Atlantis: The Lost Empire/Script (first draft)

1 OPENING 
This date —
1014 A.D.
— appears ONSCREEN.
The date fades out and the BLACK SCREEN bursts into flames!
We find ourselves in a seacoast village under attack from
marauding Vikings! The village has been put to the torch in
the pre-dawn raid. The peaceful inhabitants are being
rounded up by armored Nordics wielding swords and spears.
2 INT. MONASTERY - NIGHT
A terrified MONK dressed in a night shirt and cap grabs up
the church valuables (gold chalice, silver candlesticks,
etc.). The wooden door suddenly crashes open and a brutal
giant holding a broad axe stands framed in the doorway,
backlit by the burning village. The Viking steps forward
into the candlelight, revealing a full beard and longish
hair red as the setting sun. The Monk's eyes flash with
terror.
RED BEARD
You know why I'm here.
The terrified Monk is frozen to the spot. We HEAR the sound
of frightened villagers pleading for their lives.
RED BEARD (cont'd)
Make haste, Father, and I will spare
your flock. You have my word.
The Monk drops the church valuables and hurries across to a
locked chest. He fumbles a skeleton key into the lock. An
ominous shadow falls across his back. Turning, the Monk
yells and cowers as the broad axe is brought down hard on
the wooden chest, splintering it open! Red Beard retrieves
an ancient journal from the rubble. He smiles, running his
fingers across a strange symbol embossed on the leather
cover -- an inverted V with a dot in the center. He is
joined by two of his armored giants.
RED BEARD (cont'd)
We have what we came for. Prepare to
take leave.
FIRST VIKING
And the prisoners?
Red Beard looks at the Monk.
RED BEARD
Take no prisoners, man or beast.
The horrified Monk can't believe it!
MONK
But you gave your word—!
RED BEARD
I promised mercy on your 'flock',
Father.
Red Beard turns to his men, a cruel gleam in his eye—
RED BEARD (cont'd)
Spare the sheep.
As his men hurry off to carry out the dastardly order, Red
Beard steps forward, the shadow of his axe falling across
the doomed Monk...
SMASH TO:
3 A FIERCE DRAGON'S HEAD
Actually a carving on the bowsprit of a Viking warship, a
hundred-foot Drakkar, square rigged on a midship mast, that
is plying the chilly waters of the North Atlantic in the
dead of night.
Red Beard stands at the bow, leading his crew of sea raiders
into uncharted waters guided only by a crude map drawn in
the ancient journal which he studies by the light of a
lantern.
The men stand together, talking amongst themselves, growing
uneasy. One amongst them steps forward. Red Beard looks up
from the journal.
RED BEARD
What is it?
The man glances nervously back at his compatriots for
encouragement.
RED BEARD (cont'd)
Speak!
NERVOUS VIKING
These waters...
One of the crew members speaks out.
CREW MEMBER
They're home to the monster!
More discontented grumblings amongst the crew.
NERVOUS VIKING
(nervous)
We've all heard the stories. Perhaps
we'd be wise to turn back before—
Red Beard snaps the journal closed.
RED BEARD
Did you say turn back?
NERVOUS VIKING
The men are afraid.
Red Beard looks from the nervous man to the rest of the
crew.
RED BEARD
Very well. Turn about.
A look of relief comes over the man's face. He turns to
deliver the good news. Red Beard grabs him from behind,
lifts him high over his head and hurls him overboard!! The
man struggles desperately to stay afloat. His frantic
screams cease as the weight of his armor pulls him beneath
the surface...
RED BEARD (cont'd)
(to his men)
Would anyone else like to follow??
When no one answers—
RED BEARD (cont'd)
Cowards!
He holds aloft the journal for all to see.
RED BEARD (cont'd)
I'd slay a dozen monsters to get at
the treasure described in this
journal!
Suddenly, frantic SCREAMS sound yet again, even more terrorfilled
than before!
CREW MEMBER
(pointing)
Look!
All turn to discover the man Red Beard threw overboard
rising from the waves, held fast in a giant claw!! Higher
and higher he rises, struggling and screaming as he goes!
SCARED CREW MEMBER
There!
A second claw rises from the dark fathoms on the starboard
side! Yet another appears aft! Followed by another! And
another!
The men stare in abject terror as a dark and monstrous shape
rises up out of the North Atlantic to loom ominously over
the now tiny boat!! The LEVIATHAN delivers an ear-shattering
ROAR before descending on the longboat!
The terrified crew scramble around in a panic! Red Beard
stands tall on the prow, swinging his broad axe -- man
against monster!
The attack is swift and merciless! Within seconds, the ship
is being pulled under by the otherworldly creature! Red
Beard is tossed overboard where he manages to cling to a
wooden keg, still grasping his broad axe! He watches in
utter disbelief as a blinding pillar of white hot light
bursts through the wooden deck, halving his warship in two!
The carved dragon's head slips beneath the waves. Red Beard
is the lone survivor. Holding aloft his axe, he shouts his
defiance! Suddenly, something clamps down on his leg! His
shout of defiance becomes a scream of terror as the Viking
leader is quickly dragged to his watery grave!
WE MOVE across the floating raft of debris to the ancient
journal which is borne away on the frigid current...
4 EXT. SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE - DAY
Establish the museum fronted by a busy street filled with
carriages, both horse drawn and horseless. This date —
1914
— appears ONSCREEN.
5 INT. SMITHSONIAN - DAY 
A pompous GUIDE is leading a tour of young SCHOOL CHILDREN
through the massive Dinosaur Wing of the museum.
GUIDE
...Only one percent of the museum's
total inventory is on display at any
one time.
The Guide stops in front of a huge skeleton of a T-rex.
GUIDE (cont'd)
Here we have the King of all
Dinosaurs -- the one and only
Tyrannosaurus rex.
The kids 'ooh' and 'ahh'. All except for the FAT KID on the
end who is eyeing a sign that reads 'No food or drinks
please!'
GUIDE (cont'd)
And over here we have...
As the group moves away, the Fat Kid hangs back and slips a
candy bar from his pocket. He removes the wrapper and takes
a bite, keeping an eye out for the Guide. He glances at the
T-rex and does a double take.
6 FAT KID'S POV - A RAT 
is standing stock still on the tip of T-rex's tail,
imitating the dinosaur's pose. The Fat Kid looks closer.
That wasn't there before... was it? Curiosity gets the
better of him. He sneaks past the thick red velvet rope
guarding the exhibit and leans in for a closer look. Kid and
rat go eye to eye. The rodent doesn't move a muscle. _
Perplexed, the Fat Kid goes to take a bite of his candy bar.
The rat suddenly springs forward, snatching it from his
grasp!
FAT KID
AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
All heck breaks loose as the rat tries to make his escape!
Girls are SCREAMING! Kids are running everywhere! And in the
midst of it all the Guide blows on a whistle, trying to
restore order!
After a mad dash, the rat is able to slip through a tiny
crack in the wall with his prize!
7 INT. WALL - DAY
We accompany the rat over a well-travelled route deep into
the bowels of the museum, passing various points of interest
along the way.
8 INT. DIRECTOR'S OFFICE - DAY
The rat scurries along a plumbing fixture overhead~ pausing
to look down upon MR. HARCOURT, Director of the Smithsonian,
who is barking into a phone. The SCREAMS of the school
children continue in the b.g.
HARCOURT
What in blazes is going on out
there??
(beat)
Not again! Get me Jerkovich! This
instant!
The rat continues on.
9 INT. OFFICES - DAY
The rat winds his way through a maze of offices populated by
busy ARCHAEOLOGISTS working on various important and
exciting projects for the museum. He narrowly avoids getting
stepped on before disappearing into a ventilation duct.
10 INT. VENTILATION DUCT - DAY 10
Deeper into the depths of the museum we go. The rat pauses
above a dank and dingy storage room, the home of his
archnemesis, JERKOVICH THE JANITOR. Somewhere a phone rings,
waking the snoozing janitor with a start. Jerkovich rummages
through a pile of pails, mops and brooms before finding the
receiver.
JERKOVICH
Yeah?
(beat)
I'll get right on it. And by the
way... it's YERKOVICH!!
He slams down the phone, tucks a cigar in the corner of his
mouth, grabs some rat traps and leaves his 'office'. The rat
continues on his way, descending even further...
11 INT. BASEMENT - DAY
The rat scurries amongst towering stacks of wooden crates
containing priceless artifacts from around the world. Here
in this dark and shadowy, almost forgotten corner of the
museum basement, a solitary light source beckons...
12 INT. BOILER ROOM - DAY
We follow our rodent friend into a boiler room which has
been converted into a working office space. A single light
illuminates a desk top covered with ancient maps and charts.
MILO THATCH is hunched over one of the charts, working up
figures with a compass and protractor. Behind him in the
shadows looms the gargantuan beast-like boiler, so old and
temperamental it deserves to be on display instead of in
service.
The rat appears on Milo's desk, sits on its haunches and
begins nibbling away at his prize. Milo leans back, removes
his glasses and wipes them with a tissue.
MILO
(smiles)
Hello, Plato. And just what sort of
trouble have you managed to get into
today?
Plato continues working on the candy bar.
MILO (cont'd)
Uh, do you mind? You're getting
crumbs all over Mesopotamia.
A sudden NOISE. Someone's approaching! Plato abandons his
catch and dives head first into Milo's shirt! Milo puts
on his clean glasses in time to see Jerkovich the Janitor
step forward from the shadows, suspicious eyes darting
everywhere.
MILO (cont'd)
Hello, Mr. Jerkovich.
JERKOVICH
(smolders)
It's Yerkovich.
Jerkovich walks slowly around the boiler room, poking his
nose in every nook and cranny.
MILO
Can I help you?
Milo suddenly twitches and GIGGLES. Jerkovich looks at him,
eyes narrowing.
JERKOVICH
A certain rodent has been at it
again. This time he attacked a group
of innocent children!
MILO
(twitching)
You don't say...
Jerkovich works his way over to Milo's desk.
JERKOVICH
Funny how every time there's trouble
his trail seems to lead right back
here—
Jerkovich bends down and scrutinizes the piece of gnawed
candy. Milo picks it up and pops it in his mouth.
MILO
(chewing)
Well, I've never seen a rat. But I'll
keep my eyes open.
Milo jerks and GIGGLES again. Jerkovich eyes him
suspiciously. He produces a rat trap baited with cheese.
JERKOVICH
You do that. Meanwhile, I've got a
little surprise in store for our
furry little friend.
Jerkovich sets the trap and places it gingerly on a low
shelf next to Milo's desk.
MILO
That's great, Mr. Jerk– Yerkovich.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I've really
got a mountain of work to do.
Jerkovich starts to leave. Milo GIGGLES. Jerkovich eyes him
closely one last time before leaving for good. Plato
immediately pops his head out of Milo's shirt.
MILO (cont'd)
All clear.
Plato hops down onto the desk top.
MILO (cont'd)
You've got to be more careful, Plato.
Milo tosses his pencil at the trap. It whaps closed,
snapping the pencil in half and hurling the cheese into mid
air! Milo catches it and hands it to Plato.
MILO (cont'd)
I may not always be around to protect
you.
Milo looks around at his dismal surroundings.
MILO (cont'd)
(depressed)
'Course, where else would I be?
He sighs, letting his eyes drift past photographs of, exotic
locations from around the world tacked up about his
'office'.
MILO (cont'd)
(daydreaming)
I know where I'd like to be.
Somewhere exotic. Like Egypt.
Exploring the mysteries of the Great
Pyramids.
He swivels in his chair to look at another photograph.
MILO (cont'd)
Or Easter Island. Wouldn't that be
something! Unearthing secrets of long
lost civilizations!
(swivels again)
Or Africa!
(swivels yet again)
Or China!
Milo leans back in his chair, dizzy, eyes wide with wonder.
MILO (cont'd)
What a time we live in, Plato! So
many discoveries just waiting to be
made! Wild and untamed places to be
explored! A world of adventure for
the taking-!
He rests his elbows on the desk top, letting his chin slowly
sink into his hands.
MILO (cont'd)
(wistfully)
And all of it passing me by...
We HEAR a sudden WHOOSH! A letter drops down into the mail
tube beside Milo's desk, sent from some mysterious source
several floors above. Milo tenses. He removes the letter.
It's from the office of Mr. Harcourt, the Museum Director.
MILO (cont'd)
This is it. The one we've been
waiting for.
Milo takes a deep breath-
MILO (cont'd)
Here goes—
Milo rips open the envelope and reads the letter.
MILO (cont'd)
(growing excited)
Dear Mr. Thatch, after reviewing your
proposal I am convinced that an
expedition to Nepal in search of
Noah's Ark is the most—
(stops; looks
closer)
—preposterous idea ever to cross my
desk...
Milo lowers the letter.
MILO (cont'd)
Terrific. He thinks I'm a crackpot.
Milo tacks the rejection letter up alongside half a dozen
others, stares at them.
MILO (cont'd)
I'm never going to get out of this
dungeon ...
A sudden NOISE like the guttural growl of some hungry beast!
Milo slowly turns.
13 MILO'S POV - THE BOILER
The ancient hulk rumbles to life, vibrating and belching
steam! It ROARS like some industrial monster!
Milo leaps into action! Using a wrench, he begins adjusting bolts, releasing pressure valves and generally
attacking the boiler like a man possessed! After a few
moments, the boiler begins to respond. Milo finishes with a
swift kick to just the right spot and the boiler settles
back into working order. Milo returns to his desk, wiping
sweat from his brow.
MILO
So much for the Industrial
Revolution...
As if in response, the boiler delivers one last belch.
14 INT. BASEMENT (ANOTHER PART) - DAY
A FIGURE creeps through the shadows carrying a small cage.
It's Jerkovich. He sets the cage down and slides open one
end. Inside, two evil-looking GREEN EYES open.
JERKOVICH
Come out, my pretty...
An ugly, flea bitten, rodent killing KITTY CAT saunters out
of the cage.
JERKOVICH (cont'd)
That's my girl. You know what to do.
With a flip of her crooked tail, the cat steals off into the
shadows. Smiling, Jerkovich sticks his cigar into his mouth
and watches her go...
15 INT. BOILER ROOM - LATER
Quitting time. Milo pulls on a long coat and tucks a stack
of books and charts under his arm. As he grabs his umbrella—
MILO
See you on Monday, Plato. If I were
you, I'd lay low for awhile. No
telling what Jerkovich has up his
sleeve.
Milo pets his friend on the head before turning out the
light and leaving. WE MOVE across to a dark corner near the
boiler and a pair of evil green eyes...
16 INT. SMITHSONIAN - NIGHT
The museum is closing. The work force is leaving en masse.
Milo is amongst them. He suddenly notices Harcourt exiting
his office. He makes a decision and approaches the museum
Director.
MILO
Mr. Harcourt?
HARCOURT
Yes?
Harcourt places a bowler on his head, moves toward the front
door. Milo keeps pace, juggling his books and charts.
MILO
Milo Thatch? Linguistics and
cartography?
Harcourt furrows his brow.
MILO (cont'd)
I work in the basement?
Harcourt's brow furrows even deeper.
MILO (cont'd)
(exasperated)
I keep the boiler running!
HARCOURT
(stopping)
Ah, Thatch! Of course! Keep up the
good work!
Harcourt nods and keeps walking.
17 INT. BOILER ROOM - NIGHT
Plato is rummaging around on Milo's desk when a dark shape
launches out of the darkness! Plato ducks! The cat lands
nearby, shredding one of Milo's maps with her razor sharp
claws! Plato shrieks in terror and races away! The cat
snarls and gives chase!
18 INT. SMITHSONIAN - NIGHT
Milo has caught up to Harcourt once again.
MILO
Sir, about my proposal—
HARCOURT
(stopping)
Thatch... Wait a minute— you're the
one! Noah's Ark!
MILO
Yes! If I could just-
HARCOURT
Why, of all the hairbrained—
MILO
Sir, if you would just review my
research—
At that moment, Milo drops his books and charts. They hit
the floor, scattering at the impatient Director's feet. Milo
scrambles to pick them up—
MILO (cont'd)
Using the ancient maps of Hebredes
and star charts from the time period
I was able to pinpoint some precise
coordinates—
Harcourt tries to let him down easy.
HARCOURT
Face it, son -- not everyone is cut
out for field work. It takes a
special breed.
Milo stands, glasses askew, his charts a jumbled mess.
Harcourt puts an arm around Milo's shoulder.
HARCOURT (cont'd)
You needn't be discouraged. You have
a unique and special talent.
MILO
I do?
HARCOURT
Yes! We need you here. We depend on
you. Especially with winter coming
on. That boiler's going to need a lot
of attention.
Harcourt smiles and gives Milo a condescending pat on the
back.
HARCOURT (cont'd)
Have a nice weekend.
Harcourt walks away. Milo stares after him.
MILO
(crushed)
Boiler...?
Milo lets the charts slip from his grasp. Three of Milo's
COLLEAGUES slip up beside him, unnoticed. One throws a
consoling arm around Milo.
COLLEAGUE #1
Don't let Hardbottom Harcourt get you
down, Thatch. We think your
proposal's brilliant!
MILO
You do?
COLLEAGUE #2
Sure! In fact, we passed the hat and
took up a collection to fund it.
MILO
(stunned)
You did?
Colleague #3 reaches into his pocket and brings out a crisp
one dollar bill, hands it to Milo.
MILO (cont'd)
One dollar!?
COLLEAGUE #3
That's more than enough.
MILO
(confused)
It is?
COLLEAGUE #2
For cab fare, old boy!
COLLEAGUE #1
To the Bellevue Hospital for the
Scientifically Inept!
Milo's colleagues burst into laughter!
MILO
Very funny...
The group continues on, cracking more jokes at Milo's
expense. Milo stuffs the bill into his pocket...
19 INT. SMITHSONIAN (ANOTHER PART) - NIGHT
Plato races for his life, a half-step ahead of razor sharp
claws and teeth! The chase leads us back through the maze of
now empty offices! Rat and cat tear through this sensitive
work area, making a shambles!
20 INT. HARCOURT'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Same story in the Director's office! They barrel across his
desk top! The inkwell is overturned! Paperwork goes flying!
21 INT. SMITHSONIAN - NIGHT
The great entrance hall is deserted save for Milo who cuts a
lonely figure as he picks up his charts and books, grabs his
umbrella and heads for the front door, rejected and
dejected.
Plato comes tearing around a corner with the cat hot on his
tiny heels! He sees Milo and makes a beeline for his friend!
Milo is heading out the door! This is it -- now or never!
Plato leaps! The cat leaps!
Plato lands in Milo's coat pocket just as the door closes
behind him!
THUD!! The cat smashes against the door and slides to the
floor, dazed...
22 EXT. SMITHSONIAN - NIGHT
Dark, threatening skies. Thunder rumbles as Milo comes down
the steps toward the sidewalk. It suddenly begins to rain.
MILO
Cripes! What else could go wrong??
Milo pauses to put up his umbrella. A sudden gust of wind
turns it inside out and blows away several of his charts!
MILO (cont'd)
No!
Milo scrambles after the maps! Rain continues to fall. The
last one is resting near the curb. He goes to pick it up.
A BLACK HIGH HEEL suddenly steps down beside it. Milo stops.
His eyes travel up a beautiful bare leg protruding from the
back of a Rolls Royce. An equally beautiful face framed by
platinum blonde hair appears, half hidden behind a large
veiled hat.
BEAUTIFUL BLONDE
Milo Thatch?
Milo goes to speak but his mouth doesn't work. He simply
nods instead.
BEAUTIFUL BLONDE (cont'd)
(seductively)
Come... get in.
The woman moves back into the shadows, allowing room for
Milo to join her. When he hesitates—
BEAUTIFUL BLONDE (cont'd)
Before you drown.
It's true. Milo is dripping wet. He looks around to see if a
joke is being played on him. The street is deserted. He
climbs into the car. The Rolls pulls away from the curb.
23 INT. ROLLS ROYCE - NIGHT
Milo sits in the plush Rolls, clutching his books and
charts. The woman reaches over and removes his wet glasses,
wipes them dry on a corner of her skirt. She puts them back
on Milo's face.
MILO
How do you know my—
The woman places her forefinger over his lips.
BEAUTIFUL BLONDE
All of your questions will be
answered soon enough.
The woman removes her finger, crosses her legs and settles
in for a quiet ride. Milo faces front. The shadow of the
DRIVER is all he can make out. What in the world is going on
here??
24 EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT
The Rolls drives away from the city lights and into the
surrounding countryside. Lightning flashes and thunder
BOOMS!
25 EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT
The Rolls brakes and turns into a gated driveway. LIGHTNING
illuminates a name spelled out in the wrought iron workings
of the gate -- Whitmore.
26 INT. ROLLS - NIGHT
Milo's jaw drops when he reads the name.
MILO
Whitmore?
(turning to the
woman)
Preston B. Whitmore??
The woman doesn't respond. She continues sitting passively,
staring ahead...
27 EXT. WHITMORE ESTATE - NIGHT
The Rolls motors up a sweeping driveway toward the Whitmore
Estate.
28 INT. ROLLS - NIGHT
Another flash of lightning reveals a mansion that God
himself might envy.
MILO
Wow...
Plato pokes his tiny wet nose out of Milo's pocket and
stares at the approaching architectural monolith -- rat
heaven!
29 EXT. WHITMORE ESTATE - NIGHT
From on high we are looking down at the Rolls which appears
TINY IN FRAME as it rolls to a stop in the driveway. The
Driver helps Milo out who is led toward the front door by
the woman.
30 INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT
An expansive, shadow-filled library. A fire crackles in a
cavernous fireplace. Hundreds of books fill every bit of
wall space. A door opens and the blonde leads Milo inside.
He starts to ask a question but the woman exits, closing the
door behind her. Milo stands in his wet clothes, still
clutching his books and charts. He looks around the room,
uncomfortable and out of place. The place reeks of old
money. He steps gingerly toward the center piece of the
room -- a giant aquarium. He leans down and peers in at all
the colorful and exotic fish. One in particular stares back,
eye to eye. Milo taps on the glass. The fish spreads a
colorful brace of 'feathers'. A VOICE from the shadows—
WHITMORE (OS)
Don't let her beauty fool you.
