Frankenstein

THE FOLLOWING PREVIEWS HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR ALL AUDIENCES:




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MUSIC: "The End" by The Doors

-FATHER PAUL GRENLAND SITS at a desk in front of a Large Book Case. He is READING THE BIBLE. He then stops.

PAUL
There's no other option. There needs to be redemption and saving. Lord forgive me. The killing, murder, rape, gangsters, sinners, and rebels in this nice town have ruined it. We need a savior to stop them. Amen.

Paul then GETS ON HIS KNEES and does THE CROSS OF TRINITY.

CUT TO BLACK

INSERT CARD: From Director Max

-CHARLES RICHLANE sits in a LARGE BROWN CHAIR. He has a Button Down Blue Shirt, Black Pants, and a Gold Watch. He has Glasses on. He LOOKS at a Computer Monitor in the center of a LARGE CIRCLE DESK. The Desk is covered in Monitors and papers.

CUT TO BLACK

INSERT CARD: Challenging everything

-BALD MAN then OPENS his Door and walks OUT. He walks to Paul's Door and OPENS it. Inside, Paul has a KUBRICK STARE, GRINNING. He HOLDS an AXE.

CUT TO BLACK

INSERT CARD: Starring Daniel Day-Lewis

-The red and orange of the sun colors up the screen. We see the SILHOUETTE of Paul. He is in the back of the church, the next morning. He DIGS A SHOVEL into the ground with Bald Man's DEAD body NEXT to him. Paul is digging a GRAVE. Paul is CRYING.

PAUL
Lord, forgive me. I have Sinned, but saved more lives and done good. I'm a Savoir to this Town.

CUT TO BLACK

INSERT CARD: Michael C. Hall

-Richlane holds up a SILENCED PISTOL, deadly look on his face.

CUT TO BLACK

INSERT CARD: Bruce Willis

-Andrew FIRES his Handgun, YELLING

CUT TO BLACK

INSERT CARD: And Dakota Fanning

-SLOANE JERSON crys as TIMMY ALEXANDER holds a HANDGUN to her Head.

-Paul YELLS and SWINGS the Axe.

CUT TO BLACK

INSERT CARD: The Modern Messiah

INSERT CARD: Coming to the Cineplex soon


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The screen is black. We hear the sound of rain, pouring down in sheets. There’s a rumbling, but it’s not thunder.

SCF FILMS PRESENTS

VOICE
8 years ago….

The rumbling gets heavier, and closer.

VOICE
….we thought we were done with them.

The screen shows a dark jungle, raining absolutely pouring. A crescent moon sits in the sky. The rumble continues.

VOICE
We thought they were forgotten.

We cut down to the jungle floor, to a puddle. As the rumbling continues, the water in the puddle shakes.

VOICE
We were wrong.

A massive, familiar ROAR bellows across the landscape.

Cut to black.

“4”

This Winter

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And now, our feature presentation.

Cast:

Tom Hollander as Dr. Henry Frankenstein

Rebecca Hall as Elsa Frankenstein

Ben Affleck as Constable Frederick Theman

Tom Wilkinson as Herr Vogel

David Schofield as Fritz

Ian McShane as Dr. Niemann

Jason Bateman as Professor Waldman

Ike Mundy as Claude

and

Liev Schreiber as The Monster



The camera opens up to a small stage, curtains shut. A man in a suit walks out, a grim smile on his face.

HOST
Good evening, and welcome to tonight's presentation. Mr. Fricke feels it would be a little unkind to present this picture without a little friendly warning. We unfold the tale of Frankenstien, a scientist who sought to create a man after his own image without reckoning upon God. It's a strange tale that deals with the two great mysteries: life, and death. If any of you feel that you cannot subject your nerves to such strain, well.......we've warned you.

The host smiles, and enters the curtain.

FADE TO

EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT

The night is stormy. Thunder booms across the landscape, accompanying the flashing strikes of lightning that streak across the black sky. The camera pans around a decrepit field, riddled with gnarled trees. Tombstones are scattered across the field, the only remembrance of the dead in a seemingly forgotten area. The camera zooms in on a tombstone, which reads: FREDERICK WALDMAN 1828-1888. Suddenly, a foot steps in front of the camera. It pans upwards, and around the malformed shape of a hunchback.

HUNCHBACK
Is this the one, master?

The hunchback turns his head around, revealing one dead eye, and a scarred face. The hunchback, FRITZ, holds his lantern up, and looks across the field.

VOICE
Yes, this is the one, Fritz.

Another man walks into the camera, but we do not see his face. He wears a ragged coat and similar pants, but has an air of greater stature about him. Fritz and the man take a shovel to the dirt in front of them. A bolt of lightning strikes a tree in the background, and with the flash...

FADE OUT

INSERT TITLE CARD: FRANKENSTEIN

INSERT TEXT: England, 1888

INT. BEDROOM - DAY
A man in his mid 40s with dark brown hair is packing bags in an exquisite bed room. He is clothed in the garb of a gentleman. HENRY FRANKENSTEIN finishes packing clothes into his travel bags, and turns around. A news paper is placed on his desk. We briefly get a peek at the front page. "Woman Found Slain", "Benjamin Talbot found dead", "Frankenstein reaches landmark!” Frankenstein sighs, and drops the paper on his desk. A knock comes at his door.

HENRY
What is it?

A BUTLER opens the door to Henry's room, and walks in.

BUTLER
Your carriage has arrived, Sir Henry.

HENRY
Help me with these bags, Claude.

CLAUDE
Right away, sir.

The butler gets Two of Henry's larger pieces of luggage while Henry carries his personal bag. Henry exits the room, followed by Claude.

CUT TO

INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Henry walks through the interior of Frankenstein Manor, as he prepares to depart.

CUT TO

INT. MAIN HALL - DAY
The two men walk through the main entrance area of the state, until another servant opens the door of the estate.

CUT TO

EXT. FRANKENSTEIN MANOR - DAY
Henry carries his bag through the great doorway, followed by Claude. A carriage is parked outside of the mansion.

HENRY
Just put it in the back of the carriage, would you Claude?

CLAUDE
Of course, sir.

The driver hops down, and assists Claude in loading the luggage.

HENRY
Goodbye Claude.

CLAUDE
We will miss you, Sir Henry.

HENRY
Take care of the estate. My father would have my hide if anything were to happen to it.

CLAUDE
With all due respect sir, your father is dead.

HENRY
Irony, Claude.

Claude smiles as Sir Henry steps into the carriage.

HENRY
Farewell.

The driver climbs onto his bench, and starts the horses, which drag the carriage away.

CUT TO

INT. CARRIAGE SEAT - DAY
Henry pulls out a journal from his bag, and opens it up. He scribbles the date on the piece of paper, and begins writing.

HENRY (VO)
We depart for the docks today, August the Ninth. It was hard saying farewell to Claude, for in my heart I know I will not see him again.

Frankenstein looks out of the window and at the summer sun as the carriage continues to ride.

CUT TO

EXT. ENGLISH PORT - NIGHT
The carriage pulls up to a port, where a transport ship is docked.

The driver opens up the door to Henry's seat, allowing the gentleman to exit the transport. The driver and two shipyard men take Henry's bags, and head towards the ship. The ship's CAPTAIN, a big, burly man stands on the dock, talking with some of his men. Henry approaches him.

HENRY
Is this the vessel to Germany?

CAPTAIN
Aye. Who might ye be?

