BLACK SCREEN

SUPER: New Line Cinema Presents

SUPER: A Wingnut Films Production

BLACK CONTINUES...

ELVISH SINGING....A WOMAN'S VOICE IS whispering, tinged with

SADNESS and REGRET:

GALADRIEL (V.O.)

(Elvish: subtitled)

"I amar prestar sen: han mathon ne
nen, han mathon ne chae...a han noston
ned wilith."

(English:)

The world is changed: I feel it in
the water, I feel it in the earth, I
smell it in the air...Much that once
was is lost, for none now live who
remember it.

SUPER: THE LORD OF THE RINGS

EXT. PROLOGUE -- DAY

IMAGE: FLICKERING FIRELIGHT.  The NOLDORIN FORGE in EREGION.
MOLTEN GOLD POURS from the lip of an IRON LADLE.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)

It began with the forging of the
Great Rings.

IMAGE: THREE RINGS, each set with a single GEM, are received
by the HIGH ELVES-GALADRIEL, GIL-GALAD and CIRDAN.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
Three were given to the Elves,
immortal, wisest...fairest of all
beings.

IMAGE: SEVEN RINGS held aloft in triumph by the DWARF LORDS.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
Seven to the Dwarf Lords, great miners
and craftsmen of the mountain halls.

IMAGE: NINE RINGS clutched tightly by the KINGS OF MEN...as
if holding-close a precious secret.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
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.

2.
FADE TO BLACK

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
But they were all of them deceived.

FADE UP: An ancient PARCHMENT MAP of MIDDLE EARTH...moving
slowly across the MAP as if drawn by an unseen force the
CAMERA closes in on a PLACE NAME...MORDOR.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
...for another ring was made.

TEASING SHOTS: SAURON forging the ONE RING in the CHAMBERS
of SAMMATH NAUR.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
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.

IMAGE: The ONE RING reflecting FIERY LAVA!  FIRE WRITING
emerges on the plain BAND OF GOLD.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
...and into this Ring he poured his
cruelty, his malice and his will to
dominate all life.

IMAGE: THE ONE RING falls through SPACE and into flames...

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
One Ring to rule them all...

IMAGE: A GREAT SHADOW falls across the MAP...closing in around
the realm of GONDOR...

IMAGE: SCREAMING VILLAGERS, MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN, RUN
from their homes, pursued by ARMIES OF HIDEOUS ORCS.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
One by one the Free lands of Middle
earth fell to the power of the ring.

FADE TO BLACK

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
But there were some...who resisted.

FADE UP: ISILDUR, son of the KING OF GONDOR, leads an ARMY
ACROSS the PLAINS OF DAGORLAD...

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
A last alliance of Men and Elves
marched against the armies of Mordor.
(MORE)

3.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
On the slopes of Mount Doom they
fought for the freedom of Middle-
Earth.

TEASING SHOTS: THE BATTLE OF DAGORLAD...THE ELF LORD, ELROND,
commands rank after rank of ELVEN ARCHERS...ORCS RETREATING
before the ARMY of the LAST ALLIANCE...ELENDIL holds aloft
the great sword....NARSIL!

GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Victory was near!

IMAGES: THE HUGE, DARK FIGURE OF SARURON, bearing the ONE
RING on his finger, looms over the field of battle...

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
But the power of the Ring could not
be undone.

IMAGE: SAURON lays waste to the armies of the LAST ALLIANCE.
With desperate courage, ELENDIL leads a charge...THE BLACK
MACE OF SAURON LASHES OUT!!

IMAGE: ELENDIL'S body falls like a crumpled rag doll...

IMAGE: ISILDUR cradles the body of his father in his arms.
The SHADOW OF SAURON falls over him...

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
It was in this moment..when all hope
had faded, that Isildur, son of the
king, took up his father's sword.

ISILDUR snatches up the BROKEN BLADE OF NARSIL..The BLADE
severs SAURON'S FINGERS... AND THE ONE RING FLIES from his
body.

GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Sauron, the enemy of the Free Peoples
of Middle Earth, was defeated.

SAURON'S ARMOR clatters to the ground.  His body
GONE....VAPORIZED!

CLOSE ON: ISILDUR picks up the SEVERED FINGER and removes
the ONE RING...transfixed!

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
The Ring passed to Isildur...who had
this one chance to destroy evil
forever.

IMAGE: GLADDEN FIELD...ISILDUR leads a small column of men
through DARKENING WOODS...the ONE RING glinting on a CHAIN
around his neck.

4.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
But the hearts of Men are easily
corrupted.  And the Ring of Power
has a will of its own.

SUDDENLY!  ARROWS FLY!  They are ambushed by ORCS...ISILDUR
SCREAMS!

FADE TO BLACK

FADE UP: ISILDUR MATERIALIZES UNDER WATER...as THE RING slips
slowly from his finger.  Ripples of LIGHT play across
ISILDUR'S PALE FACE...he is DEAD.

GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
It betrayed Isildur to his death.

IMAGE: THE RING falls through the MURKY WATERS of the RIVER
ANDUIN.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
And some things that should not have
been forgotten...were lost.

FADE TO BLACK

GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
History became legend...legend became
myth.

FADE UP: The waters of the ANDUIN RIVER lie dark and
undisturbed.

GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
And for two and a half thousand years
the Ring passed out of all knowledge.

IMAGE: SILT SWIRLS...A THIN WHITE HAND reaches down...grasping
the RING...

GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Until, when chance came, it ensnared
a new bearer!

IMAGE: THE THIN WHITE HAND opens to reveal one ring.

GOLLUM (V.O.)
My Precious...

IMAGE: MIST SHROUDED MOUNTAINS...

GALADRIEL (V.O.)

The Ring came to the creature Gollum,
who took it deep into the tunnels of
the Misty Mountains.

5.

 

IMAGE: THE GLOOM of a MOUNTAIN CAVERN..a MURKY POOL of
WATER...in the DARKNESS the SHADOWY OUTLINE of an EMACIATED
FIGURE.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
And there, it consumed him.

A RASPY VOICE mutters in the half light...

GOLLUM
It came to me.  My own.  My love...

(ecstatic whisper)
My preciousness.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)

The Ring brought to Gollum unnatural
long life.  For five hundred years
it poisoned his mind.  And in the
gloom of Gollum's cave...

FADE TO BLACK

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
It waited.

FADE UP: Bathed in COLD MOONLIGHT, the WORLD lies DARK and
STILL...the unsettled quiet before the storm...

GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)

Darkness crept back into the forests

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.

SLOW MOTION:  unseen by its KEEPER..THE RING falls to the
MUDDY FLOOR of a MOUNTAIN TUNNEL...

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
But something happened then the Ring
did not intend...

FADE TO BLACK

IMAGE: FUMBLING in the dark, a SMALL HAND closes over the
RING.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
It was picked up by the most unlikely
creature imaginable...

BILBO

(to himself)
What's this?

6.

A YOUNGISH LOOKING BILBO BAGGINS peers down at what lies in
his hand...PERPLEXED by what he has found.

GALADRIEL (V.O.)

A Hobbit....Bilbo Baggins of the
Shire.

BILBO

(surprised)
A Ring.

SUDDENLY!  A VOICE SCREAMS...ITS ANGUISH RINGING through the
COLD, DANK TUNNELS...

GOLLUM (V.O.)
Lost!  Lost!  My Precious is lost!!

Frightened Bilbo quickly POCKETS the ONE RING and hurries
on.

DISSOLVE TO:

WIDE ON: THE CAMERA SOARS AWAY FROM THE MOUNTAINS.  MOVING
FASTER AND FASTER...THEIR DARK GREEN FORESTS AND JAGGED
WHITE PEAKS RECEDING INTO THE SHROUD OF MIST

GALADRIEL (V.O.)

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

FADE TO BLACK

FADE IN:

EXT. HOBBITON WOODS -- DAY

ANGLE ON: TWO HOBBIT FEET

resting on a small rock...rising out of the LONG, OVERGROWN
GRASSES

SUPER: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
SUPER: THE SHIRE....60 YEARS LATER

 

CAMERA TRACKS TO: a Figure lies beneath the dappled sunlight
of an old tree.  White flowers are scattered among the Well
seeded grasses.  An idyllic setting at the end of a long hot
summer... the figure is reading a book.

ON THE SOUNDTRACK: In the distance, growing louder..over the
Gentle clip clop of an approaching cart and horse can be
heard the HUMMING OF A DEEP VOICE to the tune of "The Road
Goes Ever On and On..."

7.

SUDDENLY!  The figure in the grass sits up...looking straight
at camera is a handsome young HOBBIT, with dark curly hair
and deep blue eyes.  This is FRODO BAGGINS...his EYES alight
with EXCITEMENT!

Tossing away the long stem of grass in his mouth, Frodo runs
off.

CUT TO:
EXT. SHIRE LANE -- DAY

The cart rattles along a leafy lane, driven by a stooped
figure in Grey.

INTERCUT WITH; SHOTS OF FRODO RUNNING... CAREERING DOWN A
HILL. . .JUMPING OVER LOGS... DODGING TREE BRANCHES.

ANGLE ON:

The shambling OLD PONY snorts and rears as...

SUDDENLY FRODO appears on a bank above the cart.

FRODO
You're late.

CLOSE ON: GANDALF glowers at the young Hobbit...

GANDALF

A Wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins,
nor is he early. He arrives precisely
when he means to.

They look at each other a moment..then both start laughing
as FRODO'S face breaks into a smile and he leaps on to the
front seat of the cart.

FRODO
It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf!

Next to Gandalf, we see how small Hobbits are...Frodo is 3
foot 6 inches tall.

GANDALF

You didn't think I'd miss your Uncle
Bilbo's birthday?