Milo jumps, peers into the shadows. A FIGURE comes forward.
WHITMORE
She's deadly.
PRESTON B. WHITMORE rolls forward into the light. The
eccentric old billionaire is seated in a custom built
wheelchair, accessorised by all sorts of newfangled gadgets
including one that prepares and lights his inexhaustible
supply of cigars.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
A tiny drop of her poison can kill a
dozen men.
Milo looks at the colorful fish taking several steps back.
Whitmore chuckles.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
I like a man who has a healthy
respect for nature. Now then! On to
business!
Whitmore wheels across to his desk and grabs a folder
resting on top. He opens it—
MILO
M-Mr. Whitmore, sir—
WHITMORE
(interrupts; reads)
Milo James Thatch; born Muncie,
Indiana; attended Northwestern
University; undergraduate degree in
linguistics; top of his class—
Milo slowly comes forward as Whitmore reads.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
(impressed)
—graduate work at Cornell; Masters
Degree in ancient languages and
cartography; again, top of his class;
hired by the Smithsonian Institute in
June 1910 where he has toiled away in
a rather unremarkable fashion ever
since...
Whitmore closes the folder and looks up at Milo.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Did I miss anything?
MILO
(nervous)
C-can I ask what this is regarding?
Whitmore presses a button on his wheelchair. A fresh cigar
appears, the end is snipped, lit and tucked into Whitmore's
mouth! Whitmore takes the cigar, rolls it between thumb and
forefinger, admiring it.
WHITMORE
Tell me something, my scholarly young
friend. What do you know about the
'Shepherd's Journal'?
A question out of left field. Milo pushes his glasses up on
the bridge of his nose.
MILO
Only what the legends say.
A flash of lightning sends eerie shadows flitting across the
room. Thunder BOOMS!
WHITMORE
Go on.
MILO
Well, the story goes that ten
thousand years ago a shepherd named
Aziz disappeared one day while
tending his flock. He reappeared two
years later, telling fantastic
stories of an underground world
filled with monsters, lost
civilizations and fabulous treasures.
Whitmore's eyes blaze as the story is recounted.
WHITMORE
Continue...
MILO
Aziz was pronounced insane and locked
away in a dungeon. He spent the rest
of his life writing about his
exploits in a journal which
supposedly contained crude maps of
the underworld. Over the centuries,
the Journal became a much sought
after prize by treasure hunters. Many
have tried to decipher the maps—
FLASH CUT:
31 EXT. NORTH ATLANTIC - NIGHT
Red Beard, Journal in hand, cowering in his longboat before
the Leviathan!
WHITMORE (OS)
And all have failed...
FLASH CUT:
Red Beard being dragged screaming beneath the surface of the
sea. The blade of his broad axe is the last thing to
disappear...
AND BACK TO:
32 INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT
MILO
Most contemporary historians believe
the book to be pure fantasy, the
ravings of a lunatic.
(adds)
If it even existed at all.
Whitmore grins like a Cheshire cat.
WHITMORE
(gleam in his eye)
Oh, it existed all right.
With that, Whitmore presses a button on the underside of his
desk. One wall of the library slides back to reveal a hidden
inner sanctum.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Come with me—
Whitmore guides his motorized wheelchair through the secret
passage. Milo looks around for some place to set his charts
and books. Finding none, he drops them on the floor and
follows Whitmore into an ever-deepening mystery...
33 INT. INNER SANCTUM - NIGHT
Milo enters a strange room housing the billionaire's
personal collection of artifacts. Here in this private inner
sanctum of rounded corners, odd angles and dramatic lighting
are some of the world's most sought after treasures.
Whitmore waits in the center of the room while Milo
approaches a display case and peers in at a jewel-handled
sword. His jaw drops.
MILO
Excalibur...?
(astounded)
You have King Arthur's sword!?
WHITMORE
(smiles)
Even an aging philanthropist needs a
hobby now and then.
Milo stumbles in awe around the room! He peers in another
glass case—
MILO
The Declaration of Independence??
WHITMORE
(proudly)
Those boobs in Washington have a
copy. I have the original!
MILO
(continuing)
—the Dead Sea Scrolls—! Shakespeare's
pen! The Magna Carta! The Holy
Grail—!!
Milo turns to Whitmore, flabbergasted!
MILO (cont'd)
This- this is incredible! These
artifacts are priceless!
WHITMORE
On the contrary! Everything has a
price!
With that, Whitmore presses another button. Milo watches a
light fade in overhead, illuminating a secret display case
that suddenly rises up from the floor beside Whitmore's
wheelchair! Milo slowly comes forward. Resting in the
display case is Whitmore's prize possession -- the ancient
'Shepherd's Journal'!
MILO
(gasps)
No...
Whitmore simply smiles and replies-
WHITMORE
Go ahead. Have a peek. It's
remarkably well preserved.
Milo reaches into the display case and carefully picks up
the ancient leatherbound journal. He runs his fingers gently
over the strange symbol on the cover -- the inverted V with
a dot in the center that we now read as an 'A'.
MILO
(whispers)
Aziz...
He looks at Whitmore, awestruck.
MILO (cont'd)
Where did you get this?
Whitmore reaches out and takes the journal from Milo.
WHITMORE
How I acquired the Journal is of no
concern to you. What should be,
however, is why I brought you here
tonight.
Whitmore returns to the outer library.
34 INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT
Milo follows Whitmore into the library.
MILO
(timidly)
Why did you bring me here, Mr.
Whitmore?
Whitmore makes a sudden dramatic U-turn in his wheelchair.
WHITMORE
(booms)
Because, young man, I am about to
launch the greatest expedition ever
mounted by modern man!
(sly grin)
And you're going to be part of it.
MILO
I am??
WHITMORE
(rolling forward)
For twenty long years I have been
planning, building machinery,
inventing equipment and gathering
together my team of explorers!
Whitmore presses a button on his wheelchair and a pile of
dossiers are brought forth and plopped in his lap!
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Each of these men and women are
experts in their respective fields --
excavation, demolitions, engineers,
mechanics -- all handpicked by me—
Whitmore tosses each of the dossiers onto his desk where we
see brief flashes of photographs of the explorers.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
—right down to the cook!
Whitmore slams the rest of the pile down on the desk top!
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Every preparation has been made! No
expense spared!
(rolling forward)
Do you know where you're standing
right now, right now??
MILO
(looking around)
In your library?
WHITMORE
WRONG!
(stopping)
You are standing on the brink of the
greatest adventure of your life! God,
how I envy you!
Whitmore jams the cigar in his mouth, beaming.
MILO
Pardon my confusion, sir, but... what
exactly are you planning to explore?
Whitmore holds up the Journal and speaks in a low,
conspiratorial tone.
WHITMORE
This, my boy, this!
(coming forward)
Aziz wasn't insane! No more than I
am!
Milo gives him a look.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
He found something under the earth,
something wonderful, something
magical—
MILO
He did?
WHITMORE
Yes! I believe our friend the
shepherd stumbled upon none other
than the fabled lost continent
itself!
MILO
(stunned)
You mean... Atlantis??
Whitmore nods, grinning from ear to ear.
MILO (cont'd)
(slowly dawns)
Let me get this straight -- you're
sending an expedition into the earth
to search for Atlantis??
Whitmore claps his hands together!
WHITMORE
(cackles)
Brilliant, isn't it? There's only one
problem!
MILO
(squeaks)
Only one?
WHITMORE
The Journal is written in an ancient
and long forgotten dialect! I've
searched the world over for an
authority on the language, someone to
act as translator, someone who can
read a map!
(beat)
Little did I realize that that
'someone' was right under my nose...
Whitmore grins at Milo, a gleam in his eye. Milo gulps,
backs away, suddenly looks at his watch.
MILO
Wow! Look at the time! I-I really
must be going-
Milo rapidly scoops up his books and charts!
WHITMORE
Nonsense! I'm counting on you!
MILO
With all due respect, Mr. Whitmore --
you're looney.
Milo makes a beeline for the door! Just as he reaches it, it
swings open and the beautiful blonde enters wheeling a
contraption meant to measure Whitmore's blood pressure. Milo
is forced back into the library.
WHITMORE
(rolls up)
You've met Helga, my nurse.
Milo nods. Helga goes about preparing to take Whitmore's
blood pressure.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
It appears we've underestimated our
young friend here, Helga.
(MORE)
WHITMORE (cont'd)
spirit; a thirst for adventure; a
desire to explore the Great Unknown.
I was wrong...
Whitmore feigns great disappointment. It works. Milo feels
bad.
MILO
I do thirst for adventure, Mr.
Whitmore. But this— this is madness!
Whitmore practically leaps out of his chair!
WHITMORE
Precisely what they said about
Columbus! And Lewis and Clark! And
those two brothers from South
Carolina who thought they could fly!!
Whitmore's blood pressure takes a dramatic leap!
MILO
But you don't understand. I-I'm
terribly claustrophobic-
WHITMORE
(booms)
Quit whining, Thatch! I'm offering
you the chance of a lifetime!
Whitmore_throws his free arm around Milo, paints him a
visual picture.
All the while his blood pressure climbs higher and higher!
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Think of it! Atlantis -- the most
important discovery of the twentieth
century! Of any century! And that's
only the beginning!
Whitmore's blood pressure approaches the red zone!!
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Imagine taking part in a quest -- a
quest to solve the greatest mystery
of all: how and why the most advanced
civilization of its time disappeared
without a trace! God willing, perhaps
we'll learn something to help our own
civilization which even now is poised
on the brink of World War!!
The needle has red lined! Smoke starts pouring from the
contraption!
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Don't you see?? I need you! The world
needs you!
Milo is beginning to falter. Helga removes the wrap from
Whitmore's arm.
HELGA
Two-seventy-five over one-fifty --
normal.
WHITMORE
Ha!
Whitmore triumphantly jams his cigar in his mouth!
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Where's my treat?
Helga produces a piece of candy and gives it to her boss who
rolls away and begins to unwrap it.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
(over his shoulder)
One last thing. Someone will have to
present our findings to the
scientific community. Maybe it's just
me, but a lecture tour speaking
before the world's most-distinguished
scientists sounds far more exciting
than, say, operating a boiler?
Milo's resolve is beginning to collapse. He turns and stares
at the ancient journal. What if Whitmore is right? What if
the map in the Shepherd's Journal does lead them to
Atlantis? Think of the respect he would command from his
colleagues -- from the entire scientific community!!
MILO
(not quite believing
what he's saying)
If I were to agree—
(quickly)
—and I'm not saying I do!
(gulps)
—when exactly were you, uh, planning
on leaving?
Whitmore spins in his wheelchair, eyes blazing and hisses a
single word—
WHITMORE
Tonight!
A CRACK of thunder and we—
SMASH TO:
35 EXT. NORTH ATLANTIC - NIGHT 35
A freighter plows through angry seas, steaming toward an
unknown destination in the North Atlantic!
36 EXT. DECK - NIGHT 36
A SAILOR races along the deck to where Whitmore is waiting
in his wheelchair.
SAILOR
(agitated)
Mr. Whitmore, sir! The watch
Commander reports strange noises
coming from the starboard deck!
We suddenly HEAR a strangled gurgling, choking, hacking
sound coming from nearby! Whitmore puffs on his cigar,
smiles.
WHITMORE
Not to worry! Just giving young
Thatch here a tour of the ship!
Whitmore reaches toward Milo who is doubled over the
railing, throwing up his guts! Whitmore pulls him up by the
seat of the pants. Milo is miserably seasick.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Seen enough? Good! It's time to meet
the rest of the team!
Whitmore hands Milo a handkerchief. Milo wipes his mouth and
stumbles after Whitmore's wheelchair, pale and queasy.
37 INT. BRIEFING ROOM - DAY 37
A SAILOR standing guard straightens to attention as Whitmore
wheels past into a briefing room with Milo in tow. Gathered
together, awaiting instructions, are Whitmore's
international team of explorers -- an eclectic group of men
and women from around the globe and, quite frankly, some of
the oddest characters you will ever meet.
All of the team members are wearing identical commando garb,
each sporting a familiar shoulder patch -- an inverted V
with the dot in the center. The symbol on the cover of the
Shepherd's Journal has now become the unifying symbol of
Whitmore's expedition. The MURMUR of conversation comes to
an abrupt halt at the appearance of Whitmore and Milo (who
is still dressed in civies).
WHITMORE
Attention everyone! I'd like to
introduce the newest member of our
expedition, on whose shoulders rest
the job of leading you to your final
destination -- Milo Thatch!
Dead silence. Milo smiles weakly and gives a small wave.
MILO
Hello.
An older woman with a cigarette dangling from her lower lip
steps forward, extends a hand—
MRS. PACKARD
(raspy voice)
Mrs. Packard, communications.
MILO
Nice to—
Mrs. Packard blows smoke in Milo's face, walks away.
MILO (cont'd)
(coughs)
—meet you.
WHITMORE
(quietly aside)
Alexander Graham Bell's personal
assistant! Like I said, only the
best!
A handsome, dark-haired man lugging a Victrola in his
backpack steps up and vigorously pumps Milo's hand.
VINNY
Vincenzo Fellini Pelegrini at your
service!
(leans in)
You can call me Vinny.
Vinny pulls his hand away leaving Milo holding a lit stick
of dynamite!! Milo's eyes bug out!
Everyone in the room hits the deck! Vinny grabs the stick of
dynamite, extinguishes the fuse between thumb and
forefinger.
VINNY (cont'd)
(laughing)
Ha! Shoulda seen your face!! Gets 'em
every time!
Whitmore pulls Milo down to ear level—
WHITMORE
(proudly)
Demolitions expert! Busted him out of
a Turkish prison in Istanbul!
Vinny turns and pulls a cute gum chewing young woman forward
whose face is covered with grease stains.
VINNY
And this is my girl!
Audrey beans Vinny with a crescent wrench!
AUDREY
I ain't your girl, greaseball!
VINNY
(rubbing his
noggin')
Aggressive love -- it's a beautiful
thing.
Audrey raises the wrench again but Vinny retreats. She turns
to Milo.
AUDREY
Name's Audrey; grease monkey; pleased
to meetcha.
She salutes with the wrench, returns to the others.
WHITMORE
Her father built most of the
equipment you'll be using! Next we
have Moliere, our tunnel expert—
A short and stocky Frenchman steps forward. He looks like a
mole with his squinty eyes and thick-lensed glasses.
MOLIERE
Hands, please.
Somewhat confused, Milo extends his hands. The Mole looks
them over, paying particular attention to his nails.
MOLIERE (cont'd)
A-ha! Sediment under the nails—
Moliere takes a scraping, rubs it between thumb and
forefinger, sniffs it.
MOLIERE (cont'd)
Mmmm... ordinary topsoil with trace
elements of sulphur and carbon. A
rare combination unique to a small
Northeastern region of the United
States. My guess is you reside in
Arlington, Virginia—
(sniffs again)
—somewhere in the fifteen-hundred
block of Jefferson Street.
MILO
That's amazing!!
WHITMORE
Man's got a nose for dirt! Say hello
to Dr. Sweet—
A huge, intimidating African-American steps forward and
shakes Milo's hand.
SWEET
Welcome. I will be seeing to all your
medical needs. Any history of
disorders I should be aware of?
MILO
Only claustrophobia.
SWEET
You're in luck. I have a cure for
that.
MILO
You do??
SWEET
Yes. Stay out of small spaces!
Sweet booms out good-natured laughter! The others join in! A
strange looking Persian wearing a turban has been staring
hard at Milo all along, making him uncomfortable.
MILO
(quietly to
Whitmore)
Why is that man staring at me?
WHITMORE
Ah-! You are under the all knowing
gaze of the Great Zoltan!
The Great Zoltan steps forward, eyes boring into Milo. It
gives him the heebie-jeebies.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Among other things, I happen to be an
aficionado of the occult. Zoltan,
here, has been channeling a 35,000-
year-old Atlantean warrior named
Ramtha. His insight will prove
invaluable to the expedition.
MILO
P-pleased to meet you—
Milo reaches out a hand to the Great Zoltan who immediately
shrinks away.
ZOLTAN
Do not touch me! My energy force is a
hundred times that of your own. I
would not be responsible for the
consequences.
Milo jerks his hand back just as a young man near his own
age steps forward.
WILLY
The only thing your 'energy force'
does is drain my grandfather's pocket
book.
(mocks)
The 'Great Zoltan'—
The young man playfully pokes a finger at Zoltan who shrinks
back in horror.
WILLY (cont'd)
Faker!
ZOLTAN
Freeloader!
WHITMORE
Enough!
Whitmore is less than thrilled about the next team member.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
And this is my grandson, Willy—
WILLY
(pithy)
It's William!
WHITMORE
Unfortunately, William's only
expertise to this point has been his
ability to live off my money!
Willy smiles, throws an arm around Milo.
WILLY
Dear old granddad. He thinks this
ridiculous venture will make a man of
me. Little does he realize I'm simply
biding my time, awaiting my
inheritance. I'm the last of the
Whitmores, you see.
WHITMORE
Wills can be rewritten, you little
twerp!
WILLY
Which is the only reason I've agreed
to go along on this— this— farce!
Blackmailed by my own flesh and
blood!
Willy strides off somewhere to pout. Milo looks at Whitmore.
WHITMORE
(shrugs)
What can I say? He's family.
Someone in the back clears his throat.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
And last but by no means least, the
leader of our little venture, Mr.
Rourke!
The crowd parts somewhat fearfully and ROURKE comes forward.
Tall, square-jawed and charismatic, he too has an affinity
for cigars.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
(whispers)
His résumé reads like a dime store
adventure novel!
Rourke's shadow falls across Milo.
ROURKE
Welcome aboard!
Rourke shakes Milo's hand, practically crushing it!
MILO
(wincing)
Thank you.
Rourke sizes Milo up, removes his cigar, spits.
ROURKE
We've been on this tin can long
enough, Whitmore! When are you gonna
come clean with our destination?
WHITMORE
As you wish!
Whitmore rolls across to a large map of the Atlantic Ocean
hanging from one wall. He picks up a pointer as the others
crowd forward.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
According to legend, the entrance to
the underworld is guarded by a
horrible leviathan! Located above
ground in the shepherd's time, it has
long since vanished beneath the sea!
It is here-
Whitmore uses the pointer to indicate a general area on the
map.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
—in this region of the North Atlantic
that countless ships have
mysteriously gone missing over the
centuries -- victims, I believe, of
the leviathan!
A MURMUR ripples through the explorers.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
A frigate disappeared in the area
just last week, the last known
coordinates of which we are steaming
towards at this very moment! Any
questions?
Whitmore jams his cigar back in his mouth, eyes blazing!
38 EXT. NORTH ATLANTIC - NIGHT
Whitmore's freighter continues to plow through heavy seas!
39 INT. BRIEFING ROOM - NIGHT
Whitmore removes the 'Shepherd's Journal' from a leather
satchel and hands it over to Milo who is standing before the
others. Milo nervously opens the journal, clears his throat
and begins translating.
MILO
(with difficulty)
This first part appears to be a
warning: 'Beware the four
challenges... earth... wind... fire
and water'.
(ponders)
Four challenges...
WHITMORE
(impatient)
Read on!
MILO
(halting)
'Guard these pages well. Herein lies
a map, the heart of thy journey; and
mine words, thy life's blood. Heed
them. For there is but one way to
reach the Land of Eternal Light...
and a thousand ways—
Milo stops abruptly, grows pale.
MILO (cont'd)
—to perish...'
Milo slowly looks up from the journal. The team members look
amongst themselves, uneasy. The moment is broken by the
abrupt sound of the SHIP'S WHISTLE!!
WHITMORE
We're there!
Everyone leaps into action! Whitmore grabs the Shepherd's
Journal and returns it to the satchel!
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Thatch! Come with me!
Milo follows Whitmore out of the briefing room!
40 EXT. FREIGHTER - NIGHT 40
A ten-ton anchor drops with a SPLASH into the ocean!
41 INT. FREIGHTER - NIGHT 41
Milo follows Whitmore down a passageway toward a brightening
light and the sound of machinery and increased activity.
The pair emerge on a catwalk high above an enormous cargo
hold deep in the bowels of the freighter. Below them, all
activity is centered around an ironclad whale-shaped
SUBMARINE that will carry the explorers to the ocean floor
in search of the entrance to the underworld!
MILO
Wow...
WHITMORE
(proudly)
Isn't she beautiful? Designed her
myself! Titanium hull, twin thirtyfoot
iron-clad propellers,
observation deck -- highly
experimental but completely safe!
Somehow Milo is not convinced. The sub is actually floating
on the ocean via a giant hole cut into the bottom of the
ship. She's being worked on right up to the last minute.
Riviters and welders crawl across her hull. A team of divers
inspect the twin propellers. Cargo is being loaded. Milo's
eyes focus on the symbol painted on the side of the sub --
the giant A from the cover of the journal. He can't help but
be swept up in the excitement and anticipation! Whitmore
looks down on all the activity, his chest swelling with
pride.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Twenty long years I've waited for
this!
He jams his cigar in his mouth—
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Let's go have a look!
Milo follows Whitmore along the catwalk, staring down in awe
at all the 'dock-side' activity.
42 INT. CARGO HOLD - NIGHT 42
Whitmore is leading Milo across the deck of the cargo hold
toward the sub when they are suddenly accosted by a
whiskered old man wearing cowboy boots, a sourdough hat and
a pair of six guns!!
COOKIE
Who's the egg suckin' chicken
stealin' varmint in charge of dry
goods around here??
WHITMORE
Is there a problem, Cookie?
COOKIE
Yer darn tootin' there's a problem! I
ordered three hundred pounds of chili
beans!
Cookie shoves a requisition slip under Whitmore's nose.
COOKIE (cont'd)
I got beans all right -- three
hundred pounds of lima beans! Real
men don't eat lima beans!! And what
about my lard!? Cain't make biscuits
without lard!
WHITMORE
I'll have someone look into it.
