Charade

FADE IN (BEFORE TITLES)

1.EXT. FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE -- DUSK

Silence -- complete silence for the urbanite, though the

oncoming darkness is punctuated by the sounds of farm

country -- a few birds, a distant rumble of thunder from

some heavy clouds on the horizon, a dog's barking.

CAMERA PANS the green, squared-off flatland, lit only by

a fine sunset in its final throes. Then, gradually,

starting from nothing, a rumble is heard, quickly growing

louder and louder until the sound of a train can be

recognized.

CAMERA PANS quickly, discovering the railroad line atop a

man-made rise of land, and the speeding passenger train is

upon us, flashing by with a roar.

Then, as if from nowhere, the figure of a man hits the

embankment and rolls crazily down to the bottom into the

thick underbrush alongside the tracks.

2.CLOSE SHOT -- BODY

It lies in the bushes, still, unmoving -- dead. CAMERA

PANS AWAY to the quiet peaceful countryside as the sound

of the train fades off until there is silence once more.

TITLE MUSIC begins with a crash.

(MAIN TITLES)

3.)

4.)DELETED

5.)

6.FADE IN

EXT. MEGEVE -- DAY

A handsome and elegant hotel perched on the mountain-side

overlooking the French resort town. A large, open sun

deck -- tables, gaily colored parasols, sun bathers.

One of the latter is REGINA LAMPERT, a lovely young girl.

She is, besides taking in the sun, involved in her favorite

activity -- eating.

Then -- a dark, ominous shape intrudes in the f.g. FOCUS

CHANGES to bring into sharp relief a revolver -- shining,

black and ugly in the sunlight.

REGGIE, unaware of her danger, continues to eat.

The finger tightens around the trigger and finally the

gun shoots -- a stream of water arcs, with unerring aim,

straight into REGGIE's face.

7.ANOTHER ANGLE

Including JEAN-LOUIS, a French boy of six or so. REGGIE

looks at him sternly.

JEAN-LOUIS (in for trouble)

Oh, la.

REGGIE:

Don't tell me you didn't know it was loaded.

(calling) Sylvie!

8.WIDER ANGLE

SYLVIE GAUDET, French, attractive, blonde, in her early

thirties, comes from the railing of the sun deck to join

REGGIE and JEAN-LOUIS.

REGGIE:

Isn't there something constructive he can

do -- like start an avalanche?

SYLVIE (to JEAN-LOUIS)

Va jouer, mon ange.

JEAN-LOUIS scampers off, content to have gotten off so

lightly. SYLVIE notices REGGIE's lunch which consists of

cold chicken, potato salad, rolls and butter, wine and

coffee.

SYLVIE:

When you start to eat like this something

is the matter.

No answer from REGGIE. SYLVIE begins reading a magazine

as REGGIE continues eating.

REGGIE:

Sylvie -- I'm getting a divorce.

SYLVIE:

�a alors! From Charles?

REGGIE:

He's the only husband I've got. I tried

to make it work, I really have -- but --

SYLVIE:

But what?

REGGIE:

I don't know how to explain it. I'm just

too miserable.

REGGIE picks up a chicken leg and starts off. SYLVIE

regards the devastated table before following.

SYLVIE:

It is infuriating that your unhappiness

does not turn to fat!

8A.INT. SWIMMING POOL -- DAY

A magnificent indoor, glass-enclosed pool, the vista of

snow-covered mountains seen through the ceiling-high

windows beyond. REGGIE and SYLVIE are passing through,

their conversation continuing.

SYLVIE:

But why do you want a divorce?

REGGIE:

Because I don't love him.

SYLVIE:

But that is no reason to get a divorce!

8B.EXT. HOTEL TERRACE -- DAY

An open balcony running around two sides of the pool,

sun-worshippers lying in deck-chairs. REGGIE and SYLVIE

appear, their conversation continuing.

SYLVIE:

With a rich husband and this year's

clothes you will not find it difficult

to make some new friends.

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