HENRY
My name is Frankenstein....Henry Frankenstein.

Henry holds out his hand for the captain to shake. The captain is hesitant, but finally accepts Henry's gesture.

CAPTAIN
Captain George Samworth. And this is the Flying Maiden. The finest transport ship in the British Isles.

Henry smiles and looks at the transport. Its medium sized, but looks comfortable.

CAPTAIN
We depart in five minutes Mr. Frankenstein. You'd getter get your bags on board.

Henry nods at the three men behind him, who carry his bags on-board.

CUT TO

EXT. FLYING MAIDEN - NIGHT
The ship travels across the ocean, waves crashing against its sides. A couple of deck hands tend the outside of the ship.

CUT TO

INT. HENRY'S ROOM - NIGHT
Frankenstein lays on his small bed, flipping through some sheets of paper.

FADE IN

INT. OXFORD CLASS ROOM - DREAM
A younger Henry sits in a lecture hall, books laid out on his small desk. Henry furiously writes with a pencil on a piece of paper as a voice beams in the background.

LECTURER (O.S.)
.....and by cutting open the abdomen.....

Henry looks up from his notes, and is entranced by the medical science.

CUT TO

INT. OXFORD HALL WAYS - DAY - DREAM
Henry walks through the crowded hallways, ignoring most of the people around him. A group of professors stand together, talking. One of the men looks over, and spots Henry.

PROFESSOR
Ah, Henry! Come here for a minute.

The professor is in his late 40s, brown haired and fair skinned. PROFESSOR WALDMAN beckons for Henry to join him. The young Frankenstein obliges the professor with a slight smile.

PROFESSOR WALDMAN
Gentlemen, this is my finest student, Henry Frankenstein.

PROFESSOR 1
Good day Mr. Frankenstein.

HENRY
How do you do sirs.

PROFESSOR
He is a prodigy in the art of medical science. I wouldn't be surprised one day if he's considered the finest in Britain.

HENRY
It would be an honor sir.

PROFESSOR 2
Tell me, Henry. What interests you most about science?

Henry hesitates for a moment.....

HENRY
Life and death. How man is created and subsequently destroyed.

PROFESSOR 1
That's all up to God. Everyone has a predestined path, but it's up to us to make sure some paths run a little longer.

PROFESSOR WALDMAN
I say let God do his work, and let us do ours. Research is integral, especially in this day and age. Tell me Henry; are you a man of God?

HENRY
Not really.

PROFESSOR 2
Imagine if a man had power over creation....if he could make life. We all know we have the power to destroy. But the power to create would be extraordinary.

Henry looks on with the face of a student, taking in these words.

PROFESSOR 1
That's sacrilegious. Like Waldman said, let God do his work, and leave us to ours.

HENRY
I must go, Professor Waldman.

PROFESSOR WALDMAN
Good day Henry.

HENRY
It was a pleasure meeting you two.

Henry bows respectfully, and heads off.

PROFESSOR WALDMAN
A lot of intelligence in that boy.

PROFESSOR 1
Creating life...that's preposterous.

The professor mutters to himself as we....

FADE OUT

INT. HENRY'S ROOM - MORNING
Frankenstein lays asleep on his small bed, papers laying on the sheets. A knock bangs at his door. Henry jolts awake as Captain Samworth opens the door.

CAPTAIN
Sorry to wake ya, Frankenstein, but breakfast is ready.

HENRY
Thank you captain, I'll be out in a few minutes.

Samworth mumbles as he closes the door, leaving Frankenstein to himself. Henry places his papers on the small table by his bed.

CUT TO

INT. GALLEY - MORNING
The small crew sits around the galley, eating an assortment of food from their small plates. Frankenstein awkwardly walks in, drawing stares from the crew. Henry smiles nervously, and takes a seat across from Captain Samworth. The captain laughs at the situation.

CAPTAIN
Don't mind the boys. They're just a bunch of kiddies when it comes to outsiders, ain't that right fellas?

Henry looks around as the crew disperses. The cook gives him a plate with some crude scrambled eggs and a cup of coffee.

HENRY
Thank you.

CHEF
Compliments of the chef.

Henry nods.

CHEF
That'd be me.

The chef looks at Henry, who slowly takes a forkful of the eggs, and smiles. The chef walks away, satisfied.

CAPTAIN
So what’s your business in Germany, Henry?

HENRY
I'm moving to a town called Vasaria. My niece lives there, and happens to be getting married soon. So it all works out.

CAPTAIN
You're moving, and this is all you took?

HENRY
I'm a simple man. All I really need are my books, and I could be set for life.

CAPTAIN
You a scientist?

HENRY
Of sorts. I mainly work in the medical field, but I don't operate on patients. I'm more interested in how life is created, and how it is ended.

CAPTAIN
Whatever suits ye'. You married?

HENRY
A man like me? No. Not interested in it. Not enough time. Unfortunately, science dictates my life.

The captain looks at Henry oddly, and shakes his head.

HENRY
How much longer until we reach Germany?

CAPTAIN
Figure another day or two. We'll get there sure enough Frankenstein.

Henry stands up, and sets down his cup before nodding at the captain and exiting the galley.

CUT TO

INT. HENRY'S ROOM - DAY
Henry sits at the small desk, writing in his journal.

HENRY (VO)
We are to arrive in Germany soon. From the port, I will take a carriage to Vasaria, adding another day or so to my trip.

-CONTINUED-

CUT TO

EXT. DECK - DAY
The crew does various tasks.

HENRY (VO)-CONTINUED
The crew has taken a disliking to me, save for the captain. They almost seem intimidated by me. Generally I stay out of their way, and they do the same.

CUT TO

EXT. GERMAN PORT
Henry is escorted off the boat, and exchanges a farewell hand shake with Captain Samworth. A driver takes his bags to a carriage waiting for him.

HENRY (VO CONT'D)
I reached Germany on the 23rd of July, and was immediately taken to my transport to Vasaria. The driver has not spoken to me since we first met.

CUT TO

EXT. GERMAN COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT
The carriage continues on throughout the night, the full moon in the sky. We fade in on the carriage, and through the window, where Henry sits, looking outside through the window.

FADE OUT

EXT. VASARIA - DAY
The carriage stops on the outskirts of the town. The village itself is quite large, the buildings structured with a distinct German feeling. The driver opens the door of the carriage, letting Henry out. His bags are placed in front of him, as the driver walks back up to his post.

DRIVER
Good day.

The driver starts the horses up, leaving Henry alone in front of the town. Frankenstein picks up his bags, and heads towards the gate of the town. A castle looms in the background of the town.

CUT TO

Henry is greeted with wary looks by the villagers, and politely nods at them, deciding to keep quiet. Frankenstein drops his luggage, and takes off his hat.

HENRY
My name is Henry Frankenstein; I'm looking for my niece, Elsa. Does anyone know where I can find her?

A man steps out of the crowd. He has short gray hair, and light stubble. The man's name is HERR VOGEL, the town's magistrate.

HERR VOGEL
Elsa? Yes she lives here. Why do you want to see her?

HENRY
I just told you, she's my niece. I'm visiting from England to attend her wedding.

HERR VOGEL
Very well, Frankenstein.

HENRY
Please, call me Henry.

HERR VOGEL
Frankenstein will do.

HENRY
Fair enough.

Herr Vogel turns to one of the men next to him, and whispers something in his ear. The man nods, and runs off into a building.