A sudden commotion near the sub! TWO SAILORS are trying to
lead a stubborn PACK MULE across a ramp into the sub's cargo
hold! The mule suddenly goes berserk, bellowing and kicking
up her heels! Both men are knocked sideways off the ramp
into the water! Cookie busts a gut!
COOKIE
(to Milo)
Now there's a lesson fer ya, sonny
boy -- always approach a mule the way
a porcupine makes love: slow and
keerful!
(MORE)
(shouts to the mule)
COOKIE (cont'd)
Hang on, Gertie! I'm a comin'!
Cookie hightails it over to the mule!
WHITMORE
That's one tough old piece of
rawhide! Cooked for Custer's outfit
during the Little Bighorn campaign!
Consider him your good luck charm!
MILO
(confused)
But Mr. Whitmore, Custer was
massacred.
WHITMORE
Not on an empty stomach, he wasn't!
Whitmore jams his cigar home and rolls away. Milo follows.
43 EXT. SUBMARINE - NIGHT 43
Whitmore and Milo reach the submarine just as a team of
divers are hoisted from the water. They are helped out of
their cumbersome diving suits and bell-shaped helmets. The
lead diver's helmet is removed, revealing a familiar cascade
of platinum blonde hair -- Helga! Whitmore notices the
surprised look on Milo's face.
WHITMORE
As you can see, Helga does more than
monitor my blood pressure. She will
accompany you on the expedition and
see to your every need.
Helga approaches in a skin-tight wet suit that leaves little
to the imagination.
HELGA
All systems are operational. Ready
for immediate departure.
WHITMORE
Splendid!
(looks at Milo)
Well? Don't just stand there, Thatch!
You heard the woman! Go get changed!
Helga and Whitmore watch as Milo hurries away toward
numerous stacks of empty crates piled at the far end of the
dock.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
I'm counting on you, my dear. Don't
let him out of your sight! He may be
the weakest link in our chain but
without Milo Thatch there is no
expedition!
HELGA
Don't worry. I'm on him like a wet
blanket.
Helga folds her arms and delivers a sultry smile. Whitmore
notices Rourke and the Great Zoltan waiting together on the
sub.
WHITMORE
I'll be right back.
Whitmore crosses a ramp and joins Rourke and the psychic.
Helga watches the three disappear inside the sub...
44 INT. DOCK - NIGHT
Milo is changing into his team uniform behind the stacks of
empty crates. He suddenly notices something moving beneath
his discarded shirt. He lifts one end—
MILO
Plato! What are you doing here??
Milo picks up his pet rat, happy to see a familiar 'face'.
They nuzzle one another.
MILO (cont'd)
Stowaway, is that it?
Milo looks around, spots several fierce-looking ship RATS
crouched nearby, giving Plato the evil eye.
MILO (cont'd)
Well you can't stay here. Looks like
we're in this together. Besides,
every expedition needs a mascot. Even
one as crazy as this...
Milo slips Plato into the breast pocket of his uniform.
Something catches his eye. Milo peeks through a space in the
stack of crates.
45 MILO'S POV - THE SUBMARINE
A huge glass observation deck built into the nose of the
sub. Three figures are seen standing together, looking out
at the operations. It's Whitmore, Rourke and Zoltan. They
are involved in a heated discussion. Zoltan is pacing and
angrily waving his arms about! Rourke shouts, jabbing his
finger in the psychic's face! Whitmore rolls between the
two, separating them! He has words with both, then hands
Rourke the satchel containing the Shepherd's Journal.
HOLD CLOSE on Milo...
QUICK CUT:
46 AN EXPENSIVE BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE
is smashed against the hull of the submarine! Cheers go up!
Whitmore turns to his assembled team of explorers and crew
members.
WHITMORE
Ladies and gentlemen, the moment
we've all been waiting for is at
hand! I won't bore you with another
speech! I only wish I was twenty
years younger so I could join you!
Laughter! CAMERA PANS amongst the faces; some eager; some
hesitant; some annoyed (Willy). End on Milo.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
I'm proud of each and every one of
you! Let nothing stand in the way of
success! I anxiously await your
signal and the coordinates for our
rendezvous point! Good luck and God
bless!
Whitmore motions to a small BRASS BAND which immediately
strikes up a rousing number! The team members file past
Whitmore, pausing to shake his hand before crossing the ramp
and boarding the sub. It's Milo's turn.
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Thatch! Don't look so glum! You're
going to be famous! The man who
discovered Atlantis!!
Whitmore claps Milo on the back, sending him forward onto
the ramp! As Milo approaches the submarine, Plato pokes his
head out. They both look around, gulp—
MILO
(quietly)
What have I gotten us into??
Milo disappears into the sub...
47 INT. CARGO HOLD - NIGHT
Warning bells sound! Red lights flash! Deck hands race to
and fro! The hatch on the sub is closed and latched!
48 INT. CATWALK - NIGHT
High above the action, Whitmore watches as the last cables
are released! The submarine immediately begins to submerge.
Whitmore watches his pride and joy disappear into the deep
blue, tears welling in his eyes...
WHITMORE
(quietly)
Godspeed, voyagers. Godspeed...
The submarine disappears in a gush of bubbles...
49 EXT. OCEAN (UNDER WATER) - NIGHT
The submarine disengages from the freighter and begins its
descent toward the ocean floor!
50 INT. SUBMARINE - NIGHT
The sub is buzzing with activity! Milo wanders around,
feeling lost and out of place.
ROURKE (OS)
Thatch!
Milo turns to find Rourke looming over him!
ROURKE
You're under my command now! Do your
job and we'll get along! Screw up and
I'm all over your butt like a
junkyard dog, understand?
MILO
What exactly is my job, sir?
ROURKE
For the time being it consists of
staying outta the way! Think you can
handle that?
MILO
(salutes)
Without question, sir!
ROURKE
Good!
Rourke pinches the hot coal off his cigar, jams the spent
butt into Milo's breast pocket before marching on! Milo
watches him go. Plato suddenly pokes his head out of the
breast pocket, coughing and sputtering and reeling from the
smoldering cigar!
51 EXT. OCEAN - NIGHT 51
The submarine continues its descent into the dark, frigid
depths of the North Atlantic. The HELMSMAN continuously
shouts out depth readings.
HELMSMAN (OS)
Six thousand feet... Sixty-five
hundred... Seven thousand...
52 INT. SUBMARINE (OBSERVATION PORT) - NIGHT 52
Milo and some of the other team members are standing before
the huge observation port, staring out into the dark waters.
A huge ominous shadow swims past.
AUDREY
What was that?
Vinny takes the opportunity to put his arm around her.
VINNY
Don't worry my little buttercup. I'm
here to protect you.
AUDREY
Oh yeah? And who's gonna protect you?
Audrey drops her heavy toolbox right on his foot! Vinny
howls and hops away! The helmsman's VOICE sounds over the
intercom—
HELMSMAN
Nine thousand feet! Bottom dead
ahead! All stop! All stop!
The sub slows its descent. Milo and the others peer out into
the blackness.
AUDREY
It's so dark! How can they tell where
they're going?
MILO
Sonar.
At that moment, numerous spotlights located along the
perimeter of the sub's hull flash on, lighting up a strange
and never-before-seen·world! Audrey looks at Milo.
MILO (cont'd)
(embarrassed)
Or a bunch of big lights...
The explorers stare out into an eerie undersea world filled
with jagged peaks and deep, canyon-like trenches. Strange
sea creatures swim past the porthole.
HELMSMAN (OS)
All ahead slow!
53 EXT. OCEAN BOTTOM - NIGHT
The sub begins a methodical exploration of the ocean bottom.
Spotlights arc out ahead of the craft, searching for the
entrance to the underworld.
54 INT. SUBMARINE (OBSERVATION PORT) - NIGHT
Milo suddenly points to something dead ahead!
MILO
Look!
The others crowd forward, straining to see!
MOLIERE
(squinting)
Where? Where?
55 THEIR POV
A spotlight sweeps across the hull of a sunken ship! Then
another! And another!
COOKIE
(os)
What in tarnation...
56 EXT. OCEAN BOTTOM - NIGHT
The submarine has entered a vast graveyard of sunken ships!!
Boats from all time periods -- Spanish galleons, frigates,
merchant ships, man of wars, ocean liners, whalers,
trawlers, corsairs -- whole or in part -- whose skeletal
remains are scattered across the ocean floor!
57 INT. SUBMARINE (OBSERVATION PORT) - NIGHT
Milo and the others gape in silence at the mass destruction!
A spotlight suddenly illuminates a fierce Dragon's head!
Everyone jumps back! Cookie draws his six shooters! Sweet
quickly puts his hands over the guns—
SWEET
Whoa there, pardner. Not so fast...
The dragon turns out to be a carving on the bowsprit of a
familiar-looking Viking longboat! Not far away, a skeleton
lies in repose, still grasping a barnacle encrusted broad
axe...
WILLY
One of grandad's former tax
collectors, no doubt.
A huge luxurious ocean liner looms into view. A spotlight
sweeps across the ship's hull and her name—
EVERYONE
The Titanic!??
58 EXT. SHIP GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
The submarine glides past the infamous ocean liner, resting
on the bottom in pristine shape!
MRS. PACKARD (OS)
The newspapers said it hit an
iceberg!
MILO (OS)
Look at that—!
MOLIERE
(squinting)
What? What?
The sub's spotlight sweeps across the ship's hull and a
series of gashes that can only be described as claw marks!
AUDREY (OS)
This place is giving me the willys!
WILLY (OS)
It's William!!
AUDREY (OS)
Sorry...
59 INT. SUBMARINE (OBSERVATION PORT) - NIGHT
One of the spotlights picks up some movement ahead!
SWEET
There! That ship just ahead! It's...
moving.
MOLIERE
(squinting)
Where? Where?
Everyone stares! Something huge is rising up in front of the
sub!
MILO
(growing dread)
That's no ship...
Milo's right! A MONSTROUS LEVIATHAN raises up from its
resting place amid the rubble!! It looms forward from the
shadows, dwarfing the submarine!!! An ALARM sounds! Battle
stations are called!! Everyone scrambles away! Milo stares
at the approaching monster, frozen in his tracks! A HAND
suddenly clamps down on his shoulder!
MILO (cont'd)
(jumps)
AH!
Milo turns. It's Helga.
HELGA
Come with me!
Helga yanks him OUT OF FRAME! Moliere is left squinting out
the observation port.
MOLIERE
(angry)
What's all the fuss? I don't see a
thing!
60 INT. SUBMARINE - NIGHT
Helga drags Milo along a crowded passageway as the crew
scrambles to battle stations! Suddenly—
COOKIE
Outta my way, sodbuster!
Cookie appears hauling a large kettle!
COOKIE (cont'd)
Only one way to deal with this
overgrown crawdad -- melted butter,
lemon wedges and plenty o' napkins!
61 EXT. SHIP GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
The leviathan delivers a crushing blow to the sub's hull
with one of its giant claws!!
62 INT. SUBMARINE - NIGHT
The sub is rocked hard! Milo and Helga are slammed against
the gunwale! Sparks fly! Men SHOUT! Confusion reigns
supreme! Rourke suddenly ste~s forth from a cloud of smoke,
cigar jammed in the side of his mouth, cool as a cucumber.
ROURKE
Whadaya say, boys! Let's give this
crustacean a fight! Man the subpods!!
Milo turns to Helga.
MILO
What's a sub—
Before he can finish, Helga shoves Milo into a vertical
tube-like opening that has suddenly appeared in the floor!
MILO (cont'd)
AHH—!
Milo slides down the tube and is deposited in the back seat
of a two-man subpod! Helga slides into the front seat!
HELGA
Strap yourself in!
As Helga buckles her shoulder harness—
MILO
(panicked)
I can't do this! I'm claustrophobic!
I won't be able to breathe!
Up on the helm, a deck hand shouts to Rourke
DECK HAND
Subpods are manned sir!
The sub takes another smashing blow from the leviathan!
ROURKE
FIRE WHEN READY!!
63 INT. SUBPOD - NIGHT
Helga braces herself.
HELGA
Hold on!
MILO
This wasn't part of my job descrip—
AHHHHHHHH!!!!
The subpod is suddenly launched forward at a tremendous
velocity!!
64 EXT. SUBMARINE - NIGHT
The leviathan attempts to crush the hull of the sub with one
of its giant claws! Suddenly, a half dozen subpods are
deployed, shot out of torpedo tube-like openings in the
hull!
65 INT. SUBMARINE (HELM) - NIGHT
Rourke slips head phones over his ears, grabs a hand mike—
ROURKE
Mrs. Packard! Patch me through to the
subpods!
Mrs. Packard is sitting at a switchboard, cigarette dangling
from her lip!
MRS. PACKARD
(operator voice)
One moment please—
She plugs several patch cords into the switchboard!
MRS. PACKARD (cont'd)
Go ahead, caller.
Rourke turns and directs the subpod attack from the
observation deck via radio!
66 EXT. SUBMARINE - NIGHT
The subpods converge on the horrible sea beast as it
continues to attack the main sub! A rousing undersea battle
ensues!! The subpods are equipped with spotlights and armed
with harpoons and torpedoes! Under Rourke's direction, they
attack the leviathan from all angles! Torpedoes are
launched! Harpoons are shot! Both have little effect on the
creature!
67 INT. SUBPOD - NIGHT
Helga guides the subpod in for a close shot! She fires her
harpoons which glance harmlessly off the creature's 'armor'!
Milo is beside himself!
MILO
I was wrong! I don't want adventure!
I want routine! I want ordinary! I
want my boiler!!
A subpod beside them is suddenly grabbed by one of the
creature's claws and crushed! It EXPLODES!!
68 INT. SUBMARINE (HELM) - NIGHT 68
The main sub takes another blow!!
DECK HAND
Sir! She can't take much more!
Another blow from the creature sends water gushing into the
main corridor! Men are washed away like rag dolls! Rourke
hangs on to a railing, shouts orders!
69 EXT. SUBMARINE - NIGHT
The leviathan has the upper claw in this battle! We watch as
another subpod is destroyed! A third is knocked for a loop
and sent spinning off into oblivion!
70 INT. SUBPOD - NIGHT
Helga sets her jaw and maneuvers into position! Milo leans
forward—
MILO
I guess nursing school fell somewhere
between naval weaponry training and
the Marines!
Helga gives Milo a smack on the forehead with her free hand!
MILO (cont'd)
Oww!
While Milo is rubbing his head, he fails to notice Plato
venture forth from his pocket and scurry forward!
71 EXT. LEVIATHAN - NIGHT
The subpod approaches the massive head of the beast! The
leviathan swipes at it and misses!
72 INT. SUBPOD - NIGHT
Helga places her thumb on the torpedo firing mechanism!
HELGA
Just a bit closer...
MILO
(eyes closed;
praying)
...and I'm sorry for spying on cousin
Betty when she was changing...
Helga's nearly in position! She suddenly glances over and
sees Plato sitting up beside her, watching the action! She
SCREAMS and begins flailing madly about, trying to swat
Plato! The subpod spins wildly out of control!!
MILO (cont'd)
(yells)
What's wrong??
HELGA
(terrified)
There's a RAT in here!!!
Milo checks his empty breast pocket, looks up—
MILO
Plato!
73 EXT. LEVIATHAN - NIGHT
The subpod is careening right toward the mouth of the
leviathan and a pair of crushing jaws!!!
74 INT. SUBMARINE - NIGHT
Rourke sees what is happening. He shouts into the radio—
ROURKE
Pod Six! Pull out!
75 INT. SUBPOD - NIGHT
Helga is overwrought! Milo grabs her arms!
MILO
Will you calm down!
HELGA
I hate rats!! They live in sewers!
They carry diseases!
Plato pops up between Helga's legs! Helga SCREAMS! She swats
hysterically at Plato who ducks and scrambles away!!
MILO
Don't hurt him!
Helga continues her frantic attack! Meanwhile, the subpod is
about to be crushed in the leviathan's jaws! Rourke's
frantic VOICE booms over the loudspeaker—
ROURKE (OS)
PULL OUT!! PULL OUT!!
Helga swats and misses Plato but accidentally hits the
firing mechanism -- torpedoes away!!
76 EXT. LEVIATHAN - NIGHT
The two torpedoes make a miraculous shot -- right down the
throat of the beast!!
Twin explosions stagger the creature!!
A chain reaction series of larger explosions erupt
throughout the leviathan's body, ultimately bringing the
beast crashing down where it lies strewn across the ocean
floor!!
77 INT. SUBPOD - NIGHT
Milo has managed to capture Plato. He holds him up for Helga
to see, strokes him.
MILO
You see? He's perfectly harmless.
Helga is scrunched up in the far corner of the subpod!
HELGA
Keep that- that- thing away from me!
Milo looks out the window of the subpod at the remains of
the defeated leviathan.
MILO
Let's hope that was the 'water'
challenge.
(suddenly takes a
closer look)
Wait a second...
Milo stares at the leviathan's body, startled by what he
discovers—
MILO (cont'd)
It's a machine!
Helga looks as well. sure enough, the legendary sea monster
is the product of some unknown advanced technology, built by
someone or something to keep trespassers away...
HELGA
Look there!
Just beyond the leviathan, in the center of the ship
graveyard, lies a yawning chasm in the ocean floor leading
down into the dark unknown!
MILO
(staring)
Just like the shepherd described...
78 INT. SUBMARINE (LATER) - NIGHT
Everyone is collected on deck, awaiting the damage report.
Rourke nods toward Helga.
ROURKE
Nice shooting. For a dame.
Helga gives Milo a sidelong glance. A DECK HAND appears, out
of breath—
DECK HAND
Damage report, sir! Main thrusters
inoperable and in need of immediate
repairs! If we don't surface now, we
may never be able to!
Milo collapses into a chair.
MILO
Thank God...
Rourke lights his cigar, looks at all the expectant faces.
ROURKE
(calmly)
Helmsman -- proceed into the opening.
Milo leaps out of the chair!
MILO
Are you crazy??
Nobody moves.
ROURKE
(to the helmsman)
You heard me, sailor. Ahead slow.
Milo marches up to Rourke, taking temporary leave of his
senses!
MILO
That's it! I've had it! Fighting
mechanical sea monsters is one thing!
But this is the last straw! I want
this tub turned around and I want it
turned around NOW!
WILLY
(stepping forward)
I'm with Milo!
Rourke yanks out his pistol and points it right between
Milo's eyes, cocking the trigger!
ROURKE
(snarls)
We're not goin' anywhere but straight
into that hole!
WILLY
(immediately)
I'm with Rourke!
Helga steps in and knocks the pistol away, pulls Milo to
safety!
HELGA
That's enough!
ROURKE
(growls at Helga)
Keep your little bookworm outta my
face, understand?
(turns; shouts)
Helmsman! You have your orders!
Rourke jams his cigar home and fires Milo a wilting look!
79 EXT. OCEAN FLOOR - NIGHT
The submarine limps forward and descends into the gaping
hole in the bottom of the sea. There's no turning back now.
Down, down, down she floats, deeper than any man-made craft
has ever gone!
80 INT. SUBMARINE - NIGHT
The helmsman shouts out the numbers
HELMSMAN
Ten thousand feet!... eleven
thousand!... twelve thousand!
The hull of the sub begins to CREAK and GROAN from the
tremendous pressure!
HELMSMAN (cont'd)
...thirteen thousand!... fourteen
thousand!
Rivets pop and zing around the inside like bullets!
HELMSMAN (cont'd)
...fifteen thousand!... sixteen
thousand—
Someone shouts—
CREW MEMBER
She's coming apart!!
Milo's eyes are wide as saucers! Everyone stands waiting for
the inevitable! Willy throws his arms around Sweet—
WILLY
(sobs)
WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!!
Only Rourke seems unaffected in the face of certain death!
And then, just before the hull cracks open like an eggshell,
an amazing thing begins to happen -- the pressure begins to
decrease!
HELMSMAN
...seventeen thousand!... eighteen
thousand!
It lessens further and further!
DECK HAND
Pressure rapidly decreasing, sir! If
I didn't know better I'd say we were
ascending!
HELMSMAN
...nineteen thousand!... twenty
thousand feet!
Confused looks amongst the crew -- 'what's happening?', etc.
CREW MEMBER
(pointing)
Look!
Everyone crowds into the observation port! It's getting
lighter out! They are ascending! But how??
81 INT. HUGE CAVERN - ????
The submarine suddenly surfaces on a lake deep inside the
earth!! A hatch is popped and Rourke, Helga, Milo and the
others peer out onto a strange new world. Willy suddenly
realizes that his arms are still wrapped around Sweet! He
quickly lets go and immediately assumes his snooty air.
WILLY
(to sweet)
For godssakes -- show some backbone!
The explorers are in a huge, expansive cavern, the ceiling
of which is shrouded in a mysterious thick fog that emits an
eerie phosphorous glow.
AUDREY
Where are we??
Peering into the dark recesses, they are startled by the
HORRIBLE SCREECH of some winged creature that soars past
overhead, hidden in the fog!
ROURKE
Thatch! Access to this is given on a
'need to navigate' basis! The rest of
the time it stays with me!
Rourke produces the ancient journal and shoves it in Milo's
hands.
ROURKE (cont'd)
Which way?
MILO
I suppose going back is not an
option.
Rourke glares.
MILO (cont'd)
I didn't think so...
Milo opens the journal and looks over the map while Rourke
holds a flashlight.
MILO (cont'd)
According to the map, there should be
a tunnel somewhere in this cavern...
SWEET
(pointing)
Like that one?
Everyone looks to where sweet is pointing. The submarine has
drifted toward shore. An ominous dark tunnel several stories
high looms out of the darkness, leading away into the earth!
MILO
(staring)
Like that one...
82 INT. TUNNEL STAGING AREA (LATER) - ????
The submarine has docked. Vehicles and equipment are being
unloaded and assembled in a staging area directly in front
of the giant tunnel -- the jumping off point for our team of
underworld explorers.
Milo and Plato wander through the staging area, gaping at
all the strange-looking vehicles and equipment, all
testaments to the Industrial Age revolution. There are
tarpaulin-covered supply vehicles, a water truck with a fire
hose, a huge corkscrew 'digger' machine designed for
tunneling, smaller troop transports for carrying the
explorers and even smaller two-man dune buggies for advance
scouting. There are also a proliferation of weapons, some
recognizable, some built specifically for the expedition.
