                                  OTHELLO

                       A SCREENPLAY BY OLIVER PARKER
                  BASED ON THE PLAY BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

                                   Act 1



                                     
A1         UNDERWATER   CANAL                   NIGHT               A1
A glimmering shape moves through the water. As it comes closer
we recognize it as a tragic mask - which is pulled up and out of
the water.

1.         EXT          CANAL                   NIGHT               1.
Misty night. The moon is reflected in the canal. A gondola
appears through the mist. As it passes us we see A SLOUCHING
FIGURE, wearing the tragic mask. The gondola crosses another
which moors up. A veiled figure disembarks. A nightdress flashes
white beneath a cloak, as the figure runs off.

(TITLES)

2.         EXT          ST. MARKS SQUARE        NIGHT               2.
TWO ROBED MEN (SENATORS) walk briskly towards the Doge's palace.

TWO CAPTAINS approach from the other side.

3.         INT.         COUNCIL CHAMBER         NIGHT.              3.
Close Up: 16th century map of the Mediterranean by the
flickering light of a fire. Venice is central. Rhodes and Cyprus
are surrounded by symbols denoting armies and ships.

We pull back to see that the map is spread across a large table.
TWO ATTENDANTS stand over it, holding torches. Their light gives
glimpses of the several OFFICERS and ATTENDANTS in the
background and of the rich tapestries and paintings of battles
that adorn the walls.

SEVERAL ELDERLY SENATORS, lavishly dressed and dripping jewelry,
sit, clutching letters. The 1st and 2nd SENATORS take their
place among them. MESSENGERS run back and forth.

THE DOGE (the DUKE) of VENICE sits by the fireside playing chess
with an elegant young man (LODOVICO). We catch snippets of
urgent conversation between THE SENATORS.

                        1ST SENATOR
           There is no composition in these news
           That gives them credit
                        2ND SENATOR
           Indeed they are disproportioned
           My letters say a hundred and seven galleys
                        1ST SENATOR
           And mine a hundred and forty.
A TURKISH EMISSARY arrives with a scroll. A SOLDIER delivers
the scroll to the DOGE. He studies the following:

           Sultan of the Turks to the Signory
           of Venice:
           'We demand of you Cyprus, which you
           shall give
           willingly or perforce. Beware,
           therefore,
           lest you arouse our wrath for we
           shall wage
           most cruel war against you
           everywhere.'
           (1570)
He passes the scroll to his SENATORS. There is a flurry
of activity.

                        DUKE
           Tis certain then, for Cyprus.

4.         EXT.         STREET                  NIGHT.              4.
The veiled figure rounds a corner into a seedy back street and
runs through an arcade passing a trio of late night masked
revelers.

5.         INT.         CHAPEL                  NIGHT.              5.
Three men stand silently, tensely: A PRIEST, a handsome SOLDIER
(CASSIO) and a black GENERAL (OTHELLO).

The door bursts open. The men rise. The veiled figure stands
panting in the doorway and pulls back the veil to reveal a
beautiful young woman, DESDEMONA.

6.         INT.         CHAPEL                  NIGHT.              6.
OTHELLO and DESDEMONA stand before the PRIEST. OTHELLO fumbles
awkwardly with the ring, then slips it onto her finger. They
lean in to kiss. We pull back to reveal:

7.         EXT & INT.   CHAPEL                  NIGHT.              7.
A richly dressed gentleman (RODERIGO) and a soldier (IAGO)
watching through the window as OTHELLO and DESDEMONA kiss.
RODERIGO's face twists in agony.
                        RODERIGO
           I take it much unkindly that thou, Iago,
           Shouldst know of this.
OTHELLO brings out a sash and places it across CASSIO's
shoulder, who bows.
                        IAGO
           By the faith of man,
           1 know my price, I am worth no worse a place;
           But he, that never set a squadron in the field,
           Nor the division of a battle knows,
           More than a spinster, must his Lieutenant be,
           And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof -
           God bless the mark - his moorship's Ancient.
CASSIO cannot contain his smile. They clasp hands. OTHELLO takes
out a small dagger studded with rubies and gives it to him. The
two men embrace, CASSIO pays the PRIEST and they both leave.
OTHELLO and DESDEMONA are now alone. They move towards each
other, tentatively.
RODERIGO turns away in disgust. He pulls IAGO beneath the window
and whispers:
                        RODERIGO
           By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman.

                        IAGO
           Why, there's no remedy. 'Tis the curse of service:
                        RODERIGO
           I would not follow him then.
                        IAGO
           0, Sir, content you:
           I follow him to serve my turn upon him.
           We cannot all be masters, nor all masters
           Cannot be truly followed. You shall mark
           Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,
           But seeming so for my peculiar end:
           I am not what I am.
                        RODERIGO
           What a full fortune does the thick lips owe
           If he can carry't thust
                        IAGO
           Call up her father.
RODERIGO considers, then sets off. IAGO turns and looks directly
into the camera. Though his expression is blank, his eyes shine
with tears.

8.         INT.         COUNCIL CHAMBER         NIGHT.              8.
CASSIO lots himself quietly into the chamber.
The SENATORS pore over the map.
                        DUKE
           But who should lead our business against the
           Turkish fleet?
They exchange thoughtful glances.
                        FIRST SENATOR
           (tentatively)
           Othello?
                        SECOND SENATOR
           Marcos Luccicos, is not he in town?

                        FIRST SENATOR
           He's now in Florence. Othello?

The other SENATORS look disapprovingly at the DUKE.
                        FIRST SENATOR
           Another of his fathom we have none.

The DUKE turns to LODOVICO.
                        LODOVICO
           The fortitude of the place is best known to him.

                        DUKE
           Fetch Othello hither.

CASSIO, leaves the room, followed by TWO ATTENDANTS.


8A.        EXT.         STREET TO BRABANTIO'S   NIGHT.              8A.
                        HOUSE
IAGO and RODERIGO approach BRABANTIO'S house.

9.         INT.         BRABANTIO'S BEDROOM     NIGHT.              9.
An old man (BRABANTIO) lies asleep in his bed. He mumbles and
writhes.
                        RODERIGO
           (voice Off)
           What, ho, Brabantio! Signor Brabantio, ho!

                        IAGO
           (Voice Off)
           Awake! What, ho, Brabantio! Thieves, thieves!
           Look to your house, your daughter!

BRABANTIO sits bolt upright, as if waking from a
nightmare, eyes staring.
                        IAGO
           (Voice Off)
           ..and your bags!
           Thieves, thieves

10.        EXT.         BRABANTIO'S.            NIGHT.              10.
RODERIGO and IAGO shouting 'Awake', 'Brabantio', 'Magnifico' .
BRABANTIO appears on his balcony in his night-dress. IAGO ducks
into the shadows.

                        BRABANTIO
           (peering into the darkness)
           What is the reason of this terrible summons? What is
           the matter here?

IAGO urges RODERIGO to speak.
                        RODERIGO
           (nervously)
           Signor, is all your family within?

                        BRABANTIO
           I know thee, Roderigo,
           And have charged thee not to haunt about my doors;
           In honest plainness thou hast heard me say
           My daughter is not for thee.

                        IAGO
           Are your doors locked?

                        BRABANTIO
           Why, wherefore ask you this?
                        IAGO
           Zounds, sir, you're robbed; for shame, put on your
           gown;
           Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul.

                        BRABANTIO
           What, have you lost your wits?

                        IAGO
           Even now, now, very now, an old black ram
           Is tupping your white ewe. Arise I say!

                        BRABANTIO
           What profane wretch art thou?

                        IAGO
           I am one, sire that comes to tell you, your
           daughter and the Moor are now making the beast
           with two backs.

                        BRABANTIO
           Thou art a villain.

                        IAGO
           You are a senator.

                        BRABANTIO
           This thou shalt answer, Roderigo...

                        RODERIGO
           Sir, I will answer anything; But I beseech you,
           Straight satisfy yourself;
           If she be in your chamber or your house,
           Let loose on me the justice of the state
           For thus deluding you.

                        BRABANTIO
           Strike on the tinder, ho!
           Give me a taper; call up all my people!

BRABANTIO mutters to himself, struggling for breath:
                        BRABANTIO
           This accident is not unlike my dream:
           Belief of it oppresses me already.
           (yelling)
           Light, I say, light!

BRABANTIO goes back into his room. Sounds of commotion.
IAGO congratulates RODERIGO with a firm shake of the hand.
RODERIGO gives him a purse.
                        IAGO
           Farewell, for I must leave you.

RODERIGO tries to grab him, but IAGO eludes him and goes.
BRABANTIO comes out of his front door into the street.
A BAND OF MEN carrying torches gather at his side.

                        BRABANTIO
           It is too true an evil. Gone she is.
           Do you know where we may
           Apprehend her and the Moor?

                        RODERIGO
           I think I can discover him.

                        BRABANTIO
           0, that you had had her.
           (shouting to his SERVANTS)
           Get weapons, Ho!

11.        EXT.         CHAPEL                  NIGHT.              11.
CASSIO, his TWO ATTENDANTS and IAGO stand motionless in the
swirling mist. CASSIO is a little uncomfortable and discovers
that IAGO is staring at him. Their eyes lock together. IAGO
breaks the tension with a wink. CASSIO grins, IAGO smiles
warmly.
OTHELLO steps out of the chapel to join them. He scoops up a
stray cat into his arms.
                        IAGO
           I pray you, sir, are you fast married?

                        CASSIO
           Sir, you have been hotly called for.

                        OTHELLO
           Have with you.

They march off.
12.        EXT          MARKETPLACE             NIGHT                 12.
OTHELLO AND HIS MEN appear from one side. BRABANTIO'S from the
other.

BRABANTIO draws his sword. The sound of swords whipped from
their scabbards. IAGO and CASSIO stop in front of OTHELLO.

RODERIGO is terrified to find himself in the middle of the
imminent fight.

           IAGO
           You, Roderigo? Come, air, I am for you.

He draws the confused RODERIGO to one side.

                        OTHELLO
           Hold your hands,
           Both you of my inclining and the rest,
           Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it
           Without a prompter.

                        BRABANTIO
           0 thou foul thief
           Where hast thou stowed my daughter?
           Damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her,
           T'run from her guardage to the sooty bosom
           Of such a thing as thou?
           Lay hold upon him.

BRABANTIO'S MEN make for OTHELLO. OTHELLO'S MEN prepare to
defend him.

                        OTHELLO
           Keep up your bright swords for the dew will
           rust'em
           Good Signor, where will you that I go to
           answer this your charge?

                        BRABANTIO
           To Prison, til fit time
           Of law and course of direct session
           call thee to answer.

                        OTHELLO
           What if I do obey?
           How many the Duke be therewith satisfied,
           Whose messengers are here about my side,
           To bring me to him?

                        CASSIO
           'Tis true, most worthy Signor:
           The Duke's in council, and your noble self
           I am sure is sent for.

                        BRABANTIO
           How? The Duke in council? In this time of night? Bring
           him away.

BRABANTIO sets off. OTHELLO rebuffs the arms that try to take
hold of him, but follows BRABANTIO.

13.        INT          COUNCIL CHAMBER         NIGHT                 13.
The door opens and OTHELLO enters, BRABANTIO, IAGO, RODERIGO,
CASSIO and OFFICERS follow.

                        DUKE
           Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you
           Against the general Turkish foe.

BRABANTIO pushes his way forward.

                        DUKE
           I did not see you: welcome, gentle Signor;
           We lacked your counsel and your help tonight.

                        BRABANTIO
           So did I yours. Good your grace, pardon me:
           Neither my place, nor aught I heard of business,
           Hath raised me from my bed...

                        DUKE
           Why? What's the matter?

                        BRABANTIO
           My daughter! O, my daughter!
                        DUKE
           Dead?

                        BRABANTIO
           Ay, to me.
           She is abused, stolen from me, and corrupted.
           For nature so preposterously to err,
           Sans witchcraft could not.

                        DUKE
           Whoe'er he be that in this foul proceeding
           Hath thus beguiled your daughter of herself
           And you of her, the bloody book of law
           You shall yourself read in the bitter letter
           After your own sense, yea, though our proper son
           Stood in your action.

                        BRABANTIO
           Humbly I thank your grace.
           Here is the man.

He indicates OTHELLO. An embarrassed silence.

                        FIRST SENATOR
           We are very sorry for't.

                        DUKE
           (to OTHELLO)
           What in your own part can you say to this?

                        BRABANTIO
           Nothing but this is so.

                        OTHELLO
           Most potent grave and reverend signors,
           My very noble and approved good masters,
           That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter,
           It is most true;

Gasps of shock and outrage, setting off a series of whispers.

                        OTHELLO
           true I have married her;

The whispering grows louder.

                        OTHELLO
           The very head and front of my offending
           Hath this extent, no more.

RODERIGO gasps indignantly. The DUKE silences the noise.

                        OTHELLO
           Rude am I in my speech
           And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace
           Since these arms of mine had seven years' pith
           Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used
           Their dearest action in the tented field
           And little of this great world can I speak
           More than pertains to feats of broil and battle;
           And therefore little shall I grace my cause
           In speaking of myself. Yet, by your gracious patience,
           I will round unvarnished tale deliver
           Of my whole course of love: what drugs, what charms,
           What conjuration and what mighty magic -
           For such proceedings am I charged withal -
           I won his daughter.

                        BRABANTIO
           A maiden never bold;
           of spirit so still and quiet that her motion
           Blushed at herself - and she inspite of nature
           To fall in love with what she feared to look on!

                        OTHELLO
           I do beseech you, send for the lady
           And let her speak of me before her father.
           If you do find me foul in her report,
           The trust, the office I do hold of you
           Not only take away, but let your sentence
           Even fall upon my life.

All eyes turn to the DUKE. The DUKE turns to BRABANTIO, who
smiles and nods morbidly.

                        DUKE
           Fetch Desdemona hither.

OTHELLO gestures to IAGO who leaves with TWO ATTENDANTS.

                        DUKE
           Speak, Othello.

                        OTHELLO
           Her father loved me, oft invited me,
           Still questioned me the story of my life
           From year to year - the battles, sieges,
           fortunes,
           That I have passed:

14.        EXT          GARDEN OF BRABANTIO'S   DAY. FLASHBACK        14.
                        HOUSE.
BRABANTIO and OTHELLO walk together in a bright, sunlit garden.
GRATIANO and CASSIO listen to a MUSICIAN play..

BRABANTIO listens intently as OTHELLO tells his story.

                        OTHELLO
           (Voice over)
           Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances,
           Of moving accidents and hair-breadth scapes,
           Of being taken by the insolent foe,
           And sold to slavery.

DESDEMONA sits behind them. Her hair spread out for blonding in
the sun. In CLOSE-UP we see she is peeking through her hair. She
averts her eyes when OTHELLO turns her way.

                        OTHELLO
           (voice over)
           And of the Cannibals that each other eat,
           The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads
           Do grow beneath their shoulders. This to hear
           Would Desdemona seriously incline...
           And with a greedy ear
           Devour up my discourse; which I observing..

15.        EXT          GARDEN OF BRABANTIO'S   EVENING.              15.
                        HOUSE.                  FLASHBACK
ANOTHER DAY - Twilight in the garden. We find OTHELLO and
DESDEMONA in a secluded corner.

                        OTHELLO
           (voice over)
           Took once a pliant hour, and found good means
           To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart
           That I would all my pilgrimage dilate.
           I did consent...

16.        INT          COUNCIL CHAMBER.        NIGHT.                16.

BRABANTIO, seething with anger, turns to the DUKE. The DUKE
remains inscrutable.

17.        EXT          GARDEN OF BRABANTIO'S   EVENING.              17.
                        HOUSE.                  (FLASHBACK CONT.)
                        OTHELLO
           (Voice-Over)
           ... and ran it through even from my boyish days
           To the very moment that he bade me tell it.

CLOSE UP on DESDEMONA's face, on which the following montage
appears.

MONTAGE

18.        INT.         HUT.                    DAY.                  18.

Flames. A white arm drops a flaming torch.. Frantic figures move
in the background. In the foreground stands a BLACK CHILD. The
child seems abandoned, but is then whisked away by his FATHER.

19.        EXT          RAVINE.                 DAY.                  19.

THE BOY OTHELLO runs fast and scared across a ravine. There is
shouting and yelling behind him. He crouches among a pile of
rocks. He nearly loses his footing, and, looking down, he sees a
cluster of human bones at his feet. He squints up into the sun.
The sunlight is all but blocked out as a vast, strangely
misshapen figure carrying a spear steps into view and casts a
shadow over his face. He picks up a bone and prepares to
strike...

20.        EXT          TRAINING GROUND.        DAY.                  20.

THE BOY OTHELLO ... strikes, with a staff at his FATHER who is
training him in the arts of war.

21.        EXT          CRATER AND POST.        DAY.                  21.

THE YOUNG OTHELLO.. strikes again, with a sword, at TWO ENEMY
SOLDIERS. A net is thrown across him.

22.        EXT          BATTLEFIELD.            DAY.                  22.

THE YOUNG OTHELLO - Shackled to other prisoners of war is led
through a smoking battlefield. Explosion. Dead bodies. one is
shifted aside - OTHELLO, bloodied, lies beneath.

23.        EXT          BATTLEFIELD.            DAY.                  23.

OTHELLO, bare-chested, catches a gun that's thrown at him.

24.        EXT          BATTLEFIELD.            DAY.                  24.

OTHELLO IN MILITARY UNIFORM, fighting side by side with IAGO.
OTHELLO saves IAGO from a fatal blow. IAGO escapes through
smoke. OTHELLO fightS on. IAGO returns on horseback, picks up
OTHELLO and they ride off through flames.

25.        EXT          GARDEN OF BRABANTIO'S   EVENING.              25.
                        HOUSE.                  (FLASHBACK CONT.)
The images fade from DESDEMONA's face to reveal tears on her
cheek., OTHELLO dabs her cheeks with a strawberry spotted
handkerchief.

                        OTHELLO
           (voice over)
           My story being done,
           She gave me for my pains a world of sighs:
           She swore, in faith: t'was strange, t'was passing
           strange,
           `Twas pitiful, t'was wondrous pitiful;
           She wish'd she had not heard it, yet she wished
           That heaven had made her such a man.

OTHELLO puts on his coat and prepares to leave.
He gives her the handkerchief.

                        OTHELLO
           (Voice over)
           She thanked me,
           And bade me: if I had a friend that loved her,
           I should but teach him how to tell my story,
           And that would woo her.

They look into each other's eyes. She puts her hand slowly to
his head, then his face.

                        OTHELLO
           (voice over)
           She loved me for the dangers I had passed,
           And I loved her that she did pity them.