HERR VOGEL
What do you do, Frankenstein?

HENRY
I'm a scientist, specializing in the medical field.

Vogel snarls lightly, and pulls out a cross necklace he has.

HERR VOGEL
You keep your science out of this town. Your father was bad enough with his pagan ideas.

HENRY
My father lived here?

HERR VOGEL
For a time. He resided in that castle.

Vogel turns around, and points at the large construction we saw earlier.

HERR VOGEL
Castle Frankenstein. It would suit you well.

Henry smiles with a hint of dissatisfaction.

GIRL (OS)
Uncle Henry? Is that you?

Henry looks towards the voice, and sees a girl in her mid 20s running towards him. She has brown hair and blue eyes, and is very pretty. ELSA runs towards her uncle, and embraces him with a large hug.

ELSA
Oh Henry! How great it is to see you again!

HENRY
You too Elsa. Tell me, how are you?

ELSA
Wonderful! Even better now that you're here.

The two look around at the villagers who seem a little more at ease with Elsa's compassion towards her uncle.

ELSA
Let's go inside, shall we?

HENRY
That sounds good.

Henry picks up his bags, and walks with Elsa towards her house.

CUT TO

INT. ELSA'S HOUSE - DAY
Henry sits at a table in the kitchen, as Elsa pours him a cup of tea. Henry nods thankfully as Elsa sits down with her own cup.

ELSA
So how was the trip?

HENRY
It was decent. Long. But I'm here now, that's all that matters.

ELSA
You can stay here if you'd like, it's not much, but I'm sure it's better than not having anywhere at all.

HENRY
I appreciate the offer, but I think I am going to stay in the castle. I'm not here solely for your marriage. I needed to get away from the civilization of England to work on some of my experiments.

ELSA
Experiments? Like what?

Henry looks like he's keeping something from Elsa.

HENRY
Nothing, I just need to test some theories out for my field. Nothing too significant. I just need to be alone when I work on them. I get a little carried away by the genius of science.

ELSA
Very good. I don't want to waste any of your time if you need to get settled.

HENRY
I didn't bring a lot of things. If I'm correct, my father left all of his equipment in the castle, and I'm sure everything is furnished.

Someone opens the door.

MAN (OS)
Elsa?

ELSA
Oh, it's Frederick.

A man walks through the door of the house. He has brown hair, clean cut, with an air of authority around him. FREDERICK THEMAN walks towards the pair.

ELSA
Henry, this is Frederick, my fiancé.

Henry extends his hand towards Frederick.

ELSA
Frederick, this is my uncle, Henry. He's moved to Vasaria for the time being.

Frederick shakes Henry's hand.

HENRY
Nice to meet you, Frederick.

FREDERICK
Likewise, I'm sure. I'll be just a minute Elsa.

Frederick walks through the kitchen, and into one of the hallways.

ELSA
He's the town's constable. But then again, Vasaria is a peaceful town. He doesn't do much except for drinking with the men.

HENRY
He seems nice enough.

ELSA
He is a little cold to outsiders, like the rest of the village, but I'm sure he will warm up to you.

HENRY
Well I think I'm going to make my way towards the castle before dark. I'll try and stop by tonight, or tomorrow morning.

Henry gets up from his chair, and takes his things.

ELSA
Goodbye Uncle Henry.

HENRY
Elsa.

Henry departs, leaving Elsa in her chair.

FREDERICK (OS)
Your uncle, eh?

ELSA
Yes, he's a very nice man. You should be more courteous to him.

FREDERICK
It'll take time. He seems a little out of it.

ELSA
He's a scientist. And is going to live up at his father's castle for the time being.

FREDERICK
Another Frankenstein, and another scientist.

CUT TO

EXT. CASTLE FRANKENSTEIN - EVENING
Henry continues up the dirt path towards Castle Frankenstein, which looms over the town. A dam is behind the castle, with a water wheel placed on the river bad behind the castle.

CUT TO

Henry walks towards the camera, in front of the great wooden doorway.

CUT TO

Frankenstein pulls on the golden door knobs, and finds the doors to open with a creak. Henry enters through the doors, with a great chandelier illuminating the castle.

CUT TO

INT. GREAT HALL - EVENING
Henry sets his bags down, and takes off his coat and hat. He places them on a rack near the doorway.

VOICE (OS)
Master has returned!

Henry looks to the left of him, where a shape forms out of the shadows. It is hunched over, slowly lumbering towards Henry. Frankenstein turns his body completely, and tries to get a better look at the being.

HENRY
Who are you?

VOICE
You are not Master Frankenstein?

HENRY
I am his son, Henry. I've taken over the estate.

VOICE
The young Frankenstein, then, yes. Master always spoke of you.

HENRY
What is your name?

VOICE
Fritz...

FRITZ walks out of the shadows, and much to Henry's surprise, the man is a hunchback, with a deformed face.

FRITZ
Good evening....Master.

HENRY
You don't have to call me Master. As far as I'm concerned, that's my
father. You can call me Henry, Fritz.

Henry extends his hand to the hunchback, who slowly accepts it.

FRITZ
Let me take your bags, Master.

Fritz picks up the bags with surprising strength, and begins walking towards a stair case in the hallway.

FRITZ
This way Master Henry. You'll stay in the...Master bedroom.

Fritz smiles at his cleverly placed pun.

HENRY
Very well. Lead on, my friend.

Fritz takes off, Henry behind him.

CUT TO

INT. FRANKENSTEIN UPPER LEVEL - EVENING
Fritz drags the bags across the floor as Henry walks next to him.

HENRY
Please, if any of that is a burden for you, I can help.

FRITZ
No! Fritz takes care of Master. Whatever he needs. Your room is here.

Fritz points at a doorway at the end of a long hallway. The two walk towards the doors.

CUT TO

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - EVENING
Fritz places the luggage on the floor, and pulls out a matchbox. He walks over to a few of the candles, and strikes a match, lighting the candles up.

FRITZ
Here you are, Master Henry.

HENRY
Thank you, Fritz. Where do you stay?

FRITZ
Fritz lives in a wooden stable outside.

HENRY
Well you can take up residence in any of the guest bedrooms downstairs if you'd like.

FRITZ
No, Fritz likes the company he has in the stables.

HENRY
Company?

FRITZ
Bugs and cats. Is there anything else for Master that Fritz can do?

HENRY
My father had a lab in here somewhere. Could you show me where it is?

FRITZ
In the basement. Come, Fritz will show Master the way. Follow Fritz.
Fritz exits the room, followed by Henry again.

CUT TO

INT. FRANKENSTEIN LOWER LEVEL - EVENING
Fritz leads Henry to a small door in a secluded area of the castle. A torch is hoisted on a metal perch near the door. Fritz takes it, and opens the door.

FRITZ
Down here, Master Henry.

Fritz steps through the doorway as Henry follows.

CUT TO

INT. STAIRCASE - EVENING
Fritz leads Henry down a winding stair case, their only light coming from Fritz's torch.

HENRY
What equipment did my father have down here?

FRITZ
Many machines. Fritz helped Master with his experiments, always waiting for the Master to fix Fritz.

HENRY
Fix you?

FRITZ
My back, Master. Master always said he'd fix Fritz one day, but he never did. Master died before he could.

HENRY
I'll see what I can do about that, Fritz.

FRITZ
You would fix Fritz?

