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Return to the beginning of this script.
Go to The New Howell Theater.
EXT. ZAPATISTA CAMP - STATE OF MORELOS - DAY
The wiry Indian EMILIANO ZAPATA, 33, surrounded by four or
five armed Zapatistas, walks through the camp.
A North American CORRESPONDENT, one of three 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
(translates)
"Write this. If the pigs from
Yanquiland march on Mexico City -- "
ZAPATA
(speaks in Spanish)
ZAPATISTA
"We will stop fighting Huerta and
help Huerta fight the pigs."
EXT. COAHUILA - GOVERNOR'S PALACE - DAY
Governor VENUSTIANO CARRANZA, 53, with tinted glasses, a
pointed white moustache, and white six-inch beard, stops to
speak to Mexican REPORTERS #4 and #5, taking notes.
With Carranza are two aides and General ÁLVARO OBREGÓN, 50, a
genial, well-built officer of professional bearing. (Spanish
with English subtitles:)
CARRANZA
As First Chief of the
Constitutionalist forces, I speak
for myself and General Álvaro
Obregón, in calling this action of
Woodrow Wilson a flagrant violation
of Mexican sovereignty.
REPORTER #4
Do you plan military action, sir,
against the invaders?
Carranza, ignoring the question, walks away.
REPORTER #4
General Obregón --
OBREGÓN
If the First Chief so orders, we
will fight them, and fight to the
death.
EXT. VILLISTA CAMP - DAY
Stocky, mustachioed PANCHO VILLA, 34, eats beans and
tortillas with a group of his Villistas, while being
interviewed by North American REPORTER #6.
REPORTER #6
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. His Villistas laugh as if on cue.
INT. NATIONAL PALACE - PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Huerta finishes 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 starts toward the door, then,
HUERTA
Moheno, we must not forget to give
O'Shaughnessy his passports.
EXT. EMBASSY - NIGHT
An angry crowd, chanting "Mueran los gringos," demonstrates
in front of the building, guarded by federal soldiers.
INT. NELSON'S 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. WHITE HOUSE - LIVING QUARTERS - NIGHT
Wilson sits in his robe in a chair, 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 rises.
WILSON
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
What are you reading?
WILSON
The Psalms...
(reads)
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the
hills, from whence cometh my help."
Wilson sighs emotionally.
WILSON
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. NATIONAL PALACE - PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - 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. He
takes out two glasses and a bottle of cognac.
HUERTA
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
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.
They drink another toast, emptying the glasses. Huerta sets
his glass on the desk, Nelson following suit.
Huerta puts a hand on Nelson's shoulder.
HUERTA
Mi hijo, you have been a friend.
Vaya con Diós.
They shake hands.
NELSON
Gracias. Adiós.
They look at each other for a moment. Huerta turns to go
back to his chair, Nelson turning to walk to the door.
Nelson stops at the door and looks back.
NELSON
General...
Huerta, about to sit down, looks at Nelson.
NELSON
Take care.
HUERTA
(beat)
"The bullet that is to kill me has
not yet been molded" -- Napoleon
Bonaparte.
Huerta sits down. Nelson leaves. Huerta gazes off into
space.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY
Wilson meets with REPORTERS.
REPORTER #7
Mister President, is the elimination
of Huerta the main purpose of this
action?
WILSON
No, it is not.
REPORTERS #8 and #9 exchange who's-he-kidding glances.
WILSON
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 #8
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. HOTEL BALCONY - NIGHT
Nelson sits alone, looking off at the plaza.
EDITH
There you are.
Edith sits down beside him.
EDITH
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.
Edith reads it.
EDITH
Where do you think they'll send us?
Nelson looks at Edith, as if catching the "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 - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Wilson meets with Bryan, Daniels, McAdoo, and the rest of the
Cabinet.
BRYAN
The problem I see is this: Now
that we've occupied Veracruz, what
do we do with it?
MCADOO
We can't just give it back.
Wilson reacts as if he can't believe it.
WILSON
We seized the port to cut off
supplies to Huerta. Didn't I make
that clear?
