The Count of Monte Cristo Part 3

EXT. ISLAND
Edmond swims to a nearby island. He is running and laughing. There are many sitting
pirates watching him calmly.

VAMPA
So, mi amice,

Vampa is talking to Edmond, while they both sit on the beach.


VAMPA
I would ask who you are, but in view of your shredded clothes.
..and the fact that the Chateau d'lf is two miles away, what's the point?
As for me, I am Luigi Vampa, a smuggler and a thief. My men and I have
come to this island to bury alive one of our number...who attempted
to keep some stolen gold for himself...instead of, uh, sharing it with
his comrades.Interestingly enough, there are some of his more loyal
friends...who are insisting that I grant him mercy, which, of course, I
cannot do, for I would quickly lose control of the whole crew. That's why you
are such a fortunate find.

EDMOND
Why is that?

VAMPA
You provide me with a way to show a little mercy to Jacopo, that maggot
you see tied up over there, while, at the same time, not appearing weak.
And as a special treat, the lads will get to see a little sport as well.

EDMOND
How do I accomplish all this?

VAMPA
We watch you and Jacopo fight to the death. If Jacopo wins, we welcome him
back to the crew. If you win, I have given Jacopo the chance to live,
even if he did not take advantage of it, and you can take his place on the boat.

EDMOND
What if I win, and I don't want to be a smuggler?

VAMPA
Then we slit your throat, and we're a bit shorthanded.

EDMOND
I find that smuggling is the life for me...and would be delighted to kill your
friend, the maggot.

VAMPA
Oh, uh, by the way, Jacopo is the best knife fighter I've ever seen.

EDMOND
Perhaps you should get out more.

Vampa laughs.

VAMPA
Release Jacopo and give him back his knife. Then we let the games begin.

Edmond receives a knife. Jacopo is released and receives his knife.

PIRATE
Get up, maggot.

Edmond and Jacopo start to fight. Vampa and his fellows yell.

PIRATES
Come on, come on!


Edmond foughts Jacopo. Then Edmond knocks Jacopo down at knife point.
Edmond whispers to Jacopo.

EDMOND
As you hope to live, do not move an eyelash.

Edmond calls out to Vampa.

EDMOND
Senor Vampa, allow Jacopo to live. He's already suffered enough with the prospect
of being buried alive. The men that wanted to see some sport have seen it. Those who
wanted mercy for Jacopo will get it. And by keeping me and Jacopo, you will have yet
another skilled sailor and fighter for your crew.

Vampa stands up.

VAMPA
It's a deal.

PIRATE
What is his name?

VAMPA
His name? We shall call him Zatarra.


EDMOND
Sounds fearsome.

VAMPA
It means driftwood.

Vampa laughs, and walks away.

JACOPO
I swear on my dead relatives, even on the ones that are not feeling too good, I am your
man forever.

EDMOND
I know.

EXT. SHIP DECK
Three months later, Edmond and Vampa are talking on the deck. Vampa is puffing on his pipe. He
throws a coin purse to Edmond, and Edmond catches it.

VAMPA
Eyes in the back of your head.

A bell rings.

VAMPA
Have you never seen Marseilles before?

EDMOND
It was my home.

VAMPA
But you do not join the others ashore.

MAN
Over here!

VAMPA
Listen to me, Zatarra. Whatever happened to you, you cannot
make it right by staying here on this boat. Go. It's up to you.

EDMOND
``We are kings or pawns," a man once said.

VAMPA
Si. Who told you this?

EDMOND
Napoleon Bonaparte.

Vampa laughs out loud.

VAMPA
Bonaparte? Oh, Zatarra, the stories you tell.

Vampa is still laughing.

EDMOND
Someday I may come to find you. A man is always in need of a good friend.

VAMPA
Truly.

Edmond shakes hands with Vampa, and they embrace.

EXT. MARSEILLES
Edmond gets out of the ship, and he starts walking. He remembers the past.

MORELL(flashback)
Danglars, what's happened?

DANGLARS(flashback)
Captain Reynaud is dead, sir, and Edmond Dantes disobeyed my orders.

Edmond looks at the building where he was promoted to captain.

JACOPO
Zatarra, are you all right?

EDMOND
Everything's changed.I want you to buy a boat, just something the two
of us can handle. Wait for me to return.I make my next visit alone.

Edmond knocks on the door, and enters the shop. Edmond talks to Julianne.

