TELEPLAY By Robert Garlen
BATMAN Created by Bob Kane & Bill Finger
This is a work of Fan Fiction and is not to be confused with any official Batman project or product. TEASER FADE TO: EXT. GOTHAM CITY - NIGHT - RAIN FALL
SUPER: 5 YEARS AGO... Panning view of the city, up top/sky scraper - Beautiful eloquent designed, an architectural marvel.
As the camera sinks down it progresses to becomes disgusting, dirty. Images in apartments flash: - MAN BEATING WIFE. - DOG BEING BEATEN. - MAN SCREAMING AT CHILD. - DRUG DEALS. - PROSTITUTION.
FINALLY... THE BOTTOM. Blasting through a trash filled alley like a bat out of hell: JOE CHILL, dirty, old, poor, frighten. He scrambles through a heap of trash - he finds himself blocked, not chain-linked but good old fashioned wood fence.
A Large menacing shadow moves over him and disappears. He fights to stand in the heap of trash - INTERCUT - Young Boy, Parents, walking out of Movie Theater, laughing parading around. Father reaches for popcorn from boy’s bag. Mother sips on a drink. The boy hands dad the bag, picks up a stick from sidewalk. Swings it as a sword. - The Wood fence explodes and a dark shadow steps through... Joe turns and runs -
JOE CHILL GETAWAY FROM ME! INTERCUT - The family moves into the alley, parading on the boy enthused swings the stick out and swipes a "Z" in the air. - Joe huffing and puffing he turns and sees: ACE CHEMICAL. He runs towards the building.
INTERCUT - A CLICK. GUN. CHILL part in shadows.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 2.
He aims it at the two, the Father struck but calm, The Mother frightened covering her mouth to keep from screaming, the boy behind the protection of his father... - Chill pulls a glock fires at the lock - kicks it in, enters.
He runs to the door shoves his shoulder into it, nothing. He runs over to the nearest Window and smashes it... follow on the wire leading to... A SILENT ALARM.
INTERCUT - THE HAMMER PULLS BACK, HE FIRES AS... A BLACK SHADOW DROPS IN FRONT OF THE FAMILY - IT STANDS. IT’S BODY SHROUDED BY SHADOW, IT KNOCKS THE WEAPON FROM CHILL’S HANDS! HE TAKES OFF!
INT. ACE CHEMICALS - CHEMICAL STORAGE - NIGHT THUNDER CLAPS, LIGHTNING STRIKES. Chill wanders the room, filled with barrels with several paths laid out. He staggers down one, close to the left. Thunder claps, Lighting strikes. Chill stands frightened, The shadow stands behind him. Chill turns, nothing behind him!
A loud growl fills the air. Chill staggers fires in the dark. Lightning strikes - The shadowed figure is crouched behind Chill on top a stack of barrels. The light fades back out. Chill, the shadowed figure, both in the dark. FIGURE (Echoing) I’ve been hunting you for so long. Wanting you. To beat you like the wild dog you are. You’ve murdered many. Too many.
Chill panics: JOE CHILL Who are you!
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 3.
FIGURE Vengeance. JOE CHILL What are you going to do!?
FIGURE Do to you what you did to Thomas and Martha Wayne. Get the vengeance they deserve. The countless victims deserve!
JOE CHILL Why!? What gives you the right? We live in a world where people starve, whats wrong in taking the food back?
FIGURE You didn’t take food you took lives! Chill backs up to a window.
Lightning strikes - Chill sees it, the black cloak no longer covering it, a Grey bodysuit, a mask, gloves, boots. The figure is BATMAN! He grabs Chill the moonlight exposing the two.
BATMAN You took everything from me, it’s time for you to pay for it! He tosses Chill to the ground and approaches him...
Chill grabs his chest, screaming in pain. the pain lasts minutes as BATMAN watches his face twisted in horror... BATMAN NO! NOT LIKE THIS! Chill goes blank, he pales. BATMAN (cont’d) NO! YOU TOOK EVERYTHING I HAD, YOU DON’T GET TO GO OUT LIKE THIS! Batman holds Chill’s body. A tear slides out of the mask. Police siren’s fade into sound, Batman looks to the window and leaves.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 4.
FADE TO: INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT - A long armory, decorative stalagmites hanging a $50,000 dollar computer against the wall.
BRUCE WAYNE (late 20’s)stands in the Batman uniform sans cowl. He weeps. Approaching, 40’s British, Debonair, with a thin pencil mustache, dressed in a fine suit and a cane, ALFRED PENNYWORTH. ALFRED You found him. Did you kill him?
