered you
                         remember.  It was at a reception.

                                   HELEN
                         She runs her late husband's jewelry
                         business.

                                   WILSON
                         Well, I . . .

                                   HELEN
                         Come join us, Mister President,
                         please.

                                   GALT
                         We would be so honored.

                                   GRAYSON
                         Mister President, I prescribe a cup
                         of tea.

                                   WILSON
                         Very well.

               As Wilson and Galt lead the way, behind their backs Grayson
               gives a thumbs up to Helen.

                                   HELEN
                         You too, Doctor Grayson.

                                   GRAYSON
                         I'll be happy to tag along.

               EXT. A SEASIDE PATIO - VERACRUZ - DAY 

               Carranza and Aides #1 and #2 eat seafood at a patio table,
               with a fine view of the sea.  Four armed CARRANCISTAS provide
               security, too far away to hear what is said.

                                   CARRANZA
                         Before we reach Mexico City, Villa
                         will attack us.  He will fight the
                         old-fashioned way, with his cavalry
                         charges, which have always served
                         him so well.  But General Obregón
                         has studied the war in Europe.    

               EXT. THE PLAIN OF CELAYA - MEXICO - DAY

               CARRANCISTA SOLDIERS are in trenches, behind barbed wire,
               with machine guns.  

                                   CARRANZA (V.O.) (cont'd)
                         The use of trenches, barbed wire,
                         and machine guns.

               TIME LAPSE

               VILLISTA CAVALRY is being mowed down by the machine guns.  A
               few horsemen reach the barbed wire, only to become entangled.

                                   CARRANZA (V.O.) (cont'd)
                         Obregón will dig in, and let Villa
                         attack.  For Villa's men, it will
                         be an act of self-annihilation.

               During the one-sided battle, Villa and Obregón observe from
               their respective positions.

               OVERLAP SOUND:

                                   NORTH AMERICAN (V.O.)
                         You see, Victoriano . . .

               INT. A TAVERN - BARCELONA, SPAIN - DAY

               Huerta, in coat and loosened tie, sits reading a New York
               Times article entitled VILLA LOSES DECISIVE BATTLE AT 
               CELAYA, MEXICO.

               SUPERIMPOSE:

                                BARCELONA, SPAIN
                                  APRIL, 1915

               Huerta sits at a table with a NORTH AMERICAN and a SPANIARD,
               both 50-ish gentlemen.  Other PATRONS in b.g.  

                                    NORTH AMERICAN (cont'd)
                         At the Battle of Celaya, Obregón
                         showed Villa something new. 

               Huerta, finished reading, folds the newspaper and hands it
               back to the North American.

                                   HUERTA
                         Yes.  That is the best account I
                         have read of it.

                                   SPANIARD
                         Victoriano likes to speak of
                         Napoleon.  Celaya was Pancho
                         Villa's Waterloo.

                                   NORTH AMERICAN
                             (to Huerta)
                         So that leaves Carranza in charge?

                                   HUERTA
                         Yes.  But he had better keep his
                         eye on Obregón.

               They chuckle.  The gentlemen watch Huerta sip his drink.

                                   NORTH AMERICAN
                         Do you ever wonder, General, what
                         would have happened if you had
                         fired that twenty-one gun salute?

                                   SPANIARD
                         It was out of the question.  It was 
                         a matter of Mexico's national honor.

                                   HUERTA
                         Yes.  What a price we have to pay
                         sometimes.  For honor.

               EXT. CAPITOL HILL - WASHINGTON - DAY

               A spring day.  SUPERIMPOSE:

                                  APRIL, 1921

               OVERLAP SOUND:

                                   SENATOR #1 (V.O.)
                         Would you state your name, please?

               INT. A SENATE HEARING ROOM - DAY

               Nelson testifies before a committee of SENATORS.  Edith sits
               behind Nelson in the AUDIENCE.

                                   NELSON
                         Nelson J. O'Shaughnessy.

                                   SENATOR #1
                         And what is your occupation?

                                   NELSON
                         I'm a foreign representative for
                         Western Union.

