THE LORD OF THE RINGS The Fellowship of the Ring

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THE LORD OF THE RINGS The Fellowship of the Ring Screenplay by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson Based on the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien © 2001 New Line Cinema 1. BLACK SCREEN SUPER: New Line Cinema Presents SUPER: A Wingnut Films Production BLACK CONTINUES: ...ELVISH SINGING ...

A WOMAN 9S VOICE IS whispering, tinged with SADNESS and REGRET: GALADRIEL (V.O.) (Elvish: subtitled) c I amar presten aen: han mathon ne nen, han mathon ne chae ... a han noston ned wilith. d (English:) The world is changed: I feel it in the water, I feel it in the earth, I smell it in the air ... Much that once was is lost, for none now live who remember it.

SUPER: THE LORD OF THE RINGS EXT. PROLOGUE - DAY IMAGE: FLICKERING FIRELIGHT. The NOLDORIN FORGE in EREGION.

MOLTEN GOLD POURS from the lip of an IRON LADLE. GALADRIEL (V.O.) It began with the forging of the Great Rings. IMAGE: THREE RINGS, each set with a single GEM, are received by the HIGH ELVES - GALADRIEL, GIL-GALAD and CIRDAN.

GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) Three were given to the Elves: immortal, wisest ... fairest of all beings. IMAGE: SEVEN RINGS held aloft in ... more. less.

triumph by the DWARF LORDS. GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) Seven to the Dwarf Lords: great miners and craftsmen of the mountain halls. IMAGE: NINE RINGS clutched tightly by the KINGS OF MEN ... as if holding-close a precious secret. GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) And Nine ... nine rings were gifted to the race of Men, who above all else desire power. (MORE) (CONTINUED) 2. CONTINUED: GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) For within these rings was bound the strength and the will to govern each race. FADE TO BLACK GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) But they were all of them deceived. FADE UP: An ancient PARCHMENT MAP of MIDDLE EARTH ... moving slowly across the MAP as if drawn by an unseen force the CAMERA closes in on a PLACE NAME ... MORDOR. GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) ...for another Ring was made. TEASING SHOTS: SAURON forging the ONE RING in the CHAMBERS of SAMMATH NAUR. GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) In the land of Mordor, in the fires of Mount Doom, the Dark Lord Sauron forged in secret a Master Ring to control all others. IMAGE: The ONE RING reflecting the FIERY LAVA! FIRE WRITING emerges on the plain BAND OF GOLD. GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) ...and into this Ring he poured his cruelty, his malice and his will to dominate all life. IMAGE: THE ONE RING falls through SPACE and into flames... GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) One Ring to rule them all... IMAGE: A GREAT SHADOW falls across the MAP ... closing in around the realm of GONDOR... IMAGE: SCREAMING VILLAGERS, MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN, RUN from their homes, pursued by ARMIES OF HIDEOUS ORCS. (CONTINUED) 3. CONTINUED: (2) GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) One by one the Free lands of Middle earth fell to the power of the Ring. FADE TO BLACK. GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) But there were some ... who resisted. FADE UP: ISILDUR, son of the KING OF GONDOR, leads an ARMY ACROSS the PLAINS OF DAGORLAD... GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) A last alliance of Men and Elves marched against the armies of Mordor. On the slopes of Mount Doom, they fought for the freedom of Middle-Earth. TEASING SHOTS: THE BATTLE OF DAGORLAD ... THE ELF LORD, ELROND, commands rack after rank of ELVEN ARCHERS... ELROND (Elvish) Tangado haid! Leithio i philinn! (English) Hold positions! Fire the arrows! TEASING SHOTS: ARROWS FIRING ... ORCS RETREATING before the ARMY of the LAST ALLIANCE ... ELENDIL, KING OF GONDOR, holds aloft the great SWORD ... NARSIL! GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) Victory was near! IMAGES: THE HUGE, DARK FIGURE OF SAURON, bearing the ONE RING on his finger, looms over the field of battle... GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) But the power of the Ring could not be undone. IMAGE: SAURON lays waste to the armies of the LAST ALLIANCE. With desperate courage, ELENDIL leads a charge ... THE BLACK MACE OF SAURON LASHES OUT!! IMAGE: ELENDIL 9S body falls like a crumpled rag doll... IMAGE: ISILDUR cradles the body of his father in his arms. The SHADOW OF SAURON falls over him. (CONTINUED) 4. CONTINUED: (3) GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) It was in this moment ... when all hope had faded, that Isildur, son of the king, took up his father's sword. ISILDUR snatches up the BROKEN BLADE OF NARSIL ... The BLADE severs SAURON 9S FINGERS ... AND THE ONE RING FLIES from his body. GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) Sauron, the enemy of the Free Peoples of Middle-Earth, was defeated. SAURON 9S ARMOUR clatters to the ground, his body GONE ... VAPROIZED! CLOSE ON: ISILDUR picks up the SEVERED FINGER and removes the ONE RING ... transfixed! GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) The Ring passed to Isildur ... who had this one chance to destroy evil forever. IMAGE: GLADDEN FIELD ... ISILDUR leads a small column of MEN through DARKENING WOODS ... the ONE RING glinting on a CHAIN around his neck. GALADRIEL (V.O.) But the hearts of Men are easily corrupted. And the Ring of Power has a will of its own. SUDDENLY! ARROWS FLY! They are ambushed by ORCS ... ISIDULR is THROWN from his HORSE! ISILDUR stumbles to his feet and in a PANIC, puts on the the RING and DISAPPEARS! INVISIBLE ISILDUR flees from the BATTLE and jumps into the RIVER ANDUIN. ISILDUR MATERIALIZES UNDER WATER ... as the RING slips slowly from his finger. He grasps for it, desperately. ORCS on the RIVERBANK spot him in the WATER. They fire a BARRAGE OF ARROWS into him. ISILDUR JERKS. Ripples of light play across ISILDUR 9S PALE FACE ... he is DEAD. (CONTINUED) 5. CONTINUED: (4) GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) It betrayed Isildur to his death. IMAGE: ISILDUR floats down the RIVER, ARROWS lodged in his back. IMAGE: THE RING falls through the MURKY WATERS of the RIVER ANDUIN ... and into OBLIVION... GALADRIEL (V.O.) And some things that should not have been forgotten ... were lost . FADE TO BLACK GALADRIEL (V.O.) Thus a Third Age of Middle-Earth began. History became legend ... legend became myth. FADE UP: The waters of the ANDUIN RIVER lie dark and undisturbed. GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) And for two and a half thousand years, the Ring passed out of all knowledge. IMAGE: SILT SWIRLS ... A THIN WHITE HAND reaches down ... grasping the RING... GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) Until, when chance came, it ensnared a new bearer. IMAGE: THE THIN WHITE HAND opens to reveal the ONE RING. GOLLUM (V.O.) My Precious... IMAGE: MIST SHROUDED MOUNTAINS... GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) The Ring came to the creature Gollum, who took it deep into the tunnels of the Misty Mountains. (CONTINUED) 6. CONTINUED: (5) IMAGE: THE GLOOM of a MOUNTAIN CAVERN ... a MURKY POOL of WATER ... in the DARKNESS the SHADOWY OUTLINE of an EMACIATED