rexresearch.com
THE ALCHEMISTS
by
Robert Nelson
( Based on a True Story )
rexresearch.com
THE ALCHEMISTS
by
Robert Nelson
( Based on a True Story )
FADE IN:
SUPERIMPOSE:
"THE ALCHEMISTS"
INT. STUDY - NIGHT
FRANCIS Preyhausen, aged about 40, sits at his desk, writing
by the light of a CANDELABRA. The light of a FULL MOON
streams through the open window.
FRANCIS (V.O.)
Wenzel Seyler found the
Philosophers' Stone, he made gold
for Emperor Leopold Habsburg, and
became a Baron. (beat) He survived
his enemies, and he survived
himself. (beat) I was there with
him, and this, I swear, is the
truth of the matter...
EXT. PASTURE - NIGHT
SUPERIMPOSE: MAP, MORAVIA/AUSTRIA
CAPTION: "BRUNA, MORAVIA, 1350"
A WOLF HOWLS in the distance; an OWL HOOTS nearby. FREDERICK
Gualdus and KARL Steiner, in brown monastic robes, stand in a
meadow under a FULL MOON, squeezing dew from a twisted sheet
of LINEN held between them. More sheets, soaked with DEW,
hang from poles stuck in the ground. Dew drips from the
twisted sheet into a FUNNEL in a BOTTLE. A basket is filled
with plugged bottles; a third with twisted sheets. Karl
shivers and yawns and almost loses his grip.
FREDERICK
Be careful, Brother Karl!, If it
touches the earth, the potency will
be lost!
KARL
Frederick, I feel as if I am
dreaming, and walking in my sleep!
FREDERICK
The full moon is affecting you.
Fight it! We are almost done!
EXT. HUT - DAY (ESTABLISHING)
The monks' hut stands near the Zwitta River.
INT. HUT. - NIGHT
Frederick and Karl are seated at the table. Frederick is
grinding SULFUR with a MORTAR and PESTLE. Karl is writing a
MANUSCRIPT. A retort sits on a tripod over a coal fire in the
fireplace. Yellow oil drips into a flask receiver, attached
with clay and strips of cloth.
INT. HUT - DAY
Frederick is sitting at the table, writing a manuscript. Karl
is seated on a stool at the fireplace, stirring a white
powder in a crucible. Smoke billows, and they run outside,
coughing.
FREDERICK (CONT'D)
Too much niter, too fast! Make
haste slowly, Karl!
KARL
Aggh! Ach! Choo!
SERIES OF SHOTS - INTERCUT WITH ALCHEMY IMAGES:
A) INT. HUT - DAY
Frederick is spooning a white powder into a flask, half
filled with yellow oil.
B) INT. HUT - DAY
The flask has been sealed, and sits in a pan filled with
sand. Frederick sets it atop a bed of coals. They kneel,
cross themselves, and begin to pray in Latin mumble.
C) INT. HUT - NIGHT
A few weeks later: the contents of the flask are black, and
it has a pale violet glow about it. Karl sits at the table,
writing by the light of a candle. Frederick is asleep on his
cot.
D) INT. HUT - WEEKS LATER - DAY
Frederick sits watching the flask. The compound now is white.
He adds a coal to the fire, and pumps the bellows slowly.
Karl sits at the table, writing a MANUSCRIPT.
E) INT. HUT - WEEKS LATER - DAY
MONTAGE: The contents of the flask pass through every color.
F) INT. HUT - DAY
The compound has turned dark red: the Philosophers' Stone.
Frederick and Karl kneel, cross themselves, and pray in a
Latin mumble.
G) INT. HUT - DAY
A crucible filled with molten lead sits in the bed of hot
coals. Frederick wraps a grain of the red glass in a bit of
candle wax. He stirs it into the lead with an iron nail. A
LOUD METALLIC CRACKLE and FLASH OF BLUE LIGHT startles them.
They look into the crucible to see pure gold with the iron
nail stuck in it. Frederick smiles, and Karl looks amazed.
H) INT. HUT - DAY
Frederick and Karl are sitting at the table with a small
COPPER BOX (12" x 12" x 6"). It contains four small BOTTLES,
each filled with pieces of the red Philosophers' Stone. Karl
places the MANUSCRIPT in the box, and shuts the lid.
I) EXT. HUT - DAY
Frederick is walking away, leading a mule that carries two
small sacks. Karl watches from the door of the hut. Frederick
turns to take a last look, and waves goodbye.
J) EXT. ST. THOMAS' MONASTERY - DAY (ESTABLISHING)
SUPERIMPOSE: "ST. THOMAS' MONASTERY, 1352"
Several monks' huts and a few small wood buildings have been
erected, and the monastery is under construction. The monks
and some masons are building a small stone chapel.
K) INT. CHAPEL - DAY
Two monks are chiseling the base section of a small pillar
next to a small hole in the floor.
LATER
Karl places the COPPER BOX in a hole in the floor of the
chapel, and the monks push the base of the pillar over the
hole.
L) EXT. CHAPEL - 300 YEARS LATER - DAY (ESTABLISHING)
SUPERIMPOSE: "ST. THOMAS' MONASTERY, 1670"
The chapel is in ruins. The modern monastery has been built
nearby.
M) EXT. DAWKS' PRINT SHOP - DAY (ESTABLISHING)
SUPERIMPOSE: "LONDON, 1680"
Dr. BECHER pauses and looks up at the shop sign as he
approaches and enters.
CLOSEUP: SIGN "THOMAS DAWKS, HIS MAJESTIES PRINTER"
INT. DAWKS' PRINT SHOP - DAY
Dawks picks up a copy of MAGNALIA NATURAE and comes forward
to greet Becher.
DAWKS
Greetings, Doctor Becher! Behold,
your booklet, Magnalia Naturae!
CLOSE UP: "MAGNALIA NATURAE"
Becher happily pages through the booklet. He speaks with a
German accent.
BECHER
Ah! Yes, goodt, goodt! You have
done a fine job, Mister Dawks, and
I thank ye kindly.
EXT. ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON - DAY (ESTABLISHING)
SUPERIMPOSE: "ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF
NATURAL KNOWLEDGE"
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
SUPERIMPOSE: "JOHAN BECHER, ISAAC NEWTON, ROBERT BOYLE,
EDMUND HALLEY, ROBERT HOOKE"
Isaac Newton (age 39), Edmund Halley (26), and Robert Hooke
(47), Robert Boyle (55), sit at a table with Dr. Becher at
the head. Other unidentified gentlemen sit in armchairs about
the room. Everyone has a glass of wine in hand or nearby.
Halley's telescope stands in front of a window in the
background. Becher bows as he acknowledges each quest.
BECHER
Gentlemen, I am honored by your
learned company this fine evening.
(beat) Sir Isaac Newton... Edmund
Halley... Robert Hooke... It
pleases me greatly to present my
new booklet, Magnalia Naturae,
which Sir Robert Boyle here did
urge me to publish. Today I shall
give you a more personal account.
(long beat) We have all heard of
the Philosophers' Stone that
transmutes base metals to noble
gold. Yet, we must ask if such a
thing might really exist.(beat)
Well, now our doubt is resolved by
two Friars of the Augustine order.
(beat) And the truth of it is
attested by many men of great
quality, by the Holy Roman Emperor
Leopold Habsburg himself! (beat) I
myself was witness to these events.
Becher picks up his glass of wine from a small tray on the
table.
EXT. ST. THOMAS' MONASTERY - DAY (ESTABLISHING)
SUPERIMPOSE: "ST. THOMAS' MONASTERY, 1676"
INT. CHAPEL - DAY
Francis is serving the Mass with another monk. He stands to
the left of the altar, holding a tray with the pitchers of
wine and water. Dozens of monks kneel in the pews, with
several priest in the front row.
BECHER (V.O.)
Thanks to Friar Francis Preyhausen,
that we know so much about this
matter. (beat) And his honesty is admirable,
for he did not steal the treasure,
nor claim some for himself, when he
could. But honesty seldom gets what
it deserves.
PRIEST
Dominus vobiscum.
FRANCIS
Et cum spiritu tuo.
PRIEST
Oremus.
The priest picks up the pitcher of wine from Francis' tray.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Dr. Becher picks up his glass of wine, sips, and continues
speaking.
BECHER
Wenzel Seyler was born in Vienna,
about the year 1650. (beat) About
twenty-five years later, he was
caught in bed with the wife of the
precinct Governor, Count de
Collebrat...
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
WENZEL Seyler is carousing in bed with the WIFE of the
GOVERNOR (Count de Collebrat) when the cuckold bursts in and
starts poking at Wenzel with a sword. The wife cringes under
the sheets, and Wenzel tries to protect himself with a pillow
as he scrambles for his pants.
GOVERNOR
Scoundrel! Lecher!
WENZEL
Ow! Agh! Ow! Oh!
WIFE
Eek! Eek! Oh! No!
GOVERNOR
Silence, whore!
A guard comes running in and corners Wenzel with a pike.
BECHER (V.O.)
The fear of prison was the
beginning of wisdom for him. (beat)
With the help of a priest, suddenly
he found religion, and Wenzel
entered the Augustine Monastery at
Bruna in Moravia.
SERIES OF SHOTS:
A) EXT. MONASTERY GATE - DAY
Wenzel, two guard escorts, and a priest stand at the open
gate of St. Thomas' monastery. Wenzel and the priest enter,
and a monk slams the gate shut behind them.
B) INT. CELL - DAY
Wenzel stands at the door of his cell, crowded with a cot,
table, and stool. He wears the Augustine habit, and his hair
has been cut short.
C) INT. CHAPEL - DAY
Wenzel is attending Mass with the other monks. The priests
sit in the front rows. Francis is serving Mass with another
monk.
D) INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
Wenzel and Francis are among a dozen monks studying under the
supervision of a stern priest.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Francis and Wenzel walking in the monastery garden.
WENZEL
How did you come to be here,
Brother Francis?
FRANCIS
Oh, my father pressed me to enter
the Church. (beat) I have
education, but no livelihood, and I
will never inherit the family
estate unless the plague takes my
elder brothers.
(beat) I came here a year ago, but
I am mortally bored already. I feel
trapped in limbo with a bunch of
pompous celibates.
WENZEL
Well, at least you are innocent. My
sins are venial, so this is like
purgatory to me. Yet escape is
possible, with money...
EXT. OLD CHAPEL - DAY
Wenzel and another monks are digging up rocks and tossing
them into a wheelbarrow. Other monks are doing likewise
nearby. The old chapel stands in the background.
BECHER (V.O.)
After a year of probation, Wenzel
Seyler took the monks' vows. Still,
he planned to escape, though he had
no means. So when he heard the
legend of a treasure, hidden in the
monastery, he tried to find it...
MONK #1
...Even if the story is true, and
you find the gold, the Abbot will
spend it to glorify the Church, and
feed the poor! Ha ha!
INT. CELLAR - DAY
Wenzel is alone in the cellar, dowsing with a willow branch.
BECHER (V.O.)
The man had no scruples about using
magic to help himself, and fortune
favored him thus.
EXT. MONASTERY GARDEN - DAY
Wenzel looks about furtively, then tries to dowse.
EXT. ROADSIDE - DAY
An OLD WOMAN sits beside the road, selling milk, cream, and
cheese from a small cart.
BECHER (V.O.)
The monks were allowed out of the
monastery on Saturdays... (beat)
And thus he met an old woman who
practiced witchcraft in secret.
OLD WOMAN
Fresh milk, cream, cheese! Fresh
milk, cream, cheese!
Wenzel approaches her and begins an inaudible conversation.
She gives him a cup of milk to drink.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Becher sips his wine, sets the glass down.
BECHER
She gave him a ball of wax, covered
with strange figures, and she said
it would roll to the place where
treasure was hidden. (beat) Now,
this may sound absurd to men of
science, yet I have seen the ball,
and tested it myself.
INT. COTTAGE - DAY
Wenzel sits on a bench at a table, reading the old woman's
book of spells. She hands him a cup.
OLD WOMAN
Drink this potion, my dear. It will
strengthen your magical powers.
He sniffs the potion, then quaffs it with a grimace.
OLD WOMAN (CONT'D)
Yes, yes! Good!
MINUTES LATER
He begins to slouch as the potion takes effect.
WENZEL
(slurring)
What wash in that drink?
OLD WOMAN
Laudanum.
WENZEL
Law wha...?
OLD WOMAN
Laudanum, dear boy. The milk of
poppy.
Wenzel slides off the bench. The old woman lays him out on
the floor, then fetches a small box from a shelf. It contains
a wax ball with a hole in it, and a plug. The ball is covered
with magical symbols.
MINUTES LATER
The old woman is kneeling on the floor. She lift's Wenzel's
robe and apparently milks him, cackling happily as Wenzel
snores.
OLD WOMAN (CONT'D)
Tee hee hee!
MINUTES LATER
The old woman finishes filling the wax ball with Wenzel's
sperm, and plugs the hole, then licks her fingers and
cackles. She begins to mumble an incoherent magic spell...
HOURS LATER
Wenzel looks groggy, and yawns as she presents him with the
wax ball. He peers at the symbols, and sniffs it.
OLD WOMAN (CONT'D)
Wenzel, behold! (beat) If there is
a treasure hidden in the monastery,
this magic ball can find it! Now
watch this! Behold, this is my gold
wedding ring.
WENZEL
I am beholding.
She places the ball and ring several feet apart on the floor.
Wenzel watches in amazement as the ball wobbles, then rolls
to the ring. She picks them up, and hands the ball to him.
OLD WOMAN
I will give this to you, Wenzel,
but you must promise to give me
some gold if you find the treasure.
WENZEL
I promise you, I shall! Thank you!
EXT. MONASTERY YARD - DAY
Wenzel crosses paths with the ABBOT and two priests who
accompany him. One of the priests whispers inaudibly to the
Abbot.
ABBOT
Friar Wenzel Seyler! Come to my
office.
WENZEL
Yes, Abbot!
INT. ABBOT'S OFFICE - DAY
Wenzel stands before the Abbot.
ABBOT
Friar Seyler, it is our custom for
the old fathers to have a young
friar assist them. I have decided
that you shall attend to Father
Albert.
WENZEL
Yes, Father Abbot, I shall. Thank
you.
INT. ALBERT'S CLOISTER - NIGHT
Father ALBERT is sitting in a chair by the fireplace, and
Wenzel is sitting on a stool. He adds another coal to the
fire.
