Sample Shakespeare Screenplay assignment


Part II: Something This Way Comes: An adaptation of 1 Henry IV, Scene 1.2
The Canadian Lester B. Pearson has been called in to the private meeting room to discuss his country’s role in the oncoming Suez Canal Crisis of 1956.   Will he choose, on behalf of Canada, to be an ally of Britain, France, and Israel, effectively turning his back on the Western Alliance and United Nations, or question the role of the motherlands of Britain and France and come to power on his own?
Setting:
 The scene is set in a private office belonging to the British Foreign Secretary of Defense (BFSD). The office is quite large measuring fifteen by forty feet.  Two large bay windows flank the upstage wall, a large desk with studded chair sits downstage right; on the desk is an inkpot and quill but no papers are in sight, the chair faces toward the screen and we can see it is empty.  On the opposite side of the desk sits a padded wooden chair of little comfort, meant to keep the guest of the BFSD on edge.  A large picture of a past British Prime Minister sits atop a mantle, above the fireplace, on the left side of the room.  Two wingback chairs create a sitting area around the fireplace with a small circular side table in between them.  On the side table is an ashtray.  Slightly downstage of the fireplace sits an upright globe which doubles as an alcohol cabinet.  The room is pristine, and a testament to British sophistication decorated with oak décor, rich greens, and deep mahogany which dominate the office.
Historical Context:
The Suez Canal, located in Egypt and known as ‘the lifeline of the Empire’ was a necessary economic tool for the shipping of goods from Asia to Europe, particularly the economic staple of oil.  Run by the French with Britain as the largest shareholder, the closing or nationalizing of the Suez Canal could cripple the British economy as well as downplay the influence of Britain on the Middle East and North Africa.  In July 1956, the Egyptian President Abdul Nasser legally nationalizes the Suez Canal and promises to reimburse all shareholders but the British and French are unhappy with their loss of control and access to the Middle East, especially after the loss of many colonies after World War II.  While their pride is hurt, the countries secretly come up with a plan to entice Israel into war with Egypt and then swoop in to ‘support’ Israel in their defense.  Of course, this allows Britain and France to regain control of the Suez Canal by force.  While this plan is in motion, Lester B. Pearson, the United Nations Canadian Representative suspects a secret plan is in the works.
Note: As with all screenplays, great liberties have been taken with the historical accuracy of this account.
The scene begins:
The British Foreign Secretary of Defense, Selwyn Lloyd, stands staring out of the large bay window on the left.  With pipe in hand, Lloyd takes his time in addressing the other person in the room – Lester B. Pearson who sits in an uncomfortable desk chair fiddling with his pipe.  There is an uncomfortable distance between the two men; the tension is heard in the barely heard music, dominated by a string section and the power struggle is evident in the long shot.  Lloyd stands in a position of freedom and stands taller than the seated and on edge Pearson.  The Canadian has been called into Lloyd’s office and is waiting on the Brit to speak.
Lloyd inhales off his pipe, holds the smoke, and then slowly exhales.  He is in no hurry.  In his own time Selwyn breaks the silence, but remains looking through the window into the distance.
Lloyd: Now Lester, why do you think you are here?
Pearson: I know why I’ve been summoned here.  Unlike you, I haven’t been indulging in secret plans with France and Israel for imminent takeover of the Canal.  You know that the UN may be blinded right now but soon, they will know what is happening and they’ll force you into a peaceful resolution before you get yourselves too deep in this mess.
Lloyd: Don’t be fooled my dear boy.  You belong to Britain.  We founded you.  You belong to France.  They founded you.  And when you grow up and come to power, America will not be there to coddle you.  Do not let the tide change, renew your allegiance to your motherland and call us brother rather than traitor.
Pearson: We would call you brother but we’ve already paid our dues.  All the death and destruction has cleared the air and allowed us to hear a greater calling.  Selwyn, you must understand your actions.  If you move forward with your plan to occupy Egypt and continue to mock the UN, this son will leave home forever.  I am no prodigal – don’t think otherwise.
Lloyd: Lester, don’t turn away, this is a real opportunity for you to establish yourself.  Join us and we will take the Suez together.  Your forces join ours and we all profit.  There doesn’t have to be violence –
Pearson [sarcastically interjects]: No violence?  And what part do my men play?
Lloyd: We give Nasser an ultimatum and threaten him with a few bombs – he’ll fold in no time.
[Pearson begins to potentially contemplate the idea of joining the British and French]
Lloyd continues: If you don’t join us you will be cut off and under America’s ignorant wing you’ll be left to deformedly develop.  Remember, the eagle jostles her prey before she kills.
Pearson: I’m trying to be impartial in this matter.  I stand to gain more that way. With impartiality there are no losers.
Lloyd: There are no winners either Lester.  Make your choice.