Milo approaches a flatbed truck carrying a mysterious
sphere-shaped piece of cargo hidden beneath a canvas tarp.
Curious, he starts to lift the tarp in order to peek
underneath. A hand reaches in and slaps it down! It's
Rourke.
ROURKE
Looking for something?
MILO
No! I was just— uh— marveling at all
this—
(spreads his arms)
—canvas!
ROURKE
(warns)
I know your kind, Thatch --
troublemaker. I'm keeping a close eye
on you.
MILO
(backing away)
Good! Thank you! I know I went a
little bonkers on the sub but I'm
okay now! From here on out -- no
trouble! None! Zippo!
Suddenly, the air is filled with a HORRIBLE SHRIEK! A giant
flying pterodactyl-like creature swoops down out of nowhere
and scoops Milo up!!
MILO (cont'd)
AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
ROURKE
THATCH!
Rourke fires on the creature, causing it to drop Milo who
lands in the back of a supply vehicle, dazed but unhurt!
Within seconds, the air is swarming with the winged
intruders! The explorers find themselves under attack!!
ROURKE (cont'd)
TAKE COVER!!
Everyone scrambles for cover! The creatures swoop down out
of the fog, snatching several hapless crew members!!
Rourke and his men lay down fierce MACHINE GUN FIRE!!
Milo scrambles for cover just as another creature attacks!
He dives under the transport vehicle at the last second!!
In a panic, the crew of the submarine disembarks and makes a
run for it! The creatures swarm over the submarine,
attacking those left stranded on deck!!
Milo races to the water's edge, motioning for them to stop—
MILO
NO! COME BACK! COME BACK!!
On the deck of the sub, sailors continue firing machine
guns! One pulls the pin on a grenade, prepares to throw it
when he's suddenly knocked to the deck by one of the
creatures!
The live grenade slips from his grasp and bounces along the
deck of the submarine -- right into the open hatch!!
Rourke, Milo, Helga and the others look on in horror as an
EXPLOSION rocks the submarine! Black smoke rises from the
hatch!
The disabled craft slowly sinks from sight as the winged
creatures return to their lairs high in the fog carrying
several SCREAMING CREW MEMBERS to their doom! The survivors
stand together on the lake shore, staring at the rising
bubbles left behind by the sub...
MILO (cont'd)
There goes our ride home...
SWEET
And half our supplies...
MRS. PACKARD
(coughs)
And my cigarettes!
Everyone turns to stare at the old woman...
CUT TO:
83 THE SHEPHERD'S MAP
is splayed across the hood of the lead vehicle. Everyone is
crowded around. Milo is tracing their route.
MILO
Three challenges remain—
Milo points to three separate places on the map.
MILO (cont'd)
Earth... fire... and wind. That
should put us here—
(points)
—what Aziz refers to as the land of
Eternal Light. Atlantis...
SWEET
How far?
MILO
Hard to say. The map isn't to scale.
Could be two miles, could be two
thousand.
Rourke reaches in and scoops up the map!
ROURKE
Only one way to find out! Let's get
this show on the road!
QUICK CUT:
A BRIEF MONTAGE of men and women scrambling into position,
vehicles firing up, etc.
QUICK CUT:
ROURKE
strides up the line of vehicles! He climbs atop the lead
vehicle, a 'digger', and stands looking back along the line
of vehicles and men!
ROURKE (cont'd)
(shouts)
PREPARE TO MOVE OUT!
Helga and Milo are already aboard. Rourke takes his place,
looks at Milo-
ROURKE (cont'd)
Oh, almost forgot—!
Rourke reaches into Milo's pocket and grabs Plato!
MILO
Hey—!
He places the rat in a tiny cage mounted on the hood of the
'digger' before taking his seat!
ROURKE
Nobody rides for free!
(to the others)
Watch the rat for signs of poisonous
gas!
Plato gulps! Milo gulps! Rourke takes out a brand new cigar,
lights up, raises his arm and gives the signal!
84 WIDE - TUNNEL OPENING
The strange caravan of machines, heavily-armed men and
mammals (Gertie, the pack mule!) rumbles forward into the
dark tunnel! Huge spotlights mounted on several of the
vehicles light the way!
Cookie brings up the rear, riding atop an industrialized
prairie schooner pulled by a little mechanical contraption
that he constantly bullwhips and shouts obscenities at!
DISSOLVE TO:
85 TRAVELLING MONTAGE
The explorers gradually descend through a labyrinth of
caverns connected by a tunnel which acts as a kind of
superhighway to the inner world. All around, the strange
beauty of this subterranean world is revealed -- a world
rich in colorful rock formations, crystal-clear lakes and
streams and yawning chasms that seem to plunge away to
infinity and beyond!
Fingers remain on triggers at all times; eyes search the
shadows for any tell-tale signs of danger...
86 INT. GIGANTIC CAVERN
A tiny trail of lights marks their passage through a cavern
so awesomely huge that we almost forget we're underground!
87 INT. NARROW TUNNEL
A low ceiling with barely enough headroom for the convoy to
pass! Milo's knuckles are white as he grips his seat in the
throes of a bout of claustrophobia!
88 INT. TUNNEL OBSTRUCTION
A gigantic house-sized boulder is blocking the way! In the
lead vehicle, Rourke doesn't slow down! Milo's eyes grow
wide as saucers! Plato ducks! Just before impact, the
'digger's' corkscrew front whirs to life! The 'digger'
literally bores a hole clean through the boulder, clearing
the way for the others!
89 INT. FORK IN THE ROAD
The convoy has halted before a split in the road. Two
tunnels lead off in different directions. Milo is standing
out front with Rourke and Helga, consulting the Shepherd's
Journal. He closes the journal and confidently points down
the left tunnel. Rourke turns and signals! One of the dune
buggies roars ahead to scout! It races into the tunnel...
and right off the edge of a deep, bottomless chasm! The
occupants bail out just in time and climb to safety!
Everyone turns and stares at Milo who grimaces before
rechecking the journal, smiling sheepishly and pointing down
the other tunnel...
90 INT. ICE CAVERN
The explorers traverse a gigantic blue ice cave! Huge
stalactites hang from the ceiling! Icicles have formed on
all the vehicles! Milo sits shivering in his seat; Plato in
his cage as they pass beneath a sparkling thousand-foot
frozen waterfall!
Onward they push...
91 INT. TROPICAL CAVERN
Now the explorers battle stifling sub-tropical heat! Even
the vehicles are sweating as the explorers hack their way
through a thick, lush jungle of exotic vegetation! Strange
monkey-like creatures leap amongst the foliage high
overhead, chittering excitedly!
END MONTAGE
92 EXT. BLOCKED PASSAGE - LATER
The convoy has temporarily halted before a WALL OF ROCK
blocking their way. Everyone is gathered and watching
Moliere examine the obstacle. The Mole rubs some of the dirt
between his fingers, smells it, tastes it as if he were
judging a fine wine. He spits and turns to the others.
MOLIERE
Tectonic plate shift. Solid bedrock.
Take a week to drill through this,
maybe more. Depending on the
thickness.
The news is not encouraging. Rourke removes his cigar—
ROURKE
Vinny!
Vinny bobs and weaves his way to the front where Rourke is
standing!
VINNY
At your service!
ROURKE
Think you can blast through that?
Vinny smiles and rubs his hands together.
VINNY
Do little froggies have water-tight
bottoms??
QUICK CUT:
93 VINNY'S BEAT-UP VICTROLA
is placed on the hood of a vehicle and furiously wound! The
Victrola crackles and hisses, begins playing an Italian
Opera!
Vinny crawls across the wall of bedrock, setting dynamite
charge after dynamite charge, all the while singing at the
top of his lungs!
The explorers watch in utter amazement!
Vinny feeds out wire all the way back to where the others
are waiting! He connects them to a plunger just as the aria
reaches a crescendo! He turns to the others—
VINNY
Take cover, everyone!
Everyone scrambles for cover behind the vehicles! Vinny
winks at Audrey-
VINNY (cont'd)
This one's for you, my little
cupcake!
Vinny belts out the highest note of the aria, holding it for
what seems like an eternity... then pushes down on the
plunger!!
Nothing happens...
Everyone peeks out from their hiding places... Vinny slowly
stands, utterly amazed! He throws down his cap in disgust
and marches forward, shouting out a string of
incomprehensible Italian obscenities! He doesn't get very
far...
KA-BOOOOOOM!!!!!
Vinny is swallowed up by a swirling cloud of smoke and dust!
The others are knocked to the ground by the force of the
explosion! The vehicles are literally blown several feet
into the air!!
As the smoke clears and everyone gathers together, a lone
figure steps forward -- Vinny! His clothes are in tatters,
his face smudged black, his hair standing straight up! He
smiles at Audrey, delirious—
VINNY (cont'd)
Haven't lost my touch...
He pitches forward, out cold! Behind him, a tunnel opening
has been carved in the bedrock -- in the shape of a giant
heart!!!
MILO
(marvels)
He's good...
94 INT. HEART-SHAPED TUNNEL
The convoy pushes on. Vinny is being tended to by Sweet. He
winks at Audrey who fires him a frown and turns away. But as
she passes through the heart-shaped tunnel, we see that she
is secretly impressed...
95 INT. CAVERN (CAMP) - LATER
The explorers have made camp for the night. The vehicles are
parked in a circle. Inside the circle, tents have been
pitched and a bonfire lit.
96 CLOSE - A HANDWRITTEN SIGN
'Today's speshel'
BEANS!
Everyone is filing past the chuck wagon. Cookie is ladling
beans out of a cast-iron cooking pot. Milo takes his turn,
looks at the rather unappetizing lump on his plate.
COOKIE
(cackles)
Range cookin'! Make a man outta ya!
Learnt this here recipe offa Snappy
Jack down Abeline way! Got kilt in a
gunfight in Waco! Good cook; mighty
poor shot...
Milo moves away with his plate of beans, takes a seat near
the fire beside Plato who is still cage bound.
MRS. PACKARD (OS)
(cranky)
Outta my way!
Mrs. Packard stalks past with her dinner. She hasn't had a
cigarette in two days. Everyone gives her a wide berth. She
approaches several team members chatting away.
MRS. PACKARD
That's my seat!
Like a school yard bully, Mrs. Packard kicks sand in their
faces! The men scramble away -- fast! Mrs. Packard takes her
seat, grumbling and growling. Sweet is sitting near Milo.
SWEET
I normally have an aversion to vice.
But somebody better get that woman a
cigarette -- and fast!
Milo smiles. He shares his biscuit with Plato.
SWEET (cont'd)
Does he have a name?
MILO
(smiles)
Plato.
SWEET
(recites)
'He beat his breast and thus
reproached his heart:'
MILO
(finishes)
'Endure, my heart; far worse hast
thou endured...'
The two share a smile. Plato suddenly interrupts his meal to
sit up and sniff. Something foul is in the air... The
audible clink of silver on tin as the explorers continue
eating their beans. sweet notices Plato acting funny.
SWEET
Say, is your little friend all right?
Milo looks down. Plato is staggering around his cage, tiny
paws around his throat, gagging and choking! Everyone around
the campfire suddenly stops eating, stares at the rat!
Rourke's warning echoes in their ears -- 'Watch the rat for
signs of poisonous gases!' Various team members begin
sniffing the air! Everyone slowly looks down at their
plates...
QUICK CUT:
97 THE CAMPFIRE
The explorers have resumed their meal with one slight
modification -- everyone including Milo is now wearing a gas
mask!! Even Plato has wrapped a tiny handkerchief around his
nose!
Cookie walks into their midst lugging the cast-iron pot,
oblivious to the new head gear.
COOKIE
Okie-dokie! Who's ready fer seconds?
A tiny SCREAM OF TERROR emanates from Plato's cage...
98 INT. CAVERNS - ????
Our explorers are once again on the move. CROSS DISSOLVE
travelling scenes with MAP in the Shepherd's Journal
illustrating explorers' progress...
99 INT. PREHISTORIC CAVERN
We are looking at an otherworldly cavern filled with
bubbling superheated mud pots, geyser spouts and steam
vents. There doesn't appear to be safe passage. Milo
standing with the others, consulting the journal—
MILO
Challenge number two -- earth.
(looking up)
One wrong step and you're boiled,
steamed or dry cleaned.
As if on cue, a nearby geyser erupts!
ROURKE
Lead on, Thatch!
MILO
(quietly)
I was afraid he'd say that...
Everyone returns to their vehicles except Cookie-who stands
with Milo staring ahead.
COOKIE
If'n I was you, I'd be more keerful
than a neked man climbin' a bobwire
fence!
MILO
(gulps)
Well put, Mr. Cookie...
100 INT. PREHISTORIC CAVERN
Milo walks ahead of the convoy using the journal as a road
map. He is literally inches from death with every step. The
vehicles creep along at a snail's pace. Geysers continue to
erupt; thick bubbling rivers of superheated mud flow around
them, sometimes blocking their way.
The rear tire of one of the transport vehicles suddenly
slips off the track! It contacts the pyroclastic mud and
immediately bursts into flames! SCREAMS and SHOUTS as the
truck is sucked into the mud flow! The driver and his
passenger are unable to escape...
ROURKE
(shouts)
KEEP MOVING!!
Milo is sweating bullets! He's got to get them through
before there are more casualties! Suddenly, the ground
begins to rumble and shake! A HUGE GEYSER 1s threatening to
blow! They'll be wiped out!
ROURKE (cont'd)
THATCH! WHICH WAY??
MILO
I'M NOT SURE!
Milo furiously tries to decipher the safe route described in
the journal!
ROURKE
HURRY! DAMN YOU!!!
Milo's running out of time! Frustrated, he snaps the journal
closed and turns to the others—
MILO
FOLLOW ME!!
Milo races blindly ahead! Rourke and the others charge
after! Miraculously, they all reach safety just as the
geyser EXPLODES!!
Behind them, the entire cavern disappears in a thick cloud
of scalding steam!! They barely made it out alive...
Two of Rourke's men suddenly grab Milo, knocking his glasses
to the ground!
SOLDIER #1
You little weasel!
SOLDIER #2
You nearly got us killed!
The two men are about to deliver a royal butt-kicking when
Helga suddenly appears and dispatches both with a flurry of
karate kicks and chops!! She turns to the others—
HELGA
No one touches the bookworm, got it?
Rourke and Helga lock eyes. He's impressed.
WILLY
How do we know he's even leading us
in the right direction?
SWEET (OS)
Perhaps this will convince you.
Everyone turns. Sweet is holding an ancient wooden
shepherd's staff. It could only belong to one person—
MILO
Aziz ...
Everyone crowds forward and stares at the artifact.
SWEET
I found it sticking out of those
rocks. Like a sign post.
ROURKE
Let's move out!
Everyone scrambles back to their vehicles with new found
enthusiasm! Helga grabs Milo by the arm—
HELGA
Try and stay out of trouble for five
minutes!
She marches him toward the lead vehicle!
101 INT. LAND BRIDGE - LATER
The explorers cross a natural stone bridge spanning a
bottomless chasm. On the far side, the armada rumbles to a
stop. Rourke, Milo and Helga climb down and walk slowly
forward, staring. They are joined by the others.
MILO
(staring in awe)
Incredible...
102 REVERSE - A GIANT STONE BUST
juts up from the earth at an odd angle beside the tunnel
entrance! Milo steps forward, raises a hand to touch the
relic carved in the likeness of a strange God.
MILO
(full of wonder)
The old man was right...
Milo turns to the others, excited—
MILO (cont'd)
We're on the trail to Atlantis!
MRS. PACKARD
(grumpy)
Nice going, Sherlock! Where did you
think we were headed? Cleveland??
Several of the others snicker, then laugh. Soon everyone
joins in, including Milo. It is a much-needed moment of
levity.
AUDREY
Hey, look!
Audrey is pointing at the statue. Several small points of
light have emerged from the hollow mouth opening and buzz
around Milo's head!
MILO
Fireflies!
The fireflies do a little dance, weaving light trails in the
air around Milo's head!
AUDREY
They're so cute!
Milo holds up his hand. One of the fireflies lands on his
palm and immediately bursts into a tiny flame!!
MILO
OW—!
Milo quickly swats out the fire (and the firefly!)! The
other firefly makes a mad dash back into the statue from
whence it came!
WILLY
(claps his hands;
snidely)
Bravo. The challenge by fire has been
met and conquered by our intrepid
guide.
MILO
(slowly)
I don't think so...
Milo is staring at the statue. Its eyes, mouth and nose
begin to glow! Milo backs away! The glow grows brighter and
brighter!
AUDREY
(scared)
What's happening??
ROURKE
Whatever it is, it ain't good...
Suddenly, a bazillion fireflies come pouring out of the
statue!! They swarm toward the explorers!!!
COOKIE
RUUUUN!!!
The explorers scramble back to their vehicles, swatting and
flailing at the fireflies! Tiny flames spring up wherever
the bugs make contact! The vehicles begin backing up across
the stone bridge! Halfway across, the lead vehicle bursts
into flames, blocking their retreat! Several of the team
members' clothes are in flames! They leap SCREAMING off the
bridge into the bottomless chasm! A second supply truck
bursts into flames -- then EXPLODES!! Total chaos!!
Milo is battling the insect horde! His shirt is on fire! He
suddenly notices the water truck stalled on the bridge!
One of the team members is trying to man the fire hose but
bursts into flame and dives over the side into the chasm!
Milo makes a decision! He jumps from vehicle to vehicle,
right through a wall of flames, until he's standing on the
water truck! He grabs the fire hose, shouts to Moliere—
MILO
MOLIERE! HELP ME!!
Moliere braves the evil little fire bugs to crank the handle
on the water truck! Water gushes forth! Milo turns the hose
on himself, then the others! The water has an immediate and
lethal effect on the fireflies! Milo continues spraying
until all the fireflies are extinguished!
Moliere shuts off the water. Milo stands atop the water
truck, chest heaving. Smoke rises all around from the rubble
that used to be the caravan. Rourke strides up, checks the
water tank.
ROURKE
(angry)
Nice going, Thatch! You just
exhausted our water supply!
Rourke marches off, shouting orders to 'move out'! Moliere
squints up at Milo.
MOLIERE
Sacré bleu! Even when you do
something right you screw up!
HOLD on Milo.
103 INT. TUNNEL ENTRANCE - LATER
The tattered remnants of the convoy rumbles past the statue
and ahead into the tunnel, leaving behind a smoking scrap
heap of vehicles and equipment... Many of the explorers are
now on foot.
DISSOLVE TO:
104 CLOSE - A PAGE IN THE SHEPHERD'S JOURNAL
An illustration of a huge tunnel opening shaped like the
head of a lion! The book is lowered and we find ourselves
staring at the real thing...
Milo is once again standing before the others.
MILO
Aziz refers to this as the cave of
Roaring Lions.
WILLY
(scoffs)
Surely there can't be lions down
here—
(glancing about)
Can there?
MILO
It's a riddle.
(ponders)
Roaring lions...
The Great Zoltan, who up until now has been a lurking
shadow, steps forward toward the 'lion' cave, staring as if
in a trance. He slowly raises his arms, suddenly begins
twisting and contorting!
VINNY
What's with him??
COOKIE
Don't blame me! He ain't et a thing
I've cooked!
Zoltan continues to convulse as if his body were being taken
over by some unseen power! He suddenly stops, turns calmly
to the assembled explorers and speaks in a totally different
voice—
ZOLTAN/RAMTHA
I am Ramtha, warrior King of
Atlantis!
WILLY
Yeah, and I'm Kaiser Wilhelm!
ROURKE
Zip it, Herr Twerp!
Willy shrinks back!
ZOLTAN/RAMTHA
Heed my warning! Go back! Before it's
too late! Should you insist on
continuing—
The warrior king's voice suddenly changes to that of a
huckster!
ZOLTAN/RAMTHA (cont'd)
—be sure and visit Ramtha's Sandal
Shop! Downtown Atlantis, just two
blocks from the Royal Palace! Any
size -- made to order! We use only
the finest quality hemp! Drop in for
a free fitting!
Zoltan begins to convulse and contort once again as he takes
back control of his body! Zoltan grabs his turban with both
hands, steadies himself. He looks at the others, dazed—
ZOLTAN
W-what happened?
WILLY
Nice going, oh Great One. You just
got us a discount on Atlantean
footwear!
The Great Zoltan glares at Willy, collects himself and
marches off. Meanwhile, Milo has been perusing the pages of
the Shepherd's Journal.
MILO
That's odd...
SWEET
What is it?
MILO
The last few pages are missing.
Rourke snatches the journal from Milo, snaps it closed!
ROURKE
Okay, let's move out!
CUT TO:
105 INT. CAVE OF ROARING LIONS - LATER
The convoy moves slowly into the cavern. Milo leads the way,
journal in hand. Everyone keeps their ears and eyes open for
any sign of trouble. Halfway through, Milo stops.
ROURKE
What is it, Thatch?
MILO
Thought I heard something...
Rourke turns and signals for the others to kill their
engines. Everyone waits... and listens. From somewhere ahead
in the darkness comes a faint but distinct sound -- a sound
very similar to that of roaring lions! Rourke turns and
shouts—
ROURKE
Bring up the night vision scope! On
the double!
THREE MEN lift an odd looking contraption from the back of a
supply truck and hurry forward! Two of the men lift the
heavy helmet-like device and place it over the head of the
third!
ROURKE
What do you see?
The weight of the helmet sends the man reeling backward! He
lands with a heavy thud!
MAN IN HELMET
(muffled)
Stars...
ROURKE
Help him up!
The two men help their comrade up, point him in the right
direction.
106 POV - NIGHT VISION SCOPE
Scanning ahead we see that the cavern is empty ...
MAN IN HELMET (OS)
(muffled)
All clear, sir!
Smoke suddenly begins to fill the field of view!
MAN IN HELMET (OS) (cont'd)
(muffled)
Wait a minute! Fog, sir! Thick as pea
soup!
Everyone looks ahead into the cavern, somewhat confused.