WENZEL
Father Albert, I have heard other
monks tell of a treasure hidden in
our monastery. Do you know the
story?
ALBERT
Yes, I do. It is said that our
first abbot was a master of
alchemy, and paid for the
construction of this monastery with
the gold he made. Supposedly he
buried a treasure in the old
chapel.
WENZEL
Father, I have seen your books, so
I know you study the magic arts.
(beat) You can trust me not to
speak of it to anyone. (beat) I
also know an old woman who
practices magic, and I have got
from her a wax ball with power to
discover hidden treasure. I saw it
work with her gold wedding ring!
ALBERT
I am curious to examine the thing.
Show it to me!
INT. OLD CHAPEL - DAY
Father Albert watches as Wenzel lays the wax ball on the
floor, but nothing happens. After a few seconds, he picks it
up and tries again at another spot, but again nothing
happens. Then he places it near the pillar. The ball wobbles
a bit and rolls to the base of the pillar. They repeat the
test with the same results.
ALBERT
That is most interesting! Yet,
though a treasure may be hidden
here, we have no way to break down
the pillar, and the abbot would not
allow us.
EXT. OLD CHAPEL - NIGHT
A winter storm rages, and lightning strikes the old chapel,
knocking down part of the wall and setting fire to the roof.
BECHER (V.O.)
But fate had other plans, and a
great storm arose one night soon
after, and lightning badly damaged
the old chapel.
INT. ABBOT'S OFFICE - DAY
The ABBOT is talking to Father Albert.
ABBOT
I have decided to have the masons
demolish the old chapel. We can use
the stones elsewhere.
ALBERT
I should like to supervise them,
Father Abbot. (beat)
That is holy ground, and I would
say prayers there until their work
is finished.
ABBOT
I am pleased to hear you say so,
Father Albert, for I plan to assign
you to the task.
ALBERT
Thank you, Father Abbot.
INT. OLD CHAPEL - AFTERNOON
The roof and walls of the chapel have been demolished, and
several piles of cut stone lay about on the floor. Only the
floor and the base section of the pillar remain. Wenzel and
Father Albert watch closely as the masons smash it with
sledgehammers and wedges. Master Mason MENDEL stands nearby,
overseeing the work. The hole in the floor becomes exposed as
a chunk of stone falls away, and the corner of the copper box
is visible, now green with corrosion. Father Albert steps
forward quickly to cover it with his robe.
ALBERT
Stop! Stop! Master Mendel, that is
enough for now! (beat) We can
finish this tomorrow. Go now to the
kitchen, and tell Father Benz that
I sent you.
MENDEL
(reluctantly)
Very well, Father Albert. Thank
you! Men, let's go eat!
When the masons have walked about a hundred feet away, Father
Albert speaks to Wenzel.
ALBERT
Push the stone away, Wenzel! Use
that pry bar.
Wenzel struggles with the pry bar, and manages to move the
pieces of the base and retrieve the box. Mendel looks back at
that moment and sees Wenzel hide the box under his cloak.
ALBERT (CONT'D)
Take me back to my room, Wenzel.
WENZEL
Yes, Father Albert.
INT. ALBERT'S CLOISTER - DAY
Father Albert is seated at his table with the copper box open
and the four bottles and manuscript beside it. Wenzel stands
beside him, looking disappointed.
WENZEL
There is no gold here! The story
was a lie!
ALBERT
I doubt that Father Steiner buried
this box as a joke. If there is
some virtue in this glass, the
manuscript may tell us how to use
it.
DAYS LATER
INT. ALBERT'S CLOISTER - DAY
Wenzel enters with a bucket of coal and sets it by the
fireplace next to a small pile of firewood. Father Albert is
seated at the table, studying the manuscript.
ALBERT (CONT'D)
Wenzel, go to the kitchen and find
an old pewter dish. (beat) Oh, and
bring an iron pan, and a large
nail. But let no one see you!
WENZEL
Yes, Father Albert.
INT. MONASTERY KITCHEN - DAY
Wenzel looks around to see if he is being watched, then hides
a pewter plate under his robe. Another monk notices him, but
says nothing.
INT. ALBERT'S CLOISTER - DAY
Pieces of pewter lay in a small pile on the floor, and a
small iron pan sits on a bed of coals in the fireplace,
filled with molten pewter. Wenzel blows on the coals through
an iron pipe. Father Albert is sitting at a table, using a
knife to scrape a tiny fragment from a chunk of the red
glass. Then he drips a bit of wax from a candle, scrapes it
up, and wraps the bit of glass with it.
ALBERT
Now we shall see if I have
understood the manuscript truly,
and found the use of this glass.
Drop this into the pan, and stir it
with the nail.
Wenzel adds the wax and stirs the molten pewter. The
transmutation happens suddenly with a LOUD METALLIC CRACKLE
and FLASH OF BLUE LIGHT. Wenzel jumps back, and Father Albert
almost falls off his chair. They look into the pan, and then
at each other, astonished. The pewter has become gold, and
the iron nail stuck is in it. Wenzel starts to giggle
hysterically.
WENZEL
Hee hee hee! Ha ha! Ha!
LATER
Father Albert hands a few small nuggets to Wenzel, and speaks
confidentially.
ALBERT
When you go into Bruna tomorrow,
take this to a goldsmith. Tell him
you have melted down some Roman
coins that you inherited, and you
wish to sell the gold. You may keep
the money, but let no one know of
it. No one!
WENZEL
Thank you, father Albert!
ALBERT
Wenzel!
WENZEL
Yes, father?
ALBERT
Tell no one! No one!
WENZEL
Yes, father!
INT. GOLDSMITH'S SHOP - DAY
The GOLDSMITH #1 is testing one of the nuggets on a
touchstone. The other nuggets sit on a balance scale.
GOLDSMITH #1
I will pay you twenty ducats.
WENZEL
I, I will accept that.
INT. WENZEL'S CELL - DAY
Wenzel sits at his table, looking at his little pile of
ducats while he munches on a roast chicken leg and swigs from
a bottle of wine.
INT. ALBERT'S CLOISTER - DAY
Wenzel and Father Albert are sitting before the fireplace.
WENZEL
Father Albert, I have been thinking
about the treasure.
ALBERT
I'm sure you have, my son. And what
have you thought?
WENZEL
I think that since I helped to
discover it with my wax ball, half
of it should belong to me.
ALBERT
Oh, no, Wenzel, not yet. We know
not how to manage this thing.
(beat) Besides which, you have no
need for money here. And if you
were enriched by this tincture, it
would prejudice your soul, and you
might become a most miserable man.
(beat) Henceforth, however, I will
allow you two crowns every week for
your diversions. But for now, I
will not part with any of the
glass, for I must study the
manuscript more carefully.
Apparently this glass is the
Philosophers' Stone, and it hath
other powers and virtues, more
precious than gold.
WENZEL
What might those powers be, father?
Albert reads from the manuscript.
ALBERT
The author says, our blessed Stone
hath virtue to conquer all disease,
and bestows a long life in good
health upon its happy possessor.
For the power to transmute metals
is only the beginning of its
wonderful powers. (beat) Wenzel, we
must be most careful if we would
live to enjoy this treasure with
peace of mind. For otherwise, the
envy of greedy men may well get us
killed.
WENZEL
Oh... Amen...
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Dr. Becher sips his wine, sets the glass down, and continues
speaking.
BECHER
Wenzel enjoyed his allowance for
the next few weeks, but all the
while he worried, thinking that the
old priest might tell the abbot.
Therefore he cogitated how he might
get the box and escape from the
monastery, but he had no way to do
so. Father Albert kept it locked in
his desk, and he never left his
room except with Wenzel, to attend
Mass and take his meals. (beat)
Then one day...
INT. ALBERT'S CLOISTER - DAY
Wenzel enters Albert's cell, toting a bucket of coal. He
finds Albert sitting on his bed, coughing, gasping, and
clutching his chest.
ALBERT
Fetch me a cup of wine, quickly!
SERIES OF SHOTS:
A) INT. CORRIDOR - DAY
Wenzel is rushing through the corridor with a cup of wine,
holding one hand over it to stop its sloshing.
B) INT. ALBERT'S CLOISTER - DAY
Wenzel finds Albert sprawled on his bed, gasping, struck dumb
with a stroke, and reaching out blindly. Instead of helping
him, Wenzel takes the copper box from the cabinet, then wraps
it in a blanket. He peeks out the door, then leaves.
C) INT. WENZEL'S CELL - DAY
He enters with his prize.
D) INT. CORRIDOR - DAY
He hurries back into Albert's room, then emerges and calls
for help.
WENZEL
Help! Help!
Several monks come running, too late. Father Albert is dead.
His cup of wine is spilt on the floor.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Dr. Becher sips his wine.
BECHER
Now, it just so happened that the
monastery held a solemn debate
about alchemy, and by chance friar
Seyler was chosen to argue that
metals can be transmuted! But he
knew nothing about it, so he was
easily baffled...
Dr. Becher sets down his glass.
INT. WENZEL'S CELL - NIGHT
Wenzel swigs some wine from a cup. The bottle sits on his
table. He is copying from Father Albert's manuscript. He
stops, peers at his notes in the candle light, and reads
aloud .
WENZEL
...And thus the alchemist can
convert the elements... (beat)
first by purifying them... (beat)
and then by rotation... (beat)
Mmmm... That sounds good.
INT. AUDITORIUM - DAY
All the monks and priests are gathered for the debate. Wenzel
stands at the podium, nervously reading from his notes. His
opponent stands at another podium. Between them sits a priest
at a table, acting as MODERATOR.
WENZEL
...And thus the alchemist can make
one element out of another, uh...
first by purification, uhhh... then
by rotation, uhhh... of fire into
water, and water into air, and
uhhh... air into earth. And,
ummm... thus are the base elements
transmuted to silver or gold,
uhhh... by alchemy. But the
ultimate means of transmutation is
by the Philosophers' Stone.
The monks and priests in the audience begin to chuckle and
laugh, and Wenzel loses his temper.
WENZEL (CONT'D)
Why do you laugh? I can prove it to
be true!
MODERATOR
Hold thy tongue, fool! I can sooner
turn thee into a cow, than thou to
transmute the metals!
Wenzel is chagrined, but he remains silent as the audience
continues to snicker at him.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Wenzel and Francis are walking in the monastery garden.
FRANCIS
Today you claimed you are able to
transmute metals. That was very
foolish of you, even if it is true.
INT. MONASTERY KITCHEN - DAY
Master Mendel sits at a table with his fellows, talking
inaudibly to Francis, who stands holding a pitcher of water.
FRANCIS (V.O., CONTD.)
Besides, there is a rumor in the
monastery, that you and father
Albert found a treasure in the old
church, and that the masons saw you
with a copper box.
INT. MONASTERY KITCHEN - DAY
Francis is talking with Monk #1.
FRANCIS (V.O., CONTD.)
And I heard that you took a pewter
plate from the kitchen...
INT. GOLDSMITH'S SHOP - DAY
Monk #1 is selling a ring to Goldsmith #1. They are talking
inaudibly.
LATER
INT. MONASTERY KITCHEN - DAY
Francis is talking inaudibly with Monk #1.
FRANCIS (V.O., CONTD.)
And that a monk of the Augustine
order sold some gold to a goldsmith
in Bruna...
RETURN TO SCENE
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Francis and Wenzel stop walking. Francis sits on a bench as
Wenzel stands nervously.
FRANCIS (CONTD.)
You may claim that your money was
sent by your family, yet people
believe it was you who sold the
gold. (beat) Wenzel, I do earnestly
desire that you declare the truth
of this matter to me!
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Wenzel falls to his knees and clutches Francis' robe.
WENZEL
Brother Francis, I beseech thee,
swear not to tell anyone the secret
I will reveal to you! Swear it to
me! (beat) Give me your help, and
when we flee from here, we will
have great wealth, and advance to
high dignities together! But you
must give me your most solemn oath
of faith and secrecy!
FRANCIS
I swear upon my very soul, I will
keep your secret, if you will share
it with me! We will hazard this
together. Now get up before someone
sees you like this!
Wenzel stands up.
WENZEL
By all that I hold sacred, I do
swear my fealty to you, brother
Francis.
Francis stands up.
FRANCIS
Upon my soul, and the Holy Bible, I
swear the same to you, brother
Wenzel. Let us go to the chapel to
seal this oath!
INT. CHAPEL - DAY
Wenzel and Francis kneel together, praying inaudibly.
INT. WENZEL'S CELL - DAY
Wenzel shows Francis the wax ball, copper box, bottles,
manuscript, and gold.
WENZEL
...And thus we found it. (beat) And
this is the gold we made with it.
FRANCIS
I would not have believed you, but
this gold is very convincing.
WENZEL
Francis, I dare not sell more of
this gold myself, if I am under
suspicion. You should sell it for
us. Then we shall have the money we
need to escape from here!
SERIES OF SHOTS:
A) INT. GOLDSMITH'S SHOP - DAY
The goldsmith is counting out 100 ducats for Francis.
B) INT. WENZEL'S CELL - NIGHT
Wenzel and Francis are feasting happily on roast chicken and
wine. They click their cups together in a toast.
C) EXT. STREET - DAY
Wenzel is talking to a pretty woman standing in a doorway. He
hands her a coin, and they slip inside.
D) EXT. MONASTERY GATE - DAY
Wenzel enters the monastery gate with the woman; she is
wearing a man's clothes, periwig, hat and cape.
BECHER (V.O.)
Friar Wenzel arranged for a certain
wanton woman to come into the
monastery with him, dressed in a
man's clothes, and wearing a wig,
on pretense of being his cousin
Anastasio from Vienna. But the
visits became frequent, and often
lasted overnight, and the rumor of
it came to the Abbot's attention.
INT. CELL - DAY
Wenzel and ANASTASIO are intercoursing too loudly.
ANASTASIO
Oh! Ohh! Ohhh!
WENZEL
Shhh! Quiet!
INT. CORRIDOR - DAY
Two monks are listening at the door of Wenzel's cell. They
look at each other with jaws agape, then scurry away.
MINUTES LATER
Abbot Brecheisen listens at Wenzel's door as two priests and
several monks watch. The abbot tries to open it, but the door
is locked.
ABBOT
Friar Seyler! Open the door!
INT. WENZEL'S CELL - DAY
Wenzel is climaxing with the woman.
WENZEL
I'm coming! I'm coming!
He dons his robe and unbolts the door. The abbot shoves it
open and enters, glowering. The woman cowers under the
blanket as the priests and monks gawk at her from the
corridor.