FIGURE. GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) And there it consumed him . A RASPY VOICE mutters in the half light... GOLLUM It came to me. My own. My love... (ecstatic whisper) My preciousness. GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) The Ring gave to Gollum unnatural long life. For five hundred years it poisoned his mind. And in the gloom of Gollum's cave... FADE TO BLACK GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) It waited. FADE UP: Bathed in COLD MOONLIGHT, the WORLD lies DARK and STILL ... the unsettled quiet before the storm... GALADRIEL (V.O.) Darkness crept back into the forests of the world. Rumor grew of a Shadow in the East ... whispers of a nameless fear. And the Ring of Power perceived ... its time had now come. It abandoned Gollum. SLOW MOTION: Unseen by its KEEPER, THE RING falls to the MUDDY FLOOR of a MOUNTAIN TUNNEL... GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) But something happened then the Ring did not intend... FADE TO BLACK IMAGE: FUMBLING in the dark, a SMALL HAND closes over the RING. (CONTINUED) 7. CONTINUED: (6) GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT 9D) It was picked up by the most unlikely creature imaginable... BILBO (to himself) What 9s this? A YOUNGISH LOOKING BILBO BAGGINS peers down at what lies in his hand ... PERPLEXED by what he has found. GALADRIEL (V.O.) A Hobbit ... Bilbo Baggins of the Shire. BILBO (surprised) A Ring. SUDDENLY! A VOICE SCREAMS ... ITS ANGUISH RINGING through the COLD, DANK TUNNELS... GOLLUM (V.O.) Lost! Lost! My Precious is lost!! Frightened, BILBO quickly POCKETS the ONE RING and hurries on. DISSOLVE TO: WIDE ON: THE CAMERA SOARS AWAY FROM THE MOUNTAINS. MOVING FASTER AND FASTER ... THEIR DARK GREEN FORESTS AND JAGGED WHITE PEAKS RECEDING INTO THE SHROUD OF MIST GALADRIEL (V.O.) For the time will soon come when Hobbits will shape the fortunes of all. DISSOLVE TO: CLOSE ON: A MAP OF MIDDLE-EARTH. WE MOVE from the MISTY MOUNTAINS to HOBBITON. BILBO (V.O.) The 22nd day of September in the year 1400 by Shire-reckoning. Bag End, Bagshot Row, Hobbiton, Westfarthing, the Shire, Middle- earth. The Third Age of this world. PULL BACK ON THE MAP TO REVEAL: 8. INT. BAG END HALLWAY - DAY ANGLES ON: The MAP rests on the floor with several other MAPS, BOOKS, SCROLLS, and other similar items of research. CAMERA TRACKS: Down through the hall, we find BAG END shares this DECOR throughout its modest halls. SUPER: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING INT. BAG END STUDY - DAY ANGLE ON: BILBO sits at his DESK, PEN IN HAND. BILBO There and Back Again: A Hobbit 9s Tale by Bilbo Baggins. CLOSE ON: the book. The lettering on the page reads exactly as BILBO has dictated. He turns the next page, which is blank. ANGLE ON: BILBO considers his words carefully. BILBO Now, where to begin? Ah yes... CLOSE ON: BILBO dips his pen in the ink, and begins writing. BILBO cConcerning Hobbits. d EXT. HOBBITON - DAY WIDE ON: The small VILLAGE OF HOBBITON is a quaint rustic settlement nestled amongst rolling green hills and large trees. The HOBBITS live in HOBBIT HOLES: neat burrows dug into the grassy hillside, with round doors and cute front gardens. MONTAGE OF SHOTS UNDER BILBO: HOBBITS plowing fields ...smoking pipes ... serving food ... woodworking ... leading pigs ... milking cattle ... tidying their porches ... and of course, sleeping. (CONTINUED) 9. CONTINUED: BILBO (V.O.) cHobbits have been living and farming in the four Farthings of the Shire for many hundreds of years, quite content to ignore and be ignored by the world of the Big Folk. Middle-earth being, after all, full of strange creatures beyond count, Hobbits must seem of little importance being neither renowned as great warriors nor counted among the very wise. d END MONTAGE INT. BAG END STUDY - DAY ANGLE ON: BILBO laughs. HE TURNS TO a KNOCK at the door. WIDE ON: BILBO in his study. BILBO (calling out) Frodo! Someone at the door. ANGLE ON: BILBO turns immediately back to his WRITING. EXT. HOBBITON - DAY IMAGE: A HOBBIT, when faced with a decision between a KISS from his SWEETHEART and a MUFFIN, chooses the MUFFIN. BILBO (V.O.) cIn fact, it has been remarked by some that Hobbits 9 only real passion is for food. IMAGE: A HOBBIT carries a BARREL OF ALE on his SHOULDER, refilling his MUG as he walks. BILBO (V.O.) cA rather unfair observation as we have also developed a keen interest in the brewing of ales... IMAGE: Several HOBBITS sit around SMOKING PIPES. BILBO (V.O.) c...and the smoking of pipe-weed. (CONTINUED) 10. CONTINUED: IMAGE: HOBBITS carry their fresh picked crops ... HOBBITS engaged in a leisurely game ... HOBBITS GARDENING. BILBO (V.O.) cBut where our hearts truly lie is in peace and quiet and good, tilled earth. IMAGE: SAMWISE GAMGEE sits in front of his house, admiring his flowers. BILBO (V.O.) cFor all Hobbits share a love of things that grow. IMAGE: Near a large, old tree, HOBBITS raise BANNERS AND TENTS. Others bring in BARRELS OF ALE. BILBO (V.O.) cAnd, yes, no doubt to others, our ways seem quaint. But today of all days, it is brought home to me: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life. d IMAGE: The HOBBITS raise a large banner that reads: cHappy Birthday Bilbo Baggins. d Others applaud. INT. BAG END STUDY - DAY ANGLE ON: BILBO looking up, annoyed at yet another KNOCK to interrupt him. BILBO Frodo, the door! His CALL is met with SILENCE. BILBO Sticklebacks. Where is that boy? EXT. HOBBITON WOODS - DAY ANGLE ON: TWO HOBBIT FEET resting on a small rock ... rising out of the LONG, OVERGROWN GRASSES. BILBO (O.S.) Frodo! (CONTINUED) 11. CONTINUED: CAMERA TRACKS TO: A figure lies beneath the dappled sunlight of an old tree. White flowers are scattered among the WELL seeded grasses. An idyllic setting at the end of a long hot summer ... the figure is reading a book. ON THE SOUNDTRACK: In the distance, growing louder ... over the GENTLE CLIP CLOP of an approaching cart and horse can be heard the HUMMING OF A DEEP VOICE to the tune of cThe Road Goes Ever On and On... d SUDDENLY! The figure in the grass sits up ... looking straight at CAMERA is a handsome young HOBBIT, with dark curly hair and deep blue eyes. This is FRODO BAGGINS ... his EYES alight with EXCITEMENT! Tossing away the long stem of grass in his mouth, FRODO runs off. CUT TO: EXT. SHIRE LANE - DAY The cart rattles along a leafy lane, driven by a stooped figure in GREY. INTERCUT WITH: SHOTS OF FRODO RUNNING ... CAREENING DOWN A HILL ... JUMPING OVER LOGS ... DODGING TREE BRANCHES. ANGLE ON: The shambling OLD PONY snorts and rears as ... SUDDENLY FRODO appears on the bank above the cart. FRODO You're late. CLOSE ON: GANDALF glowers at the young HOBBIT... GANDALF A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to. They look at each other for a moment ... then both start laughing as FRODO 9S face breaks into a smile and he leaps on to the front seat of the cart. FRODO It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf! (CONTINUED) 12. CONTINUED: Next to GANDALF, we see how small HOBBITS are ... FRODO is 3 foot 6 inches tall. GANDALF You didn't think I'd miss your Uncle Bilbo 9s birthday? CUT TO: EXT. HOBBITON FIELDS - DAY WIDE ON: The cart rattles past a FIELD LUPIN being tended by HOBBITS. FRODO What's new in the world? Tell me everything. ANGLE ON: GANDALF looks down at FRODO, a twinkle in his