26.        INT.         COUNCIL CHAMBER.        NIGHT.                26.

                        OTHELLO
           This only is the witchcraft I have used.

All eyes turn to the DUKE.

27.        INT.         HALLWAY OUTSIDE COUNCIL NIGHT.                27.
                        CHAMBER.
DESDEMONA stops outside the door. IAGO stands behind her. Her
face is tense, her breathing fast. She straightens her
disheveled clothing. Her hair is in disarray. Her shaking hand
fumbles to put it up.

IAGO steps in and assists. He smiles calmly at her. She smiles
back gratefully. She takes a deep breath. IAGO reaches for the
door handles.

28.        INT.         COUNCIL CHAMBER.        NIGHT.                28.

The door opens onto DESDEMONA. All eyes turn to her.

                        BRABANTIO
           Come hither, gentle mistress;
           Do you perceive in all this company
           Where most you owe obedience?

                        DESDEMONA

           My noble father,
           To you I am bound for life and education;
           My life and education both do learn me
           How to respect you. You are lord of all my
           duty,
           I am hitherto your daughter. But here's my husband;
           And so much duty as my mother showed
           To you, preferring you before her father,
           So much I challenge, that I may profess
           Due to the Moor, my lord.

BRABANTIO's face creases in pain. RODERIGO, likewise.

                        BRABANTIO
           God bu'y! I have done.
           I had rather to adopt a child than get it.
           Come hither, Moor:
           I here do give thee that with all my heart
           Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart
           I would keep from thee.

BRABANTIO takes his daughter's hand and places it in OTHELLO'S.
OTHELLO grasps it vehemently, DESDEMONA winces.

AS BRABANTIO turns away, his face contorts again and he clutches
at his chest. His feet give way and OTHELLO and RODERIGO rush to
his aid. He pushes them away.

                        BRABANTIO
                        I humbly beseech you
                        proceed to th'affairs
                        of state.

The DUKE waits until BRABANTIO is safely seated.

                        DUKE
           The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes for
           Cyprus. Othello, you must away tonight. The affair
           cries haste and speed must answer it.

                        OTHELLO
           With all my heart.
           Most humbly therefore bending to your state,
           I crave fit disposition for my wife,
           Due reference of place and exhibition,
           With such accomodation and besort
           As levels with her breeding.

There is a murmur of disapproval amongst the Senators.

                        DUKE
           Why if you please,
           Be't at her father's.

                        BRABANTIO
           I'll not have it so.

                        OTHELLO
           Nor I.

                        DESDEMONA
           Nor I: I would not there reside
           To put my father in impatient thoughts
           By being in his eye. Most gracious Duke

                        DUKE
           What would you, Desdemona?

                        DESDEMONA
           That I did love the Moor to live with him
           My downright violence and scorn of fortunes
           May trumpet to the world: my heart's subdued
           Even to the utmost pleasure of my lord;
           I saw Othello's visage in his mind,
           And to his honours, and his valiant parts
           Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate:
           So that, dear lords, if I be left behind,
           A moth of peace, and he go to the war,
           The rites for which I love him are bereft me,
           And I a heavy interim shall support,
           By his dear absence.-lot me go with him.

                        OTHELLO
           Let her have your voice.
           And heaven defend your good souls that you think
           I will your serious and great business scant
           For she is with me.

           The DUKE glances at the ailing BRABANTIO.

                        DUKE
           Be it as you shall privately determine,
           Either for her stay, or going.
           At nine i'th'morning, here we'll meet again
           Good night to everyone. And, noble Signor,

He beckons BRABANTIO and draws him to one side.

                        DUKE
           If virtue no delighted beauty lack,
           Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.

DESDEMONA sees that OTHELLO has overheard this and is not
amused.
The DUKE leaves.

                        FIRST SENATOR
           Adieu, brave Moor.
           (he leaves)

                        SECOND SENATOR
           Use Desdemona well.

OTHELLO is immediately riled, but DESDEMONA calms him.

                        BRABANTIO
           Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see.
           She has deceived her father and may thee.

                        OTHELLO
           My life upon her faith!

BRABANTIO leaves.

                        OTHELLO
           Honest Iago,
           My Desdemona must I leave to thee.
           I prithee let thy wife attend on her,
           And bring them after in the best advantage.
           Come Desdemona, we must obey the time.

OTHELLO and DESDEMONA leave and IAGO is about to follow.

                        RODERIGO
           (voice off)
           Iago.

IAGO turns back to the apparently empty room. RODERIGO steps out
of the shadows.

                        IAGO
           What say'st thou, noble heart?

                        RODERIGO
           What will I do, think'st thou?

                        IAGO
           Why, go to bed and sleep.

                        RODERIGO
           I will incontinently drawn myself.
           0, Desdemona.

                        IAGO
           If thou dost I shall never love thee after.
           Why thou silly gentleman!

                        RODERIGO
           It is silliness to live when to live is a torment.

                        IAGO
           O villainous!

IAGO sits in the DUKE's chair and pours himself a drink.

                        IAGO
           I have looked upon the world.
           for four times seven years, and
           I never yet found a man that know how to love himself.
           Ere I would say I would drown myself for the love of a
           guineau-hen, I would change my humanity with a baboon.

                        RODERIGO
           What should I do? I confess it is my shame to
           be so fond, but it is not in my virtue to amend it.

                        IAGO
           Virtue? A fig! 'Tis in ourselves that we are
           thus or thus. We have reason to cool our raging
           motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts:
           whereof I take this which you call love to be a sect
           or scion.

                        RODERIGO
           It cannot be.

                        IAGO
           It is merely a lust of the blood and a
           permission of the will. Come, be a man.
           Drown thyself? Drown cats and blind puppies.

He gets a smile out of RODERIGO.

                        IAGO
           I have professed me thy friend and I confess me knit
           to thy deserving with cables of perdurable toughness.
           I could never better stead thee than now. Put money in
           thy purse. Follow thou these wars; disguise thy
           features with an usurped beard.

RODERIGO looks skeptical.

                        IAGO
           I say, put money in thy purse. It cannot be that
           Desdemona should long continue her love to the Moor -
           put but money in thy purse When she is sated with his
           body she will find the error of her choice. She must
           have change, she must - fill thy purse with money. If
           sanctimony and a frail vow, betwixt an erring
           barbarian and a super-subtle venetian, be not too hard
           for my wits and all the tribe of hell, thou shall
           enjoy her. Therefore put....

He encourages RODERIGO to join in...

                        IAGO AND RODERIGO
           ... money in thy purse.

They laugh.

                        IAGO
A pox on drowning, tis clean out of the way. Seek thou rather to
be hanged in compassing thy joy than to be drowned and go
without her.

                        RODERIGO
           Wilt thou be fast to my hopes?

RODERIGO dangles a purse. IAGO pushes it away.

                        IAGO
           Thou art sure of me. There are many events in the womb
           of time which will be delivered.
           Go, provide thy money.
           We will have more of this tomorrow. Adieu.

RODERIGO sets off contentedly. A thought occurs and he returns.

                        RODERIGO
           Where shall we meet i'th' morning?

                        IAGO
           At my lodging.

                        RODERIGO
           (contented again)
           I'll be with thee betimes.

                        IAGO
           Go to; farewell.
           (calling him back)
           Do you hear, Roderigo?

                        RODERIGO
           (returning again)
           What say thou?

                        IAGO
           No more of drowning, do you hear?

                        RODERIGO
           (laughing)
           I am changed.

IAGO flashes his palm. RODERIGO automatically drops his purse
into it.

                        IAGO
           Go to: farewell.
           (calling out again)
           Put money enough in your purse.

                        RODERIGO
           (returning again)
           I'll sell all my land.

They both laugh as RODERIGO leaves. IAGO turns to address the
camera:
                        IAGO
           Thus do I ever make my fool my purse: For I mine own
           gained knowledge should profane if I would time expend
           with such a snipe But for my sport and profit - I hate
           the Moor, And it is thought abroad that '`twixt my
           sheets He's done my office. I know not if't be true
           But I, for more suspicion in that kind, Will do as if
           for surety. He holds me well: The better shall my
           purpose work on him.

He studies the DUKE'S chessboard.

                        IAGO
           Cassio's a proper man: let me see now;
           To got his place and to plume up my will
           In double knavery. How?

He looks into the camera as if it had made a suggestion:

                        IAGO
           How?

He turns back to the chessboard.

                        IAGO
           Let's see.

IAGO's face is impassive, though his features seem to dance by
the flickering light from the fire. There is a distant rumble of
a storm brewing.

29.        INT.         BRABANTIO'S HOUSE.      NIGHT.                29.

BRABANTIO lies in bed, his face contorted in pain. His brother
(GRATIANO) sits by his side. DESDEMONA stands nearby, tense.

BRABANTIO turns his stare on her and tries to speak. She brings
her ear to his mouth.

                        BRABANTIO
           0, treason of the blood.

Tearful and angry, DESDEMONA unhooks his fingers from her hand
and leaves.

                        BRABANTIO
           0 who would be a father.

His features relax. He is dead.

30.        INT.         COUNCIL CHAMBER.        NIGHT.                30.

CLOSE UP on empty chessboard. IAGO's hand puts the
black king onto it. Then the white queen. Between them, a white
knight.

                        IAGO
           I have't. It is engendered.

His stares into the fire. The fire is reflected in his eyes.
Transfixed, he reaches in as if to clutch a flame. He then
rapidly withdraws his hand, laughing painfully.

                        IAGO
           Hell and night. Must bring this monstrous birth to
           th'' world's light.

He pockets the three pieces. He toasts the camera, empties his
glass and spits it into the fire. The flames flare and crackle,
mingling with the sound of the now raging storm.

He picks up one end of the map and , with a flick of the wrists,
sends a ripple across it. The miniature ships and armies tumble.



                              Act 2


                                     

31.        EXT          SEA/ROCKS                 DAY                 31.

A robe flows back and forth with the tide. We see a dead
TURKISH SOLDIER beneath it, entangled in ropes.

32.        EXT          BATTLEMENTS               DAY. (CYPRUS)       32.

A CYPRIOT SOLDIER scours the horizon across the sea. THE
SOLDIER turns and signals to the other SOLDIERS on the
ramparts.

                        SOLDIER
           (shouts)
           A sail, a sail, a sail!

33.        DELETED.                                                   33.

33         DELETED.                                                   33.

35.        EXT          CASTLE WALL               DAY                 35.

THE SOLDIERS fire the cannon.

36.        EXT          SHORE                     DAY.                36.

In the distance we see the ships out at sea.

In the foreground, a rowing boat is pulled to shore. CASSIO
steps off it. He is greeted by an officer (MONTANO).

                        CASSIO
           Thanks you the valiant of this worthy isle
           That so approve the Moor, and let the heavens,
           Give him defense against their elements,
           For I have lost him on a dangerous sea.

They see another boat arriving further down the shore - it
contains DESDEMONA and A COMPANION (EMILIA - IAGO'S WIFE)

                        CASSIO
           0 behold, the riches of the ship
           Is come ashore.

They set off towards the boat. CASSIO strides into the water.
He lifts DESDEMONA out and onto the shore.

                        CASSIO
           Hail to thee lady! And the grace of heaven,
           Before, behind thee, and on every hand,
           Enwheel thee round.

He kisses her hand.

                        DESDEMONA
           I thank you valiant Cassio.
           What tidings can you tell me of my lord?

                        CASSIO
           He is not yet arrived; nor know I aught
           But that he's well, and will be shortly here.

                        DESDEMONA
           0, but I fear!

She looks out across the sea. CASSIO leads her inland.

In the background IAGO and RODERIGO (now disguised in a beard)
haul up the boats.

36A.       EXT          COASTAL ROAD              DAY                36A.

The new arrivals are travelling. A horse-drawn litter carries
DESDEMONA. CASSIO and MONTANO escort the litter on horses.
Behind them cargo is transported an carts. EMILIA is on a mule.
IAGO and RODERIGO march alongside with SOLDIERS.

37.        EXT.         APPROACH TO CASTLE        DAY                 37.

The party climb the hill to the castle. CASSIO leans across to
DESDEMONA in the litter.

                        IAGO
           (To Camera)
           He takes her by the palm; Ay, smile upon her do.

The castle appears ahead of them. SOLDIERS peer down from the
battlements. CHILDREN run alongside the new arrivals.

38.        EXT.         COURTYARD.                DAY.                38.

DESDEMONA steps out of the litter:

                        CASSIO
           You men of Cyprus let her have your knees.

OFFICERS and SOLDIERS bow. IAGO arrives followed by EMILIA.

                        CASSIO
           (to IAGO)
           Good Ancient, you are welcome.

                        CASSIO
           (to EMILIA)
           Welcome, mistress.
           Let it not gall your patience, good Iago,
           That I extend my manners. 'Tis my breeding
           That gives me this bold show of courtesy.

CASSIO kisses EMILIA.

                        IAGO
           Sir, would she give you so much of her lips
           As of her tongue she oft bestows on me,
           You'd have enough.

He gets a laugh from the assembled SOLDIERS.

                        DESDEMONA
           Alas, she has no speech.

                        IAGO
           In faith, too much.
           I find it still when I have list to sleep.

More laughter.

                        EMILIA
           You shall not write my praise.

                        IAGO
           No, let me not.

DESDEMONA looks troubled. CASSIO comforts her.

IAGO takes out a knife and cuts a piece of fruit.
He glimpses them in the reflection of his knife.

                        IAGO
           (Voice-off)
           Very good. Ay, well said, whisper.
           With as little a web as this will I ensnare as
           great a fly as Cassio.

RODERIGO taps him on the shoulder and is about to speak - the
cannon fires.

39.        EXT.         COURTYARD.                DAY                 39.

LATER -

OTHELLO rides into the courtyard.

DESDEMONA steps forward.

                        OTHELLO
           0, my fair warrior!

                        DESDEMONA
           Oh, my dear Othello.

                        OTHELLO
           It gives me wonder great as my content
           To see you here before me. 0 my soul's joy!
           I cannot speak enough of this content;
           It stops me here; it is too much of joy.

They kiss repeatedly.

                        OTHELLO
           And this, and this the greatest discords be
           That e'er our hearts shall make.

                        IAGO
           (Voice-off)
           0, you are well tuned now!
           But I'll set down the pegs that make this music,
           As honest as I am.

                        OTHELLO
           News, friends; our wars are done; the
           Turks are drowned.
           This desperate storm
           Hath seen a grievous wrack and sufferance
           On most part of their fleet.

Cheers of jubilation.
OTHELLO spots MONTANO and shakes his hand.

                        OTHELLO
           How does my old acquaintance of this Isle?
           Honey, you shall be well desired in Cyprus:
           I have found great love amongst them. 0 my sweet,
           I prattle out of fashion and I dote
           In mine own comforts.

She laughs and kisses him.

                        CASSIO
           And besides the mere perdition of the Turkish fleet
           It is the celebration of our general's nuptial.

The lovers embrace again.

40.        EXT.         CASTLE FORTIFICATIONS.    EVENING.            39.

A SOLDIER lights a candle.

CUT to wide on Castle lit up with candles.

40A.       MONTAGE -    THE CASTLE.               EVENING            40A.

The castle is being prepared for the celebrations.

- Banners are unfurled

- Statuary being polished etc.

- Women applying make-up

41.        INT.         BEDROOM.                  NIGHT.              41.

TWO MAIDS adorn the bed with rose petals, oranges and apples.
One Maid dips her finger in perfumed water, smells it and
splashes it on her neck.

42.        INT.         MAIN HALL.                NIGHT.              42.

Dining table is being prepared. A SERVANT knocks a monkey off
the table.

43.        INT.         BEDROOM.                  NIGHT.              43.

EMILIA arranges pearls in DESDEMONA's hair -

CROSS CUT with

IAGO rubbing gum resin into black breeches.

Gold dust sprinkled over DESDEMONA's hair

Gold dust sprinkled over OTHELLO'S breeches

CASSIO arrives and extends an arm towards her.

44.        INT.         MAIN HALL.                NIGHT.              44.

OTHELLO and guests sit in silence. They include IAGO, EMILIA,
MONTANO, VENETIAN CAPTAINS, CYPRIOT OFFICIALS, and their wives.

DESDEMONA appears, escorted by CASSIO. A musical sextet plays
while DESDEMONA performs a bridal dance.

OTHELLO leaps onto the table and performs a Moorish dance
unaccompanied in return. Then they dance together.

45.        EXT.         CASTLE COURTYARD.         NIGHT.              45.

RODERIGO, dejected, sits on the grass, drinking from a bottle
and looking up at the castle dining room.

SOLDIERS and Cypriot CIVILIANS sit by bonfires, eating,
drinking and dancing. A turkish effigy burns. Cypriot WOMEN
walk amongst the SOLDIERS.

46.        INT.         MAIN HALL.                NIGHT.              46.

The dancing continues. OTHELLO beckons CASSIO to dance with
DESDEMONA.

                        OTHELLO
           Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus.

                        MONTANO
           And our worthy general, Othello.

                        CASSIO
           He hath achieved a maid,
           That paragons descriptions and wild fame,
           One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens,
           And in the essential vesture of creation
           Does bear all excellency.

DOVES dyed in many colours are released into the room.

The other men join in the dance around DESDEMONA. OTHELLO
watches admiringly. The women then join the men dancing. IAGO
dances with EMILIA.

CASSIO pulls IAGO aside and whispers in his ear. OTHELLO dances
with EMILIA.

47.        EXT.         CASTLE GRASS COURTYARD.   NIGHT.              47.

A DRUNKEN SOLDIER pulls a striking WOMAN (BIANCA) out of an
embrace with a CYPRIOT and tries to kiss her.
The CYPRIOT pushes him down. A number of SOLDIERS leap to their
feet and several CYPRIOTS move in to support their compatriot.

IAGO, now in military uniform, steps in with bottles of wine
and distributes them. He raises his own and leads a toast.

                        IAGO
           Heaven bless this isle and the
           perdition of the Turkish fleet.

                        ALL
           Heaven bless this isle.

IAGO kisses BIANCA himself and gets an appreciative laugh.

BIANCA looks up and sees CASSIO at the window.

48.        DELETED.                                                   48.

49.        INT.         MAIN HALL IN CASTLE.      NIGHT.              49.

CASSIO smiles nervously at BIANCA and backs away from the
window.

                        OTHELLO
           Good Michael, look you to the guard tonight.
           Let's teach ourselves that honourable stop,
           Not to outsport discretion.

                        CASSIO
           Iago hath direction what to do;
           But notwithstanding with my personal eye
           Will I look to't.

                        OTHELLO
           Iago is most honest.
           Michael, good night.

They salute one another and CASSIO reaches for DESDEMONA's
hand. She smiles at his formality, but cooperates graciously.
He kisses her hand.