ABBOT
Good heavens! It's a woman! Get
dressed, you whore!
PRIEST
What are we to do? If we give her
to the magistrate, the public noise
of it will shame us with infamy!
ABBOT BRECHEISEN
We will keep her here till
midnight, then cast her out. No one
will see her then. (beat) And you,
Friar Seyler, will remain in your
cell! (beat) You, whore, come with
me!
INT. ABBOT'S CLOISTER - NIGHT
The Abbot is sitting in a chair, spanking Anastasio across
his lap. Her hands are bound, and she is in her underwear.
The abbot has an ecstatic expression on his face, his tongue
is lolling, and he is breathing heavily.
ANASTASIO
Oh! Oh! Ow! Oh! Please, no! Mercy!
ABBOT
Silence!
INT. CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Two priests are listening at the abbot's door. One of them
stoops to peek through the keyhole. They are breathing
heavily, obviously excited.
EXT. MONASTERY GATE - NIGHT
Anastasio giggles as she exits the monastery, escorted by two
monks.
ANASTASIO
Tee hee! Come see me on Zwitta
Strasse when you are in town!
MONK #3
Ha ha! Perhaps I shall!
Anastasio disappears into the night. The monks shut the gate.
MONK #3 (CONT'D)
Surely, Brother Wenzel will burn in
Hell for this sin! The abbot will
see to it personally!
MONK #4
Ha ha!
INT. CORRIDOR/CELL - NIGHT
Francis taps on the door of Wenzel's cell, then slips a note
under the door, followed by the first foot of a thin rope.
FRANCIS
Psst! Wenzel! Wenzel!
Wenzel hops out of bed, picks up the note, and pulls in the
rope. It is about 30 feet long. He reads the note by
candlelight.
SERIES OF SHOTS:
A) EXT. MONASTERY GROUNDS - NIGHT
Wenzel sticks his head out the window, sees Francis, and
lowers the copper box. Francis unties the rope, and Wenzel pulls it back
into his
cell. Francis slips the box under his robe, then hurries
away.
B) INT. FRANCIS' CELL - NIGHT
Lit by a candle, Francis is sitting at his table, reading the
manuscript and Father Albert's notes. The copper box lays
open on the table with the bottles.
C) EXT. MONASTERY GROUNDS - DAY
Wenzel stands stripped to his underpants, with his arms
around a tree and his hands tied. He groans as a priest whips
him. The other monks and priests are gathered to watch.
Francis is among them.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Dr. Becher sips his wine.
BECHER
Now, Prince Charles of Lichtenstein
was a keen student of chymistry,
and Francis was acquainted with his
steward. He managed to convince the
man to deliver a letter appealing
for his help, and a small amount of
the Philosophers' Stone to the
prince, with instructions for its
use.
INT. LABORATORY - DAY
The LOUD METALLIC CRACKLE and FLASH OF BLUE LIGHT startle
PRINCE CHARLES. When he looks into the crucible and sees
solid gold, with the iron rod stuck in it, he grins with
delight.
INT. SALON - DAY
Prince Charles hands a small box to his steward KURT.
PRINCE CHARLES
Kurt, I enjoin you to return to
Bruna, and give secret assistance
to the friars Seyler and
Preyhausen. (beat)
I commit my seal to your custody,
to make use of it for the purpose,
if the need arises.
KURT
It shall be done as you command, my
lord.
INT. CORRIDOR - DAY
Francis intercepts FRIAR JAKOB, who carries a tray with a
slice of bread, a pitcher of water, and a key.
FRANCIS
Brother Jakob, is that food for
brother Seyler?
FRIAR JAKOB
Yes, it is. Bread and water is all
he gets to eat.
FRANCIS
His cell is near mine, and I'm
going there now. I can take this to
him, if you like.
FRIAR JAKOB
I thank you. But bring the key back
to me quickly.
FRANCIS
I shall, brother.
INT. WENZEL'S CELL - DAY
Francis enters, puts the tray on the table, and pulls a
chicken leg from his pocket. Wenzel grabs and devours it
while Francis produces a lump of wax from his pocket and
makes an impression of the key.
FRANCIS
Wenzel, I have a plan...
INT. FRANCIS' CELL - NIGHT
Francis is sitting at his table, illuminated by candlelight,
carefully filing a key.
INT. CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Francis unlocks Wenzel's cell with the new key, and hands him
a tiny vial as he comes out.
FRANCIS
Here is some of the tincture as you
asked.
WENZEL
Thank you, Francis. I think perhaps
you should bury the box until we
need it.
FRANCIS
That is a good idea. I will do it.
They hurry through the corridor, and stop at an exit. Francis
opens it and peeks outside.
EXT. MONASTERY - NIGHT
They run across the grounds to a side gate in the wall of the
monastery.
EXT. MONASTERY WALL - NIGHT
Kurt stands waiting with two horses. He hands Francis a
letter, closed with Prince Charles' seal.
KURT
Francis, you must get away from
here as soon as you can, and go to
Felisburgh. This letter will give
you audience with Prince Charles.
FRANCIS
Thank you, Kurt! Godspeed!
INT. ATTIC - NIGHT
Kurt locks Wenzel in an attic room with a tray of food and a
bedpan. He drips some wax on the lock from the candle he is
carrying, and impresses it with Prince Charles' SEAL.
INT. CORRIDOR - DAY
Friar Jakob sets a tray with bread and water on the floor,
then reaches in his pocket for the key. He unlocks the door,
steps inside, then runs out and stumbles on the tray,
spilling the water.
FRIAR JAKOB
Help! Help! Friar Seyler has
escaped!
INT. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE - DAY
The Abbot stands before Governor Collebrat with the
MAGISTRATE.
GOVERNOR
Shut the city gates, and search
every house!
MAGISTRATE
Search every house!? Are you
serious?
GOVERNOR
Do I look happy? Start with the
nobles! Use all your men, and
soldiers too! (beat) I swear to
God, I will castrate that damned
monk!
EXT. PRINCE CHARLES' MANSION - DAY
Kurt confronts the magistrate and his men at the front door.
Two of the prince's guards block the door.
KURT
This is the house of Prince
Charles! You cannot enter here
without his permission!
MAGISTRATE
The Emperor's laws say otherwise,
and even the prince must obey them.
Shall I arrest you for resisting my
authority?
KURT
I am not so foolish as that, sir,
but I protest, and I shall report
your intrusion to Prince Charles!
MAGISTRATE
I would expect you to. Now stand
aside!
INT. MANSION - NIGHT
The magistrate's men go quickly from room to room, followed
by Kurt.
MINUTES LATER
They finally reach the sealed room in the attic. The
magistrate is tired already, and Kurt speaks up.
KURT
Sir, this is the private closet of
Prince Charles, which he sealed up
himself. It cannot be opened
without incurring his most royal
displeasure.
CLOSE UP: SEALED LOCK
MAGISTRATE
I am satisfied here. Come, men! We
have the entire city to search.
SERIES OF SHOTS:
A) EXT. CITY GATE - DAY
Prince Charles' carriage leaves the city, escorted by two
soldiers on horseback.
B) EXT. ROAD - DAY
Kurt and Wenzel sit opposite each other in the carriage. They
smile, then gaze out the window at the passing scenery.
C) EXT. MONASTERY GATE - DAY
Francis leaves the monastery with a group of friars on their
Saturday outing. He carries a small sack.
D) EXT. STREET - DAY
Francis is walking behind the other monks, and he stops as
they go around a corner. After waiting a few seconds, Francis
turns around and hurries away unnoticed.
E) EXT. FARM - DAY
Francis rides away on a horse. The farmer looks at money that
Francis has paid him.
F) EXT. OLD WOMAN'S COTTAGE - DAY
Francis rides away on his horse. The Old Woman cackles as she
looks at the gold Francis has given her.
OLD WOMAN
Tee hee! Ha ha!
INT. SALON - DAY
Prince Charles is sitting with Wenzel and Francis, who are
dressed in plain clothes. The Chamberlain PIETRO stands
beside the Prince.
PRINCE CHARLES
Unfortunately, Wenzel, I cannot
continue to hide you here. Governor
Collebrat still searches for you,
and if his spies find you, they
will obtain a mandate from the
supreme Consistory at Vienna, and
that will be the end of you. (beat)
I advise you, therefore, to go to
Rome straightaway, and obtain a
discharge from your monastic vows.
(beat) My chamberlain Pietro here
will accompany you. He is Italian,
and shall serve as your agent. I
shall provide you with a letter of
introduction, and a thousand ducats
for your expenses.
WENZEL
Thank you, your Highness.
FRANCIS
Yes, thank you, my lord. You are
most considerate and kind.
PRINCE CHARLES
Think nothing of it. It is simply
the right and best thing to do.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Wenzel and Francis are walking in the garden, ignoring the
manservant watching them from a distance.
WENZEL
Francis, I think it would be wise
of you to find lodgings in Vienna.
Attend the morning Mass each day at
Saint Stephan's Cathedral, and I
will meet you there when I return.
FRANCIS
I agree. I shall leave immediately.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Francis casually leaves the estate on his horse.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Wenzel and PIETRO are riding horses, and leading two
packhorses.
PIETRO
Whoa! I must piss!
Pietro dismounts, and Wenzel does the same. Suddenly Pietro
pulls out a pistol and aims it at Wenzel, startling him.
PIETRO (CONT'D)
I shall kill you here and now
unless you give me your gold-making
stone!
WENZEL
I, I call God to witness, sir! I do
not have it with me! I sent it away
with friar Francis!
PIETRO
Liar! Open your bags! And take off
your clothes!
MINUTES LATER
Wenzel stands in his underwear; his clothes are scattered on
the ground.
PIETRO (CONT'D)
Damn it all! Well then, we will
come to terms, or I will kill you
anyhow! I want your ducats. Then go
your way, and I will tell Prince
Charles that you escaped.
INT. SALON - DAY
Prince Charles slaps Pietro.
PRINCE CHARLES
You fool! How could you let him
escape?
PIETRO
Your Highness, he fought like a
madman!
FLASHBACK:
EXT. ROADSIDE - DAY
Pietro and Wenzel gesticulate as they discuss matters.
PIETRO (V.O.,CONT'D)
And my pistol fell in the mud, and
it would not shoot!
MINUTES LATER
Pietro rides back towards Vienna; Wenzel stands forlorn.
PIETRO (V.O., CONT'D)
And he ran away into the forest,
and I could not find him!
RETURN TO SCENE:
Prince Charles hits Pietro again.
PRINCE CHARLES
Damn you, idiot! I have lost the
greatest treasure on earth, and a
thousand ducats too! (beat) Get out
of here before I kill you!
Pietro beats a hasty retreat.
EXT. ST. STEPHAN'S CATHEDRAL, VIENNA - DAY (ESTABLISHING)
INT. CATHEDRAL - DAY
Wenzel enters to find Francis attending Mass.
FRANCIS
What happened? Why are you back so
soon? You look terrible!
WENZEL
The chamberlain robbed me. I am
lucky to be alive. (beat) Thank
you, dear God! (beat) I'm hungry.
EXT. PARK - DAY
They sit on the grass, eating bread and cheese, drinking from
a wine bottle. Wenzel keeps looking about nervously.
FRANCIS
We must be more careful if we would
live to enjoy wealth and freedom.
WENZEL
What can we do? I am at my wits'
end! Only the Emperor or the Pope
can save us now.
FRANCIS
I know the steward of Count Hans
DePaar, who is an alchemist, and a
favorite of the Emperor. I will try
to arrange a meeting. Otherwise,
yes, we should leave Austria. There
is no safety for us here.
INT. LABORATORY - DAY
Count HANS DEPAAR is about 50 years old, afflicted with
arthritis, and walks with a cane. Wenzel is slowly pumping
the bellows as DePaar watches. The LOUD METALLIC CRACKLE and
FLASH OF BLUE LIGHT startles DePaar. Then he beams with
delight upon seeing the mass of gold with the iron rod stuck
in the crucible.
HANS DEPAAR
You have transmuted me into a
believer, friar Seyler. I shall
make an appeal to Emperor Leopold
immediately. Meanwhile, you shall
be my guest, if you will.
WENZEL
I am most grateful to you, Count
DePaar. The gold is yours to keep,
of course.
INT. IMPERIAL COURT, HOFBURG PALACE - DAY
EMPEROR LEOPOLD sits on the throne. He is 35 years old,
short, ugly, and has bad teeth. Count DePaar stands before
him, leaning on his cane as he pleads his case. Dozens of
nobles, courtesans, clergy, servants and guards attend in
audience. Dr. Becher is among them, and a Jesuit priest.
EMPEROR LEOPOLD
I can give no great heed to your
proposition, Count DePaar,
especially since I have report that
your monk is a fugitive and leads a
dissolute life. Moreover, he is
reported to practice magic!
Count DePaar pauses to ponder his words before responding.
HANS DEPAAR
There is great weight in the
objections made by your Imperial
Majesty. (beat) And though I would
not presume to impose upon you, it
seems reasonable to me to consider
this thing apart from the persons
it concerns. For all men are
sinners, yet must we therefore
reject all their inventions and the
good works they do? (beat) As for
me, I have no reason to love
alchemy, for I have suffered much
loss by it, and never found any
truth, save in this tincture of
friar Seyler. (beat) I appeal for
your permission to examine this
matter, and ask you to deputize
some persons to witness a
transmutation, and test the gold.
EMPEROR LEOPOLD
Count DePaar, I commend you for
your eloquent discourse. Yet,
though you mean well, perhaps you
are deceived, for we all know that
modern chymistry has shown ancient
alchemy to be untrustworthy. (beat)
But I also know full well how my
father the emperor Ferdinand tested
alchemy, and highly prized what was
shown to him by Baron Chaos, and
rewarded him for it. For that
reason, I can believe there may be
some truth in alchemy.
(beat) Therefore, Count DePaar, I
order you to make a trial of the
tincture with witnesses skillful in
chymistry, to determine this
matter. Then I shall make my
decision. (beat) Doctor Becher is
given to the examination of
alchemists' claims, so he shall see
to it on this occasion. And my
confessor father Spiess shall
represent the clergy. So be it.
HANS DEPAAR
Your Imperial Majesty is most
gracious, and I am very thankful.
With your leave, I will attend to
your command, this instant.
Emperor Leopold nods, and DePaar withdraws with a bow aside
to the Secretary, who dictates inaudibly to a scribe.