[Pearson sits up in chair]
Pearson: What if I remained ‘impartial’?  At the next meeting I could encourage the UN to send in Britain and France as peacekeepers of Egypt once Israel has attacked.  Not only will we take control of the Canal but involve ourselves in the rebuilding of the area.
[Lloyd pulls out some matches and lights Pearson’s pipe]
Lloyd: While your idea is not foolproof, it is possible.  At the last session I was pulled aside and asked to comment on Canada’s role as a nation: “not yet established but desiring to be somebody,” I said. 
Pearson: We no longer want to be in your shadow but come into our own.  The best way to do this may be to play the role of the negotiator.  This way we will keep our friends close and our enemies closer.
Lloyd: But your aspirations for greatness are futile without a world power to support you.
[Pearson has a moment of insight]
Pearson: Why do we need your support?  Selwyn, you are making a huge mistake.  The moment you attack, the UN will send troops from all over the world to defend the Canal from your greedy hands.  Drop this initiative and take the chance to turn away from this evil.
[Lloyd leans ominously over the desk, angrily speaking down to Pearson]
Lloyd: Do not take me for a child - I will not waiver.  Without the Canal there is no trade and no oil.  Without trade and oil, there is no economy.  My job is to ensure a future for the people of England, Lester.  Do not condemn me for that.
[Knock at the door]
[Lloyd answers the door]
Lloyd: Come in.
[Enter General Moshe Dayan the leader of the Israeli Army.  Dayan’s eyes dart quickly over to Pearson and then back to Lloyd.  Lloyd nods to imply that Pearson is not a threat to what will be the ensuing conversation.  Dayan crosses the room to shake Pearson’s hand, takes a few steps back and lights a cigarette.  Lloyd turns to Pearson.]
Lloyd: Now we will see who Britain’s allies truly are.
Dayan: So you have joined us as well have you?
[Pearson remains silent]
Dayan continues: Are we ready for tomorrow?  Are we prepared for the test run?
Pearson: What deal have you made with the devil Selwynn?
Dayan [sarcastically]: A deal with the devil?  Hell on earth is what will befall Nasser if he does not leave the Canal immediately. 
Lloyd: Soon comes the day that will separate the men from the boys.  So you had better choose your side, dammit!  There’s no mercy for the wanton.
Dayan: In one week, we will gather the troops before dawn and brief them on the plan.  They are already in training for this mission and will arm themselves and begin their assault on Egypt.  Come with us Pearson or risk the loss of your dignity. 
Pearson: What loss of dignity is there if I stand by my countrymen?
Lloyd: Your countrymen support their homeland.
Dayan: If you refuse to join Israel, we will never call on you as an ally.  Expect no favours from my nation if you deny us your assistance now.
Pearson: But I am no robber nor am I a thief.
Lloyd: If you stand for nothing Lester, you are worthy of nothing.
Pearson: I’ll support you but only how I’ve said before. [Aside] If I support your cause at all.
Lloyd: You will not regret your decision and I will make sure you are rewarded greatly for your allegiance.  I must leave for another meeting now.  Make yourselves comfortable and I will return shortly.
[Lloyd makes eye contact with Dayan, nods toward Pearson, and leaves his office]
Dayan: What part will you play in this, Pearson?
Pearson: I will appeal to the UN to support the invasion of Egypt by Britain and France – but only to keep the peace between Israel and Egypt.  I can commit to no more than this.
Dayan: Now that we are allied, I must ask a favour of you.
Pearson: Yes?
Dayan: In the coming days, I am to meet the American President.  Eisenhower wants to assure himself that my country remains neutral in this conflict.  Of course I will assure him of this but he may rightfully doubt the truth I give him.  But, Eisenhower is convinced of your country’s neutrality.  Accompany me and insist that I have no hidden agenda.  Stand beside me and praise Israel for remaining out of both Britain and France’s conflict.
Pearson: Will he not see through this plan?  Does he not control the Security Council?
Dayan: Why take action if you’ve been assured peace?  There is little to gain in this situation for the Americans.  What will they do, pride themselves on their ignorance?
Pearson [aside]:  The very same lies I will convince America to believe are akin to the same lines I spew to these fellows. So easily believed, so full in their own pride that they prove themselves of the very same ignorance they count on to beguile America.
Pearson continued: I will go with you General.  Let us further discuss this in private tomorrow evening.  Until tomorrow [nods head toward Dayan].
Dayan: Tomorrow then. [Dayan nods in response and exits the room].
Pearson: This last hour shows how easily men with an agenda are misled.  I will continue this façade for a while longer.  What harm will I do when I do not deliver on what I have promised?  I harm the hands of my greedy mothers but commit to peace - saving the rest of the world in the process.  Hold these lies against me but I will experience redemption and so will the rest of the world when they can live without fear, at least momentarily.