CUT TO:
EXT. HOBBITON FIELDS -- DAY

Wide on: The cart rattles past a FIELD LUPIN being tended by
HOBBITS.

8.

FRODO

What news of the outside world?
Tell me everything!

ANGLE ON:

Gandalf looks down at Frodo, a twinkle in his eye.

GANDALF

What, everything?  Far too eager and
curious for a Hobbit.  Most
unnatural...

Wide on: The cart rattles over a Stone bridge towards a Busy
Hobbit Marketplace.

GANDALF (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
Well, what can I tell you?  Life in
the wide world goes on much as if it
has past age.  Full of its own comings
and goings, scarcely even aware of
the existence of Hobbits...

Close on: Gandalf as he surveys the peaceful scene before
him.

GANDALF (CONT'D)
...for which I am very thankful.

ANGLE ON:

Hobbits look up exclaiming in wonder and excitement as the
cart bearing Gandalf and Frodo rolls past the Green Dragon
Inn...towards...

Wide on: The party field.  Where scOrcs of Hobbits are busy
preparing for the big night.

GANDALF (CONT'D)

Ah, the long expected party.  So,
how is the old rascal?  I hear it's
going to be a Party of Special
Magnificence.

FRODO

You know Bilbo...he's got he whole
place in an uproar.

GANDALF
Oh, well...that should please him.

FRODO
Half the Shire's been invited...

GANDALF
Good gracious, me.

9.

FRODO
He's up to something.

GANDALF
Oh, really?

Frodo shoots a knowing look, as Gandalf averts his eyes.

FRODO

Alright then..keep your secrets.
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 the door.

FRODO

Whatever you did...you've been
officially labelled as a Disturber
of the Peace.

GANDALF
Oh, really?

ANGLE ON:

ODO PROUDFOOT looks up as the Cart passes by, deeply
suspicious.

CUT TO:

EXT. HOBBITON -- DAY
CRANE UP:

As the cart rattles into the small village of Hobbiton...a
quaint rustic settlement, nestled amongst rolling green hills
and large trees.  The Hobbits live in Hobbit Holes: neat
burrows dug into the grassy hillside, with round doors and
cute front gardens.

ANGLE ON:

Excited children, chasing after the cart.

CLOSE ON:

10.
Gandalf ignOrcs the children's cries.

The children stand deflated, watching Gandalf disappear up
the lane.

At that moment: spinning balls of bright color suddenly leap
out of the cart, fizzing over the heads of the delighted
children.

ANGLE ON:

Gandalf smiling to himself, well pleased with his joke.

ODO PROUDFOOT is unable to suppress a chuckle.

Frodo stands up in the cart as Gandalf reigns in the horse.

FRODO
Gandalf... I'm glad you're back.

Frodo leaps expertly from the cart.
Gandalf smiles.

GANDALF
So am I, dear boy...so am I

CUT TO:
EXT. BAG END -- DAY

Wide on: GANDALF'S CART pulls up outside the gate to BAG
END...a particularly fine example of a Hobbit hole, with a
large round front door set into a grassy hillside.  There is
a sign on the gate which reads: "NO ADMITTANCE EXCEPT ON
PARTY BUSINESS."

Gandalf strides up to the garden path of Bag End.  He raises
his staff and raps on the front door...a voice calls out:

BILBO (O.S.)

No, thank you! We don't want any
more visitors, well wishers, or
distant relations.

GANDALF
And what about very old friends?

Suddenly the door opens and BILBO BAGGINS stands before him.
He is a HOBBIT OF INDERTIMINATE AGE, with a mischievous
Twinkle in his eye.  Wearing a dashing brocade waist coat,
he looks every inch the eccentric gentleman.

BILBO
Gandalf?

11.

GANDALF
Bilbo Baggins!

BILBO
My dear Gandalf!

Gandalf drops to his knee to embrace his old friend.

GANDALF

It's good to see you.  One hundred
and eleven years old, who would
believe it!

Gandalf looks at him more keenly.

GANDALF (CONT'D)
You haven't aged a day!

Gandalf and Bilbo laugh together and enter Bag End.

BILBO
Come on, come in!  Welcome, welcome!!

CUT TO:
INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM -- DAY

Bilbo leads Gandalf into Bag End...cozy and cluttered with
souvenirs of Bilbo's travels.  Gandalf has to stoop to avoid
hitting his head on the low ceiling.

Bilbo hangs up Gandalf's hat on a peg and trots off down the
hall.

BILBO
(Calling)

Tea? Or maybe something
stronger... I've a few bottles of the
Old Winyard left, 1296...a very good
year, almost as old as I am. It was
laid down by my father. What say we
open one, eh?

Bilbo disappears into the kitchen as Gandalf looks
around..enjoying the familiarity of Bag End...he turns,
knocking his head on the light and then walking into the
wooden beam.  He groans.

BILBO (O.S.)  (CONT'D)
I was expecting you some time last
week.  Not that it matters, you come
and go as you please, always have
done, always will.  You've caught me
a bit unprepared, I'm afraid...we've
only got cold chicken, bit of pickle,
some cheese here...ooh, no, that
might be a little risky...

12.

Gandalf stops in front of a framed map, charred in one
corner...it is Thorin's map of the Lonely Mountain, Gandalf
smiles to himself.

BILBO (CONT'D)

Er, we've got raspberry jam and apple
tart...got some custard somewhere.
Not much for Afters, I'm afraid.  Oh
no...we're alright...I've just found
some sponge cake.  Nice little snack.
Hope it's enough.

(comes into view)
I could do you some eggs if you like?

Bilbo jumps, a half eaten pork pie in his hand, as Gandalf
mysteriously appears behind him.

GANDALF
Just tea, thank you.

BILBO
Oh..right.  You don't mind if...?

GANDALF
No, not at all.  Go ahead.

A sudden loud knock on the front door.

MRS. SACKVILLE BAGGINS (O.S.)
Bilbo Baggins, you open this door..I
know you're in there.

BILBO
I'm not home.

Gandalf watches, amused as Bilbo tries to hide.

BILBO (CONT'D)

I've got to get away from these
confounded relatives, hanging on the
bell all day, never giving 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 inhand.  All the
arrangements are made.

GANDALF
Frodo suspects something.

13.

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.  I think, in his
heart, Frodo's still in love with
the Shire, the woods and the
fields... little rivers.

Bilbo stands gazing out of the kitchen window.

BILBO (CONT'D)
I am old, Gandalf...

Bilbo looks at Gandalf sadly...

BILBO (CONT'D)

I know I don't look it, but I'm
beginning to feel it in my heart.

CLOSE ON:

Bilbo's fingers close around his waistcoat pocket...gripping
a small, unseen object.

BILBO (CONT'D)

I feel thin...sort of stretched,
like butter scraped over 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.

CUT TO:
INT. BAG END -- EVENING

Gandalf and Bilbo are sitting on the Bag End porch.  Below
them, final preparations are being made on the Party field.
Bilbo strikes a match and lights his pipe.

BILBO

Old Toby, the finest weed in
Southfarthing!

14.

Bilbo blows a perfect smoke ring and watches it rise into
the air.  A tiny sailing ship with masts and sails glides
through the Center of Bilbo's smoke ring.

BILBO (CONT'D)
Ohhhh,

(smiles)

Gandalf my old friend...this will be
a night to remember!

CUT TO:
EXT. PARTY FIELD, HOBBITON -- NIGHT

BOOM!  A FIREWORK explodes into the night sky high above
Hobbiton...in the shape of a great green tree with unfolding
branches.

TILT DOWN: with glowing flowers as they rain down from the
branches...evaporating just above the up turned faces of the

delighted party-goers--------- 144 Hobbits, feasting and drinking

Carts of beer and wine are scattered about, and the tables
are piled high with steaming scones and savories.

Gandalf hurries about, lighting fireworks with a blue spark
that dances magically from his staff...

Bilbo is greeting visitors.

Frodo and SAM sit at a table drinking ale...Frodo notices
Sam's eyes keep flicking to another pretty Hobbit, Rosie
Cotton, sitting some distance away.

FRODO
Go on, Sam, ask Rosie for a dance.

SAM

(horrified)

I think I'll just have myself another
ale.

FRODO
Oh, no you don't. Go on.

Sam goes to drain his glass... suddenly it is snatched out of
his hands as Frodo thrusts him into the middle of a passing
throng of dancers.

ANGLE ON: SAM'S HORRIFIED FACE

as he is Swept away.  Frodo laughs and finishes Sam's beer.

ANGLE ON:

Gandalf as he sets alight a particularly spectacular firework
that draws gasps of admiration from the party guests.

15.

Close on: Bilbo is relating stories of his adventure to a
group of young hobbit children.

BILBO

(melodramatic)

So, there I was...at the mercy of
three monstrous trolls...Have you
ever heard of a troll?  Do you know
what a Troll is?  Great big nasty
twenty foot high smelly things..and
they're arguing...arguing about how
they were going to cook us!

ANGLE ON: A LITTLE HOBBIT GIRL'S

upturned face...her eyes growing larger and larger.

BILBO (CONT'D)

Whether it be turned on a spit or
minced in a pie or whether they were
going to sit on us one by one and
squash us into jelly!  But they spent
so long arguing the whether-to's
and why-for's that the sun's first
light crept over the top of the
trees...and turned them all to stone!

STUNNED GASPS from his young Audience greet his astonishing
feat!

Close on: MERRY AND PIPPIN, two mischievous Young Hobbits in
their late teens.  Pippin scrambles on to the back of
Gandalf's wagon, snatching up a small firework

MERRY

(urgent whisper)
No, no..the big one...the big one!

Pippin grabs a huge rocket.

CLOSE ON: FIREWORK FUSE crackles with flame!

Merry is holding out the big rocket...he looks aghast at the
fizzing fuse that Pippin has just lit.