HENRY
Of course. I have other work to do, but I'm sure I will be able to
find the time to help you.

FRITZ
Fritz would be eternally grateful.

The pair continues down the stairs. Fritz holds the torch up to a metal box on the wall, and opens it up. A large lever sits in the down position. Fritz throws the lever up, causing lights to flash on. The entire room is illuminated. Various pieces of equipment are in the room, tables, dials, poles, everything.

HENRY
My father’s lab...

Henry swiftly walks over to one of the machines, and swipes dust off of it.

HENRY
Beautiful...

Frankenstein looks at some of the machines. A large smile grows on his face. Entranced...ominous.

HENRY
Fritz, could you help me clean these machines? We could have the
lab up and running in no time, and that means less time before I can fix on you.

FRITZ
Of course Master. Fritz will begin right away.

HENRY
I'm sure you know how to keep maintenance on these machines. My father had you working down here, right?

FRITZ
Yes Master.

HENRY
Perfect. In no time, I will take the first long stride out of my father's footsteps.

Henry looks deeply into one of the machines.

HENRY
I never told you what I planned on doing, did I Fritz?

FRITZ
If Master wishes to keep it a secret, Fritz will ask no questions.

HENRY
No, you are my assistant. The only one I can trust. You must make sure you tell nobody what we work on down here, do you
understand?

FRITZ
Of course, Master.

HENRY
Good....well let's waste no time. The first thing we'll need to do is clean these machines of their dust, and test them. Can you do that while I go make some notes?

FRITZ
Right away, Master.

Henry walks out of the lab with a grin on his face as Fritz begins his work.

CUT TO

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Henry sits at a large desk in his room, notes spread out in front of him. We cannot get a clear look, but there are sketches on the paper, something that resembles a human torso.

HENRY (VO)
The lab is as beautiful as my father described it. Of course, I may need to supplement the equipment with some newer pieces of technology, but I don't need much technology for the first part of my experiment. No, not my experiment. My grand undertaking.

Henry lifts one of the sketches in the air. We see a human body, with different parts sewn together. Its arms are spread out, its legs wide. Henry grins as he places the piece of paper back down.

HENRY (VO)
My masterpiece.

CUT TO

EXT. VASARIA MARKETPLACE - MORNING
The marketplace is somewhat busy, as villagers stride to get some shopping done. Elsa walks with Frederick, picking fruit from a vendor, and handing the old man a coin.

ELSA
Here you are sir.

OLD MAN
Thank you, and good day Madame.

Elsa takes a bite of the apple as Frederick takes her by the arm.

FREDERICK
Isn't your Uncle coming to visit us today?

ELSA
I hope so. We have so much to catch up on.

FREDERICK
He seems odd.

ELSA
Well you should take him drinking tonight. Introduce him to the town. Maybe you'll find he's more interesting than you think.

FREDERICK
I never said he was boring, rather than odd. Very well, if it pleases you, my dear, I will do it.

Frederick gets on one knee, and playfully kisses Elsa's hand.

ELSA
It would be very kind.

CUT TO

INT. LABORATORY - DAY
Henry and Fritz continue to clean machines. For the most part, the machines are spotless, but a few parts still need work.

HENRY
Fritz, I have some business to attend to. Can you finish cleaning in my absence?

FRITZ
Yes, Master.

Henry leaves the laboratory as Fritz continues his work.

CUT TO

INT. ELSA'S HOUSE - DAY
A knock comes at Elsa's door. Elsa walks over to the door, and opens it. Henry stands on her front step, a smile on his face, and a hat on his head. He's clad in a dark gray suit.

ELSA
Henry, I was wondering when you were going to show up.

HENRY
I had some business to attend to at the castle.

ELSA
Already starting your work?

HENRY
In a sense. Can I come in?

ELSA
Oh, why, yes of course. Where are my manners?

Henry steps into the house, and removes his hat.

HENRY
I never got the chance to compliment you on your home. It feels cozy.

ELSA
Well it's nothing you're used to, living on the estate in England, and the castle here. It must be something.

HENRY
I don't pay attention to those things.

ELSA
Frederick said he would take you to the tavern tonight. You could meet a few of the townspeople. They all seem to converge there at night.

HENRY
I'd...uh...I'd rather not. My work needs to get started...and I wouldn't want to intrude on Frederick...

ELSA
He said he would earlier. Trust me; once you get to know the town's people, they're good folk. Once you lose the outsider label, you'll be one of them.

HENRY
Very well. I'll do it, for you.

ELSA
That's the spirit, Uncle Henry. What are you doing before then?
Certainly you have some time to spare.

HENRY
Um, I should get back to...

ELSA
No, let Frederick show you around. Frederick!

Frederick appears out of one of the hallways. eyes on Henry.

FREDERICK
Yes, dear?

ELSA
Why don't you show Henry around? Once you're done with the tour, you can head to the bar.

Frederick eyes Elsa, and then Henry warily, before taking his jacket off of a coat rack.

FREDERICK
Sure. You ready, Henry?

HENRY
Yes. Good day Elsa.

ELSA
Bye.

Frederick kisses Elsa on the lips. The two men head out of the house, leaving Elsa to herself.

CUT TO

EXT. VASARIA - EVENING
Henry follows Frederick around, walking past various shops and people.

FREDERICK
It's a small town, but we have enough to get by. Where are you from, Henry?

HENRY
England. My father lived here, did some of his work. I guess I inherited the castle by default.

FREDERICK
Elsa says you're a scientist.

HENRY
Yes, that's right. I mainly focus on the medical field, but every area of science interests me. Life, death, you name it.

Frederick stops, and turns around to Henry. He places a hand on his shoulder.

FREDERICK
Look, Henry. I'm not much of a religious man. I do what I do by myself, and give no thanks, or take any. But the people around here may not take too kindly to science. Just a friendly warning. I'd keep this talk low, and discreet, if you can...

HENRY
Fair enough.

Frederick looks around, and stops.

FREDERICK
That said, you are about to bear witness to the finest commodity of Vasaria.

Frederick smiles and points at a sign. THE WALLOWING BUSH.

CUT TO

INT. THE WALLOWING BUSH - EVENING
Henry and Frederick walk in. Some of the men welcome Frederick, but meet Henry with less than friendly eyes. Frederick sees an open table, and leads Henry there. The two sit, but only before Frederick stands up.

FREDERICK
I'm going to get us something to drink.

Henry nods, and begins to look around him as Frederick heads over to the bar. Men look at him oddly, curiously. Another man stares at him bluntly

HENRY
(To himself)
Wonderful.

Frederick comes back with two beers, and places them on the table. He pushes one over to Henry, who looks at the beer. He picks the glass up, and takes a drink.

FREDERICK
Good, isn't it?

Henry nods, and takes another sip. He motions over to Herr Vogel, who sits at the bar.

HENRY
That man. With the gray hair, who is he?

FREDERICK
Herr Vogel? He's the town's magistrate. Almost like a mayor.

Herr Vogel gets out of his seat at the bar, and walks over to the table.

HERR VOGEL
Good evening Frederick. Frankenstein.

FREDERICK
I was just showing Henry around town.

HERR VOGEL
Sad times are upon Vasaria. Herr Smith passed this morning. His funeral is tomorrow morning.

FREDERICK
Smith was young, wasn't he?

HERR VOGEL
29. He was a strong man too. It's a shame.

Henry seems intrigued by this news.

HENRY
29, you say?

