LORD OF THE RINGS:
Fellowship Of The Ring
TRANSCRIP part I

PROLOUGE

I amar prestar aen... (The world is changed)
han mathon ne nen...(I feel it in the water)
han mathon ne chae...(I feel it in the Earth)
a han noston ned 'wilith. (I smell it in the air)
Much that once was is lost. For none now live who remember
it.

~~~THE LORD OF THE RINGS~~~

Narrator: It began with the forging of the great rings. Three were
given to the Elves, immortal, wisest and fairest of all beings.
Seven to the Dwarf lords, great miners and craftsmen of the
mountain halls. And nine, nine rings were gifted to the race of
Men, who above all else, desire power. For within these rings
was bound the strength and will to govern each race. But they
were all of them deceived, for another ring was made.

In the land of Mordor, in the fires of Mount Doom, the Dark Lord
Sauron forged in secret a master ring, to control all others. And
into this Ring, he poured his cruelty, his malice and his will to
dominate all life.

"One Ring to rule them all."

One by one, the free lands in Middle-Earth fell to the power of
the Ring. But there were some who resisted. A last alliance of
Men and Elves marched against the armies of Mordor and on
the slopes of Mount Doom they fought for the freedom of
Middle-Earth.

<Vast armies of Men, Elves and Orcs assemble on the
battlefield. Gil-Galad, Elrond and Elendil regard their enemies as
the orcs snarl back, taunting them. Then the Orcs attack the
Alliance, rushing across the field that separates the two armies.
Elrond gives the command to the elven archers to engage.>

Elrond: Tangado haid! Hado i philinn! (Hold [your] positions! Fire
the arrows!)

<The Elves raise their bows and releases a slew of arrows at
the incoming orcs, taking down the first line of orc defense. As
the wave of the orc infantry reaches the first line of the elven
troops, the elves swing their swords up, slicing the orcs as they
come, one after the other down the line. Soon the elves and the
men are fully engaged in combat, taking down many of the orc
troops>

Victory was near. But the power of the Ring could not be
undone.

<Sauron strides onto the battlefield. Elrond looks up in
trepidation. The Dark Lord, towering over both elves and men,
brandishes a mace and shows the Ring of Power glowing on
his finger. In fear, some of the warriors back off. Sauron wields
his mace, hitting a group of warriors and sends them flying
across the field. He repeats it with another fell swoop. Elendil,
raising his sword to strike, attacks Sauron, but Sauron parries
his blow and flings him against the rock, crushing him to death.
Horrified, Isildur runs to his fallen father>

It was in this moment when all hope had faded, that Isildur, son
of the King, took up his father's sword.

<Isildur grasps the hilt of Narsil but Sauron quickly stomps it
down, shattering the blade. Sauron, with the Ring on his finger,
reaches down towards Isildur. With a last desperate attempt,
Isildur lets out a battle cry and strikes Sauron’s hand with the
shards of Narsil, slicing the finger that bears the One Ring.
Sauron lets out a cry as the Ring is separated from him. He
implodes, sending a shock wave throughout the battlefield,
knocking the warring troops off their feet. His armor falls unto
the ground, his body vaporized>

Sauron, the enemy of the free-peoples of Middle-Earth was
defeated. The Ring passed to Isildur, who had this one chance
to destroy evil forever.

But the hearts of men are easily corrupted. And the Ring of
Power has a will of its own. It betrayed Isildur to his death. And
some things that should not have been forgotten were lost.

History became legend, legend became myth and for two and a
half thousand years, the Ring passed out of all knowledge. Until,
when chance came, it ensnared a new bearer.

Gollum: My Precioussssss

Narrator: The Ring came to the creature Gollum, who took it
deep into the tunnels of the Misty Mountains. And there, it
consumed him.

Gollum: It came to me, my own, my love, my own, my
prrrrreciousssss! Gollum

Narrator: The Ring brought to Gollum unnatural long life. For five
hundred years it poisoned his mind. And in the gloom of
Gollum's cave, it waited. Darkness crept back into the forest of
the world. Rumor grew of a shadow in the east, whispers of a
nameless fear, and the Ring of Power perceived. Its time had
now come.

It abandoned Gollum.

But something happened then the Ring did not intend. It was
picked up by the most unlikely creature imaginable.

Bilbo: What’s this?

Narrator: A Hobbit: Bilbo Baggins of the Shire.

Bilbo: A ring.

Gollum: (from afar) Losssst! My precious is lost!

Narrator: For the time will soon come when Hobbits will shape
the fortunes of all.



~~~THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING~~~

~~~The Shire... 60 years later~~~

<A hobbit, reading beneath a tree, hears a male voice singing.
He closes his book and stands, listening. Recognizing the
voice, he smiles then runs to the road. He finds an old man,
wearing a gray cloak and a pointy hat, driving a horse-drawn
cart filled with fireworks and such>

Gandalf (singing): The road goes ever on and on down from the
door where it began. Now far ahead the road has gone, and I
must follow if I can...

Frodo: You're late!

<Gandalf does not look at the Hobbit at first, and then turns
slowly, with an emphatic expression on his face that begins to
twitch>

Gandalf: A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early.
He arrives precisely when he means to.

<Both he and Frodo slowly begin to grin and crack up into
laughter>

Frodo: <leaps onto cart and hugs the old man> Its wonderful to
see you Gandalf!

Gandalf: <laughs>Ooh! You didn’t think I’d miss your Uncle
Bilbo's birthday?

Frodo: What news of the outside world? Tell me everything.

Gandalf: Everything? Far too eager and curious for a hobbit,
most unnatural. Well what can I tell you? Life in the wide world
goes on much as it has this past age, full of its own comings
and goings. Scarcely aware of the existence of hobbits... which
I am very thankful.

Hobbit folk: Look it's Gandalf! Its Gandalf!

<Gandalf grins and tips his hat slightly>

Gandalf: Ooh! The long expected party!

<Hobbits raise a banner by the Party Tree that reads "Happy
Birthday Bilbo Baggins." A hobbitess clasps her hands with
pleasure and anticipation, looking at the sign>

Gandalf: So how is the old rascal? I hear it’s got to be a party of
special magnificence.

Frodo: You know Bilbo, he's got the whole place in an uproar.

Gandalf: Hmm, well now that should please him, hmmm.

Frodo: Half the Shire’s been invited.

Gandalf: Good gracious me!

Frodo: He is up to something.

Gandalf: Oh really...

Frodo: All right then keep your secrets.<Gandalf laughs>Before
you came along we Bagginses were very well thought of.

Gandalf: Indeed?

Frodo: Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected.

Gandalf: If you’re referring to the incident with the dragon, I was
barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of
the door.

Frodo: Whatever you did, you’ve been officially labeled a
disturber of the peace.

Gandalf: Oh really?

<cart drives past grumpy old hobbit (Mr. Proudfoot) with grim
look>

Hobbit children: Gandalf! Gandalf! Fireworks? Gandalf?

<Gandalf pretends to ignore the children>

Hobbit children: <disappointed>Awwww.

<fireworks suddenly go off from the cart>
<hobbit children cheer>
<Gandalf laughs>
<grumpy old hobbit chuckles>
<grumpy old hobbitwife (Mrs. Proudfoot) comes out and gives a
nagging look to grumpy old hobbit>
<grumpy old hobbit restores grumpy look>

Frodo: Gandalf, I'm glad you're back.

Gandalf: <as Frodo jumps off the cart> So am I, dear boy! So
am I.

<Scene goes to Bag End. Gandalf pulls up to Bilbo’s house. He
goes through a gate with a sign on it saying: "No admittance
except on party business. He then knocks on the door with his
staff>

<knock, knock, knock, knock>

Bilbo: <from within> No thank you! We don't want any more
visitors, well-wishers or distant relations!