MERRY (CONT'D)

(worried whisper)

You're supposed to stick it in the
ground!

PIPPIN
It is in the ground.

Merry fearfully tosses the Rocket to Pippin!  The fuse sizzles
angrily.

16.
MERRY

Outside!

PIPPIN
It was your idea.

Pippin attempts to throw the fizzing rocket back to Merry.

WHOOSH!  The two hobbits are suddenly blown off their feet
in a shower of sparks as the rocket blasts off with
frightening power.

The ROCKET ZOOMS over the Party..It suddenly bursts apart,
forming the shape of a great red golden Dragon!  Fire gushes
from its nostrils as it turns back and Flies low towards
the startled crowd.

Close on: Frodo watches the Fireworks Dragon with alarm...but
Bilbo is oblivious to the Panicking crowd and impending
danger!

FRODO
Bilbo!  Watch out for the dragon!!

BILBO

Dragon?  Nonsense...hasn¹t been a
dragon in these parts for a thousand
years!

ANGLE ON: FRODO

As he hurriedly pulls Bilbo to the ground, just as the dragon
roars a few feet above their heads like a flaming express
train!

Hobbits dive to the ground, tables overturn, tents collapse,
food flies everywhere.

The fireworks dragon turns a somersault and explodes over
the hills with a deafening bang!  This gets the biggest Cheer
of the night.

ANGLE ON: MERRY AND PIPPIN,
clothes and hair smoking.

MERRY
That was good!

PIPPIN
Let's get another one!

LARGE HANDS suddenly clamp down on Merry and Pippin's ears.
Low angle: Gandalf looking DOWN STERNLY!

17.

GANDALF

Meridoc Brandybuck and Peregrin
Took...I might have known!

CUT TO:
MERRY AND PIPPIN

Are leaning over a barrel, washing dishes in soapy
water...with Gandalf sitting nearby, smoking his pipe and
sipping an ale.

Cries of "SPEECH!  SPEECH" erupt from the party.
ANGLE ON:

Bilbo stepping on a stool...he bows in gratitude at the
applause.

FRODO
Speech!

BILBO

(clearing throat)

My dear Bagginses, and Boffins, tooks
and Brandybucks...Grubbs, Chubbs,
Hornblowers, Bolgers, Bracegirdles
and Proudfoots...

ANGLE ON: A HOBBIT WITH PARTICULARLY BIG FEET

ODO PROUDFOOT
Proudfeet!

BILBO

Today is my one hundred and eleventh
birthday.  Yes, and alas...Eleventy-
one years is far too short a time to
live among such excellent and
admirable Hobbits!

Tremendous outburst of approval!

BILBO (CONT'D)

I don't know half of you half as
well as I should like; and I like
less than half of you as well as
well as you deserve.

SCATTERED CLAPPING as the guests try to work out if that was
a compliment or not.

CLOSE ON: FRODO AND GANDALF smiling to themselves.

CLOSE ON: Bilbo...a strange hum seems to fill his head.  A
bead of sweat rolls down his brow.

18.

Bilbo's hand pulls something out of his waistcoat pocket and
holds it behind his back.

BILBO (CONT'D)

I have..things to do and I have put
this off for far too long...

CLOSE ON: BILBO'S knuckles turn white as he tightens his
grip on the small object behind his back.

BILBO (CONT'D)

I regret to announce, this is the
end.  I am going now.  I bid you all
a very fond farewell!!

Bilbo looks across at Frodo, hesitates... then...

BILBO (CONT'D)
(whisper)
Goodbye.

Bilbo instantly vanishes.  The party explodes into an
uproar... the crowd leaps to its feet.

ANGLE ON: FRODO

staring at the empty stool in disbelief.

CUT TO:
EXT. BAG END -- NIGHT

The party is still in an excited uproar... some 50 yards away
as we pan across a moonlit lane to the front door of Bag
End.

Door opens, pulled by an invisible hand.
INT. BAG END -- NIGHT

The door quietly closes...Bilbo materializes as he pulls a
plain gold ring off his finger. Bilbo laughs as he tosses
the ring in the air, then places it in his pocket.

ANGLE ON:

Bilbo emerges from the passage, carrying a walking stick.
He finds Gandalf looming over him.

GANDALF

I suppose you think that was terribly
clever?

BILBO

Come on, Gandalf!  Did you see their
faces?

19.

GANDALF

There are many magic rings in the
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.

GANDALF

You will keep an eye on Frodo, won't
you?

BILBO
I'm leaving everything to him.

GANDALF

What about this ring of yours?  Is
that staying too?

Close on: Bilbo...he gives Gandalf a look and nods toward
the mantelpiece.

BILBO

Yes, yes, it's in an envelope...over
there on the mantelpiece.

Gandalf frowns at the empty mantelpiece...Bilbo suddenly
feels his waistcoat with a look of guilty surprise.

BILBO (CONT'D)

No, wait.  It's here in my pocket.
Isn't that...isn't' that odd now?
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.  It's mine.  I found it.  It
came to me!

ANGLE ON: GANDALF LOOKS DOWN AT BILBO WITH RISING CONCERN.

GANDALF
There's no need to get angry.

BILBO

Well, if I'm angry, it's your fault!
It's mine.  My own, my precious.

20.

GANDALF

Precious?  It's been called that
before, but not by you.

BILBO

So?  What business is it of yours
what I do with my own things?

Bilbo's voice, shape and manner have suddenly changed.

GANDALF

I think you've had that ring quite
long enough.

BILBO
You want it for yourself!

Gandalf rises to his full height, his eyes flash, his shadow
suddenly seems to fill the room

GANDALF

Bilbo Baggins do not take me for
some conjurer of cheap tricks!

Bilbo cowers from Gandalf, disarmed by his power...a
frightened Hobbit. Gandalf's expression softens.

GANDALF (CONT'D)

I am not trying to rob you.  I am
trying to help you.

Sobbing, Bilbo runs to Gandalf and hugs him.

GANDALF (CONT'D)
All you long years we've been
friends...trust me as you once did.
Let it go!

BILBO

You're right, Gandalf...the ring
must go to Frodo.

Bilbo lifts his knapsack and heads for the front door.

BILBO (CONT'D)

It's late, the road is long... yes,
it is time.

GANDALF
Bilbo?

BILBO
Hmmm?

GANDALF
The ring is still in your pocket.

21.
Bilbo hesitates...reaches into his pocket.

BILBO
Oh, yes.

CLOSE ON: Bilbo pulls out the ring...he stares at it in his
palm.  With all his will power, Bilbo allows the ring to
slowly slide off his palm and drop to the floor.

CLOSE ON: The tiny ring lands with a heavy thud on the wooden
floor.

EXT. BAG END -- NIGHT
ANGLE ON:

Bilbo staggering out of Bag end...he braces himself in the
night air, Pale and Trembling, as if his loss of the ring
has weakened him. Gandalf steps up behind.

BILBO

I've thought up and ending for my
book..."And he lived happily ever
after to the end of his days."

GANDALF
I'm sure you will, my dear friend.

BILBO
Goodbye, Gandalf.

GANDALF
Goodbye Bilbo.

Bilbo walks away from Bag End, disappearing into the night,
softly singing: "The Road goes on and on."

GANDALF (CONT'D)

(softly)

Until our next meeting.

CUT TO:
INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT

CLOSE ON: THE RING...Glinting on the floor...Gandalf circles
around it, a Puzzled look on his face. Gandalf slowly reaches
for the ring.

His fingers barely touch the ring...the creepy Hum rises on
the soundtrack.

Gandalf is sitting in front of the fire, with his
pipe...staring into the flickering flames.

BILBO (V.O.)
It's mine, my own, my precious.

22.

GANDALF

(to himself)
Riddles in the dark.

FRODO (O.S.)
Bilbo! Bilbo!

Frodo rushes into Bag End...he stops and picks up the ring
at his feet.

Gandalf continues staring into the fire, as if locked in
thought.

GANDALF

(to himself)
My precious...precious..

FRODO
(quietly)
He's gone, hasn't he?

Frodo steps into the living room.

FRODO (CONT'D)
He talked for so long about
leaving...I didn't think he'd really
do it.

GANDALF

(mutters to himself)
...my own.

FRODO
Gandalf?

Gandalf turns...his eyes locking onto the ring in Frodo's
fingers.

GANDALF
Bilbo's ring.

Gandalf sorts hurriedly through Bilbo's papers...

GANDALF (CONT'D)

He's gone to stay with the Elves.
He's left you Bag End...

Gandalf holds out the envelope...Frodo drops the ring into
it.

GANDALF (CONT'D)
...along with all his possessions.

Gandolf seals the envelope with wax.  He hands it to Frodo.

23.

GANDALF (CONT'D)
The ring is yours now.  But it
somewhere out of sight.

Gandalf rises hurriedly and starts to gather his things.

FRODO
Where are you going?

GANDALF
I have some things I must see to.

FRODO
What things?

GANDALF

Questions.  Questions that need
answering.

FRODO

You've only just arrived!  I don't
understand...

Gandalf is already at the door, he turns to Frodo.

GANDALF

Neither do I.  Keep it secret, keep
it safe.

Gandalf hurries out the door...leaving FRODO standing alone
in the Bag End.

ANGLE ON: THE ENVELOPE

The camera pushes in...the hum of the ring comes up on the
soundtrack.

The camera pushes through the white paper to the

ring...beneath the hum the whispered murmur of BLACK SPEECH

can be heard.

CUT TO:

EXT. BARAD-DUR -- NIGHT
The jagged ruins of" BARAD-DUR.  THE DARK TOWER!

TEASING IMAGES: THE HUGE DARK TOWER OF BARAD-DUR is being
rebuilt!  Thousands of ORCS crawl over the surface, hauling
stone and iron up the towering heights.