                                   SENATOR #1
                         And during the first half of
                         nineteen fourteen, what was your
                         occupation?

                                   NELSON
                         I was in the Foreign Service.  
                         I was the United States chargé
                         d'affaires in Mexico City.

                                   SENATOR #1
                         Then you had a pretty good vantage
                         point on Mexican-American
                         relations, which is the concern 
                         of these hearings, did you not?

                                   NELSON
                         Yes, sir, I did.  I might add 
                         that my lovely wife Edith has a
                         published book on the subject.
                         I have a small part in it.

               Some polite laughter.

                                   SENATOR #1
                         Then, to begin with, how would you
                         describe, in general terms, the
                         Wilson administration's policy
                         toward Mexico?

               John Lind sits listening in the audience.

                                   NELSON
                         During the period in question, I
                         would describe it as ill-conceived,
                         cruel and totally unnecessary. 

                                   CHAIRMAN
                         My goodness.  And why would President
                         Wilson pursue such a policy as you
                         have described?

                                   NELSON
                         Through no ill intent, sir.  It was
                         done both for the sake of American
                         interests, and through a misguided
                         sense of idealism.

               TIME LAPSE

               SENATOR #2 addresses Nelson.

                                   SENATOR #4
                         You know, a journalist remarked
                         at the time that our whole Mexican
                         policy boiled down to this:  The
                         President didn't like Victoriano
                         Huerta.

                                   NELSON
                         That played a part, I suppose.  But
                         how much?  I knew General Huerta,
                         and liked him.  But he did some
                         unlikeable things.

               TIME LAPSE

               SENATOR #3 addresses Nelson.

                                   SENATOR #5
                         On the matter of the salute, would
                         you agree that we left General
                         Huerta no political choice, once we
                         decided - come hell or high water -
                         to support Admiral Mayo's demand?

                                   NELSON
                         I do agree, yes.  That demand was
                         made out of arrogance.  And I would
                         like to say this, if I may.  We
                         don't live in a perfect world. 
                         This country should continue to be
                         a world leader.  But with respect
                         for our immediate neighbors, as
                         well as for others.  Edith reminded
                         me just this morning of a great
                         quotation.  Porfirio Diaz was a
                         dictator for many long years in
                         Mexico.  Diaz was the reason the
                         Mexican Revolution was fought.  But
                         Porfirio Diaz, scoundrel though he
                         was, said something well worth
                         remembering, for what it says about
                         the history of relations between
                         our two countries.  He said, "Poor
                         Mexico.  So far from God, and so
                         close to the United States."

               INT. SENATE BUILDING - THE CORRIDOR - DAY

               Nelson and Edith come out of the hearing room, in which
               people move about in recess.  As they start to leave,

                                   LIND (O.S.)
                         Nelson . . .

               Lind has followed them out of the hearing room.

                                   LIND (cont'd)
                         Hello, Edith.
                             (to Nelson)
                         You had some pretty harsh words for
                         President Wilson's Mexican efforts. 
                         In my testimony this afternoon,
                         I'll try to balance things out.

                                   NELSON
                         Feel free.  Like the Senator said,
                         I had a pretty good vantage point.

                                   LIND
                         Then you ought to know that Huerta
                         is no longer in Mexico.

                                   NELSON
                         No, he's not.

                                   LIND
                         And Mexico has a constitutionally
                         elected president.  By the name of
                         Obregón.

                                   NELSON
                         Yes.  Tell me this, John:  Couldn't
                         they have gotten where they are
                         without us?

                                   LIND
                         I don't know.  But we certainly
                         helped the cause.  You're a good
                         man, Nelson.  I just don't think
                         you were cut out for foreign
                         affairs.  I know I wasn't.

               Lind turns and heads back into the hearing room.  

                                   NELSON
                         I wasn't, he wasn't.  He's right on
                         both scores. 

               Nelson and Edith walk together toward the building's exit.

                                   NELSON (cont'd)
                         If only my father hadn't invested 
                         all his money in the Nicaragua Canal.

                                                           FADE OUT.

                                    THE END





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