eye. GANDALF What, everything? Far too eager and curious for a Hobbit. Most unnatural... Well, what can I tell you? Life in the wide world goes on much as it has this past age. Full of its own comings and goings, scarcely even aware of the existence of Hobbits... CLOSE ON: GANDALF as he surveys the peaceful scene before him. GANDALF (CONT 9D) ...for which I am very thankful. So, how is the old rascal? I hear this is to be a party of special magnificence. FRODO You know Bilbo. He 9s got the whole place in an uproar. GANDALF Well, that should please him. FRODO Half the Shire 9s been invited. And the rest of them are turning up anyway. (CONTINUED) 13. CONTINUED: WIDE ON: The cart rattles over a stone bridge towards a BUSY HOBBIT MARKETPLACE. BILBO (V.O.) And so life in the Shire goes on very much as it has this past age full of its own comings and goings, with change coming slowly... ANGLE ON: HOBBITS look up in wonder and excitement as the cart bearing GANDALF and FRODO rolls past the GREEN DRAGON INN... BILBO (V.O.) ...if it comes at all. For things are made to endure in the Shire passing from one generation to the next. CRANE UP: As the cart rattles into the small village of HOBBITON ... a quaint rustic settlement, nestled amongst rolling green hills and large trees. BILBO (V.O.) (CONT 9D) There 9s always been a Baggins living here under the Hill in Bag End. INT. BAG END STUDY - DAY ANGLE ON: BILBO stops writing again and looks up, thoughtful. BILBO And there always will be. EXT. HOBBITON FIELDS - DAY ANGLE ON: GANDALF and FRODO continuing for their destination. FRODO To tell you the truth, Bilbo 9s been a bit odd lately. I mean, more than usual. He 9s taken to locking himself in his study. 14. INT. BAG END STUDY - DAY CLOSE ON: BILBO picks up a MAP of Middle Earth. FRODO (V.O.) He spends hours poring over old maps when he thinks I 9m not looking. ANGLE ON: BILBO folds the map and puts it down. He pats his pants pockets. Suddenly, he looks worried. He pulls his pockets inside. BILBO (worried) Where 9s it gone? QUICK CUTS: BILBO desperately searches for something...under cushions ... in pockets ... through coats ... ANGLE ON: He shoves his hands into his vest pockets, and stops ... relieved... CLOSE ON: He removes his hand from his pocket ... his missing item clenched tightly in his fist ... he holds it to his mouth, grateful to have not lost it. CUT TO: EXT. HOBBITON FIELDS - DAY FRODO He's up to something. FRODO shoots a knowing look, as GANDALF averts his eyes. FRODO All right, then, keep your secrets. GANDALF What? FRODO But I know you have something to do with it. GANDALF Good gracious, me. (CONTINUED) 15. CONTINUED: FRODO Before you came along, we Bagginses were very well thought of. GANDALF Indeed? FRODO Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected. GANDALF If you're referring to the incident with the Dragon ... I was barely involved ...all I did was give your uncle a little nudge out the door. FRODO Whatever you did ... you 9ve been officially labeled a disturber of the peace. GANDALF Oh, really? ANGLE ON: ODO PROUDFOOT looks up as the CART passes by, deeply suspicious. CUT TO: EXT. HOBBITON - DAY CRANE UP: EXCITED CHILDREN, chasing after the cart. CLOSE ON: GANDALF ignores the children 9s cries. The children stand deflated, watching GANDALF disappear up the lane. AT THAT MOMENT: spinning balls of bright color suddenly leap out of the cart, fizzing over the heads of the delighted children. ANGLE ON: GANDALF smiling to himself, well pleased with his joke. ANGLE ON: ODO PROUDFOOT is unable to suppress a chuckle. FRODO stands up in the cart as GANDALF reigns in the HORSE. FRODO Gandalf ... I'm glad you're back. (CONTINUED) 16. CONTINUED: FRODO leaps expertly from the cart. GANDALF smiles. GANDALF So am I, dear boy...so am I. CUT TO: EXT. BAG END - DAY WIDE ON: GANDALF 9S CART pulls up outside the gate to BAG END ... a particularly fine example of a HOBBIT HOLE, with a large round front door set into a grassy hillside. There is a sign on the gate which reads: cNO ADMITTANCE EXCEPT ON PARTY BUSINESS. d GANDALF strides up the garden path of BAG END. He raises his staff and raps on the front door ... a voice calls out: BILBO (O.S.) No thank you! We don't want any more visitors, well-wishers, or distant relations. GANDALF And what about very old friends? Suddenly the door opens and BILBO BAGGINS stands before him. He is a HOBBIT OF INDETERMINATE AGE, with a mischeivous TWINKLE in his eye. Wearing a dashing brocade waist coat, he look every inch the eccentric gentleman. BILBO Gandalf? GANDALF Bilbo Baggins! BILBO My dear Gandalf! GANDALF drops to his knee to embrace his old friend. GANDALF Good to see you. One hundred and eleven years old, who would believe it? GANDALF looks at him more keenly. (CONTINUED) 17. CONTINUED: GANDALF (CONT 9D) You haven't aged a day. GANDALF and BILBO laugh together and enter BAG END. BILBO Come on, come in! Welcome, welcome!! CUT TO: INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - DAY BILBO leads GANDALF into BAG END ... cozy and cluttered with souvenirs of BILBO 9S travels. GANDALF has to stoop low to avoid hitting his head on the low ceiling. BILBO hangs up GANDALF 9S hat on a peg and trots off down the hall. BILBO (calling) Tea? Or maybe something a little stronger ... I 9ve got a few bottle of the old Wi BILBO disappears into the kitchen as GANDALF looks around ... enjoying the familiarity of BAG END ... he turns, knocking his head on the light and then walking into the wooden beam. He GROANS. BILBO (CONT 9D) I was expecting you last week. Not that it matters, you come and go as you please, always have done, always will. You 9ve caught me a bit unprepared, I 9m afraid ... we 9ve only got cold chicken, bit of pickle, some cheese here ... ooh, no, that might be a little risky... GANDALF stops in front of a framed map, charred in one corner ... it is Thorin 9s map of the LONELY MOUNTAIN ... GANDALF smiles to himself. (CONTINUED) 18. CONTINUED: BILBO (CONT 9D) Er, we 9ve got raspberry jam and apple tart ... got some custard somewhere. Not much for Afters, I 9m afraid. Oh no ... we 9re alright ... I 9ve just found some sponge cake. Nice little snack. Hope it 9s enough. (comes into view) I could make you some eggs if you 9d like? BILBO jumps, a half eaten pork pie in his hand, as GANDALF mysteriously appears behind him. GANDALF Just tea, thank you. BILBO Oh ... right. You don 9t mind if...? GANDALF No, not at all. Go ahead. A SUDDEN LOUD KNOCK ON THE FRONT DOOR. LOBELIA (O.S.) Bilbo Baggins, you open this door... BILBO I'm not home. BILBO tiptoes to the window and peeps out. BILBO (whispers) It 9s the Sackville-Bagginses! LOBELIA (O.S.) I know you 9re in there! BILBO (whispers) They 9re after the house. They 9ve never forgiven me for living this long! GANDALF watches, amused, as BILBO tries to hide. (CONTINUED) 19. CONTINUED: (2) BILBO I 9ve got to get away from these confounded relatives, hanging on the bell all day, never giving me a moment's peace. I want to see mountains again ... mountains, Gandalf ... and then find somewhere quiet where I can finish my book ... oh, Tea! GANDALF So, you mean to go through with your plan, then? BILBO Yes, yes ... it 9s all in hand. All the arrangements are made. GANDALF Frodo suspects something. BILBO 8Course he does, he's a Baggins ... not some blockheaded Bracegirdle from Hardbottle! GANDALF