ROURKE
What's he talking about? I don't see
any fog!
MAN IN HELMET
(panicked)
It's everywhere! I can't see!
Everyone turns to the man in the helmet -- thick smoke is
pouring out of the contraption!
ROURKE
Get that thing off him!!
While everyone jumps to assist, Milo steps ahead, listening.
The sound of 'roaring lions' has grown steadily in volume!
MILO
What is that?
Louder and louder, closer and closer! Suddenly, a slight
breeze ruffles Milo's hair. A look of recognition slowly
comes to his face! He turns to the others—
MILO (cont'd)
That's it! The roar of lions! He's
talking about wind!
On the word 'wind', all hell breaks loose!! A hurricane
force gale comes ROARING through the cavern like a freight
train!! The hapless explorers are blasted off their feet and
carried away! Trucks and vehicles follow!! The convoy is
blown tumbling into a giant wind tunnel!!
107 INT. WIND TUNNEL
The ROAR of the wind is deafening! Milo and the others are
carried on a wild airborne ride!! Trucks, equipment and
people swirl together through the tunnel at incredible speed
(think of it as skydiving -- sideways!)!!
Milo loses his grip on the Shepherd's Journal! It flies out
of his hand and away in a cloud of blowing debris!
MILO
NO!
Nearby, Vinny 'swims' through the air toward Audrey, extends
his hand—
VINNY
(shouts)
GRAB MY HAND!
AUDREY
(shouts back)
IN YOUR DREAMS!!
Moliere comes tumbling past! Cookie comes next, riding
Gertie the mule and waving his hat high above his head!
COOKIE
YEEEEEE-HAWWWWWWW!!!!!!
The entire ensemble is blown through the twisting and
winding tunnel! Sparks fly when metal comes in contact with
the smooth walls!! We're not sure whether we're upside down,
right side up or sideways! Everything is TOPSY-TURVY!
(AHHHHHHH!!!!)
The explorers are suddenly catapulted out of the wind tunnel
into an expansive cavern! They land sprawling on the soft
sandy floor! Their vehicles and equipment tumble down around
them! The ROARING WIND fades away just as suddenly as it
appeared...
108 INT. CAVERN
Everyone slowly rises to their feet, battered and dazed but
not seriously hurt. The same cannot be said for the supply
vehicles, however. Most are damaged beyond repair. A few
survived the wild ride intact, including the truck carrying
the strange sphere-shaped cargo. Rourke stalks through the
carnage!
ROURKE
Sweet! Take a head count! Find out
who's hurt!
SWEET
Yes, sir!
ROURKE
Audrey! Damage report -- five
minutes!
AUDREY
You got it!
ROURKE
Everyone else stay together!
Rourke marches over to where Milo is holding Plato and
frantically searching the ground!
ROURKE (cont'd)
Thatch! Where the hell are we?
MILO
I'm not sure exactly.
ROURKE
Whadaya mean you're not sure? Check
the journal!
Rourke is joined by Helga and the others.
MILO
I can't.
ROURKE
(booms)
Why not??
Milo looks down, shuffles his feet.
MILO
(sheepishly)
Because... I lost it.
ROURKE
You WHAT???
MILO
The wind! It slipped out of my hand!
The others gape!
VINNY
(slaps his head)
Mama mia! He lost it!
AUDREY
What are we going to do??
MOLIERE
No supplies, no water, no map—
MRS. PACKARD
(growls)
No cigarettes!
ROURKE
(looking around)
And no Atlantis...
COOKIE
We're worse off than a butt-ugly
woman trapped in a room full of
mirrors!
VINNY
(to Milo; angry)
Hey, what kind of guide are you??
Everyone glares at Milo! Willy steps forward, pointing!
WILLY
(panicked)
It's your fault! You got us into this
mess! Get us out!!
A chorus of agreement from the others! Sweet steps forward.
SWEET
Calm down! There's a chance the
journal is lying somewhere nearby. I
suggest we try and locate it.
ROURKE
Good thinking, Sweet! Spread out
everyone!
The explorers spread out and begin searching for the
journal. Helga gives Milo a last look.
HELGA
(disgusted)
I should have let them beat you up!
She joins the others. Milo feels terrible. He's let the
others down and he knows it. He turns and walks away...
109 INT. CAVERN
Milo wanders aimlessly from one cavern to the next. Plato
keeps him company.
MILO
It is my fault. I really fixed things
this time, Plato. All I wanted was a
little respect.
Plato gives him a look.
MILO (cont'd)
Okay, so the fame part didn't sound
so bad either. Now look at us...
(MORE)
MILO (cont'd)
(pets Plato)
Probably wish you'd stayed and taken
your chances with Jerkovich.
Plato nuzzles his friend. Milo enters a new cavern and finds
himself standing on the edge of a vast boreal forest! The
trees are somewhat stunted with thickly-crowned tops
reminiscent of African acacia trees.
MILO (cont'd)
Unbelievable...
Milo enters the forest, staring in wonder at the gnarled
trunks.
MILO (cont'd)
Trees that grow underground!
As Milo wanders through the forest, he hears a STRANGE
NOISE, like the purring of a cat. Sneaking ahead, he comes
to a small clearing. There in the middle, eating the leaves
from a small bush is a strange-looking four-legged CREATURE
resembling a goat! Milo stares, slowly moves forward from
his hiding place. The creature sees him and turns to run! To
Milo's surprise, the creature is wearing a small harness and
has been tied to the bush with a length of rope! It pulls at
the harness, BLEATS in terror as Milo approaches!
MILO (cont'd)
Don't worry, little fella. I'm not
going to hurt you.
Milo leans down and takes a closer look at the harness and
rope.
MILO (cont'd)
(shocked)
Somebody tied you here!
A sudden ROAR from nearby, guttural and mean! The 'goat'
becomes rigid with fear! Milo turns! Something HUGE is
crashing through the trees toward them! Into the clearing
steps a horrible CAVE BEAST, all claws and jaws! It sees
Milo and the 'goat', ROARS again! Saliva drips from its
savage mouth! It stalks forward, intent on devouring the
pair! Milo's eyes bulge! He turns to run! The beast strides
past the 'goat' (that we now realize was bait) in hot
pursuit of Milo!
A half dozen DARK FIGURES hiding in the crowns of the trees
circling the clearing suddenly rise up and begin flinging
arrows and spears at the cave beast!!
But the beast is already out of range! Their trap spoiled,
the shadow figures quickly climb down and give chase!
110 INT. ANOTHER CAVERN
Milo runs for his life! The cave beast is nearly upon him!
It delivers yet another bone-rattling ROAR!
111 INT. CAVERN
Rourke and the others have failed to locate the journal.
Rourke approaches Helga.
ROURKE
Where's the bookworm?
HELGA
I thought he was with you.
The two share a concerned look. Rourke turns and surveys the
cavern. Milo is nowhere to be found.
112 INT. ANOTHER CAVERN
The Cave Beast knocks Milo to the ground, looms over its
prey, ready to devour! It grabs Milo by one leg, hoists him
into the air! Milo SCREAMS!! A sudden WHOOSH! An arrow zips
past Milo and sticks in the side of the beast! The beast
HOWLS in pain! Another arrow buries in its shoulder! The
beast drops Milo as more arrows find their marks! Milo
scrambles away, slips on his glasses and turns to witness
the Cave Beast being driven away!! Milo stares in amazement!
A slice of light suddenly falls across the face of his
benefactor. Milo gasps! The face belongs to the most
beautiful woman he has ever seen! The two locks eyes for a
magical moment! A small amulet hanging around the woman's
neck begins to softly glow... With a quick and firm gesture,
the woman motions to other figures hiding in the shadows and
the hunting party steals away!
MILO
Wait! Who are you!?
Milo scrambles to his feet and gives chase!
113 INT. CAVERN FOREST
Rourke and the others are moving through the forest,
following Milo's trail!
Only a few vehicles remain operable: a small 'digger',
Cookie's chuck wagon and several transports including the
one carrying the sphere-shaped cargo! Rourke checks the
ground for sign, stands and motions the others—
ROURKE
This way!
114 INT. ANOTHER CAVERN
Milo is being led on a wild chase from one cavern to the
next! The shadow figures lead him into a narrow box canyon,
an apparent dead end! A brilliant light emanates from a
crack in the far end of the canyon wall! The shadow figures
disappear through the opening! Milo races forward! The light
grows brighter and brighter! He steps through an opening
just wide enough for a vehicle to pass through!
115 INT. LAND OF ETERNAL LIGHT
Milo has emerged onto a promontory overlooking a cavern of
epic proportions! There is light here of a picturesque
quality, like the 'magic hour' before sunset! A vast
underground sea stretches from horizon to horizon! A wide,
deep canyon encircles the perimeter of the cavern,
separating mainland and sea, from whose edges cascade
magnificent waterfalls that drop a thousand feet to the
canyon floor where rivers of molten lava convert the water
into steam clouds that in turn float skyward, lending an
ethereal atmosphere to the proceedings! But the biggest eyecatcher
of all remains the large island in the middle of the
sea on which resides the remnants of a once great
civilization—
MILO
(wide-eyed with
wonder)
The Land of Eternal Light.
Atlantis...
Plato suddenly warns that someone is approaching! Milo turns
just as Rourke, Helga and the others come stumbling through
the opening! All stop cold to stare at the magnificent sight
before them!!
HELGA
At last!
VINNY
(staring)
Like I said Milo, you're some
guide...
ZOLTAN
It's as I always pictured...
AUDREY
It's beautiful...
WILLY
Look!
Below, the mystery woman and her companions have reached the
edge of the canyon! They climb aboard 'skimmers' (small oneand
two-man stingray-shaped flying crafts) and soar out
across the opening and away over the sea toward the island!!
ROURKE
Who are they, Thatch?
MILO
They didn't introduce themselves. But
I suspect this is their home.
WILLY
(scoffs)
Impossible!
SWEET
(points toward the
island city)
That is impossible, my friend.
Meaning, anything's possible...
ROURKE
Let's see if we can find a way
across.
WILLY
(nervous)
Are you sure that's advisable? What
if they're not friendly?
ROURKE
Then we'll just have to rely on that
old Whitmore charm of yours. Move
out!
Rourke shoves Willy forward! Milo leads the others toward
the edge of the chasm.
The convoy now contains a fraction of the vehicles and men
that first started out. They've been through hell. But it
just may have all been worth it...
116 INT. CANYON EDGE
The convoy assembles on a large flat rock at the edge of the
canyon. The explorers peer over the edge at the river of
molten lava far below. Far out across the water, Atlantis
awaits.
ROURKE
Any ideas, Thatch?
MILO
Not unless somebody knows how to fly.
As if on cue, the ground beneath their feet begins to
tremble! SHOUTS of confusion!
COOKIE
What in tarnation??
MOLIERE
Hold on!
The flat rock they are on separates from the mainland! It is
actually a much larger version of the 'skimmers' we saw
earlier! And suddenly the explorers are airborne, soaring
over the canyon and out across the sea toward Atlantis,
powered by God-knows-what!!
ROURKE
(shouts)
No telling what kind of reception
we'll get! Stay alert! Keep your
weapons ready!
CUT BETWEEN the explorers' faces as they approach the island
city -- awestruck, even a bit fearful. The giant 'skimmer'
docks. There isn't a soul in sight. All is quiet.
ROURKE (cont'd)
Let's go.
Rourke clicks the safety off his machine gun.
ROURKE (cont'd)
Nice and easy like...
Rourke and Milo lead the convoy cautiously ahead into the
ancient city...
117 INT. CITY OF ATLANTIS
The explorers move through the remnants of a once great
city, the outskirts of which are overgrown with lush
vegetation. Everywhere there is evidence of a great
cataclysmic upheaval -- buildings are cracked and sheared
open, others stand at odd angles; giant pieces of stone
statuary lie scattered about, some in the shape of fish and
other sea creatures, others reminiscent of the giant stone
figures discovered on Easter Island. Not a soul is in sight
as the explorers move toward the city center.
Everyone moves slowly. Fingers remain on triggers. Milo
walks ahead, eyes filled with wonder! He is overwhelmed by
the majesty of the architecture.
MILO
According to legend, Atlantis
disappeared into the sea following a
great disaster. We're walking along a
street that hasn't seen the light of
day in over 15,000 years!
ROURKE
(looking skyward)
Not sunlight, anyway.
Rourke's right. The skies above the city glow with the
beautiful artificial light previously described. Where it
comes from is anybody's guess...
118 INT. CITY CENTER
Rourke halts the tattered convoy in a large square in the
city center. Still not a soul in sight.
COOKIE
(looking around)
Looks like them others hightailed it
outta here.
WILLY
(snide)
Probably got 'wind' of your cooking.
COOKIE
(drawing his
pistols)
You try bein' creative with three
hundred pounds o' lima beans!
ROURKE
Knock it off, you two! Thatch! What
do you make of it?
MILO
(looking around)
My guess is the inhabitants are shy,
peace loving people who in all
probability are scared to death of
us.
At that instant, a HUNDRED ATLANTEANS rise up from their
hiding places armed with bows, arrows, swords, spears, etc!
The explorers are completely surrounded!
MILO (cont'd)
(gulps)
...Or warlike savages who don't take
kindly to trespassers.
Several of the explorers raise their weapons!
ROURKE
Easy! Nobody makes a move unless I
say so!
The explorers hold their ground, guns held ready! The
Atlanteans stare silently at the strangers, more curious
than aggressive. They are an odd mixture of advanced culture
and savagery -- a once great super race of beings who have
'devolved' into a primitive group of hunter/gatherers.
Evidence of their culture abound, from the exotic clothes
they wear to the colorful tattoos that adorn their faces and
bodies, to the amulets hanging from their necks. But these
are mere links to a long forgotten past. These days,
survival is their main preoccupation.
A small group approaches the explorers, led by the beautiful
woman that saved Milo's life! She is accompanied by several
ornately uniformed 'guards' wielding 'man'o'war sticks'
(spears tipped with living man'o'wars!)! She stops before
the explorers, looking upon them with suspicion and
mistrust. She is even more beautiful in the light and it's
all Milo can do to steady himself!
PRINCESS
Who amongst you is King?
ROURKE
(hisses)
Talk to her, Thatch!
Rourke pushes Milo forward!
PRINCESS
You are King?
MILO
N-not exactly...
The woman gives him a questioning look.
MILO (cont'd)
(scrambling)
...but we bring greetings from our
King!
Rourke and the others nod. The woman considers this motley
crew. Then—
PRINCESS
(abruptly)
Come with me.
Rourke turns to the others—
ROURKE
(pointing)
You six -- front and center!
Willy, Zoltan, Sweet, Cookie, Audrey and Vinny step forward.
ROURKE (cont'd)
The rest stay here with the
equipment! And keep your cool!
Rourke, Milo, Helga and the others follow the woman and her
escorts away from the square. The rest stand surrounded by
the Atlantean warriors.
COOKIE
(calls back)
Steady, boys! Remember the Little Big
Horn!
Mrs. Packard walks brazenly up to one tattooed Atlantean—
MRS. PACKARD
(growls)
I suppose nobody around here smokes.
The Atlantean gawks, not understanding.
MRS. PACKARD (cont'd)
Just my luck...
119 INT. ROYAL PALACE
Rourke, Milo and the others are led into the Royal Palace, a
once grand hall whose walls cant at forty-five degree
angles, a result of the ancient disaster. They follow the
woman up a steep flight of stone steps to a rotunda where
more ornately uniformed guards await. The woman motions to
the explorers.
PRINCESS
Wait here.
She walks rotunda. The woman ahead and disappears inside an
antechamber off the Milo and the others gawk at their
surroundings. reappears and motions them forward.
PRINCESS (cont'd)
This way.
Milo, Rourke and the others follow the Princess inside the
antechamber.
120 INT. ANTECHAMBER
The explorers are brought before an ancient man with a wise
and gentle face seated on a throne decorated with abalone
shells -- the KING OF ATLANTIS! On either side of him stand
his ADVISORS, two short old men with long white beards who
constantly bicker. The King rises to his feet and stands
before the explorers holding a scepter whose crown contains
the same substance as the amulets worn by his people.
PRINCESS
My father, the King of Atlantis.
Zoltan suddenly steps forward, arms outstretched!
ZOLTAN
Ramtha!
The King looks at him a bit confused.
KING OF ATLANTIS
Uh... no.
ZOLTAN
(crestfallen)
No?
KING OF ATLANTIS
Sorry. I am King Solon.
Zoltan shrinks back amongst the others, embarrassed. Willy
snickers. Rourke whispers to Milo—
ROURKE
Tell him we come in peace! Tell him
we mean no harm!
Milo glances down at Rourke's machine gun, steps nervously
forward.
MILO
Greetings, Your Majesty. We come in
peace.
KING OF ATLANTIS
You have journeyed from above world?
MILO
Yes.
KING OF ATLANTIS
How is it you found your way?
MILO
A map. Drawn by—
Milo is interrupted by the King's Advisors.
FIRST ADVISOR
—Aziz!
SECOND ADVISOR
That nosey little shepherd!
FIRST ADVISOR
We told you he would bring trouble!
MILO
(aghast)
You knew Aziz?? How old are you?
KING OF ATLANTIS
My daughter was a little girl when
the shepherd visited my people.
Milo looks at the beautiful Princess, dumbstruck.
MILO
That was over three thousand years
ago!
KING OF ATLANTIS
Give or take a century. Tell me. What
are the state of affairs above world?
This question catches Milo off guard.
MILO
Actually, not very good, sir. There
is the threat of war.
Sadness comes to the King's face.
KING OF ATLANTIS
(shaking his head)
War... After all this time, man has
still not progressed beyond violence.
You see, war is what brought us below
world so very, very long ago.
MILO
How so, Your Majesty?
KING OF ATLANTIS
Come, I will show you.
The Princess steps forward, eyeing the explorers with
suspicion.
PRINCESS
Father? Do you think it wise?
The King considers her question for a moment. He turns to
his advisors.
KING OF ATLANTIS
Advisors? What say you?
FIRST/SECOND ADVISOR
(together)
Yes! / No!
The two advisors bring their heads together and discuss.
Their discussion becomes animated, then heated! Soon they
are in an all out brawl! The King turns to the explorers—
KING OF ATLANTIS
They never agree on anything!
The explorers follow the King over to a large triangular
shaped stone table rising from the floor. The King touches
the crown of his scepter to the smooth surface of the table.
The crown begins to glow, a glow which in turn flows into the table, effectively 'turning it on'. The surface of
the table begins to shimmer! Suddenly, a 3-D holographic
image rises from the table top -- an image of an Atlantis of
yesteryear!
KING OF ATLANTIS (cont'd)
Long ago, Atlantis was the center of
the world. Our ancestors were an
advanced race, possessing the power
to change the destiny of the world.
The explorers crowd forward and gaze upon a pristine city
above world bustling with activity! Strange flying machines
soar across the skies! Suddenly, the hologram grows fuzzy
with static. The King touches his scepter to the table.
The hologram continues to break up. Annoyed, the King
delivers a swift kick and the picture returns! He rolls his
eyes.
KING OF ATLANTIS (cont'd)
This great power I spoke of became
sought after by those who would use
it for personal gain.
Milo notices a look pass between Rourke and Zoltan.
KING OF ATLANTIS (cont'd)
Wars were fought.
The hologram now illustrates Atlantis under attack -- flying
machine dogfights, laser-like weapons, explosions, etc.!
KING OF ATLANTIS (cont'd)
The power fell into the hands of
those thirsting for conquest and was
terribly misused. Thus was spawned
the Great Flood.
A GIANT WALL OF WATER rushes toward Atlantis! In the b.g. a
volcano erupts! Buildings begin to break apart as the tidal
wave washes over and submerges the city!!
KING OF ATLANTIS (cont'd)
In a heartbeat, the world was
destroyed. When the waters receded,
Atlantis was no more...
The receding waters reveal a giant hole in the earth where
Atlantis had stood. The King turns, sweeping his arm around
the city—
KING OF ATLANTIS (cont'd)
This is all that is left. Look around
you. Remnants of our ancestors
technology is still evident.
The explorers join the King and his daughter to gaze out
upon the city. It is true. Remnants of the great flying
machines we saw in the hologram are scattered about, long
since abandoned and unused.
MILO
And this great power that was fought
over? Does it still exist?
The King smiles sadly.
KING OF ATLANTIS
It too was lost during the Flood.
The King turns to the explorers.
KING OF ATLANTIS (cont'd)
Why, then, have you come to Atlantis?
Rourke steps forward.
ROURKE
(gracious)
We are explorers, Your Majesty. Sent
to solve the mystery of Atlantis'
disappearance once and for all.
KING OF ATLANTIS
Then you have accomplished your
mission. You are welcome to stay the
night. Tomorrow you will return above
world and leave us in peace --
forever...
Rourke bows with a flourish.
ROURKE
Your wish is our command, Your
Majesty. We are your humble servants.
The others are surprised by Rourke's sweet disposition.
MILO
(quietly)
What's with him?
COOKIE
Been my experience that an overpolite
man is usually hidin' some
mighty unpolite ideas.
Milo considers this. His eyes drift to the Princess who
continues to regard the explorers with a high degree of
suspicion.
121 INT. CITY CENTER
The Princess leads Rourke, Milo and the others back to where
the vehicles and equipment are waiting. The rest of the
explorers are still surrounded by the Atlanteans.
PRINCESS
You may stay here. In the morning,
you will be escorted back across the
sea.
ROURKE
(charming)
Hard to relax surrounded by all these
spears and arrows, Your Highness.
The Princess motions to the Atlanteans who slowly begin
drifting away. As the explorers set up camp, Milo approaches
the Princess.
MILO
I want to thank you for saving my
life. Back in the cave.
The amulet around her neck begins to softly glow. She puts
her hand over it, embarrassed.
PRINCESS
(mock anger)
You ruined our hunt. That beast would
have provided food and clothing for
my people.
MILO
You were goirig to eat that thing??
PRINCESS
Now we are forced to fish.
The Princess is suddenly joined by a half dozen tattooed
teenaged Atlanteans, armed with bows, arrows and harpoonlike
spears!