                        OTHELLO
           Come my dear love.

50.        EXT.         GRASS COURTYARD.          NIGHT.             49.

RODERIGO is wedged against the wheel of a cart. A pair of
LOVERS lie entwined on the cart. A stone under one of its
wheels prevents it rolling down a gentle incline. He finishes
his bottle and is pulled off balance. He turns to see IAGO
crouched beneath the cart and beckoning him.

RODERIGO crawls drunkenly under the cart to join him.

                        IAGO
           If thou be'st valiant - as they say base men
           being in love have then a nobility in their
           natures more then is native to them -

RODERIGO senses this may be an insult, but is too inebriated to
understand it and decides not to take offense. IAGO presses
down the edge of RODERIGO's false beard which has lifted a
little.

                        IAGO
           - list me. The Lieutenant tonight watches on
           the court of guard. First, I must tell thee
           this: Desdemona is directly in love with him.

                        RODERIGO
           With Cassio? Why, 'tis not possible

Forgetting his location, RODERIGO leaps up and bangs his head.
The LOVERS above them shift position, visible through the slats
of wood in the cart.

                        IAGO
           Lay thy finger thus and let thy soul be
           instructed. Mark me, her eye must be fed,
           and what delight shall she have to look on the
           devil? Her delicate tenderness has found
           itself abused, begun to heave the gorge,
           disrelish and abhor the Moor. Her very nature
           instructs her to it and compels her to some second
           choice.

                        RODERIGO
           (nursing his head)
           I cannot believe that in her: she's full of
           most blessed condition.

                        IAGO
           Blessed fig's end! The wine she drinks
           is made of grapes. If she had been blessed,
           she would never have loved the Moor.
           Blessed pudding! Didst thou not see
           her paddle with the palm of his hand?
           Didst thou not mark that?

                        RODERIGO
           Yes, that I did: but that was but courtesy.

                        IAGO
           Lechery, by this hand:

Much to RODERIGO's distaste the LOVERS above are growing
noisier.

                        IAGO
           an index and obscure prologue to the history of lust
           and foul thoughts.
           They met so near with their lips that their
           breaths embraced together. Villainous
           thoughts, Roderigo! When these mutualities so
           marshal the way, hard at hand comes the master
           and main exercise, th'incorporate conclusion.

RODERIGO recoils in revulsion. IAGO protects RODERIGO from
banging his head again.

                        IAGO
           But, sir, be you ruled by me. I have brought
           you from Venice. Watch you with the guard tonight:
           for the command, I'll lay't upon you.
           I'll not be far from you. Do you find some
           occasion to anger Cassio.

                        RODERIGO
           Well?

IAGO risks a cocky glimpse at the camera.

51.        INT.                                   NIGHT.              51.

OTHELLO shuts the door behind him and looks around. He sees a
trail of DESDEMONA's clothes and follows it. It leads to the
drapes of their four-poster bed. One of the drapes twitches. He
hears giggling and sees the wriggling contours of a semi-naked
body. DESDEMONA peeps out.

                        OTHELLO
           The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue:
           That profit's yet to come ''tween me and you.

52.        EXT.         GRASS COURTYARD.          NIGHT.              52.

RODERIGO rolls out from under the cart and dusts himself off.

IAGO, still beneath the cart, takes out his chess pieces the
black king, the white queen, and the knight - and stands them
in the dirt in front of him.

                        IAGO
           (to Camera)
           That Cassio loves her, I do well believe't:
           That she loves him, 'tis apt and of great credit.
           The Moor - howbeit that I endure him not -
           Is of a constant, loving, noble nature,
           And I dare think, he'll prove to Desdemona
           A most dear husband. Now, I do love her too;
           Not out of absolute lust - though peradventure
           I stand accountant for as great sin -
           But partly led to diet my revenge,
           For that I do suspect the lusty Moor
           Hath leaped into my seat, the thought whereof

He is instantly seething with anger and jealously.

                        IAGO
           Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards,
           And nothing can, or shall, content my soul
           Til I am evened with him, wife for wife; or

He drops the passion like an unwanted toy.

                        IAGO
           ...failing so, yet that I put the Moor
           At least into a jealousy so strong
           That judgment cannot cure. Which thing to do,
           I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip,
           Abuse him to the Moor in the rank

A short reprise of the passion:

                        IAGO
           For I fear Cassio with my night-cap too
           Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me
           For making him egregiously an ass,
           And practicing upon his peace and quiet,
           Even to madness.

He gathers the chess pieces. He looks at the knight's pointed
lance, then up at an inviting buttock about him. He throws a
mischievous look at the camera. Turning back, though, he merely
places a playful peck on the 'cheek'.

Pocketing the king and queen, he leaves the knight under the
cartwheel. As he rolls out, he knocks the stone away from under
the wheel.

                        IAGO
           'Tis here, but yet confused:
           Knavery's plain face is never seen 'till used.

With the LOVERS oblivious, the cart rolls out of sight, leaving
the knight crushed in the dust.

53.        INT.         BEDROOM.                  NIGHT.              53.

DESDEMONA and OTHELLO approach each other slowly. She starts to
undo the buttons of his shirt.

She pulls him over to the fireside.

54.        INT.         THE ARMOURY.              NIGHT.              54.

The Armoury at the end of the Soldier's Quarters. CASSIO, now
in military uniform, straps his sword to his side. THREE ARMED
SOLDIERS stop out of the door into the night. He is about to
follow, but is confronted by the figure of IAGO in the doorway,
swaying, bottle in hand.

                        CASSIO
           Welcome, Iago; we must to the watch.

                        IAGO
           Not this hour, Lieutenant; 'tis not yet ten
           o'th'clock. Our general cast us thus early
           for the love of his Desdemona; who let us not
           therefore blame.

                        IAGO
           He hath not yet made wanton the night with her;
           and she is sport for Jove.

                        CASSIO
           She is a most exquisite lady.

                        IAGO
           And, I'll warrant her, full of game.

                        CASSIO
           She is indeed perfection.

                        IAGO
           Well, happiness to their sheets!
           Come, Lieutenant, I have a stoop of wine;
           and here without are a brace of Cyprus
           gallants that would fain have a measure to the
           health of black Othello.

                        CASSIO
           Not tonight, good Iago. I have very poor and
           unhappy brains for drinking. I could well wish
           courtesy would invent some other custom of
           entertainment.

                        IAGO
           0, they are our friends! But one cup; I'll
           drink for you.

                        CASSIO
           I have drunk but one cup tonight already and
           dare not task my weakness with any more.

                        IAGO
           What, man! a night of revels; the gallants desire it.

CASSIO considers. IAGO smiles, infectiously.

                        CASSIO
           Where are they?

                        IAGO
           (To Camera)
           If I can fasten but one cup upon him....

55.        INT.         BEDROOM.                  NIGHT.              55.

A fire blazes. Apple peel lies on the floor.

Next to it OTHELLO and DESDEMONA kiss passionately, their faces
glistening with sweat. DESDEMONA pulls back and rolls the
peeled apple across OTHELLO'S forehead, mopping up the beads of
sweat. She rolls it down and across his upper lip. She holds it
under her nose and breathes in deeply.

He takes it from her mouth and kisses her. He rolls the apple
around the small of her back. He slips it into her armpit. She
gasps. He closes her arm over it, smiles and kisses her again.

56.        EXT.         COURTYARD.                NIGHT.              56.

A band of Venetian and Cypriot SOLDIERS sit drinking by a fire.
IAGO, CASSIO and RODERIGO are among them. Behind them fireworks
light up the sky.

                        IAGO
           (Singing)
           And let me the canakin clink, clink;
           And let me the canakin clink;
           A soldier's a man
           0, man's life's but a span;
           Why, then, let a soldier drink.

           Some wine, boys.

He pours more wine. They repeat the verse with the VENETIANS
encouraging the uncomprehending CYPRIOTS to join in. A CYPRIOT
offers IAGO a sip from his flask. IAGO winces at the strength.
THE CYPRIOTS laugh.

                        CASSIO
           'Fore God, an excellent song.

                        IAGO
           I learned it in England, where indeed they are
           most potent in potting.
           Your Dane, your German, and your swag-bellied
           Hollander - drink, ho! - are nothing to your English.

                        CASSIO
           Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking?

                        IAGO
           Why, he drinks you with facility your Dane
           dead drunk; he sweats not to overthrow your
           Alemaine; he gives your Hollander a vomit,
           ere the next pottle can be filled.

                        CASSIO
           (Proposing A Toast)
           To the health of our General!

MONTANO arrives from the main hall.

                        CASSIO
           I am for it, Lieutenant; and I'll do you justice.

The others cheer as MONTANO raises his tankard to meet
CASSIO'S.

                        IAGO
           Drink ho!

They race each other to empty their tankards, accompanied by
encouraging cheers. A dead heat.

                        IAGO
           0, sweet England

They congratulate each other. BIANCA walks past.

                        BIANCA
           Save you friend Cassio.

                        CASSIO
           How is't with you most fair ....

                        BIANCA
           Bianca.

She pulls a ribbon from her hair and drops it in his lap. The
other men laugh. Iago pours refills and encourages the CYPRIOT
with the flask to pour some into CASSIO's tankard as a prank.

57.        INT.         BEDROOM.                  NIGHT.              57.

OTHELLO and DESDEMONA at the height of passion.

DESDEMONA's arm stretches out over the side of the bed, her
fingers splayed. OTHELLO's hand reaches for hers. Their fingers
meet and clench together. Groans of pleasure.

58.        INT.         BEDROOM.                  NIGHT.              58.

OTHELLO and DESDEMONA lie in each other's Arms.

                        OTHELLO
           If it were now to die,
           'Twere now to be most happy; for I fear
           My soul hath her content so absolute
           That not another comfort like to this
           Succeeds in unknown fate.

                        DESDEMONA
           The heavens forbid
           But that our loves and comforts should increase
           Even as our days do grow.

                        OTHELLO
           Amen to that, sweet powers.

59.        EXT.         COURTYARD.                NIGHT.              59.

                        IAGO
           (singing)
           'Tin pride that pulls the country down;
           Then take thine auld cloak about thee.

It finishes on a haunting, melancholy note and IAGO leaves a
moment's silence. CASSIO finishes his drink. IAGO starts to
pour more.

                        CASSIO
           Let's have no more of this; let's to
           our affairs. God forgive us our sins.
           Gentlemen, let's look to our business.

He clambers to his feet, but has a little difficulty keeping
his balance. The others snigger.

                        CASSIO
           Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk:
           this is my Ancient, this is my right hand,
           and this is my left hand. I am not drunk now:
           I can stand well enough and I speak well enough.

                        ALL
           Excellent well.

                        CASSIO
           Why, very well; you must not think then that
           I am drunk.

CASSIO concentrates on walking in a straight line. He succeeds.
Once he's gone into the darkness, we hear him fall and the
others collapse into hysterics.

IAGO nods at RODERIGO, who gets up and goes after CASSIO.

MONTANO gets to his feet.

                        CASSIO
           To the platform, master; come let's
           set the watch.

IAGO moves in to have a quiet word with MONTANO.

                        IAGO
           You see this fellow that is gone before.
           He is a soldier fit to stand by Caesar
           And give direction; and do but see his vice.

IAGO indicates the empty bottles at their feet.

                        CASSIO
           But is he often thus?

                        IAGO
           'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep.

RODERIGO returns at a run, hotly pursued by CASSIO.

                        CASSIO
           Zounds, you rogue, you rascal!

                        CASSIO
           What's the matter, Lieutenant?

                        CASSIO
           A knave teach me my duty? I'll beat the knave
           into a twiggen-bottle.

                        RODERIGO
           Beat me?

                        CASSIO
           Dost thou prate, rogue?

He strikes RODERIGO with the back of his hand, knocking him to
the ground. He hits him again. RODERIGO kicks out at him and
CASSIO draws his sword.

                        CASSIO
           Nay, good Lieutenant, I pray you, sir, hold your
           hand.

                        CASSIO
           Let me go, sir, or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard.

                        MONTANO
           Come, come, you're drunk.

                        CASSIO
           Drunk!

He turns his sword on MONTANO, who draws his own.

                        IAGO
           Nay, good Lieutenant. God's will, gentlemen!

CASSIO strikes at MONTANO. As the fight begins, IAGO picks
RODERIGO up and whispers:

                        IAGO
           Away, I say; go and cry out a mutiny.

RODERIGO runs out. We hear cries of 'MUTINY!'

RODERIGO rings the Courtyard Bell. The Alarm is taken up by the
nearby bigger bell.

Although there are now three men against him, CASSIO's wildness
is hard to combat. The CYPRIOTS look on, confused and alarmed.
CASSIO's sword is knocked out of his hand. He grabs burning
logs and hurls them.

                        IAGO
           Help, ho! Lieutenant! Sir! Montana! Sir!

60.        INT.         ARMORY.                   NIGHT.              60.

SOLDIERS reach for their weapons. A bell starts ringing. Shouts
and running feet.

61.        EXT.         FORTIFICATIONS.           NIGHT.              61.

SOLDIERS leave their posts.

62.        INT.         BEDROOM.                  NIGHT.              62.

OTHELLO moves quietly but quickly out of bed, while DESDEMONA
sleeps. He grabs his sword.

63.        EXT.         COURTYARD.                NIGHT.              63.

CASSIO is surrounded. He swings a long burning log and scatters
his opponents. A bell rings loudly. TWO SOLDIERS rush in and
restrain those closest:- MONTANO's MEN. In that moment, CASSIO
plunges his dagger into MONTANO's side.

                        IAGO
           God's will, Lieutenant, hold!

CASSIO is shocked at his action, MONTANO grabs him round the
throat. OTHELLO arrives, half-dressed, ARMED MEN at his side.

                        OTHELLO
           Hold for your lives!

MONTANO's MEN, enraged by his wounding, struggle to free
themselves. CASSIO and MONTANA are still locked in combat. IAGO
attempts to separate them.

                        IAGO
           Hold! The General speaks to you: hold, for
           shame!

                        OTHELLO
           What is the matter here, are we turned Turks?
           For Christian shams, put by this barbarous brawl.

The fighters stop as they see pikes and arrows leveled at them.

                        OTHELLO
           He that stirs next to carve for his own rage
           Holds his soul light: he dies upon his motion.

The fighters drop their weapons and shuffle into line.

                        OTHELLO
           Silence that dreadful bell: it frights the isle
           From her propriety. What is the matter, masters?

Silence.

                        OTHELLO
           How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot?

                        CASSIO
           I pray you pardon me: I cannot speak.

                        OTHELLO
           Worthy Montano. What's the matter
           That you unlace your reputation thus
           And spend your rich opinion for the name
           Of a night-brawler? Give me answer to it.

                        MONTANO
           Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger.
           Your officer, Iago, can inform you,
           While I spare speech, of all that I do know.

                        OTHELLO
           Now, by heaven,
           My blood begins my safer guides to rule.
           Give me to know,
           How this foul rout began, who set it on;
           And he that is approved in this offense,
           Though he had twinned with me, both at a birth,
           Shall lose me. What! In a town of war
           To manage private and domestic quarrel
           In night, and on the court and guard of safety,
           'Tis monstrous. On thy love I charge thee
           Iago, who began't?

                        MONTANO
           If partially affined or leagued in office,
           Thou dost deliver more or less than truth,
           Thou art no soldier.

                        IAGO
           Touch me not so near.
           I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth
           Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio.

All eyes turn to CASSIO.

                        IAGO
           Yet, I persuade myself to speak the truth
           Shall nothing wrong him. This it is , General.

He steps forward and stands to attention.

                        IAGO
           Montano and myself being in speech,
           There comes a fellow, crying out for help...
           And Cassio following him with determined sword
           To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman
           Steps in to Cassio, and entreats his pause.
           Myself the crying fellow did pursue,
           Lest by his clamour, as it so fell out,
           The town might fall in fright. He, swift of foot,
           Outran my-purpose, and I returned, the rather
           For that I heard the clink and fall of swords
           And Cassio high in oath, which till tonight
           I ne'er might say before. when I came back -
           For this was brief - I found them close together
           At blow and thrust, even as again they were
           When you yourself did part them.
           More of this matter can I not report.

IAGO drops his military tone for a confidential one.

                        IAGO
           But men are men; the best sometimes forget.
           Though Cassio did some little wrong to him...
           As men in rage strike those that wish them best,
           Yet surely Cassio....

                        OTHELLO
           I know, Iago,
           Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,
           Making it light to Cassio. Cassio...

OTHELLO approaches him. CASSIO, reeling slightly, attempts to
stand straight.

                        OTHELLO
           I love thee,
           But nevermore be officer of mine.

DESDEMONA appears, attended by EMILIA.

                        OTHELLO
           Look, if my gentle love be not raised up.
           I'll make thee an example.

OTHELLO rips the lieutenant's sash from CASSIO's jacket.

                        DESDEMONA
           What's the matter, dear?

                        OTHELLO
           All's well now, sweeting: come away to bed.
           Sir, for your hurts myself will be your surgeon.

OTHELLO leads DESDEMONA away.

                        OTHELLO
           'Tis the soldiers, life
           To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife.

64.        EXT.         COURTYARD.                NIGHT.              64.

Later. CASSIO sinks to the ground. He is alone except for IAGO
who tidies up, putting smoking logs back into the fire.

                        IAGO
           What, are you hurt... Lieutenant?

                        CASSIO
           Ay, past all surgery.

                        IAGO
           Marry, God forbid!

                        CASSIO
           0, I have lost my reputation I have lost the
           immortal part of myself, and what remains is
           bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation!

                        IAGO
           As I am an honest man I thought you had
           received some bodily wound,
           there is more offense in that than in
           reputation.

He kneels to comfort CASSIO.

                        IAGO
           What, man! There are ways to recover the
           General again. You are but now cast in
           his mood - a punishment more in policy
           than in malice. Sue to him again and he's yours.

                        CASSIO
           I would rather sue to be despised than
           to deceive so good a commander with so
           slight, so drunken, and so indiscreet an officer.

                        IAGO
           What was he that you followed with your sword?
           What had he done to you?

                        CASSIO
           I know not.

                        IAGO
           Is't possible?

                        CASSIO
           Drunk! 0 God, that men should put an enemy in
           their mouths to steal away their brains!
           Every inordinate cup is unblessed and the
           ingredience is a devil.

                        IAGO
           Come, come; good Wine is a good familiar
           creature if it be well used: exclaim no more against
           it.

He cannot resist a quick grin to the camera.

                        IAGO
           exclaim more against it.
           And good Lieutenant, I think you think I love you.

                        CASSIO
           I have well approved it, sir. I drunk!