Gandalf: And what about very old friends?

<Bilbo opens the door>

Bilbo: Gandalf?

Gandalf: Bilbo Baggins!

Bilbo: My dear Gandalf! <gives Gandalf a hug>

Gandalf: Good to see you! One hundred and eleven years old
--who would believe it? <looks at Bilboo in astonishment> You
haven't aged a day.

<Bilbo and Gandalf laugh>

Bilbo: Come on, come in! Welcome, welcome! <closes
door>Oh, here we are. Tea? Or maybe something a little
stronger? I've got a few bottles of the Old Winyard left. 1296
--very good year. Almost as old as I am! HHahaha! It was laid
down by my father. What say we open one, eh?

Gandalf: Just tea, thank you.

<Gandalf backs into the chandelier. He steadies it but then
bumps his head onto the beam. Nursing the pain he enters
Bilbo’s study and sees the map of the Lonely Mountain mounted
on a frame. He picks it up to examine it. Meanwhile, Bilbo was
puttering around in the kitchen>

Bilbo: I was expecting you here last week! Not that it matters,
you come and go as you please. Always have done and always
will. You caught me a bit unprepared, I'm afraid. We have some
cold chicken and pickles... Here's some cheese here- oh no it
won't do. Uhhh. We've got raspberry jam, an apple tart... Not
much for afters - oh no! We're all right. I've just found some
sponge cake. <enters the study> I can make you some eggs if
you like-- oh. Gandalf?

Gandalf: Just tea, thank you.

Bilbo: Alright! <with mouthful of cake> You don't mind if I eat,
do you?

Gandalf: Oh no, not at all.

<a sudden, incessant knock on the door> Woman
(shouting): Bilbo! Bilbo Baggins!

Bilbo (whispering): I'm not at home!

Bilbo: I've got to get away from these confounded relatives
hanging on the bell--they never give me a moment's peace! I
want to see mountains again, mountains Gandalf! And then find
somewhere quiet where I can finish my book. Oh, tea!

Gandalf: So, you mean to go through with your plan, then.

Bilbo: Yes, yes. It's all in hand. All the arrangements are made.
<starts to pour water into the tea pot, Gandalf opens the lid>
Oh, thank you.

Gandalf: Frodo suspects something.

Bilbo: ‘Course he does. He's a Baggins! Not some
block-headed Bracegirdle from Hardbottle.

Gandalf: You will tell him, won't you?

Bilbo: Yes, yes.

Gandalf: He's very fond of you.

Bilbo: I know. He'd probably come with me if I asked
him. <chuckles> I think in his heart Frodo is still in love with the
Shire: the woods, the fields...little rivers. I'm old Gandalf. I know
I don't look it, but I'm beginning to feel it in my heart. I feel thin
--sort of stretched like butter scraped ovver too much bread. I
need a holiday, a very long holiday, and I don't expect I shall
return. In fact, I mean not to!

<evening came. Outside, Gandalf and Bilbo are sitting and
smoking pipe>

Bilbo: Old Toby. The finest weed in the Southfarthing.

<Bilbo first blows a ring of smoke and Gandalf blows a smoke
ship that sails through it>

Bilbo: Gandalf, my old friend. This will be a night to remember!

<Scene: Bilbo’s party. The fireworks are going off and
festivities are well underway>

Bilbo (to guest): Hello, hello, Fatty Bolger, lovely to see you!
Welcome, welcome!

<Frodo sees his friend Sam sitting alone, looking sidelong at
hobbitlass Rosie Cotton dancing>

Frodo: <sits beside him> Go on Sam! Ask Rosie for a dance.

Sam (scowling): I think I’ll just have another ale.

Frodo: Oh no you don’t. Go on. <pushes Sam to the dance floor
and into Rosie’s arms. Frodo laughs aloud>

Gandalf: <setting off a firework> Whoa!

<fireworks explode over the party field, a huge glittering
umbrella in the night sky then changes into spears and whizzes
away into the distance>

<Bilbo speaks to the hobbit children gathered at his feet>

Bilbo: There I was, at the mercy of three monstrous trolls! And
they were all arguing amongst themselves about how they were
going to cook us, whether it be turned on a spit or whether they
should sit on us one by one and squash us into jelly.

<Cute hobbit child gasps and shakes her head emphatically>

Bilbo: They spent so much time arguing the wither-tos and
why-fors, that when the sun’s first light cracked over the top of
the trees and poof!

<Hobbit Children gasp>

Bilbo: It turned them all to stone!

<Gandalf, laughing, returns from his cart with more fireworks.
Merry Brandybuck appears from behind, signaling Pippin Took
to get onto Gandalf’s cart>

Merry: Quickly!

<butterfly fireworks goes off. Hobbit children laugh and chase
the butterflies>

Gandalf: Whoa! Off they go.

Merry: No, no the big one, big one

<inside the tent, Merry and Pippin light up the firework>

Pippin: Done.

Merry: You’re supposed to stick it in the ground!

Pippin: It is in the ground.

Merry: Outside!

Pippin: It was your idea!

<just then the firework goes up, throwing Merry and Pippin onto
the ground. The firework bursts into a shape of a dragon and
turns towards the merrymakers. The hobbits see this and try to
get out of the way>

Hobbit: Look at that!

Frodo: Bilbo? Bilbo, look out for the dragon!

Bilbo: Dragon? Nonsense! There hasn’t been a dragon in these
parts for a thousand years...

<Frodo pushes Bilbo to the ground. The dragon swoops low
over the hobbits’ heads, flies off and bursts into a beautiful finale
over the lake. Hobbits clap in amusement>

<Merry and Pippin, covered in soot, stands proud with their
accomplishment>

Merry: That was good!

Pippin: Let’s get another one!

<Gandalf comes up behind them and grabs them each by their
ear>

Merry and Pippin: Aah!

Gandalf: Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took. I might have
known.

<As Merry and Pippin wash the plates, the other Hobbits are
gathered near the party tree>

Hobbits: Speech, Bilbo! Speech!

Frodo: Speech!

Bilbo: My dear Bagginses and Boffins, <Bagginses and Boffins
cheer> Tooks and Brandybucks, <Tooks and Brandybucks
cheer> Grubbs, <Grubbs cheer> Chubbs, <Chubbs cheer>
Hornblowers, <Hornblowers cheer> Bolgers, <Bolgers cheer>
Bracegirdles, <Bracegirdles cheer> and Proudfoots.

Mr.Proudfoot: Proudfeet! <hobbits laugh. Bilbo waves
dismissively>

Bilbo: Today is my 111th birthday!

Hobbits: Happy birthday!

Hobbit: Happy birthday!

Bilbo: Alas, eleventy-one years is far too short a time to live
among such excellent and admirable hobbits. <Hobbits cheer>

Bilbo: I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like, and I
like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.<dead
silence from the crowd>

Bilbo: I, uh, I h-have things to do. <fidgets with the Ring behind
his back.>

Bilbo (whispers to self): I’ve put this off for far too long.

Bilbo (to crowd): I regret to announce this is the end. I am going
now. I bid you all a very fond farewell.

Bilbo (looks at Frodo and whispers): Goodbye. <Puts the Ring
on and vanishes>

Hobbits (shocked): Ooh!

<Bilbo, invisible, leaves the party and returns to Bag End. Next
scene shows Bag-End interior>

Bilbo: Hahahahaha! <flips the ring, catches it and puts it in his
pocket>

Gandalf: I suppose you think that was terribly clever.

Bilbo (startled): Come on Gandalf! Did you see their faces?

Gandalf: There are many magic rings in this world Bilbo
Baggins and none of them should be used lightly.

Bilbo: It was just a bit of fun! Oh you’re probably right, as usual.
You will keep an eye on Frodo, won’t you?