MILO
(lying)
I, uh, know a little about fishing.
PRINCESS
Perhaps you would like to join us.
MILO
(smiles)
Sure. I mean, how dangerous can
fishing be, right?
The Princess shares a sly smile with the others.
PRINCESS
As you say.
The Princess leads Milo and the others away. Helga watches
them go, smoldering.
122 INT. ANOTHER PART OF CITY
The Atlantean teens race to their 'skimmers', whooping and
shouting! The 'skimmers' are adorned with personalized
symbols and hieroglyphics. The Princess climbs aboard and
motions for Milo to sit behind her. As he takes his place on
the 'skimmer'—
MILO
What's your name, anyway?
PRINCESS
Serena.
MILO
I'm Mi—
The Princess' 'skimmer' suddenly shoots forward, going
airborne and nearly causing Milo to flip off backwards!
MILO (cont'd)
—LOOOOOOOOO!!!!
The 'skimmers' soar up and away through the city! Milo looks
for something to cling to! The 'skimmer' banks sharply to
avoid the Royal Palace! Milo wraps his arms around the
Princess' waist! The Princess takes him on a scenic tour of
Atlantis! The teens soar alongside them, laughing and
showboating like Atlantean 'shredders' on highly evolved
skateboards! Milo has overcome his initial fear and is
enjoying the ride. He extends his arms, flying like a bird!
MILO (cont'd)
This is amazing!!
All the while, the embarrassed Princess tries to shield her
glowing amulet! At one point, the 'skimmers' slip into
formation and sail out across the sea, led by the Princess!
123 INT. SEA
On a signal from the Princess, the 'shredders' assume a new
formation: three 'skimmers' on either side act as wingmen to
the Princess who drops low and begins 'skimming' the surface
of the water! Milo motions to the 'skimmers' flying on
either side—
MILO
What are they doing?
PRINCESS
Fishing!
MILO
(confused)
Then what are we doing?
PRINCESS
Bait!
MILO
(gulps)
Bait!?
Milo turns back in time to see an OMINOUS SHADOW approaching
under the waves!! A GIANT SEA SERPENT lunges out of the
water intent on devouring the 'skimmer'!
MILO (cont'd)
AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
At the last possible moment, the Princess pulls up, deftly
avoiding the serpent's jaws! At the same time, the other
'skimmers' converge! The teens fire arrows and thrust
harpoons at the exposed beast! It's a scene right out of
'Moby Dick'!!
The Princess hovers nearby with Milo, watching as the
serpent is dispatched. Milo's chest is heaving, his eyes
bulging!
PRINCESS
(disappointed)
Too bad. A small one.
Milo mouths the words 'small one??' in utter disbelief!
124 INT. CITY CENTER
Zoltan is walking along a street lined with small shops. He
stops outside 'Ramtha's Sandal Shop', goes inside.
125 INT. SANDAL SHOP
Zoltan approaches a short balding man busy making a pair of
sandals.
ZOLTAN
Ramtha?
The balding man turns. A look of happy recognition
RAMTHA
Zoltan!
Zoltan looks around the shop, horrified.
ZOLTAN
You're a shoe salesman??
RAMTHA
(shrugs)
So I embellished. Warrior King,
sandal maker -- what's the
difference? Say—
Ramtha looks at Zoltan's feet.
RAMTHA (cont'd)
Bet you take a size ten!
Zoltan wilts.
126 INT. CITY OF ATLANTIS - LATER
The explorers have pitched their tents in the city center. A
number of curious Atlanteans have gathered to watch the
strangers. Cookie is stirring a pot of beans while the
others sit around. Audrey is rebuilding a carburetor.
AUDREY
Why do they keep staring?
SWEET
They're curious. We're a link to
their past.
WILLY
[dialogue missing]
Rourke and Zoltan approach. Rourke is back to his old, gruff
self.
ROURKE
(growls)
Anyone seen Thatch?
127 INT. STREETS OF ATLANTIS
Milo walks with the Princess. He looks around the city in
the fading twilight.
MILO
Such a strange place. Sunset without
sun.
PRINCESS
What is 'sun'?
MILO
Above world, it's what makes
everything grow; what gives
everything life.
The Princess absently fingers her amulet.
PRINCESS
I have heard such stories. My
father's advisors are the only ones
left from before the Great Flood. But
even they have forgotten much.
Milo suddenly begins to giggle and twitch! The Princess
looks at him funny.
MILO
Sorry. Forgot about my friend.
PRINCESS
Friend?
Milo reaches into his pocket and pulls out Plato. The
Princess is enthralled.
PRINCESS (cont'd)
He's beautiful! May I hold him?
MILO
Y-you're not afraid?
PRINCESS
(suddenly concerned)
Should I be?
MILO
No! Not at all!
Milo hands Plato to the Princess. She cuddles him. Milo is
impressed.
MILO (cont'd)
His name is Plato.
PRINCESS
Hello Plato. Very pleased to meet
you.
Plato wrinkles his nose. The Princess laughs. Milo pets him.
MILO
He likes you.
The Princess looks at Milo.
PRINCESS
(softly)
And I him.
Suddenly, both realize how uncomfortably close they are to
one another.
MILO
(awkward)
Where I come from, women don't
usually go for his type.
PRINCESS
Then they are fools.
(looks at Milo)
For he is quite handsome. And no
doubt intelligent.
MILO
(staring)
I am? I mean— he is?
The Princess smiles and nods. They are really close now.
MILO (cont'd)
(stammers)
Well, he thinks you're pretty...
special... too...
The two lean forward to kiss! The Princess' amulet bathes
them both in a strong, warm glow! Just as their lips touch,
a sudden NOISE interrupts! Milo sees something and quickly
pulls the Princess around the corner of a building!
PRINCESS
What are you doing?
Milo motions for her to be quiet! They wait in the shadows
as footsteps draw near. Rourke and Zoltan come into view,
stopping a few feet from their hiding place!
ROURKE
(growls)
Where is that little bookworm?
ZOLTAN
Perhaps we no longer need him.
ROURKE
I can't translate those pages! Can
you?
Zoltan shakes his head.
ROURKE (cont'd)
Then we need him! Keep looking!
The two continue on their way. Milo and the Princess emerge
from their hiding place, watch them go. The Princess'
suspicions have returned.
PRINCESS
I do not trust your Mr. Rourke.
MILO
(distracted)
Translating pages... I wonder what
he's referring to.
It hits Milo like a thunderbolt!
MILO (cont'd)
Of course! The missing pages!
He grabs the Princess by the hand.
MILO (cont'd)
Come on!
PRINCESS
Where are we going?
MILO
Something's rotten in Atlantis,
Serena! And we're going to find out
what!
Milo and the Princess hurry back toward the city center!
128 INT. EXPLORERS' CAMP
Milo and the Princess sneak past the others toward Rourke's
tent.
129 INT. ROURKE'S TENT
Milo pokes his head inside. The coast is clear. He draws the
Princess in and begins going through Rourke's things!
PRINCESS
What are you looking for?
Milo suddenly stops, brings forth several folded pages from
Rourke's knapsack!
MILO
(breathless)
These...
The Princess joins him as Milo unfolds the missing pages
from the Shepherd's Journal and begins to translate.
MILO (cont'd)
It's another map!... Within the
city!... Something about ... 'living'
crystals??
The Princess catches her breath. Milo looks up. She looks as
if she's seen a ghost!
MILO (cont'd)
What is it?
The Princess stares, numb. He takes her by both arms.
MILO (cont'd)
Serena! What is Aziz talking about??
The Princess looks at Milo. We can see there is trust in her
eyes.
PRINCESS
(reveals)
Our sun... The 'living' crystals give
us light, food to eat, air to
breathe. They are the great power my
father spoke of.
MILO
Then they weren't lost in the Flood.
The Princess shakes her head. Milo stares at the pages.
MILO (cont'd)
Rourke is after the crystals! But
why?
PRINCESS
It's as my father said: He who
possesses the crystals controls the
destiny of the world for good or
evil.
Which causes Milo to remember-
MILO
Whitmore! He said we might discover
something to help our own
civilization! He knew all along! This
was planned from the beginning!
Milo sinks down onto a cot as the enormity of the revelation
takes hold.
PRINCESS
The power of the crystals is
unmatched. They can control the
weather, destroy entire armies, even
awaken the earth. But to us, the
crystals are simply life. Without
them we would die.
MILO
No one is going to die, Serena. I'm
sure Mr. Whitmore didn't count on
people still living in Atlantis. No
one did.
Milo takes the Princess' hand. Her amulet begins to glow.
Milo stares.
PRINCESS
Each of us wears a piece of the
crystals. For longevity. The rest are
hidden in a secret chamber somewhere
in the city.
MILO
(pointing)
What makes them do that?
The Princess lifts the glowing amulet off her chest.
PRINCESS
They are alive. Nourished by our
lifeforce and emotions: happiness,
anger, fear—
MILO
—Love?
The Princess flushes, looks down. Her amulet glows stronger!
PRINCESS
So I am told.
HELGA (OS)
Ahem!
Milo and the Princess turn! Helga is standing just inside
the tent opening, watching with both arms crossed.
HELGA
(coming forward)
Tsk! Tsk! I let you out of my sight
for five minutes and you're already
traipsing around with the town tramp.
Fire rises in the Princess' eyes! She starts forward—
PRINCESS
Who are you calling—
Milo grabs her arm, holds her back.
MILO
Helga! You've got to help us!
HELGA
You look like you're doing just fine
without me.
MILO
No! You don't understand!
Milo hands her the pages.
MILO (cont'd)
Those are the missing journal pages!
Rourke's had them all along! He's
after the 'living' crystals!
Off Helga's confused look-
MILO (cont'd)
The great power King Solon spoke of
earlier! It's still here! In
Atlantis!
A dark cloud passes across Helga's features.
HELGA
(spits)
Rourke... I knew I smelled a rat.
Plato reacts. Milo takes the Princess' hand, urgency in his
voice.
MILO
We have to stop him, Helga.
Otherwise—
ROURKE (OS)
Otherwise what?
Everyone turns. Rourke and Zoltan have entered the tent!
Rourke levels his machine gun at Milo!
MILO
(slowly)
A lot of innocent people will die...
Helga turns on Rourke, fury in her eyes!
HELGA
Is this true? You plan to steal these
'living' crystals?
ROURKE
(growls)
And what if it is?
HELGA
I won't let you do it!
Rourke wa1ks up to Helga, grabs her roughly by both arms!
ROURKE
(growls)
What did you say?
HELGA
(calmly intense)
I said: I won't let you do it—
Rourke suddenly plants a world-class liplock on Helga!!
Helga doesn't struggle. In fact, she kisses him back!!!
Milo's jaw hits the ground! When they part—
HELGA (cont'd)
—alone...
(turns to Milo;
sultry smile)
We may not glow, but we are
definitely on fire! Right baby?
ROURKE
How many times do I have to tell ya?
Don't call me 'baby'!
Rourke blows a puff of cigar smoke in Helga's face. She
coughs. Milo can't believe it!
MILO
(points at Helga)
But you—!
(points at Rourke)
But he—!
Milo steps forward.
MILO (cont'd)
Don't do this, Rourke! Whitmore may
want the crystals for the good of
mankind but the Atlanteans will die
without them!
Rourke and Helga share a look, burst out laughing!
ROURKE
You don't get it, do you kid? I don't
give a damn about Whitmore's vision
of a better world! Or the Atlanteans!
Those crystals are worth a fortune!
HELGA
And we're going to cash in...
MILO
(stunned)
You're betraying him? For money??
HELGA
And why not? I'm sick and tired of
waiting on that old coot! I'm ready
to start living the high life! I've
earned it!
Rourke grabs the pages from Helga and shoves them into
Milo's hands!
ROURKE
You've got one last job to do,
Thatch!
MILO
(defiant)
And what if I refuse?
Rourke lets the barrel of his machine gun drift toward the
Princess. The inference is clear.
ROURKE
You won't...
Milo gulps.
130 INT. EXPLORERS' CAMP
Milo and the Princess watch as the others 'gear up' -- load
machine guns, check ammo clips, etc. -- as if for a commando
assault! Milo looks at Sweet, Vinny, Audrey and the others,
heartbroken.
MILO
You're all part of this?
The others avert his eyes. Milo looks at Sweet.
SWEET
(uncomfortable)
There wasn't supposed to be people.
Rourke steps between them—
ROURKE
(to Milo)
Shut-up!
He turns and motions to the others, jaw set.
ROURKE (cont'd)
Let's go.
Milo and the Princess are marched away toward the Royal
Palace...
131 INT. ROYAL PALACE 131
The King and his advisors come forward to greet the Princess
and the explorers.
KING OF ATLANTIS
(smiling)
Ah, our friends from above world. I
trust my daughter is seeing to your
every need.
HELGA
She's a real peach—
Helga shoves the Princess forward toward the King!
KING OF ATLANTIS
(surprised)
What's the meaning of this??
ROURKE
Party's over, Your Highness...
Rourke raises the barrel of his machine gun and strafes the
wall above the King's head!! At the same time, Rourke's foot
soldiers aim their guns in the air and deliver bursts of
automatic fire!! Atlanteans from all across the city come
running! They swarm into the Royal Palace armed with their
primitive weapons! Rourke's men continue to deliver an
awesome display of firepower! When the smoke clears, the
explorers find themselves surrounded! Rourke steps toward
the King—
ROURKE (cont'd)
Command your people to drop their
weapons and return to their homes!
When the King hesitates, Rourke swings his machine gun on
his advisors!
ROURKE (cont'd)
Advisors?
FIRST ADVISOR
A splendid idea!
SECOND ADVISOR
I couldn't agree more, Your Majesty!
ROURKE
(smiles at the King)
Whadaya know. They finally found
something to agree on.
Rourke pokes the barrel of his gun in the King's ribs—
ROURKE (cont'd)
(threatening)
Do it.
The King turns to his people and raises his arms—
KING OF ATLANTIS
My people! Put down your weapons!
There will be no violence! Go to your
homes! Please, I ask you!
The Atlanteans slowly comply with their King's wishes. They
drop their weapons and leave the Royal Palace to return to
their homes. The Princess' gang (the Atlantean 'shredders')
stand firm until the Princess nods for them to comply as
well. Rourke watches as the last of them files out.
Someone grabs his arm. It's sweet.
SWEET
(quietly)
Nobody gets hurt! That was the deal!
ROURKE
And nobody will. As long as they
cooperate.
Rourke looks down at Sweet's hand. Sweet lets go, backs
away. Rourke turns to Milo.
ROURKE (cont'd)
Front and center, Thatch!
Milo comes forward holding the missing journal pages.
ROURKE (cont'd)
Take us to the crystals!
Helga grabs the Princess and pulls her close, shoves a
pistol in her back! Milo glares at Rourke who turns to
several of his foot soldiers, motions to the King.
ROURKE (cont'd)
Bring him along! For insurance!
Milo leads the heavily armed group out of the Royal Palace.
132 INT. STREETS OF ATLANTIS
Milo leads the others through the deserted streets of the
city. He stops occasionally, setting off in a new direction
each time, but each time going in circles and ending up
where he started.
133 INT. INTERSECTION
Milo stops once again, flustered.
ROURKE
Thatch! This is the fourth time we've
been past here!
MILO
It's the pages! They keep leading me
back to this spot!
(looks around)
But I can't decipher the last clue—
HELGA
(holding the
Princess)
He's stalling!
MILO
I'm not!
ROURKE
You got one minute, Thatch!
Rourke looks at Helga who cocks her pistol and presses it
against the Princess!
MILO
Okay! Just— Give me some room!
ROURKE
(turning)
Give him some room!
The others back away. Rourke and Helga stand with the
Princess. Milo studies the pages. Beads of sweat dot his
forehead. He looks around the square, walking first one
way, then back the other. Rourke counts down the seconds on
his wristwatch. Time is running out for the Princess!
ROURKE (cont'd)
Thirty seconds, Thatch!
MILO
Okay! Okay! Don't rush me!
But Milo doesn't have a clue... He's running now, back and
forth, checking first one page, then another, looking,
searching—
ROURKE (OS)
Five... four... three... two...
Helga's finger tightens on the trigger! At the last possible
second—
MILO
STOP!!
Milo has stopped near Rourke. He's looking at the symbol on
the patch on Rourke's shirt sleeve -- the A with the dot in
the center. He comes forward and grabs Rourke's arm, stares
hard at the symbol, as if seeing it for the first time.
ROURKE
(jerks away)
What are you doing??
MILO
I know this...
Milo begins frantically going through his pockets! He pulls
out the dollar bill given to him by his prankster colleagues
back home, unfolds it! He turns the bill over and looks to a
familiar-looking symbol -- the pyramid with the seeing eye!
He holds it up to Rourke's shirt sleeve, matching it to the
symbol on the patch!
MILO (cont'd)
(breathless)
That's it...
(beat; shouts)
THAT'S IT!!
ROURKE
What's it?
MILO
The symbol! Here—
(points to Rourke's
patch)
—and on the cover of the journal! All
this time, I thought it stood for
Aziz! A -- Aziz! Right?
ROURKE
So?
MILO
Wrong!
(shakes his head;
impressed)
Oh, Aziz! You were good! You were
very good!
ROURKE
What are you talking about?
MILO
I've had the answer all along! We all
have!
Off Rourke's confused look~
MILO (cont'd)
This symbol—
(shows him the
dollar)
—a symbol that has persisted in
various cultures down through the
centuries, including our own -- is in
fact the secret location of the
'living' crystals!!
ROURKE
(growls)
You're nuts!
MILO
(confidently)
Am I?
Milo steps back and holds the dollar bill up and away,
begins slowly turning and scanning the square, looking for a
match. The others crowd in behind him.
134 CLOSE - DOLLAR BILL
The seeing-eye pyramid moves past building after building,
suddenly stops, backs up.
Milo slowly lowers the dollar and stares. The building is
somewhat ordinary-looking and crumbling with decay but was
definitely at one time pyramid-shaped.
MILO
That's it...
Everyone stares. A look of defeat passes between the King ND
and his daughter. Rourke turns to the King-
ROURKE
Where's the entrance?
KING OF ATLANTIS
The temple was sealed by my
ancestors. There is no way in.
QUICK CUT:
An EXPLOSION! The smoke and dust clear, revealing a ragged
hole in the side of the temple! Rourke turns to the King—
ROURKE
Welcome to the twentieth century!
He jams his cigar home and shoves Milo forward toward the
opening.
ROURKE (cont'd)
Get going!
Milo starts through the opening.
135 INT. TEMPLE
Milo leads the others forward into the beautiful and
mysterious temple. The light seeping in reveals a long
hallway leading toward a chamber at the far end. The King
touches Milo's arm.
KING OF ATLANTIS
This is a sacred place.
Milo leads the way down the long hall.
136 INT. HALL OF KINGS
Milo moves slowly along the hallway, suddenly stops. There,
suspended vertically in a clear tube-like repository is the
body of an ornately dressed old man. He holds a scepter
across his chest and appears to be sleeping peacefully.
Small crystals have formed in his hair and beard. They
sparkle in the light. He looks frozen.
KING OF ATLANTIS
(whispers)
We are in the Hall of Kings. Here lie
the former rulers of Atlantis.
As Milo and the others continue on, they pass more
'sleeping' Kings, each holding their own scepter. The
explorers move quietly through this holy place. Even Rourke
maintains an air of reverence. Near the end of the hall,
Milo pauses beside an empty tube. He looks at the King.
KING OF ATLANTIS (cont'd)
This one... is for me.
Rourke nudges Milo, points just ahead. A strange glow is
emanating from the chamber at the end of the hall situated
in the exact center of the temple. Milo starts forward.
137 INT. CRYSTAL CHAMBER
Milo and the others approach the 'glowing' chamber and peer
inside through several large openings cut into the stone. A
clear glass-like material separates them from the main
chamber. Inside, they are witness to an astonishing sight --
the entire chamber is alive with living, multiplying
crystals! They shift and move, constantly changing shapes
and designs! A myriad of beautiful colors are produced, the
intensity of which is ever changing! One can feel the power
they possess! It is a place of mystical, magical beauty...
Milo and the explorers gape at the crystals. The King
stares, almost serene.
KING OF ATLANTIS
The 'living' crystals of Atlantis...
Milo turns to Rourke.
MILO
How are you going to steal that?
ROURKE
That's for me to know and you to find
out.
Zoltan steps forward, eyes blazing.
ZOLTAN
(staring at the
crystals)
I have waited for this moment all my
1ife! I am the only one who
understands the power of the
crystals!
WILLY
Yeah, right. By the way, nice
sandals.
Willy nods toward the new pair of sandals adorning Zoltan's
feet! Zoltan glares.
ZOLTAN
Your grandfather sent me because he
knew I was the only one who could
transport the crystals back! Watch
and learn while I become a living
'host'!
ROURKE
Alright! Alright! Get on with it!
There is a single door leading into the chamber. Several of
Rourke's men pull it open. The glow from the crystals spills
out. Zoltan's chest swells with arrogant pride. He turns his
haughty nose up and enters the chamber. The door is
immediately closed behind him. Milo, Rourke and the others
crowd forward to watch.
138 INT. CRYSTAL CHAMBER
Zoltan steps to the center of the chamber where he stands
with arms extended, beckoning the crystals! The crystals
surge toward the phoney psychic from all directions! They
sweep up his legs and down his arms, spreading and
multiplying! Initially, it seems to be a pleasurable
experience! Zoltan smiles, then laughs as the crystals
overtake his body!
ZOLTAN
It's wonderful!!
But suddenly, things begin to change... The colors emitted
by the crystals grow dark and bleak! Fear registers on
Zoltan's face. The others watch in horror as the crystals
begin invading Zoltan's body, crystallizing his bloodstream,
his flesh, his organs! Zoltan begins writhe in agony!
Crystal spikes erupt from his skin, his fingers, even his
turban!! With one final SCREAM, Zoltan is fully
crystallized, frozen into a contorted position of fear and
pain!! He teeters, then falls over, smashing into a million
shards which in turn reform into crystals! The beautiful
colors slowly return to the chamber...