                        IAGO
           You or any man living may be drunk at a time,
           man. I'll tell you what you shall do. Confess
           yourself freely to Desdemona; importune her:
           she'll help to put you in your place again.
           This broken joint between you and her husband,
           entreat her to splinter; and my fortunes
           against any lay worth naming,
           this crack of your love shall grow stronger than it
           was before.

                        CASSIO
           You advise me well.

                        IAGO
           I protest in the sincerity of love and honest
           kindness.

He offers his hand.

                        CASSIO
           I think it freely...

CASSIO accepts his hand and hauls him into an embrace.
CLOSE UP on IAGO who stares into the camera.

                        IAGO
           (Whispers)
           And what's he then that says I play the
           villain?

                        CASSIO
           ... and betimes in the morning
           I will beseech the virtuous Desdemona to
           undertake for me.

They break apart.

                        CASSIO
           I am desperate of my fortunes if they check me here.

                        IAGO
           You are in the right. Good night, Lieutenant,
           I must to the watch.

                        CASSIO
           Good night, honest Iago.

With his hopes a little restored, CASSIO leaves.

                        IAGO
           (To Camera)
           How am I then a villain
           When this advice is free I give and honest,
           Probal to thinking, and indeed the course
           to win the Moor again?
           His soul is so enfettered to Desdemona's love,
           That she may make, unmake, do what she list,
           Even as her appetite shall play the god
           With his weak function. How am I then a villain
           To counsel Cassio to this parallel course
           Directly to his good? Divinity of hell!

He is drawn to the fire again.

                        IAGO
           When devils will the blackest sins put on,
           They do suggest at first with heavenly shows
           As I do now. For whiles this honest fool
           Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes
           And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor,
           I'll pour this pestilence into his ear:
           That she repeals him for her body's lust.

He puts his hand on a charred log. It sizzles slightly.

                        IAGO
           And by how much she strives to do him good,
           She shall undo her credit with the Moor.
           So will I turn her virtue into pitch,

He draws his fingers down his face, smearing it black.

                        IAGO
           And out of her own goodness make the net
           That shall enmesh them all.

He embraces himself. His eyes closed in ecstasy. Fade to black.

The sound of panting. The image returns as before as IAGO opens
his eyes.

                        IAGO
           How now, Roderigo?

He turns to see RODERIGO, battered and disheveled.

                        RODERIGO
           I do follow here in the chase, not like a
           hound that hunts, but one that fills up the
           cry. My money is almost spent; I have been
           tonight exceedingly well cudgeled; and I
           think the issue will be,
           I shall have so much experience for my pains;
           and so with no money at all, and a little more
           wit, return again to Venice.

Seething, he turns to leave.

                        IAGO
           (Calling out)
           How poor are they that have not patience

RODERIGO stops, but doesn't turn back.

                        IAGO
           What wound did ever heal but by degrees?
           Thou know'st we work by wit, and not by witchcraft,
           And wit depends on dilatory time.
           Does't not go well?

A faint gasp from RODERIGO, who is on the verge of tears.

                        IAGO
           Cassio hath beaten thee,
           And thou by that small hurt hath cashiered Cassio.

RODERIGO turns slowly back. A grin breaks out on his face.

                        IAGO
           Content thyself awhile.

He puts his arm round RODERIGO. Birds sing.

                        IAGO
           By th' mass, 'tis morning:
           Pleasure and action make the hours seem short.
           Retire thee awhile.

RODERIGO is sleepy and comfortable with his head resting on
IAGO's shoulder. IAGO shrugs it off.

                        IAGO
           Away, I say...

RODERIGO starts to speak.

                        IAGO
           thou shalt know more hereafter:

RODERIGO tries again.

                        IAGO
           Nay, get thee gone.

He goes. IAGO turns sharply to the camera:

                        IAGO
           Two things are to be done.

65.        INT.         WINDING STAIRCASE.        DAY                 65.

                        IAGO
           (To camera)
           My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress:
           I'll set her on.

66.        EXT          UPPER COLONNADE OF        DAY                 66.
                        COURTYARD.
Along upper colonnade moving along to stairway area.

IAGO straps on his sword as CASSIO enters in the background.

                        IAGO
           (Voice-Over)
           Myself the while to draw the Moor apart,
           And bring him jump when he may Cassio find
           Soliciting his wife.

CASSIO and EMILIA approach as IAGO sets off past them.

                        IAGO
           Good morrow, good Lieutenant.

CASSIO stops him for a momemt.

                        CASSIO
           (Softly)
           I humbly thank you.

IAGO smiles, kisses EMILIA firmly and hurries off.

                        IAGO
           (TO CAMERA)
           Ay, that's the way.
           Dull not device by coldness and delay.




                                   Act 3

                                                                 

67.
           EXT.
                       BATTLEMENTS.
                                                    DAY.
                                                                     67.

OTHELLO, and MONTANO's MEN in battle-dress stand on the
battlements overlooking a glassy sea. OTHELLO turns aside and
sniffs the peeled (and now brown) apple from the previous
night. As IAGO arrives he conceals it.

                       OTHELLO
           This fortification, gentlemen, shall we see it?

68.
           INT.
                       BEDROOM.
                                                    DAY.
                                                                      68.

                       CASSIO
           Bounteous madam,
           Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio,
           He's never anything but your true servant.

                       DESDEMONA
           I know't; I thank you.

She opens the door. CASSIO takes her hand and kisses it. EMILIA
appears in the doorway.

                       EMILIA
           Madam, here comes my lord.

                       CASSIO
           Madam, I take my leave.

                       DESDEMONA
           Why stay and hear me speak on thy behalf.

                       CASSIO
           Madam, not now,
           I am very ill at ease,
           Unfit for mine own purposes.

OTHELLO and IAGO round a corner just CASSIO disappears behind
another.

                       IAGO
           (Muttering)
           Ha! I like not that.

                       OTHELLO
           What dost thou say?

                       IAGO
           Nothing, my lord.

                       OTHELLO
           Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?

                       IAGO
           Cassio, my lord?

OTHELLO walks past DESDEMONA into their bedroom. IAGO follows
and proceeds to take off OTHELLO's armour.

                       DESDEMONA
           How now, my lord?
           I have been talking with a suitor here,
           A man that languishes in your displeasure.

                       OTHELLO
           Who is't you mean?

                       DESDEMONA
           Why, your lieutenant, Cassio.

OTHELLO throws a look at IAGO, who shrugs.

                       DESDEMONA
           Good my lord,
           If he be not one that truly loves you,
           I have no judgment in an honest face.
           I prithee call him back.

                       OTHELLO
           Went he hence now?

                       DESDEMONA
           Aye, soothe; so humbled
           That he hath left part of his grief with me
           To suffer with him. Good love, call him back.

                       OTHELLO
           Not now, sweet Desdemona; some other time.

                       DESDEMONA
           But shall't be shortly?

                       OTHELLO
           The sooner, sweet, for you.

                       DESDEMONA
           Shall't be tonight at supper?

                       OTHELLO
           No, not tonight.

                       DESDEMONA
           (Playfully)
           Tomorrow dinner then?

                       OTHELLO
           I shall not dine at home.
           I meet the captains at the citadel.

OTHELLO has removed his armour. She strokes and tickles his
chest.

                       DESDEMONA
           Why, then, tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn,
           On Tuesday noon, or night; on Wednesday morn.
           I prithee name the time, but let it not
           Exceed three days.

She looks at him hopefully: he feigns lack of interest.

                       DESDEMONA
           When shall he come?

He looks at her blankly. She slaps his chest.

                       DESDEMONA
           Tell me, Othello.

Again, no response; she starts to get riled:

                       DESDEMONA
           I wonder in my soul
           What you would ask me that I should deny,
           Or stand so mammering on.

He sighs, concealing a grin.

                       DESDEMONA
           What! Michael Cassio,
           That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time
           When I have spoke of you dispraisingly...

Her baiting receives a mere raised eyebrow.

                       DESDEMONA
           ... Hath tane your part, to have so much to do
           To bring him in?
           (Passions Blazing)
           By'r Lady, I could do much.

OTHELLO breaks into laughter, joined by IAGO and EMILIA.

                       OTHELLO
           Prithee no more. Let him come when he will;
           I will deny thee nothing.

She smiles, coolly. He goes to embrace her. She pulls away.

                       DESDEMONA
           Why, this is not a boon;
           'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves,
           Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm,
           Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit
           To your own person. Nay, when I have a suit
           Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed,
           It shall be full of poise and difficult weight,
           And fearful to be granted.

Though playful, the threat is meant. OTHELLO respects it with a
considered reply:

                       OTHELLO
           I will deny thee nothing.

They embrace warmly. They look into each other's eyes: a calm,
level gaze of lovers and equals.

                       OTHELLO
           Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this,
           To leave me but a little to myself.

                       DESDEMONA
           Shall I deny you? No; farewell, my lord.

                       OTHELLO
           Farewell, my Desdemona! I'll come to thee straight.

                       DESDEMONA
           Emilia, come.

He watches her as she goes: elegant, more woman now than child.
She turns at the door.

                       DESDEMONA
           Be as your fancies teach you;
           Whate'er you be, I am obedient.

Her dignity belies any sense of servility. She leaves and
EMILIA follows. IAGO watches OTHELLO watching her.

69.
           EXT.
                       CASTLE LAWN.
                                                    DAY.
                                                                     69.

SOLDIERS training.

IAGO and OTHELLO work together. OTHELLO sees DESDEMONA watching
and pulls off a fancy maneuver for her benefit. He blows her a
kiss.

                       OTHELLO
           Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul.
           But I do love thee,

           (To Himself)
           and when I love thee not.
           Chaos is come again.

                       IAGO
           My noble lord?

                       OTHELLO
           What dost thou say, Iago?

                       IAGO
           Did Michael Cassio
           When you wooed my lady, know of your love?

                       OTHELLO
           He did from first to last.

70.
           INT.
                       BATH.
                                                    DAY.
                                                                     70.

OTHELLO sloshes water over his face.

                       OTHELLO
           Why dost thou ask?

                       IAGO
           But for a satisfaction of my thought;
           No further harm.

71.
           INT.
                       ARMOURY.
                                                    DAY.
                                                                     71.

OTHELLO checks weapons.

                       OTHELLO
           Why of thy thought, Iago?

                       IAGO
           I did not think he had been acquainted with her.

                       OTHELLO
           0 yes, and went between us very oft.

                       IAGO
           Indeed?

                       OTHELLO
           Indeed? Ay, indeed. Discern'st thou aught in that?
           Is he not honest?

                       IAGO
           Honest my lord?

                       OTHELLO
           Honest? Ay, honest.

                       IAGO
           My lord, for aught I know.

                       OTHELLO
           What dost thou think?

                       IAGO
           Think, my lord?

                       OTHELLO
           Think, my lord! By heaven, he echoes me.
           Thou dost mean something. If thou dost love me,
           Show me thy thought.

                       IAGO
           My lord, you know I love you.

                       OTHELLO
           I think thou dost;
           And for I know thou'rt full of love and honesty,
           And weighst thy words before thou giv'st them breath,
           Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more.

                       IAGO
           For Michael Cassio,
           I dare be sworn I think that he is honest.

                       OTHELLO
           I think so too.

                       IAGO
           Men should be what they seem;
           Or those that be not, would they might seem none!

                       OTHELLO
           Certain, men should be what they seem.

                       IAGO
           Why then, I think Cassio's an honest man.

                       OTHELLO
           Nay, yet there's more in this.
           I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings,
           As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts

           The worst of words.

                       IAGO
           Good my lord, pardon me;
           Utter my thoughts!

                       OTHELLO
           Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago,
           If thou mak'st his ear a stranger to thy thoughts.

                       IAGO
           I do beseech you,
           Though I perchance am vicious in my guess-
           As I confess it is my nature's plague,
           To spy into abuses and oft my jealousy
           Shapes faults that are not - I entreat you then,
           It were not for your quiet nor your good,
           Nor for my manhood, honesty, and wisdom,
           To let you know my thoughts.

                       OTHELLO
           What dost thou mean?

                       IAGO
           Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,
           Is the immediate jewel of their souls.
           Who steals my purse steals trash: `tis something,
           nothing;
           'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to
           thousands.
           But he that filches from me my good name
           Robe me of that which not enriches him
           And makes me poor indeed.

                       OTHELLO
           By heaven, I'll know thy thoughts.

                       IAGO
           You cannot, if my heart were in your hand;
           Nor shall not whilst 'tis in my custody.
           0 beware, my lord of jealousy:
           It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
           The meat it feeds on.

                       OTHELLO
           Why, why is this?
           Think'st thou I'd make a life of jealousy,
           To follow still the changes of the moon
           With fresh suspicions? No, to be once in doubt
           Is once to be resolved. Exchange me for a goat,
           When I shall turn the business of my soul
           To such exsufflicate and blown surmises,
           Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous
           To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company,
           Is free of speech, sings, plays and dances well:
           Where virtue is these are more virtuous. No, Iago,
           I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove;
           And on the proof, there is no more but this:
           Away at once with love or jealousy.

                       IAGO
           I am glad of this; for now I shall have reason
           To show the love and duty that I bear you
           With franker spirit. Therefore, as I am bound,
           Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof.
           Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio;
           Look to't.
           I know our country disposition well:
           In Venice they do let Heaven see the pranks
           They dare not show their husbands. Their best
           conscience
           Is not to leave't undone, but keep't unknown.

                       OTHELLO
           Dost thou say so?

                       IAGO
           She did deceive her father, marrying you.
           And when she seemed to shake and fear your looks
           She loved them most.

                       OTHELLO
           And so she did.

                       IAGO
           Why, go to then!
           But I am much to blame.
           I humbly do beseech you of your pardon
           For too much loving you.

                       OTHELLO
           I am bound to thee forever.

                       IAGO
           I see this hath a little dashed your spirits.

                       OTHELLO
           Not a jot, not a jot.

                       IAGO
           I'faith, I fear it has.
           I hope you will consider what is spoke
           Comes from my love. But I do see you're moved.
           I am to pray you not to strain my speech
           To grosser issues nor to larger reach
           Than to suspicion.

                       OTHELLO
           I will not.

                       IAGO
           Should you do so, my lord,
           My speech should fall into such vile success
           As my thoughts aimed not at. Cassio's my worthy
           friend --
           My lord, I see you're moved.

                       OTHELLO
           No, not much moved.
           I do not think but Desdemona's honest.

                       IAGO
           Long live she so.. and long live you to think so.

                       OTHELLO
           And yet how nature erring from itself -

                       IAGO
           Ay, there's the point: as, to be bold with you,
           Not to enter into any marriage
           Of her own clime, complexion and degree,
           Whereto we see in all things nature tends --

OTHELLO shuts his eyes in agony.

72.
           INT.
                       CASTLE. FLASHBACK
                                                    NIGHT.
                                                                     72.

Slow-Motion Sequence: The first night in Cyprus. DESDEMONA
dances, surrounded by VENETIANS. All share striking Italianate
looks, wreathed in smiles.

                       IAGO
           (Voice Over)
           Foh, one may smell in such a will most rank,
           Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural.

DESDEMONA changes partner, from MONTANO to CASSIO.

73.
           INT.
                       BEDROOM.
                                                    EVENING.
                                                                     72.

OTHELLO opens his eyes: He stands in front of a mirror
and is dressed in Venetian finery. IAGO is adjusting
his ruff.

                       IAGO
           (cont'd)
           But pardon me: I do not in position
           Distinctly speak of her, tho' I may fear
           Her will, recoiling to her better judgment,
           May fall to match you with her country forma
           And may perchance repent.

                       OTHELLO
           Farewell.
           If more thou dost perceive, let me know more.
           Leave me, Iago.

                       IAGO
           My lord, I take my leave.

He starts to leave, but stops at the door and watches OTHELLO.

                       OTHELLO
           (Muttering)
           Why did I marry?

                       IAGO
           (Returning)
           My lord, I would I might entreat you honour
           To scan this thing no farther. Leave it to time.
           Let me be thought too busy in my fears
           As worthy cause I have to fear I am -
           And hold her free, I do beseech your honor.

                       OTHELLO
           Fear not my government.
           That we can call these delicate creatures ours
           And not their appetites

IAGO goes. OTHELLO wrenches at his ruff to loosen it.

74.
           INT.
                       CASTLE MAIN HALL. FLASHBACK
                                                    NIGHT.
                                                                     74.

DESDEMONA dancing among the VENETIANS. She moves from MONTANO's
arms into CASSIO'S. He whispers in her ear; a smile grows on
her face. CROSSFADE TO:

75.
           INT.
                       BEDROOM.
                                                    NIGHT.
                                                                     75.

DESDEMONA, in a similar position and pose, stands in the
doorway, smiling.

                       DESDEMONA
           How now, my dear Othello?
           Your dinner and the generous islanders,
           By you invited, do attend your presence.

                       OTHELLO
           I am to blame.

                       DESDEMONA
           Why do you speak so faintly?
           Are you not well?

She goes to him and sees that he's sweating. She takes out her
strawberry-spotted handkerchief and mops his face. He pushes it
away and it drops to the floor.

                       OTHELLO
           Come, I'll go in with you.
           He goes and DESDEMONA follows.

                       DESDEMONA
           I am very sorry that you are not well.

EMILIA sees the handkerchief and picks it up. She stares at it,
then pockets it.

76.
           EXT.
                       CASTLE OVERLOOKING THE SEA.
                                                    NIGHT.
                                                                     76.

The night buzzes with insect noise.

77.
           INT.
                       CASSIO'S BEDROOM.
                                                    NIGHT.
                                                                     77.

CASSIO lies in bed toying with the ribbon from BIANCA's hair.
He reaches out to return it to its owner, who we now see is in
bed with him.

She moves up to kiss him. He resists. He blows out the candle.

78.
           INT.
                       IAGO'S BEDROOM.
                                                    NIGHT.
                                                                     78.

IAGO lies in bed. EMILIA lays next to him. He turns away.

                       EMILIA
           I have a thing for you.

                       IAGO
           You have a thing for me? It is a common thing.

                       EMILIA
           Ha!

                       IAGO
           To have a foolish wife.

                       EMILIA
           0, is that all? What will you give me now
           For that same handkerchief?

                       IAGO
           What handkerchief?

                       EMILIA
           What handkerchief?
           Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona,
           That which so often you did bid me to steal.

                       IAGO
           (Sudden Interest)
           Hast stolen it from her?

                       EMILIA
           No, faith: she let it drop by negligence,

She reveals a corner of the handkerchief between her breasts.
He smiles and reaches for it, but she claps her hands over it.

                       EMILIA
           What will you do with't, that you
           Have been so earnest to have me filch it?

He smiles and rolls her over onto her back. She gasps at the
roughness of the movement. He leans in close to her lips. She
relaxes and he snatches the handkerchief.