HERR VOGEL
Yes.

HENRY
How did he die?

HERR VOGEL
Randomly. He just collapsed in the middle of town.

HENRY
Interesting.

A beat passes.

HENRY
Very interesting.

Vogel looks at Henry oddly.

HERR VOGEL
Edward Waldman died the other day, as well.

Henry's eyes open wider as he listens with intrigue.

HERR VOGEL
This place is cursed, I say. Hopefully your presence cures us Frankenstein.

HENRY
Edward Waldman was here?

HERR VOGEL
For two weeks or so, yes. He was very sick. He seemed very intelligent though. For a doctor type. No offense.

HENRY
Waldman was one of my professors at Oxford. He taught me everything I know about medical science. Tell me, is the body here?

HERR VOGEL
No, it's in Berlin. About a 3 day journey by carriage.

FREDERICK
This news of death is morbid. So, Henry, what's England like?

Henry takes a drink of his beer.

HENRY
Rainy. Hills. It's quite a boring place, actually. Compared to Germany.

Vogel smiles, and pats Henry on the back.

HERR VOGEL
That's right lad, Germany is Europe's true pride. You're a good man, Frankenstein.

FADE OUT

INT. LABORATORY - NIGHT
Henry, clad in a white lab coat, turns some dials on a machine. Fritz wanders in the background, working on the other machines. Henry stops dialing, and turns to Fritz.

HENRY
Fritz, are we all ready?

FRITZ
Yes Master.

HENRY
(To himself)
Good, very good.

Henry walks over to a larger machine, with 3 levers on its body. Two electrical turbines are on its side.

HENRY
Fritz, on my count, I will start to pull these levers. After each one, you turn each of those dials all the way to the right. If it works out correctly, those poles should begins to channel electricity between them. If that happens, we're successful. Are you ready Fritz?

FRITZ
Yes, master.

HENRY
One, two, three!

Henry pulls the first lever, followed by Fritz turning the dial. The left pole begins to cackle with electricity.

HENRY
One, two, three!

Henry pulls the second lever, and Fritz turns the second dial. The right pole begins to cackle with electricity. Henry smiles.

HENRY
One, two, three!

Henry pulls the third lever, and Fritz turns the third dial. The two poles begin to cackle even more, and suddenly, bolts of electricity begin to jump back and forth between each pole.

HENRY
It's working....its working! We did it Fritz!

Fritz smiles in the background.

HENRY
Now, to shut them off, it must be done in the reverse process. Dial and then lever. Third dial, third lever. On my count, Fritz.

Fritz readies himself.

HENRY
One, two, three.

CUT TO

INT. FRANKENSTEIN STUDY - NIGHT
Henry sits at a desk, Fritz next to him.

HENRY
It's time I explained to you my experiment, Fritz.

FRITZ
Yes, master.

HENRY
During my studies at Oxford, I became very interested in the medical field. Not being a doctor, mind you. I could care less for surgeries, wounds, patients. Not that I wasn't good at it. I just couldn't care for it. But one subject did intrigue me. Life.....and death. Creation and destruction. I was always told God created us and then destroyed us, but I never believed in those tales. You see Fritz; I always believed that man is the stronger being. We created ourselves, and we can subsequently destroy ourselves. But as you know, man isn't always so lucky with how they are created, how they are shaped. Some of us grow strong and handsome, and others fall to the luck of the draw, like you. And it's a pity, really.

Fritz looks at his hands, and tries to look behind him, at the hump on his back.

HENRY
My goal is to make the luck of the draw obsolete. Before I fix you, Fritz, I plan on doing something unheard of. It may interest some, it may shock others, and it may flat out frighten others. We will be looked at, me specifically, as outcasts. As sinners, but aren't we all sinners in our own right?

Fritz looks on, trying to comprehend Frankenstein's words.

HENRY
I plan on playing God. I plan on creating life from death. In my own image, we will construct the super-human. A man with the strength of 20 men, the lifespan of 500 years, and the intelligence of a genius. We start tomorrow night Fritz. A young man died today, and his funeral is tomorrow morning. His body will still be fresh.

FRITZ
Fresh, master?

HENRY
Yes Fritz. In order to create this super being, we must take only the strongest and healthiest parts of the human body. This man's arms, for example. I have a task specifically for you as well, Fritz.

FRITZ
What would you have Fritz do, master?

HENRY
An old colleague of mine passed away recently. He was one of the smartest men I knew. I need you to travel to Berlin, and recover his brain.

FRITZ
How will good Fritz do this?

Henry picks up some pieces of paper on the machine, and skims them over.

HENRY
I've arranged for a carriage to take you to the city, from there you are on your own. The man's name was Edward Waldman. You'll leave the day after tomorrow, once we've completed taking what we need. Do you understand?

FRITZ
Yes master.

HENRY
Good. I'm going to go to bed for tonight Fritz. You're welcome to do whatever, just don't work with the machines.

Henry puts down the papers, and walks towards the staircase.


FADE OUT

EXT. GRAVEYARD - MORNING
The scene is silent.

MONTAGE:
A. A procession carrying the coffin walks towards the camera
B. A priest reads from the bible as women in the crowd cry.
C. Shot from inside the grave: the coffin is lowered. A digger shovels the first bit of dirt on the camera.
D. The procession clears from the grave, leaving it amongst a neighborhood of other tombstones.

CUT TO

EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
Rain is pouring on this dark night. Thunder and lightning crack in the background. The camera pans around the graveyard. Two shadowy figures walk towards the camera. Fritz is made out by his hunched over shape. Henry walks by his side. Fritz's lantern illuminates a shovel in each of their hands. The hunchback places the lantern near the grave.

FRITZ
Is this the one, master?

HENRY
Yes, this is the one, Fritz.

Fritz and Henry begin to shovel the grave. Fritz's shovel hits the wood coffin.

HENRY
That's the coffin. Fritz, would you kindly open it?

FRITZ
Yes, master.

Fritz hops down into the grave, and Henry hands him a hammer. The coffin is cheap; it's closed by a padlock on the side. Fritz hammers away at the lock, before finally busting it open.

HENRY
Open the coffin, Fritz.

Fritz opens the coffin. The body of HERMAN SMITH lies peacefully. His complexion is pale, but his body is intact.

HENRY
Now take the body Fritz.

Fritz picks the corpse up with surprising strength, and throws it over his shoulder, onto his hunch.

HENRY
We'll bring this back to the lab.

The two take all of their equipment, and head off of the scene.

CUT TO

INT. LABORATORY - NIGHT
Henry checks the body, which is laid out on one of the operating tables. Frankenstein works with the different muscles in the arms, checking how well they move.

HENRY
He'll do. I'm going to need your help Fritz, can you come here?

FRITZ
Right away, master.

Fritz walks over to the operating table. Henry puts a mask on, and a pair of gloves.

HENRY
I am about to separate the arms from the torso. It's a delicate procedure. I must make sure not to cut any muscles. Can you hand me a scalpel?

Fritz hands Henry the medical knife. The doctor lowers the knife to the right arm, just at the shoulder.

CUT TO

INT. ELSA'S HOUSE - MORNING
Elsa lies asleep in her bed. The young woman stirs, before Frederick opens the door to the bedroom.

FREDERICK
Elsa, there's a crowd forming out in the square.

ELSA
(sleepily)
What does it matter......?

FREDERICK
The grave of Herman Smith was robbed during the night.