WIDE ON: MOUNT DOOM...A HUGE, BILLOWING CLOUD OF BLACK FILTH
grows and spreads across the red streaked sky...casting a
shadowy pall over the nightmarish landscape.

24.

GOLLUM (O.S.)
Baggins!  Shire!!

CUT TO:
EXT. MINAS MORGUL -- NIGHT

NINE BLACK RIDERS burst out of Minas Morgul and charge toward
Camera.

EXT. THE WEST ROAD, GONDOR -- DAY

WIDE ON: A LONE HORSEMAN gallops to the crest of a hill on
the west road.  The main highway south to Minas Tirith...he
looks toward the saw toothed mountains of Mordor...

...seeping out across the blood red sky, his face grave.  He
spurs his horse on.

CUT TO:

INT. CITADEL, MINAS TIRITH -- NIGHT
ANGLE ON: GANDALF
making is way down into the lower depths of the Citidel.

CUT TO:
INT. CITADEL CHAMBER, MINAS TIRITH -- NIGHT

CLOSE ON: Pages flipping as Gandalf searches ancient scrolls
and books placed high on a wooden table.

His eyes settle on one old parchment.  He murmurs hurriedly
to himself, reading.

GANDALF
(reading)

The year 3434 of the Second Age...here
follows the account of Isildur, High
King of Gondor, and the finding of
the ring of power.

DISSOLVE TO:

CLOSE ON: ISILDUR, TRIUMPHANT, REACHES FOR THE ONE RING, HIS
EYES FIXATED ON IT.

GANDALF
(reading)

It has come to me...the ring of power!
It shall be an heirloom of my
Kingdom...all those who follow in my
bloodline shall be bound to its fate,
for I will risk no hurt to the
(MORE)

25.

GANDALF (CONT'D)

ring...it is precious to me, though
I buy it with great pain...

CLOSE ON: ELVISH LETTERING MARKS ON THE FADED OLD DOCUMENT
IN GANDALF'S HAND.

GANDALF (CONT'D)
(reading)

The marking 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...

CUT TO:

EXT. HOBBIT FARMHOUSE -- EVENING
FARMER MAGGOT is chopping wood in his garden

CLOSE ON: SNORTING HORSE NOSTRILS...as the shadow of a black
rider looms over a Hobbit House.

Terrified, FARMER MAGGOT cowers in his doorway...FANG, his
dog, Whimpers and backs away.

BLACK RIDER
(hissing)
Shire?  Baggins?

FARMER MAGGOT
(terrified)

There's no Bagginses around here!
They are all up in Hobbiton...that
way.

The BLACK RIDER GALLOPS AWAY AT SPEED

CUT TO:

INT. GREEN DRAGON INN -- NIGHT
ANGLE ON: ROSIE COTTON

bids the last of the Patron's "Goodnight"...Sam meets her
eyes for a moment as he and Frodo leave the inn.

EXT. BAG END -- NIGHT

WIDE ON: FRODO FAREWELLS SAM outside Bag End, and heads
towards the front door.

Creepy POV from inside Bag end: Frodo coming up the path.

CUT TO:

26.

INT. BAG END HALLWAY -- NIGHT
ANGLE ON:

FRODO enters Bag End...he immediately Pauses, sensing that
something is amiss.  All is quiet...Frodo peers uneasily
into the darkened living room.

SUDDENLY!  A large figure looms out of the shadows, reaching
for Frodo.  Frodo lets out a startled cry, pulls himself
free and spins around to face his Assailant.

Gandalf steps into a shaft of moonlight.  Paranoia blazes in
his eyes. His clothes are dirty and ragged from much
traveling. Hair and beard much longer an unkempt.

GANDALF

(urgent whisper)
Is it secret?  Is it safe?

CUT TO:
INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT

Frodo pulls the envelope out of an old chest. Gandalf,
suspicious, Alert. Without a word, Gandalf takes the envelope
and tosses it into the fireplace!

FRODO

(bewildered)
What are you doing?

Flames instantly consume the envelope...revealing the ring,
as it sinks into the red hot embers.

Gandalf reaches into the fire with a pair of tongs...he lifts
the ring out.

GANDALF

Hold out your hand, Frodo...it is
quite cool.

Gandalf drops the ring into Frodo's hand...he reacts to its
weight.

GANDALF (CONT'D)
What can you see?  Can you see
anything?

FRODO
Nothing...there's nothing.  Wait...

CLOSE ON: The Gold Band of the ring as fiery letters begin
to appear...a tiny inscription glows red...as if burning
from within.

27.

GANDALF
...these are markings.

CLOSE ON: GANDALF...STILL...TENSE

FRO DO

It's some form of Elvish...I can't
read it.

GANDALF
(ominous)

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

Mordor?

FRODO

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."

CUT TO:

INT. BAG END KITCHEN -- NIGHT

CLOSE ON: The ring lies on Frodo's simple kitchen table.

GANDALF

This is the one ring forged by the
dark lord, Sauron, in the fires of
Mt Doom...taken by Isildur from the
hand of Sauron himself.

CLOSE ON: FRODO...STUNNED

FRODO

(quiet realization)
Bilbo found it...in Gollom's cave.

GANDALF

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
has heard its master's call.

AT THAT MOMENT: A FLEETING, LOW WHISPER of BLACK SPEECH
emanates from the Ring.  Frodo looks at Gandalf, each knowing
the other has heard it.

FRODO

But he was destroyed...Sauron was
destroyed.

28

ANGLE ON: THE RING
lies between them on the table.

GANDALF

No, Frodo.  The spirit of Sauron has
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 in the second darkness.
He is seeking it, seeking it, all
his thought is bent on it.  For 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 out.

SUDDENLY Frodo scoops up the Ring.

FRODO
Alright!

CUT TO:

INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT
ANGLE ON: FRODO
hurriedly entering the living room.

FRODO

(thinking fast)

We put it away, we keep it hidden!
We never speak of it again.  No one
know it's here, do they?

Gandalf shifts uncomfortably.

FRODO (CONT'D)
Do they, Gandalf?

Gandalf looks at Frodo, sadly...

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.

CUT TO:

30.

FRODO
I'm giving it to you!

GANDALF

Don't tempt me, Frodo.  I dare not
take it, not even to keep it safe.

CLOSE ON: THE RING IN FRODO'S HAND...

GANDALF (CONT'D)

Understand, Frodo...I would use this
Ring from a desire to do good...but
through me, it would wield a power
too great and terrible to imagine.

FRODO
But it cannot stay in the Shire!

GANDALF
No, no it can't.

CLOSE ON: THE RING IN FRODO'S CLENCHED HAND.

FRODO
What must I do?

CUT TO:

INT. FRODO'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT
ANGLE ON: FRODO

throwing clothes into a knapsack...Gandalf watches him, making
plans...

GANDALF

You must leave, and leave quickly.
Get out of the Shire.

FRODO
Where?  Where shall I go?

GANDALF
Make for the village of Bree.

FRODO
Bree?  What about you?

GANDALF

I will, be waiting for you at the Inn
of the Prancing Pony.

Frodo packs his food into his knapsack.

FRODO
And the ring will be safe there?

31.

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 go.

CUT TO:

INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT
Frodo is preparing to leave.

GANDALF

You'll have to leave the name of
Baggins behind you...for that name
is not safe outside the Shire.

GANDALF helps FRODO into his coat.

GANDALF (CONT'D)

Travel only by day and stay off the
road.

FRODO
(thinking)

I can cut across country easily
enough.

Gandalf looks at the young Hobbit, moved by his courage.

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.

SUDDENLY!  A SOUND from outside.

GANDALF (CONT'D)
Get down!

GANDALF FREEZES...  he moves quietly towards the window,

eyes wide with tension.  He raises his staff above the window,

and slams it down on the intruder.

THERE IS A YELP OF PAIN! Gandalf hauls a small figure into
the room...SAM GAMGEE sprawls across the floor! He looks
up in terror as Gandalf looms over him.

GANDALF (CONT'D)
(angry)

Confound it all!  Samwise Gamgee,
have you been eavesdropping?

32.

SAM

I ain't been dropping no eaves, sir!
Honest.  I was just cutting the grass
under the window there, if you follow
me...

GANDALF

It's a little late for trimming the
hedges, don't you think?

SAM
I heard raised voices...

GANDALF
What did you hear?  Speak!

SAM

(panicked)

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, Mr.
Gandalf, sir, don't hurt me!  Don't
turn me into anything unnatural!

GANDALF
No?

FRODO SMILES

GANDALF (CONT'D)

Perhaps not.  I've thought of a better
use for you.

CUT TO:

EXT. HOBBITON FIELDS -- PRE DAWN
Wide on: HOBBITON...shrouded in a white veil of MIST.

WIDER: To reveal Gandalf, Frodo and Sam hurrying across a
ploughed field, away from Hobbiton!  Gandalf leads his
Horse...Frodo and Sam are carrying knapsacks.

GANDALF (V.O.)
Come along, Samwise...keep up...

CUT TO:

EXT. HOBBITON WOODS -- DAY
Gandalf leads Frodo and Sam under the cover of Woods.

GANDALF (V.O.)

Be careful, both of you. The Enemy
has many spies in his service, many
ways of hearing...birds, beasts...

33.
Gandalf takes Frodo to one side...

GANDALF (CONT'D)
(low voice)
Is it safe?

FRODO NODS...he pats his pocket.

GANDALF (CONT'D)

Never put it on, for then 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 wheels his horse and gallops away.

CUT TO:
EXT. GREEN HILL COUNTRY -- DAY

MONTAGE: FRODO AND SAM hiking over the gentle Shire
Countryside...wading through a shallow stream...heating a
kettle over a small fire...clambering over stone walls.