                       IAGO
           Why what's that to you? Go, leave me.

He stares at her, coldly. Wounded, she turns to go. He grabs
her, spins her round and pushes her face down onto the bed. He
pulls up her skirt and turns to the camera.

                       IAGO
           (To Camera)
           Trifles light as air
           Are to the jealous confirmations strong
           As proofs of holy writ. This may do something.

He tosses the handkerchief into the air.

79.
           INT.
                       CASTLE. FLASHBACK FANTASY
                                                    NIGHT.
                                                                     77.

The night of the dancing. DESDEMONA smiling in CASSIO's arms.
Their faces move close together. He moves his mouth close to
her ear and flicks his tongue into it.

From amongst the VENETIANS behind them, a head turns slowly to
face the camera. It is BRABANTIO, his face deathly pale. He
slowly shakes his head.

                       BRABANTIO
           Look to her Moor, if thou hast eyes to see;
           She has deceived her father and may thee.

80.
           INT.
                       BEDROOM.
                                                    NIGHT.
                                                                     80.

OTHELLO's eyes spring open.

                       OTHELLO
           My life upon her faith.

He lies in bed with DESDEMONA sleeping by his side. He gazes at
her.

                       OTHELLO
           If she be false, 0 then Heaven mocks itself;
           I'll not believe it.

He shuts his eyes, and is projected into another vision.

81.
           INT.
                       BEDROOM. FLASHBACK/FANTASY
                                                    NIGHT.
                                                                     81.

We follow the trail of DESDEMONA's discarded clothes- as
OTHELLO did on the previous night - leading to the drapes
around the four-poster bed. A drape twitches. A giggle. A naked
figure behind the drape - and a second figure.

OTHELLO's hand stretches out in front of us to the bedside
table and grabs a heavy candlestick. His other hand reaches out
to part the curtains.

82.
           INT.
                       BEDROOM.
                                                    NIGHT.
                                                                     82.

OTHELLO sits in bed, leaning over and staring intensely at the
sleeping DESDEMONA. His face is running with sweat. A bead of
sweat drops from his chin to his shoulder. More sweat runs down
his arm to his wrist. in his shaking hand: the candlestick.

He drops it and it thuds against the floor. DESDEMONA stirs and
mumbles. Eyes still closed, she stretches out her arm to
OTHELLO. He dries his face on a pillow, takes her hand and
presses his lips to her palm. He sighs with relief and shuts
his eyes:

83.
           INT.
                       CASTLE. FLASHBACK FANTASY
                                                    NIGHT.
                                                                     83.

DESDEMONA's arm is stretched over the bed, fingers splayed as
in their earlier love-scene.
Groans of pleasure. A hand reaches out to grasp her (as OTHELLO
did). This hand is white.

84.
           INT.
                       BEDROOM.
                                                    NIGHT.
                                                                     84.

OTHELLO's eyes flash open and he drops her hand in shock. He
gets up.

85.
           EXT.
                       BEACH.
                                                    DAY.
                                                                     85.

OTHELLO leaves the Castle. In foreground Iago stalks him.

86.
           EXT.
                       BEACH.
                                                    DAY.
                                                                     86.

IAGO sits hidden amongst the rocks.

                       IAGO
           (To Camera)
           The Moor already changes with my poison:
           Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons,
           Which at the first are scarce found to distaste
           But, with a little act upon the blood,
           Burn like the mines of sulphur. I did say so.
           Look....

He indicates OTHELLO pacing on the shore.

                       IAGO
           Not poppy nor mandragora,
           Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,
           Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep
           Which thou owed'st yesterday.

He joins OTHELLO.

                       IAGO
           Why, how now, general! No more of that.

                       OTHELLO
           Avaunt, be gone! Thou hast set me on the rack.
           I swear 'tis better to be much abused,
           Than but to know't a little.

                       IAGO
           How now, my lord!

                       OTHELLO
           What sense had I of her stolen hours of lust?
           I saw't not, thought it not, it harmed not me.
           I found not Cassio's kisses on her lips.

                       IAGO
           I am sorry to hear this.

                       OTHELLO
           I had been happy if the general camp,
           Pioneers and all, had tasted her sweet body
           So I had nothing known. O' now for ever
           Farewell the tranquil mind. Farewell content.
           Farewell the plumed troops, and the big wars
           That make ambition virtue - 0 farewell.
           Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump,
           The spirit-stirring drum, th'ear-piercing fife,
           The royal banner, and all quality,
           Pride, pomp and circumstance, of glorious war.
           And, 0 you mortal engines, whose rude throats
           Th'immortal Jove's dread clamours counterfeit,
           Farewell. Othello's occupation's gone.

                       IAGO
           Is't possible, my lord?

OTHELLO turns to IAGO.

                       OTHELLO
           Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore;
           Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof,
           Or by the worth of mine eternal soul,
           Thou hadst been better have been born a dog
           Than answer my waked wrath.

                       IAGO
           Is't come to this?

                       OTHELLO
           Make as to see't; or , at the least, so prove it
           That the probation bear no hinge nor loop
           To hang a doubt on - or woe upon thy life.

OTHELLO grabs IAGO by the throat.

                       IAGO
           My noble lord -

                       OTHELLO
           It thou dost slander her and torture me,
           Never pray more; abandon all remorse;
           On horrors head horrors accumulate;
           For nothing canst thou to damnation add
           Greater than that.

His grip has tightened. He lets IAGO drop. IAGO backs away,
gasping and spluttering.

                       IAGO
           0 grace! 0 heaven defend me!
           God bu'y you; take mine office.
           To be direct and honest is not safe.
           I thank you for this profit and from hence
           I'll love no friend, sith love breeds such offense.

He starts to leave.

                       OTHELLO
           Nay stay: thou shouldst be honest.

                       IAGO
           I should be wise; for honesty's a fool
           And loses that it works for.

                       OTHELLO
           By the world,
           I think my wife be honest, and think she is not:
           I think that thou art just, and think thou art not.
           I'll have some proof.
           Would I were satisfied!

                       IAGO
           I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion.
           I do repent me that I put it to you.
           You would be satisfied.

                       OTHELLO
           Would? Nay, I will.

                       IAGO
           And may. But how? How satisfied my lord?
           Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on?
           Behold her topped?

OTHELLO punches him to the ground.

                       OTHELLO
           Death and damnation!

IAGO gets up and brushes off the sand.

                       IAGO
           It were a tedious difficulty, I think,
           To bring them to that prospect. Damn them then
           What shall I say? Where's satisfaction?
           It is impossible you should see this,
           Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys

OTHELLO grabs him again.

                       IAGO
           But yet, I say,
           If imputation and strong circumstances,
           Which lead directly to the door of truth,
           Will give you satisfaction, you might have it.

                       OTHELLO
           Give me a living reason she's disloyal.

                       IAGO
           I do not like the office;
           But sith I am entered in this cause so far
           Pricked to it by foolish honesty and love
           I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately,
           And being troubled with a raging tooth
           I could not sleep.
           There are a kind of men so loose of soul
           That in their sleeps
           will mutter their affairs. One of this kind is
           Cassio.
           In sleep I heard him say, 'Sweet Desdemona,
           Lot us be wary, let us hide our loves.'

OTHELLO sinks onto the sand. The sea laps at their ankles.

                       IAGO
           And then, air, would he grip and wring my hand,
           Cry, 'O sweet creature!", and then kiss me hard,
           as if he plucked up kisses by the roots
           That grow upon my lips; then laid his leg
           Over my thigh.

IAGO illustrates, placing his own leg lightly over OTHELLO's.

                       IAGO
           and sighed, and kissed and then
           Cried

(CUT TO)

87.
                       FLASHBACK FANTASY
                                                                     87.

CASSIO whispering in DESDEMONA'S ear. His lips move to match
IAGO's line:

                       IAGO
           (Voice-Over)
           'Cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor.'

(Cut back to)

88.
           EXT.
                       BEACH.
                                                    DAY.
                                                                     88.

OTHELLO pulls away and gets to his feet.

                       OTHELLO
           0 monstrous!

                       IAGO
           Nay, this was but his dream.

                       OTHELLO
           Monstrous!

                       IAGO
           Nay, yet be wise; yet we see nothing done,
           She may be honest yet. Tell me but this:
           Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief
           Spotted with strawberries in your wife's hand?

                       OTHELLO
           I gave her such a one; 'twas my first gift.

                       IAGO
           I know not that; but such a handkerchief -
           I am sure it was your wife's - did I today
           See Cassio wipe his beard with.

                       OTHELLO
           If it be that....

89.
           INT.
                       CASSIO'S BEDROOM.
                                                    DAY.
                                                                     89.

CASSIO's hand catches the strawberry-spotted handkerchief in
mid-air.
Intrigued, he holds it up against the morning sunlight.
He places it on a bed-post. He kisses the sleeping BIANCA.

Meanwhile we hear the following:

                       DESDEMONA
           (Voice-Over)
           Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia?

                       EMILIA
           (Voice-Over)
           I know not madam.

                       DESDEMONA
           (Voice-Over)
           Believe me, I had rather lose my purse
           Full of crusadoes; and but my noble Moor
           Is true of mind and made of no such baseness
           As jealous creatures are, it were enough
           To put him to ill thinking.

                       EMILIA
           (Voice-Over)
           Is he not jealous?

90.
           INT.
                       BEDROOM.
                                                    DAY.
                                                                     90.

DESDEMONA still in her night-dress, rummages through her
clothes. Their conversation continues:

                       DESDEMONA
           Who he? I think the sun where he was born
           Drew all such humours from him.

She turns and is startled to see standing in the doorway.

                       DESDEMONA
           How is't with you, my lord?

                       OTHELLO
           Well, my good lady. How do you, Desdemona?

                       DESDEMONA
           Well, my good lord.

                       OTHELLO
           Give me your hand. This hand is moist, my lady.

                       DESDEMONA
           It has felt no age, nor known no sorrow.

                       OTHELLO
           This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart.
           Hot, hot and moist. This hand of yours requires
           A sequester from liberty, fasting and prayer,
           Much castigation, exercise devout;
           For there's a young and sweating devil here
           That commonly rebels. 'Tis a good hand,
           A frank one.

                       DESDEMONA
           You may indeed say so,
           For 'twas that hand that gave away my heart.
           Come now, your promise.

                       OTHELLO
           What promise, chuck?

                       DESDEMONA
           I have bid Cassio come speak to you.

He drops her hand, putting his own to his forehead.

                       OTHELLO
           I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me:
           Lend me that handkerchief.

                       DESDEMONA
           Here, my lord.

She offers a plain, white handkerchief.

                       OTHELLO
           That which I gave you.

                       DESDEMONA
           I have it not about me.

                       OTHELLO
           Not?

                       DESDEMONA
           No, faith, my lord.

                       OTHELLO
           That's a fault. That handkerchief
           Did an Egyptian to my mother give:
           She was a charmer and could almost read
           The thoughts of people; she told her, while she kept
           it
           'Twould make her amiable, and subdue my father
           Entirely to her love her but if she lost it,
           Or made a gift of it, my father's eye
           Should hold her loathly, and his spirits should hunt
           After new fancies: she dying, gave it me,
           And bid me when my fate would have me wive,
           I give it her. I did so, and take heed on it:
           Make it a darling, like your precious eye.
           To lose it or give't away were such perdition
           As nothing else could match.

                       DESDEMONA
           Is't possible?

She is caught up in the intensity of his staring eyes.

                       OTHELLO
           'Tie true. There's magic in the web of it:
           The worms were hallowed that did breed the silk,
           And it was dyed in mummy, which the skillful
           Conserved of maiden's hearts.

                       DESDEMONA
           I, faith, is't true?

                       OTHELLO
           Most veritable; therefore look to it well.

                       DESDEMONA
           Then would to God I had never seen it.

                       OTHELLO
           S'Blood!

                       DESDEMONA
           Why do you speak so startlingly and rash?

                       OTHELLO
           Is't lost? Is't gone? Speak; is't out of th'way?

                       DESDEMONA
           Heaven bless us.

                       OTHELLO
           Say you?

                       DESDEMONA
           It is not lost, but what and if it were?

                       OTHELLO
           How?

                       DESDEMONA
           I say it in not lost.

                       OTHELLO
           Fetch it, let me see it.

                       DESDEMONA
           Why so I can, sir; but I will not now.
           This is a trick to put me from my suit.
           Pray you let Cassio be received again.

                       OTHELLO
           Fetch me my handkerchief. My mind misgives.

                       DESDEMONA
           Come, come;
           You'll never meet a more sufficient man.

                       OTHELLO
           The handkerchief!

                       DESDEMONA
           I pray, talk me of Cassio.

                       OTHELLO
           The handkerchief!

                       DESDEMONA
           A man that all his time
           hath founded his good fortunes on your love,
           Shared dangers with you --

                       OTHELLO
           The handkerchief!

                       DESDEMONA
           I'faith, you are to blame.

                       OTHELLO
           Zounds!

OTHELLO storms out. IAGO stands, unseen, outside the door.

                       EMILIA
           Is not this man jealous?

                       DESDEMONA
           I ne'er saw this before.

EMILIA catches sight of IAGO retreating down the corridor.

                       EMILIA
           'Tis not a year or two shows us a man.

IAGO is meant to hear this and he does. He turns to look at
her.

                       EMILIA
           They are all but stomachs, and we all but food;
           They eat us hungerly, and when they are full,
           They belch us.

IAGO turns away and goes.

                       DESDEMONA
           Something sure of state
           Hath puddled his clear spirit.

                       EMILIA
           (Turning back into the room)
           Pray heaven it be, and no conception
           Nor no jealous toy concerning you.

                       DESDEMONA
           Alas the day I never gave him cause.

                       EMILIA
           But jealous souls will not be answered so.
           They are not ever jealous for the cause,
           But jealous for they're jealous. 'Tis a monster
           Begot upon itself, born on itself.

                       DESDEMONA
           Heaven keep that monster from Othello's mind.

                       EMILIA
           Lady, amen.




                              Act 4


                                     

91.        INT.        CASTLE. MONTAGE SHOTS       DAY.              91.

A sequence of shots going down to the dungeons:

We follow OTHELLO down a narrow passageway - OTHELLO descends
the steps.

The camera catches him up and we push in to the back of his
head.

OTHELLO's P.O.V. - we lurch along the tunnel gathering pace.

Spiral staircase - we reel down the stairs and into the
dungeon.

92.        INT.        DUNGEONS. FLASHBACK FANTASY DAY.              92.

We see A PRISONER chained to the wall as he turns his head to
camera we see the dead head of BRABANTIO.

93.        INT.        DUNGEONS.                   DAY               93.

We look again and see that it is a TURKISH PRISONER.
IAGO is checking the cells and throws food to the prisoners.

                       IAGO
           But if I give my wife a handkerchief.

                       OTHELLO
           What then?

                       IAGO
           Why, then 'tis hers, my lord' and being hers,
           She may, I think, bestow't on any man. What
           If I had said I had seen him do you wrong?
           Or heard him say -

                       OTHELLO
           Hath he said anything?

94.        INT.        CASTLE MAIN HALL. OTHELLO'S NIGHT.            94.
                       FANTASY
A glimpse of CASSIO whispering in DESDEMONA's ear.
CUT BACK TO:

95.        INT.        DUNGEONS.                   DAY               95.

                       IAGO
           He hath, my lord; but be you well assured,
           No more than he'll unswear.

                       OTHELLO
           What hath he said?

                       IAGO
           Faith, that he did - I know not what he did.

                       OTHELLO
           What, what?

96.        INT.        CASTLE MAIN HALL. OTHELLO'S NIGHT.            96.
                       FANTASY
Figures writhe behind drapes. Moans and sighs.

97.        INT.        DUNGEONS.                   DAY               97.

                       IAGO
           Lie -

                       OTHELLO
           With her?

                       IAGO
           With her, on her, what you will.

98.        INT.        CASTLE MAIN HALL. OTHELLO'S NIGHT.            98.
                       FANTASY
The drapes are pulled back: CASSIO and DESDEMONA making love.

99.        INT.        DUNGEONS.                   DAY               97.

                       OTHELLO
           Lie with her? Lie on her? zounds that's fulsome.
           Lie with her. Handkerchief -

He starts to reel.

100.       INT.        CASTLE MAIN HALL. OTHELLO'S NIGHT.           100.
                       FANTASY
A succession of rapid images flash in his head. Glimpses of the
lovers' bodies: hands, lips, arched backs, tongues, eyes,
buttocks...

The sound of OTHELLO's erratic breathing mingles with
whispering, laughing and sound of love-making. The images speed
up and the sounds increase as the lovers reach their climax.

101.       EXT.        SKY. OTHELLO'S FANTASY      DAY.             101.

Silence. Clear sky. A bright white handkerchief floats through
the air. It is hit by a fleck of blood. Then another, and
another. As it hits the ground, we CUT BACK TO :

102.       INT.        DUNGEONS.                   DAY              102.

OTHELLO falling and hitting the ground. His head cracks against
the stone floor.

IAGO looks down at him.

                       IAGO
           Work on,
           My medicine, work! I Thus credulous fools are caught,
           And many worthy and chaste dames even thus,
           All guiltless, meet reproach.

The sound of footsteps. IAGO bends dawn to OTHELLO

                       IAGO
           What ho, my lord!.
           My lord, I say. Othello.

CASSIO arrives.

                       CASSIO
           What's the matter?

                       IAGO
           My Lord is fallen into an epilepsy.
           This is his second fit; he had one yesterday.

                       CASSIO
           Rub him about the temples.

CASSIO moves towards OTHELLO, but IAGO leads him outside.

                       IAGO
           (Whispering)
           No, forbear.
           The lethargy must have his quiet course.
           If not, he foams at mouth and by and by
           Breaks out to savage madness. Look, he stirs.
           Do you withdraw yourself a little while;
           He will recover straight. When he is gone,
           I would on great occasion speak with you.

An CASSIO goose OTHELLO sits bolt upright and states at the
camera for the first time:

                       OTHELLO
           (to camera)
           Did he confess it?

IAGO, startled, flicks a suspicious look at the camera.

                       IAGO
           How is it, general? Have you not hurt your head?

                       OTHELLO
           Dost thou mock me?

IAGO helps him up and dusts him off.

                       IAGO
           I mock you? No, by heaven. Good sir,
           Whilst you were here, o'er whelmed with your grief,
           Cassio came hither.

OTHELLO looks about, wildly.

                       IAGO
           I shifted him away.
           And laid good scuse upon your ecstasy;
           Bade him anon return and here speak with me,
           The which he promised. Do but encave yourself,
           And mark the jeers, the gibes and notable scorns
           That dwell in every region of his face.
           For I will make him tell the tale anew,
           Where, how, how oft, how long ago and when
           He hath and is again to cope your wife.
           Marry patience.