You will tell him, won't you? BILBO Yes, yes. GANDALF He 9s very fond of you. BILBO I know. He 9d probably come with me if I asked him. I think, in his heart, Frodo 9s still in love with the Shire, the woods and the fields ... little rivers. BILBO stands gazing out of the kitchen window. BILBO (CONT 9D) I am old, Gandalf... BILBO looks at GANDALF sadly... (CONTINUED) 20. CONTINUED: (3) BILBO (CONT 9D) I know I don 9t look it, but I 9m beginning to feel it in my heart. CLOSE ON: BILBO 9S fingers close around his waistcoat pocket ... gripping a small, unseen object. BILBO (CONT 9D) I feel thin ... sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday ... a very long holiday and I don 9t expect I shall return ... in fact, I mean not to. CUT TO: INT. BAG END - EVENING GANDALF and BILBO are sitting on the BAG END porch. BELOW THEM, final preparations are being made on the PARTY field. BILBO strikes a match and lights his pipe. BILBO Old Toby. The finest weed in the Southfarthing! BILBO blows a perfect smoke ring and watches it rise into the air. A tiny sailing ship with masts and sails glides through the CENTER of BILBO 9S smoke ring. BILBO (CONT 9D) Ohhhh. (smiles) Gandalf, my old friend ... this will be a night to remember. CUT TO: EXT. PARTY FIELD, HOBBITON - NIGHT BOOM! A FIREWORK explodes into the night sky high above HOBBITON ... in the shape of a great green tree with unfolding branches. TILT DOWN: with glowing flowers as they rain down from the branches ... evaporating just above the upturned faces of the delighted party-goers. (CONTINUED) 21. CONTINUED: 144 HOBBITS, feasting and drinking CARTS of beer and wine are scattered about, and the tables are piled high with steaming scones and savories. GANDALF hurries about, lighting fireworks with a blue spark that dances magically from his staff ... BILBO is greeting visitors. BILBO Hello, hello, Fatty Bolger, lovely to see you! Welcome, welcome! FRODO and SAM sit at a table drinking ale ... FRODO notices SAM 9S eyes keep flicking to another pretty HOBBIT, ROSIE COTTON, sitting some distance away. FRODO Go on, Sam, ask Rosie for a dance. SAM (horrified) I think I'll just have myself another ale. FRODO Oh, no you don't. Go on. SAM goes to drain his glass ... suddenly it is snatched out of his hands as FRODO thrusts him into the middle of a passing throng of dancers. ANGLE ON: SAM 9S HORRIFIED FACE as he is SWEPT away. FRODO laughs and finishes SAM 9S beer. ANGLE ON: GANDALF as he sets alight a particularly spectacular firework that draws gasps of admiration from the party guests. CLOSE ON: BILBO is relating stories of his adventure to a group of YOUNG HOBBIT CHILDREN. BILBO (melodramatic) So there I was ... at the mercy of three monstrous trolls ... Have you ever heard of a Troll? Do you know what a Troll is? Great big nasty twenty foot high smelly things ... and they 9re arguing ... arguing about how they were going to cook us! (CONTINUED) 22. CONTINUED: (2) ANGLE ON: A LITTLE HOBBIT GIRL 9S upturned face ... her eyes growing larger and larger. BILBO (CONT 9D) Whether it be turned on a spit or minced in a pie or whether they were going to sit on us one by one and squash us into jelly! They spent so long arguing the whither-to 9s and why-for 9s that the sun 9s first light cracked over the top of the trees ... and turned them all to stone! STUNNED GASPS from his young AUDIENCE greet his astonishing feat! CLOSE ON: MERRY and PIPPIN, two mischeivous YOUNG HOBBITS in their late teens. PIPPIN scrambles onto the back of GANDALF 9S wagon, snatching up a small firework. MERRY No, no ... the big one ... the big one! PIPPIN grabs a huge rocket. MERRY smiles. The pair runs off with it. ANGLE ON: BILBO continues to greet his guests. He shakes hands with a woman who is tailed by an overwhelming crowd of CHILDREN. BILBO Mrs. Bracegirdle, how nice to see you! Welcome, welcome. Are all these children yours? MRS. BRACEGIRDLE laughs with tired eyes and nods. BILBO Good gracious, you have been productive. MRS. BRACEGIRDLE laughs and nods. SUDDENLY! Bilbo 9s ears are assailed by a familiar strident VOICE. LOBELIA (O.S.) Bilbo? BILBO quickly runs to FRODO. (CONTINUED) 23. CONTINUED: (3) BILBO (panicked) Sackville-Bagginses! Quickly! Hide! BILBO and FRODO quickly hide behind the wall of a tent. ANGLE ON: OTHO AND LOBELIA SACKVILLE-BAGGINS ... an older, grumpy-looking pair with sharp eyes ... emerge and look about the party like vultures searching for prey. ANGLE ON: BILBO breathes a huge sigh of relief. BILBO Thank you, my boy. ANGLE ON: FRODO chuckles. BILBO (suddenly serious) You're a good lad, Frodo. ANGLE ON: FRODO stares at his UNCLE, perturbed by the change of tone. BILBO (CONT 9D) I'm very selfish, you know. Yes, I am ... very selfish. I don't know why I took you in after your mother and father died, but it wasn't out of charity. I think ... it was because, of all my numerous relations ... you were the one Baggins that showed real spirit. FRODO Bilbo, have you been at the Gaffer's home brew? BILBO No. Well, yes. But that's not the point. The point is, Frodo ... you'll be all right. BILBO lifts his mug and takes a drink ... probably of the Gaffer 9s home brew. CLOSE ON: FIREWORK FUSE crackles with flame! (CONTINUED) 24. CONTINUED: (4) ANGLE ON: MERRY is holding out the big rocket ... he looks aghst at the fizzing fuse that PIPPIN has just lit. MERRY (CONT 9D) (worried whisper) You're supposed to stick it in the ground! PIPPIN It is in the ground. MERRY fearfully tosses the ROCKET to PIPPIN! the fuse sizzles angrily. MERRY Outside! PIPPIN This was your idea. PIPPIN attempts to throw the fizzing rocket back to MERRY. WHOOSH! The two HOBBITS are suddenly blown off their feet in a shower of sparks as the rocket blasts off with frightening power. ANGLE ON: The ROCKET ZOOMS over the party ... it suddenly bursts apart, forming the shape of a great red golden DRAGON! Fire fire gushes from its nostrils as it turns back and FLIES towards the startled crowd. CLOSE ON: FRODO watches the FIREWORKS DRAGON with alarm ... but BILBO is oblivious to the PANICKING CROWD and impending danger! FRODO Bilbo! Watch out for the dragon!! BILBO Dragon? Nonsense ... hasn't been a dragon in these parts for a thousand years! ANGLE ON: FRODO as he hurriedly pulls BILBO to the ground, just as the dragon roars a few feet above their heads like a flaming express train! HOBBITS dive to the ground, tables overturn, tents collapse, food flies everywhere. (CONTINUED) 25. CONTINUED: (5) The FIREWORKS DRAGON turns a somersault and explodes over the hills with a deafening BANG! This gets the biggest cheer of the night. ANGLE ON: MERRY AND PIPPIN, clothes and hair smoking. MERRY That was good! PIPPIN Let's get another one! LARGE HANDS suddenly clamp down on MERRY and PIPPIN 9S ears. LOW ANGLE: GANDALF looking DOWN STERNLY! GANDALF Meriadoc Brandybuck, and Peregrin Took ... I might have known! CUT TO: MERRY and PIPPIN are leaning over a barrel, washing dishes in soapy water ... with GANDALF sitting nearby, smoking his pipe and sipping an ale. Cries of cSPEECH! SPEECH! d erupt from the party. ANGLE ON: BILBO stepping on a stool ... he bows in gratitude at the applause. FRODO Speech! BILBO (clearing his throat) My dear Bagginses and Boffins, Tooks and Brandybucks ... Grubbs, Chubbs, Burrowses, Hornblowers, Bolgers, Bracegirdles, Goodbodies, Brockhouses and Proudfoots... ANGLE ON: A