CUT TO:
EXT. GREEN HILL COUNTRY -- AFTERNOON

Sam stops short...taking stock of his surroundings.  Sam
looks back from where they came.

SAM
This is it.

FRODO
This is what?

SAM

If I take one more step it'll be the
farthest away from home I've ever
been.

FRODO gives Sam a pat on the shoulder.

FRODO
Come on, Sam.

Sam takes a deep breath and steps forward.

CLOSE ON: SAM'S brown, furry foot hits the ground.

FRODO IS SMILING.

FRODO (CONT'D)

Remember what Bilbo used to say...it's
a dangerous business...

34.
Frodo and Sam continue their journey.

BILBO (V.O.)

... it's a dangerous business, Frodo,
going out your door...you step onto
the road, and if you don't keep your
feet, there's not knowing where you
might be swept off to.

CUT TO:
EXT. ISENGARD VALLEY -- DAY

Gandalf is galloping along the outskirts of the ancient forest
of Fangorn.

Nestled in a basin at the foot of the distant Misty Mountains,
the tall black tower of Orthanc is clearly visible

EXT. ISENGARD VALLEY -- DAY

Gandalf gallops through the gate, into the fortress of
ISENGARD...a great ring-wall of stone, a mile from rim to
rim, encloses beautiful trees and gardens, watered by streams
that flow down from the mountains.

SARUMAN (V.O.)

Smoke rises once more from the
mountain of doom...the shadow takes
shape in the darkness of Mordor; the
hour grows late...and Gandalf
the Grey rides to Isengard seeking
my counsel...

The strange tower of Orthanc...hewn from a solid pillar of
black obsidian...rises up in the center of the Isengard Circle.
Gandalf arrives at the foot of the Orthanc Stairs.

ANGLE ON: SARUMAN, THE WHITE WIZARD
he sweeps down the Orthanc stairs.

SARUMAN (CONT'D)

For that is why you have come, is it
not, my old friend?

Gandalf moves quickly towards him, grimy and weary from his
long ride.

GANDALF
Saruman!

CUT TO:

35.

EXT. ISENGARD GARDENS -- DAY

Gandalf and Saruman walk slowly between the beautiful trees
of Isengard, Saruman's clean, white robe contrasts with
Gandalf's dusty grey robes.

SARUMAN
Are you sure of this?

GANDALF
Beyond any doubt.

SARUMAN
So the ring of power has been found?

GANDALF

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

SARUMAN

And yet you did not have the wit to
see it!  Your love of the Halfling's
leaf has clearly slowed your mind.

GANDALF

We still have time...time enough to
counter Sauron...if we act quickly.

SARUMAN

Time?  What time do you think we
have?

CUT TO:
INT. ORTHANC ANTE-CHAMBER -- DAY

Saruman and Gandalf are seated in a small, cluttered room to
the side of the cavernous central chamber.

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
(softly)
The eye of Sauron.

SARUMAN

He is gathering all evil to him.
(MORE)

36.

SARUMAN (CONT'D)

Very soon he will have summoned an
army great enough to launch an assault
upon Middle earth.

GANDALF
You know this?  How?

SARUMAN
I have seen it.

Gandalf and Saruman stride through Orthanc toward a stone
plinth on which a sphere like shape is draped with a cloth...

GANDALF

A palantir is a dangerous tool,
Saruman.

Saruman lifts the cloth to reveal the Palantir.

SARUMAN
Why?  Why should we fear to use it?

GANDALF

They are not all accounted for, the
lost seeing-stones...we do not know
who else may be watching.

Gandalf throws the cloth back over the Palantir.
FLASH IMAGE: A FIERY EYE!
Saruman sits upon his throne.

SARUMAN

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

GANDALF
(shocked)
The nine!

SARUMAN

They crossed the river Isen in
Midsummer's eve, disguised as riders
in black.

GANDALF
(alarmed)
They have reached the Shire?

Saruman shrugs...

37.

SARUMAN

They will find the ring...and kill
the one who carries it.

Gandalf backs away and turns to run to the door...horrified
as the doors suddenly slam shut.

SARUMAN (CONT'D)

You did not seriously think a Hobbit
could contend with the will of Sauron?
There are none who can.

Gandalf slowly turns to Saruman...a look of dawning horror.

SARUMAN (CONT'D)

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
(deadly)

Tell me, friend, when did Saruman
the wise abandon reason for madness?

At that moment: Gandalf is suddenly blasted across the room!
He slams against the wall...pinned there by some unseen force.

With sudden effort, Gandalf wrenches himself off the wall
and swings his staff on Saruman...blasting him off his feet!

Gandalf and Saruman battle, powerful blasts throwing them
across the room.

SARUMAN SCREAMS, EYES BLAZING!  Gandalf's staff is suddenly
wrenched from his grasp...it flies across the chamber into
Saruman's hand!  Gandalf is flung to the floor.

SARUMAN

I gave you the chance of aiding me
willingly, but you have elected the
way of pain.

Gandalf is breathing hard on the floor, his eyes look into
the madness of Saruman...

Commanding two staffs, Saruman sends Gandalf into a sickening
spin.

Gandalf tumbles towards the top of the chamber...as if falling
in reverse.

Rushing POV: the roof of Orthanc rockets toward camera.

CUT TO:

38.

EXT. FARMER'S FIELDS -- DAY

Wide on: Frodo and Sam walking along a country lane which
borders Farmer Maggot's Fields.

Sam is looking up...Frodo has disappeared around a corner in
the lane.

SAM

(panicked)
Mr. Frodo.  Mr. Frodo!

Frodo turns, surprised as Sam comes running towards him.

SAM (CONT'D)
(worried)
I thought I lost you.

Frodo looks at Sam suspiciously.  Sam glances down,
embarrassed.

FRODO
(teasing)
What are you talking about?

SAM

(mumbling)
It's just something Gandalf said...

FRODO
What did he say?

SAM

He said..."Don't you leave him,
Samwise Gamgee."

(looks at Frodo
intently)
And I don't mean to.

FRODO
(laughing)

Sam...we're still in the Shire...what
could possibly happen?

SUDDENLY!  A figure comes crashing out of a hedgerow sending
Frodo flying.

Frodo picks himself up, only to be knocked back down again
by Pippin.

PIPPIN
Frodo!  Merry, it's Frodo Baggins.

MERRY
Hello Frodo

39.

Merry, Pippin, and Frodo picking themselves up... a variety
of vegetables have scattered everywhere.

SAM
What's the meaning of this!

MERRY
Sam, hold this...

Merry gives Sam a large cabbage.

SAM

(accusing)

You've been into Farmer Maggot's
crop!

A large pitchfork can be seen racing towards them along the
Hedgerow...angry shouts from Farmer Maggot.

FARMER MAGGOT (O.S.)
Who's that in my field!  Get out of
it!  Get out of my field, you young
varmits!  I'll show you...get out of
my corn.

Merry and Pippin hurriedly gather their booty and race
away...with Frodo and Sam on their heels.

MERRY

(looking behind him)

I don't know why he's so upset, it's
only a couple of carrots.

PIPPIN

And some cabbages...and those three
bags of potatoes that we lifted last
week.  And then the mushrooms the
week before.

MERRY

Yes, Pippin, my point is, he's clearly
over reacting.

The BAYING OF LARGE DOGS sounds!

PIPPIN
Run!

CUT TO:
EXT. WOODED ROAD -- DAY

Frodo, Sam, and Merry and Pippin tumble head over heels down
a bank, onto a dark, wooded road.

CLOSE ON: A winded Pippin, his face inches away from a large
pile of Horse droppings...

40.

PIPPIN
That was close.

Frodo picks himself up and looks around quickly.

MERRY
(groaning)
Ow...I think I've broken something.

Pulls a LARGE CARROT, almost broken through in the middle,
out from his back pocket.

MERRY (CONT'D)
Oh.

SAM

(turning on Merry and
Pippin)
Trust a Brandybuck and a Took.

MERRY

What?  That was just a detour...a
shortcut.

SAM
A shortcut to what?

Pippin has spied something under the trees on the far side
of the road.

PIPPIN
(excited)
Mushrooms!

CLOSE ON: SMALL, brown mushrooms growing amongst the Loamy
undergrowth.

Sam, Merry, and Pippin race toward the mushrooms!

Frodo is tense and watchful.  He realizes they are on a wooded
road.

Scattered leaves rise into the air Whirling down the road as
if blown by an invisible wind...

SUDDENLY... THE SOUND OF HORSES HOOVES...

FRODO
I think we should get off the road.

A long drawn WAIL comes down the wind, like the cry of some
evil and lonely creature.

FRODO (CONT'D)
(more urgency)
Get off the road!

41.

Sam grabs Merry and Pippin as the Hobbits quickly scramble
down the bank, hiding under a mossy log.

THE SOUND OF HOOVES is close...

A sinister MOUNTED RINGWRATH steps into view...hooded and
faceless, mounted on a huge snarling black horse with insane
eyes !

Frodo freezes in terror.

The RINGWRAITH pauses right beside their hiding place...he
sits very still with his head bowed, listening.  From inside
the hood comes a sniffing noise as if he is trying to catch
an elusive scent; his head turning from side to side.

CLOSE ON: FRODO

Beads of sweat gather on his brow.

The ringwraith suddenly slides off his horse, leaning over
the mossy log, peering suspiciously into the woods.

CLOSE ON: FRODO

He is drawing the ring out of his pocket, with trembling
hands...his face fevered and sweating as if in the grip of
some terrible INTERNAL STRUGGLE.

The SOUND OF SNIFFING intensifies as the ringwraith darts
his head from side to side like a bird of party.

CLOSE ON: FRODO SQUEEZING HIS EYES SHUT...