OTHELLO is on the verge of erupting. The sound of footsteps.

IAGO hushes him and bundles him in to a cell with a DERANGED
PRISONER. He locks the door. IAGO sighs with relief and
whispers to the camera:

                       IAGO
           Now will I question Cassio of Bianca.
           He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain
           From the excess of laughter.

CASSIO is almost upon him, IAGO gets even quieter:

                       IAGO
           As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad.

Through the bars of his cell OTHELLO looks into the camera
again. The PRISONER studies him close by.

IAGO greets CASSIO.

                       IAGO
           How do you now, lieutenant?

                       CASSIO
           The worser that you give me that same title
           Whose want even kills me.

                       IAGO
           Ply Desdemona well and you are sure on't.
           (Whispering)
           Now, if this suit lay in Bianca's power
           How quickly should you speed.

                       CASSIO
           (Laughing) Alas, poor wretch.

OTHELLO turns to his fellow PRISONER:

                       OTHELLO
           Look how he laughs already.

                       CASSIO
           I think, i'faith, she loves me.

                       IAGO
           She gives it out that you shall marry her.
           Do you intend it?

CASSIO laughs heartily.

                       CASSIO
           I marry her? What! I prithee, bear some charity to my
           wit.

IAGO leads him closer to OTHELLO's cell. OTHELLO ducks down,
though the PRISONER continues to observe.

                       IAGO
           Faith, the cry goes that you shall marry her.

                       CASSIO
           Prithee, say true.

                       IAGO
           I am a very villain else.

IAGO and CASSIO laugh. The PRISONER joins in.

                       CASSIO
           This is the monkey's own giving out.
           She hangs and lolls and weeps upon me, so hales and
           pulls me.

He demonstrates on IAGO. OTHELLO seethes.

                       IAGO
           Before me, look where she comes.

IAGO withdraws, leaning on the cell door, an BIANCA arrives.

                       CASSIO
           How is it with you, my most fair Bianca?

She brings out the spotted handkerchief. IAGO is
ecstatic. He checks OTHELLO's reaction.

                       BIANCA
           Whence came this? This is some token
           from a newer friend.

                       CASSIO
           No, by my faith.

                       BIANCA
           Why, whose is it?

                       CASSIO
           I know not. I found it in my chamber.

                       BIANCA
           A likely story that you should find it in
           your chamber and not know who left it.
           This is some minx's token. There,

She throws it at him.

                       BIANCA
           Give it to your hobby-horse, wheresoe'er you had it.

Laughing, CASSIO takes her in his arms and calms her.

                       CASSIO
           How now, my sweet Bianca. How now, how now.

                       BIANCA
           If you'll come to supper tonight, you may.
           If you will not... come when you are next prepared
           for.

She marches off. IAGO and CASSIO laugh at her.

                       IAGO
           After her, after her.

                       CASSIO
           Faith, I must. She'll rail in the streets else.

He picks up the handkerchief and sets off, but IAGO checks him.

                       IAGO
           Will you sup there?

                       CASSIO
           Faith, I intend to.

                       IAGO
           Well, I may chance to see you; for I would
           very fain speak with you.

                       CASSIO
           Prithee, come; will you?

                       IAGO
           (Laughing)
           Go to, say no more.

CASSIO runs off.

                       OTHELLO
           How shall I murder him, Iago?

                       IAGO
           Did you perceive how he laughed at his vice?

OTHELLO nods.

                       IAGO
           And did you see the handkerchief?

The PRISONER nods.
IAGO unlocks the door and OTHELLO Steps out.

103.       EXT.        FORTIFICATIONS.             EVENING.         103.

                       OTHELLO
           (To Camera)
           0, that the slave had forty thousand lives,
           One is too poor, too weak for my revenge.

           A fine woman, a fair woman, a sweet woman.

                       IAGO
           Nay, you must forget that.

                       OTHELLO
           Ay, let her rot and perish, and be damned
           tonight, for she shall not live.
           No, my heart is turned to stone: I strike it and
           It hurts my hand. But yet the pity of it,
           Iago. 0. Iago, the pity of it, Iago.
           0, the world hath not a sweeter creature!
           She might lie by an emperor's side and command him
           tasks.

                       IAGO
           Nay, that's not your way.

                       OTHELLO
           Damn her lewd minx, Damn her! Cuckold met

                       IAGO
           0, 'tis foul in her!

                       OTHELLO
           With mine officer!

                       IAGO
           That's fouler.

                       OTHELLO
           Look here Iago,
           All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven:
           'Tis gone.
           Arise black vengeance from thy hollow cell.
           Yield up, 0 love, thy crown and hearted throne
           To tyrannous hate. Now by yond marble heaven,
           In the due reverence of a sacred vow
           I here engage my words.

Kneeling, he takes out a dagger and cuts the of his hand. He
starts to rise, but Iago holds him down.

                       IAGO
           Do not rise yet.
           Witness you ever-burning lights above,
           You elements that clip us round about,
           Witness that here Iago doth give up
           The execution of his wit, hands, heart,
           To wronged Othello's service. Let him command,
           And to obey shall be in me remorse,
           What bloody business ever.

He takes OTHELLO's knife and cuts his own palm.

                       OTHELLO
           I greet thy love,

OTHELLO clasps IAGO's bleeding hand to his. Blood runs
down their arms. They both rise.

                       OTHELLO
           Get me some poison, Iago, this night. I'll
           not expostulate with her, lest her body and
           beauty unprovide my mind again - this night,
           Iago.

                       IAGO
           Do it not with poison; strangle her in her
           bed, even the bad she hath contaminated.

                       OTHELLO
           Good, good. The justice of it pleases; very
           good-

                       IAGO
           And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker. You shall
           hear more by midnight.

                       OTHELLO
           Excellent good.
           Come, go with me apart. Now art thou my lieutenant.

OTHELLO holds his arm out and IAGO grasps it.

                       IAGO
           I am your own forever.

They fall into an embrace. IAGO's eyes glisten with tears. He
hides his face from the camera in OTHELLO's shoulder.

104.       INT.        IAGO'S BEDROOM.             NIGHT.           104.

OTHELLO smartens his clothing. IAGO puts on his new
lieutenant's sash. As they leave IAGO checks his appearance in
the mirror.

105.       INT.        MAIN HALL.                  NIGHT.           105.

Two Venetian STANDARD-BEARERS among a small band of ATTENDANTS.

LODOVICO (the DUKE's chess partner) kisses DESDEMONA'S hand.
Next to them stands GRATIANO (BRABANTIO'S brother).

OTHELLO and IAGO enter.

                       LODOVICO
           God save you, worthy general.

                       OTHELLO
           With all my heart, sir.

                       LODOVICO
           The Duke and Senators of Venice greet you.

He gives OTHELLO a letter. He takes it in his left hand. His
right is clenched behind his back. Blood seeps through his
fingers.

                       OTHELLO
           I kiss the instrument of their pleasure.
           Welcome, signior Gratiano.

GRATIANO grunts. OTHELLO opens the letter and reads.

                       DESDEMONA
           And what's the news, uncle?

GRATIANO grunts and turns away again.

                       DESDEMONA
           Cousin Lodovico?

                       IAGO
           I am very glad to see you, signor;
           Welcome to Cyprus.

                       LODOVICO
           I thank you. How does Lieutenant Cassio?

                       IAGO
           Lives, sir.

                       DESDEMONA
           Cousin, there's fallen between him and my lord
           An unkind breach; but you shall make all well.

                       OTHELLO
           (Muttering)
           Are you sure of that?

                       DESDEMONA
           My lord?

                       OTHELLO
           (Reading the letter)
           'This fail you not to do, as you will - '

                       LODOVICO
           He did not call; he's busy in the paper.
           Is there division between my lord and Cassio?

                       DESDEMONA
           A most unhappy one; I would do much
           T'atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio,

CLOSE UP on OTHELLO's hand behind his back. He clenches
tightly, squeezing out a drop of blood which falls to the
floor.

                       OTHELLO
           Fire and brimstone!

                       DESDEMONA
           MY lord?

                       OTHELLO
           Are you wise?

DESDEMONA turns to OTHELLO. His head is buried in the letter.

                       DESDEMONA
           What, is he angry?

                       LODOVICO
           Maybe the letter moved him;
           For as I think they do command him home,
           Deputing Cassio in his government.

                       DESDEMONA
           By my troth, I am glad on it.

                       OTHELLO
           Indeed.

                       DESDEMONA
           My lord?

                       OTHELLO
           I am glad to see you mad.

                       DESDEMONA
           Why, sweet Othello?

                       OTHELLO
           Devil!

He strikes her across the face. The witnesses are shocked.

                       DESDEMONA
           I have not deserved this.

                       LODOVICO
           My lord, this would not be believed in Venice,
           Though I should swear I saw it. 'Tis very much.
           Make her amends; she weeps.

                       OTHELLO
           If that the earth could teem with women's tears,
           Each drops she falls would prove a crocodile.
           Out of my sight.

                       DESDEMONA
           I would not stay to offend you.

She starts to leave.

                       LODOVICO
           Truly, an obedient lady.
           I do beseech your lordship, call her back.

                       OTHELLO
           Mistress.

                       DESDEMONA
           (Stopping)
           My lord?

                       OTHELLO
           What would you with her, sir?

                       LODOVICO
           Who? I, my lord?

                       OTHELLO
           Ay, you did wish that I would make her turn.
           Sir, she can turn
           (He Spins Her Round)
           and turn and yet go on,
           And turn again. And she can weep, sir, weep.
           And she's obedient; as you say, obedient,
           Very obedient - proceed you in your tears -

He lurches from politeness to fury:

                       OTHELLO
           Concerning this, sir ( The Letter)

           (To Desdemona)
           0, well-painted passion.
           I am commanded home - get you away!
           I'll send for you anon. - Sir, I obey the
           mandate,
           And will return to Venice. - Hence avaunt

DESDEMONA runs off in tears.

                       OTHELLO
           Cassio shall have my place. And air, tonight
           I do entreat that we may sup together.
           You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus.

He bows and walks away, shouting:

                       OTHELLO
           Goats and monkeys!

LODOVICO, amazed, watches him go. He turns to IAGO:

                       LODOVICO
           Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate
           Call all-in-all sufficient? Is this the nature
           Whom passion could not shake?

                       IAGO
           He is much changed.

                       LODOVICO
           Are his wits safe? Is he not light of brain?

                       IAGO
           He's that he is; I may not breathe my censure
           What he may be.

                       LODOVICO
           What, strike his wife!

                       IAGO
           (with Great Sadness)
           Faith, that was not so well; yet would I knew
           That stroke would prove the worst.

                       LODOVICO
           I am sorry that I am deceived in him.

106.       INT.        BEDROOM.                    NIGHT.           106.

EMILIA sits on a chair. OTHELLO prowls around her.

                       OTHELLO
           You have seen nothing then?

                       EMILIA
           Nor ever heard, nor ever did suspect.

                       OTHELLO
           Yes, you have seen Cassio and she together.

He moves in close to scrutinize her face. She battles to keep
her composure.

                       EMILIA
           But then I saw no harm, and then I heard
           Each syllable that breath made up between them.

                       OTHELLO
           What, did they never whisper?

                       EMILIA
           Never, my lord
           I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest,
           Lay down my soul at stake. If you think other,
           Remove your thought; it doth abuse your bosom.

                       OTHELLO
           Bid her come hither; go.
           (To Camera)
           This is a subtle whore.

107.       INT.        BEDROOM.                    NIGHT.           107.

                       DESDEMONA
           What is your pleasure?

                       OTHELLO
           Let me see your eyes.
           Look in my face.

He grasps her face in his hands.

                       DESDEMONA
           What horrible fancy's this?

                       OTHELLO
           What art thou?

                       DESDEMONA
           Your wife, my lord; your true and loyal wife.

                       OTHELLO
           Come, swear it;

He grabs her by the hair and ....

108.       INT.        CHAPEL.                     NIGHT.           108.

....forces her to her knees by the altar.

                       OTHELLO
           damn thyself;
           Swear thou art honest.

                       DESDEMONA
           Heaven doth truly know it.

OTHELLO reaches for his dagger.

                       OTHELLO
           Heaven truly knows thou art false as hell.

She looks up at him, unaware of his outstretched arm.

                       DESDEMONA
           To whom, my lord? With whom? How am I false?

His hand curls into a fist and he pushes her towards the door.

                       OTHELLO
           Ah, Desdemona, away, away, away.

He collapses onto the ground in tears. She gathers him up and
hugs him in her arms.

                       DESDEMONA
           Alas, the heavy day. Why do you weep?
           Am I the motive of these tears my lord?

She kisses him about the face.

                       OTHELLO
           Had it pleased heaven
           To try me with affliction, had they rained
           all kind of sores and shames on my bare head,
           I should have found in some place of my soul
           A drop of patience.
           But alas there where I have garnered up my heart,
           Where either I must live, or bear no life,
           The fountain from the which my current runs,
           Or else dries up - to be discarded thence
           Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads
           To knot and gender in!
           0, thou, who art so lovely fair and smell'st
           So sweet that the sense aches at thee,
           Would thou hadst ne'er been born.

She recoils in shock.

                       DESDEMONA
           Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?
           He grabs her by the hair and pulls her head back.

                       OTHELLO
           Was this fair paper, this most goodly book,
           Made to write 'whore, upon? What committed!
           Impudent strumpet!

He kisses her forcefully, pins her down and molests her.

                       DESDEMONA
           By heaven, you do me wrong.

                       OTHELLO
           Are you not a strumpet?

                       DESDEMONA
           No, as I am a Christian.
           If to preserve this vessel for my lord
           From any hated foul unlawful touch,
           Be not to be a strumpet, I am none.

                       OTHELLO
           What! Not a whore?

                       DESDEMONA
           No, and I shall be saved.

                       OTHELLO
           Is't possible?

                       DESDEMONA
           0, heaven forgive us.

He releases her and straightens her dress.

                       OTHELLO
           I cry you mercy then:
           I took you for that cunning whore of Venice
           That married with Othello.

He shouts at the door:

                       OTHELLO
           You, mistress,
           That have the office opposite to Saint Peter,
           And keeps the gate of hell.

EMILIA enters tentatively.

                       OTHELLO
           You, you, ay, you.
           We have done our course;

He presses coins into her hands, which fall to the floor.

                       OTHELLO
           there's money for your pains.
           I pray you turn the key, and keep our counsel.

He winks at her and leaves. EMILIA rushes over to DESDEMONA.

                       EMILIA
           How do you, madam? How do you, my good lady?

                       DESDEMONA
           (Faintly)
           Faith, half-asleep.

                       EMILIA
           Good madam, what's the matter with my lord?

                       DESDEMONA
           With who?

                       EMILIA
           Why, with my lord, madam.

                       DESDEMONA
           Who is thy lord?

                       EMILIA
           He that is yours, sweet lady.

                       DESDEMONA
           I have none. Do not talk to me, Emilia.
           I cannot weep, nor answers have I none
           But what should go by water. Prithee tonight
           Lay on my bed my wedding sheets, remember;
           And call thy husband hither.

109.       INT.        CHAPEL.                     NIGHT.           109.

DESDEMONA stands by the window staring at the bright moon. She
bites back tears.

                       DESDEMONA
           Am I that name, Iago?

                       IAGO
           What name fair lady?

                       DESDEMONA
           Such as my lord did say I was.

                       EMILIA
           He called her whore.

                       IAGO
           Why did he so?

                       DESDEMONA
           I do not know, I am sure I am none such.

                       IAGO
           Do not weep, do not weep: alas the day!

                       EMILIA
           Has she forsook so many noble matches,
           Her father, and her country, all her friends,
           To be call'd whore? would it not make one weep?

                       DESDEMONA
           It is my wretched fortune.

                       IAGO
           Beshrew him for it.
           How comes this trick upon him?

                       DESDEMONA
           Nay, heaven doth know. O' good Iago.
           What shall I do to win my lord again?
           Good friend, go to him; for, by this light of
           heaven,
           I know not how I lost him. Here I kneel:

She kneels in front of the altar-piece. IAGO closes the
shutters.

                       DESDEMONA
           If e'er my will did trespass 'gainst his love
           Either in discourse of thought or actual deed;
           Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense
           Delighted them in any other form;
           Or that I do not yet, and ever did
           And ever will - though he do shake me off
           To beggarly divorcement - love him dearly,
           Comfort forswear me. Unkindness may do much,
           And his unkindness may defeat my life,
           But never taint my love. I cannot say 'whore,:
           It does abhor me now I speak the word;
           To do the act that might the addition earn
           Not the world's mass of vanity could make me.

She sobs again. IAGO gets to his knees to comfort her.

                       IAGO
           I pray you be content; 'tis but his humour.
           The business of the state does him offense,
           And he does chide with you.

                       DESDEMONA
           If 'twere no other -

                       IAGO
           It is but so, I warrant.

Trumpets sound. He raises her up and embraces her.

                       IAGO
           Hark how these instruments summon to supper.
           The messengers of Venice stay the meat.
           Go in, and weep not; all things shall be well.

110.       INT.        CHAPEL.                     NIGHT.           110.

As DESDEMONA and EMILIA move away, IAGO is suddenly pulled to
one side. He is banged against the wall, and a sword-point is
pressed to his throat.

                       IAGO
           How now, Roderigo?

                       RODERIGO
           I do not find that thou deal'st justly with me.

                       IAGO
           What in the contrary?

                       RODERIGO
           Every day thou daff'st me with some device,
           Iago:

IAGO tries to speak.

                       RODERIGO
           I will indeed no longer endure it.
           Nor am I yet persuaded to put up in peace what
           already I have foolishly suffered.

He presses harder with the sword-point.

                       IAGO
           Will you hear me, Roderigo?

                       RODERIGO
           Faith, I have heard too much; for your
           Words and performance are no kin together.

                       IAGO
           You charge me most unjustly.

                       RODERIGO
           With naught but truth. I have wasted myself
           out of my means. The jewels you have had from
           me to deliver to Desdemona would half have
           corrupted a nun. You have told me she hath
           received them, and returned me expectations and
           comforts of sudden respect and acquaintance, but I
           find none.

IAGO pushes the sword away.

                       IAGO
           Well, go to; very well.

RODERIGO pulls him back and slaps him.

                       RODERIGO
           Very well, go to? I cannot go to, man, nor
           'tis not very well. By this hand, I say 'tis
           very scurvy and begin to find myself fopped in it.

He slaps IAGO again.

                       IAGO
           (Coolly)
           Very well.