HOBBIT WITH PARTICULARLY BIG FEET PROUDFOOT Proudfeet! (CONTINUED) 26. CONTINUED: BILBO Proudfoots. Also my good Sackville-Bagginses that I welcome back at last to Bag End. ANGLE ON: OTHO and LOBELIA scowl at BILBO. He doesn 9t care. BILBO (CONT 9D) Today is my one hundred and eleventh birthday. I am eleventy-one today! Yes, and alas ... Eleventy-one years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable Hobbits! Tremendous outburst of approval! BILBO (CONT 9D) I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve! SCATTERED CLAPPING as the guests try to work out if that was a compliment or not. CLOSE ON: FRODO AND GANDALF smiling to themselves. CLOSE ON: BILBO ... a strange HUM seems to fill his head. A bead of sweat rolls down his brow. BILBO 9S hand pulls something out of his waistcoat pocket and holds it behind his back. BILBO (CONT 9D) I have ... things to do and I have put this off for far too long. CLOSE ON: BILBO 9S knuckles turn white as he tightens his grip on the small object behind his back. BILBO (CONT 9D) I regret to announce this is the end. I am going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell!! BILBO looks across at FRODO, hesitates... then... (CONTINUED) 27. CONTINUED: (2) BILBO (CONT 9D) (whisper) Goodbye. BILBO instantly vanishes. The party explodes into an uproar ... the crowd leaps to its feet. ANGLE ON: FRODO staring at the empty stool in disbelief. CUT TO: EXT. BAG END - NIGHT The party is still in an excited uproar ... some 50 yards away as we PAN across a moonlit lane to the front door of BAG END. Door opens, pulled by an invisible hand. INT. BAG END - NIGHT The door quietly closes ... BILBO materializes as he pulls a plain gold ring off his finger. BILBO laughs as he tosses the ring in the air, then places it in his pocket. ANGLE ON: BILBO emerges from the passage, carrying a walking stick. He finds GANDALF looming over him. GANDALF I suppose you think that was terribly clever? BILBO Come on, Gandalf. Did you see their faces? GANDALF There are many magic rings in this world, Bilbo Baggins, and none of them should be used lightly. BILBO It was just a bit of fun. Oh, you 9re probably right, as usual. BILBO You will keep an eye on Frodo, won't you? (CONTINUED) 28. CONTINUED: GANDALF Two eyes. As often as I can spare them. BILBO I'm leaving everything to him. GANDALF What about this ring of yours? Is that staying too? CLOSE ON: BILBO ... he gives GANDALF a look and nods towards the mantelpiece. BILBO Yes, yes, it's in an envelope ... over there on the mantelpiece. GANDALF frowns at the empty mantelpiece ... BILBO suddenly feels his waistcoat with a look of guilty surprise. BILBO (CONT 9D) No, wait. It 9s here in my pocket. Isn't that ... isn 9t that odd, now? Yet, after all, why not? Why shouldn't I keep it? GANDALF I think you should leave the Ring behind, Bilbo. Is that so hard? BILBO Well, no ... and yes. Now it comes to it, I don't feel like parting with it. It 9s mine. I found it. It came to me! ANGLE ON: GANDALF LOOKS DOWN AT BILBO WITH RISING CONCERN. GANDALF There's no need to get angry. BILBO Well, if I'm angry, it's your fault! It's mine. My own, my precious. GANDALF Precious? It's been called that before, but not by you. (CONTINUED) 29. CONTINUED: (2) BILBO What business is it of yours what I do with my own things? BILBO 9S voice, shape and manner have suddenly changed. GANDALF I think you've had that ring quite long enough. BILBO You want it for yourself! GANDALF rises to his full height, his eyes flash, his shadow suddenly seems to fill the room. GANDALF Bilbo Baggins, do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks! BILBO cowers from GANDALF, disarmed by his power ... a frightened HOBBIT. GANDALF 9S expression softens. GANDALF (CONT 9D) I am not trying to rob you. I am trying to help you. Sobbing, BILBO runs to GANDALF and hugs him. GANDALF (CONT 9D) All your long years we 9ve been friends ... trust me as you once did. Let it go! BILBO You're right, Gandalf. The Ring must go to Frodo. BILBO lifts his knapsack and heads for the front door. BILBO (CONT 9D) It's late, the road is long ... yes, it is time. GANDALF Bilbo? BILBO Hmmm? (CONTINUED) 30. CONTINUED: (3) GANDALF The Ring is still in your pocket. BILBO hesitates ... reaches into his pocket. BILBO Oh, yes. CLOSE ON: BILBO pulls out the ring ... he stares at it in his palm. With all his will power, BILBO allows the ring to slowly slide off his palm and drop to the floor. CLOSE ON: The tiny ring lands with a heavy thud on the wooden floor. EXT. BAG END - NIGHT ANGLE ON: BILBO staggering out of BAG END ... he braces himself in the night air, PALE and TREMBLING, as if his loss of the ring has weakened him. GANDALF steps up behind. BILBO I've thought up an ending for my book... cAnd he lived happily ever after to the end of his days. d GANDALF I'm sure you will, my dear friend. BILBO Goodbye, Gandalf. GANDALF Goodbye, Bilbo. BILBO walks away from BAG END, disappearing into the night, softly singing: cThe Road goes on and on. d GANDALF (CONT 9D) (softly) Until our next meeting. CUT TO: 31. INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - NIGHT CLOSE ON: THE RING ... GLINTING on the floor ... GANDALF circles around it, a PUZZLED look on his face. GANDALF slowly reaches for the RING. His fingers barely touch the RING ... the creepy HUM rises on the SOUNDTRACK. ANGLE ON: GANDALF is sitting in front of the fire, with his pipe ... staring into the flickering flames. BILBO (V.O.) It's mine, my own, my precious. GANDALF (to himself) Riddles in the dark. FRODO (O.S.) Bilbo! Bilbo! FRODO rushes into BAG END ... he stops and picks up the RING at his feet. GANDALF continues staring into the fire, as if locked in thought. GANDALF (to himself) My precious ... precious... FRODO (quietly) He's gone, hasn't he? FRODO steps into the living room. FRODO (CONT 9D) He talked for so long about leaving ... I didn 9t think he 9d really do it. GANDALF (mutters to himself) ...my own. FRODO Gandalf? GANDALF turns ... his eyes locking onto the RING in FRODO 9S fingers. GANDALF Bilbo 9s ring. (CONTINUED) 32. CONTINUED: GANDALF sorts hurriedly through BILBO 9S papers. GANDALF (CONT 9D) He's gone to stay with the Elves. He's left you Bag End... GANDALF holds out the envelope ... FRODO drops the RING into it. GANDALF (CONT 9D) ...along with all his possessions. GANDALF seals the envelope with wax. He hands it to FRODO. GANDALF (CONT 9D) The ring is yours now. Put it somewhere out of sight. GANDALF rises hurriedly and starts to gather his things. FRODO Where are you going? GANDALF There are things I must to see to. FRODO What things? GANDALF Questions. Questions that need answering. FRODO But you've only just arrived! I don't understand... GANDALF is already at the door, he turns to FRODO. GANDALF Neither do I. Keep it secret, Keep it safe. GANDALF hurries out the door ... leaving FRODO standing alone in BAG END. (CONTINUED) 33. CONTINUED: (2) ANGLE ON: THE ENVELOPE THE CAMERA PUSHES IN ... THE HUM OF THE RING comes up on the SOUNDTRACK. The CAMERA PUSHES through the white paper to the RING ... beneath the HUM the whispered murmur of BLACK SPEECH can be heard. CUT TO: EXT. BARAD-DÛR - NIGHT The jagged ruins of BARAD-DÛR. THE DARK TOWER! TEASING IMAGES: THE HUGE DARK TOWER OF BARAD-DÛR is being rebuilt! Thousands of ORCS crawl over the surface, hauling stone and iron up the towering