INT. SALON - DAY
Dr. Becher and FATHER SPIESS are seated when Count DePaar
enters with Wenzel. The Emperor's letter lays on the table,
stamped with royal seal.
HANS DEPAAR
Gentleman, allow me to introduce
Friar Wenzel Seyler. (beat) Friar
Seyler, this is Father Spiess. He
is the personal confessor of
Emperor Leopold.
WENZEL
Father Spiess, it is an honor to
meet you.
FATHER SPIESS
Good afternoon, friar Seyler.
HANS DEPAAR
And this is Doctor Johan Becher.
WENZEL
Good afternoon, Doctor Becher.
HANS DEPAAR
Gentlemen, the Emperor has
commissioned us to investigate
friar Seyler's claim that he can
transmute base metals into gold.
(beat) Doctor Becher, you practice
alchemy, and you have written
several excellent books about the
art. And, as the Emperor's privy
councillor of commerce, you also
test the claims of many alchemists.
I ask you, therefore, have you ever
seen any supposed gold made by
alchemy, that passes testing by
assay?
BECHER
Count DePaar, since I was
commissioned by the Emperor in the
year 1667, I have never found any
truth in any of the claims made by
any alchemists. Still, I continue
to hope that the Philosophers'
Stone might really exist.
HANS DEPAAR
I assure you, Doctor Becher, today
you shall see the truth of alchemy.
FATHER SPIESS
I do not believe in alchemy, but I
am willing to observe and testify
concerning this matter, if his
Majesty commands it.
HANS DEPAAR
He does, Father Spiess, as decreed
in this letter. (beat) Shall we
proceed to the experiment?
Everything is prepared, so we need
not delay.
INT. LABORATORY - DAY
The group stands around a small metal furnace.
HANS DEPAAR
As you can see, Doctor Becher, I
own one of your famous portable
furnaces. (beat) Here are several
ounces of the best German tin, and
new Hessian crucibles. Please
examine them, so you can be certain
there is no gold hidden within.
DePaar hands Becher a magnifying lens. Becher selects a piece
of tin from a small pile on a table and peers at it with the
lens.
BECHER
I want to keep some pieces to test
later in my laboratory, Count
DePaar.
HANS DEPAAR
Of course, Doctor Becher. And take
any of the crucibles too, as you
please.
Becher smashes one of the crucibles on the floor, then picks
up a piece of the bottom and scrutinizes it.
BECHER
I am satisfied that there is no
apparent trickery here.
FATHER SPIESS
Gentlemen, I fear of magical
enchantment, and would bless these
materials before we continue.
WENZEL
Oh yes, please do, Father Spiess.
It can only help.
FATHER SPIESS
In nomine patris et filius et
spiritui sancto...
His voice trails off into indistinct Latin mumbling while Dr.
Becher fills a crucible with pieces of tin and places it in
the hole in the top of the furnace.
MINUTES LATER
Everyone is startled by the LOUD METALLIC CRACKLE and FLASH
OF BLUE LIGHT. Dr. Becher and Father Spiess look into the
crucible, and then at each other with amazed expressions.
INT. IMPERIAL COURT - DAY
Count DePaar, Father Spiess, Dr. Becher and Wenzel stand
before Emperor Leopold. A crowd of courtiers look on. A
Jesuit priest stands among them.
EMPEROR LEOPOLD
I am eager to hear the particulars
of your examination, Doctor Becher.
What do you have to say about the
matter?
BECHER
Your Majesty, I have prepared a
written account, and all of us have
subscribed to it.
Becher holds out a sealed envelope. The Imperial Secretary
steps forward to receive it.
BECHER (CONT'D)
I examined the tin and the crucible
closely, and the tincture that was
used. I also tested the gold that
was produced and found it to be the
purest I have ever seen. I
calculate that one part of the
tincture transmuted ten thousand
parts of tin to gold. (beat) We
also repeated the experiment to our
satisfaction. (beat) Your Majesty,
I am pleased to say that friar
Seyler possesses the true
alchemical tincture, the
Philosophers' Stone.
EMPEROR LEOPOLD
How very interesting! And what is
your opinion, Father Spiess?
FATHER SPIESS
Imperial Majesty, I am not an
alchemist, nor a chymist, yet it
did appear to be a genuine
transmutation. On my part, in God's
name, I blessed the materials to
prevent any magical mischief.
Indeed, it appears to be a small
miracle of rare device.
Emperor Leopold pauses to look at each of them in turn.
EMPEROR LEOPOLD
Father Spiess and Doctor Becher, I
thank you for your service in this
matter. (beat) And I enjoin thee,
Count DePaar, to treat friar Seyler
kindly, and to assure him of my
favor. (beat) I advise thee, friar
Seyler, to refrain from further
scandal. You will assume the
Augustine habit again, and amend
your manners so as to satisfy the
clergy.
(beat) I shall investigate this
matter further, and make a final
decision for its disposition. So be
it.
WENZEL
I, I am most grateful, your
Imperial Majesty!
Emperor Leopold nods and smiles benignly.
HANS DEPAAR
I humbly thank your Imperial
Majesty, and shall discharge this
commission as you command.
INT. DEPAAR'S STUDY - NIGHT
Hans DePaar sits at his desk, impressing his seal on an
envelope. A second envelope lays to one side, already sealed.
FATHER DUNELL sits watching him.
BECHER (V.O.)
The very same day, Count DePaar
arranged for his confessor father
Dunell to vest friar Seyler with
his Augustine robes once again, and
he wrote letters to the abbot and
the governor, informing them of the
emperor's command.
INT. ABBOT'S OFFICE - DAY
Abbot Brecheisen throws the letter down on his desk and
glowers at Father Dunell.
INT. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE - DAY
Governor Collebrat throws the letter on his desk and glowers
at Father Dunell. Then he picks up a glass of wine, takes a
gulp, and slams it down.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Becher sips his wine, then sets his glass down.
BECHER
Count DePaar hoped to persuade
Wenzel to call for Francis
Preyhausen to bring him all of the
tincture, thinking himself safe
from violence under the emperor's
protection. But Wenzel easily
perceived the real intention, and
he made a pretext to attend Mass,
and managed to slip away from
DePaar's men.
INT. ROOM - DAY
Wenzel and Francis are sitting across from each other at a
table with the copper box between them. Wenzel removes one
bottle and puts it in his pocket. Francis stands up, shuts
the box, locks it in a cabinet, and puts the key in his
pocket.
WENZEL
Brother Francis, we have endured
many hazards together, and now we
have the Emperor's promise of
protection. Still, I fear that we
must always beware. (beat) Now,
only you and I know how much of the
Philosophers' Stone we really
possess. Therefore I will take one
bottle, and pretend that is all.
The rest we shall bury again.
(beat) And I think you should
remain incognito until we can act
with confidence.
FRANCIS
I agree completely. We must be more
careful than ever. Let us go bury
the box together.
EXT. DRIVEWAY - NIGHT
Count DePaar arrives in his carriage. The driver sets a
footstep for him, and helps him down.
INT. SALON - NIGHT
Wenzel is sitting in an armchair, sipping wine and watching
the logs burning in the fireplace. When Count DePaar enters,
he rises and bows.
WENZEL
Good evening, Count DePaar!
HANS DEPAAR
Good evening, Wenzel.
DePaar pulls a pistol from his belt and lays it on a table.
Then he takes a sealed letter from his coat pocket.
HANS DEPAAR (CONT'D)
Wenzel, my son, today I had
audience with the Emperor, and he
gave me this sealed decree. (beat)
He demands the tincture of thee,
and says that if you refuse to
deliver it, I must execute the
sentence of death upon thee.
WENZEL
(flabbergasted)
I, I cannot believe that he would
do such a thing. I wish to read the
decree!
Wenzel reaches for the decree. DePaar picks up the pistol and
points it at Wenzel.
HANS DEPAAR
Alas, my dear friend, the Emperor
commands that if you open this
decree, I must execute you
immediately! (long beat) Yet, if
you heed my advice, we may yet free
ourselves from this misfortune.
(beat) You are not alone! I am your
friend! I offer you my fatherly
love!
WENZEL
I welcome your advice, Excellency!
HANS DEPAAR
Both of us need the Emperor's
protection, and surely we shall be
forced to give him the tincture.
(beat) Yet we may both keep it, if
we pretend to try to multiply it in
quantity and potency, as the adept
alchemists claim. (beat) And after
some time has passed, we shall say
that the glass was broken by the
heat of the furnace, and we lost
all the tincture.
(beat) For the truth is, the
Emperor's court is not worthy of
such a treasure, and it would only
be prostituted there. Emperor
Leopold needs gold to pay for the
wars against France and the Turks.
(beat) But to engage thyself to me
in greater faith, you must give me
half the tincture, and we shall
make a mutual oath to be faithful,
one to the other, as long as we
live. And what has passed between
us tonight shall remain our secret.
WENZEL
(reluctantly)
I would sign a written agreement on
these terms, and confirm it with
our mutual promise.
HANS DEPAAR
As you wish, Wenzel.
Count DePaar raises a glass of wine.
HANS DEPAAR (CONT'D)
Let us drink to our success!
Wenzel raises his glass.
WENZEL
To our success!
As they sip their wine, Depaar grips his hip and grimaces. He
puts down his glass.
HANS DEPAAR
Damn the gout!
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Dr. Becher puts down his glass of wine.
BECHER
Now, few days later, Count DePaar
suffered a severe attack of gout.
And to relieve the pain, he drank
some potable gold that the
alchemist Burrhy had prepared but
poorly, and it only caused him more
grief.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Count Hans DePaar is on his deathbed. His brother PETER
DEPAAR stands at his side as Father Dunell administers
Extreme Unction. There is a small desk at the foot of the
bed.
BECHER (V.O.)
His physician administered other
remedies to no avail, and his
symptoms grew worse. Count DePaar
sensed his death approaching, and
called for his brother Peter, his
only heir, for he was a bachelor.
HANS DEPAAR
Peter, listen carefully, and heed
my words. (beat)
FLASHBACK:
INT. PARLOR - DAY
Frederick is reading Hans DePaar's palm. An amazed look comes
over his face. He pauses, then continues inaudibly.
HANS DEPAAR (V.O., CONT'D)
Years ago in Italy, a soothsayer
named Frederick Gualdus foretold
that I would obtain the
Philosophers' Stone, and then soon
after I would die! (beat) The first
part of the prophecy is fulfilled,
and now my death is near...
RETURN TO SCENE
HANS DEPAAR
I know that you have spent as much
time and money as myself in the
vain practice of alchemy. I have
nothing more valuable to give you,
Peter, than the portion of the
Philosophers' Stone that I have
obtained. It is sealed up in that
desk. I shall entrust it to Father
Dunell, and upon my death, he shall
deliver it to you.
PETER DEPAAR
Dear Hans, I doubt very much that
your end is nigh, so I will take my
leave for tonight. Sleep well, my
brother. I shall return tomorrow.
HANS DEPAAR
Father Dunell, I entrust this desk
to you now, to deliver to my
brother.
FATHER DUNELL
Your Excellency, it shall be done
as you wish. I shall take the desk
with me tonight.
HANS DEPAAR
Thank you, Father.
EXT. ST. FRANCIS' MONASTERY - NIGHT (ESTABLISHING)
EXT. MONASTERY COURTYARD - NIGHT
Father Dunell arrives in DePaar's carriage, accompanied by
two men in a wagon with the desk. The coachman places a
footstep and helps him down. The other men unload the desk
and carry it into the building after the priest.
LATER
As the carriage and wagon leave through the monastery gate,
the Spanish BISHOP CASTILLE and his entourage arrives in
three carriages, accompanied by several soldiers. The
bishop's face is seen in passing.
EXT. MANSION - NIGHT
The STEWARD is instructing a servant, LUDWIG.
STEWARD
Ludwig, ride to Count DePaar and
inform him that his brother has
died this hour.
LUDWIG
Yes, sir.
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
Ludwig is galloping to Peter DePaar's estate.
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
Peter DePaar and Ludwig gallop on horseback, followed by two
men in a wagon.
EXT. ST. FRANCIS' MONASTERY - NIGHT
Peter DePaar knocks loudly at the monastery gate. The PORTER
MONK opens the peephole, then opens the gate slightly.
PORTER MONK
Yes, sir, what do you want?
PETER DEPAAR
I am Count DePaar, and I must speak
with Father Dunell immediately!
PORTER MONK
Your Excellency, this is an
unreasonable hour for a visit.
Father Dunell has retired for the
night.
DePaar barges in, and slips a coin into the monk's hand.
PETER DEPAAR
Take me to him, now!
The flustered monk stares at the coin. DePaar slaps another
into his palm.
PORTER MONK
But... I...
PETER DEPAAR
Now, my good monk!
PORTER MONK
Yes, Excellency. Follow me. (beat)
Quietly, please!
He leads the way, carrying a lantern.
INT. CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Count DePaar pounds on Father Dunell's door as the monk and
the other men stand by.
PORTER MONK
Shhh! Please be quiet!
DePaar ignores him and keeps knocking loudly. Father Dunell
finally opens the door, yawning and squinting, dressed in his
nightgown, and wearing slippers.
FATHER DUNELL
Why do you wake me at this ungodly
hour?
PETER DEPAAR
Father Dunell, my brother has died,
and I have come for the desk. It
belongs to me now.
FATHER DUNELL
Count DePaar, I am shocked by your
rudeness. Please wait until
morning, and the desk will be
delivered to you in the presence of
the Abbot.
PETER DEPAAR
I cannot wait until morning. I will
have it now, if you please.
DePaar motions to his men, and they enter the room to take
the desk. Father Dunell tries to stop them, and they shove
him aside.
PORTER MONK
Help! Help! Alarm!
Several monks come out of their cells, dressed in their
underwear, and rush to aid Father Dunell. Then Bishop
Castille appears, dressed in his nightgown.
BISHOP CASTILLE
What is all this commotion? Who are
these people?
FATHER DUNELL
Bishop Castille, Excellency! I was
the confessor of Count Hans DePaar,
who died this night. He entrusted
this desk to me, to deliver it to
his brother here, come now to take
it by force! I only ask that he
wait until morning, to receive it
with the Abbot as a witness.
BISHOP CASTILLE
Unless this desk is made from the
wood of Christ's Cross, there will
be no more noise about it tonight!
(beat) I will take receipt of this
desk from you, Father, and I shall
present it to Emperor Leopold when
I see him today. And you...