BRUCE I hunted him down. I cornered him, had him against the wall, i had my arms around him and he... Clutched his chest, I threw him down... and...
ALFRED (Beat) Did you kill him? BRUCE NO. His heart did. ALFRED Your mission is over. It’s time to move on, live a normal life.
Bruce throws Alfred a scowl. BRUCE Normal? You’ve said it yourself I’m a Wayne. I don’t know what Normal is. And I never will. ALFRED Bruce give it up. You think your own parents would have wanted you to kill him?
BRUCE No... I made them a Promise that that his would be the only life I’d take. And I didn’t. I promised I’d never let this happen again. Alfred, I promised to restore (MORE) (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 5.
BRUCE (cont’d) everything they stood for and I can’t do that as Bruce Wayne. It’s the only reason I have to live. If I want to honor them, I’ve got to save Gotham. CUT TO: EXT. ACE CHEMICAL - NIGHT -
Rainfall has stopped. The lot is covered in Cop Cars pulled into the area. Rolling into the scene, possible the oldest car of the bunch. Exiting the car - Handsome, disheveled, well dressed, wrapped in a trench coat and glasses, CAPTAIN JAMES GORDON.
He heads to the door, his partner exits the car, Beautiful, strong, but feminine, DETECTIVE SARAH ESSEN-GORDON. DETECTIVE ESSEN-GORDON Think this is ’him’.
CAPTAIN GORDON NO. Not his M.O. DETECTIVE ESSEN-GORDON Hey we thought he was a bad guy once. What if he is? CAPTAIN GORDON Then it’s not ’Him’.
DETECTIVE ESSEN-GORDON Why so much faith? CAPTAIN GORDON Because when it comes to faith, he’s all Gotham has left.
DETECTIVE ESSEN-GORDON It has you Jim. CAPTAIN GORDON I couldn’t do what Batman has. None of us wearing a badge could. CUT TO: INT. ACE CHEMICALS - CRIME SCENE - NIGHT
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 6.
GORDON and ESSEN-GORDON enter the room, strobes and lamps keep the place lit up. A chalk outline is being filled out around JOE CHILL. CAPTAIN GORDON (cont’d) Who’s the body? DETECTIVE BULLOCK (Off Screen) Gotham’s most wanted. Joe Chill.
Harvey Bullock, Big guy, Noirish theme going on, his badge on his trench coat. DETECTIVE BULLOCK (cont’d) Found clutching his chest. Heart attack maybe. Possibly murder.
CAPTAIN GORDON What gives you that idea detective? DETECTIVE BULLOCK Interview with a couple a few blocks down that called us about a mugging, said a Giant creature saved them from getting robbed. CAPTAIN GORDON Batman? Murder isn’t His M.O.
DETECTIVE BULLOCK Explain the body. CAPTAIN GORDON People have heart attacks all the time Harv. Just another Heart attack. Thats all. DETECTIVE BULLOCK What? This was caused by Batman Gordon. CAPTAIN GORDON We’re ruling it a heart attack. Unless you have some evidence I don’t know about. DETECTIVE BULLOCK How about the damn bruises on his arms, face, hell he’s probably got some on his torso!
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 7.
CAPTAIN GORDON Did I say Evidence? I meant substantial evidence, Those bruises wouldn’t cause a heart attack.
DETECTIVE BULLOCK Bull. The Million dollar man stopped a guys heart punching him in the chest. CAPTAIN GORDON Check the bruises. A CSI Officer opens up chill’s shit, bruises cover the right side of his chest and all over his stomach. CAPTAIN GORDON (cont’d) Rule it. Heart attack, act of god. But not murder. Not Batman. DETECTIVE ESSEN-GORDON Jim we all have bad days. Sometimes that’s all it takes to turn crazy.
CAPTAIN GORDON Sarah... Batman saved my son. I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt. Anybody notify Wayne?
DETECTIVE BULLOCK Think He’ll care this late in the night? DETECTIVE ESSEN-GORDON Maybe Wayne is the Batman. The words Hit GORDON. CAPTAIN GORDON I doubt it. Spoiled rich, why risk your life? Unless your getting paid for it no one risks their lives in Gotham. DETECTIVE BULLOCK Have a drive by do it.
CAPTAIN GORDON Alright. Call Montoya. Tell her to go by Wayne Manor. Give Bruce the good news.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 8.
