WORDS ON A MURDER
By
Tom Leatherbarrow, Jonjo Murphy and Jack Newman
FADE IN
1. INT. DARK ROOM- NIGHT
Black screen S.F.X Gunshot
A young woman stands with a smoking gun in both her hands, pointing it at the camera. A strip of light illuminates her face and the gun- the background is in darkness. She looks scared. The scene fades out, the music begins over a black screen
2. INT. HUNTER’S STUDY- DAY
Titles superimposed over series of shots:
- Fingers on typewriter –
- Smoking cigarette on ash tray –
- Black coffee on table -
- Draft pages on table –
- Whisky bottle on table –
- Hand taking Cigarette -
- Lips taking drag of cigarette –
- Newspaper articles on the wall of Esmeé -
END titles
3. INT. HUNTER’S STUDY- DAY
HUNTER is smoking at his typewriter.
HUNTER V.O
It was November 1952 when the detective arrived at my door. To be honest, I’m surprised he showed up so soon, considering I left London two years ago. But I suppose no more can be expected from the New York Police Department.
There are three raps on the door, O.S. Hunter pauses for a second, and then puts out his cigarette, and stands up. The camera cuts to Hunter opening the door.
4. INT. HUNTER’S DOORWAY- DAY
REILLY
Are you Mr Hunter Phoenix?
HUNTER
Apprehensive
Yes…
REILLY
My name is Detective John Reilly.
REILLY flashes his badge at HUNTER
I was wondering if I could ask you some questions, about the case of Esmeé Amé-Libre.
HUNTER
Right. Well, you’d better come in
HUNTER opens the door wider, and walks into his study. REILLY steps over the doorstep, closes the door and follows him in. They walk into the study
5. INT. HUNTER’S STUDY- DAY
HUNTER O.S
Scotch?
REILLY
Sure
REILLY
There’s been a rumour that you’re writing a book about the criminal Esmeé Amé-Libre.
REILLY picks up the draft pages
Con’t
Is this it?
HUNTER
Yes. I’m just adding the finishing touches
HUNTER hands REILLY a small glass of scotch, and takes the draft pages from Reilly’s hand and puts them back on the side
REILLY
Let’s get to the point here, Mr Phoenix: Is it true that your book suggests that the murder of Mayor Jack Manning wasn’t committed by his mistress Esmeé Amé-Libre?
HUNTER
That is one of the theories I’ve explored, yes
REILLY
Well who do you think it was then, Mr Phoenix?
HUNTER
As I say; it’s just a theory
REILLY surveys him for a moment, his eyes narrowed
REILLY
Another of your theories says that Amé-Libre was wrongly convicted- that she was framed BEAT by the NYPD
HUNTER does not reply but takes a sip of whisky
Con’t
You can see how these claims would be pretty damaging to New York Police?
HUNTER remains silent
Con’t
For someone so good with words you sure are quiet. BEAT You moved to New York
HUNTER
That is correct
REILLY
The case had been closed for over a year. Why move so late?
HUNTER
Dismissively
Oh you know, news travels slow, the details of the case didn’t reach England
There is a pause. The men consider each other
REILLY
Jack Manning was the most popular Mayor New York city
He gestures towards the typewriter
Cont’d
Will not go down well with the people of New York. The case has been closed, Mr Phoenix, Amé-Libre did it. I’d think twice before you try and publish this book of yours. It will make you an unpopular man in this city, Mr Phoenix
HUNTER
I’m not here to make friends, Detective.
HUNTER does not reply
REILLY
We’ll be seeing you again, Mr Phoenix
The detective walks out. HUNTER sits down at his desk and lights a cigarette.
FADE OUT
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