QUICK PSYCHIC BLASTS!  AND EVIL DARK TOWER...A GREAT EYE...A
BURST OF FLAME.

ANGLE ON:  SAM LOOKING AT FRODO WITH CONCERN

SAM
Frodo?

Merry desperately hurls the mushrooms across the road...the
ringwraith spins around at the sound, and darts to the far
side of the road with frightening speed.

Frodo instantly slumps...as if a PSYCHIC LINK had been broken

MERRY
What was that?

Frodo is staring, a look of shock on his face at the ring
lying in the palm of his hand.

42.
EXT. FERRY LANE -- NIGHT

Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin hurry through the
trees...slipping and sliding on the muddy ground.

SAM
Anything?

FRODO
Nothing.

PIPPIN
What is going on?

Merry moves past pippin, toward Frodo, watching intently...Sam
keeps looking around nervously.

MERRY

The Black rider was looking for
something...or someone...Frodo?

SAM
Get down!

The SILHOUETTE OF A BLACK RIDER looms against the skyline.

The Four Hobbits... sprawled on the ground, holding their
breath.

The BLACK RIDER turns and departs.

FRODO

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

Merry looks at his friend...realizing Frodo is in deep trouble.

MERRY

Right...Buckleberry Ferry...follow
me !

The Hobbits break cover.

SUDDENLY, A RINGWRAITH bursts out of the forest TOWARD THEM!

MERRY (CONT'D)

There's another one!!  Frodo, this
way! !

The Hobbits run......... THE RINGWRAITH SHRIEKS!

QUICK CUTS:

Black horse hooves... snarling horse mouths...a fleeting black
cowl.

43.

MERRY (CONT'D)
Frodo, follow me!

CUT TO:
EXT. BUCKLEBERRY FERRY -- NIGHT

FRODO, SAM, MERRY AND PIPPIN, are running towards the wide,
placid Brandywine river...and the FERRY.

MERRY
Get the ropes, Sam.

QUICK ANGLES: STOMPING HOOVES...SNARLING HORSES...

Four RINGWRAITHS are speeding through the Fog...converging
on the FERRY CROSSING.

The HOBBITS stampede across the Wharf and Tumble onto the
Ferry.

SAM

(screaming)
Frodo!

Frodo races across the Wooden Wharf, followed by the
ringwraiths.  He leaps into the Ferry.

CLOSE ON: HOOVES THUNDER DOWN THE WOODEN WHARF!

Sam and Merry shove off with the poles...the ferry slides
out into the river, just as the ringwraiths arrive. They
pull up on the end of the wharf... shrieking with rage!

The Hobbits cover their ears.

The Ringwraiths wheel their horses towards the north and
Gallop away along the river bank, quickly disappearing into
the fog.

FRODO
How far to the nearest crossing?

MERRY
The brandwine bridge...twenty miles.

CUT TO:

EXT. BREE GATE -- NIGHT
ANGLE ON:

Lights of Bree...a small village of stone and half timbered
houses nestled against a low wooded hill.

A thick hedge surrounds the village...a great gate bars the
western entrance.

44.
CLOSE ON:

FRODO, SAM, MERRY AND PIPPIN approaching the gatehouse...wild
eyes, ragged, and out of breath.

FRODO
Come on.

A SURLY GATEKEEPER glances down at them.

GATEKEEPER
What do you want?

FRODO
We're headed for the prancing pony.

The gatekeeper swings his lantern onto the hobbits, bathing
them in an uncomfortable yellow spotlight.

GATEKEEPER

Hobbits!  Four Hobbits, and what's
more, out of the Shire by your talk.
What business brings you to Bree?

FRODO

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

To Frodo's relief, the Gatekeeper unlocks the gate.

GATEKEEPER

All right, young sir, I meant no
offense.

The Hobbits gratefully enter Bree...the gatekeeper eyeing
them curiously in the lantern light.

GATEKEEPER (CONT'D)

It's my job to ask questions after
nightfall.  There's talk of strange
fold abroad...can't be too careful.

CUT TO:
EXT. BREE STREETS -- NIGHT

The tall BREE FOLK loom over the nervous little hobbits as
Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin make their way through the Narrow
Streets.  Tall buildings tower above them...lights glow dimly
from behind thick curtains.

Close on: The sign of the "PRANCING PONY INN"...Frodo, Sam,
Merry, and Pippin hurry toward it.

CUT TO:

45.
INT. "PRANCING PONY" RECEPTION -- NIGHT

Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin come rushing in.  Frodo attracts
the INN KEEPERS'S attention.

FRODO
Excuse me.

BUTTERBUR

Good evening, little masters. If
you're seeking accommodation, we've
got some nice, cozy Hobbit sized
rooms available, Mr...ah...

FRODO
Underhill...my name's Underbill.

BUTTERBUR
Underhill?  Hmmmm.

FRODO

We're friends of Gandalf the
Grey...can you tell him we've arrived?

BUTTERBUR frowns...

BUTTERBUR

(Puzzled)
Gandalf...Gandalf...Oh...

(recognition)

Oh yes!  I remember...elderly
chap...big grey beard...pointy hat?

Frodo nods with relief...Butterbur shakes his head.

BUTTERBUR (CONT'D)
Not seen him for six months.

Frodo is shocked.

SAM

(worried whisper)
What do we do now?

INT. PRANCING PONY INN -- NIGHT

Wide on: the noise, smokey Inn.  It is dimly lit, cheifly
from a blazing log fire...and crowded with a mixture of BIG
FOLK, LOCAL HOBBITS, and a couple of dwarfs.

Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin are sitting at a table against
the wall... clearly trying to remain Quiet and
inconspicuous... Sam can't help himself...he keeps casting
nervous glances around.

FRODO
Sam, he'll be here.  He'll come.

46.

Merry ploinks himself down at a table, carrying a very large
mug of beer.

PIPPIN
What's that?

MERRY
This, my friend, is a pint.

PIPPIN
It comes in pints?  I'm getting one!

Sam watches Pippin rise unsteadily to his feet and head to
the bar.

SAM
You've had a whole half already.

Merry watches Pippin go.

A COUPLE OF SWARTHY MEN leaning against the bar glance at
Frodo, then quickly look away.

SAM (CONT'D)
(tense)

That fellow's done nothing but stare
at you since we've arrived.

Sam indicates a BROODING STRANGER who sits alone at a table
in the far corner, smoking a curiously carved long stemmed
pipe, peering from beneath a travel stained cowl with gleaming
eyes.

Frodo gestures to Butterbur...

FRODO

Excuse me, that man in the corner,
who is he?

BUTTERBUR

He's one of them Rangers; they're
dangerous folk they are, wandering
the wilds.  What his right name is,
I never heard, but round here he's
known as Strider.

 

FRODO

(to himself)
Strider.

BENEATH TABLE: FRODO'S fingers are nervously TOYING WITH THE
RING.

CLOSE ON: FRODO

Sweat runs down his brow.  The Strange hum of the Ring spills
into the Soundtrack.

47.

"Baggins...Baggins..." a creepy whisper seems to fill

Frodo's head...sound that dissolves into Pippin's loud voice:

PIPPIN

Baggins?  Sure, I know a
Baggins...he's over there...

ANGLE ON: PIPPIN

sitting at the bar, chatting with Locals.  Frodo leaps to
his feet and pushes his way towards the bar.

PIPPIN (CONT'D)
(loudly)

Frodo Baggins.  He's my second cousin
once removed, on his mother's side
and my third cousin twice removed on
his father's side...if you follow
me.

Frodo grabs Pippin's sleeve, spilling his beer.

FRODO
Pippin!

PIPPIN
Steady on, Frodo!

Pippin pushes Frodo away...he stumbles backwards, and falls
to the floor.  At that instant, the Inn goes silent and all
the attention turns to Frodo...

CLOSE ON:

The ring...in agonizing Slow motion we watch as it seems to
hang in the air for a split second...then crashes down onto
his out stretched finger.

FRODO VANISHES!

There is a sharp intake of breath...followed by total silence.

CUT TO:
EXT. BREE COUNTRYSIDE -- NIGHT

The RINGWRAITHS turn sharply in their saddles...Instantly
aware that the ring is being worn.  They spur their horses
towards the distant lights of Bree.

INT. "PRANCING PONY" INN -- NIGHT

Sam looks sick; Pippin instantly sobers, realizing his folly;
the brooding stranger frowns...and the inn erupts into excited
babble.

IN THE TWILIGHT WORLD:

48.
ANGLE ON:

FRODO: as he finds himself in the TWILIGHT WORLD of the ring:

THE EXCITED CROWD ARE suddenly moving in slow

motion...distorted voices...a weird photographic negative

quality.

FRODO is moving in real time; against the slow motion
background.  He suddenly clutches his head as he is hit with
quick images...of a GREAT EYE!  AN EVIL CAT-LIKE EYE, wreathed
in flames.

VOICE OF SAURON
There is no life here in the
void...only cold...only death...

FRODO is terrified!  He rolls under a table, desperately
pulling the ring from his finger.

FRODO MATERIALIZES into the real world.

AT THAT MOMENT: A LARGE HAND reaches under the table and
Grabs Frodo by the collar, and DRAGS HIM AWAY!

CUT TO:
INT. PRANCING PONY--CORRIDOR -- NIGHT

Frodo is roughly pushed against the wall.  The Brooding
stranger looms over him.

STRIDER

You draw far too much attention to
yourself...Mr. Underhill

CUT TO:

INT. HOBBIT'S ROOM, PRANCING PONY -- NIGHT
Frodo is pushed into the Hobbit's room by Strider.

FRODO
What do you want?

STRIDER

A little more caution from you...that
is no trinket you carry.

FRODO
I carry nothing.

STRIDER

Indeed?  I can usually avoid being
seen if I wish, but to disappear
entirely... that is a rare gift.

49.