PETER DEPAAR
I am Count Peter DePaar. I am the
Postmaster of Austria.
BISHOP CASTILLE
Count DePaar, you may claim your
desk from the Emperor! Now leave,
posthaste!
Fuming, Count DePaar turns to leave, and his men follow.
Bishop Castille gestures to the monks.
BISHOP CASTILLE (CONT'D)
Bring the desk!
Two monks pick up the desk and carry it after the Bishop. The
other monks return to their cells. Father Dunell yawns,
shakes his head, and shuts his door.
INT. IMPERIAL COURT - DAY
Bishop Castille stands before Emperor Leopold on his throne.
Two priests stand behind him with the desk between them. The
court is crowded; Dr Becher is present.
BISHOP CASTILLE
Your Imperial Majesty, I bring you
greetings and salutations from
Empress Margaret of Spain.
EMPEROR LEOPOLD
Bishop Castille, you are most
welcome here in Vienna. I trust you
had a safe and pleasant journey.
BISHOP CASTILLE
I did, your Majesty, until I
arrived last night at Saint
Francis' Monastery.
EMPEROR LEOPOLD
Pray tell, what happened?
BISHOP CASTILLE
Your Majesty, I have a grievous
complaint to make against your
postmaster, Count Peter DePaar.
EMPEROR LEOPOLD
What? Count DePaar?
BISHOP CASTILLE
Yes, your majesty, the Count Peter
DePaar. He came to the monastery
late last night and made such a
violent disturbance that everyone
was awakened. And it was all for
this desk! (beat) I humbly ask your
Majesty to reprimand the Count.
Such behavior is not tolerated in
Spain. And therefore I deliver the
desk to you for disposition.
EMPEROR LEOPOLD
My dear Bishop, you shall have his
most humble apology. But let us not
dwell on it. We have important
matters to discuss, in my privy
chambers.
The Emperor rises, and everyone bows as he and Bishop
Castille leave with the two priests and the desk in tow. The
courtiers start gossiping indistinctly.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Dr. Becher sips his wine.
BECHER
The story raced through the court
and the city, and soon reached
Wenzel Seyler. (beat) And by means
of Bishop Castille, he obtained an
audience with the Emperor, and told
him the whole story, how Count Hans
DePaar had extorted the tincture
from him, and forced him to vow
secrecy, but now the Count was
dead, and he was free from the
oath.
INT. PRIVY CHAMBER - DAY
Wenzel stands before Emperor Leopold and Bishop Castille, who
are sitting in armchairs.
WENZEL
Your Imperial Majesty, I am very
glad that the Tincture has come
into your hands.
I have been determined to deliver
it to you, but the violence of
Count DePaar, and of Prince Charles
and Count Schtick has prevented me.
(beat) Therefore I implore you to
grant me your protection, and
return the tincture to me so that I
may test its virtues and powers.
EMPEROR LEOPOLD
Friar Seyler, now that I understand
the events in this affair, I will
extend my protection to you, and I
shall entertain you in my court.
Therefore, I commit you to the care
and inspection of Count Austin of
Wallenstein, the Governor of
Hattshirr. (beat) The tincture
shall be returned to you, that you
may examine and enjoy it. But I
shall keep some of it for
safekeeping.
WENZEL
Your Majesty, I am eternally
grateful for your mercy and
understanding.
EMPEROR LEOPOLD
My secretary shall make the
necessary arrangements.
He nods to Wenzel, who bows his way backwards out of the
chamber. The Emperor pulls a bell cord to notify the guards
outside, and they open and shut the door.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Dr. Becher sets his wineglass on the table, and rubs his
hands.
BECHER
Friar Seyler was well received into
the Emperor's good graces, and he
was assigned lodgings at the
Imperial Bowling Green. He also
performed some transmutations
before the Emperor, and Count
Austin made a gold chain in memory
of the occasion.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Francis, dressed in his monk's robe, is riding in a royal
carriage, escorted by two soldiers on horseback.
BECHER (V.O.)
And Emperor Leopold sent Friar
Francis Preyhausen to Rome to seek
a dispensation from the Pope, to
release them from their monastic
vows.
SERIES OF SHOTS:
A) EXT. ROOFTOP, VIENNA - DAY
A black-robed Jesuit priest releases a HOMING PIGEON with a
message holder tied to its ankle. Cooing pigeons rustle about
in their coop, with Hofburg Palace visible in the background.
B) EXT. ROOFTOP, ROME - DAY
The Vatican is visible in the background as the HOMING PIGEON
lands at a rooftop coop full of cooing pigeons. A Jesuit
priest unties the message holder from its ankle.
C) EXT. VATICAN - DAY
Francis enters the Vatican, accompanied by an Augustine
priest. The Jesuit follows at a discrete distance.
INT. PALACE LABORATORY - DAY
Dressed in the Augustine habit, Wenzel is sitting at a table,
drinking wine and talking inaudibly with Paul DELOURDES and
Herman LECHLER. Several alchemical books lay open on the
table. Specimens of various minerals lay about, and a mortar
and pestle.
BECHER (V.O.)
Friar Seyler met many chymists and
alchemists, yet none knew the true
practice, so he only wasted his
powder. Then some charlatans
insinuated themselves upon him, and
he learned many cunning frauds from
them.
Delourdes is holding a crucible, and pointing into it.
DELOURDES
My favorite trick is to mix some
powdered gold with wax in the
bottom of a crucible and cover it
with clay. When I pretend to make
gold from lead, I poke through the
clay with an iron rod and stir up
the gold.
LECHLER
Ha ha! Yes, that's easy, and it
works every time! I paid fir my
first tour of Europe that way,
until that accident in Rome...
The three men chuckle drunkenly and drink up.
INT. PALACE LABORATORY - DAY
Wenzel, DeLourdes, and Lechler are distilling something smoky
and smelly. Count Wallenstein and Dr. Becher come in to
observe. The Count is frowning, shaking his head, and he
holds a handkerchief to his nose.
BECHER (V.O.)
The many visitors soon became a
noisome bother at the court, and
Wenzel was always watched by Count
Wallenstein. So friar Seyler told
the Emperor that he needed to
prepare some sulfurous substances,
and the noxious fumes and stench
would be a danger to the court.
Therefore a laboratory was built
for him in the Carinthian Fort, and
he had the entire place to himself.
And Emperor Leopold commanded me to
assist him, so I got to better know
the man.
WENZEL
Doctor Becher! Count Wallestein!
Welcome!
INT. LABORATORY - DAY
Wenzel and Dr. Becher watch as masons construct a furnace in
front of a window.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Dr. Becher sips his wine.
BECHER
Now, every alchemist knows the
adepts' claim that the
Philosophers' Stone can be
increased in potency and in
quantity. Therefore, many people
asked to buy a bit of it, hoping to
augment their portion. And friar
Seyler was happy to sell it to them
for much more than it was worth in
the gold that could be produced.
Count Savonius was one such
customer.
INT. SALON - NIGHT
COUNT SAVONIUS hefts a small box onto the table and opens it
to reveal 1000 ducats.
WENZEL
I thank you, Count Savonius. And
here is a generous portion of the
tincture for you to test. I wish
you every success in your
experiments.
COUNT SAVONIUS
I thank you in like wise, friar
Seyler.
The Count looks closely at the vial, then puts it in his
pocket. Wenzel closes the box and locks it in a cabinet. A
SERVANT KNOCKS at the door.
WENZEL
Enter!
SERVANT
Dinner is served, master.
WENZEL
Shall we join the other guests,
Excellency?
COUNT SAVONIUS
With pleasure a good appetite, Herr
Seyler!
WENZEL
Call me Wenzel, please.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Wenzel is dining with Count Savonius and several other
guests. Gorgeous Angelique is sitting next to him, sporting
an extravagant necklace.
WENZEL
Angelique, my darling, you look
ravishing!
ANGELIQUE
Oh, Wenzel, you are so charming!
And generous! This necklace is so
beautiful! Thank you, my dearest!
She leans over to kiss him. Wenzel suddenly begins to gasp
for breath, clutches his stomach in agony, and falls to the
floor. The guests watch in horror and look aghast at each
other. One of them stands up, runs to the window, and vomits.
Angelique kneels on the floor, comforting Wenzel in her lap
as she weeps for him.
ANGELIQUE (CONT'D)
Oh, Wenzel, Wenzel! Please, don't
die!
EXT. FRONT DOOR - NIGHT
Count Savonius hands a note to his COACHMAN.
COUNT SAVONIUS
Go to Doctor Biliot at this address
and bring him here at once!
The coachman looks at the address and bows.
COACHMAN
Yes, Excellency!
LATER
Count Savonius greets DR. BILIOT as he arrives. The doctor is
carrying a leather medical bag.
COUNT SAVONIUS
I want you to attend to his every
need -- and to mine.
He has taken one thousand ducats
from me for some of his tincture. I
want it back, and the tincture too.
The money is in the cabinet in his
study, and the key is in his
pocket. Find the tincture for me,
and the thousand ducats are yours
to keep.
DR. BILIOT
I understand, Excellency.
COUNT SAVONIUS
Good. I shall send my carriage back
for you. Good night, doctor.
Count Savonius climbs into the carriage, and the coachman
shuts the door for him.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Dr. Biliot finishes examining Wenzel, who is unconscious and
moaning. Angelique sits beside the bed.
DR. BILIOT
It appears that he has been
poisoned with arsenic. I have
administered vitriol. Now we must
wait. (beat) There is nothing you
can do here, fraulein. You might as
well go home.
ANGELIQUE
Yes, Doctor Biliot.
INT. STUDY - NIGHT
Dr. Biliot opens the cabinet, removes the box of ducats, then
puts it in his medical bag.
BECHER (V.O.)
The unscrupulous doctor found the
Count's ducats easily, but Wenzel
had hidden his tincture well, so
Biliot failed to find it.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Wenzel is sitting up in bed, and Angelique is fussing over
him. She kisses his brow.
He pulls her to him kisses her lips, and nuzzles her bosom.
She giggles and lays back in his lap, smiling lasciviously.
BECHER (V.O.)(CONT'D)
And soon after, to everyone's
surprise, friar Seyler began to
recover his health.
EXT. VATICAN - DAY
Francis is smiling as he leaves the Vatican, holding a sealed
letter. A Jesuit priest follows discretely.
BECHER (CONT'D)
And a few weeks later, Francis
Prehausen returned from Rome with
the papal dispensation.
SERIES OF SHOTS:
A) EXT. ROAD - DAY
Francis is riding in a royal carriage on his way back to
Vienna, escorted by two soldiers on horseback. He is now
dressed in plain clothes.
B) EXT. ROOFTOP, ROME - DAY
A Jesuit priest releases a HOMING PIGEON with a message
attached. The Vatican is in the background.
C) EXT. ROOFTOP, VIENNA - DAY
The HOMING PIGEON lands at the rooftop coop in Vienna.
Hofburg Palace can be seen in the background. A Jesuit priest
picks it up and unties the message from its ankle.
INT. SALON - DAY
Francis is sitting in an armchair, sipping wine. Wenzel
stands happily reading the papal dispensation. He tosses it
on the table, then tears off his monk's habit and throws it
into the fireplace.
WENZEL
Cheer up, Francis! Our dream has
come true! We are free from the
Church, and we have wealth, honor
and fame, and women!
FRANCIS
Mmmm... Forgive me if I am less
than enthused, for I am tired from
my journey, and I exhausted my
relief in the indulgences of Rome.
(beat) Wenzel, I am very worried by
the many strangers you have
attracted. (beat) I think it would
be best for me to remain incognito
while I am in Vienna. Only you may
know where I reside. (beat)
WENZEL
I agree, Francis. We may enjoy the
Emperor's protection, but lesser
men will always seek to steal our
treasure.
FRANCIS
Soon I shall go traveling again, to
study alchemy in the great
libraries. We know nothing of the
proper use and the powers of the
Philosophers' Stone, and no one
here in Vienna knows any more than
we do. Perhaps I may meet someone
who can teach me the true practice.
(beat) I shall send you letters to
keep you informed of my progress.
WENZEL
I shall provide you with all the
money you may need.
FRANCIS
Thank you, Wenzel.
EXT. ST. STEPHAN'S CATHEDRAL - DAY
Wenzel and Angelique are leaving the cathedral after getting
married. Dr. Becher is among the many guests who follow them
out. He stands quietly watching as the others cheer and throw
flowers at the newlyweds.
BECHER (V.O.)
Soon after, Wenzel married a very
crafty woman named Angelique who
had attended to his sickness and
his desires. (beat) But in Vienna
she was accounted as a common
whore.
(beat) And he was visited by
persons of the highest rank, and
was mightily respected by the most
eminent ladies, countesses and
princesses.
INT. BANQUET - DAY
Wenzel and Angelique are celebrating their wedding banquet.
Francis and Dr. Becher are among the guests..
WENZEL
My friends, I do fancy that the
elements all conspire together to
make me happy! Eat, drink! Be happy
with me!
The guests laugh drunkenly. Francis manages a wan smile, and
Becher sips his wine.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Dr. Becher sips his wine, then sets the glass down.
BECHER
As a spectator of the scene, I
thought he was living in a fool's
paradise. (beat) It reminded me of
Cornelius Agrippa, who wrote in his
book The Vanity of Sciences, that
if he were master of the
Philosophers' Stone, he would spend
it all in nothing but whoring, for
he could easily make women
prostitute themselves thereby, and
yield to his lust. (beat) And that
is just what Wenzel Seyler did. He
squandered it all in debauchery.
MONTAGE:
Wenzel and Angelique are carousing in bed with a series of
women and men in orgiastic combinations, climaxing in a
chorus of passionate moans and cries.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Wenzel and Angelique lay beside each other in bed, breathing
fitfully. They are covered with chancres, and their eyes are
closed.
BECHER (V.O.)
But Wenzel and Angelique were so
depraved, that soon they contracted
the French disease. Yet Wenzel made
another miraculous recovery.
LATER
Wenzel stands beside the bed, weeping; Angelique is dead. The
doctor pulls the sheet over her head.
BECHER (V.O., CONT'D)
I believe that the medicinal virtue
of the Tincture saved him, because
he had handled it so often, and it
strengthened his blood. But he knew
nothing of it, so he could not
treat his wife, and she died.
MONTAGE:
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Wenzel carouses serially and in combinations with dozens of
women and some men, climaxing in a chorus of passionate moans
and cries.