DETECTIVE BULLOCK What do you want me to tell the headlines? CAPTAIN GORDON Oh give it about 5 seconds I’ll make something up. A BEAT of 5 Seconds. BEAT COP (Off Screen) HEY! HEY! YOU CAN’T COME IN HERE! CAPTAIN GORDON Right on que. Bullock, if you called them.
Storming into the scene: Intelligent, groomed, a bit full of himself, JACK RYDER. RYDER What’s the scoop.
CAPTAIN GORDON The scene is closed to the press Ryder. RYDER Why Gordon? There’s a story here and Gotham deserves to know. CAPTAIN GORDON Heart attack is hardly a story Ryder. Want someone on the scene send the guy who does obituaries. RYDER Can I at least get one question?
CAPTAIN GORDON Fine. Shoot. RYDER Is there still a six foot bat stalking criminals in Gotham City?
CAPTAIN GORDON On record Ryder? We have more problems to deal with then Ghosts and Goblins.
FADE TO: 9.
ACT ONE FADE IN: EXT. GOTHAM CITY - NIGHT -
SUPER: NOW. The center of the city, forming around a large Circus Tent. INT. HALEY CIRCUS - MAIN TENT - NIGHT
MID AIR - SLOW-MO. Two bright handsome blue eyes enter frame and they belong to... RICHARD "DICK" GRAYSON (13). DICK (Voice over) I feel the wind... A lump in my throat... Every part of my bladder makes me want to wet myself. And there is the part of me that wants to scream for my Mommy and Daddy...
Dick continues to fly slow-mo! DICK (Voice over) And I probably would but...
TWO bandaged hands grab him, both are hands from different people... MARY and JOHN GRAYSON, both 30’s. DICK (cont’d) (Voice Over) I know they already got me!
The three together... The Flying Grayson’s! They continue on with their parade of tricks. Dick throws himself back into the air, grabs the handles of the swing. He twists himself into a 360 and grabs the hands of his parents!
The RINGMASTER watches them set themselves on the platform. He makes a grand re-entrance. RINGMASTER Ladies and Gentlemen, the Flying Graysons! Masters of technique, death defying acrobatics. Now they (MORE) (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 10.
RINGMASTER (cont’d) will attempt the most dangerous trick in all of Acrobatics, a stunt that can only be described as, THE ROBIN!
The trio align themselves for the Red Robin as the Ringmaster continues: RINGMASTER By request of the Trio, they will perform the trick without the aid of a net. They will jump onto the the handles and as a trio they will tantalize us before forming daring creature landing on the platform on the other side of the arena!
The crowd cheers, First MARY Jumps onto the Handle. Then DICK, and finally JOHN! They swing themselves back and forth, growing pace...
Small flips in between tantalizing the crowd... They reach the highest point and all three lift off! SLOW-MO: DICK CENTER STAGE, FORMING THE BASE, HIS PARENTS HOLD HIS HAND ON EITHER SIDE FORMING THE WINGS, THE ROBIN!
SLOW-MO: THEY FALL HUGGING EACH OTHER! - They hit to a three person role and leap in the air to... STICK THE LANDING! The crowd is in uproar!
They stand together and pose like the happy, loving family many envy... EXT. GOTHAM NARROWS - CRIME ALLEY - NIGHT
Two people. A Man. A woman. A knife. Both struggling for a purse. WOMAN HEELP! HEEEEELP!
THUG Gimme the purse Lady, Or I WILL CUT YOU! Over them... Moving. A Shadow!
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 11.
THUG (cont’d) Say another damn word and I will cut you from top to bottom lady!
A small rock tumbles down. The woman looks up... Catches the Thug’s attention. He looks up to... NOTHING!
THUG (cont’d) (Looking up) Huh. You think some guardian angel gonna save you? Huh! Think you’re gonna have some kind of super-man is going to help you?
The lady’s face is more relaxed, the teared mascara runs... Behind the thug stands... Mean, gritty, Five O’Clock shadow... THE GODDAMN BATMAN!
BATMAN Not an angel... The thug goes wide. He slowly turns, seeing a pissed of BATMAN.
BATMAN Me. KRACK. A southpaw punch takes the Thug down with teeth shooting out.
The Woman collapses all over Batman, love, affection and tears against a cold face. WOMAN Thank you, thank you so much!