heights. GOLLUM (O.S.) Shire! Baggins!! CUT TO: EXT. MINAS MORGUL - NIGHT NINE BLACK RIDERS burst out of MINAS MORGUL and charge toward CAMERA. EXT. THE WEST ROAD, GONDOR - DAY WIDE ON: A LONE HORSEMAN gallops to the crest of a hill on the west road. The main highway south to MINAS TIRITH ... he looks toward the saw-toothed mountains of MORDOR ... WIDE ON: MOUNT DOOM ... A HUGE, BILLOWING CLOUD OF BLACK FILTH grows and spreads across the red streaked sky ... casting a shadowy pall over the nightmarish landscape ... seeping out across the blood red sky... ANGLE ON: GANDALF, his face grave. He spurs his horse on. CUT TO: INT. CITADEL, MINAS TIRITH - NIGHT ANGLE ON: GANDALF making his way down into the lower depths of the CITADEL. CUT TO: 34. INT. CITADEL CHAMBER, MINAS TIRITH - NIGHT CLOSE ON: Pages flipping as GANDALF searches ancient scrolls and books placed high on a wooden table. His eyes settle on one old parchment. He murmurs hurriedly to himself, reading. GANDALF (reading) The year 3434 of the Second Age ... here follows the account of Isildur, High King of Gondor, and the finding of the Ring of Power. DISSOLVE TO: CLOSE ON: ISILDUR, TRIUMPHANT, REACHES FOR THE ONE RING, HIS EYES FIXATED ON IT. GANDALF (reading) It has come to me ... the Ring of Power! It shall be an heirloom of my kingdom ... all those who follow in my bloodline shall be bound to its fate, for I will risk no hurt to the ring ... it is precious to me, though I buy it with great pain... CLOSE ON: ELVISH LETTERING MARKS ON THE FADED OLD DOCUMENT IN GANDALF 9S HAND. GANDALF (reading) The marking on the band begin to fade ... the writing which at first was as clear as red flame, has all but disappeared ... a secret now that only fire can tell... CUT TO: EXT. HOBBIT FARMHOUSE - EVENING FARMER MAGGOT is chopping wood in his garden. CLOSE ON: SNORTING HORSE NOSTRILS ... as the shadow of a BLACK RIDER looms over a HOBBIT HOUSE. Terrified, FARMER MAGGOT cowers in his doorway ... FANGS, his dog, whimpers and backs away. (CONTINUED) 35. CONTINUED: BLACK RIDER (hissing) Shire? Baggins? FARMER MAGGOT (terrified) There 9s no Bagginses around here! They're all up in Hobbiton ... that way. THE BLACK RIDER GALLOPS AWAY AT SPEED. CUT TO: INT. GREEN DRAGON - NIGHT The HOBBITS of HOBBITON are having a grand evening of ale and song. ANGLE ON: MERRY and PIPPIN, mugs in hand, sing and dance on a table while supporting each other. ANGLE ON: FRODO retrieves more mugs of ale from the bar and dances around the tavern. HOBBITS (singing) Hey ho, to the bottle I go! To heal my heart and drown my woe. Rain may fall and wind may blow. But there still be 3 many miles to go! Sweet is the sound of the pouring rain, and the stream that falls from hill to plain. Better than rain or rippling brook 3 PIPPIN is a mug of beer inside this Took! Huge laughter and clinking of mugs. ANGLE ON: DADDY TWOFOOT, TED SANDYMAN, and SAM 9S father, HAM GAMGEE (A.K.A. THE GAFFER), involve themselves in a most serious discussion. SAM sits quietly next to his father. (CONTINUED) 36. CONTINUED: DADDY TWOFOOT There's been some strange folk crossing the Shire. Dwarves, and others of a less than savoury nature. TED SANDYMAN War is brewing. The mountains are fair teeming with goblins. ANGLE ON: SAM, smokes his pipe and looks at ROSIE behind the bar. She gives him a huge smile. GAFFER Far-off tales and children's stories, that's all that is. You're beginning to sound like that old Bilbo Baggins. Cracked, he was. TED SANDYMAN Young Mr. Frodo here, he's cracking! He laughs as FRODO arrives with drinks. FRODO And proud of it. Cheers, Gaffer. GAFFER Well, it's none of our concern what goes on beyond our borders. Keep your nose out of trouble, and no trouble'll come to you. ANGLE ON: FRODO smiles and raises his tankard. LATER... ANGLE ON: ROSIE COTTON bids the last of the PATRONS cGoodnight d ... SAM meets her eyes for a moment as he and FRODO leave the inn. ROSIE Goodnight, lads. SAM Goodnight. (CONTINUED) 37. CONTINUED: FRODO and SAM continue on their way. Behind them, an intoxicated HOBBIT kneels before ROSIE and raises his arms as if worshipping a goddess. INTOXICATED HOBBIT Goodnight, sweet maiden of the golden ale! SAM (muttering) Mind who you're sweet-talking. FRODO Don't worry, Sam. Rosie knows an idiot when she sees one. SAM stops walking. SAM (worried) Does she? CUT TO: EXT. BAG END - NIGHT WIDE ON: FRODO FAREWELLS SAM outside BAG END, and heads towards the front door. CREEPY POV FROM INSIDE BAG END: FRODO coming up the path. CUT TO: INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - NIGHT ANGLE ON: FRODO enters BAG END ... he immediately PAUSES, sensing that something is amiss. All is quiet ... FRODO peers uneasily into the darkened living room. SUDDENLY! A large figure looms out of the shadows, reaching for FRODO. FRODO lets out a startled cry, pulls himself free and spins around to face his ASSAILANT. GANDALF steps into a shaft of moonlight. Paranoia blazes in his eyes. His clothes are dirty and ragged from much traveling. Hair and beard much longer and unkempt. (CONTINUED) 38. CONTINUED: GANDALF (urgent whisper) Is it secret? Is it safe? CUT TO: INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - NIGHT FRODO pulls the envelope out of an old chest. GANDALF, suspcious, ALERT. Without a word, GANDALF takes the envelope and tosses it into the fireplace! FRODO (bewildered) What are you doing? Flames instantly consume the envelope ... revealing the RING, as it sinks into the red hot embers. GANDALF reaches into the fire with a pair of tongs ... he lifts the RING out. GANDALF Hold out your hand, Frodo ... it is quite cool. GANDALF drops the RING into FRODO 9S hand ... he reacts to its weight. GANDALF (CONT 9D) What can you see? Can you see anything? FRODO Nothing ... there's nothing. Wait... CLOSE ON: THE GOLD BAND of the RING as fiery letters begin to appear ... a tiny inscription glows red ... as if burning from within. FRODO (CONT 9D) ...there are markings. CLOSE ON: GANDALF ... STILL ... TENSE. FRODO (CONT 9D) It's some form of Elvish. I can't read it. (CONTINUED) 39. CONTINUED: GANDALF (ominous) There are few who can ... the language is that of Mordor, which I will not utter here. FRODO Mordor? GANDALF In the common tongue, it says: cOne Ring to rule them all. One Ring to find them. One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. d CUT TO: INT. BAG END KITCHEN - NIGHT CLOSE ON: THE RING lies on FRODO 9S simple kitchen table. GANDALF This is the One Ring, forged by the Dark Lord Sauron, in the fires of Mount Doom ... taken by Isildur from the hand of Sauron himself. FRODO (quiet realization) Bilbo found it ... in Gollum's cave. GANDALF Yes. For sixty years, the Ring lay quiet in Bilbo 9s keeping, prolonging his life, delaying old age ... but no longer, Frodo. Evil is stirring in Mordor. The Ring has awoken. It's heard its master's call. AT THAT MOMENT: A FLEETING, LOW WHISPER OF BLACK SPEECH emanates from the RING. FRODO looks at GANDALF, each knowing the other has heard it. FRODO But he was destroyed ... Sauron was destroyed. ANGLE ON: THE RING lies between them on the table. (CONTINUED) 40. CONTINUED: GANDALF No, Frodo. The spirit of Sauron endured. His life force is bound to the Ring and the Ring survived. Sauron has returned. His Orcs have multiplied ... his fortress of Barad-dûr is rebuilt in the land of Mordor. Sauron needs only