BRYAN
Yes, Mister President.
WILSON
Why don't the Mexicans see it?
It's the Mexican people we're
trying to help.
BRYAN
Exactly, Mister President.
WILSON
So the Army holds Veracruz till
Huerta is out.
MCADOO
We could use it as a base, of
course, for a march on Mexico City.
Wilson reacts with exasperation.
WILSON
We are not down there for war! How
many times do I have to say it?
(to Bryan)
What's that city that Pancho Villa
just took?
BRYAN
Zacatecas.
WILSON
Zacatecas. A crushing blow, I'm
told, to Huerta. It opens the way
to Mexico City for the
Constitutionalists. There's no
reason for us to go in.
DANIELS
But we hold Veracruz as a trump
card. Without that port, and the
one at Tampico, no one can rule
Mexico for long.
BRYAN
That's correct. A fortunate
by-product of the invasion.
WILSON
Don't use that word, though.
BRYAN
By-product?
WILSON
Invasion.
BRYAN
Oh. Of course not.
(to all)
What's a better word we can use?
CABINET OFFICIAL #1
Incursion.
MCADOO
Same thing.
DANIELS
Seizure.
MCADOO
That's worse.
CABINET OFFICIAL #2
Occupation.
BRYAN
That's now. What did we do
initially?
MCADOO
We landed.
BRYAN
Let's call it a landing.
INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY
Wilson sets down a document he has looked at. Tumulty hands
him another.
TUMULTY
These are the names, sir, of the
nineteen servicemen who died at
Veracruz.
Wilson looks solemnly at the list.
TUMULTY
They'll be read at the beginning
of the memorial service.
EXT. MEMORIAL SERVICE AT BROOKLYN NAVAL YARD - DAY
Wilson speaks before an audience of naval officers and
sailors.
Navy Secretary Daniels and an admiral sit behind him.
WILSON
I reflect upon this day with great
sorrow, in that we have lost men
who were in the flower of their
youth. Someone's son, or a child's
father, who fought in the name of
freedom and democracy for all.
(beat)
Notice how truly these men were of
our blood. Their names bear the
marks of the several national
stocks from which they came.
Wilson's voice thickens with emotion.
WILSON
But they are not Irish or German
or French or Jewish or Italian
anymore. They were Americans. May
God grant us all that vision of
patriotic service, and strength as
Americans, that is here borne upon
our hearts with such solemnity,
grief, and pride.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - BLUE ROOM - DAY
The bride Nellie and groom McAdoo stand before MINISTER #1.
Among the wedding guests, Wilson stands with his arm around
Ellen, who looks weaker than ever.
MINISTER #1
And so, by the power vested in me
by the District of Columbia and by
Almighty God, I now pronounce you
man and wife. You may kiss the
bride.
Nellie and McAdoo kiss.
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
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
I just want you to get well, Mama.
EXT. NATIONAL PALACE - MEXICO CITY - DAY
A summer day. SUPERIMPOSE: "JULY, 1914."
INT. SALON - 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
Viva la patria. Adiós.
The group applauds as Huerta and Emilia walk together out of
the salon.
OFFICIAL #1
Que viva!
OFFICIAL #2
Viva México!
INT. WHITE HOUSE - LIVING QUARTERS - DAY
Wilson stands listening grimly on the phone, while House and
Tumulty stand waiting in b.g.
SUPERIMPOSE: "AUGUST, 1914."
WILSON
(into phone)
All right. Thank you, Mister
Secretary.
Wilson hangs up. He turns to join House and Tumulty, who can
see it's bad news.
HOUSE
Europe, Mister President?
WILSON
Yes. The Germans have invaded
Belgium.
INT. ELLEN'S BEDROOM - DAY
Ellen lies in bed. She is almost too weak to talk, as
Grayson, in a bedside chair, leans over her to hear.
Daughter Jessie, looking sad and tired, sitting in an
armchair, apparently can't hear what Ellen says.
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.
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
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
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
Don't leave me, Ellen.