BATMAN Get to the street light a block over. There’s a pay phone with a crisis fail-safe if you don’t have a cellphone. Ask for Essen, she’s a good cop. The woman is dumbfounded at the certain-tone. He steps back, raises an arm. A contraption fit around his wrist fires and pulls him up... She watches astonished!
CUT TO: INT. PENTHOUSE - BUSINESS ROOM - NIGHT
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 12.
An elongated table stands at the center of the darken room. Around it: All Italian, At the head, old cranky, CARMINE "ROMAN" FALCONE (60’s), RUPERT THORNE (50’s), SAL MARONI (50’s), and TONY ZUCCO (40’s).
ZUCCO What’s the deal Carmine. I got a hooker in the cari payed good money for and you’re taking up our time. ROMAN Shut up. You all know why you’re here. BATMAN. MARONI Now we talking the same Batman that stripped you down, and drove a Lincoln in the river? ROMAN You like Taunting me don’t you Maroni.
MARONI Don’t be the boss if you can’t take the jabs. ROMAN Want a jab from prison? I know a big fella who can tear you a new one. Business is, The Bats cost us more money then any of us care to admit. We’ve hired everyone from Deathstroke to Deadshot and haven’t got him yet. THORNE Carmine I’ve been your oldest friend but really why in the hell are you reminding us about this?
ROMAN Point is we’ve hit something promising. I’ve called up and now... Well the BIG boss wants in.
MARONI What? We sign up with him and we all lose fifty percent if we’re lucky.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 13.
ROMAN On a bad week we lose eighty. A good week sixty! Plus we’re getting money back from getting rid of him. THORNE That why you called us here? To vote?
ROMAN I’ve decided. It’s too risky to not go with. MARONI So we don’t even get to vote?
MAN (Off Screen) Trust me. You stand to gain more than you stand to lose Mr. Maroni.
MARONI You the big boss? MAN (Off Screen) Yes. But before we go any further... Mr. Zucco I have a job for you... CUT TO:
INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT A hi-tech cave partially lit in decorative neon looking like a micro chip assembly room. In the middle, with a small broom and dustpan... Tighty-whitey, neat as can be, ALFRED PENNYWORTH (50’s). He stands up calm. Walks slowly dumping the dust into a trashcan. He pauses, fading in - a roaring engine!
ALFRED Oh dear. I wonder if I’ll be able to mop up this mess or if I’ll spend the hours stitching him up yet again.
Entering, a luscious mixture of a SWAT Humvee and a classic mustang, definitely a 4 doors on this giant monster... THE BATMOBILE.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 14.
The door opens. Two iron plated boots step out. BATMAN. ALFRED Welcome home Master Bruce. Is there any need for stitching or unusual amount of soap required for the floor? BATMAN Not tonight Alfred. Just a mugging in the narrows.
ALFRED Any chance of rest seeing as everything is laying low? BATMAN Possible. Doesn’t feel right. Walks over to the computer, peeling off the cowl to reveal... The Handsome Prince of Gotham, BRUCE WAYNE (30’s) ALFRED What doesn’t feel right is Bruce Wayne’s recent inactivity. BATMAN Bruce Wayne’s had enough public for a lifetime.
ALFRED It’s the Public that’s not tired of Bruce Wayne. The Circus is in town. Maybe a suitable chance to size up any potential successors.
BATMAN You know Alfred you could always suit up in my place. ALFRED I see you’ve bought a sense of humor. I’m proud. But I believe you would sooner die then allow this lowly old butler out on the streets. Plus, Wayne Manor is due for a nice sweeping and it would not feel so redundant if you had given it an opportunity to keep it covered in guilty blood and teeth.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 15.
BATMAN One night off... Unless necessity calls. Good enough? ALFRED As you wish. Might I suggest taking a reporter as a date? BATMAN A reporter? Trying to scare me Alfred?
ALFRED If I wanted to do that, I’d put on a mask and call myself Bat-Butler. It would be good for your public image.
BATMAN I suppose you’re right. I’ve had my eye on one for a while. ALFRED Shall I call her now, or continue your usual trend of giving an hours notice. BATMAN Why break tradition?
ALFRED No wonder. It should be a nice break for you, this police strike has rendered you restless as of recent. BATMAN True. But Gotham needs me more than ever.
ALFRED All the more reason for Commissioner Gordon’s press conference tomorrow... BATMAN There’s always been reason, but now with the strike... It seems like the Batman is needed more than ever, while the few cops left do what they can.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 16.