Gandalf: Two eyes, as often as I can spare them.

Bilbo: I’m leaving everything to him.

Gandalf: What about this Ring of yours, is that staying too?

Bilbo: Yes, yes. It’s in an envelope over there on the
mantelpiece. <Gandalf turns to look>

Bilbo: No, wait, its --here in my pocket. Heh, isn’t that, isn’t that
odd though? <looks at the Ring> Yet, after all why not? Why
shouldn’t I keep it?

Gandalf: I think you should leave the Ring behind, Bilbo. Is that
so hard?

Bilbo: Well no... and yes! Now it comes to it, I don’t feel like
parting with it, its mine, I found it, it came to me!

Gandalf: There’s no need to get angry.

Bilbo: What if I’m angry, it’s your fault! <caresses Ring> It’s
mine! My own, my precious.

Gandalf: Precious? Its been called that before, but not by you.

Bilbo: Argh! What business is it of yours what I do with my own
things!

Gandalf: I think you’ve had that Ring quite long enough.

Bilbo: You want it for yourself!

Gandalf (grows taller): Bilbo Baggins! Do not take me for some
conjurer of cheap tricks. I am not trying to rob you.

Gandalf (back to normal): I’m trying to help you.

<Bilbo starts weeping and hugs Gandalf>

Gandalf: All your long years we’ve been friends. Trust me as
you once did, hmm? Let it go.

Bilbo: <collects himself> You’re right Gandalf, the Ring must go
to Frodo. It’s late, the road is long. Yes it is time.

<Bilbo opens the door>

Gandalf: Bilbo...

Bilbo: Hmm?

Gandalf: ...the Ring is still in your pocket.

Bilbo: Oh, yes...

<Bilbo pulls out the Ring from his pocket. He stares at it on his
palm, then slowly and with a great effort turns his hand, allowing
it to slip off his palm. It lands on the floor with a heavy thud>

<Bilbo runs out the door, goes a few paces, then stops and lifts
his head. He looks relieved>

Bilbo: I’ve thought of an ending for my book. <turns to Gandalf
at the door> "And he lived happily ever after...to the end of his
days".

Gandalf: And I’m sure you will my dear friend.

Bilbo: Good bye, Gandalf.

Gandalf: Good bye, dear Bilbo.

<Bilbo goes out by the gate, and starts down the road.>

Bilbo (singing): The road goes ever on and on, down from the
door where it began...

Gandalf: Until our next meeting.

<Gandalf re-enters Bag End. He stoops to pick up the ring but
stops short when the Eye of Sauron flashes in his mind. He
rises and proceeds to sit himself by the fireplace>

Voice over of Bilbo: Its mine, my own, my precious!

Gandalf (mumbling): Riddles in the Dark.

<Frodo enters Bag End>

Frodo: Bilbo! Bilbo! He sees the Ring and stoops to pick it up>

Gandalf (mumbling): My precious.

<Frodo notices Gandalf smoking by the fireplace, approaches
him>

Gandalf (mumbling): Precious...

Frodo: He's gone hasn't he? He talked for so long about leaving.
I didn't think he'd really do it.

Frodo: Gandalf?

Gandalf: Hmm.<smiles at Frodo> Bilbo's Ring. He's gone to
stay with the elves. He's left you Bag End...

<Gandalf holds envelope open, Frodo slips in the Ring, Gandalf
seals the envelope and gives it to Frodo.>

Gandalf: ...along with all his possessions. The Ring is yours
now. Put it somewhere out of sight.<Gets up to leave>

Frodo: Where are you going?

Gandalf: There are some things that I must see to.

Frodo: What things?

Gandalf: Questions. Questions that need answering!

Frodo: But you've only just arrived! I don't understand.

Gandalf (looking back at Frodo): Neither do I. Keep it secret.
Keep it safe.

<Gandalf leaves Bag End. Frodo looks at the envelope in his
hand, containing the Ring>

A SHADOW OF THE PAST

<Scene: At the dungeons of Barad-Dur, Gollum’s voice is heard
as he is tortured>

Gollum: Shire!!! Baggins!!!

<Gates of Minas Morgul opens. The Ringwraiths ride out to find
the Ring>

<Gandalf rides to the outskirts of Mount Doom to observe the
activity that going on. He then heads to Minas Tirith to study its
ancient scrolls>

Voice Over of Gandalf: Year 3434 of the Second Age. Here
follows the account of Isildur, High King of Gondor and the
finding of the Ring of Power. It has come to me, the One Ring. It
shall be an heirloom of my kingdom. All that should follow in my
bloodline shall be bound to its fate for I will risk no hurt to the
Ring. It is precious to me, though I buy it with a great pain. The
markings upon the band begin to fade. The writing, which at first
was as clear as red flame, has all but disappeared. A secret
now that only fire can tell.

<Back at the Shire>

<Hobbit chopping wood in front of his home. His dog barks
incessantly, then backs off, whimpering, as it retreats into the
house>

Ringwraith: Shire. Baggins.

Hobbit (fearful): Baggins. There are no Baggins ‘round here.
They’re up in Hobbiton, that way. <points>

<Ringwraith gallops off>

<Scene: The Green Dragon Inn - Frodo and Sam are leaving>

Rosie: Goodnight.

Sam: Goodnight.

<Frodo and Sam stagger to Bag End>

Sam: Goodnight.

Frodo: Goodnight Sam.

<Frodo comes up the steps, opens the door and notices that
the house seems to have been broken into>

<Gandalf grabs his shoulder from behind >

Frodo (startled): Huh?!

Gandalf: Is it secret?! Is it safe?!

<Frodo opens a chest, searches through it and finds the
envelope>

Frodo: Ah! <hands Gandalf the envelope>

<Gandalf throws the envelope to the fire>

Frodo (alarmed): What are you doing?

<Gandalf gets a pair of tongs and picks up the Ring>

Gandalf: Hold out your hand Frodo, it’s quite cool. <drops the
Ring on Frodo’s hand> What can you see? Can you see
anything?

Frodo: Nothing. There's nothing... wait. There are markings. It's
some form of elvish. I can’t read it.

Gandalf: There are few who can. The language is that of
Mordor, which I will not utter here.

Frodo: Mordor?

Gandalf: In the common tongue it says, "One Ring to rule them
all, One Ring to find them. One Ring to bring them all and in the
darkness bind them."

Gandalf: This is the One Ring. Forged by the Dark Lord Sauron
in the fires of Mount Doom. Taken by Isildur from the hand of
Sauron himself.

Frodo: Bilbo found it. In Gollum's cave.

Gandalf: Yes. For sixty years the Ring lay quiet in Bilbo's
keeping, prolonging his life, delaying old age. But no longer
Frodo. Evil is stirring in Mordor. The Ring has awoken. It's heard
its master's call.

Frodo: But he was destroyed. Sauron was destroyed.

Ring (whispers): Isildur...

<alarmed, both Gandalf and Frodo look at the Ring>

Gandalf: No, Frodo. The spirit of Sauron endured. His life force
is bound to the Ring and the Ring survived. Sauron has
returned. His orcs have multiplied. His fortress of Barad-Dur is
rebuilt in the land of Mordor. Sauron needs only this Ring to
cover all the lands of a second darkness. He is seeking it.
Seeking it, all his thought is bent on it. The Ring yearns above
all else to return to the hand of its master. They are one, the
Ring and the Dark Lord. Frodo, he must never find it.

Frodo: Alright, we put it away. We keep it hidden. We never
speak of it again. No one knows it's here, do they? Do they
Gandalf?

Gandalf: There is one other who knew that Bilbo had the Ring. I
looked everywhere for the creature Gollum. But the enemy
found him first. I don’t know how long they tortured him. Amidst
the endless screams and inane babble, they discerned two
words:

<Scene flashes to Gollum’s torture>

Gollum: Shire!!! Baggins!!!