                       RODERIGO
           I tell you 'tis not very well. I will
           make myself known to Desdemona.

RODERIGO pulls off his false beard. IAGO turns slowly back.

                       RODERIGO
           If she will
           return me my jewels, I will give over
           my suit and repent my unlawful solicitation;
           if not, assure yourself, I will seek satisfaction of
           you.

                       IAGO
           You have said now.

                       RODERIGO
           Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intendment of
           doing.

He sets off after DESDEMONA. IAGO swings him back.

                       IAGO
           Why, now I see there's mettle in thee, and
           even from this instant do build on thee a
           better opinion than ever before.
           Give me thy hand, Roderigo. Thou hast taken
           against me a most just exception; but yet I
           protest I have dealt most justly in thy affair.

He leads him away from the door.

                       RODERIGO
           It hath not appeared.

                       IAGO
           I grant it hath not appeared; and your
           suspicions are not without wit and judgment.
           But, Roderigo, if thou hast that in thee
           indeed, which I have greater reason to believe
           now than ever - I mean purpose, courage and
           valour - this night show it. If thou the next
           night following enjoy not Desdemona, take me from
           this world and devise engines for my life.

                       RODERIGO
           Well... what is it?

IAGO smiles.

111.       INT.        MAIN HALL IN DINING MODE.   NIGHT.           111.

OTHELLO, DESDEMONA, LODOVICO and GRATIANO eat in silence.

LODOVICO looks at DESDEMONA. She manages a smile,
he smiles back. OTHELLO's eyes are fixed on his food.

112.       INT.        CASTLE CORRIDOR.            NIGHT.           112.

IAGO and RODERIGO in heated discussion.
                       RODERIGO
           Why, then Othello and Desdemona return again
           to Venice!

                       IAGO
           Unless his abode be lingered here by some
           accident; wherein none can be so determinate
           as the removing of Cassio.

                       RODERIGO
           (Nervously)
           How do you mean 'removing' of him?

                       IAGO
           Why, by making him incapable of Othello's
           place - knocking out his brains.

                       RODERIGO
           And that you would have me to do?

IAGO hushes him.

                       IAGO
           Ay, if you dare do yourself profit and a
           right. I will be near to second your attempt.
           Come, stand not amazed at it, but go along
           with me. I will show you such a necessity in
           his death that you shall think yourself bound
           put it on him.

                       RODERIGO
           I will hear further reason for this.

                       IAGO
           And you shall be satisfied.

113.       EXT.        COURTYARD.                  NIGHT.           113.

OTHELLO, DESDEMONA LODOVICO and GRATIANO walk in silence
escorted by ATTENDANTS.

                       LODOVICO
           I do beseech you, sir, trouble yourself no further.

                       OTHELLO
           O pardon me; 'twill do me good to walk.
           O Desdemona.

                       DESDEMONA
           My lord?

                       OTHELLO
           Get you to bed on the instant. I will return
           forthwith. Dismiss your attendant there.

She freezes.

                       OTHELLO
           Look it be done.

                       DESDEMONA
           I will, my lord.

                       LODOVICO
           Madam, good night. I humbly thank your ladyship.

He kisses her hand.

                       DESDEMONA
           Your honour is most welcome.

                       OTHELLO
           Will you walk, air?

She leaves. They set off down the stair/path to front gate.

114.       INT.        BEDROOM.                    NIGHT.           114.

EMILIA pours a bucket of hot water into a bath.

                       EMILIA
           Dismiss me?

                       DESDEMONA
           It was his bidding.

                       EMILIA
           I would you had never seen him.

                       DESDEMONA
           (Forcefully)
           So would not I.

EMILIA turns to go.

                       DESDEMONA
           (Calling out)
           Prithee... (Emilia turns back)
           unpin me here

EMILIA helps her undress.

                       EMILIA
           I have laid those sheets you bade me on the bed.

                       DESDEMONA
           All's one. Good faith, how foolish are our minds.
           If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me
           In one of those same sheets.

                       EMILIA
           Come, come, you talk.

DESDEMONA starts to hum distractedly.

115.       EXT.        FRONT GATE.                 NIGHT.           115.

The moon is lost in clouds.

OTHELLO parts company with LODOVICO and GRATIANO.

116.       INT.        BEDROOM.                    NIGHT.           116.

DESDEMONA slips into a steaming bath.

                       DESDEMONA
           My mother had a maid called Barbary:
           She was in love and he she loved proved mad
           And did forsake her. She had a song of willow;
           An old thing 'twas but it expressed her fortune,
           And she died singing it. That song tonight
           Will not go from my mind.

           (SINGS)
           The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree,
           Sing all a green willow;
           Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee,
           Sing willow, willow, willow;
           The fresh streams ran by her and murmured her moans:
           Sing willow, willow, willow.

117.       EXT.        BEACH.                      NIGHT.           117.

OTHELLO's still silhouette amongst a patch of reeds thrashed by
a fierce wind. He looks out to sea, at the billowing waves.

He turns away and moves inland.
Throughout:

                       DESDEMONA
           (Singing Voice-Over)
           Her salt tears fell from her and softened the stones
           Sing willow, willow, willow.
           Prithee, hie thee; he'll come anon
           Sing all a green willow must be my garland.
           Let nobody blame him: his scorn I approve

           Nay, that's not next.

118.       INT.        BEDROOM.                    NIGHT.           118.

DESDEMONA is now in her night-dress.

                       DESDEMONA
           Hark, who is't that knocks?

                       EMILIA
           It is the wind.

                       DESDEMONA
           This Lodovico is a proper man.

                       EMILIA
           A very handsome man.

                       DESDEMONA
           He speaks well.

                       EMILIA
           I know a lady in Venice, who would have walked
           barefoot to Palastine for a touch of his
           nether lip.

                       DESDEMONA
           (Sings)
           I called my love false love, but what said he then?
           Sing willow, willow, willow;
           If I court more women, you'll couch with more men.

She gets into bed.
                       DESDEMONA
           So, get thee gone; good night.
                       DESDEMONA
           I do not think there is any such woman.
EMILIA starts to leave.

                       DESDEMONA
           Mine eyes do itch
           - Does that bode weeping?

                       EMILIA
           (Hovering at the door)
           `Tis neither here nor there.

                       DESDEMONA
           I have heard it said so. O, these men, these men.
           Dost thou in conscience think - tell me, Emilia
           That there be women do abuse their husbands
           In such gross kind?

                       EMILIA
           (Returning)
           There be some such, no question.

                       DESDEMONA
           Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world?

                       EMILIA
           Why, would not you?

                       DESDEMONA
           No, by this heavenly light;

                       EMILIA
           Nor I by this heavenly light;
           I might do't as well i'th'dark.

They laugh.
                       DESDEMONA
           Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world?

                       EMILIA
           The world's a huge thing; it is a great price
           for a small vice.

                       DESDEMONA
           In troth, I think thou wouldst not.

                       EMILIA
           In troth, I think I should, and undo't again
           when I had done it. For the whole world?
           ud's pity, who would not make her husband
           a cuckold to make him a monarch? I should
           venture purgatory for it.

                       DESDEMONA
           I do not think there is any such woman.
                       EMILIA
           Yes.. a dozen.

They laugh. DESDEMONA falls silent, apparently distracted.
EMILIA rolls her onto the bed and begins to rub oil into her
back.

                       EMILIA
           But I do think it is their husbands' faults
           If wives do fall. Say that they slack their duties,
           And pour our treasures into foreign laps;
           O else break out in peevish jealousies,
           Throwing restraint upon us; or say they strike us
           Why, we have galls, and though we have some grace,
           Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know
           Their wives have sense like them: they see and smell
           And have their palates both for sweet and sour,
           As husbands have. What is it that they do
           When they change us for others? Is it sport?
           I think it is. And doth affection breed it?
           I think it doth. Is't frailty that thus errs?
           I think so too. And have not we affections,
           Desires for sport, and frailty, as man have?
           Then lot them use us well: else let them know,
           The ills we do, their ills instruct us so.

DESDEMONA's eyes are shut. EMILIA gets up gently. DESDEMONA
takes her hand and kisses it.

                       DESDEMONA
           Good, night, good night.

EMILIA kisses her on the head and goes.

DESDEMONA settles into the bed.



                           
                    
                        

                                  Act 5


                                     

119.       INT.          CASTLE COLONNADE.         NIGHT.           119.

RODERIGO hovers nervously in a colonnade. He hears running feet
and hides behind a pillar. He is startled by IAGO arriving from
the opposite side. IAGO gives him a nod and starts to withdraw.
RODERIGO grabs him.

                         RODERIGO
           Be near at hand; I may miscarry in it.

                         IAGO
           Here at thy hand; be bold and take thy stand.

IAGO slips behind the next pillar and pulls out his dagger.

                         RODERIGO
           (Muttering)
           'Tis but a man gone. Forth my sword.

RODERIGO takes out his rapier.

                         IAGO
           (To Camera)
           If Cassio do remain
           He hath a daily beauty in his life
           That makes me ugly, and beside, the moor
           May unfold me to him; there stand I in much peril:
           No, he must die.

Sound of footsteps approaching. CASSIO walks past RODERIGO's
pillar. RODERIGO moves out. CASSIO spots his shadow just before
RODERIGO's lunge.

                         RODERIGO
           Villain, thou diest!

CASSIO turns to face him and draws his sword. IAGO peers out
from behind his pillar. RODERIGO lunges again but CASSIO
parries him.

IAGO strikes at CASSIO's back. At the same time CASSIO lunges
at RODERIGO wounding him in the stomach. Missing CASSIO's back,
IAGO's knife slices down and into the back of CASSIO's log.
IAGO rolls away and runs off into the shadows.

RODERIGO, in a state of shock, stumbles against a pillar,
clutching his bleeding stomach. CASSIO writhes on the ground.

                         RODERIGO
           0 villain that I am.

                         CASSIO
           0 help, ho! Murder! Murder!

120.       INT.          CASTLE GATE.              NIGHT.           120.

OTHELLO enters the castle. Hearing the cries, he smiles into
the camera.

121.       EXT.          CASTLE COLONNADE.         NIGHT.           121.

LODOVICO and GRATIANO appear at the other and of the colonnade.
CASSIO cries out again.

                         LODOVICO
           'Tis some mischance; the cry is very direful.

Hearing them. CASSIO's voice finds new power.

                         CASSIO
           O, help!

                         LODOVICO
           Hark.

They move cautiously in CASSIO's direction.

                         RODERIGO
           0, wretched villain.

Hearing this cry from another direction, they start to
withdraw, but are halted by the arrival of IAGO in his
night-shirt, carrying a torch and dagger.

                         IAGO
           Who's there? Whose noise is this that cries
           on murder?

                         LODOVICO
           We do not know.

                         IAGO
           Did not you hear a cry?

                         CASSIO
           Here, here; for heaven's sake, help me!

IAGO finds CASSIO with his torchlight.

                         CASSIO
           Iago? Give me some help.

                         IAGO
           0 me, lieutenant. What villains have done this?

                         CASSIO
           I think that one of them is hereabout
           And cannot make away.

                         IAGO
           0, treacherous villains.

He calls out to LODOVICO and GRATIANO:

                         IAGO
           What are you there? Come in and give some help.

                         RODERIGO
           (Faintly)
           0, help me here.

                         CASSIO
           That's one of them.

IAGO finds RODERIGO crumpled behind a pillar.

He helps him up and smiles at him. Then he clamps one hand over
his mouth, and, with the other, plunges his dagger deep into
his gut. He pulls it forcefully upwards, lifting RODERIGO off
the ground.

                         IAGO
           (Loudly)
           0 murderous slave, 0, villain.

RODERIGO clings onto IAGO and, as he sinks down, stares into
his eyes and whispers:

                         RODERIGO
           0 damned Iago. 0 inhuman dog.

IAGO looks blankly at the camera, then turns away.

                         IAGO
           (Shouting)
           Where be these bloody thieves?

He moves up behind CASSIO. Looking about, he sees no one is
watching. He raises his dagger to strike.
Hearing footsteps he hides his dagger and spins round,
shouting.,

                         IAGO
           Ho. murder, murder.

The figures of LODOVICO and GRATIANO emerge from the shadows.

                         IAGO
           What may you be? Are you of good or evil?

                         LODOVICO
           As you shall prove us, praise us.

LODOVICO and GRATIANO stop into the torchlight.

122.       EXT.          CORRIDOR OUTSIDE OTHELLO'SNIGHT.           122.
                         BEDROOM.
Distant shouts of 'Murder, murder' . SOLDIERS rush past
the half-open door to OTHELLO and DESDEMONA's bedroom.

123.       INT.          BEDROOM.                  NIGHT.           123.

OTHELLO shuts out the sound as he closes the door behind
him. He sees DESDEMONA asleep on the bed.

124.       EXT.          COLONNADE.                NIGHT.           124.

LODOVICO holds a torch over IAGO, who has taken off his
night-shirt and is tying it around CASSIO's leg.

ATTENDANTS arrive, bringing more light. BIANCA runs in.
She sees CASSIO and throws herself to the ground by his side.

                         BIANCA
           0, my dear Cassio, my sweet Cassio.

                         IAGO
           Patience awhile, good Cassio. Come, come,
           Lend me a light.

He leads them over to RODERIGO

                         IAGO
           Know we this face or no?
           Alas, my friend and my dear countryman.
           Roderigo? No -

He leans in with a torch.

                         IAGO
           - yes, sure - 0 heaven, Roderigo.

                         GRATIANO
           What, of Venice?

                         IAGO
           Even he, sire; did you know him?

                         GRATIANO
           Know him? Ay.

ATTENDANTS arrive with a stretcher. IAGO returns to CASSIO. He
pulls BIANCA away and they raise him onto the stretcher.

                         IAGO
           How do you, Cassio? He that lies slain here, Cassio,
           was my dear friend. What malice was between you?

                         CASSIO
           None in the world, nor do I know the man.

                         IAGO
           (to BIANCA)
           what, look you pale? - 0, bear him out of the air.

CASSIO is carried away. A SOLDIER throws RODERIGO over his
back.

IAGO stops LODOVICO and GRATIANO:

                         IAGO
           Stay you good gentlemen. Look you pale, mistress?

He brings the torch close up to her face.

                         IAGO
           Behold her well; I pray you. look upon her.
           Do you see, gentlemen? Nay, guiltiness
           Will speak, though tongues were out of use.

EMILIA arrives.

                         EMILIA
           'Las, what's the matter? What's the matter,
           husband?

                         IAGO
           Cassio hath here been set on in the dark.
           And almost slain.

                         EMILIA
           Alas, good Cassio.

                         IAGO
           This is the fruits of whoring. Prithee, Emilia,
           Go know of Cassio where he supped tonight.
           (to BIANCA)
           What, do you shake at that?

                         BIANCA
           He supped at my house, but I therefore shake not.

                         IAGO
           0, did he so? I charge you go with me

He grabs her roughly by the arms.

                         EMILIA
           0, fie upon thee, strumpet.

                         BIANCA
           I am no strumpet, but of life as honest
           As you that thus abuse me.

                         EMILIA
           As I? Foh! Fie upon thee.

                         IAGO
           Kind gentlemen, let's go see poor Cassio dressed.
           Come mistress, you must tell us another tale.

LODOVICO leaves with GRATIANO. SOLDIERS drag BIANCA along.

IAGO tosses the 'black king', and the 'white queen' chess
pieces into a water well. They sink into darkness.

125.       INT.          BEDROOM.                  NIGHT.           125.

                         OTHELLO
           (Whispers to camera)
           It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul:

He stands by the window, holding a candle. The shutters
are slightly ajar and he looks out into the night.

                         OTHELLO
           Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars.
           It is the cause.

He closes the shutters and turns to the sleeping DESDEMONA.

                         OTHELLO
           Yet I'll not shed her blood.
           Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow
           And smooth as monumental alabaster
           Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men.
           Put out the light, and then put out the light:
           If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,
           I can again thy former light restore,
           Should I repent me; but once put out thy light,
           Thou cunning'st pattern of excelling nature,
           I know not where is that Promethean heat
           That can thy light relume. When I have plucked thy
           rose,
           I cannot give it vital growth again:
           It needs must wither. I'll smell it on the tree.

He leans in close to her. Her breathing is slow and steady. He
kisses her lips. His voice grows even fainter.

                         OTHELLO
           0 balmy breath, that doth almost persuade
           Justice to break her sword. One more, one more.

He kisses her again.

                         OTHELLO
           Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee
           And love thee after.
           one more, and this the last.
           So sweet was ne'er so fatal.

He emits a sudden sob. She stirs; he moves swiftly away.

                         DESDEMONA
           Who's there? (SILENCE) Othello?

                         OTHELLO
           Ay, Desdemona.

                         DESDEMONA
           Will you come to bed, my lord?

                         OTHELLO
           Have you prayed tonight, Desdemona?

                         DESDEMONA
           Ay, my lord.

                         OTHELLO
           If you bethink yourself of any crime
           Unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace,
           Solicit for it straight.

                         DESDEMONA
           Alas, my lord, what may you mean by that?

                         OTHELLO
           Well do it, and be brief: I will walk by.
           I would not kill thy unprepared spirit;
           No - heaven forfend - I would not kill thy soul.

                         DESDEMONA
           Talk you of killing?

                         OTHELLO
           Ay, I do.

                         DESDEMONA
           Then heaven
           Have mercy on me.

                         OTHELLO
           Amen, with all my heart.

                         DESDEMONA
           If you say so, I hope you will not kill me.
           And yet I fear you
           Some mortal passion shakes your very frame:

                         OTHELLO
           Think on thy sins.

                         DESDEMONA
           They are loves I bear to you.

                         OTHELLO
           And for that thou diest.

                         DESDEMONA
           That death's unnatural, that kills for loving.

She tries to take hold of him. He barks:

                         OTHELLO
           Peace, and be still.

                         DESDEMONA
           I will so. What's the matter.

                         OTHELLO
           That handkerchief which I so loved and gave
           thee, Thou gav'st to Cassio.

                         DESDEMONA
           No, by my life and soul.
           Send for the man and ask him.

                         OTHELLO
           Sweet soul, take heed.
           Take heed of perjury: thou art on thy death-bed.

                         DESDEMONA
           Ay, but not yet to die.

                         OTHELLO
           Yes, presently.

                         DESDEMONA
           Then Lord have mercy on me.

                         OTHELLO
           I say, Amen.

                         DESDEMONA
           (Forcefully)
           And have you mercy too. I never did
           Offend you in my life; never loved Cassio
           But with such general warranty of heaven
           As I might love. I never gave him token.

                         OTHELLO
           By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in his hand.
           0 perjured woman...

                         DESDEMONA
           He found it then;
           I never gave it him. Send for him hither;
           Let him confess a truth.