ALFRED I suppose I should have known you would say something to that affect. Oh well. Off to bed for you, you know how cranky you get when you don’t get your rest. BATMAN That one actually made me chuckle. Bruce finishes peeling off the armor, revealing a sexy six-pack ridden with knife and bullet wounds. CUT TO: EXT. PENTHOUSE - NIGHT
Encircling the city, a large standing PENTHOUSE. MAN (Voice Over) They’re intimidated.
INT. PENTHOUSE - NIGHT Maroni and the Man talk, The Man in the shadows yet again. MARONI That’s the order of things. Fear buys power. MAN Temporary power. MARONI Way I see it, It’ll last long enough. Fear Dominated Gotham for a century. MAN Time change and the world evolves. And the world needs to be tricked. MARONI Tricked?
MAN I’m planning a revolution. One that this world has not seen. MARONI What if me and the boys disagree.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 17.
MAN You’re in no position to, and if you do I’ll burn you and your empires down to the ground.
MARONI how are you going to cause a revolution? How are you going to keep Batman from winning. MAN By giving him a handicap... CUT TO: EXT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES - DAY
Nice looming image of the titan-like Wayne Enterprises. It stands above all else in GOTHAM CITY. LUCIUS FOX (Voice Over) What can I do for your Bruce?
INT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES - LUCIUS FOX’S OFFICE - DAY Bruce and Lucius sit a desk separating the two nice wide office space practically the size of a little shack. The desk covered with business memos, a laptop, and gadgets.
BRUCE Checking in. FOX I’ve known you for years. Checking in isn’t something you’re prone to. BRUCE Today is Gordon’s press conference.
FOX I’ve heard. Big step up, police strike an all. BRUCE Wayne Enterprises can do more to help the city with the Police strike then just supply me with arms and armor. Speaking of which, how are the upgrades going?
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 18.
FOX Come take a look... INT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES - R & D DIVISION - DAY A long corridor much like a parking garage, filled with various experiment projects. FOX and BRUCE walk down the long corridor, conversing: FOX (cont’d) I took the complaints you had about the body armor being exposed Found a denser material strong enough to snap a blade, eat a bullet, and keep you nice and handsome for your non-existent social life.
BRUCE Very Impressive Mr.Fox. But I have a date tonight. FOX Oh really? INT. HAYLEY CIRCUS - MAIN TENT - DAY Dick, John, Mary all practice their 360 axles, as MR. FRANCIS leads men around, ZUCCO’s men.
MR. FRANCIS This hear is our Main Tent, this is where the crowd go to see our biggest attraction, the Flying Graysons. They’ve been with us since the 80’s where John and Mary first joined as young kids. We required them to use a net back then, but now Hell their son is so safe we don’t even have nets to catch the boy with. So what business did you want to talk about Mr. Zucco? ZUCCO See, My kids they love the circus. Can’t get enough of it... But there is a certain fee, for well... activities in Gotham, everyone pays up to us and we offer... a certain protection from any "acts of the almighty"
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 19.
MR. FRANCIS Mr. Zucco I don’t seem to understand... We’ve payed all the right taxes...
ZUCCO It’s quite simple, You pay us. We don’t get pissed and torch you’re friggin tents. John Climbs town from the pole. Approaches Mr.Francis.
JOHN Mr. Francis is this guy bothering you? ZUCCO No, just talking business... JOHN And you are? ZUCCO (Extends a hand) Anthony Zucco. Busine-- JOHN (Refusing) The gangster. I’ve heard off you. What are you doing here. ZUCCO Talking business with Mr. Francis...
MR. FRANCIS Mr. Zucco I can’t be apart of a criminal organization. I will NOT pay you or any other thugs any type of ransom or for protection. The Police will hear about this. ZUCCO Fair enough Mr. Francis... Oh and Johnny... That boy of yours is a real winner. Be shame for him to fall from that height. JOHN It would be less of a shame to see you fall Mr. Zucco.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 20.
ZUCCO I suppose so... See ya’ round Johnny. Zucco and his goons exit.
JOHN Frank, what’s going on here? MR. FRANCIS Gotham is a mob ruled city. We come here we gotta play by their rules. JOHN And Tarnish your late wife’s name? MR. FRANCIS Hayley has nothing to do with this. JOHN Frank we’ve been friends since i was 13. I know you’re not a bad guy.
MR. FRANCIS Zucco nor his men are getting anything so just let me worry about everything.
JOHN OK Frank... FADE TO: 21.