Frodo: Shire. Baggins. But that would lead them here!

<Scene cuts to the Ringwraiths riding up to a Hobbit along the
road>

Hobbit: Who goes there?

<Ringwraith chops off the hobbit’s head>

<Scene cuts back to Bag End>

Frodo: Take it Gandalf! Take it!

Gandalf: No Frodo no.

Frodo: You must take it!

Gandalf: You cannot offer me this Ring!

Frodo: I'm giving it to you!

Gandalf: Don't tempt me Frodo! I dare not take it. Not even to
keep it safe. Understand Frodo, I would use this Ring from the
desire to do good. But through me, it would wield a power to
great and terrible to imagine.

Frodo: But it cannot stay in the Shire!

Gandalf: No! No it can't.

Frodo: <Closes hand on ring> What must I do?

<Scene goes to Frodo rushing about, hastily packing for his
journey>

Gandalf: You must leave and leave quickly.

Frodo: Where? Where do I go?

Gandalf: Get out of the Shire. Make for the village Bree.

Frodo: Bree. What about you?

Gandalf: I'll be waiting for you, at the Inn of the Prancing Pony.

Frodo: And the Ring will be safe there?

Gandalf: I don't know Frodo. I don't have any answers. I must
see the head of my order. He is both wise and powerful. Trust
me Frodo, he’ll know what to do. You’ll have to leave the name
of Baggins behind you, for that name is not safe outside the
Shire. Travel only by day. And stay off the road.

Frodo: I can cut across country easily enough.

Gandalf: My dear Frodo. Hobbits really are amazing creatures!
You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a
month, and yet after a hundred years, they can still surprise
you. <hears rustling of the leaves> Get down!

<Frodo drops to the floor. Gandalf goes to the window, peers
out cautiously then gives the bushes a whack with his staff>

Sam: Oooff!!

<Gandalf drags Sam up by his hair and plops him onto the
table>

Gandalf: Confound it all Samwise Gamgee! Have you been
eavesdropping?!

Sam: I have been droppin’ no eves sir, honest. I was just cutting
the grass under the window there, if you follow me.

Gandalf: A little late for trimming the verge don’t you think?

Sam: I heard raised voices.

Gandalf: What did you hear?! Speak!!!!

Sam: N-n-n-nothing important. That is I heard a good deal about
a Ring and a Dark Lord and something about the end of the
world but... Please, Mister Gandalf sir, don’t hurt me. Don’t turn
me into anythin’ --unnatural.

Gandalf: No, perhaps not. I have thought of a better use for
you...

<Cuts to the scene outside the following morning>

Gandalf: Come along Samwise, keep up! Be careful both of
you. The enemy has many spies in his service: birds, beasts.
<turns to Frodo> Is it safe? <Frodo pats his vest pocket> Never
put it on, for the agents of the Dark Lord will be drawn to its
power. Always remember, Frodo, the Ring is trying to get back
to its master. It wants to be found.

<Gandalf rides off, leaving Frodo and Sam in the forest>

SHORTCUT TO MUSHROOMS

<Scene: Frodo and Sam trek along countryside and streams>

<Frodo walks along the cornfield. Sam following behind,
suddenly stops>

Sam: This is it.

Frodo: <turns> This is what?

Sam: I take one more step, it’ll be the farthest away from home
I’ve ever been.

Frodo: <reassuringly> Come on Sam. Remember what Bilbo
used to say: "It's a dangerous business...

Segue to Bilbo’s voice: ...Frodo, going out your door. You step
onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there's no
knowing where you might be swept off to.

<Scene of Frodo and Sam setting up camp for the night>

<Scene of a Ringwraith, on a ridge, looking over the Shire>

<Gandalf rides swiftly into Isengard. Saruman descends down
the steps of Orthanc to meet him>

Saruman: Smoke rises from the mountain of Doom. The hour
grows late and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard seeking my
counsel. For that is why you have come, is it not...my old
friend?

Gandalf: Saruman. <bows>

<Gandalf and Saruman are walking through the Gardens of
Isengard>

Saruman: You are sure of this?

Gandalf: Beyond any doubt.

Saruman: The Ring of Power has been found.

Gandalf: All these long years it was in the Shire, under my very
nose.

Saruman: Yet you did not have the wit to see it. Your love of the
halfling’s leaf has clearly slowed your mind.

Gandalf: But we still have time. Time enough to counter Sauron if we
act quickly.

Saruman: Time?! What time do you think we have?

<Gandalf and Saruman are conferring in the chambers of Orthanc>

Saruman: Sauron has regained much of his former strength. He
cannot yet take physical form, but his spirit has lost none of its
potency. Concealed within his fortress, the Lord of Mordor sees all --
his gaze pierces cloud, shadow, earth and flesh. You know of what I
speak, Gandalf -- a great Eye... lidless... wreathed in flame.

Gandalf: The Eye of Sauron.

Saruman: He is gathering all evil to him. Very soon he will summon
an army great enough to launch an assault upon Middle Earth.

Gandalf: You know this? How?

Saruman: I have seen it. <Gandalf and Saruman enter the chamber
of the Palantir>

Gandalf: A Palantir is a dangerous tool, Saruman.

Saruman: Why? Why should we fear to use it? <Unveils the
Palantir>

Gandalf: They are not all accounted for, the lost Seeing Stones. We
do not know who else may be watching! <Covers the Palantir, Eye
of Sauron flashes briefly>

Saruman: The hour is later than you think. Sauron's forces are
already moving. The Nine have left Minas Morgul.

Gandalf: <alarmed> The Nine!

Saruman: They crossed the River Isen on Midsummer's Eve,
disguised as riders in black.

Gandalf: They've reached the Shire?!

Saruman: They will find the Ring... and kill the one who carries it.

Gandalf: Frodo! <Gandalf heads towards the door but Saruman
closes it with his mind and the other doors in turn. Trapped, Gandalf
looks at Saruman>

Saruman: You did not seriously think that a hobbit could contend
with the will of Sauron? There are none who can. Against the power
of Mordor there can be no victory. We must join with him, Gandalf.
We must join with Sauron. It would be wise, my friend.

Gandalf: Tell me, "friend", when did Saruman the wise abandon
reason for madness?!

<With a shout, Saruman points his staff at Gandalf, throwing him up
and pinning him against the far wall, then drops him heavily to the
floor. Gandalf counters with his own staff, throwing Saruman onto
his back. They battle back and forth. Finally, Saruman uses his
power to yank Gandalf’s staff from his hands, and he advances on
Gandalf with both staffs. Gandalf spins helplessly just above the
floor>

Saruman: I gave you the chance of aiding me willingly. But you...have
elected...the way of pain! <Saruman sends Gandalf rising to the pinnacle of
Orthanc>

<Scene: The Shire. Sam emerges from a field of corn, onto a small path.
He looks back and forth, not seeing Frodo in either direction>

Sam (starting to panic): Mister Frodo? Frodo! Frodo!

<Frodo emerges from the bend in the path, looking puzzled>

Sam (sighs): I thought I’d lost you.

Frodo: What are you talking about?

Sam: It's just something Gandalf said.

Frodo: What did he say?

Sam: "Don’t you lose him Samwise Gamgee!" And I don't mean to.

Frodo (amused): Sam, we're still in the Shire. What could possibly happen?

<Suddenly, Pippin bursts from the cornfield and knocks over Frodo. Merry,
close behind, barrels out, knocking over Sam. Both have an armful of
vegetables>

Pippin: Frodo? Merry! It's Frodo Baggins.

Merry: Hello Frodo!

Sam: Get off him! <hauls Pippin off Frodo> Frodo? Are you all right?

Pippin: What's the meaning of this?