Elsa begins to get out of bed with a tinge of curiosity.

CUT TO

EXT. TOWN SQUARE - MORNING
What is seemingly the entire town is crowded in the square, where Herr Vogel stands on a box, rising himself above the crowd. Everyone is shouting as the magistrate attempts to calm them down. Frederick and Elsa enter from behind.

HERR VOGEL
(shouting)
Everybody quiet down, let's be rational.

RANDOM CROWD MEMBER
Rational! A man's dead body was robbed, and taken from God!

RANDOM CROWD MEMBER 2
This is the devil's work! Funny it should happen after that Frankenstein arrives!

HERR VOGEL
Enough! We are all upset about this, but shouldn't we think this out before we start to blame someone?

RANDOM CROWD MEMBER
There's the Frankenstein girl!

Elsa looks around with a worried look on her face.

ELSA
Me? What have I done?

The crowd begins to form around her as Frederick makes a protective wall between her and them.

FREDERICK
Stand back! All of you, back! Elsa's done no harm!

OLD WOMAN
She's related to that Frankenstein! That's crime enough if you ask me.

The crowd roars in agreement.

HERR VOGEL
THAT'S ENOUGH!

The crowd silences. The magistrate makes his way through the crowd, towards Elsa.

HERR VOGEL
We don't know who did this, or why anyone would. I know you are all a bit skeptical about Henry Frankenstein, but we can't immediately blame him. For all we know, it could be just some thugs looking to make a dollar.

ELSA
Henry wouldn't do something like this. He's a gentle and intelligent man.

HENRY (O.S.)
What seems to be the problem?

The crowd becomes dead silent as Frankenstein walks near the center of attention. The part around him like the Red Sea did Moses.

HENRY
Elsa, what is the problem? I was making my way into town, and I saw this mob.

ELSA
Herman Smith's grave was ransacked last night.

HENRY
Ransacked? As in robbed?

ELSA
Yes.

Henry turns to look at the crowd, immediately eyeing their suspect.

HENRY
And you people believe I did this? Listen, I may not have the same religious code as you all, but something like this is morbid.

FREDERICK
I believe you, Henry.

Henry looks at Frederick with a hint of surprise.

FREDERICK
You're new to town, but you made a good enough impression yesterday.

HERR VOGEL
I believe you as well, Frankenstein. Now, in order to figure out who did this, we need to use our minds for change. Now Frederick, you are chief constable. What would you have us do?

FREDERICK
Well, there was no evidence at the grave. Nobody here has any motive. I believe it would be in our best interests to simply move.

CROWD MEMBER
Move on? A grave was desecrated. That's spitting in the face of Christ!

FREDERICK
What would you do, Jacobs? Throw the blame at everybody, and get nowhere? We can set up a night watch in the graveyard. That's all we can do, really. Would anyone like to volunteer for tonight?

VOICE (OS)
Aye!

Frederick turns around, and sees a man walk up. He's a tall man, pretty muscular. His name is ERIK.

ERIK
I'll wander the graveyard tonight. Give me a lantern. I'll break the criminal if I must.

FREDERICK
Very well then.

Henry looks at the man closely, and smiles slightly.

CUT TO

INT. ELSA'S HOUSE - EVENING
Henry sits at a table with Frederick. Elsa is preparing dinner in the background.

HENRY
Do you have any idea who would do such a thing?

Frederick shrugs blatantly.

FREDERICK
No. Even for the most hardened criminal, this is a little far. Who knows what runs through their mind. Did you ever study psychology?

Henry laughs a bit.

HENRY
No, no. I consider myself to be a bit insane, really. Hard work does take it's toll.

Elsa walks over to the table with a platter of meat, and a few bowls of vegetables and potatoes. She sits down, and joins the
two men.

ELSA
So, Uncle Henry, what are you working on in the castle?

HENRY
Oh, nothing yet. Just preparing a few notes.

FREDERICK
The villagers say the castle is haunted by a ghost who roams the halls, talking to itself.

Henry chuckles a bit.

HENRY
A ghost? No, no. That's just Fritz.

FREDERICK
Fritz?

HENRY
Fritz was my father's assistant. He tended to the castle after my father's death, and has named himself my assistant as well. He's a hard worker. It's a shame about his body though.

ELSA
Well what's wrong with him?

HENRY
He's a hunchback, you see. His back is malformed. I've agreed to help fix him for helping my family all these years.

ELSA
That's very noble of you, Henry.

Henry nods at Elsa.

HENRY
When are you two to be married?

Elsa grabs Frederick's hand.

ELSA
In a week. I've been busy making preparations for the ceremony, but it's running smoothly. As long as nothing happens to either of us, I will be the new Mrs. Elsa Theman.

Henry takes a sip of his drink, and raises it.

HENRY
Hm. Cheers.

Frankenstein takes a larger drink of it.

CUT TO

INT. FRANKENSTEIN HALL - DAY
Henry stands with Fritz.

HENRY
Fritz, this should be a simple process. The carriage will take you to the hospital. You're going to need to break in, hopefully without warning any guards. Waldman's brain will be preserved in a jar in one of the back rooms. I don't know if it is labeled or not, but you must remember the name Edward Waldman, do you understand me?

FRITZ
Yes, master.

HENRY
Good. Once this being is created, then I will fix you Fritz. Your time is coming.

Fritz smiles a crooked smile.

CUT TO

EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
Erik patrols the barren graveyard, lantern in hand. He's fearless.

HENRY (VO- FROM JOURNAL)
Tonight, I set out to get the torso for my creation. I chose Erik for simple reasons. He's tall, muscular, and has a good head on him. With Smith's muscular arms, and Waldman's brain, he will be perfect.

Erik hears a branch snap.

ERIK
Come to steal another one, have you?

HENRY (OS)
Not exactly.

ERIK
What do you mean? Who's there?

A gunshot is fired. Erik falls to the floor, dead. The lantern smacks against the ground. Henry trudges over to the body, and picks it up underneath the shoulders. He begins dragging it.

FADE OUT

INT. THE WALLOWING BUSH - MORNING
The bar is scantly crowded, those there eat breakfast. Henry walks into the bar, and tips his hat at the barmaid. Herr Vogel sits alone at a table. Henry walks over to join him.

HENRY
Good morning, Herr Vogel.

Vogel looks up from his meal, and sees the doctor standing by the table.

HERR VOGEL
Ah! Good morning Henry. Take a seat, please. Take a seat.
Henry sits down at the table as the barmaid comes over to take his order.

HENRY
Ah, just a cup of coffee, thank you.

HERR VOGEL
I'm wondering if Erik ever caught anyone.

HENRY
Erik?

HERR VOGEL
The man who went to the graveyard. The night watchman.

HENRY
Oh, right, of course. Him. has he returned?

HERR VOGEL
Not that I know of.

The door opens, followed by the sound of a trio of footsteps.

HERR VOGEL
Now, what's this?

One of the men strides over to Herr Vogel. He holds Erik's shattered lantern.

MAN
We found this in the graveyard. Erik never returned. Someone took his body.

HENRY
You don't know that, good sir. Erik could have ran.

MAN
Erik, doesn't run from anything, Frankenstein! Someone had to have murdered him.

HERR VOGEL
Murder?

MAN
Nothing has happened like this in Vasaria since you've arrived, Frankenstein! Your blasphemy has caused God to curse this town! Doomed! We're all doomed!