ACT TWO FADE IN:
EXT. GOTHAM CITY HALL - DAY COMMISSIONER GORDON (50’s) stands behind a podium with a set of papers and army of press in front of him. Next to him on the left are: HARVEY DENT (30’s) handsome and well dressed, Judge Albert Riess (40’s), and MAYOR HAMILTON HILL (50’s). On Gordon’s Right: DETECTIVE RENEE MONTOYA (30’S), DETECTIVE HARVEY BULLOCK (40’S), CAPTAIN SARAH ESSEN-GORDON (40’s). COMMISSIONER GORDON Over the last century, organized crime has plagued Gotham. Over time we’ve only tried in vein to fight back. But until the last decade we haven’t ever had any hope of saving Gotham. A powerful figure, a role model, flawed, human, entered our lives. All other cities looked for a knight in shining armor, we looked for hope. and we got a Dark Knight. He’s taught us to stand up. To fight against the kind of thugs that have plagued our city, when Deaths, however meaningful couldn’t. He’s become a legend, inspiration for good. For law and order. He’s become more than just our influence, he’s a peoples champion, a hero. In retrospect he’s done so much for us he has become The Gotham Knight. He’s kept the city together more so now in these recent months then ever as the police strike goes on And that is why effective immediatly, The Batman will no longer be under arrest for the following charges: Several counts being a vigilante, resisting arrest and battery. And we are officially employing him as a consulting detective in special crimes in the Gotham Police Department MCU division, assisting with Myself, Detectives Flass and Montoya, and Captain Sarah Gordon. It is such times as this, were parts of Gotham are decaying more and more that I and the rest of the GCPD stand by this action. I’ll open the floor to questions.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 22.
RYDER Jack Ryder, Gotham Gazzette, You say The charges on the Batman are being dropped, despite the fact he is obviously going to continue, why not force him to take of the mask? COMMISSIONER GORDON Unlike other precincts Gotham doesn’t believe in putting our consulting detectives in a uniform, he’s permitted to wear what he wishes, so long as he’s covered. RYDER He’s still a criminal.
COMMISSIONER GORDON Mr. Ryder have you ever heard of Ted Bundy? Or the Green River Killer? Ted Bundy consulted with the FBI in order to catch the culprit. Anyone else?
REPORTER Richard White, Daily Planet Gotham, You say the Batman is ’Officially employed’ Is the Batman receiving payment for his consulting?
COMMISSIONER GORDON Requested by the Batman, the GCPD will instead make an annual donation of his salary spread to various charitable organizations, one being, by his own request, to the GCPD arms and armor division. Allowing us to by the best in arms and armor from Wayne Enterprises.
REPORTER #2 How will you get in touch with him? COMMISSIONER GORDON He sent us a signal. and Told us to shine it in the sky when we need him. REPORTER A bit old fashioned don’t you think?
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 23.
COMMISSIONER GORDON Safer than E-mail or texting.
The crowd chuckles. REPORTER #3 Will he be allowed to make arrests? How does this affect Miranda Rights?
COMMISSIONER GORDON As of right now he is allowed only to detain suspects with officers filing official warrants, in terms of Miranda rights, as things are in Gotham it’s jungle. Criminals are like cutthroat lions but even they have rights. But as the Batman is only a consulting detective any information he gains will be considered willingly given, as he is just a citizen same as a suspect. Consider the Batman, "Cop’s Rights." REPORTER does he have an office? Cubicle?
COMMISSIONER GORDON Nothing officially set up at the station but I will hold regular meetings with him and the District Attorny to make sure everything is under control. REPORTER #2 Question for Harvey Dent, How do you feel about the Batman being brought in on police investigations? HARVEY DENT I show support in the GCPD’s actions, I believe this is just the beginning to bigger and great movements in the abolishment of crime from Gotham city. CUT TO:
EXT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES - DAY - Sweaping shot of Wayne Enterprises, taking in the breathtaking image.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 24.
CUT TO: INT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES - BOARD ROOM - DAY - The Board of trustees are present, Among them Bruce Wayne, half asleep, sitting in during Fox’s Presentation:
LUCIUS FOX With the development of Neo-Energy Wayne Enterprises can develop a series of different profitable technologies. Think of the sales that Wayne-Mobile can expand with a battery that doesn’t need to be recharged for a year, think about the potential for the Wayne-Tindo selling game systems that can survive in blackouts and operate on controllers? It’s the not too distant future. We have the technology now, why not utilize it? BOARD MEMBER What about weapons? We mainly sell medical supplies and weapons to the army? LUCIUS FOX Mr. Wayne and I have spoken in length about weapons manufacturing in this field. We’re willing to only go so far with it. Weapons on any battlefield with this technology is too dangerous if it’s too advanced. Small items like improved Kevlar are our focus. BOARD MEMBER You wanna give every GCPD a supersuit?