FRODO
Who are you?

STRIDER
Are you frightened?

FRODO
Yes.

STRIDER

Not nearly frightened enough.  I
know what hunts you.

Frodo jumps at the sound of a noise in the corridor.
Strider deftly draws his sword.

The door bursts open and Sam, Merry and Pippin appear on the
doorway.  Sam is Squaring off with is fists, Merry brandishes
a candlestick, and Pippin a chair.

SAM

(angry)

Let him go or I'll have you,
Longshanks!

STRIDER SHEATHS his sword, a slight smile playing on his
lips.

STRIDER

You have a stout heart, little Hobbit,
but that alone won't save you...You
can no longer wait for the Wizard,
Frodo.  They're coming.

CUT TO:
EXT. GATEHOUSE, BREE -- NIGHT

The gate keeper comes out of his Lodgings with a lantern...a
look of fear on his face.  He approaches the closed gate
with great apprehension.

CLOSE ON: The Gatekeeper peers out of his Peephole.
CRASH!!

The gate crashed down on the gatekeeper...as four RINGWRAITHS
ride into Bree!

EXT. BREE STREETS -- NIGHT

The four RINGWRAITHS fly done the empty streets, like horsemen
of the apocalypse.

50.
INT. PRANCING PONY INN -- NIGHT

LOW ANGLE: the front door FLIES OPEN.  The FOUR RINGWRAITHS
rush into the PRANCING PONY with WICKED SWORDS DRAWN.

CLOSE ON: BUTTERBUR hiding behind his bar... trembling and
sweating in TERROR.

INT. HOBBIT'S ROOM, PRANCING PONY -- NIGHT

INSERT: MERRY SNORING SOFTLY ON HIS PILLOW.

INSERT: PIPPIN stirs slightly, then settles back to sleep.

WIDE ON: the door creaks open...THE FOUR RINGWRAITHS silently
slide into the Hobbit's room.

The LOOM above each bed, raising their SHINING SWORDS ABOVE
THE SLEEPING HOBBITS.

QUICK INSERT: Sam's eyes open wide.

In unison, the RINGWRAITS STAB THE HOBBITS, in a Slashing,
hacking frenzy.

INT. STRIDER'S ROOM -- NIGHT

Strider is grimly listening to the sounds from his room.

INT. HOBBIT'S ROOM, PRANCING PONY -- NIGHT

Wide on: the RINGWRAITHS step back from the slashed beds in
triumph.

CLOSE ON: a hacked blanket is pulled back to reveal nothing
but a shredded pillow.  The RINGWRAITHS SHRIEK WITH RAGE!!

INSERTS: Sam sits up with a start!

Close on: Another shredded pillow is revealed!  More Shrieks
of rage.

INSERT: PIPPIN AND MERRY wake with a start.

CUT TO:
INT. STRIDER'S ROOM -- NIGHT

WIDE ON: Sam, Merry, and Pippin have been sleeping on Strider's
bed.

Frodo stands next to Strider by the window, peering out
nervously as furious Ringwraith screeches echo across the
courtyard from the Hobbits room.

FRODO
Where are they?

51.

STRIDER
They were once men.

Strider glances quickly at Frodo, then looks away...

STRIDER (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
(quietly)

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 and now
they are slaves to his will.

Strider looks from the window as the Ringwraiths gallop down
the Bree Streets.

CLOSE ON: Strider turns back to the Hobbits, his face lit
faintly by the Glowing Embers of the Fire.

STRIDER (CONT'D)

They are the Nazgul, Ringwraiths,
neither living or dead.  At all times
they feel the presence of the
ring...drawn to the power of the
one..they will never stop hunting
you.

CUT TO:

EXT. CHETWOOD FOREST -- DAY
ANGLE ON:

STRIDER, MERRY, PIPPIN, AND FRODO march through a gloomy,
overgrown forest.  Sam follows at the read leading "Bill", a
scrawny pony, who is laden with supplies.

FRODO
Where are you taking us?

STRIDER
Into the wild.

Frodo watches uneasily as Strider moves off into the cover
of the trees...

MERRY

(whispered aside)

How do, we know this Strider is a
friend of Gandalf?

FRODO
We have no choice but to trust him.

STRIDER
But where is he leading us?

52.

ANGLE ON:
Strider stops, casts a glance back at Sam.

STRIDER (CONT'D)

To Rivendell, Master Gamgee...to the
house of Elrond.

SAM looks excited.

SAM

Did you hear that, Bill?  Rivendell!
We're going to see the Elves!

Strider leads the Hobbits through the gloom of the forest.

CUT TO:
EXT. MIDGEWATER MOORS -- DAY

Aerial on:  Strider leading Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin
across the windswept moors.

The hobbits suddenly stop and unstrap their knapsacks.

STRIDER

Gentlemen, we do not stop until
nightfall.

PIPPIN
What about breakfast?

STRIDER
You've already had it.

PIPPIN

We've had one, yes...but what about
Second Breakfast?

Strider stares at Pippin blankly, then turns away, shaking
his head.

MERRY

I don't think he knows about second
breakfast, Pip.

 

PIPPIN

What about Elvenses, Luncheon,
Afternoon Tea, dinner...he knows
about them, doesn't he?

MERRY
I wouldn't count on it.

An apple is thrown to Merry, who deftly catches it.  Another,
aimed at Pippin, catches him on the forehead.

53.

MERRY (CONT'D)
(exasperated)
Pippin!

The hobbits trudge through rain, looking tired, hungry, and
miserable.

CUT TO:
INT. ORTHANC ANTE-CHAMBER -- NIGHT

Saruman stands over the Palantir, his hands cupping the
massive eye.

SARUMAN
(whisper)

The power of Isengard is at your
command, Sauron, Lord of the Earth.

ON THE SOUNDTRACK: BLACK SPEECH FILLS THE ROOM...ADMIST THE
HARSH, GUTTURAL WORDS THE VOICE OF SARUMAN EMERGES.

SARUMAN (V.O.)  (CONT'D)
Build me an army worth of Mordor.

INT. ORTHANC ANTE-CHAMBER -- NIGHT

Saruman is seated as his ORC OVERSEER approaches.

ORC OVERSEER

What orders from Mordor, my Lord.
What does the eye command?

SARUMAN
We have work to do.

CUT TO:
INT. ISENGARD -- NIGHT

CLOSE ON: GANDALF...lying unconscious on a cold obsidian
floor.

He wakes to the sound of ripping and tearing...rising onto
his knees...lifting his head...

 

Gandalf stands as the camera pulls back to reveal him stranded
on the summit of Orthanc.  He is marooned on the tiny, flat
peak, surrounded on all sides by a sheer 500 FOOT DROP.

Another whispering wail rends the air.  Gandalf crosses
quickly to the edge and peers down:

POV: One of the beautiful Isengard trees is being ripped
from the ground by the ORCS.  Gandalf looks on in Horror as
ORCS hack into the trunk with axes.

54.
ANGLE ON:

SARUMAN stands in Rain looking out into the dark night...the
ORC overseer sidles up to him, axe in hand, sweating with
exertion.

ORC OVERSEER

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

SARUMAN
Rip them all down.

CAMERA CIRCLES SUMMIT: MORE AND MORE TREES are hauled down
and killed...as Gandalf looks on in helpless despair.

DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. WEATHERHILLS -- DAY

Wide on: The rugged countryside as the hobbits journey on,
lead by Strider.

Strider stops before a distant hill, topped by an Ancient
Ruin.

SARUMAN

This was once the great Watchtower
of Amon Sul.  We shall rest here
tonight.

CUT TO:

EXT. WEATHERTOP HOLLOW -- DUSK
ANGLE ON:

FRODO, MERRY, AND PIPPIN collapse into a small hollow, halfway
up Weathertop...they are muddy and exhausted.

Stider drops 4 small swords at the Hobbits feet.

SARUMAN

There are for you.  Keep them close.
I'm going to have a look around.
Stay here.

CUT TO:
EXT. WEATHERTOP HOLLOW -- NIGHT

Close on: Frodo...eyes flickering open.  He suddenly sits
up, sniffing the air.

Sam, Merry, and Pippin huddled over a small fire... Sausages
and bacon sizzle in a hot frying pan.

55.

FRODO
What are you doing?

MERRY
Tomatoes, sausages, and crispy bacon.

SAM
We saved some for you, Mr. Frodo.

FRODO
Put it out, you fools!  Put it out!

Frodo desperately kicks dirt on the fire!

PIPPIN
Oh, that's nice...ash on my tomatoes!

A SUDDEN SHREIK!
ANGLE ON:

FIVE RINGWRAITHS ON FOOT, running up the steep slope
unnaturally fast.

FRODO
Go! !

Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin clamber desperately towards the
summit, clutching their swords.

CUT TO:
EXT. WEATHERTOP SUMMIT -- NIGHT

Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin race into a RING OF BROKEN
STONES on the summit or Weathertop...the ruined base of an
ancient tower.  The hobbits stand back-to-back in the centre
of the Ring, waiting for the first assault...

One by one, the 5 Ringwraiths appear...brandishing Gleaming
swords, they move slowly towards the hobbits.  In the center
is their leader...the WITCH KING!

SAM
Back, you devils!

Sam rushes forward with a cry.  He swings his sword at the
Witch King, who blocks the blow with his own sword.

Sam's blade shatters...the WITCH KING lashes out with his
fist, sending Sam flying.

Merry and Pippin, overcome with terror, throw themselves
flat on the ground.

THE RINGWRAITHS close in on Frodo...a Venomous whisper dances
in his head...

56.

Frodo shuts his eyes and staggers back, desperately resisting
the WRAITH'S WHISPERINGS... slow motion as his hand goes into
his pocket and pulls out the ring.

The 5 Ringwraiths utter a chilling SCREECH OF EXCITEMENT.