The fanatic runs out of the bar.

CUT TO

EXT. VASARIA - MORNING
The man grabs the cross necklace he has, and rips it off of his body. He holds it up in the air, spreading his arms out.

MAN
GOD HAS ABANDONED US ALL! THIS VILLAGE IS DOOMED! THE END TIME IS NIGH! FLEE WHILE YOU STILL HAVE THE CHANCE!

People begin to gather around the man, watching him closely. The murmur to themselves.

MAN (CONT'D)
There is only one way we can save ourselves! God has spoken to me, and he has told me the Devil has sent a servant into our village.

CUT TO

INT. THE WALLOWING BUSH - MORNING
Henry sits at the table with Vogel. The man outside points back to where Frankenstein sits.

HENRY
What is he doing?

CUT TO

INT. ELSA'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Henry's niece looks out of the window, and sees another large crowd gathering.

ELSA
Frederick!

CUT TO

EXT. VASARIA - DAY
The man is on his knees, praying. The people around him look sick, shocked.

MAN
SAVE ME GOD! I WORK IN YOUR NAME!

Frederick pushes through the crowd.

MAN
If you wish to save this village, we must kill Frankenstein!
The crowd begins to murmur. The man draws a gun out of his pants pocket, and turns towards the window.

CLOSE UP: Henry's face looks shocked.

Before the man can pull the trigger, Frederick barrels into the man. The gun goes off, but the bullet only strikes the bars sign. The crowd looks on in shock as Frederick handcuffs the struggling man.

MAN
THERE'S NO HOPE FOR US NOW! THIS VILLAGE WILL BURN IN THE FIRES OF HELL! THE DEVIL WILL BE UPON US!

Frederick picks the man up, and drags him off.

CUT TO

INT. VOGEL'S OFFICE - EVENING
Henry sits at a desk, across from Herr Vogel. The magistrate paces behind his desk.

HENRY
Herr Vogel, if you wanted to talk to me about the incident today...

HERR VOGEL
I don't know what to do Henry. The people are demanding your head. That man persuaded them that you are, in fact, a spawn of Satan.

HENRY
I'm sure they are just a bit superstitious about the fact that the arrival of an outsider has heralded this string of unfortunate events. Of course, it doesn't help that I'm not a religious man, and the town seems to distrust science.

HERR VOGEL
Henry, can you promise to me that you have had no involvement with any of these events.

Henry looks at Herr Vogel for a brief moment.

HENRY
I've done nothing to compromise this town in my short tenure here.

Vogel sighs.

HERR VOGEL
That's all I need to hear. You have my trust Frankenstein.

HENRY
Thank you, sir. If you don't mind, I'd like to had back to my castle. I have some work that needs to be finished before I go to sleep tonight.

Vogel nods as Henry stands up.

HENRY
Good day, sir.

CUT TO

EXT. BERLIN HOSPITAL - NIGHT
The street is quiet, with the random passerby walking in front of the institute. The deformed figure of Fritz is seen sneaking through an alleyway to the side of the hospital.

CUT TO

EXT. ALLEYWAY - NIGHT
Fritz continues his search. A wide window, with thin glass is in sight. Fritz smiles through his deformed face. The hunchback takes a rock from the alley, and smashes the window. He hurriedly crawls through the opening.

CUT TO

INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT
Fritz pulls his bag through the window, and takes out a lantern. He pulls out a matchbox, and strikes one of the matches, and lights the candle with it.

FRITZ
Edward Waldman, Edward Waldman, Edward Waldman.

The hunchback holds the lantern up, but he isn't in the correct
room. He's in the bathroom.

CUT TO

INT. HOSPITAL HALLS - NIGHT
Fritz lumbers through the hallways, lantern ahead of him. A guard stands at the end of the hall. The hunchback panics, and bumps into a door. The guard notices, and turns his head in the direction of the noise. Fritz opens the door, and waits in the creeping darkness. As the guard approaches, Fritz pounces, and hits the guard viciously across the head, either knocking him out or killing him. Fritz spots the guards name tag. STEVEN VANDEN.

FRITZ
Steven Vanden. Edward Wald...Edward...

The hunchback takes the lantern, and looks around the room. Not in here.

CUT TO

INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT

FRITZ
Steven Waldman...No, no, it's not that Fritz. Edward Vanden.

Fritz stops. He's forgot the name.

FRITZ
Fritz has forgotten the name.

The hunchback carries on, determined to please Henry. He stops at a door which reads: ORGANIC WASTE. Fritz opens the door.

CUT TO

INT. ORGANIC WASTE ROOM - NIGHT
Jars of organs line the walls. Hearts, livers, brains, you name it. Fritz heads over to the brain part of the wall.

FRITZ
Master will have Fritz's head if he screws this up. But Fritz can't remember for the life of him.

A guards voice is heard in the hallway.

FRITZ
What was the name?!?

Fritz looks directly at Waldman's jar, which reads: EDWARD WALDMAN: DOCTOR. Next to Waldman's jar is one that reads:
STEVEN VAN BUREN: MURDERER.

FRITZ
Steve, Edward, Steven, Edward, Steven, Edward, Steven, Edward...

The voice of the guard draws nearer to the room. Fritz panics, and grabs a jar.

FADE OUT

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - MORNING
Henry stands awake, looking out over the countryside through his window.

HENRY (VO)
Fritz hasn't returned. If he isn't successful in his mission, my masterpiece becomes my failure. The village is awfully suspicious of me, but I've gained the trust of their magistrate, and the chief constable. With their backing, this experiment should run smoothly. I've begun to compile all of my notes on the experiment into a book, which I will title "The Secrets of Life and Death". I do not know if I will publish it, for the material remains very sensitive to the general public. Only time will tell.

CUT TO

INT. FRANKENSTEIN HALL - DAY
Henry prepares to put his coat on as a knocking comes at the great door. Frankenstein answers it, only to find Fritz standing there. The hunchback enters the castle with his bag.

HENRY
Did you get it?

FRITZ
Yes master.

HENRY
Good. While you were away, I began construction of the creation. Put the brain in the lab. I have some business to attend to in the village.

FRITZ
Right away, master.

Henry prepares to exit.

FRITZ
Master.

HENRY
Yes, what is it Fritz?

FRITZ
How much longer will the experiment take?

HENRY
It could take days, weeks even. Possibly years. Don't worry, I'll remain true to my word.

FRITZ
Thank you, master.

CUT TO

EXT. VASARIA - EVENING
Henry walks through the streets of the small village, ignoring the looks he gets from passersby.

HENRY (VO- CONT'D)
Due to a miscalculation that even I could not have foreseen, the skin of my creation has turned to a pale green tint. It doesn't phase me. In time, it will be perfect.

Henry tips his hat to a female.

HENRY (VO- CONT'D)
I can't help but notice the fear the villagers have for me. They view me as some sort of monster. To ignore what that raving man said the other day would be foolish. Maybe they really do see me as a spawn of Satan. I see myself as a god.

A shady looking man follows Frankenstein.

HENRY (VO- CONT'D)
I don't know if I can confide in Elsa my experiment. She may lose all of her trust for me. But after all, she is family.

SHADY MAN
Henry Frankenstein.

Henry stops, and turns around. The man has dark hair, and is about 15 years older than Henry. His face is covered in dark 5 o clock shadow.

HENRY
How can I help you?

SHADY MAN
I know who you are. I'm also a man of science. Your castle doesn't light up at night for no reason.