this Ring to cover all the lands in the second darkness. He is seeking it, seeking it, all his thought is bent on it. For the Ring yearns, above all else, to return to the hand of its master: They are one, the Ring and the Dark Lord. Frodo, he must never find it. SUDDENLY, FRODO scoops up the RING. FRODO Alright! CUT TO: INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - NIGHT ANGLE ON: FRODO hurriedly entering the living room. FRODO (thinking fast) We put it away, we keep it hidden! We never speak of it again. No one knows it 9s here, do they? GANDALF shifts uncomfortably. FRODO (CONT 9D) Do they, Gandalf? GANDALF looks at FRODO sadly... GANDALF There is one other who knew that Bilbo had the Ring. I looked everywhere for the creature Gollum, but the enemy found him first. CUT TO: 41. INT. BARAD-DÛR - NIGHT CLOSE ON: A TEASING GLIMPSE of GOLLUM being tortured by the ORCS. The wretched creature screams in pain. GANDALF (V.O.) I don't know how long they tortured him ... but amidst the endless screams and inane babble, they discerned two words. GOLLUM (screaming) S...Shire! Baggins! CUT TO: INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - NIGHT CLOSE ON: FRODO 9S HORRIFIED FACE! FRODO Shire! Baggins! That will lead them here! EXT. SHIRE LANE, SOUTH FARTHING - NIGHT IMAGE: On a dark country lane, a HOBBIT BOUNDER lifts his watch lantern in alarm. HOBBIT BOUNDER Halt! Who goes there? Out of the darkness thunder two BLACK RIDERS ... A LETHAL SWORD swings down at the small HOBBIT BOUNDER. CUT TO: INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - NIGHT FRODO thrusts the RING at GANDALF. FRODO Take it! Take it! GANDALF No, Frodo... FRODO You must take it. (CONTINUED) 42. CONTINUED: GANDALF You cannot offer me this ring. FRODO I am giving it to you! GANDALF Don't tempt me, Frodo! I dare not take it, not even to keep it safe. CLOSE ON: THE RING IN FRODO 9S HAND... GANDALF (CONT 9D) Understand, Frodo ... I would use this Ring from a desire to do good ... but through me, it would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine. FRODO But it cannot stay in the Shire! GANDALF No, no, it can't. CLOSE ON: THE RING IN FRODO 9S CLENCHED HAND. FRODO What must I do? CUT TO: INT. FRODO 9S BEDROOM - NIGHT ANGLE ON: FRODO throwing clothes into a knapsack ... GANDALF watches him, making plans... GANDALF You must leave, and leave quickly. Get out of the Shire. FRODO Where? Where shall I go? GANDALF Make for the village of Bree. FRODO Bree? What about you? (CONTINUED) 43. CONTINUED: GANDALF I will be waiting for you at the Inn of the Prancing Pony. FRODO packs his food into his knapsack. FRODO And the Ring will be safe there? GANDALF I don't know, Frodo. I don't have any answers. I must see the Head of my Order. He is both wise and powerful. Trust me, Frodo. He 9ll know what to do. CUT TO: INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - NIGHT FRODO is preparing to leave. GANDALF You 9ll have to leave the name of Baggins behind you ... for that name is not safe outside the Shire. GANDALF helps FRODO into his coat. GANDALF (CONT 9D) Travel only by day. And stay off the road. FRODO (thinking) I can cut across country easily enough. GANDALF looks at the young HOBBIT, moved by his courage. GANDALF My dear Frodo. Hobbits really are amazing creatures. You can learn all there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet, after a hundred years, they can still surprise you. SUDDENLY! A SOUND from outside. (CONTINUED) 44. CONTINUED: GANDALF (CONT 9D) Get down! GANDALF FREEZES ... he moves quietly towards the window, eyes wide with tension. He raises his staff above the window, and slams it down on the intruder. THERE IS A YELP OF PAIN! GANDALF hauls a small figure into the room ... SAM GAMGEE sprawls across the floor! He looks up in terror as GANDALF looms over him. GANDALF (CONT 9D) (angry) Confound it all! Samwise Gamgee, have you been eavesdropping? SAM I ain 9t been dropping no eaves, sir! Honest. I was just cutting the grass under the window there, if you follow me... GANDALF It 9s a little bit late for trimming the hedges, don 9t you think? SAM I heard raised voices... GANDALF What did you hear? Speak! SAM Nothing important ... that is, I heard a good deal about a ring ... and a Dark Lord. And something about the end of the world, but... Please, Mr. Gandalf, sir, don't hurt me! Don't turn me into anything unnatural! GANDALF No? FRODO SMILES. GANDALF (CONT 9D) Perhaps not. I 9ve thought of a better use for you. CUT TO: 45. EXT. HOBBITON FIELDS - PREDAWN WIDE ON: HOBBITON ... shrouded in a white veil of MIST. WIDER: To REVEAL GANDALF, FRODO, and SAM hurrying across a ploughed field, away from HOBBITON! GANDALF leads his HORSE ... FRODO and SAM are carrying knapsacks. GANDALF (V.O.) Come along, Samwise ... keep up... CUT TO: EXT. HOBBITON WOODS - DAY GANDALF leads FRODO and SAM under the cover of WOODS. GANDALF (V.O.) Be careful, both of you. The Enemy has many spies in his service, many ways of hearing ... birds, beasts... GANDALF takes FRODO to one side... GANDALF (CONT 9D) (low voice) Is it safe? FRODO NODS ... he pats his pocket. GANDALF (CONT 9D) Never put it on, for the agents of the Dark Lord will be drawn to its power... Always remember, Frodo, the Ring is trying to get back to its master ... it wants to be found. GANDALF wheels his horse and gallops away. CUT TO: EXT. GREEN HILL COUNTRY - DAY MONTAGE: FRODO and SAM hike over the gentle Shire countryside ... wading through a shallow stream ... pass by the quaint hollows of Hobbit Holes ... heating a kettle over a small fire ... clambering over stone walls. CUT TO: 46. EXT. GREEN HILL COUNTRY - AFTERNOON SAM stops short ... taking stock of his surroundings. SAM looks back from where they came. SAM This is it. FRODO This is what? SAM If I take one more step, it 9ll be the farthest away from home I've ever been. FRODO gives SAM a pat on the shoulder. FRODO Come on, Sam. SAM takes a deep breath and steps forward. CLOSE ON: SAM 9S brown, furry foot hits the ground. FRODO IS SMILING. FRODO Remember what Bilbo used to say ... it's a dangerous business... FRODO and SAM continue their journey. BILBO (V.O.) ...it 9s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door ... you step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to. CUT TO: EXT. HOBBITON WOODS - NIGHT SAM cooks a dinner while FRODO relaxes in a tree, smoking his pipe. SUDDENLY, FRODO turns his head, listening. ON THE SOUNDTRACK: Singing ... high, sweet voices sing in a strange language. (CONTINUED) 47. CONTINUED: ANGLE ON: FRODO looks at SAM with a delighted smile. FRODO (whispers) Sam! Wood-Elves! ANGLE ON: A group of ELVES pass slowly through the forest, some on horseback, some walking, some with banners. The group seems to shine of its own light, their white garments softly glowing against the purples and midnight blues of the woods. Their haunting song continues. ELVEN VOICES (Elvish) a Galad ren i veniar hi' aladhremmin ennorath A Elbereth Gilthoniel ithil nâ thûl, ithil lîn hen O Light to us that wander here Amid the world of woven trees! O Elbereth! Gilthoniel! Clear are thy eyes and bright thy breath! ANGLE ON: FRODO and SAM watching the procession from behind a tree. FRODO They're going to the harbour beyond the White Towers. To the Grey Havens. SAM They're leaving Middle-earth. FRODO Never to return. SAM I don't know why ... it