INT. O'SHAUGNESSYS' APARTMENT - DAY
Modest. Edith sits typing, her handwritten journal open
beside her. Nelson arrives.
EDITH
How did it go, dear?
NELSON
Okay. I should know tomorrow if
I've got the job.
EDITH
Oh good.
Nelson leans down to look over her shoulder as Edith types.
NELSON
What are you writing?
EDITH
A book.
NELSON
You're writing a book?
EDITH
Memoirs. The journal I kept in
Mexico. Might as well try to get
it published.
Nelson looks nonplussed.
NELSON
Yes. It'll be good to have a
breadwinner in the house.
Nelson starts to turn away, then leans down and looks even
harder over Edith's shoulder.
NELSON
Edith, I didn't know you kept a
journal.
EDITH
I didn't tell you.
Edith keeps typing.
NELSON
I hope you're not giving away any
state secrets.
EDITH
I hope I'm not leaving any out.
Nelson looks at Edith and smiles.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - ELLEN'S BEDROOM - DAY
Ellen lies asleep. With her are Nellie, Margaret, and
Grayson.
INT. LIVING QUARTERS - DAY
Wilson, with a heavy heart, sits talking on the phone.
WILSON
Senator Gale...
GALE (V.O.)
(filtered, on phone)
Yes, Mister President?
WILSON
Mrs. Wilson is dying.
GALE (V.O.)
No, Mister President. I knew she
was ill.
WILSON
She has kidney disease. Incurable.
GALE (V.O.)
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 (V.O.)
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 (V.O.)
Mister President, our prayers are
with you, sir, for you and Mrs.
Wilson and your family.
WILSON
Thank you.
Wilson hangs up.
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
The Senate passed your alley bill
today. The House will pass it
tomorrow.
ELLEN
Then you better sign it.
WILSON
I will.
INT. O'SHAUGNESSYS' APARTMENT - NIGHT
Edith sits typing. Nelson sits grimly reading an article in
the Washington Post. The headline reads "Britain Declares
War on Germany."
EXT. WHITE HOUSE - DAY
It's morning.
INT. 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. 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
(from notes)
The rebel convention at
Aguascalientes 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
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. HELEN BONES'S OFFICE - 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. 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 very kind.
Helen slyly notes Secret Service agent Phillips stop by the
open door and mouth "He's here" to her. Phillips moves on.
HELEN
But I think we've heard enough
about me. Let's go have our tea
and hear about you.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - 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
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?
As Wilson gazes at Galt,
WILSON
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.
INT. A TAVERN (BARCELONA) - 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
You see, Victoriano, at the Battle
of Celaya, Obregón showed Villa
something new. The use of trenches,
barbed wire, and machine guns.
Huerta, finished reading, folds the newspaper and hands it
back to the North American.
HUERTA
Yes. That's the best account I
have read. Obregón has studied
well the war in Europe.
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. WASHINGTON - GALT'S NICE HOME - DAY
A Christmas wreath is on the front door. Two Secret Service
agents stand near either side of the door.
SUPERIMPOSE: "DECEMBER, 1915."
MINISTER #2 (V.O.)
Do you, Woodrow Wilson --
INT. PARLOR - DAY
Wilson and Galt stand before MINISTER #2. In the room are
about 40 wedding guests, including Wilson's three daughters
and the two husbands, and Helen and Grayson.
MINISTER #2
-- take Edith Bolling Galt to be
your lawfully wedded wife, to have
and to hold from this day forward,
for better or for worse, for
richer, for poorer, in sickness and
in health, to love and to cherish,
from this day forward until death
do you part?
WILSON
I do.
EXT. CAPITOL HILL - DAY
A spring day. SUPERIMPOSE: "APRIL, 1921."
SENATOR #1 (V.O.)
Would you state your name, please?
INT. 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.
LATER
SENATOR #2 addresses Nelson.
SENATOR #4
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.
LATER
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.
(beat)
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 - 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
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.
(beat)
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
If only my father hadn't invested
all his money in the Nicaragua
Canal.
FADE OUT.
THE END
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