Merry: Hold this. <hands vegetables to Sam>

Sam: You've been into Farmer Maggot's crop!

<They hear a dog barking.>

Voice of Farmer Maggot: Oy! You get back here! (indecipherable)

<Pippin grabs Frodo and runs, followed by Merry. Sam does a double take
on the produce in his hands, drops them and runs after the others>

Farmer Maggot: <brandishing a scythe> Get out of my field. You'll know
the devil if I catch up with you!

Merry: ‘Dunno why he is so upset. It’s only a couple of carrots!

Pippin: And some cabbages. And those few bags of potatoes that we lifted
last week and, and the mushrooms the week before!

Merry: Yes Pippin! My point is, he is clearly overreactin’. Run!

<Pippin, Frodo and Merry stop just before the edge of the hill. Sam slams
into them from behind and all four hobbits roll down the hill>

Pippin: Ooh! That was close!

Merry: Ow! I think I've broken something. <pulls out a broken carrot>

Sam: Trust a Brandybuck and a Took!

Merry: What?! That was just a detour, a shortcut.

Sam: A shortcut to what?

Pippin: Mushrooms!!!

<Sam and Merry rush towards the mushrooms, followed by Pippin. Frodo,
standing, looks down the road>

Pippin: That’s mine!

Hobbits: Mmm...

Merry: Here is a nice one Sam.

Frodo: I think we should get off the road.

<Sounds of the Nazgul can be heard, coming up the road>

Frodo: Get off the road! Quick!

<Hobbits grab their things and cross the road, hopping over and then
crawling beneath a large overhanging tree root. Sound of hoof steps are
heard>

Sam (to Merry and Pippin): Shhh! Stop it! Be quiet!

<Merry and Pippin stop jostling each other. Frodo looks up through a small
gap and sees a great black horse, and the Nazgul, clothed and hooded in
black. The Nazgul leaps from his horse. He approaches the tree root and
rests his armored hand on it, hissing and sniffing>

<Insects and earthworms start coming out of their holes. Frodo enters a
trance, tempted to wear the Ring as his finger strains towards it. Sam
realizes this and he reaches over and hits Frodo in the arm, startling him out
of his the trance. Frodo jerks the Ring away from his finger. Merry throws
a bag full of musrooms into the forest to distract the Nazgul, who whirls
away and follows the sound. The hobbits make a break for it. They run a
short distance and then stop, gasping>

Merry: What was that?

<Frodo stares at the Ring on his palm but says nothing>

<Nightfall. A Nazgul is patrolling the area. The hobbits hide behind the
trees>

Pippin: Anything?

Frodo: Nothing.

Pippin: What is going on?

Merry: That Black Rider was looking for something... or someone. Frodo?

Sam: Get down!

<Nazgul feigns leaving the area>

Frodo: I have to leave the Shire. Sam and I must get to Bree.

Merry: Right. Buckleberry Ferry. Follow me.

<Hobbits make their way to Buckleberry ferry. A second Nazgul suddenly
appears along their path. Frodo is delayed as the others run on. The hobbits
jump over the fence and run towards the river. The Nazgul follows the
chase, hot on Frodo’s heels>

Pippin: Run! This way, follow me! Run!

Merry: Get the rope Sam!

<Merry and Sam each uncoil an anchoring rope while Pippin starts to push
off>

Sam: Frodo!

Hobbits: Run Frodo!

Frodo: Go!

Hobbits: Hurry!

Sam: Frodo!

Hobbits: Jump Frodo! Go on faster! Jump!

<Frodo leaps onto the raft. The Nazgul stops short of the water. Looking
back the hobbits see the Nazgul ride away, followed by two more riders>

Frodo: How far to the nearest crossing?

Merry: Brandywine Bridge: Twenty miles.

AT THE SIGN OF THE PRANCING PONY

<Hobbits arrive at the west gate of Bree, soaking wet due to the pouring
rain>

Frodo: Come on.<Knocks on the gates>

Gatekeeper: What do you want?

Frodo: We’re heading for the Prancing Pony.

Gatekeeper: Hobbits! Four hobbits! What business brings you to Bree?

Frodo: We wish to stay at the inn. Our business is our own.

Gatekeeper: Alright young sir, I meant no offence. ‘Tis my job to ask
question after nightfall. There’s talk of strange folk abroad. Can’t be too
careful.

<Hobbits come up the cobble stone path, working their way through the
crowd>

PJ the Bree Man: BURP!

Men of Bree: Move! Watch where you're going!

<Hobbits enter the Prancing Pony>

Frodo: Excuse me?

Butterbur: Good evening little masters! If you’re seeking accommodation
we’ve got some nice, cozy, hobbit-sized rooms available. Mr. uh--

Frodo: --Underhill, my name’s Underhill.

Butterbur: Underhill. Hmm.

Frodo: We’re friends of Gandalf the Grey. Can you tell him we’ve arrived?

Butterbur: Gandalf? Gandalf? Ohhh yes! I remember, elderly chap, big
gray beard, pointy hat. Not seen him for 6 months.

<The hobbits are shocked. Worry crosses their faces>

Sam: What do we do now?

<The hobbits are seated at a table in the common room of the Prancing
Pony. The air is dark and smoke-filled. Drunken men laugh raucously.
Several glance suspiciously at the hobbits. Frodo looks worried, as does
Sam>

Frodo: Sam. He’ll be here. He’ll come.

Man: <to Merry coming from the bar> Get, get out of my way.

<Merry sits down at the table. He is holding a huge stein of beer, which he
sets down reverently>

Pippin: What’s that?

Merry: This my friend, is a pint.

Pippin: It comes in pints? I’m getting one. <rushes to the bar>

Sam: You had a whole half already! <Sam turns back to his mug. After a
moment, he nudges Frodo>

Sam: That fellow’s done nothin’ but starin’ at us since we arrived.

Frodo (to Barliman): Excuse me, that man in the corner, who is he?

Butterbur: He’s one of them rangers. Dangerous folk they are-- all
wandering the wilds. What his right name is I’ve never heard but around
here, he’s known as Strider.

Frodo: Strider...

<Frodo starts to play with the Ring. It starts to whisper, tempting him to use
it>

Ring: Baggins. Baggins. Baggins. Baggins! Baggins!...

Pippin: Baggins! <Frodo snaps out of his reverie>

Pippin (at the bar): Sure I know a Baggins. He’s over there, Frodo
Baggins. He's my second cousin once removed on his mother's side
<listeners laugh, "It works for him!" yells one> and my third cousin twice
removed on his father's side, if you follow me.

<Frodo rushes towards the bar to stop Pippin from babbling further>

Frodo: Pippin! <grabs him>

Pippin: Steady on!

<Frodo slips on someone’s boot and falls back, tossing the Ring into the air.
As he catches it, the Ring slips onto Frodo’s finger. He disappears. Bree
folks gasp in surprise. The Nazgul are alerted and makes for Bree. Frodo,
now in the Shadow World, looks around mystified. He then sees an
immense singular orb, a lidless eye, wreathed in flame. The Eye of Sauron
stares down at him>

Voice of Sauron: You cannot hide! I see you! There is no life in the void,
only death!

<Frodo backs away, terrified. He gropes for the Ring, unable to tear his
gaze from the hideous Eye. Finally he wrenches the Ring off, reappearing
with a relieved sigh, beside Strider’s table>

Frodo: Ah! <Strider grabs him from behind>

Strider: You draw far too much attention to yourself Mr. "Underhill"!
<tosses him up the stairs. Strider flings open the door of his room, tosses
Frodo in and shuts the door behind them. Frodo stumbles, falls to his knees,
and stands up quickly, putting his back to the wall>

Frodo: What do you want?