The others continue to stare, horrified. Except Willy.
WILLY
(wryly)
I learned something all right. Don't
go in that room.
Rourke turns to the King.
ROURKE
(barks)
What happened?
KING OF ATLANTIS
The crystals react to what they
sense; peace and serenity—
The King looks to where Zoltan last stood.
KING OF ATLANTIS (cont'd)
Or fear and evil...
ROURKE
Peace and serenity, huh?
Rourke turns and looks over his men, searching for a viable
candidate. There is a lot of coughing, looking away and
shuffling of feet... Somehow, 'peace and serenity' are two
adjectives that fail to describe this lot.
HELGA
(points to the King)
What about him? He oozes peace and
serenity.
Rourke looks the King over, slowly nods
ROURKE
Yeah. I like it. Let's go, Your
Majesty...!
Rourke grabs the King's arm and pushes him toward the door!
PRINCESS (OS)
WAIT!
The princess jerks free of Helga's grasp, comes forward!
PRINCESS
He is needed here. With his people.
Take me.
MILO
No!
A look between Helga and Rourke.
ROURKE
As you wish, Your Highness.
Rourke lets the King go. The Princess looks at her father.
PRINCESS
It is best.
The King nods, heartbroken. The Princess moves toward the
door. Milo grabs her arm—
MILO
Serena! Don't do it! Please!
Rourke grabs Milo by the back of the collar and hauls him
back! The Princess looks at Milo, love in her eyes.
PRINCESS
Don't worry. I won't be harmed. I'll
be thinking of you.
HELGA
(mocks)
Oh, that's so sweet. Get on with it,
sister!
Helga pushes the Princess forward. The door to the chamber
is opened. The Princess walks slowly inside. The door is
closed behind her. Milo and the others crowd into the
window.
139 INT. CRYSTAL CHAMBER
The Princess steps to the center, turns and locks eyes with
Milo who watches, distraught, as the crystals surge toward
her! The Princess maintains an air of serenity and calm as
the crystals sweep over her and into her! Her experience is
much different than Zoltan's. It is a peaceful invasion, the
crystals retaining their beautiful and soft colors. Milo and
the others continue to watch as the Princess is crystallized
before their eyes, leaving the chamber void of Atlantis'
life sustaining energy!
ROURKE
(barks)
Open the door!
The door to the chamber is opened! The Princess still has
mobility in her crystallized state! She walks out of the
chamber, her glow spreading across the faces of the others!
Rourke motions back down the long hall! The Princess begins
walking! The others fall in behind, staring in wonder! '
MILO
Nobody touch her!
As the Princess passes the 'sleeping' Kings, each begins to
rapidly decay, turning to skeletons before our eyes! The
King watches this phenomenon with great sadness.
KING OF ATLANTIS
So it begins...
QUICK CUT:
140 A TRANSPORT VEHICLE
roars to a stop in front of the temple! It carries the
strange sphere-shaped cargo! Rourke's men scramble over the
vehicle and pull back the canvas covering to reveal an iron
transport pod replete with glass portholes!
QUICK CUT:
141 THE CRYSTALLIZED PRINCESS
steps from the gaping opening in the temple! The others
follow at a safe distance as she approaches the pod! A set
of stairs are laid down! The pod door is opened! Rourke
motions to the Princess who climbs the steps and enters the
pod!
Milo scrambles up onto the transport vehicle, peers in
through one of the portholes!
142 HIS POV - THE PRINCESS
Serena lies back on a comfortable bed! The hatch to the pod
is closed and locked! The inside of the pod is immediately
overrun with crystals as they sweep forth from the Princess,
creating a breathtakingly beautiful 'crystal coffin'!! The
Princess turns her head and looks at Milo one last time
before closing her eyes and entering a deep state of
suspended animation, her beauty intact...
Milo continues staring at the Princess, tears brimming his
eyes. Suddenly he's grabbed from behind and tossed off the
transport! He lands on the ground, looks up! Rourke towers
over him!
ROURKE
Guess what, bookworm?
(lights a cigar)
You've just become expendable...
Rourke smiles.
143 INT. ANOTHER PART OF THE CITY
Rourke, Helga and the others march Milo through a crumbling
part of the city!
ROURKE
Cheer up, Thatch. If you think you
were claustrophobic before, you're
gonna love this...
They suddenly reach an opening in the street -- a deep, dark
lava flue, a remnant from the cataclysmic eruption eons ago!
Rourke shoves Milo toward the edge of the pit, looks at
Helga.
ROURKE (cont'd)
Go ahead! Shove him in!
Sweet suddenly steps forward!
SWEET
Rourke! No one gets hurt, remember?
Rourke swings his machine gun on Sweet!
ROURKE
I give the orders here!
Sweet backs down. Rourke turns to Helga—
ROURKE (cont'd)
Do it!
And for the first time, Helga hesitates.
HELGA
Is this really necessary? We got what
we came for.
ROURKE
What's the matter? Goin' soft on him?
Maybe she's not as tough as she pretends to be...
MILO
Rourke! Do what you want with me! But
don't take the crystals! You'll be
condemning the Atlanteans to death!
ROURKE
You're breakin' my heart!
Milo's words have a visible effect on the others. He turns
to them—
MILO
What's he promised you? Money?? What
makes you think he won't doublecross
you the way he's planning to
doublecross Whitmore?
ROURKE
Shut-up!
Rourke steps forward and shoves Milo into the hole!
MILO
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Milo's scream fades away!
CUT TO:
144 MILO
-- falling! The lava tube splits! Milo plunges down the left
tunnel! It splits again! He tumbles into the right tunnel! A
red glow ahead signals molten lava!! The lava tube suddenly
grows narrower and narrower until Milo slides to a jarring
halt, head first, arms at his side! He plugs the lava tube
like a human cork, six feet above the molten lava! The only
thing he's able to move in this narrow space are his
eyeballs and lips!
MILO
Oh no! Not this...
(squirming)
Not THIS!!
CUT TO:
145 ROURKE
shouts into the lava flue-
ROURKE
Sayonara, bookworm!
The word 'bookworm' echoes back... Rourke turns to the
others, smiling.
ROURKE (cont'd)
It's a maze down there. Even if you
wanted to save him, it'd take a week
to find him.
He points at Mrs. Packard.
ROURKE (cont'd)
You! Radio Whitmore with these
rendezvous coordinates!
Rourke hands Mrs. Packard a slip of paper.
ROURKE (cont'd)
The rest of you prepare for
departure!
No one makes a move. All are glaring at Rourke, even Helga!
Rourke shoves Vinny, causing him to drop his precious
Victrola!
ROURKE (cont'd)
I said move!
Rourke's foot soldiers turn their guns on the dissenters as
well! Heartbroken, Vinny picks up his shattered Victrola and
slowly moves away, cradling it like a baby. Everyone falls
into line. Rourke grabs Helga's arm, pulls her close—
ROURKE (cont'd)
Don't ever side against me again!
He marches her away as Sweet and the others glance back at
the open pit...
146 EXT. SOMEWHERE IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC - DAY
Whitmore's freighter steams through warm South Pacific
waters under balmy skies!
147 INT. PILOT HOUSE - DAY
Morse code blips are coming fast and furious! A DECK HAND
writes the information on a slip of paper, tears it off and
rushes to Whitmore's side!
DECK HAND
This just in, sir!
Whitmore reads the communique, breaks into a wide grin!
WHITMORE
I knew it! Captain! Here's your
coordinates!
Whitmore hands the slip of paper to the Captain!
WHITMORE (cont'd)
Full steam ahead!
The Captain blasts the horn! Whitmore beams!
148 INT. LAVA FLUE
Meanwhile, the human cork's troubles are just beginning.
Milo continues struggling in vain when he suddenly realizes
the lava is slowly bubbling up the tube toward him!! Sweat
drips freely off his face!
MILO
(anger)
Fine! Anything else?
His drops of sweat hit the lava and create little annoying
puffs of steam!
MILO (cont'd)
(frustration)
AHHHHHHH!!!
Plato suddenly appears, squeezing between Milo and the rock
wall!
MILO (cont'd)
(trouble breathing)
Plato... Save yourself... I'm done
for...
When Plato hesitates—
MILO (cont'd)
(mock anger)
GO!
Plato disappears into a crack in the wall!
149 PLATO
Milo's friend scrambles up through a maze of cracks and
crevices! Using his instinct for direction and ability to
maneuver through tight spaces, Plato is able to make his way
back to the surface! He climbs up over the rim of the lava
flue and scurries off toward the city center...
150 INT. ATLANTIS (CITY CENTER)
Mrs. Packard returns the slip of paper to Rourke.
MRS. PACKARD
Message received.
ROURKE
Good!
Rourke turns. Camp has been struck. Everyone is assembled
and ready for departure.
ROURKE (cont'd)
(shouts)
Prepare for avionic conversion!
Hidden panels are exposed in the remaining transport
vehicles! Buttons are punched! The others watch as hidden
wings amazingly unfold from the vehicles, instantly
transforming ground transportation into air!! Rourke's men
take turns shouting out—
ROURKE'S MEN
Conversion completed!
Even Cookie's prairie schooner is now a flying machine!
Sweet, Vinny and the others are crowded onto it, awaiting
liftoff! Vinny suddenly taps Sweet on the shoulder—
VINNY
Look!
All look to where Vinny is pointing! Plato is standing on
his hind legs atop a nearby rock in plain view of everyone!
CUT TO:
151 ROURKE AND HELGA
climb aboard the lead 'plane' carrying the crystal coffin!
They slip goggles down over their eyes! Rourke raises his
hand and sharply lowers it!
The squadron rumbles down the deserted Atlantean street,
gathering speed and momentum! Atlanteans emerge from their
domiciles to watch as, incredibly, the explorers lift off
and become airborne!! The flying squadron circles the city
once before soaring out across the surrounding sea, taking
with them the life-giving crystals.
Almost immediately, the ancient city begins to decay...
152 INT. LAVA FLUE
Milo's face is literally two feet from the rising lava! He
gasps for air! A new sound reaches him, coming from above...
the sound of machinery! Suddenly, the corkscrew front of a
'digger' machine bursts through the rock wall fifty feet
above Milo! It disappears and Moliere pokes his head back
through the opening! He looks down on Milo's boot heels!
MOLIERE
He's here!!
Vinny and Sweet appear-
SWEET
Hold on, Milo!!
MILO (OS)
Hurry!!
VINNY
How do we get him out?
Sweet suddenly gets an inspiration.
SWEET
Quick! Your canteens!
Sweet uncaps his canteen and pours the water into the lava
flue! The others look at him like he's crazy!
SWEET (cont'd)
Do it!
Vinny and Moliere uncap their canteens and pour them in as
well! Down below, Milo is getting soaked!
MILO
Thanks, but a shower is not what I
had in mind!!
The water seeps past him, dripping into the lava, creating
clouds of steam, building pressure!
The human cork suddenly blows! Milo shoots back up the lava
tube! Sweet and the others grab hold and pull him to safety!
Milo finds himself surrounded by familiar faces: those
mentioned plus Cookie, Audrey and Mrs. Packard! Plato is
perched on Audrey's shoulder!
AUDREY
We came back for you, Milo!
VINNY
With a little help from your friend!
Milo grabs Plato and plants a big kiss on him! He suddenly
stops, looks at the others—
MILO
But why? I thought...
Sweet steps forward, speaks for all.
SWEET
We're explorers, not murderers.
Smiles and hugs all around!
153 INT. ROYAL PALACE - LATER
The King is standing with Milo, looking out over the city
which, even now, continues to decay before their eyes.
Below, the citizens of Atlantis have crowded into the square
fronting the Royal Palace, awaiting their fate.
KING OF ATLANTIS
There is no time to spare. Soon,
everything will be lost. Even now the
light is fading, the air growing
stale.
The King is right. It won't be long before Atlantis is
plunged into total darkness.
KING OF ATLANTIS (cont'd)
(turning to Milo)
You must go after them! Rescue my
daughter and return the crystals to
Atlantis!
MILO
Me!? I-I can't do that!
KING OF ATLANTIS
Of course you can!
MILO
But how? I-I'm just a map reader,
Your Majesty!
The King steps up to Milo and places a hand over his heart.
KING OF ATLANTIS
A map reader with the heart of a
warrior.
MILO
I'm no warrior! Look at me!
KING OF ATLANTIS
I have looked at you. Perhaps it is
time you looked at yourself.
Milo turns away, frustrated.
MILO
What good is a warrior to a battle
that's already lost? Rourke and his
men are armed to the teeth! You saw
what they did!
Milo motions to walls ravaged by gunfire. He stands looking
down upon the Atlanteans in the square below.
MILO (cont'd)
Bows and arrows against machine guns?
(turns to the King)
It'd be suicide!
The King clutches his scepter, moves a hand up to touch the
crystal crown.
KING OF ATLANTIS
Perhaps there is way to even the
odds...
The King turns and begins walking. Curious, Milo follows.
154 INT. ROYAL PALACE SQUARE
The King emerges from the Royal Palace and walks to the
center of the courtyard. Milo is at his side. The Atlanteans
part to let them pass, then crowd forward. Sweet, Vinny and
the others are there, too. The King looks lovingly on his
subjects, suddenly turns and smashes his scepter on the
ground!
MILO
No—!
SHOUTS and CRIES of alarm erupt from the crowd! The crystal
shards contained in the crown of the King's scepter spread
out and disappear through cracks in the stone paving! The
King suddenly clutches his chest, gasping for breath! He
pitches forward!
MILO (cont'd)
Your Majesty—!
Milo catches him and gently lowers him to the ground. He
cradles the King in his arms, looking down upon a frail old
man whose lifeforce seems to be draining away before our
eyes!
MILO (cont'd)
What's happening to you??
The Atlanteans crowd forward around their dying King.
KING OF ATLANTIS
(smiles)
I have become mortal...
Milo looks at him, tears welling in his eyes.
MILO
Why? Why did you do this??
KING OF ATLANTIS
You will know the answer soon enough.
The King puts a withering hand on Milo's shoulder.
KING OF ATLANTIS (cont'd)
You are our only hope. Bring back the
crystals. Bring back—
(gasps)
—my daughter. Please. Bring her...
back...
With that, the ruler of Atlantis closes his eyes for the
last time... Someone shouts—
ATLANTEAN
The King is dead!
Gasps of shock ripple through the crowd! The King's advisors
appear and solemnly lift the King's body.
They retrieve his broken scepter and carry away their dead
leader, tears streaming down their loyal cheeks. The crowd,
too, begins to mourn.
Milo watches as the King is carried back inside the Royal
Palace, his eyes filled with emotion. Suddenly, the ground
beneath his feet begins to rumble! In a matter of seconds,
the entire square is shaking! SHOUTS of confusion from the
Atlanteans! Something big right under Milo's feet begins to
push up through the ground!! The Atlanteans back away from
the upheaval! Milo balances precariously as he raises above
the crowd on what appears to be a giant stone fish!! The
crystals from the King's scepter have multiplied and spread
throughout the piece of statuary. The Atlanteans stare in
awe as the crystals rejuvenate a piece of long forgotten
Atlantean technology in the form of an ancient flying
machine!! The giant stone fish hovers over the square, as
pristine as the day it was built! The Atlanteans crowd
forward, reaching out to touch it, staring in wonder at this
link to their forgotten past!
Milo looks down at the techno marvel he's standing on and he
suddenly understands! A confidence surges through him the
likes of which he's never felt! He turns to the Atlanteans,
determination flooding his eyes!
MILO
Atlanteans! I need your help! Yes,
your King is dead! But his death was
not in vain! He was showing us the
way!
Milo spreads his arms, motioning to the 'flying fish' upon
which he is perched!
MILO (cont'd)
Once, long ago, Atlantis was the most
powerful nation on earth! The time
has come to awaken your past; to
claim your birthrite!
The Atlanteans stare solemnly up at Milo, betraying nothing.
MILO (cont'd)
You know the cost. Who will make the
sacrifice? Who will join me?
One amongst the crowd, a WOMANATLANTEAN
WOMAN
(shouts)
Don't listen to him! We still have
our crystals! We still have life!
The crowd begins to murmur.
MILO
(shouts)
She's right!
This quiets everyone.
MILO (cont'd)
Stay here and you will live! But ask
yourselves this: What kind of life
will you have? Look around you! Your
city is dying!
Milo's right. The city continues to crumble and decay around
them.
MILO (cont'd)
Live as savages here amongst the
ruins... or fight for the greatness
that once was! The choice is yours!
The Atlanteans hesitate. Milo looks amongst them. Many are
just as frightened as he. He settles on several familiar
faces, the Princess' gang of teenaged 'shredders'. One of
them suddenly rips the amulet from around his neck and
slowly holds it up. Another follows suit. Someone far back
in the crowd quietly raises another. Slowly, more begin
popping up. This is less a rousing celebration of unity and
more like a solemn death march. Soon, every Atlantean is
holding their life-sustaining crystals over their heads.
Milo waits, unsure, nervous. Suddenly—
The first 'shredder' sprints away from the pack, running
toward an obscure-looking piece of statuary! He throws his
amulet, smashing it against the stone! The crystals
instantly spread, bringing to life an outsized version of
his 'skimmer'!! CHEERS suddenly erupt from the Atlanteans!
This electric moment unifies the crowd! They scatter and
begin running through the streets! Milo turns proudly to
Sweet and the others!
155 BRIEF MONTAGE
Throughout the city, amulets are smashed one after the other
as the Atlanteans collectively sacrifice their immortality
to resurrect long-forgotten technology in the form of
airships and strange flying machines!! They even bring back
to life Vinny's smashed Victrola! It all causes a stirring
in the hearts of the citizens, a sense of 'civic pride' that
hasn't been felt in a long, long time...
156 INT. ATLANTIS (CITY CENTER) - LATER
Milo stands looking proudly upon the strangest flying armada
ever assembled. Many of the airships and flying machines we
recognize from the story of Atlantis' destruction. The
'shredders' whiz to and fro on their giant 'skimmers',
getting the hang of this new technology! Atlanteans crowd
onto the flying machines, armed with their primitive weapons
and a few surprises! The rest crowd into the square, waving
and showing their support! Milo picks up a discarded sword,
feels the weight in his hand, marches over to the lead air
ship and climbs aboard. Sweet is there, looking nervous.
SWEET
Milo, these people have never even
seen these machines before, let alone
flown them!!
MILO
What? You've never heard the term
'flying blind'?
Milo stands on the 'bow' of his airship, turns and raises
his sword!
MILO (cont'd)
Atlanteans!
Milo stops short, leans down—
MILO (cont'd)
(quietly)
What does one usually say before
leading men into battle?
COOKIE
General Custer had a favorite sayin'—
Cookie leans in and whispers to Milo. Milo looks at him,
shocked.
MILO
Really?
Cookie nods. Milo shrugs. He stands and raises his sword—
MILO (cont'd)
Atlanteans! The time has come to kick
ass and take names!!
A LOUD CHEER goes Up in the city center!! Milo turns and
points his sword ahead!
MILO (cont'd)
MOVE OUT!!
The air ships lift off and immediately swerve out of
control! Some collide with each other! Others ram into
buildings, sending the Atlanteans left behind fleeing from
the city center!! Milo is nearly thrown! He regains his
balance and comes face to face with a glaring Sweet!
MILO (cont'd)
(defensive)
They'll get the hang of it.
Meanwhile, airships continue to wheel out of control,
bashing into one another and generally wreaking havoc!
CUT TO:
157 ATLANTIS (WIDE SHOT)
Milo's flying armada leaves the island city and sets off on
the strangest rescue mission ever conceived! They soar
toward us across the inland sea, completely scattered and
out of control!! Milo's airship leads the way! Milo stands
on the 'bow', sword in hand, Plato on his shoulder! He looks
truly heroic!
Meanwhile...
158 INT. EXTINCT VOLCANO
Rourke and his men have landed their flying transports in
the bottom shaft of an extinct volcano! Several spotlights
flood the area with light! Willy and Helga watch one of
Rourke's men assemble a portable radio while the others
scramble to assemble... something. Rourke joins them.
WILLY
(suspicious)
That radio doesn't look familiar.
ROURKE
I brought along some of my own
equipment. In addition to your
grandfather's.
Rourke nods to his men who turn the switches on several
tanks of compressed air! A giant air balloon begins to
inflate, rising from the back of one of the transport
vehicles! Rourke looks at his wristwatch.
ROURKE (cont'd)
Speaking of which, he should be
reaching the rendezvous point right
about now...
159 EXT. ISLAND VOLCANO (TOPSIDE) - DAY
Whitmore's freighter is anchored off a South Sea island
volcano.
160 EXT. DECK - DAY
Whitmore is gazing at the volcano's summit through a pair of
binoculars.
WHITMORE
Krakatoa...
He lowers the binoculars. The ship is buzzing with activity
in anticipation of the explorers return! One of the deck
hands casually points off the stern—
DECK HAND
Look -- dolphins!
Whitmore raises his binoculars.
161 POV - THROUGH BINOCULARS
Twin projectiles are churning through the water right toward
the freighter!
Whitmore's grin slowly fades. He lowers the binoculars—
WHITMORE
(that sinking
feeling)
Those aren't dolphins...
QUICK CUT:
162 TWO TORPEDOES
slam into the side of the freighter! TWIN EXPLOSIONS nearly
rip the ship in half!! Within seconds, the freighter is
sinking!
163 EXT. DECK
Whitmore clings desperately to the railing! SHOUTS of
'Abandon ship!' echo around him! Thick smoke from several
fire obscure his view! Suddenly, the smoke clears long
enough for him to witness—
A GERMAN U-BOAT surfaces nearby!
Whitmore's face contorts in rage! He takes his cigar out of
his mouth and defiantly shakes his fist—
WHITMORE
Murderous Huns! You won't get away
with this!!
164 EXT. U-BOAT DECK - DAY
A GERMAN COMMANDER and several of his officers emerge on
deck to watch Whitmore's freighter sink. As the last piece
slips below the surface—
GERMAN COMMANDER
(in German)
Good work.
We HEAR screams for help from the survivors.
FIRST OFFICER
And the survivors?