                         OTHELLO
           He hath confessed.

                         DESDEMONA
           What, my lord?

                         OTHELLO
           That he hath used thee.

DESDEMONA is struck dumb with shock.

                         DESDEMONA
           How? Unlawfully?

                         OTHELLO
           Ay-

                         DESDEMONA
           He will not say so.

                         OTHELLO
           No, his mouth is stopped:
           Honest Iago hath tane order for it.

                         DESDEMONA
           0, my fear interprets. What, is he dead?

126.       INT.          SURGEON'S ROOM IN CASTLE. NIGHT.           126.

LODOVICO, GRATIANO, EMILIA and IAGO escorting the wounded
CASSIO.

RODERIGO's body is thrown onto the table. He emits the faintest
of sighs.

                         IAGO
           Emilia, run and tell my lord and lady what
           hath happed.

She leaves. He turns to the camera.

                         IAGO
           This is the night,
           That either makes me or fordoes me quite.

127.       INT.          BEDROOM.                  NIGHT.           127.

                         OTHELLO
           Had all his hairs been lives, my great revenge
           Had stomach for them all.

                         DESDEMONA
           Alas, he is betrayed and I undone.

She buries her head in her hands. He flings her hands
aside.

                         OTHELLO
           Out, strumpet. Weep'st thou for him to my face?

He throws her down on the bed. She springs up at him, knocking
the candle from his hands and into the drapes.

128.       INT.          CORRIDOR.                 NIGHT.           128.

EMILIA runs along a corridor.

129.       INT.          BEDROOM.                  NIGHT.           129.

                         DESDEMONA
           0, banish me, my lord, but kill me not.

                         OTHELLO
           Down strumpet.

He throws her down again and fixes her with a stare.

                         DESDEMONA
           Kill me tomorrow; let me live tonight.

He moves slowly towards her. She slaps him. He keeps advancing.
she backs away. He springs at her. She evades him, but he
catches her ankles and pulls her towards him. She tries to
wrestle, but he pins her down and pulls his body on top of
hers.

                         OTHELLO
           Nay, if you strive -

                         DESDEMONA
           But half an hour.

                         OTHELLO
           Being done, there is no pause.

He picks up a pillow, she writhes beneath him.

                         DESDEMONA
           But while I say one prayer.

                         OTHELLO
           It is too late.

She stops fighting and looks into his eyes, her own eyes
glistening. She closes them and a tear runs down her cheek as
she stretches up to kiss him. He presses the pillow to her
mouth. For a moment there is no resistance.

Behind them, fire starts to climb the drapes. Her arms are
wrapped around him. one of her hands finds his face and strokes
it shakily. The hand starts to shake more violently and pull at
his skin. He plucks it off. She tears at his shirt. He grabs
her hand. Their fingers entwine tightly.

                         DESDEMONA
           0, Lord, Lord, Lord.

He body bucks beneath him, but the pillow stays firmly in
place. The struggling stops. He rolls off her and lies by her
side. He sees the gathering fire and stares at it, motionless.
He sees the horned carving in the wall. The flickering light
lends it animation. He gets up calmly, goes to the bath-tub
full of water and empties it over the fire. Darkness. The
extinct fire is still hissing when he hears a voice:

                         VOICE
           My lord, my lord. What, ho. My lord, my lord.

                         OTHELLO
           What, not dead? Not yet quite dead?

He picks up the pillow again.
                         VOICE
           What, ho! My lord, my lord!
                         OTHELLO
           Who's there?
                         VOICE
           0, good my lord, I would speak a word with you.

                         OTHELLO
           Yes - Emilia - by and by.

A slice of moonlight as OTHELLO opens a shutter. The light
catches DESDEMONA on the bed.

                         OTHELLO
           Still as the grave.
           (He turns to the camera)
           Shall she come in? Were't good?
           I think she stirs again. No. What's best?
           If she come in, she'll sure speak to my wife
           My wife, my wife. What wife? I have no wife.

He cradles her.

                         EMILIA
           I do beseech you
           That I may speak with you. 0, good my lord.

                         OTHELLO
           I had forgot thee, Emilia. Soft, by and by.

He gently replaces DESDEMONA and straightens the bedsheets. He
pulls a drape across to conceal the bed. He goes to the
shutter. Darkness. The sound of unbolting and there is another
thin slice of light as the door is opened. OTHELLO leans his
head round the door:

                         OTHELLO
           What's the matter with thee now.

                         EMILIA
           0, my good lord, yonder's foul murder done.

                         OTHELLO
           What? Now?

                         EMILIA
           But now, my lord.

                         OTHELLO
           It is the very error of the moon:
           She comes more nearer earth than she was wont
           And makes men mad.

                         EMILIA
           Cassio, my lord, hath killed a young Venetian
           Called Roderigo.

                         OTHELLO
           Roderigo killed?
           And Cassio killed?

                         EMILIA
           No, Cassio is not killed.

EMILIA sees a little stream of water trickling out under the
door. She tries to look behind OTHELLO.

                         OTHELLO
           Not Cassio killed. Then murder's out of tune,
           And sweet revenge grows harsh.

                         DESDEMONA
           (Voice-Off, Faintly)
           0 falsely, falsely murdered.

                         EMILIA
           0 Lord. What cry is that?

                         OTHELLO
           That? What?

                         EMILIA
           Out and alas, that was my lady's voice.

She pushes past OTHELLO, and past the drape to DESDEMONA.
                         EMILIA
           Help, help, ho help. 0 lady, speak again.
           Sweet Desdemona, o sweet mistress, speak.

                         DESDEMONA
           A guiltless death I die.

                         EMILIA
           0, who has done this deed?

OTHELLO stands at the end of the bed. She looks up at him.

                         DESDEMONA
           Nobody; I myself. Farewell.
           Commend me to my kind lord. 0 farewell.

She dies. Silence.

EMILIA gets to her feet and heads for the door. OTHELLO steps
into her path:

                         OTHELLO
           Why, how should she be murdered?

                         EMILIA
           Alas, who knows?

She tries to move round him, but he won't let her.

                         OTHELLO
           You heard her say herself it was not I.
                         EMILIA
           She said so; I must needs report the truth.

He moves aside. She gets to the door.

                         OTHELLO
           She's like a liar gone to burning hell:
           'Twas I that killed her.

She turns back.

                         EMILIA
           0, the more angel she,
           And you the blacker devil.

                         OTHELLO
           She turned to folly and she was a whore.

                         EMILIA
           Thou dost belie her and thou are a devil.

                         OTHELLO
           She was false as water.

                         EMILIA
           Thou art rash as fire to say
           That she was false. 0, she was heavenly true.

                         OTHELLO
           Cassio did top her: ask thy husband else.
           0, I were damned beneath all depth in hell
           But that I did proceed upon just grounds
           To this extremity. Thy husband knew it all.

                         EMILIA
           My husband?

                         OTHELLO
           Thy husband.

                         EMILIA
           That she was false to wedlock?

                         OTHELLO
           Ay, with Cassio. Nay, had she been true -

                         EMILIA
           My husband?

                         OTHELLO
           Ay, 'twas he that told me on her first.

                         EMILIA
           My husband?

                         OTHELLO
           What needs this iterance, woman? I say thy
           husband.

                         EMILIA
           0, mistress, villainy hath made mocks with
           love. My husband say that she was false?

                         OTHELLO
           He, woman;
           I say thy husband. Dost understand the word?
           My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago.

                         EMILIA
           If he say so, may his pernicious soul
           Rot half a grain a day. He lies to the heart.
           She was too fond of her filthy bargain.

OTHELLO snatches his battle-scarred sword from the wall.

EMILIA doesn't flinch.

                         EMILIA
           Do thy worst. This deed of thine is no more
           Worthy heaven than thou wast worthy her.
           Help! Murder!

                         OTHELLO
           (Raising his sword)
           Peace, you were best.

                         EMILIA
           Thou hast not half the power to do me harm As
           I have to be hurt. 0 gull. 0 dolt.
           As ignorant as dirt. Thou hast done a deed -
           I care not for thy sword - I'll make thee known,
           Though I lost twenty lives. Help! Help! Ho, help!
           The Moor hath killed my mistress. Murder, murder!

OTHELLO drops the sword and EMILIA runs for the door, but is
met by MONTANO, GRATIANO and IAGO.

                         MONTANO
           What is the matter? How now, general?

OTHELLO stands rigid and staring.

                         EMILIA
           0, are you come, Iago? You have done well.
           That men must lay their murders on your neck.

                         GRATIANO
           What is the matter?

                         EMILIA
           Disprove this villain, if thou be'st a man.
           He says thou told'st him that his wife was false.
           I know thou didst not. thou'rt not such a villain.
           Speak, for my heart is full.

All eyes but OTHELLO's turn to IAGO.

                         IAGO
           I told him what I thought, and told no more
           Than what he found himself was apt and true.

                         EMILIA
           But did you ever tell him she was false?

                         IAGO
           I did.

                         EMILIA
           You told a lie, an odious damned lie:
           Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie.
           She false with Cassio? Did you say with
           Cassio?

                         IAGO
           With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongue.

                         EMILIA
           I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to
           speak:
           My mistress here lies murdered in her bed.

She pulls the drape aside to reveal DESDEMONA's body.
The WITNESSES are horrified.

                         EMILIA
           And your reports have set the murder on.

                         OTHELLO
           Nay, stare not, masters; it is true indeed.

                         EMILIA
           Villainy, villainy, villainy.
           I think upon it , I think - I smell't - o
           villainy.

                         IAGO
           What are you mad? I charge you get you home.

He tries to push her out. OTHELLO looks across at him.

                         EMILIA
           Good gentlemen, lot me have leave to speak.
           'Tin proper I obey him, but not now.
           Perchance, Iago, I will ne'er go home.

                         OTHELLO
           O! O! O!

OTHELLO falls onto the bed.

                         EMILIA
           Nay, lay thee down and roar,
           For thou hast killed the sweetest innocent
           That e'er did lift up eye.

                         OTHELLO
           (Leaping up again)
           Or she was foul. Iago knows
           That she with Cassio hath the act of shame
           A thousand times committed. Cassio confessed it,
           And she did gratify his amorous works
           With that same handkerchief. I saw it in his hand:

                         EMILIA
           0 god. 0 heavenly God.

She turns to IAGO.

                         IAGO
           Be wise and get you home.

                         EMILIA
           I will not.

IAGO draws his sword on EMILIA. All eyes turn to IAGO.
                         EMILIA
           0 thou dull moor,
           that handkerchief thou speak'st of
           I found by fortune and did give my husband.

                         IAGO
           Filth, thou liest.

                         EMILIA
           By heaven, I do not, I do not gentlemen.
           I found it -

                         OTHELLO
           Are there no stones in heaven
           But what serves for thunder? Precious villain.

OTHELLO picks up his sword and runs at IAGO; MONTANO intercepts
and disarms him.

IAGO puts a dagger to EMILIA's throat and drags her to the
door. He threatens her to stop the others advancing.

As he runs out of the room, he stabs her in the back.

EMILIA stands still for a moment, then topples to the ground,
blood running from her wound. GRATIANO rushes to her side.
MONTANO and SOLDIERS go in pursuit of IAGO.

                         EMILIA
           Lay me by my mistress side.

They do so..

130.       INT.          MAIN HALL.                NIGHT.           130.

IAGO sprints across the main hall, scrabbling over a table. He
pushes past a couple of bemused SOLDIERS and out of the door.
MONTANO follows.

130A.      EXT.          BATTLEMENTS.              NIGHT.          130A.

IAGO runs as MONTANO and his men chase him.

131.       INT.          CORRIDOR HIGH UP IN THE   NIGHT.           131.
                         CASTLE.
IAGO running, the sound of footsteps not far behind. He turns a
corner and hears footsteps coming from the other direction. He
tries a door: it's locked. He tries another: it opens.

132.       INT.          SURGEON'S ROOM IN CASTLE. NIGHT.           132.

He listens with relief as the footsteps pass the door.

He turns to see: CASSIO being tended by SURGEONS. RODERIGO is
propped up on a table and LODOVICO searches his pockets. They
haven't seen IAGO. He catches his breath.

133.       INT.          BEDROOM.                  NIGHT.           133.

EMILIA lies by DESDEMONA.

                         EMILIA
           What did thy song bode, lady?
           Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the swan
           And die in music:
           (SINGS)
           'Willow, willow willow'
           Moor, she was chaste; she loved thee, cruel
           moor; So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true;
           So speaking as I think, I die, I die.

134.       INT.          SURGEON'S ROOM IN CASTLE. NIGHT.           134.

IAGO remains unseen at the door. RODERIGO's eyes slowly open.
They open wider. B& slowly raises his arm and points. LODOVICO
follows the direction and sees IAGO.

IAGO turns to open the door and comes face to face with MONTANO
and SOLDIERS. He turns back with a wry smile. RODERIGO smiles
back at him, shuts his eyes and slumps in the SURGEON's arms.

IAGO slips out his dagger, but is knocked to the ground before
he can use it. Feet fly at his body.

135.       INT.          BEDROOM.                  NIGHT.           135.

OTHELLO is on the bed, poring over DESDEMONA's body.

                         OTHELLO
           Now, how dost thou look now? 0 ill-starred wench.
           Pale an thy smock. Cold, cold, my girl,
           Even like thy chastity
           0 cursed, cursed slave. Whip me, ye devils,
           From the possession of this heavenly sight.
           Blow me about in winds! Roast me in sulphur!
           Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire! 0
           Desdemona. Dead. O! O!

LODOVICO arrives with CASSIO, on crutches, and SOLDIERS.

                         LODOVICO
           Where is this rash and most unfortunate man?

                         OTHELLO
           That's he that was Othello: here I am.

                         LODOVICO
           Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth.

MONTANO brings IAGO in. He is tied hand and foot and his face
is badly beaten and bruised.

                         OTHELLO
           I look down towards his feet; but that's a fable. If
           that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee.

He draws one of the SOLDIER's swords and thrusts it into IAGO's
side. IAGO falls to the ground, clutching the sword. MONTANO
pushes OTHELLO away and wrenches out the sword. IAGO crumples,
but clings to OTHELLO.

                         IAGO
           I bleed, sir, but not killed.

IAGO is pulled off and thrown to the ground.
                         OTHELLO
           I am not sorry neither; I'd have thee live,
           For in my sense 'tis happiness to die.

                         LODOVICO
           This wretch hath part confessed his villainy.
           Did you and he consent in Cassio's death?

                         OTHELLO
           Ay.
                         CASSIO
           Dear general, I never gave you cause.

                         OTHELLO
           I do believe it and ask you pardon.
           Will you, I pray demand that demi-devil
           Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?

                         IAGO
           Demand me nothing; what you know, you know.
           From this time forth I never will speak word.

He looks once into the camera and turns away.

                         LODOVICO
           What! Not to pray?

                         GRATIANO
           Torments will ope your lips.

                         OTHELLO
           Well, thou dost best.

GRATIANO spins round and spits in OTHELLO's face.

OTHELLO sees there is a growing menace in the SOLDIER's faces.

                         LODOVICO
           You must forsake this room and go with us.
           Your power and your command is taken off
           And Cassio rules in Cyprus.

CASSIO extends his hand to OTHELLO. They clasp hands. OTHELLO
realizes that CASSIO is trying to pass something to him.

He glimpses the small ruby-studded dagger that he gave CASSIO
when he made him lieutenant. He takes it and conceals it.

                         LODOVICO
           Come, bring him away.

SOLDIERS take hold of him. He grabs a bed-post.

                         OTHELLO
           Soft you: a word or two before you go.

The SOLDIERS pull aggressively but he won't let go.

           I have done the state some service and they know it.

LODOVICO motions to the SOLDIERS to release him.

                         OTHELLO
           I pray you, in your letters
           When you shall these unlucky deeds relate,
           Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate,
           Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak
           Of one that loved not wisely, but too well;
           Of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought,
           Perplexed in the extreme; of one whose hand,
           Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away
           Richer than all his tribe; of one whose subdued
           eyes,
           Albeit unused to the melting mood,
           Drops tears as fast as the Arabian trees,
           Their medicinable gum. Set you down this;
           And say besides that in Aleppo once
           Where a malignant and a turbaned Turk
           Beat a Venetian and traduced the state,
           I took by the throat the circumcised dog
           And smote him thus.

He pulls out the dagger and drives it into his heart.

IAGO gasps and falls to his knees. CASSIO prevents the others
intervening.

OTHELLO climbs onto the bed and over to DESDEMONA.

                         OTHELLO
           I kissed thee ere I killed thee: no way but
           this,
           Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.

With his lips pressed to here, he dies.

                         CASSIO
           This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon,
           For he was great of heart.

LODOVICO drags IAGO over to the foot of the bed.

                         LODOVICO
           Look on the tragic loading of this bed:
           This is thy work.
           (to CASSIO)
           To you, lord governor,
           Remains the censure of this hellish villain:
           The time, the place, the torture, 0, enforce it.
           Myself will straight aboard, and to the state
           This heavy act with heavy heart relate.

He leaves the room. All follow except CASSIO and IAGO

CASSIO goes to the window, opens the shutters and looks out to
sea. The weak light of pre-dawn brings a little light into the
room. A bird sings.

IAGO has worked his way onto the bed. He pushes EMILIA aside
and worms his way between the two lovers. OTHELLO's body rolls
back, revealing a large patch of spreading redness on the
sheets.

Dawn breaks. More light spills into the room, colour with it:
The blood shines scarlet red.

IAGO lays his head on OTHELLO's thigh and stares into
the camera.

135A.      EXT.          SEA.                      DAY.            135A.

The sun rises over the sea

136.       INT.          DUNGEON.                  DAY.             136.

Darkness except for glints of metal, and silence but for a soft
creaking sound.

IAGO's eyes. In the shadows we glimpse instruments of torture
clamped to his limbs. His face remains impassive.

137.       EXT.          SEA.                      DAY.             137.

CASSIO, in general's uniform, stands on the prow of a boat.

A linen wrapped package is tipped into the water by TWO
ATTENDANTS.

138.       EXT.          UNDERWATER.               DAY.             129.

Beneath the surface. The sun glares through the water. We see
the entwined figures of OTHELLO and DESDEMONA sinking towards
us, past us and into the darkness.

139.       EXT.          SEA.                      DAY.             139.

Rose petals float on the water.

CREDITS.


           Laurence Fishburne                     Kenneth Branagh
                Othello                                Iago

              Irene Jacob                        Nathaniel Parker
               Desdemona                              Cassio

            Michael Maloney                      Nicholas Farrell
               Roderigo                              Montano

              Anna Patrick                           Indra Ove
                Emilia                                Bianca