EDMOND
Is-- Is this the home of Monsieur Morell?

Julianne replies nervously.

JULIANNE
My grandfather isn't well, monsieur. Even if he were,
he would not receive visitors at 11:00 in the evening.

EDMOND
Perhaps he might make an exception...for a man who is seeking
E-Edmond Dantes.

Morell invites Edmond to the drawing room kindly. Edmond talks to Morell.

EDMOND
I apologize for the hour.

MORELL
Old people never sleep. Sit down, sit down. Julianne, some sherry.


Morell sighs. Edmond and Morell sit face to face with each other.

MORELL
So, Monsieur Zatarra, you were a friend of Edmond?

EDMOND
Monsieur Morell?

MORELL
Yes?

Edmond stares Morell in the face. Morell looks at Edmond thoughtfully. There
is a moment of silence.

EDMOND
You knew... Edmond also?

MORELL
Like a son.

Morell gazes at the fireplace.

EDMOND
I was hoping you could tell me where to find his family.

MORELL
Unfortunately,his father hanged himself...after learning of Edmond's treason.

Morell puts wood on a fire. Edmond is in shock.

EDMOND
I see. I see. And...this...treason you speak of-- Who accused him?

Morell takes the glass containing the sherry on the table.

MORELL
Who knows? Monsieur Villefort, the man who had Edmond arrested, left for Paris soon
after to take up the post...of chief prosecutor. Of course, the shock of his father's
violent murder...may also have spurred his departure. They were strange times.

Julianne, Morell's grandchild, sits on a chair and reads a book.
Morell takes a sip of sherry.

EDMOND
You seem to have fallen on difficult times yourself, sir.

MORELL
After Edmond's death, I reluctantly took on a partner.

Morell puts the glass on the table.

MORRELL
One of my captains. And then one day, Danglars forced me out.
My fate is nothing compared to Edmond's.

EDMOND
Perhaps your luck is about to change.

Edmond stands up.

EDMOND
I shall search out Edmond's fiancee.

MORRELL
You mean the Countess Mondego?

Edmond heads out. But as soon as he listens to Morell's words,
Edmond turns around to Morell.

EDMOND
Countess?

MORRELL
Yes. A month after poor Edmond was arrested, Mercedes wed his best friend.

EDMOND
Fernand.

MORRELL
Yes, that's right.And with the death of his father and brother in the war,
Fernand became Count Mondego. They live in Paris now. Count and Countess Mondego.

Edmond remains standing and becomes silent.

MORRELL
Are you all right?

EDMOND
Yes. I must go.

MORRELL
I'm sorry I was not more helpful.

Edmond leaves a coin purse for Morrell.

EDMOND
Oh, no. You told me what I needed to know. Edmond Dantes is dead.



Edmond leaves Morrell's house. Jacopo waits at the outside steps.
He is rejoicing that he purchased a little skiff. But Edmond
ignores him. Jacopo runs after Edmond.

JACOPO
Zatarra. Zatarra, you will be so proud of me. I found a nice
little skiff. We couldn't afford a sloop. Got a really good deal.
Za-Zatarra?

EXT. MONTE CRISTO.
They row the skiff. They arrive at Monte Cristo.
They lower the sail and pull for the cave. They go through the
cave and go ashore from the skiff.
They separately search for the treasure.

INT. CAVERN OF MONTE CRISTO.
Edmond locates the place on the map. They go to the lake underground.
Edmond takes off his coat and dives into the lake. He finds some
big caskets at the floor of water. He opens the caskets. The caskets
are filled with treasure. Jacopo loads the treasure into the skiff. He
is very happy.

JACOPO
Whoo-hoo!


Jacopo is whistling and continuing to laugh while running up to Edmond.
Edmond is sitting on the rock, thinking. Jacopo arrives and speaks to
Edmond.

JACOPO
Zatarra, the boat cannot hold no more, and there are at least
eight more boatloads down there!

Edmond is thinking in silence.

JACOPO
Do you not understand? You are wealthier than any man I have ever heard of.
Whatever your problems were, they are over. What do you want to buy?

Edmond looks at Jacopo.

EDMOND
Revenge.

JACOPO
Okay, revenge. Who?

EDMOND
Danglars, Villefort, Fernand and Mercedes.

JACOPO
Right.

JACOPO
We kill these people, then we spend the treasure.

EDMOND
No, we will study them, learn their weaknesses.