Frodo is unable to resist any longer, falls to his knees and
slips on the ring.  He disappears.

SAM (CONT'D)
No!

IN THE TWILIGHT WORLD:
ANGLE ON:

Frodo finds himself in the weird twilight world...he looks
upon the Ringwraiths, now visible in their TRUE APPEARANCE:

Five Ghouls dressed in long Grey robes, with white hair, and
Pallid, ruthless faces.

THE WITCH KING extends a haggard hand towards Frodo, reaching
for the ring on his finger.  Frodo's trembling hand extends
forward as if by the pull of the ring...he slides to the
ground, unable to pull his hand away.

The witch king snarls and springs forward.  He stabs at Frodo
with a wicked dagger!

Frodo winces as the tip of the dagger sinks into his shoulder.

Suddenly, Strider charges at the RINGWRAITHS, wielding his
sword in one hand, a flaming torch in the other. He moves
in slow motion, visible through a sea of mist.

Frodo sinks to the ground.  Behind him is a faint image of a
Ringwraith fleeing, his head engulfed in flames.

With draining strength, Frodo manages to pull the ring off
his finger...

IN THE REAL WORLD:

...Appearing back in the real world, Sam rushes over to him.

SAM (CONT'D)
(horrified)
Frodo!

Another Ringwraith is burning and screaming...others screech
fearfully at the flames, turn and flee form the Weathertop
summit.

SAM (CONT'D)
(panicked)
Mr. Frodo!!

58.

of numerous tunnels and vent holes that litter the forecourt
of ORTHANC.  Strange guttural chants echo up from deep
underground.

The camera is rising...a small moth flutters into shot...and
leads the camera towards the summit or Orthanc.

Gandalf lies slumped against the wall at the very top of
Orthanc, surrounded by a sheer 500 foot drop.  He looks Weak
and Frail...and is seemingly asleep.

The MOTH flutters close to Gandalf.  His hand suddenly moves
at lighting speed and SNATCHES THE MOTH.

Gandalf brings his hand close to his face and opens it.  The
moth sits on the palm of his hand as Gandalf mutter strange
words in a foreign tongue.

Close on: THE MOTH'S face... seemingly listening.  It suddenly
flutters away.

CAMERA FOLLOWS the moth off the Orthanc summit, but drops
past the moth...falling down, down, towards the pitted
wasteland, straight into a fiery red tunnel!

INT. CAVERNS BELOW ISENGARD -- NIGHT

The dead trees of Isengard are fed into roaring
furnaces...molten metal pours into casts...red hot metal,
beaten my sweating orc blacksmiths...armor and weapons are
forged from the great furnaces.

Saruman strides among the ORCS and stands looking on a new
born uruk-hai as it escapes its birthing membrane...this is
LURTZ, who rises up to stand before his master.

CUT TO:
EXT. TROLLSHAW FOREST CLEARING -- NIGHT

Close on: Frodo...his eyes flicker open...clouded, red-
rimmed...his brow, beaded with sweat.

PIPPIN
Is he going to die?

Frodo's breathing is getting shallow.
Strider looks out into the darkness.

STRIDER

No. He is passing into the shadow
world, he will soon become a wraith
like them.

A DISTANT CRY of a RINGWRAITH carries through the air.

59.

MERRY
(nervous)
They're close.

Frodo gasps in sudden pain.

STRIDER

(thinking hard)
Sam, do you know the Athelas plant?

Sam looks blank.

SAM
Athelas?

STRIDER
Kingsfoil.

SAM
Kingsfoil.  Aye.  It's a weed.

STRIDER

It may help to slow the poison.
Hurry!

CUT TO:
EXT. TROLLSHAW FOREST -- NIGHT

Sam and Strider desperately search the dark forest floor for
the Athelas plant.

Close on:

A small, white flowered plant!  Strider drops to one knee,
carefully pulling it from the ground.

SUDDENLY!  STRIDER FREEZES AS A SWORD BLADE TOUCHES HIS NECK.

ARWEN (O.S.)

What is this?  A Ranger caught off
his guard?

Strider slowly looks up.

CUT TO:

EXT. TROLLSHAW FOREST CLEARING -- NIGHT
Frodo is breathing hard, desperately ill.
Frodo's half-conscious POV:

Surreal impression...a SHIMMERING FIGURE IN WHITE leaps off
a horse.

60.

FLASH INSERT: An ethereal vision of ARWEN, as she appears on
the other side...

ARWEN

(ELVISH: with sub
titles)

Frodo, Im Arwen...telin let thaed.  I
am Arwen, I have come here to help
you.

(urgent)

Lasto Beth nin, tolo Dan na ngalad.
Hear my voice, come back to the light.

Frodo's eyes close.

PIPPIN
Who is she?

ARWEN
(worried)
Frodo?

SAM
She's an elf.

ANGLE ON: ARWEN

Who now appears in her earth bound form, a young Elven woman
with tousled hair, dressed in mud-splattered riding clothes.

ARWEN

He's fading...he's not gong to last.
We must get him to my father.

Strider quickly lifts Frodo...placing him on the horse.

ARWEN (CONT'D)

I have been looking for you for two
days.

PIPPIN
Where are you taking him?

ARWEN

There are five Wraiths behind you,
where the other four are, I do not
know.

STRIDER

(ELVISH: with subtitles)
Dartho guin Berian...rych le ad
tolthathon.  Stay with the
hobbits...I'11 send horses for you.

Close on: Arwen grabbing the Reins of the horse.

61.

ARWEN

(ELVISH: w/subtitles)
Hon mabathon.  Rochoh ellint im.
I'll take him.  I'm the faster rider.

Strider clamps his hand over Arwen's.

STRIDER

(elvish:subtitles)
Andelu I ven.  The road is too
dangerous.

ARWEN

(Elvish: subtitles)

Frodo Fir.  Ae anthradon I hir, tur
gwaith nin beriatha hon.  If I can
cross the river, the power of my
people can protect him.

PIPPIN
What are they saying?

CLOSE ON: Arwen reaches for Strider's hand...looking deep
into his eyes.

ARWEN
I do not fear them.

CLOSE ON: Strider...we see that it is hard for him to let her
go.

ANGLE ON:

Arwen mounts her horse, ALSFORTH...

STRIDER
Arwen...ride hard, don't look back.

ANGLE ON:

Arwen looks down at Strider as she supports Frodo with one
hand.

ARWEN
(elvish)
Noro Lim, Asfaloth, Noro Lim!

SAM

What are you doing!  Those Wraiths
are still out there!

ANGLE ON:

Asfaloth springs away, bearing Arwen and Frodo into the night.

CUT TO:

62.
EXT. TROLLSHAW FOREST -- NIGHT

SPEEDING POV: through the forest from the back of the White
Horse.

ANGLE ON: FRODO, BOUNCING IN THE SADDLE,
he lifts his head weakly.

SURREAL SLOW MOTION POV: THE HORSES HEAD BOBBING...trees
sliding by...moonlight flickers through the trees.

CUT TO:
EXT. AERIAL OF ETTENMOORS ~ MORNING

AERIAL: of Arwen's white horse emerging from the trees...and
galloping across the open land as the sun rises.

CUT TO:

EXT. PINE FOREST -- DAY

The white horse charges through a Pine Forest.
Suddenly 2 Galloping Ringwraiths emerge from the trees behind!

2 more Ringwraiths slide in from different directions to
join the chase.

Arwen grits her teeth...urges the white horse to greater
speed.

CUT TO:
EXT. THE EAST ROAD -- DAY

The white horse speeds out of the pine trees...the 4
ringwraiths close behind

PAN ONTO: 2 more ringwraiths galloping down the hillside!

AERIAL SHOT: 3 MORE RINGWRAITHS enter frame from different
directions...a total of 9 RINGWRAITHS now pursuing Frodo and
Arwen!

 

CLOSE ON: Panting head of the WHITE ELVEN HORSE.

ARWEN
Noro lim, Asfaloth!

CUT TO:
EXT. FORD OF BRUINEN -- DAY

CRANE DOWN: As the White Horse races towards Camera, to Reveal
the wide river Bruinen in the foreground.

63.

Without hesitation, the white horse leaps into the shallow
water and thunders across the Ford.

The 9 Ringwraiths pull up short of the Ford, clearly nervous
of the water.

The white horse reaches the other side...Arwen pulls up and
turns to defiantly face the Ringwraiths from across the Ford.

WITCH KING
Give up the Halfling, she-elf!

She draws her sword and yells at the Witch King.

ARWEN
(yelling)
If you want him, come and claim him.

THE WITCH KING SCREECHES ANGRILY, draws his sword, and leads
the Ringwraiths across the Ford.

The water starts flowing faster...a distant rumble can be
heard.

Arwen waits until they are halfway across: she suddenly stands
in the saddle arms raised!

ARWEN (CONT'D)
(Elvish)

Non o Chithaeglir, lasto Beth daer:
Rimmo nin Briunen Dan in Ulaer!  Nin
o Chitaeglir, lasto Beth daer: Rimmo
nin Bruinen Dan in Ulaer!

THE GROUND SUDDENLY TREMBLES...A MIGHTY ROAR FILLS THE AIR!

Frodo looks up weakly...to see a vast torrent of Water
flooding down the river towards the ford...as if a dam had
burst!

The Foaming water seems to form the shape of Dancing white
horses with frothing manes!

The Ringwraiths scream in terror as they are swallowed up in
the deluge. Their Piercing cries are drowned in the roaring
of the river as it carries them away!

CLOSE ON: FRODO as he loses consciousness...

ARWEN (CONT'D)
(upset)

No, no...Frodo, no!  Frodo, don't
give in...not now!

Arwen gathers the small Hobbit in her arms, feeling his life
slip away.