Strider: A little more caution from you. That is no trinket you carry.

Frodo: I carry nothing.

Strider: Indeed. <Walks over to the window, puts out the candles> I can
avoid being seen if I wish. But to disappear entirely, that is a rare gift.

Frodo: Who are you?

Strider: Are you frightened?

Frodo: Yes.

Strider: Not nearly frightened enough. I know what hunts you.

<Door bursts open. Strider draws his sword. Sam, Merry and Pippin rushes
in>

Sam: Stand off! /Let him go! Or I’ll have you Longshanks! [Note to
reader: these are the two different versions heard by audiences
everywhere]

Strider: You have a stout heart little hobbit, but that will not save you. You
can no longer wait for the wizard Frodo. They’re coming.

<Scene: Later that night.>

<The Nazgul crash through the gates of Bree and into the Prancing Pony.
Screeches are heard. They make for the hobbits’ room and starts stabbing
the beds. They pull back the covers to realize the hobbits are not there.
They scream. Strider watches from the window in his room as the Nazgul
remount their dark horses. Frodo, gravely concerned of the attack, sits at
the foot of the bed. The rest of the sleeping hobbits, awakened by the
Nazgul cries, lean wide-eyed against the headboard>

Frodo: What are they?

Strider: They were once men. Great kings of Men. Then Sauron the
Deceiver gave to them nine Rings of Power. Blinded by their greed, they
took them without question. One by one falling into darkness. Now they are
slaves to his will. They are the Nazgul, Ringwraiths, neither living nor dead.
At all times they feel the presence of the Ring. Drawn to the power of the
One. They will never stop hunting you.

<Scene: The following morning, Strider leads the four hobbits and a newly
acquired pony away from the village of Bree>

Frodo: Where are you taking us?

Strider: Into the wild.

Merry (to Frodo): How do we know this Strider is a friend of Gandalf’s?

Frodo: We have no choice but to trust him.

Sam: But where is he leading us?

Strider: To Rivendell Master Gamgee, The House of Elrond.

Sam: Did you hear that? Rivendell! We’re going to see the elves!

<Scene: The Hobbits pause pulling cookware and food from their packs.
Strider looks back at them>

Strider: Gentlemen, we do not stop till nightfall.

Pippin: What about breakfast?

Strider: We’ve already had it.

Pippin: We've had one yes. What about second breakfast?<Strider walks
away>

Merry: Don't think he knows about second breakfast Pip.

Pippin (alarmed): What about elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea?
Dinner? Supper? He knows about them doesn’t he?

Merry: I wouldn't count on it. <From over bush, Strider tosses an apple and
Merry catches it. He hands it to Pippin and pats him on the shoulder.
Another apple flies through the air, hitting Pippin in the head. He looks up
bewildered>

Merry: <impatiently> Pippin!

<Scene: Isengard. Saruman is in the Chamber of the Palantir. His hand is
suspended over the Stone, and a fiery light is in its depths. The eye of
Sauron appears within the Palantir>

Saruman: <telepathically> The power of Isengard is at your command,
Sauron, Lord of the Earth.

Voice of Sauron: Build me an army worthy of Mordor!

<Saruman is sitting on a chair in one of his chambers, his arms wound
about him. He looks haunted. Three orcs file into the room>

Pink Eye (an orc): What orders from Mordor my Lord? What does the Eye
command?

Saruman: We have work to do!

<Scene: The pinnacle of Orthanc. Gandalf wakes painfully, the cold rain
slashing down, the creaking of the felled trees heard far below. He slowly
pushes himself up and moves cautiously to the edge and peers down at the
activity surrounding Isengard>

Pink Eye: The trees are strong, my Lord. Their roots go deep.

Saruman: Rip them all down.

<Scene returns to Strider and the Hobbits. Strider stops and looks at the
ruins atop a tall hill>

Strider: This was the great watchtower of Amon Sul. We shall rest here
tonight.

<Hobbits, weary from the long travel, flings off their packs and settles
down. Strider opens a bundle, revealing four short swords. He hands them
to the hobbits>

Strider: These are for you. Keep them close. I’m going to have a look
around. Stay here.

<Frodo, asleep, wakes up with a start. Merry, Pippin and Sam gathered
around a fire cooking>

Pippin: Can I have some meat?

Merry: Ok. Want some tomatoes Sam?

Merry: Great tomatoes

Frodo: What are you doing?!

Merry: Tomatoes, sausages, nice crispy bacon.

Sam: We saved some for you Mr. Frodo.

Frodo: Put it out you fools! Put it out!

Pippin: Oh that’s nice! Ash on my tomatoes!

<Suddenly, a Nazgul cry pierces the darkness. The hobbits jump up,
startled, and look over the lip of the hollow. They see five Nazgul closing in
on Amon Sul. They unsheathe their small swords>

All: Uh?!

<Frodo motions the others to run up the steps, towards the ruins>

Frodo: Go!

<At the top, the Nazgul surrounds them, pulling out their long swords. Sam,
Merry and Pippin prepare to defend of Frodo>

Sam: <brandishing his sword> Back you devils!

<Sam clashes swords with the Nazgul, but is swiftly thrown aside. Merry
and Pippin close the gap in front of Frodo, but they too are cast aside.
Frodo backs across the hill, dropping his sword with a clatter. He stumbles,
falls, and crawls backward until he is backed against a fallen column. Frodo
brings out the Ring from his pocket. Immediately, the Witch King feels its
presence and approaches Frodo, drawing a long dagger. Frodo tries to
scramble back, terrified, but has nowhere to go. Desperately, he slips on
the Ring>

<The world changes. The Nazguls’ true forms are revealed to him, shining
like ghostly kings. The Witch King reaches out for the Ring, and the Ring
responds, lifting Frodo’s own hand towards the wraith. With desperate
strength, Frodo yanks his hand back. The Witch King looks suprised, then
stabs him through the left shoulder with his long dagger, pinning him to the
ground, then reaches again for the Ring. Frodo cries out in pain>

<At that moment, Strider leaps over Frodo and attacks the Nazgul with
both sword and flaming brand. The Witch King withdraws his dagger and
drops it. Frodo summons the strength to pull the Ring from his finger. He
reappears in the middle of an anguished scream>

Frodo: Aaaahhhh!

Sam: Frodo! <rushes to his side>

Frodo: Oh Sam!

<Strider continues to fight the Nazgul, parrying with his sword and
attacking with the torch. He sets them afire and finally drives them away>

Sam: Strider! Help him Strider.

Strider: He’s been stabbed by a Morgul blade. <blade dissolves in the
wind> This is beyond my skill to heal. He needs elvish medicine.

<Strider carries Frodo over his shoulder and proceeds to leave Weathertop,
the other hobbits following closely behind them. Nazgul cries are still heard
in the area>

Strider: Hurry!

Sam: We are six days from Rivendell. He’ll never make it!

Frodo: <whispering> Gandalf...

Strider: Hold on Frodo.

Frodo: <cries out> ...Gandalf!!!!

<Scene: The camera swoops over Isengard and up to the Pinnacle of
Orthanc were Gandalf is held prisoner. A moth flutters into view and is
caught by Gandalf, who whispers to it>

Gandalf (whispering): Gwaihir. Go, Gwaihir. <Gandalf sends it off and the
moth flies away.>

<Scene swoops down into the Caverns of Isengard as forging of weapons
and armor are well underway. Saruman observes all the activity with pride
and witnesses the birth of Lurtz and the Uruk Hai>

FLIGHT TO FORD

<Scene goes back to Strider and the Hobbits at the Trollshaws. Frodo is
delirious>

Sam: Mr. Frodo? <to Strider> He’s going cold!

Pippin: Is he going to die?

Strider: He’s passing into the shadow world. He will soon become a wraith
like them.