GERMAN COMMANDER
(coldly)
Leave them to the sharks. I have a
call to make.
The Commander disappears back inside the U-boat followed
closely by his officers.
CUT TO:
The DEBRIS left behind by the sinking freighter. There
amongst the pieces of splintered wood and unused life
preservers floats a soggy half-smoked cigar...
165 INT. EXTINCT VOLCANO (KRAKATOA)
Helga and Willy continue to watch the giant air balloon
inflate. A partial insignia is beginning to take shape on
the side of the balloon. Rourke is called over to the radio.
As Helga and Willy continue watching the insignia take shape
on the side of the balloon, we become vaguely aware of
Rourke's voice as he speaks on the radio. Something is
different. He's not speaking English!
PUSH IN on Helga and Willy as they slowly turn, listening in
disbelief! Rourke is speaking German!! The pair slowly turn
back to the now huge balloon just as the insignia on the
side takes final shape -- it's an IRON CROSS!!
ROURKE AND HIS MEN ARE GERMAN AGENTS!!!
Rourke signs off, hands the microphone to his radio man and
approaches the stunned duo!
ROURKE
Don't look so surprised.
HELGA
(dawns)
You used me! To get to Whitmore! You
swine—
Helga takes a swing at Rourke! He grabs her fist in his own,
stopping her cold!
ROURKE
You have earned an enviable position
in the New World order, Fraulein.
Don't jeopardize it.
The pair lock eyes. Rourke turns to Willy.
ROURKE (cont'd)
And you. You have just come into your
inheritance much sooner than
expected.
Willy goes pale. Rourke smiles, then laughs with the full
force of his evil!
166 INT. CAVERNS
Milo's flying armada soars through one expansive cavern
after another! Under and around stalactites! Over and above
stalagmites! Sometimes smashing through both!! Many of the
flying machines continue to have problems, bouncing
and careening off the cavern walls!
167 CLOSE - MILO
Ahead in the distance he can make out several points of
light!
MILO
(points)
There!
Milo turns to Vinny who is riding alongside on a stone
fish!!
MILO (cont'd)
Crank it up, Vinny!
VINNY
You got it, boss!
Vinny cranks up his now crystal-powered Victrola as the
armada soars ahead into the next cavern!
168 INT. EXTINCT VOLCANO (KRAKATOA)
Rourke's men are finishing attaching the pod containing the
crystallized Princess to the bottom of the zeppelin! Rourke
is staring up the volcano shaft.
ROURKE
It's a straight shot to the surface!
He turns and shouts orders in German! Helga and Willy both
have mixed feelings.
WILLY
I just wanted his money. I didn't
want him dead.
(looks at Helga;
near tears)
He was the only family I had!
HELGA
(annoyed)
Shut-up, you little twerp!
Suddenly, a distant sound reaches their ears! Rourke's men
have heard it too and stopped their work! Rourke steps out
in front of the others, staring back into the dark cavern
from which they came.
ROURKE
What the hell is that...?
The sound grows in volume as it draws near, echoing off the
cavern walls! It is the unmistakable sound of... opera!!
QUICK CUT:
169 MILO'S FLYING ARMADA
soars ahead toward the base of the volcano! Vinny's Victrola
is booming forth Wagner at supersonic decibels!
170 MILO'S AIRSHIP
vaults ahead, leading the way! The first thing Milo sees is
the giant zeppelin lit up by the spotlights! And there on
the side of the balloon, painted in black, the infamous Iron
cross! Milo and Sweet react.
MILO
Oh my God...
SWEET
Looks like somebody else has their
sights set on those crystals!
Milo sets his jaw!
MILO
Not if I can help it!
He stands forward on the 'bow' of his airship, raises his
sword for the others to see—
MILO (cont'd)
(shouts)
CHARGE!!!
CUT TO:
171 ROURKE
His jaw drops and his cigar tumbles out at the sight of
Milo's strange flying armada bearing down on he and his men!
He turns and shouts frantically in German!
ROURKE
Mach schnell! Mach schnell!
Rourke and his men dive for cover and come up firing!! A
fierce battle erupts in the bowels of the dormant volcano,
pitting ancient Atlantean technology against modern
firepower!
Rourke and his men lay down a sheet of hot machine gun
fire!!
Milo's flying armada quickly disseminates into flying chaos
as bullets zing and ricochet around them!
Several flying machines crash headlong into the cavern wall!
The 'shredders' assume attack formation and divebomb
Rourke's men, unleashing a torrent of arrows and spears!!
Other Atlanteans drop 'living bombs' called Heffalumps --
bowling ball-sized amoeba-like creatures filled with
explosive gases!
Below, Helga and Willy crouch behind a rock, watching the
action, ducking when things get too hot!
Milo sees the pod containing the Princess attached to the
bottom of the zeppelin! He points with his sword and sweet
maneuvers the air ship in close!
Rourke suddenly jumps up from behind a rock and sprays the
airship with hot lead! Sweet is hit! The air ship veers out
of control!
Several of Rourke's men clamor into the flying transports
and take to the air! A rousing dogfight complete with airto-
air combat ensues high overhead!
One of the flying transports bears down on Vinny!! Twin
bursts of machine gun fire tattoo his flying stone fish!
Nearby, Audrey is riding in another flying machine! She sees
what is happening—
AUDREY
HANG ON, VINNY!
Audrey dives to the rescue! Vinny grabs his Victrola and
leaps onto Audrey's flying machine Just as his stone fish is
turned to dust by machine gun fire!!
VINNY
My little buttercup!
Vinny goes to kiss her! She gives him a roundhouse across
the jaw!
AUDREY
Don't get fresh!
Meanwhile, Milo's airship is still spinning out of control!
MILO
Sweet!
Sweet is unconscious! Milo scrambles back to the
'controls' -- a series of odd looking knobs and levers! He
starts working them with little luck! Suddenly, the air ship
is strafed with bullets! Milo looks up! A flying transport
is heading straight toward them, machine guns blazing! Milo
begins working the controls like mad! Nothing happens! Out
of desperation he remembers an old trick -- he delivers a
swift kick to the 'controls'! A white hot beam of light
shoots forward from the airship! It hits the flying
transport dead center! There is a tremendous EXPLOSION!!
MILO (cont'd)
Wow...
Chunks of smoking metal and rubber rain down on Rourke and
his men! Rourke watches as high overhead the second flying
transport is dispatched by the 'shredders' in a daring team
effort! He turns and yells for his men to continue firing!
Helga and Willy continue to watch the fight! Helga notices
movement out of the corner of her eye! She turns in time to
see Rourke clamoring into the zeppelin and casting off,
leaving his men behind! More importantly, leaving her
behind!
HELGA
(eyes blazing)
Oh no you don't—!
Helga leaps up and runs toward the zeppelin! Rourke casts
off the last anchor line and the zeppelin begins to ascend
toward the volcano shaft! All around the battle continues to
rage! Helga runs and jumps, latching onto the pod containing
the Princess!
As the zeppelin continues to rise, Rourke sprays machine gun
fire from his position in the basket! He pauses to punch
several buttons! Twin sets of giant rotor blades appear
beneath the basket and begin spinning in opposite
directions! The zeppelin starts to ascend even faster!
Rourke smiles, turns and comes face to face with you-knowwho!
HELGA (cont'd)
(smiles)
You weren't thinking of leaving
without me, were you baby?
Helga delivers a karate kick that smashes Rourke's cigar
into his face! A knock down drag out fight ensues between
the two ex-lovers! For all of Helga's fleet of foot, Rourke
is still able to overpower her! She has managed to arm
herself with a flare gun but Rourke holds her close, pinning
her arms.
ROURKE
(smiles)
Ironic isn't it? Just when you think
you're falling for someone—
A GUNSHOT! Helga's eyes widen in surprise!
ROURKE (cont'd)
—they turn out to be the one falling!
Auf Wiedersehen, Fräulien—
Rourke tosses Helga over the side, stands holding a smoking
Luger!
CUT TO:
172 MILO
sees Helga falling! He maneuvers the airship and dives
toward her! He catches her in mid-air just as bullets rip
through the 'fuselage' and send the airship crashing to the
ground!! Milo pulls sweet from the wreckage as bullets
continue to zip and zing all around! Helga is lying nearby,
mortally wounded! Milo scrambles over to her, cradles her in
his arms! Helga looks up at him.
HELGA
Mother always said I should go after
the nice guys...
(coughs)
I may be a cheap, no good,
backstabbing golddigger—
Helga raises her hand -- she's still grasping the flare gun!
HELGA (cont'd)
—but I'm no traitor!
She FIRES at the rising zeppelin! The red flare shoots
straight up into the volcano shaft!
173 ROURKE
sees it coming!
ROURKE
NOOOOOOOO!!!!
CUT TO:
174 THE FLARE
ricochets off the wall of the shaft several times before
whizzing right past Rourke and hitting the balloon smack dab
in the center of the Iron cross!!
CUT TO:
175 THE ZEPPELIN
The mother of all EXPLOSIONS!!!!
Rourke, the basket, the pod carrying the Princess, the rotor
blades, pieces of flaming canvas -- all come hurtling back
to earth chased by a descending fireball!!
The pod carrying the Princess rolls clear of the flames and
comes to rest, its hatch slightly ajar!
Milo starts toward the pod, pulls up short!
176 HIS POV - ROURKE
steps from the flaming wreckage! His shirt hangs in burning
tatters, his hair is smoking and his face has turned black!
He points at Milo-
ROURKE
You! You had to poke your nose where
it didn't belong!
Rourke picks up a sheared off piece of rotor blade! It's red
hot and sears his skin but he doesn't even flinch! He wields
it like a sword!
ROURKE (cont'd)
Now you're mine bookworm...
Rourke starts forward! Milo gulps, brandishes his own sword!
The two engage in a brutal fight to the death!! Sparks fly
as metal crashes against metal! Milo is no match for
Rourke's brute strength! It is all he can do to defend
himself from Rourke's punishing attack!
CUT TO:
177 THE POD
Crystals have begun creeping forth from the open hatch! They
multiply and spread toward Rourke's men like so many
spiders! One by one, Rourke's men are overtaken by the
crystals! They SCREAM and continue firing until they are
completely crystallized!!
CUT TO:
178 ROURKE AND MILO
Their deadly duel continues, oblivious to everything else!
CUT TO:
179 THE CRYSTALS
disappear into a fissure in the ground! Moments later, the
ground begins to rumble and tremble! Cracks appear,
revealing molten lava just under the surface!!
THE CRYSTALS HAVE BROUGHT THE VOLCANO TO LIFE!!
CUT TO:
180 ROURKE AND MILO
Lava geysers erupt around the pair as they continue
battling! The ground beneath their feet fractures, creating
rivers of molten lava! Milo leaps from one island to
another, chased by the fanatical Rourke!!
Willy emerges from his hiding place and watches as Rourke
and Milo disappear into another part of the cavern...
CUT TO:
181 THE BATTLE
The rest of Rourke's men have been vanquished! Vinny, Audrey
and the others attend to Sweet's wounds! The 'shredders' pry
open the pod and wrap the crystallized Princess in a
protective shroud, transport her to one of the 'skimmers'!
Meanwhile, the volcano is moments away from blowing!
CUT TO:
182 ROURKE AND MILO
Lava is boiling up all around the pair! Rourke corners Milo
on one last island of ground! There's nowhere to run! Milo
turns to face his pursuer, bloodied and bruised! Rourke
smiles, pauses to light a fresh cigar on a small geyser of
lava that erupts beside him!
ROURKE
Not too fast. I want to enjoy this.
Rourke steps forward, swinging the rotor blade! Milo
stumbles back, falling onto his back! He starts to get up
but is met oy the jagged point of Rourke's 'sword'. Rourke
towers over him, rolling his cigar between thumb and
forefinger.
ROURKE (cont'd)
Only one question remains: do I dice
you, filet you, or skin you alive?
Milo looks frantically about! His number's up! He suddenly
spots something nearby on the ground -- a small glowing
deposit of crystals! Ever so slowly, he inches the blade of
his sword toward them! But they're just out of reach!
ROURKE (cont'd)
Perhaps I'll just gut you like a
fish...
Rourke raises his 'sword'! Plato suddenly appears out of
Milo's shirt cuff, scurries along the length of the sword!
Acting as a 'bridge', Plato dips his tail into the
crystals!! The crystals surge forward across Plato and onto
the tip of Milo's sword!!!
Calling on every last ounce of strength, Milo swings his
sword just as Rourke swings the rotor blade!! Sparks fly as
metal crashes against metal!! Milo's sword is knocked from
his grasp!! The tip of the blade nicks Rourke's arm!! Rourke
pauses to look at the small cut—
ROURKE (cont'd)
Is that the best you can do?
(disgusted)
You Americans... When it comes right
down to it, you really don't put up
much of a fight—
Rourke raises the rotor blade! Milo holds up his arms as a
shield! Rourke starts to swing the 'sword', stops short! A
funny look comes over his face... He turns and looks at the
cut on his arm!
The crystals have infected the cut and are spreading!!
A look of horror crosses Rourke's face! He turns to Milo,
enraged! He starts to swing the rotor blade but stops short
once again! This time his entire arm is crystallized!!
Rourke staggers backward!
Milo scoops up Plato and watches as Rourke's body is invaded
by the crystals! It is an agonizing and horrifying process!
The crystals run black, feeding off of Rourke's evil!! Dark
crystal spikes erupt from his skin, his eyes -- even his
mouth, cutting short his SCREAMS!!
Milo looks away! When he looks back, Rourke is completely
'crystallized' in a contorted position of horror and rage!!
Milo grabs his sword and staggers to his feet. He approaches
his nemesis, looks straight into his crystallized eyes—
MILO
After all we've been through
together, it's a shame you have to go
to pieces—!
Milo swings his sword, shattering Rourke into a million
shards!!
Milo stands with Plato, watching as the crystal shards
disappear back into the ground...
But his troubles are far from over. The ground beneath his
feet begins to break up! Lava oozes forth from the cracks!
Milo jumps from one small piece of ground to the next! Soon,
he is standing on the only chunk of ground left amidst a
boiling lake of molten lava!! The lava continues to eat away
at the ground until he's balancing on a piece no bigger than
a shoe box!! Suddenly-
VOICE (OS)
HANG ON, MILO!!!!
Milo looks up! A flying machine is heading right toward
him -- piloted by none other than Willy Whitmore!! Willy
reaches out a hand! Milo grabs for it as the flying machine
soars past! He and Plato are plucked out of harm's way just
as the lava consumes Milo's foothold!
MILO
(shouts)
Nice timing, William!
WILLY
It's Willy!! HOLD ON!!!
Willy wheels through a 180 degree turn and heads back in the
opposite direction!!
183 INT. CAVERN
The rest of Milo's armada is hovering near the volcano
shaft! All around them, the walls are shaking and crumbling
as the volcano prepares to erupt!!
VINNY
We can't wait! She's gonna blow!!
AUDREY
(points)
Look!
There, flying toward them just ahead of a cascading river of
boiling lava is Milo and Willy!
VINNY
LET'S GO!!
Milo's armada soars away from the volcano shaft just as a
TREMENDOUS EXPLOSION of molten lava erupts straight up the
shaft and into every adjoining cavern!!!
184 EXT. KRAKATOA - DAY
The German U-boat is floating just offshore.
185 EXT. U-BOAT DECK - DAY
The Commander is standing on deck with his officers. One of
them is watching the volcano through field glasses.
FIRST OFFICER
Herr Commandant!
Smoke appears out of the top of the volcano! The ground
begins to rumble! The Commander checks his watch-
GERMAN COMMANDER
(smiles)
Right on schedule...
The island literally EXPLODES from the sheer force of the
eruption!!
A GIANT TSUNAMI spawned by the explosion engulfs the U-boat,
thus ending Germany's bid to acquire the crystals ...
186 INT. CAVERNS
Milo's armada races back toward Atlantis just ahead of a
rushing wall of molten lava!!
187 INT. ATLANTIS
Back underworld, the situation in Atlantis is desperate! The
city has decayed beyond recognition! The rivers of lava
surrounding the sea have risen and threaten to engulf the
city!!
Shouts of alarm suddenly ring out! And there, flying out of
the darkness comes Milo and his armada! Milo cuts a dashing
figure -- sword in hand, Plato on his shoulder, the
crystallized Princess at his side!! CHEERS go up throughout
the city!
188 INT. TEMPLE
The Princess is carried into the central chamber and the
shroud removed!
MILO
Everyone out! Now!
Everyone backs out of the chamber! Milo stands in the
doorway, watching expectantly! But nothing happens! The
Princess remains crystallized!
VINNY
Why isn't she—
MILO
I don't know!
189 INT. ATLANTIS
Meanwhile, the lava is surging dangerously close to the
city! Gigantic mountains of steam are produced as it comes
in contact with the sea!!
190 INT. TEMPLE
The Princess remains in her crystalline state! Milo marches
back into the chamber and stands before his love.
MILO
(frustrated)
C'mon, Serena! Help me! What do I
have to do??
Milo suddenly flashes back to the brief kiss that he and the
Princess shared, to the 'glow' that was produced between
them. Throwing caution to the wind, Milo steps forward,
wraps his arms around the crystal Princess and kisses her
full on the mouth!
AUDREY
(horrified)
Milo!
VINNY
No!
But Milo isn't crystallized. Instead, a wonderful, magical
thing occurs -- the crystals sweep out of the Princess's
body and return to their proper place!! They glow stronger
than ever before, bathing Milo and the Princess in the most
beautiful, indescribable light!
191 INT. ATLANTIS
Immediately, the magic and wonder of Atlantis is restored!
And remarkably, to the way it was before the Great Flood!
The Atlanteans stare in wonder at a city never before seen
or imagined!
The lava begins to subside! Disaster is averted as once
again, Atlantis comes under the influence of the 'living'
crystals...
192 INT. TEMPLE
The Princess's eyes flutter open! Milo begins to pull away
but she holds him close and they continue kissing! Outside,
Vinny watches alongside Audrey—
VINNY
Now that's amore...
Audrey sighs. When Vinny tries to sneak a kiss she throws a
left hook! Vinny dodges and lays one on her! And for the
first time, she doesn't resist...
MOVE BACK down the Hall of Kings to see that all the former
rulers of Atlantis have returned to their crystalline
states. MOVE IN CLOSE to reveal King Solon lying peacefully
in his place of rest...
DISSOLVE TO:
193 INT. ATLANTIS (CITY CENTER) - LATER
The Atlanteans have crowded into the city center. A ceremony
is in progress. The Queen is awarding each of the explorers
a medal of bravery. Sweet is there, his arm in a sling. Milo
is last. He leans forward and Serena places the medal around
his neck. A ROUSING CHEER goes up from the Atlanteans!
SWEET
I guess there's nothing left to say
but goodbye.
Milo turns to Sweet and the others.
MILO
Funny. That's what I was about to
say...
Milo takes Serena's hand. The others look amongst themselves
in disbelief! Except for Sweet.
SWEET
You're staying.
Milo nods.
AUDREY
What about your work?
WILLY
-Fame and fortune??
VINNY
-Respect?
Sweet smiles at Milo.
SWEET
I have a feeling everything he needs
is right here.
Milo hugs his friend. Several Atlanteans lug a chest forward
and set it down in front of the explorers. Willy opens the
lid. The inside is filled with fabulous treasure!! The
others crowd forward to gawk!
QUEEN SERENA
In exchange for your eternal silence.
The explorers look amongst themselves.
SWEET
We can deal with that.
The treasure chest is loaded onto one of the 'skimmers'.
Sweet and the others climb aboard. Milo steps up beside
them—
MILO
Take care, my friends.
They smile and nod. Suddenly—
AUDREY
Hey! Where's Cookie??
Everyone looks around!
COOKIE (OS)
Right over here, young lady!
The crowd parts! Cookie comes forward, each arm wrapped
around an Atlantean beauty!!
COOKIE
Think I'll camp here a spell. Open up
my own kitchen. Whadaya say, ladies?
How'd you like to come work for ol'
Cookie?
The women giggle and stroke his whiskers! Everyone laughs!
QUICK CUT:
194 THREE 'SKIMMERS'
piloted by the 'shredders' soar up and away from Atlantis,
carrying the explorers back to the surface!
Milo, Serena and the Atlanteans wave farewell! Milo turns to
Serena. Plato pops up out of his pocket! Serena laughs! Milo
takes the Queen in his arms and kisses her while all around
them the Atlanteans CHEER!!
EPILOGUE
195 EXT. DUSTY MIDWESTERN STREET - DAY
A FRECKLED KID riding a homemade scooter suddenly skids to a
stop! Just ahead, a manhole cover is upended and six dirtcovered
strange characters wearing medals around their necks
emerge from the ground hauling a large chest!! The kid gawks
as one of them kicks the manhole cover back in place!
VINNY
Hey kid! What town is this?
FRECKLED KID
Topeka.
VINNY
Kansas! How 'bout that!
SWEET
Which way to the rail station, son?
The kid points ahead down the street.
AUDREY
Thanks!
The motley crew of explorers walks away, lugging the chest!
VINNY
I don't know about you guys, but this
thing is gettin' heavy!
The kid watches them go, notices a book lying beside the
manhole cover. He rolls ahead and picks it up.
FRECKLED KID
Hey! You dropped a book!
WILLY
Keep it, kid! We can afford the
entire library!
The explorers laugh and continue on their way. The kid looks
at the dusty old book.
He swipes his hand across the cover, uncovering a familiar
symbol -- the inverted V with the dot in the center!
Suddenly-
WOMAN'S VOICE (OS)
Adam!
The boy continues staring at the journal.
WOMAN'S VOICE (OS) (cont'd)
(impatient)
Adam Murphy!
The boy looks at his mother standing in the front yard of a
house down the block.
BOY'S MOTHER
Supper's ready! Get washed up!
FRECKLED KID
Comin', Ma!
The boy tucks the Shepherd's Journal into the back pocket of
his overalls and pushes his scooter toward home...
HOLD WIDE.
THE END?
Category:Transcripts
Category:Disney Transcripts
Category:Walt Disney Animation Studios transcripts