LATER
He lays in bed after it all, looks at the woman sleeping
beside him, and sighs as tears well up in his eyes.
BECHER (V.O.)
After the death of Angelique,
Wenzel Seyler exceeded all bounds
of modesty, and indulged in every
sinful excess. In three years time
he spent more than ten thousand
crowns in all manner of luxury...
SERIES OF SHOTS:
A) INT. SALON - DAY
Wenzel chooses from an assortment of fabrics as two tailors
fawn over him.
B) LATER
Wenzel is posing for a portrait.
C) LATER
An effete decorator fusses about as workers carry luxurious
chairs and small tables into the room. Wenzel's portrait
hangs on the wall.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Wenzel is entertaining dozens of guests in the salon and the
garden. Francis stands at a window of a study that overlooks
the garden. Wenzel looks up from the party and sees Francis.
INT. STUDY - DAY
Francis turns away from the window. Wenzel enters, shuts the
door, and sinks into an armchair, looking tired and slightly
drunk.
WENZEL
Aren't you enjoying the party,
Francis?
FRANCIS
Oh, do forgive me, Wenzel. I don't
mean to seem unfriendly toward your
guests. But I have another matter
in mind.
WENZEL
It sounds serious.
FRANCIS
It is.
WENZEL
Then I shall leave you to dote upon
in private, unless you want my
advice.
FRANCIS
The matter is you, Wenzel, so do
stay and consult with me, if you
please. The party won't miss you
meanwhile.
WENZEL
Uhhh... Well...
Francis has Wenzel politely trapped in the chair.
FRANCIS
Indeed. (beat) Wenzel, I don't want
to sound dramatic, but I tell you,
man, I do fear you are at grave
risk of losing your soul in the
abyss of sin.
WENZEL
Ohhh... Uhhh... Well... You may be
right, brother Francis. (beat) No,
you are right! No matter how often
I confess my sins and do penance, I
cannot resist the next temptation!
My lust seems to have no bounds! No
woman resists me, not even wives or
virgins! (beat) Well, there was one
nun, but she was... special.
FRANCIS
Wenzel, Your penis is your Achilles
heel! Sex killed Angelique, and it
nearly killed you! Aren't you ever
satisfied?
WENZEL
No... I am only satiated, for a
little while at best. (beat) My
life is a perpetual motion of wine
and women, music and food. I
haven't been sleeping well, and I
have a headache every morning.
FRANCIS
That much is easily cured. Don't
drink so much wine! Get outdoors
once in a while to breathe fresh
air! And bathe more often.
WENZEL
Yes, of course! Why didn't I think
of that!?
FRANCIS
Maybe you are too drunk to think.
(beat) Seriously, Wenzel, this
cannot endure! You are wasting the
Tincture, and you know not how to
replace it. What will you do when
it is all gone? Will you become a
monk again?
WENZEL
Hmmm... Possibly... But not
Augustine, or Benedictine, nor
Jesuit. Perhaps I shall become a
Protestant, or a Moslem...
Wenzel's voice sinks into mumbling, then a mild snore as he
pretends to pass asleep.
FRANCIS
Ach! Damn it, Wenzel! You are
impossible!
Francis glares, then leaves the room. Wenzel opens an eye to
watch Francis leave. Alone, he sighs and frowns, closes his
eyes, and groans. After a long beat, he begins to snore
slightly.
INT. SALON - DAY
Wenzel and Francis are sitting in armchairs before a
fireplace, sipping wine as they talk. Wenzel, slightly drunk,
pulls a bottle of tincture from his pocket.
WENZEL
I have spent almost all of the
Tincture in this bottle. I need to
retrieve another from the box. I
shall go tomorrow.
FRANCIS
Wenzel, there is only one bottle
left. (beat) And it is not where we
buried it.
Wenzel rises from his chair with an alarmed look.
WENZEL
What do you mean, it's not there?!
FRANCIS
Precisely. I have moved it.
WENZEL
You moved it? And you did not tell
me? What are you trying to do?
Wenzel advances, glowering at Francis.
WENZEL (CONT'D)
Where is my tincture, Francis?
FRANCIS
Calm yourself, Wenzel. It is safe.
But you are not. (beat) Your
enemies can not harm you, yet you
are destroying yourself with
excess.
WENZEL
I don't want another sermon,
Francis. Where is the tincture?
FRANCIS
It is nearby. And I will return it
to you, when you must come to your
senses, Wenzel. Your excesses, must
stop!
WENZEL
I am a dissipated, dis-,
dispensated monk, damn it, not a
saint! Excess, you say? Ha! I won't
know what is enough, until I've had
too much!
FRANCIS
Wenzel, you are totally debauched
and depraved, and your
embarrassment of riches is
shameful, yet you have no shame.
(beat) You possess a great gift of
God, that you could use to help
people in need, yet you spend it on
luxury and entertainment. I do not
object to luxury, Wenzel, but this
is wanton waste. (beat) Wenzel, do
you remember the vows we exchanged
with each other in the monastery,
when we began this adventure? Eh?
WENZEL
Yes, of course.
FRANCIS
I want you to renew those vows with
me. Now. Then will I return the
tincture to you. (beat) Think about
it. Let me know when you're ready
to be sensible. I await you.
Francis leaves abruptly, and Wenzel remains staring into
fireplace, chewing his nails as he worries.
INT. LABORATORY - DAY
Wenzel sits at a table, weighing his remaining tincture on a
balance scale. He writes some notes, then puts the quill pen
in the ink pot, looks at his notes, scratches his head, and
bites his nails. He gulps some wine, and looks worried.
BECHER (V.O.)
He foresaw that his supply of
tincture would not last long at
that rate.
LATER
Wenzel is performing a distillation. He pumps the bellows a
few times, then peers into the retort. Suddenly it explodes,
and he runs out of the laboratory, coughing, choking.
BECHER (CONT'D)
And though he hoped to increase it
as the adepts teach in their books,
he was no alchemist, so his
experiments only resulted in
further loss.
INT. LABORATORY - DAY
Wenzel is experimenting with DeLourdes and Lechler.
BECHER (V.O., CONT'D)
Yet his needs were such, and so
many wanted to buy his powder, that
he resorted to a fraudulent scheme
with the help of his partners Paul
DeLourdes and Herman Lechler.
INT. LABORATORY - NIGHT
Wenzel is experimenting with DeLordes and Lechler.
BECHER (V.O, CONT'D)
They prepared the tincture with a
mixture of powdered cinnabar,
copper, and litharge all boiled
together in aqua fortis, so that
ignorant fools might mistake it for
his real gold-making powder, and
buy it for a high price. (beat) And
by means of this and other
swindles, he got many thousands of
crowns.
INT. STUDY - DAY
Wenzel is selling a small bottle of red powder to BARON
KARNSTADT, who hands him a bag of coins. Paul DeLourdes and
Herman Lechler also are present, watching from across the
room, and smirking at each other.
WENZEL
Thank you, Baron Karnstadt, I hope
your experiment is successful.
BARON KARNSTADT
I thank you too, Herr Seyler. I
shall make the experiment as soon
as I return to my laboratory.
INT. LABORATORY - DAY
Baron Karnstadt is attempting the perform a transmutation. He
removes a crucible from his furnace with tongs and sets it on
a brick counter. There is no gold. He frowns.
INT. SALON - DAY
Baron Karnstadt is angrily confronting Wenzel, DeLourdes, and
Lechler, who are holding glasses of wine.
BARON KARNSTADT
You have cheated me, Herr Seyler!
Return my money, or I shall bring a
complaint against you before the
court!
Wenzel puts his glass on a table.
WENZEL
My dear Baron Karnstadt, the verity
of my tincture has been proven by
the assayers at the Imperial Mint,
and by many others, as you know. I
can only suppose that you lack
skill in the art, and made a
mistake in the practice.
BARON KARNSTADT
Do not insult my intelligence, sir!
I followed your instructions
carefully, and I am well practiced
in chymical science! I demand that
you return the money I paid you!
WENZEL
In that case, Baron, I must ask you
to return the tincture I sold to
you.
BARON KARNSTADT
I used it all in the experiments!
WENZEL
Well then, would you like to make
another trial of it? Perhaps you
can get it right this time.
BARON KARNSTADT
The only other trial I shall make
is of you, Herr Seyler, in a court
of law!
The baron storms out, and the three scoundrels snicker in
glee as they click their glasses together in a toast, and set
their glasses down.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Dr. Becher sets down his glass of wine, and surveys his
audience.
BECHER
The matter could not be kept
secret, and people began to talk
about it. Serious alchemists
resented his prostitution of their
science, and his many crimes of
fraud. (beat) But he was in such
good credit with the emperor, that
it was not safe to impeach him.
INT. COURTROOM - DAY
The courtroom is crowded with observers, including Dr.
Becher. Baron Karnstadt is in the witness stand.
BECHER (VV.O., CONT'D)
Nevertheless, several of his
victims took legal action, and they
obtained a judgment against him.
BARON KARNSTADT
Then he said, would you like to
make another trial of it? Perhaps
you can get it right this time!
INT. PRIVY CHAMBER - DAY
Emperor Leopold is meeting with several high councillors,
including Dr. Becher. Their discussion is indistinct except
for snatches about "Seyler", "fraud", "court", "judgment" and
"Your Majesty".
BECHER (V.O.)
Now the Emperor, unless he were to
leave his favorite Wenzel to the
judges, had to intervene. For so
many complaints were made against
him, and his infamy was so
widespread, that Leopold thought it
convenient to have it suppressed.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Dr. Becher sips his wine. He is slurring slightly.
BECHER
Gentlemen, the hour is getting
late, so I will bring this story to
a close. (beat) I will just say
that the Emperor paid all of
Seyler's debts, and got from him
the rest of his tincture.
INT. PRIVY CHAMBER - DAY
Wenzel hands one of the small bottles of Philosophers' Stone
to Emperor Leopold. It now contains only a small amount.
EMPEROR LEOPOLD
Wenzel, you are one of my favorite
subjects, but you have caused me a
great deal of embarrassment, and I
am sorely irritated about it. Do
not disappoint me again. Do you
understand?
WENZEL
Yes, your Majesty. I promise to
mend my ways and refrain from any
further abuse of my privileges.
(beat) I humbly apologize to you,
my gracious sovereign. (beat) I am
very sorry to have displeased you.
I thank you for being so merciful
to me.
INT. IMPERIAL COURT - DAY
Wenzel is kneeling before Emperor Leopold, who is placing a
medallion on a ribbon around his neck. Dr. Becher is among
the many courtiers present for the ceremony.
BECHER (V.O.)
Then the Emperor advanced him to
the title of Baron Seyler of
Rheinburgh. (beat) And furthermore,
he made him the Hereditary Master
of the Mint of Bohemia!
EMPEROR LEOPOLD
Rise, Baron Seyler, and go forth to
your estate.
Wenzel rises to his feet, bows to the Emperor, and withdraws
as the audience applauds.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Wenzel and his beautiful new wife are entertaining several
aristocratic guests. Francis Preyhausen is among them.
BECHER (V.O.)
Emperor Leopold sent him away to
Prague, where he now lives with his
second wife. (beat) Her name is
Waldes Kircheriana, a lovely woman
of a noble family. (beat) And Baron
Seyler made Francis Preyhausen the
steward of his house.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Dr. Becher finishes his glass of wine, sets it down, and
points to Robert BOYLE, who nods and smiles.
BECHER
I published this story at the
request of Sir Robert Boyle, to
tell the truth of the matter, and
to silence the critics of alchemy.
(beat) Now, if I have mistaken any
of the facts, well then, Baron
Seyler is still alive, and he is
welcome to correct me with a more
exact account.
(beat) And to conclude, I sincerely
wish that, if God should bless any
alchemist with the Philosophers'
Stone, he puts it to better use
than did Wenzel Seyler, for the
benefit of humanity, and the glory
of God. (beat) One can only
speculate how Emperor Leopold has
used his portion. But his Majesty
did bestow upon me a single grain
of it, and I keep it with me
always, in this vial.
Dr. Becher produces a tiny vial from his pocket. It contains
a tiny piece of the red Stone.
NEWTON
May we take a look at it, Doctor
Becher?
BECHER
Certainly, Sir Newton! Pass it
around.
Becher hands the vial to Newton, who is sitting closest to
him.
NEWTON
Ah, what a wonderment! I would give
anything to know the secret of its
preparation!
Newton peers into the vial, then passes it to Sir Robert
BOYLE, who is distracted.
NEWTON (CONT'D)
Sir Boyle?
BOYLE
Ah, yes. (beat) Gentlemen, I would
like to add mention of a meeting I
had recently with Count von
Lamberg, son of the Lord High
Steward to Emperor Leopold. He was
in the company of Count Wallestein,
who came here as an envoy to King
Charles. (beat) I asked him to tell
me about Baron Seyler, and he said
he was very well acquainted with
the man, and had witnessed several
projections on lead and tin.
Boyle pauses to sip his wine.
BOYLE (CONT'D)
He also said that Baron Seyler had
repaid sixty thousand florins of
debts, and returned the pension
given to him by the Emperor. (beat)
The count also told me of a
particular transmutation that
Seyler performed before the emperor
and Count Wallestein.
INT. EMPEROR'S PRIVY CHAMBER - DAY
Emperor Leopold and Count Wallestein are sitting in
armchairs, watching Wenzel. He speaks inaudibly as he hands
the Emperor a piece of silver that he has cut with shears
from a plate. Wenzel dips a small brush into a cup that
contains a dab of red paste, and paints around the cut in the
plate. Then he sets the plate on a bed of red-hot coals in a
brazier. The silver turns to gold as they watch.
BOYLE (V.O.)
He took a silver plate and cut off
a piece to show that it was pure,
then he spread a paste made of his
powder on the plate and held it
over burning coals, and the
tincture turned most of it into
gold.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Boyle looks around at the others, and gestures as he speaks.
BOYLE
And the Count showed me the piece
of silver that had been cut off,
and a piece of the transmuted
plate, and later he presented both
pieces to his Majesty King Charles.
Boyle takes an other look at the vial, then offers it to
Edmund HALLEY.
BOYLE (CONT'D)
Mister Halley?
HALLEY
Thank you, Sir Boyle.
MINUTES LATER
The meeting is over, but Dr. Becher, Newton, and Boyle remain
chatting. In the background, Halley is showing off his
telescope to Robert Hooke and the other guests.