<Frodo gasps. The Nazgul cry is heard from a distance>

Merry: They’re close.

Strider: Sam, do you know Athelas plant?

Sam: Athelas?

Strider: Kingsfoil.

Sam: Kingsfoil- aye, that's a weed.

Strider: It may help to slow the poison. Hurry!

<They search for the plant. Strider finds a small patch and proceeds to
collect it. Suddenly a sword is at his throat>

Arwen: What’s this? A ranger caught off his guard?

<Frodo, lying on the ground, senses a white light nearing him. He turns
towards it, and like a vision, sees Arwen approaching>

Arwen: Frodo.... Im Arwen. Telin le thaed (Frodo, I am Arwen. I come
to help you.)

Arwen: Lasto beth nîn. Tolo dan na ngalad (Listen to my word. Come
back to the light)

Merry: <in awe> Who is she?

Arwen: <kneels> Frodo!

Sam: She's an elf.

Arwen: He's fading!

<Frodo gasps>

Arwen: He's not going to last. We must get him to my father. I’ve been
looking for you for 2 days.

Merry: Where are you taking him?

Arwen: There are 5 wraiths behind you. Where the other 4 are, I do not
know.<Strider mounts Frodo onto the horse, Asfaloth>

Strider/Aragorn: Dartho guin Beriain. Rych le ad tolthathon. (Stay with
the Hobbits. I will send horses for you)

Arwen: Hon mabathon. Rochon ellint im. (I will take him. I am the
swifter rider.)

Strider/Aragorn: Andelu i ven. (The road is very dangerous.)

Pippin: What are they saying?

Arwen: Frodo fîr. Ae athradon i hir, tur gwaith nîin beriatha hon.
(Frodo dies. If I get across the river, the power of my people will protect
him.)

Arwen: <reassuringly> I do not fear them.

Strider/Aragorn: Be iest lîn. (According to your wish.)<Arwen mounts
onto Asfaloth. Frodo is seated in front of her>

Strider/Aragorn: Arwen, ride hard. Don’t look back!

Arwen: Noro lim, Asfaloth, noro lim! (Ride fast Asfaloth, ride
fast!) <Asfaloth gallops away>

Sam (yells at Strider): What are you doing?! Those wraiths are still out
there!

<Arwen rides on as the Nazgul gives chase. Amongst the trees and over
open spaces they rode in pursuit>

Arwen: Noro lim Asfaloth!!! (Ride faster Asfaloth!)

<Arwen reaches the river, and splashes across the ford. She pauses and
looks back. The Nazgul have stops at the edge of the water>

Nazgul: Give up the half-fling she-elf!

Arwen: <draws her sword> If you want him, come and claim him!

<The Nazgul draws their sword and begin to cross the ford>

Arwen (with eyes closed): Nîn o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer, Rimmo
nîn Bruinen dan in Ulaer! Nîn o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer, Rimmo
nîn Bruinen dan in Ulaer! (Waters of the Misty Mountains listen to the
great word; flow waters of Loudwater against the Ringwraiths!)

<The water level rises. A great flood comes around the bend, with peaks
like white horses. The Nazgul are cast from their mounts and washed
away down the river>

<Frodo starts to slip from the horse. Arwen lays him on the ground>

Arwen: No! Frodo...No! Frodo, don’t give in! Not now!<Arwen cries and
embraces Frodo>

Voice Over of Arwen: What grace is given me, let it pass to him, let him be
spared, save him.

MANY MEETINGS

<Scene whites out, Elrond’s image appears>

Elrond: Frodo, Lasto beth nîn. Tolo dan nan ngalad. (Frodo, hear my
voice, come back to the light)

<Scene opens with Frodo lying in bed at The House of Elrond, Rivendell>

Frodo (waking): Where am I?

Gandalf: You are in the house of Elrond. And it is 10 o’clock in the
morning, on October the 24th if you want to know.

Frodo (sitting up): Gandalf!

Gandalf: Yes...I’m here. And you're lucky to be here too. A few more
hours and you would have been beyond our aid. But you have some
strength in you, my dear hobbit!

Frodo: What happened Gandalf? Why didn't you meet us?

Gandalf: Oh I'm sorry Frodo... I was delayed.

<Flashback to Isengard. Saruman using his powers, flips Gandalf about
then dangles him dangerously over the edge of Orthanc>

Saruman: Friendship with Saruman is not lightly thrown aside.

Saruman: One ill turn deserves another. It is over! Embrace the power of
the Ring... or embrace your own destruction!<Flips Gandalf back towards
the platform>

Gandalf (slowly raising himself): There is only one Lord of the Ring! Only
one can bend it to his will. And he does not share power! <Gandalf leaps
off the Tower of Orthanc and lands on Gwaihir's back>

Saruman: So you have chosen - death. <Gwaihir flies over the mountains,
bearing Gandalf to safety>

<End of Flashback. Scene returns to Rivendell>

Frodo: Gandalf? What is it?

Gandalf: Nothing Frodo.

Sam (rushing in): Frodo! Frodo!

Frodo: Sam!

Sam: Bless you, you're awake!<Frodo laughs>

Gandalf: Sam has hardly left your side.

Sam: We were that worried about you, weren't we Mr. Gandalf?

Gandalf: By the skills of Lord Elrond, you're beginning to mend.

Elrond: Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins.

<Reunion of the hobbits. Frodo sees Bilbo>

Frodo: Bilbo!

Bilbo: Hello Frodo my lad!

Frodo: Bilbo! <hug>

Bilbo: Oh!

<Scene: Frodo reads Bilbo's book>

Frodo: "There and Back Again: A Hobbit's Tale by Bilbo Baggins". <leafs
through the book> This is wonderful!

Bilbo: I meant to go back...wander the paths of Mirkwood... visit
Laketown...see the Lonely Mountain again. But age it seems have finally
caught up with me. <gives Frodo a playful smirk>

<Frodo leafing through the book, stops to look at the map of the Shire>

Frodo: I miss the Shire. I spent all my childhood, pretending I was off
somewhere else...off with you on one of your adventures! <realizes sadly>
My own adventure turned out to be quite different.

Frodo: I’m not like you Bilbo.

Bilbo: My dear boy.

<Scene goes to Sam packing his bag>

Sam: <to himself> Now what have I forgotten?

Frodo: Packed already?

Sam: No harm in being prepared.

Frodo: I thought you wanted to see the elves Sam.

Sam: I do!

Frodo: More than anything.

Sam: I did! Its just...we did what Gandalf wanted didn't we? We got the
Ring this far to Rivendell and then I thought, seen’ as how you’re on the
mend, we'd be off soon. Off home.

Frodo: You're right Sam. We did what we set out to do. <shows the Ring
on his palm> The Ring will be safe in Rivendell.

Frodo: I am ready to go home.

<Gandalf and Elrond watches Frodo and Sam from the balcony in Elrond's
study>

Elrond: His strength returns.

Gandalf: That wound will never fully heal. He will carry it the rest of his
life.

Elrond: And yet to have come so far, still bearing the Ring, the hobbit has
shown extraordinary resilience to it's evil.

Gandalf: It is a burden he should never have had to bear. We can ask no
more of Frodo.

Elrond: Gandalf, the enemy is moving. Sauron's forces are amassing in the
east-- his eye is fixed on Rivendell. And Saruman you tell me has betrayed
us. Our list of allies grows thin.

Gandalf: His treachery runs deeper than you know. By foul craft Saruman
has crossed orcs with goblin-men, he's breeding an army in the caverns of
Isengard. An army that can move in sunlight and cover great distance at
speed. Saruman is coming for the Ring.

Elrond: This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves. We do not
have the strength to fight both Mordor and Isengard!<Gandalf moves
away, deep in thought>

Elrond: Gandalf, the Ring cannot stay here.