LUCIUS FOX Just a safe one. I’ve been pushing R&D for the manufacture of safe arms and ammo for a year now, but warning them not to go too far, only enough to get the job done. BOARD MEMBER What about vehicles?
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 25.
LUCIUS FOX We’re not Ford, Mr.Reese. We’re not GMC, we don’t make cars. We make the future. We’re comfortable in profit, We’ve been Forbes "Company of the Year" for the last five years. I think I’ve done well in charge, Mr. Wayne has shown great trust in my visions for the company. Trust me, I see nothing but the best and great things for the company. Wayne Enterprises won’t lose a cent. CUT TO: INT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES - BOARD ROOM - DAY - TIME LAPSE
Baord members are leaving, Lucius walks calmly to Bruce, He shakes him slightly. Bruce Wakes up.
BRUCE What did I miss? LUCIUS FOX Only a boring meeting. Let’s talk about the fun stuff. Ready to see the improvements on the suit? BRUCE After you Mr. Fox.
Bruce Stands, Lucius taps on the board table, revealing a touchscreen computer, he taps in a code, the table slides up and an elevator lifts up from under the table. CUT TO:
INT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES - BENEATH THE BOARD ROOM - DAY Lucius and Bruce enter the dark room, Lucius hits the lights, revealing a marvelous "Mini" Bat-Cave. LUCIUS FOX Welcome to BAT-R&D. This way. Lucius leads Bruce down a corridor, passing several Works in Progress exoskeletons for vehicles and gadgets. Lucius brings him to a Mannequin wearing the "NEW" Batsuit (Very Earth One/Batman Inc. styled, no black "Undies" gray bodysuit black cowl, gloves, and boots, The utility belt is
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 26. more of an Ultra-Modern Utility Belt, and the symbol embossed with the yellow oval embossed around it.) BRUCE Where is the Cape?
LUCIUS FOX You’ll see. First things first... BRUCE The presentation?
LUCIUS FOX The armor is hidden under the cloth, spread out to give it a rigid human, beast, demon look. The symbols is embossed in yell basically to give it something to be aimed at but is also a light, recorder, and very "debutant". BRUCE How resistant to gunfire is it?
LUCIUS FOX Well about as much as two Kevlar vests, also, the cowl can take up to a .45 with out damaging but it’ll leave nasty black mark, but it does wear down, three shots and it’s an open hole. but With a metal plate under the cloth, asking any more of the material is just--
BRUCE Too much? LUCIUS FOX That’ll work. the Gauntlets are razor sharp, be careful when you use them. BRUCE More function then decoration? LUCIUS FOX Why would the Batman decorate? BRUCE Looks good. what about neck movement?
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 27.
LUCIUS FOX Well Mr. Wayne, I suppose you could always try it on. BRUCE I might. What better time then now? LUCIUS FOX My thinking exactly Mr. Wayne. There is one more thing I’d like to show you.
BRUCE What is it? LUCIUS FOX It’s called "ITEM 27" Follow me.
Lucius leads Bruce to an elongated box. LUCIUS FOX (cont’d) You asked my about an Updated Cape, I present to you "ITEM 27."
Lucius opens the box and pulls out a beautifully glossed black cape with rigid edges, like the classic cape. BRUCE Whats new about it?
LUCIUS FOX The cape allows you to glide about five football fields on low wind from a high jump. All it takes is a minor shock from the gloves to send a rigid wing form. Also it’s fire resistant. BRUCE Impressive. How much did it all cost? LUCIUS FOX Let’s just say if you’re a vigilante, either own a billion dollar tech company or have a Bat-Credit card. BRUCE Good thing I’m not in the credit business that would sound campy. Bat-Credit Card? That’s just horrible.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 28.
CUT TO: INT. HAYLEY CIRCUS - TRAILER PARK - GRAYSON’S TRAILER - DUSK The trailer is small, but homey, like an RV, decorative ribbons and athletic medals around.
JOHN GRAYSON laces up his uniform, Mary dresses herself in the Bathroom, Dick sits at a drawing board, rendering designs/ideas.
JOHN Richie, what are you doing? DICK Doodling.