NEWTON
I would have you know, Doctor
Becher, that you are being
considered as a candidate for
fellowship in the Royal Society. It
shall come to a vote at the next
meeting.
BECHER
Ah, that is sweet music to my ears,
Sir Newton, for I would so enjoy
such an honor!
NEWTON
Well, Doctor, I promise you shall
have my vote!
BECHER
Why, thank you, Sir Newton!
INT. STUDY - DAY
SUPERIMPOSE: "PRAGUE, 1683"
Francis is holding a LETTER as he stands before Wenzel at his
desk.
FRANCIS
Sir Robert Boyle in London has
written a letter to me. He says...
(beat) I regret to inform you that
Doctor Becher passed away in London
a few months ago, in October of
1682. (beat) He spoke often and
well of you... (beat) I have
enclosed a few copies of his
booklet Magnalia Naturae, which he
published at my behest... (beat)
Here is a copy for you, Wenzel.
Francis hands a copy of MAGNALIA NATURAE to Wenzel.
INT. LABORATORY - NIGHT
Several lanterns hang from hooks on the walls, lighting the
scene. Robert Boyle and Dr. Becher watch as their assistant
furiously pumps the bellows of a furnace.
A near-empty retort sits in the hole atop the furnace, and
the white liquid in the receiver and the retort glows
brightly. Becher and Boyle move closer to peer at it. The
glass retort cracks ominously, and they cringe in fear of an
explosion.
BOYLE (V.O.)
Thanks to Doctor Becher's knowledge
of phosphorus, we now can work a
profit from the distillation of
urine and sand by Brandt's process.
(beat) It always dismayed him,
however, that he was not elected to
membership in the Royal Society.
INT. FRANCIS' OFFICE - DAY
Francis is studying Frederick and Karl's alchemical
MANUSCRIPT. He silently mouths the words as he reads.
FRANCIS (V.O.)
If you want to meet other adepts
who might be nearby, then dissolve
a grain of your Stone in a bowl
pure water and set it on the ground
under a full moon.(beat) When you
go to sleep that night, rub some of
the water on your head, and pray to
recognize your fellow. You will
dream of him, and you will remember
his name and place. (beat) Hmmm...
EXT. GARDEN - NIGHT
Francis is kneeling in the grass before a bowl of red water.
The FULL MOON shines overhead.
FRANCIS (V.O.) (CONT'D.)
A strange beam of light will rise
from the bowl toward the moon...
(beat) Hmmm... Any adepts who know
this will do the same, hoping to
meet their brothers.
SPECIAL EFFECT: The WATER GLOWS with a RED LIGHT, and a
ghostly BEAM RISES toward the moon. Francis watches in
amazement.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
The bowl now sits on a bedside table along with a single
candle in a holder. Francis is sitting on the edge of the
bed, rubbing his head with the red water. He blows out the
candle and lays down to sleep. His head and the water in the
bowl continue to glow softly in the dark.
FRANCIS (V.O.) (CONT'D.)
When you go to sleep that night,
rub some of the water on your head,
and pray to recognize your fellow.
You will dream of him, and you will
remember his name and place. (beat)
Hmmm...
LATER
Francis is dreaming. A mist clears to reveal Frederick
Gualdus' face.
DISEMBODIED VOICE
Frederick Gualdus... Prague.
EXT. GARDEN - NIGHT
Frederick is standing before a bowl of red water.
SPECIAL EFFECT: The WATER GLOWS with a RED LIGHT, and a
ghostly BEAM RISES toward the moon.
Frederick peers at the bowl through a RED GLASS LENSE, and
sees Francis' face appear on the surface of the water.
DISEMBODIED VOICE
Francis Preyhausen... Prague.
INT. CATHEDRAL - DAY
Mass is being served, with hundreds of people in attendance.
Francis is among them, and Frederick sits behind him. He is
dressed inconspicuously, and appears to be about 50 years
old.
LATER
Mass has ended and people are leaving. Frederick approaches
Francis.
FREDERICK
Herr Preyhausen?
FRANCIS
I, I saw you in my dream! You...
FREDERICK
I am Frederick Gualdus. (beat) I
knew Father Karl Steiner, the first
abbot of Saint Thomas' Monastery.
We prepared the Philosophers' Stone
that you possess today.
FRANCIS
But the monastery was built four
hundred years ago! How can you be
so old?
FREDERICK
I am much older even than four
hundred years. Seven hundred would
be more accurate, perhaps eight
hundred. I do not know exactly.
(beat) The medicinal virtue of the
Elixir cures all diseases, and
bestows a long life, until God
calls for your soul. (beat) The
power to transmute base metals is
merely one of its many powers.
FRANCIS
That is what the manuscript says,
that was in the copper box!
FREDERICK
Yes, I know. I helped write it.
(beat) Shall we take a walk?
EXT. PARK - DAY
Frederick and Francis are perambulating past a pond and a
flock of swans.
FREDERICK
You need to learn the proper use of
the Tincture, or you will be in
peril of your soul, and cause great
harm instead of good, like your
friend Baron Seyler. (beat) Indeed,
it is a miracle that he has
survived to enjoy such good
fortune.
FRANCIS
He and I are the best of friends,
sir, yet I must agree with you,
Master Gualdus.
FREDERICK
I have actually been observing you
for some time already, Francis, and
I think you are worthy of
initiation into the mysteries of
alchemy. (beat) Baron Seyler,
however, has disqualified himself
by his many sins. Therefore, you
may not tell him or anyone else
what I teach you. Promise me that.
FRANCIS
I do so promise, Master Gualdus.
(beat) I implore you to teach me
all you can about alchemy! I shall
be on my best behavior!
FREDERICK
Hmmph... Of course you shall, or
I'll abandon you to your fate.
(beat) And don't call me master so
often. It's embarrassing. I am also
simply Frederick.
FRANCIS
Yes, sir. Thank you, Frederick,
Master Gualdus!
FREDERICK
Hmmph.
INT. STUDY - DAY
Francis is standing before Wenzel, who is seated at his desk.
FRANCIS
I used the tincture according to
the instructions in the manuscript,
and I met a real adept alchemist!
His name is Frederick Gualdus, and
he is the master who taught Abbot
Steiner to make the Stone you
found!
WENZEL
Francis, Abbot Steiner lived three
centuries ago! How could... what is
his name?
FRANCIS
Frederick Gualdus.
WENZEL
How can he be so old?
FRANCIS
I asked him that, and he said it is
by the medicinal virtue of the
Elixir. Even so, few masters have
ever lived so long.
WENZEL
The Elixir, you say?
FRANCIS
Yes, that is what he calls it, and
the Philosophers' Stone, and the
Tincture.
WENZEL
Hmmm... Well, this should prove
most interesting!
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Gualdus is teaching Francis. Several alchemical books lay
open on the table at which they are sitting.
FRANCIS
Master, what is the Elixir? Is it
the Philosophers' Stone, or the
Tincture? I am confused by so many
names.
FREDERICK
They are all the same thing, in
different forms. But the Elixir is
the great Medicine. (beat)
FLASHBACK:
INT. LABORATORY - DAY
An unidentified ALCHEMIST holds the Philosophers' Stone up to
the sun, praying in a blissful mumble.
ALCHEMIST
In nomine deus, et filius, et
spiritus sanctus...
MINUTES LATER
The alchemist has filed a bit of the Stone. He tastes it
tentatively. After a long beat, he dies, surprised.
FREDERICK (V.O.)
Many alchemists who attained the
Philosophers' Stone ingested it
hoping for perfect health and long
life, but they met sudden death
instead.
RETURN TO SCENE
FREDERICK
The Stone must be dissolved in wine
and greatly diluted. (beat) A
spoonful each day will cure any
disease by a gentle sweat. (beat)
But take care not to be injured,
for the power is only medicinal,
not surgical. It will not heal
wounded flesh.
INT. LABORATORY - DAY
Francis and Frederick move about the laboratory, selecting
labeled jars of substances for an experiment and setting them
on a table. Frederick stops to pull a silk pouch from his
pocket, and a red glass lens from the pouch. He hands it to
Francis.
FREDERICK
The Philosophers' Stone is the key
to open heaven and earth. Through
it, you can see through everything.
(beat) Simply paint a glass with
it, and behold! Look at the
furnace.
Francis peers through the lens at the furnace, and sees an
elemental SALAMANDER in the fire.
SPECIAL EFFECT: SALAMANDER CAVORTING in the coal fire.
FREDERICK (CONT'D)
Now look out the window!
Francis walks over to the window and looks through the lens
out into a garden. He sees a glowing new world, populated
with elemental spirits of water, air, and earth.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
SYLPHS flutter about in the air, FAIRIES flutter about,
GNOMES peek from behind trees and rocks, and UNDINES splash
in a small pond. They smile and wave at Francis standing at
the window, watching through the lens, his jaw agape. Then he
grins with delight.
RETURN TO SCENE
FREDERICK
All spirits will obey you, for the
Stone elevates the soul to the
highest realms. (beat) You can also
know all things past and future, as
much as God permits... (beat) but
not your own death. (beat) And if
you look through the lens at
another person, you can diagnose
their health. All these things and
more will be shown to you.
Frederick opens one of the jars and shakes some of the
contents into a crucible.
FREDERICK (CONT'D)
There is a new outbreak of the
black plague in Vienna. I am going
there tomorrow to fight it with the
Elixir. Will you come with me?
FRANCIS
(reluctantly)
Yes, Frederick, if you wish.
FREDERICK
Do not worry about it, Francis. If
you have been using the Elixir as I
instructed you, it will protect
you.
FRANCIS
I have been taking one drop every
week. I do feel wonderful!
FREDERICK
Do so for the rest of your life,
and you will scarcely show your
true age.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
A CHURCH BELL TOLLS in the distance as Frederick and Francis,
dressed in brown monastic robes and carrying lanterns, walk
past a wagon filled with corpses of plague victims. Two men
toss another body onto the pile. The DRIVER RINGS a small
BELL a few times.
DRIVER
Bring out the dead! Bring out the
dead!
They walk around a corner. The narrow street is empty except
for them. They pass by a door painted with an X, sign of the
Black Death. They look around to see if anyone is watching,
then slip inside and close the door behind them. The CHURCH
BELL TOLLS again.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Their lanterns light up a tiny bedroom as Frederick looks
through his red lens at a man and wife,laying together fully
dressed on a bed. They are clutching crucifixes. Their faces
are spotted with black buboes, and they gasp and moan weakly.
Frederick pockets his monocle, takes a bottle from his pouch,
and dribbles some Elixir into the man's mouth. Francis does
the same for the woman. Then they cork their bottles, put
them in their pouches, and leave the room.
INT. STAIRWELL - NIGHT
Frederick and Francis descend the stairs.
FREDERICK
We saved dozens of lives today,
Francis. (beat) I wish we could do
more, but we must be careful not to
attract attention.
FRANCIS
Alas, the task is overwhelming! But
it is gratifying indeed, to rescue
these few souls at least from
certain death.
FREDERICK
Yes, the elixir is a great gift of
God to suffering humanity. But it
is fraught with grave danger, as
you know.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Frederick peeks out the doorway, then steps out with Francis
following. The distant CHURCH BELL TOLLS.
FREDERICK
Only a few years ago in 1679, I
secretly ministered to plague
victims here in Vienna. Seventy
thousand perished that year, and as
many again in the next. (beat) I
was able to restore thousands to
health with my medicine. And then
one day, I was trapped by a mob...
FLASHBACK:
EXT. STREET - DAY
Frederick is wearing plain clothes, and a cloak. He has a
short beard. A desperate MOB #1 of howling men and women have
him surrounded. JESUIT #1 is among them. Frederick pulls a
bottle out of his pouch and tosses it to them. They start to
fight over it.
MOB #1
Medicine! The medicine! Me! Me!
Give me some! Argh!
Frederick tears off his cloak and throws it to the mob. He
manages to slip into a doorway as they tear at it. Then the
mob passes around the corner, and Frederick runs away. Jesuit
#1 follows him unseen.
INT. ROOM - DAY
Frederick has changed clothes, donned on a wig and hat, and
shaved his beard. He peeks out the window, then leaves.
FREDERICK (V.O.)
I gave them what I had, and while
they fought over it, I escaped, and
shaved, and put on a wig and new
clothes, and fled the city.
RETURN TO SCENE
MOB #2 suddenly comes around the corner a block behind them.
A few men are carrying torches and lanterns; Jesuit #1 is
among them.
MAN #1
There they are! They have the
medicine!
MOB #2
Medicine! The medicine!
JESUIT #1
Seize them, in the name of the
Church!
FREDERICK
Run!
As they race around the corner, Frederick drops his lantern,
tears off his pouch and robe, and throws them to the ground.
Francis follows suit. Frederick is wearing pants and a shirt
under his robe, Francis is in his underwear, and both are
wearing boots. Frederick pulls the bottle of Elixir from his
pouch and drops it on top of his robe, then continues
running. Francis does the same. They make it around the next
corner just as the mob appears again behind them.
MAN #1
There! The medicine! Medicine!
The screaming mob starts fighting over the bottles and
tearing at the robes and pouches, but Jesuit #1 hurries to
follow Frederick and Francis.
LATER
Frederick staggers to an exhausted halt.
FREDERICK
Stop! Stop! I must rest!
FRANCIS
I think we lost them, or vice
versa.
FREDERICK
If it isn't the mobs, then it's the
damned Jesuits, or those silly
Rosicrucians, or the Allumbrados!
(beat) I need to travel again,
perhaps to America this time.
FRANCIS
Who are the Allumbrados, master
Frederic?
FREDERICK
Allumbrados... The Illuminated.
They're Spanish... pretenders all
of them... elitist worms...
MINUTES LATER
Frederick and Francis are walking again down another street.
Jesuit # 1 follows discretely, close enough to eavesdrop.
FREDERICK (CONT'D)
Beware of all things Catholic,
especially the Jesuits! They are
the lowest form of Christian.
Frederick spits.
FRANCIS
Why do you hate them so much?
FREDERICK
The Jesuit Inquisitors have
retarded the progress of science
and civilization for two centuries,
and they persist, in secret.
(beat) We could be sailing amongst
the stars by now, but for those
Luciferian bastards. They think
they are holy, but they're just
shyte, pretending to be human,
pretending to be Christian!
FRANCIS
I had no idea...
FREDERICK
If they ever capture you, you'll
get plenty of ideas! You'll say
anything they want to hear, for
fear they will stretch and tear and
burn and cut you again.