<Gandalf sees Boromir, Legolas and Gimli arrive at Rivendell>

Elrond: This peril belongs to all middle earth. They must decide now how to
end it. The time of the Elves is over-- my people are leaving these shores.
Who will you look to when we've gone? The Dwarves? They hide in their
mountains seeking riches-- they care nothing for the troubles of others.

Gandalf: It is in Men that we must place our hope.

Elrond: Men? Men are weak. The race of men is failing. The blood of
Numenor is all but spent. It's pride and dignity forgotten. It is because of
men the Ring survives. I was there Gandalf. I was there three thousand
years ago...

<Quick flashback to Isildur slicing the Ring off Sauron’s hand>

Elrond: Isildur took the Ring. I was there the day the strength of men
failed.

<Return to flashback, Elrond and Isildur on the slopes of Mount Doom>

Elrond: Isildur hurry. Follow me.

Elrond: <voice over> I led Isildur into the heart of Mount Doom, where the
Ring was forged, the one place it could be destroyed.

<At Sammath Naur, Elrond stands near the cracks of Doom>

Elrond: Cast it into the fire!

<Isildur looks at the Ring in his hand. The Ring whispers to him>

Elrond: Destroy it!

Isildur: No.<Isildur walks away>

Elrond: Isildur!!!

Elrond: <voice over> It should’ve ended that day, but evil was allowed to
endure.

<Flashback ends. Scene returns to Rivendell>

Elrond: Isildur kept the Ring. The line of kings is broken. There is no
strength left in the world of men. They’re scattered, divided, leaderless.

Gandalf: There is one who could unite them, one who could reclaim the
throne of Gondor.

Elrond: He turned from that path long time ago. He has chosen exile.

<Interior shot in Rivendell.>

<Aragorn is reading a book. Boromir enters and pauses to regard the
painting of Isildur and Sauron. Then he turns to the shrine and sees the
broken sword lying there. He picks up the haft and stares at the blade>

Boromir: The shards of Narsil! The blade that cut the ring from Sauron's
hand! <Boromir runs his finger up the blade and cuts himself>

Boromir: <in amazement> It's still sharp! <Turns to look at Aragorn who is
watching him>

Boromir: <in disdain> No more than a broken heirloom! <He returns the
sword carelessly and it clatters to the ground. Boromir walks away.>

<Aragorn gets up and walks to the shrine. He picks up the dropped haft
and carefully sets it in place with the other shards. He takes a step back
and touches his right hand to his heart, as he looks at the shrine. Arwen
walks in behind him>

Arwen: Why do you fear the past? You are Isildur's heir, not Isildur
himself. You are not bound to his fate.

Aragorn: The same blood flows in my veins. <turns to Arwen> Same
weakness.

Arwen: Your time will come. You will face the same evil, and you will
defeat it. A si i-Dhúath ú-orthor, Aragorn. Ú or le a ú or nin. (The
Shadow does not hold sway yet, not over you and not over me.)

<Scene goes to Arwen and Aragorn, in the garden at twilight, standing atop
of a bridge>

Arwen: Renech i lú i erui govannem? (Do you remember when we first
met?)

Aragorn: Nauthannem i ned ôl reniannen. (I thought I had strayed into a
dream.)

Arwen (tenderly touching Aragorn's cheek): Gwenwin in enninath...
Ú-'arnech in naeth i si celich. (Long years have passed... You did not
have the cares you carry now.)

Arwen: Renech i beth i pennen? (Do you remember what I told you?)

Aragorn: (running his fingers across the Evenstar pendant) You said you'd
bind yourself to me -- Forsaking the immortal life of your people.

Arwen: And to that I hold. I would rather share one lifetime with you than
face all the ages of this world alone. <Arwen gives Aragorn the Evenstar>

Arwen: I choose a mortal life.

Aragorn: You cannot give me this!

Arwen: It is mine to give to whom I will...like my heart. <They kiss>

<The following morning, at the Council of Elrond. Gandalf and Frodo along
with a congregation of Men, Elves and Dwarves sit in a semi-circle around
a stone pedestal>

Elrond: Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been
summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-Earth stands upon
the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall.
Each race is bound to this fate--this one doom. <gestures to the pedestal>
Bring forth the Ring, Frodo.

<Frodo rises and lays the Ring on the pedestal and returns to his seat.
People start whispering>

Boromir: So it is true...

Man of Laketown: The Doom of Men

Boromir: <shakes head> It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not
use this Ring? <paces> Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept
the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept
safe! Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!

Aragorn: You cannot wield it! None of us can. The One Ring answers to
Sauron alone. It has no other master.

Boromir: And what would a ranger know of this matter?

Legolas (jumping up): This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of
Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.

Boromir: Aragorn? This... is Isildur's heir?

Legolas: And heir to the throne of Gondor.

<Frodo looks wide-eyed at Aragorn>

Aragorn: Havo dad Legolas (Sit down Legolas)

Boromir: Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king. <returns to his seat>

Gandalf: Aragorn is right. We cannot use it.

Elrond: You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed.

Gimli: What are we waiting for?<Gimli grabs an axe and approaches the
pedestal>

Gimli: ARGH!!!!<Gimli strikes the Ring with full force but is repelled back,
throwing him to the ground. Concurrently, Frodo sees the Eye of Sauron in
his mind and winces in pain. The Ring remains intact with the shards of the
axe all around it>

Ring (whispers): (indecipherable)

Elrond: The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin by any craft that
we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only
there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back
into the fiery chasm from whence it came.

Ring (whispers): Ash Nazg

Elrond: One of you must do this.

<Dead silence from the council>

Boromir: One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are
guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. And
the great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland. Riddled with fire
and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with
ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly!

Legolas (stands): Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring
must be destroyed!

Gimli (leaps to feet): And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!

Boromir (rises): And if we fail, what then?! What happens when Sauron
takes back what is his?!

Gimli: I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf!

<Commotion starts as arguments erupt amongst the council members>

Gimli: Never trust an elf!

Gandalf: Do you not understand that while we bicker amongst ourselves,
Sauron's power grows?! None can escape it!

<Frodo remains seated, watching the Ring uneasily, the angry figures of the
council reflected on its surface. Suddenly, flames flare up, engulfing the
surface of the Ring>

Ring: Ash Nazg Durbatuluk! Ash Nazg Gimbatul! Ash Nazg Gimbatul!
Ash Nazg Gimbatul!

<The intensity of the arguments increase. Slowly, determination dawns on
Frodo’s face. He stands and takes a few steps toward the arguing council,
trying to make his voice heard above the din>

Frodo: I will take it! I will take it!

<The argument dies down. Gandalf closes is eyes as he hears Frodo’s
statement. The members of the council slowly turn towards Frodo,
astonished>

Frodo: I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though-- I do not know the way.

Gandalf: <walks towards Frodo> I will help you bear this burden, Frodo
Baggins, so long as it is yours to bear. <places his hands reassuringly on
Frodo’s shoulders>

Aragorn (rises): If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will.
<approaches Frodo and keels before him> You have my sword.

Legolas: And you have my bow. <walks to join them>

Gimli: And my axe! <looks grimly at Legolas as he joins the group>

Boromir: <walks over to them> You carry the fates of us all little one. If
this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done.

Sam: Heh! <jumps from behind the bushes and joins them> Mr. Frodo is
not goin’ anywhere without me!

Elrond: <amused> No indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you even
when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not.

Pippi and Merry: <emerge from behind the pillars to join them> Wait! We
are coming too!

Merry: You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!

Pippin: Anyway you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission,
quest... thing.

Merry: Well that rules you out Pip.

Elrond: Nine companions... So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the
Ring!

Pippin: Great! Where are we going?

CONTINUE ----->

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