HENRY
What lights have you seen, friend? Unless somebody is secretly sneaking into my home, and causing a ruckus, it is just a plain castle.

SHADY MAN
My name is Doctor Francis Niemann.

Henry sizes NIEMANN up.

HENRY
What can I do for you, Dr. Niemann?

NIEMANN
I would like to observe your experiments in exchange for my secrecy.

HENRY
Secrecy? What is it that you think I am hiding?

NIEMANN
Something....unnatural is happening in your castle. These villagers already suspect enough out of you.

HENRY (VO- CONT'D)
And that is how I met Dr. Niemann.

CUT TO

INT. FRANKENSTEIN HALL - NIGHT

HENRY (VO- CONT'D)
I tried to stall him as best as I could, but Niemann was persistent. I had no choice but to show him my laboratory.

Henry leads Niemann to the secret door.

CUT TO

INT. LABORATORY - NIGHT
Henry and Niemann walk into the lab, where Fritz works diligently.

NIEMANN
Quite the equipment you have, Frankenstein. I assume these...

Niemann walks over to the electrical poles.

NIEMANN
Are the causes of the flashes at night?

HENRY
Yes. Frankly, I'm surprised you're the only one who has noticed.

NIEMANN
To be fair, nobody else in the village pays attention to your castle. They're afraid of you.

HENRY (VO- CONT'D)
I think I can trust him. I've decided to show him my creation in exchange for an oath of silence.

HENRY
I assume you've come here to see my masterpiece?

NIEMANN
Masterpiece?

HENRY
This is what I've been working on during my time in Vasaria.

Henry walks over to one of the lab tables, where a sheet covers the body. Frankenstein pulls back the sheet, but we cannot see the being. Niemann is taken back.

HENRY
Beautiful, isn't it?

Niemann is at a loss for words. He seems disgusted, shocked...terrified.

NIEMANN
This isn't science, this is blasphemy. Frankenstein, what are you planning on doing with this....this....monster?

HENRY
I've decided to play God, Dr. Niemann. In a matter of days, I will create life from death.

NIEMANN
It was you who robbed those graves.

HENRY
Of course. Naturally, nobody could know about it.

Henry looks at Fritz, who slow begins to walk up behind Niemann.

NIEMANN
You'll be killed for this Frankenstein! You're a mad man! You're insane!

HENRY
Insane? No. I like to refer to myself as ambitious.

Henry nods at Fritz. Niemann turns around into a whopping blow from the hunchback, which knocks him out.

HENRY
Now, friend Fritz, we will complete the construction process. The brain, please.

Fritz goes to the bag where he kept the jar. He pulls out the clear container, which holds a human brain. Only the container doesn't read Edward Waldman.

HENRY
Steven Van Buren...Murderer? Fritz...FRITZ! No, NO! I asked for Edward Waldman! Why didn't you take the brain of Edward Waldman? WHY?

Fritz looks on in shock as the usually placid doctor begins to fume.

FRITZ
I'm sorry Master....the guards were almost upon me, and I didn't look when I grabbed. Forgive me master! Forgive poor, worthless
Fritz!

Fritz gets down on both knees, and begins to sob. Henry looks down at him with a look of both pity and disgust.

HENRY
There cannot be any delays in the experiment. We will have to make due with your incompetence. You better hope that this works Fritz.

Henry places the jar next to the body, and rolls down the sheets. He takes his scalpel, and begins work.

FADE OUT

INT. CASTLE JAIL - DAY
Niemann sits by himself in an old medieval prison that must have remained from feudal years. A piece of bread and a mug of water sit in his cell.

CUT TO

INT. STUDY - DAY
Frankenstein sits in his armchair, looking over a few of his notes.

HENRY (VO)
I will begin the experiment tonight. In order for it to be successful, I must take the electricity from the poles, and jolt them into the body. I have attached two metal nubs to either side of my creation's neck. The face is sunken, but that is to be expected. After adjustments, and some spare body parts, I have measured my creation to stand at 7 feet, 5 inches. I do not know its weight, but if my plan works, it's strength will be extraordinary. I am concerned with Fritz's failure. If it is at full strength, and the brain transplant does indeed work, I am not sure what I can do. It would be a killing machine.

CUT TO

INT. ELSA'S HOUSE - DAY
A knock comes at the door, which Elsa answers. Henry stands at her doorstep.

ELSA
Come in Henry.

HENRY
Thank you.

Frankenstein walks in as Elsa follows him.

HENRY
Is Frederick home?

ELSA
No, why?

HENRY
I have something I would like to show you tonight. Come to my castle at around 8.

ELSA
What is it you have to show me?

HENRY
My experiment. You must come alone, don't bring Frederick.

ELSA
We've been worried about you. You've been holed up in the castle for the past 2 days. I was beginning to think you've forgotten about us.

HENRY
No, no. I've been putting the final touches on my work, to make sure it is perfect.

ELSA
Well I'll be there tonight.

Henry smiles.

CUT TO

EXT. CASTLE FRANKENSTEIN - NIGHT
It is thundering and lightning out. Rain pours down. A full moon is bright in the sky. A carriage rides up the path towards the castle.

CUT TO

INT. PRISON AREA - NIGHT
Niemann sits in his cell. His beard is a bit scruffier. The sound of footsteps is heard.

FRITZ (OS)
Master would like you to see this, Doctor Niemann. Come with Fritz.
The hunchback grabs Niemann, and lifts him to his feet.

CUT TO

INT. LABORATORY - NIGHT
Frankenstein wears a white lab coat, as he walks around his lab, making sure every piece of equipment is in place. The creation is still covered by a white sheet.

HENRY
Soon, my creation, you will be strong.
Fritz drags Niemann to a chair, where he ties him up with rope.

FRITZ
Here is Niemann, Master.

HENRY
Good job Fritz. I'm glad you grabbed the thing I asked for this time. Wait upstairs for my niece, Fritz. When she arrives, lead her down here.

FRITZ
Right away, master.

Fritz heads out of the basement.

HENRY
In a matter of moments, Dr. Niemann, you will bear witness to the greatest experiment of our time. Sit tight, it is only a matter of moments before I perform.

Niemann looks at Frankenstein with disgust.

NIEMANN
In the short time I've known you, Frankenstein, you've become exactly what the villagers say you are.

HENRY
That is no concern of mine. I have no need for them.

CUT TO

EXT. CASTLE FRANKENSTEIN - NIGHT
Elsa runs towards the door, trying to get past the rain. She stands underneath the overhang, and knocks on the great wooden door. To her surprise it is opened almost immediately.

FRITZ
Welcome to Castle Frankenstein.

Elsa walks in, and catches her first sight of Fritz.

ELSA
You must be Fritz. Henry told me about you earlier.

FRITZ
Follow Fritz.

Fritz leads Elsa to the lab door.

CUT TO

INT. LABORATORY - NIGHT
Henry makes his final preparations for his masterpiece.

HENRY
Everything is set. Good, good. I just have to wait for Fritz, Dr. Niemann, and you will be witness to my masterpiece.

NIEMANN
It'll be the death of you.

HENRY
So be it. If I die tonight at the hands of my creation, I die a God.
Fritz brings Elsa into the lab.

HENRY
Ah, Elsa, my niece!

Henry embraces Elsa, and walks her over to a chair.

ELSA
Uncle Henry, what's the meaning of this?