JACOPO
Why not just kill them? I'll do it. I'll run up to Paris
--bam, bam, bam, bam! I'm back before week's end. We spend
the treasure. How is this a bad plan?

EDMOND
Death is too good for them. They must suffer as I suffered. They must see
their world, all they hold dear, ripped from them as it was ripped from me.

Jacopo looks doubtful.

JACOPO
You will need a better name than Zatarra if you are to accomplish that.

Edmond throws the map in a fire and talks to Jacopo.

EDMOND
Then I shall become a count.

EXT. PARIS
Jacopo goes to a castle by carriage and talking to the castle's owner.

JACOPO
I bid you good afternoon, sir. I'm here to purchase your lovely home.

The owner is laughing and talking to Jacopo.

ESTATE OWNER
The very cheek! I shall have you horsewhipped! Now, get off my property,
you vagabond, before I set the dogs on you, you hear?

Jacopo goes toward the back of the carriage to show the owner
a lot of money.The owner gives Jacopo the key and the deed,
shakes hands with Jacopo and leaves the castle.

ESTATE OWNER
Thank you.

EXT. EDMOND'S ESTATE
Edmond and Jacopo send men of high status invitations.
On the day of the party many people come to Edmond's castle.
At night fireworks are displayed and people shout for joy.
Jacopo appears in front of people.

JACOPO
Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honor that I present to you His Grace,

Jacopo points to the balloon and makes an announcement to all.

JACOPO
The Count of Monte Cristo.

People look up to the balloon.

GUEST
It's so beautiful.

Edmond walks out of the balloon and looks at his guests. He is dressed
in expensive clothes.

EDMOND
Greetings.

Later, Valentina and Villefort walk with Edmond.

VALENTINA
My dear Count, allow me to introduce you to my husband. Monsieur Villefort,
Chief Prosecutor.

VILLEFORT
Very kind of you to think of us.

EDMOND
Oh, I am the one honored by your presence. Now please, enjoy yourselves
tonight.

Edmond walks away.

VALENTINA
What do we know about him?

VILLEFORT
Not enough.

Edmond is walking with Jacopo.

EDMOND
Where are they? Are you sure you invited them?

JACOPO
Yes, Your Grace. But I just learned that the Count Mondego has retired for
the evening. He has a morning appointment he cannot miss.


EXT. YARD
The next morning, Fernand has an appointment to fight with the Viscount Tourville. He wins
the fight, killing the Viscount, and goes home.

INT. FERNAND'S RESIDENCE
Fernand sees Mercedes as he walks up the stairs.

FERNAND
You're up early, my dear.

MERCEDES
Is the Viscount Tourville dead?

FERNAND
Unless his heart is situated somewhere other than the left side of his chest,
I suspect he is.

MERCEDES
God grant him peace. He did no more than defend his family's honor.

FERRNAND
Much good it did him. His wife and I were happy in our passion. You were happy
in your ignorance. Now comes the viscount's valiant defense of his honor,
and you are pained. She is ruined, and he is dead.

MERCEDES
Don't flatter yourself. I was neither happy nor ignorant, having known about the
last three women before Madame Tourville.

FERNAND
I'm sorry you are humiliated. The combination of Paris and me is hardly a recipe
for fidelity. And since my attempts at discretion have evidently failed, there seems
little point in keeping up pretenses.

He goes upstairs again and he looks back.

It's actually quite...liberating. Wouldn't you say?


INT. CASINO
Fernand is frustated and he takes it out on a table. Edmond and Jacopo
talk about his finances watching him behind the door.

EDMOND
His finances?

JACOPO
He's losing money at the other casinos. They're not even cheating him.

EDMOND
Have you looked into his shipping?

JACOPO
He got a bank loan for his own boat several years ago. Doesn't use Danglars.

EDMOND
Make sure we own that bank by tomorrow. Tell the other shipping companies to
stay away from Mondego. I want to give him no choice but to crawl back to Danglars.
Now, tell the dealers-- take it all.

INT. BANK
Fernand talks with the loan officer.

FERNAND
I have a very large consignment of cotton ready to be sent, and I shall make
my payment on the ship as soon as it is delivered. So obviously I need the vessel
in order to deliver it.

LOAN OFFICER
Unfortunately, the bank can offer no further extensions, Count Mondego. I suggest
you find alternate means of shipping.

EXT. DANGLARS SHIPPING COMPANY
Danglars sees Fernand.

