Hope and Glory

HOPE AND GLORY An Original Screenplay by John Boorman Fourth Draft. 1986 Copyright (c) 1986 John Boorman. All Rights Reserved. INT. ROHAN HOUSE - BACK GARDEN - SEPTEMBER 1939 - DAY COLOUR Raking down a line of suburban gardens lit by a late-summer sun. Heads move back and forth above the fences that divide the narrow strips of land, moving to the sound of unseen lawn mowers. In one of these gardens two children, BILL (aged eight) and his sister SUE (aged six) disport themselves. They are sprawled out on the lawn, heads and hands intent on something hidden from view in the lush vegetation of a rockery garden. Beneath those flowers and plants is a dark and mysterious forest, shaded by huge leaves, and broken up by towering boulders. Mounted figures of medieval knights ride in, guided by BILL'S gigantic hand. A wizard appears in the path of the riders who draw up sharply. BILL gives an impression of neighing horses. SUE'S face looms up between large leaves. She makes the sound of spooky wind. INT. ROHAN HOUSE - DINING/LIVING ROOM - DAY In the penumbra of the room, the mother, GRACE, in droopy flowered frock, crosses, floats towards the walnut wireless and, with trembling hand, switches it on. Its green dial glows with stations like Droitwich and Hilversum. She glides back and drapes herself behind an armchair in which her husband, CLIVE, sits solemn and motionless. EXT. ROHAN HOUSE - GARDEN - DAY The sound of the lawn-mower ceases abruptly. BILL looks up sharply.