makes me sad. CUT TO: EXT. HOBBITON WOODS - NIGHT FRODO appears asleep. SAM tries desperately to find a comfortable spot on the ground. (CONTINUED) 48. CONTINUED: SAM Everywhere I lie there 9s a dirty great root sticking into my back. FRODO neither moves nor opens his eyes. FRODO Just shut your eyes, and imagine you're back in your own bed, with a soft mattress and a lovely feather pillow. ANGLE ON: SAM looks skeptical, but tries it. SAM (sighs) It's not working Mr. Frodo. I'm never going to be able to sleep out here. FRODO Me neither, Sam. FRODO smiles. SAM stares at the sky and finds something to nibble on. EXT. SHIRE, A HILL - NIGHT WIDE ON: Mist descends over the peaceful Shire. TRACK BACK TO REVEAL: A horse neighs and stamps. Its BLACK RIDER comes slowly to a halt and looks for his prey. CUT TO: EXT. ISENGARD VALLEY - DAY GANDALF is galloping along the outskirts of the ancient forest of FANGORN. Nestled in a basin at the foot of the distant MISTY MOUNTAINS, the tall black tower of ORTHANC is clearly visible. EXT. ISENGARD VALLEY - DAY GANDALF gallops through the gate, into the fortress of ISENGARD ... a great ring-wall of stone, a mile from rim to rim, encloses beautiful trees and garden, watered by streams that flow down from the mountains. (CONTINUED) 49. CONTINUED: SARUMAN (V.O.) Smoke rises once more from the mountain of doom ... the Shadow takes shape in the darkness of Mordor; the hour grows late ... and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard seeking my council... The strange tower of ORTHANC ... hewn from a solid pillar of obsidian ... rises up in the center of the ISENGARD CIRCLE. GANDALF arrives at he foot of the ORTHANC STAIRS. ANGLE ON: SARUMAN, THE WHITE WIZARD as he sweeps down the ORTHANC stairs. SARUMAN For that is why you have come, is it not, my old friend? GANDALF moves quickly towards him, grimy and weary from his long ride. GANDALF Saruman! CUT TO: EXT. ISENGARD GARDENS - DAY GANDALF and SARUMAN walk slowly between the beautiful trees of ISENGARD. SARUMAN 9S clean, white robe contrasts with GANDALF 9S dusty grey robes. SARUMAN Are you sure of this? GANDALF Beyond any doubt. SARUMAN So the Ring of Power has been found? GANDALF All these long years, it was in the Shire, under my very nose. SARUMAN Yet you did not have the wit to see it. Your love of the Halfling 9s leaf has clearly slowed your mind. (CONTINUED) 50. CONTINUED: GANDALF We still have time ... time enough to counter Sauron ... if we act quickly. SARUMAN Time? What time do you think we have? CUT TO: INT. ORTHANC ANTE-CHAMBER - DAY GANDALF and SARUMAN are seated in a small, cluttered room to the side of the cavernous central chamber. SARUMAN Sauron has regained much of his former strength. He cannot yet take physical form ... but his spirit has lost none of its potency. Concealed within his fortress, the Lord of Mordor sees all. His gaze pierces cloud, shadow, earth and flesh. You know of what I speak, Gandalf ... a Great Eye, lidless, wreathed in flame. GANDALF (softly) The Eye of Sauron. SARUMAN He is gathering all evil to him. Very soon, he will have summoned an army great enough to launch an assault on Middle earth. GANDALF You know this? How? SARUMAN I have seen it. GANDALF and SARUMAN stride through ORTHANC toward a stone plinth on which a sphere like shape is draped with a cloth... GANDALF A Palantír is a dangerous tool, Saruman. ANGLE ON: SARUMAN lifts the cloth to reveal the PALANTÍR. (CONTINUED) 51. CONTINUED: SARUMAN Why? Why should we fear to use it? GANDALF They are not all accounted for, the lost Seeing-stones. We do not know who else may be watching. GANDALF throws the cloth back over the PALANTÍR. FLASH IMAGE: A FIERY EYE! ANGLE ON: SARUMAN sits on his throne. SARUMAN The hour is later than you think. Sauron 9s forces are already moving... the Nine have left Minas Morgul. GANDALF (shocked) The Nine? SARUMAN They crossed the River Isen on Midsummer's Eve, disguised as riders in black. GANDALF (alarmed) They have reached the Shire? SARUMAN shrugs... SARUMAN They will find the Ring ... and kill the one who carries it. GANDALF backs away and turns to run to the door ... horrified as the doors suddenly slam shut. SARUMAN (CONT 9D) You did not seriously think a Hobbit could contend with the will of Sauron? There are none who can. GANDALF slowly turns to SARUMAN ... a look of dawning horror. (CONTINUED) 52. CONTINUED: (2) SARUMAN (CONT 9D) Against the power of Mordor there can be no victory. We must join with him, Gandalf. We must join with Sauron. It would be wise, my friend. GANDALF (deadly) Tell me, friend, when did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for madness? AT THAT MOMENT: GANDALF is suddenly blasted across the room! He slams againt the wall ... pinned there by some unseen force. With sudden effort, GANDALF wrenches himself off the wall and swings his staff on SARUMAN ... blasting him off his feet! GANDALF and SARUMAN battle, powerful blasts throwing them across the room. SARUMAN SCREAMS, EYES BLAZING! GANDALF 9S staff is suddenly wrenched from his grasp ... it flies across the chamber into SARUMAN 9S hand! GANDALF is flung to the floor. SARUMAN I gave you the choice of aiding me willingly, but you have elected the way of pain! GANDALF is breathing hard on the floor, his eye look into the madness of SARUMAN... COMMANDING TWO STAFFS, SARUMAN sends GANDALF into a sickening spin. GANDALF tumbles towards the top of the chamber ... as if falling in reverse. RUSHING POV: the roof of ORTHANC rockets toward CAMERA. CUT TO: EXT. FARMER 9S FIELDS - DAY WIDE ON: FRODO and SAM walking along a country lane which borders FARMER MAGGOT 9S FIELDS. ANGLE ON: SAM is looking up ... FRODO has disappeared around a corner in the lane. (CONTINUED) 53. CONTINUED: SAM (panicked) Mr. Frodo. Mr. Frodo! FRODO turns, surprised as SAM comes running towards him. SAM (CONT 9D) (worried) I thought I'd lost you. ANGLE ON: FRODO looks at SAM suspiciously. ANGLE ON: SAM glances down, embarrassed. FRODO (teasing) What are you talking about? SAM (mumbling) It's just something Gandalf said... FRODO What did he say? SAM He said... cDon't you leave him, Samwise Gamgee. d (looks at Frodo intently) And I don't mean to. FRODO (laughing) Sam ... we're still in the Shire ... what could possibly happen? SUDDENLY! A figure comes crashing out of a hedgerow sending FRODO flying. FRODO picks himself up, only to be knocked back down again by PIPPIN. PIPPIN Frodo! Merry, it's Frodo Baggins. MERRY Hello Frodo! ANGLE ON: MERRY, PIPPIN, and FRODO picking themselves up ... a variety of vegetables have scattered everywhere. (CONTINUED) 54. CONTINUED: (2) SAM What 9s the meaning of this! MERRY Sam, hold this... MERRY gives SAM a large cabbage. SAM You've been into Farmer Maggot's crop! ANGLE ON: A large pitchfork can be seen racing towards them along the HEDGEROW ... angry shouts from FARMER MAGGOT. FARMER MAGGOT (O.S.) Who 9s that in my field! Get out of it! Get out of my field, you young varmits! I 9ll show you ... get out of my corn. ANGLE ON: MERRY and PIPPIN hurriedly gather their booty and race away ... with FRODO and SAM on their heels. MERRY I don't know why he is so upset, it's only a couple of carrots. PIPPIN And some cabbages ... and those three bags of potatoes that we lifted last week. And the mushrooms the week before. MERRY Ye

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