DANGLARS
Well, well. To what do I owe the honor, Count Mondego? Can't
imagine why you've been avoiding me after all these years.

FERNAND
I'm prepared to overlook your faults... and perhaps resume
our dealings.

DANGLARS
Business not going so well these days?

Danglars invites Fernand to the room, laughing.

INT. EDMOND'S BEDROOM
Jacopo looks for Edmond.

JACOPO
Zatarra?

Edmond is sleeping not on a bed but on the floor.

EDMOND
Jacopo.

JACOPO
Did you fall off the bed?

EDMOND
After 13 years of sleeping on a stone slab, I can't.

Jacopo sees the scars on Edmond's back from being whipped.

JACOPO
Mi Maria. Does that hurt?

EDMOND
Did you come here for a reason?

JACOPO
Mondego has a son.

Edmond sits up as soon as he hears Jacopo's words.

INT.FERNAND'S RESIDENCE
Fernand reads some papers and considers very hard.
Mercedes gets near to Fernand.

MERCEDES
Albert wishes to talk with us.

FERNAND
Not now! Tell him I'm trying to protect his inheritance.

MERCEDES
Are you afraid he's going to squander his as you have yours?

FERNAND
I don't recall hearing your complaints when I elevated you
from a fishmonger's daughter. Please, I must finish this, then I
shall be going out.

MERCEDES
May I remind you, my love, that in Paris there are mistresses
aplenty, but you have only one son.

FERNAND
Come in, Albert. For God's sake, be brief.

Albert comes in.

ALBERT
I will, Father. Several of my friends are going to Rome for two weeks
during Carnival. I would like to accompany them.

MERCEDES
Rome? And no chaperones? You're only 15.

ALBERT
Almost 16. Make it my birthday present, Father, please. I won't get into
trouble.

MERCEDES
No.

FERNAND
Of course he can go. I could do with some peace and quiet around
here.

Albert goes downstairs in his house and shouts.

ALBERT
Rome!

ALBERT'S FRIENDS
Albert! Albert!

EXT. OPEN MASKED BALL IN ROME
Albert goes out to the party as he is led into a dark street by a lady.

A LADY IN THE PARTY
Over here! Over here! Over here!

ALBERT
Milady? Can't hide forever. Milady?

EXT. ALLEY
When he goes after her Albert is caught by men, Vampa and others.

ALBERT
Who are you, and why are you doing this?

VAMPA
We are bad men, and for the money.

ALBERT
My money is in my waistcoat.

VAMPA
Not anymore. Besides, it's not your money we're interested in.
You are the only son of Count Mondego, are you not?

ALBERT
Ransom? Send your note and be damned.

VAMPA
I wish it were that easy, but a note won't reach your father for
two weeks, and then there's the endless debates about whether we
killed you already. No, a note just doesn't have the impact. Perhaps
if we send him your ring.

ALBERT
Yes. My ring bears the Mondego crest.

VAMPA
While still attached to your finger?

The men laugh.

ALBERT
Listen to me, vermin. I am Albert, son of Fernand, Count Mondego,
and you have had your last laugh at my expense. Do your worst.

VAMPA
If you insist. Peppone, the knife.

Edmond appears suddenly and sweeps away the kidnappers.

EDMOND
Cut this boy's ropes, or I will be forced to start cutting
your miserable corpses. Now!

The kidnapper cuts the ropes.

EDMOND
Follow me, young man. You see the surface? Wait for me there.

ALBERT
I don't know how to thank you.

EDMOND
Go. We'll talk later.

Albert leaves, and Edmond smiles.

EDMOND
Well done, gentlemen.

Edmond throws Vampa a purse with coins.

VAMPA
Many thanks, Your Grace.

EXT. ROME
Edmond takes Albert to a carriage.

EDMOND
Albert. Are you all right?

ALBERT
Sir, I owe you my life.

MONTE CRISTO
You've had quite an ordeal. You're an extraordinary young man. I insist,
you must come to my estate for breakfast tomorrow. Agreed?

ALBERT
Agreed. May I ask who you are, sir?

MONTE CRISTO
For the present, your friend. Tomorrow, your host. For the short time
formality stands between us, the Count of Monte Cristo.

INT. EDMOND'S ESTATE
Edmond and Jacopo are sitting on the chairs.

JACOPO
He's out in the waiting room. He showed courage in the tunnels.