Frederick stops walking and rolls up his sleeve to reveal
ugly scars on his arm.
FRANCIS
Whoa! Jesuits did that to you?
When?
FREDERICK
A century ago. But there is no
forgetting such pain, nor forgiving
such cruelty. (beat) It is not safe
for us here.
We might as well return to Prague.
(beat)
Francis, I think you are ready to
learn some of the inner secrets of
alchemy. But enough for today. Meet
me on Sunday noon at the Clock
Tower, and we shall talk about it.
FRANCIS
Thank you, master Frederick! I'll
be there!
Jesuit #1 watches and listens.
EXT. CLOCK TOWER, PRAGUE - DAY
Francis is standing on the steps of the Staromestska Radnice
(Clock Tower). He sees Frederick approaching, dressed like a
beggar, and starts to walk toward him. Suddenly a carriage
pulls up beside Frederick. Jesuit #1 is inside. Two men jump
out and grab Frederick.
FREDERICK
Help! Francis! Help! Jesuits! Help!
The kidnappers shove Frederick into the carriage, then
clamber in as Francis comes running. The carriage races away.
INT. STUDY - DAY
Francis bursts into the study, surprising Wenzel at his desk.
FRANCIS
Wenzel, the Jesuits have kidnapped
master Frederick! (beat) We must
help him!
WENZEL
Certainly, Francis, but how?
FRANCIS
They have headquarters in Prague.
No doubt, they took him there!
WENZEL
I know the place. I will get some
men to help us.
EXT. JESUIT ESTATE - NIGHT (ESTABLISHING)
EXT. COTTAGE - NIGHT (ESTABLISHING)
Light flickers through the window of a large cottage behind
the Jesuit mansion.
INT. COTTAGE - NIGHT
The cottage is equipped as a torture chamber. Candles light
the interior. A coal fire burns in a brazier, with a poker
stuck in it. Frederick is strapped to a table. Jesuit #1
stands holding up a vial of Elixir to examine it closely.
JESUIT # 2 sits at a table with pen, paper, and an ink pot
before him, taking notes.
FREDERICK
I shall be happy to confess
anything. Just ask.
JESUIT # 1
I don't want a confession. I want
instructions. (beat) I have heard
there is a simple way to prepare
the Philosophers' Stone very
quickly, in less than a day. (beat)
And I have collected a letter that
claims you know this short way.
Jesuit #1 picks up a red-hot poker from the coal brazier.
FREDERICK
Please, there is no need to be
brutal. I'm too old for this shyte.
JESUIT # 1
Oh, it's no bother at all, Herr
Gualdus. Actually, it's my
pleasure... Where shall we begin?
(beat) Tell me, good Herr, what
minerals are used to make the
Philosophers' Stone? Eh?
SERIES OF SHOTS:
A) EXT. COTTAGE - NIGHT
Frederick screams from within the cottage.
B) EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
Wenzel and Francis are riding in a carriage, racing toward
the Jesuit headquarters. Several men accompany them on
horseback. When the estate comes into sight, they stops and
dismount. The driver remains behind as the other men climb
over a wall.
C) EXT. JESUIT ESTATE - NIGHT
As they sneak through bushes toward the mansion with weapons
drawn, they hear Frederic scream from within the cottage.
Wenzel points, and they hurry there.
D) EXT. COTTAGE - NIGHT
The group is gathered at the door. Francis peeks in a window
and sees the Jesuit about to burn Frederick with the poker.
He signals to Wenzel, and they burst in.
INT. COTTAGE - NIGHT
Two men grab Jesuit #1; another knocks him out with a punch
to the jaw. Another grabs one of the torture tools and bashes
the second priest on the head, knocking him out too. MAN #4
keeps watch at the window. Francis and Wenzel release
Frederick, who is grimacing and groaning. Francis produces a
small bottle from his pocket and dribbles the contents into
Frederick's mouth.
MAN #4
All's quiet, Baron.
WENZEL
Let's go, men!
Francis and three of the men pick up Frederick by the arms
and legs and carry him outside. Wenzel remains in the cottage
with the other three men.
WENZEL (CONT'D)
Well done! Now, if you will set
this place on fire after we leave,
I shall add a golden bonus to the
reward that already awaits you!
MAN #4
Thank you, Baron! But what shall we
do with these priests?
WENZEL
Let this be their Purgatory.
EXT/INT. COACH - NIGHT
Flames from the burning cottage flicker in the background.
Wenzel and Francis sit together opposite Frederick, who is
inebriated with laudanum and wine.
FREDERICK
(slurring)
Wash in that wine? It tastes like
laudanum.
FRANCIS
Yes, Frederick, poppy juice to ease
the pain. I remembered what you
told me about Alexander Seton, and
I came prepared.
FREDERICK
Good shinking. (beat) You shaved me
from his miserable fate. You are my
Shendivogius!
WENZEL
What? Who?
FRANCIS
Michael Sendivogius. He rescued the
alchemist Alexander Seton 75 years
ago. It's a long story. I'll tell
it to you sometime.
FREDERICK
I'm so sleepy...
Frederick passes out and falls over. Francis lays him out on
the seat.
WENZEL
He is a master of alchemy? He looks
like a beggar, and he talks like a
madman!
FRANCIS
Yes, he says that the adepts prefer
to appear that way. (beat) But I
have also seen him in most elegant
attire, and speaking with inspiring
eloquence.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Frederick is resting in bed. Francis is sitting in a chair,
and Wenzel stands beside him.
FREDERICK
Baron Seyler, you are living proof
that God works with cracked pots.
(beat) You have survived your
enemies and yor sins, and proved
the Philosophers' Stone to Holy
Roman Emperor Leopold, and many
others. (beat) Now it is a fact of
history, and henceforth, science
must organize around alchemy. I
congratulate you for that happy
accident. (beat) And I thank you
for rescuing me.
WENZEL
It is all thanks to you in the
first place, Master Gualdus. I am
very glad to help you in any way I
can.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Frederick and Francis are sitting at a table with several
alchemy books and manuscripts spread before them.
FREDERICK
...And that is the arcanum of salt.
And likewise for mercury. They are
symbols. We do not use those
substances to prepare the Elixir.
In fact, I seldom use common
mercury, except to make gold from
it.
FRANCIS
If mercury is not the matter of the
Philosophers' Stone, then pray
tell, what is?
FREDERICK
Ahh... That is the greatest secret
of alchemy. But I promised to teach
you, so I will tell you now. It is
called by every name, but its own
is... Gur.
FRANCIS
Gur? I've never heard of it!
FREDERICK
Gur is a mysterious sulfurous
vapor, exhaled by the earth. It is
the astral stuff from which all the
metals take their forms. (beat) I
suppose I shall have to show you.
EXT. PASTURE - NIGHT
Frederick and Francis are walking through a snow-covered
field under the full moon. They are warmly dressed and
carrying baskets. Frederick sets his down and points to a
large, clear gelatinous blob that sits on top of the snow.
FREDERICK
That is Gur. In the winter it can
be found thus, on top of snow. In
other seasons, we collect dew
before dawn, before it touches the
earth. This is the universal
spirit, our virgin water.
As he speaks, Frederick takes an empty bottle, a glass
funnel, and a glass bowl from the basket, then scoops up the
blob with the bowl and pours it through the funnel into the
bottle. Francis watches for a few seconds, then does the
same.
INT. LABORATORY - DAY
Frederick is standing beside a small furnace, distilling the
gur in a retort. Several plugged bottles of the stuff sit in
a basket on the floor beside the furnace. Francis is sitting
at a table, writing notes as Frederick talks.
FREDERICK
...I prefer the short Dry Path for
the Great Work, but the Wet Way is
very beautiful to watch, if you
have the time. (beat) It takes a
year to complete, and much
equipment and material. But this
dry way can be done in one week, in
one crucible, with a few minerals
and salts. It is a great secret,
known to only a few masters.
FRANCIS
But gur is watery, master
Frederick. Is this then the wet
path we are following here?
FREDERICK
Yes, Francis. (beat) I am not going
to make this too easy for you. Make
haste slowly. You need know how to
use the Stone wisely, if you are to
survive it. Why, just to sell the
gold can be a problem. (beat) A few
years ago in Paris...
FLASHBACK:
INT. GOLDSMITH SHOP - DAY
A GOLDSMITH #2 looks up when Frederick enters the shop.
GOLDSMITH #2
Good morning, monsieur. How may I
help you?
FREDERICK
Good morning, monsieur. I would
like to sell some gold.
GOLDSMITH #2
Hmmm... Show it to me, please.
Frederick pulls a bar of gold from a leather pouch and hands
it to the goldsmith. He looks at it with a lens, then rubs it
on a touchstone. He puts the bar on the counter and frowns at
Frederick.
GOLDSMITH #2 (CONT'D)
This gold is made by alchemy!
FREDERICK
Why monsieur, whatever makes you
think so?
GOLDSMITH #2
I know the gold from all the mines
in Europe and Africa. This is
better than any of them! You can be
hung for this felony!
FREDERICK
Monsieur, you are mistaken. I
believe this gold came from
America, and it is perfectly
natural and legitimate! Why, I have
the receipts for it in my
saddlebag. Wait a moment, I shall
fetch them!
Frederick exits the shop.
EXT. GOLDSMITH SHOP - DAY
Frederick scurries away, looking behind him to see if he is
being followed.
INT. GOLDSMITH SHOP - DAY
The goldsmith's scowl changes to a grin as he watches
Frederick from the window. He hefts the bar of gold, then
puts it in a crucible, adds coal to the furnace, and pumps
the bellows.
RETURN TO SCENE
Frederick slowly pumps the bellows of the furnace as he
stares into the fire.
FREDERICK
I possess enough wealth to buy the
whole world, yet I may not use it,
thanks to the wickedness of men.
(beat) I am weary of this lonely
life, shut out from friends and
family, like Cain. (beat) Some day,
gold will be as common as dirt.
Then we masters of alchemy shall
find rest, thank God.
Francis puts down his quill pen and looks at him
thoughtfully.
YEARS LATER
INT. STUDY - DAY
Francis is sitting at his desk, writing a MANUSCRIPT by the
light of a CANDELABRA . He appears to be about 40 years old.
A copy of MAGNALIA NATURAE lays beside a small gold BOX on
the desk. He puts down the quill and picks up a page.
FRANCIS (V.O.)
In the summer of 1718, newspapers
in the Netherlands reported the
death of one Frederick Gualdus, who
drowned in the River Scheldt while
fishing. His body was not found...
FLASHBACK:
EXT. RIVER - DAWN
Frederick is sitting in a rowboat, preparing to cast off from
a small dock. JAN hands him a fishing pole, then a bucket of
bait, and a small basket filled with bread, cheese, and a
bottle of wine. The river is covered with fog.
FREDERICK
Thank you, Jan. I shall return by
midday.
JAN
Good luck to you, Herr Gualdus!
Jan unties the boat and gives it a shove away from the dock.
Frederick starts rowing, and quickly disappears into the fog.
MINUTES LATER
Frederick stops rowing, and drops a roped anchor stone over
the side. Then he pulls a WHISTLE from his pocket and BLOWS
twice.
FRANCIS (O.S.)
Hello! Frederick!
FREDERICK
I'm here!
FRANCIS (O.S.)
Keep talking till I find you!
FREDERICK
Well... A Catholic, a Protestant,
and a Jew walked into a tavern. The
owner looked at them and said, what
is this, a joke?
FRANCIS (O.S.)
Oh, mercy... Perhaps you should
sing instead.
Frederick breaks into an off-key song.
FREDERICK
La la la, la la la...
FRANCIS (O.S.)
Do you know any more jokes?
FREDERICK
Hmmm... Ummm... A priest entered
his fat donkey in a race.
And the town crier yelled, priest
enters fat ass! (beat) That
bothered the bishop, so he told the
priest, do not race that donkey
again! (beat) And the town crier
yelled, bishop scratches priest's
ass! (beat) That made the bishop
very angry, and he told the
priest...
Francis emerges from the fog and pulls alongside.
FRANCIS
Never mind, here I am. I've heard
that story before, and I still
don't get the point.
FREDERICK
It's a metaphor. (beat) Hold the
boats together, please. I don't
want to really fall in.
Frederick climbs into Francis' boat, and they row away.
EXT. DOCK - DAY
The fog lifts to reveal the empty rowboat at anchor in the
river. Jan sees it and calls for help.
JAN
Help! Help! Somebody help!
Two men come running, and Jan points to the boat, talking
incoherently. They clamber into a rowboat and cast off,
pulling hard and fast at the oars.
FRANCIS (V.O.)
I never saw Frederick after that
day, but he had taught me all I
needed to know.
INT. LABORATORY - DAY
Francis sits on a stool before a small furnace, peering
inside at the brilliant red stone inside a small flask that
sits in a small pan filled with sand on a bed of glowing
coals.
FRANCIS (V.O.) (CONT'D)
And so, by the Grace of God, I made
the Philosophers' Stone, with
arsenic and gur, as I have
explained. (beat) And now, I have
told you enough, if only you will
understand.
EXT. RUINED CHAPEL - DAY
Francis is burying a copper box in the rubble of a medieval
chapel. A small pick lays beside the hole.
FRANCIS (V.O.)
Yet even if you cannot make the
Philosophers' Stone, perhaps you
can find it, like Wenzel Seyler,
since the master alchemists have
buried it in many places.
RETURN TO SCENE
INT. STUDY - NIGHT
Beautiful wife SOPHIA knocks gently and enters. She is in her
nightgown.
SOPHIA
Francis, darling, it's very late!
When are you coming to bed?
FRANCIS
Any moment now, my dear Sophia.
Sophia sighs and pouts.
SOPHIA
Do hasten, dear. I await you!
FRANCIS
Yes, my love, any moment now... I
shall come straightaway hence.
SOPHIA
Mmmm...
Sophia smiles amorously at him as she leaves the room,
closing the door gently behind her. Francis leans forward to
open a small gold box sitting on the desk next to a copy of
MAGNALIA NATURAE.
He picks out a piece of the red Philosophers' Stone into his
other hand, then leans back and gazes at it. Francis puts the
Stone on the copy of MAGNALIA NATURAE.
FRANCIS (V.O.)
As for Wenzel Seyler, he lived
happily ever after. (beat) And so
have I, thank God!
Francis stands, picks up the CANDELABRA, and leaves the room.
CLOSE UP: PHILOSOPHERS' STONE, glowing in the light of the
FULL MOON.
FADE OUT.
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