EDMOND
He's a means to an end.

JACOPO
Yes, Your Grace.

Jacopo opens the door for Albert.

JACOPO
Young man.

EDMOND
Albert, come in. Come, come. Come on.

Edmond invites Albert to a chair.

EDMOND
You've had quite a night.

ALBERT
Yes. What an adventure.

EDMOND
Everything's an adventure when you're young.

ALBERT
One thing puzzles me, sir.

EDMOND
Hmm.

ALBERT
How did you come to know of my kidnapping?

EDMOND
I have many connections, some of which are less than reputable. I pay well
to be informed of anything of note in any city in which I stay. And the
kidnapping of a count's son is of note.

ALBERT
But why risk your life rescuing me?

EDMOND
The son of a fellow noble. It was the least I could do. Judging by your character,
I'm sure you would have done the same.

Jacopo rings a bell, and Edmond's servants carry breakfast into the room. It is a feast.

EDMOND
Your father will be proud of you.

ALBERT
You must come to Paris and meet my parents so they may thank you in person.

EDMOND
Unfortunately, I cannot. Business, you see.

ALBERT
Please, it is a matter of honor.

EDMOND
Jacopo?

JACOPO
Yes, Your Grace?

EDMOND
The Spada matter--where do we stand?

JACOPO
Even now, the gold--

EDMOND
The shipment?

JACOPO
Oh, l-I'm sorry, Your Grace. The shipment is in transit,
Uh, bound for Marseilles.

EDMOND
And it arrives?

JACOPO
Not for another three weeks, Your Grace.

ALBERT
Three weeks? That's more than enough time to visit in Paris.

EDMOND
Very well.

ALBERT
Excellent.

EDMOND
And you'll be there just in time.

ALBERT
In time for?

INT. FERNAND'S HOUSE
Fernand's servants are setting the table for Albert's birthday party.
Many people are talking and laughing.

GUEST
Happy birthday.

ALBERT
Thanks.

MAN
The Count of Monte Cristo.

Edmond comes to Albert's birthday party.

ALBERT
Count!

EDMOND
Albert.

Albert greets Edmond and presents to his father.

ALBERT
Your Grace. Father! May I present the Count of Monte Cristo.

FERNAND
'Tis a pleasure.

EDMOND
The pleasure is mine, Count Mondego. I've been looking
forward to this moment for some time.

FERNAND
You do me much honor, when it is I who are indebted to you...
for the rescue of my son.

Fernand presents Edmond to Mercedes.

FERNAND
May I present the Countess Mondego.

Mercedes is surprised to see Edmond's face. Fernand calls her again.

FERNAND
Mercedes.

Mercedes walks up to Edmond and greets him.

EDMOND
Countess.

MERCEDES
You would have to be a mother to truly appreciate the
service... you've done for my son and me. Monsieur, I
shall never forget you.

EDMOND
Please, madame, it was nothing. I am sure that within a
month, you will not even remember my name.


Edmond kisses Mercedes's hand. Edmond speaks to Fernand.

EDMOND
May I steal your wife?

FERNAND
I'm sorry?

EDMOND
For the waltz.

FERNAND
Of course.

Edmond and Mercedes leave.

ALBERT
Isn't he wonderful, Father?

Albert leaves. Edmond and Mercedes dance the waltz.

EDMOND
What's the matter?

MERCEDES
Uh, nothing. You just remind me of someone from long ago, someone who was
very dear to me.

EDMOND
I'm flattered. What happened to him?

MERCEDES
He died.

EDMOND
But I'm not that man.

Monsieur and Madame Villefort arrive.

SERVANT
Monsieur and Madame Villefort.

MERCEDES
What are they doing here?

Valentina waves a greeting.

FERNAND
Prosecutor Villefort. What are you doing here?

Fernand wants to talk to Villefort, but Edmond interrupts.

EDMOND
Oh, Madame Villefort, monsieur. I'm so glad you could come to see me
while I'm still in town.

VALENTINA
We were delightfully surprised to get your note. Thank you.

EDMOND
Would you be so kind as to excuse your husband and I
for a moment?

Edmond speaks to Villefort, walking with him.

EDMOND
I'm told you are an expert in the interpretation of the law.
I have a certain matter that perhaps you could help me with.

Later, Fernand sees Villefort, and signals for them to speak alone.
He excuses himself from a conversation with a woman.

FERNAND
Excuse me.