JOHN We got practice, the show starts in a couple hours. DICK Why do you always practice just before the show? JOHN Cause, it get’s the goosebumps out. DICK You get goosebumps? JOHN Every time. But your mother, she told me to practice a few hours before.
DICK When did that happen? JOHN The first time I fell. DICK Why did you do it? Why get back up? JOHN Because, We fall so that we can learn to pick ourselves up. Dick smiles.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 29.
JOHN Go get your uniform on Richie. We don’t have a lot of time left. Dick grabs his uniform, Mary exits the Bathroom. John and Mary meet each other’s gaze. A kiss. A breath. A look. MARY You didn’t tell him the Practice story did you?
JOHN You love that story. MARY You love telling it. (Off John’s Smile) What was that talk with Mr. Francis? JOHN Tony Zucco was threatening him. I was making sure he wouldn’t buckle.
MARY Mobsters? John we’ve brought our son to a city where Mobster walk in open daylight?
JOHN The city is protected by the BAT-MAN. MARY Bat-Man? JOHN I know you’ve seen him on the news. MARY Yes, he’s the guy Richard Idolizes. Mary grabs one of Dick’s drawings, shows it to John. JOHN So what he draw pictures of Him and Batman? He’s a kid, Batman’s a hero. MARY He wants to be just like him!
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 30.
JOHN If he wants to stand for something who’re we to say he can’t? MARY What we do is dangerous enough and he’s going to grow up wanting to do it to men who will HURT him. I can’t let that happen. JOHN That won’t happen. We’ll be there for him. JOHN embraces MARY. She collapses in his arms. CUT TO:
INT. D.A. OFFICE - OFFICE OF HARVEY DENT - NIGHT The office is small as hell and cluttered with papers strung out all over the place, covering the desk, filing cabinet and small stands. Bookshelves stand filled with Law books. HARVEY DENT sits at his desk, cross checking the books with legal notes. A brisk of wind blows the curtains covering his window. HARVEY DENT What did you think of the press confrence? BATMAN Not Bad. What gave you the idea?
BATMAN appears in Harvey’s Office. HARVEY DENT Inspiration. Gotham needs a sherriff.
BATMAN I’m not a sherriff. Or a Marshall. HARVEY DENT No you’re a Consulting Detective on Major Crimes. BATMAN Gordon’s always been hesitant to fill me in on investigations.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 31.
HARVEY DENT Still he trusts you. You more-so then me. You did save his son after all.
BATMAN How did you get him to agree? HARVEY DENT Simple. Explained it from a legal stand point. When I was able to set things up so that it could be all legal beagle... He said yes. BATMAN It opened flood gates. Mob lawyers--
HARVEY DENT They can contest Police Brutality but Gordon can’t control consulting detectives. Let them yammer on all they want. They’re crooks.
BATMAN Fair enough. HARVEY DENT The bugs you planted in the Roman’s Penthouse... They keep going flat, all we’re getting is just rough notes that lead nowhere. Someone’s found them. But there is something interesting.
BATMAN What is it? HARVEY DENT Seems like the Roman isn’t the boss, or hasn’t been the boss for a while. Somebody is giving him orders. This is all the audio we get involving the new boss. DENT hits the switch on an pocket radio:
MAN I’m planning a revolution. One that this world has not seen.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 32.
MARONI What if me and the boys disagree. MAN You’re in no position to, and if you do I’ll burn you and your empires down to the ground. MARONI how are you going to cause a revolution? How are you going to keep Batman from winning. MAN By giving him a handicap... Harvey shuts the pocket radio off.
HARVEY DENT What do you think? BATMAN Think I have plans tonight.
HARVEY DENT Plans? What-- He looks up, BATMAN’s gone.
HARVEY DENT (cont’d) Plans. FADE TO: 33.
ACT THREE FADE IN: INT. VICKI VALE’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
A beautiful $2000 a month apartment decorated in the height of fashion. Standing, in her underwear: danger, dictating, gadfly, columnist, Trouble, the kind of trouble you WANT, VICKI VALE (30’s). Holding a martini and a headset. She walks, talks, drinks and wonders around the apartment giving her columnist speech, like a gospel: VALE What is this world coming to when Metropolis, the most boring city on the face of the earth, a city without any big danger gets a Superman, a handsome one, but here in Gotham, voted the most dangerous city in America over a dozen times and we get some sort of... Whats he called again? BAT-MAN. Off point. Girls wanna know: "What is it that makes Superman ’The Man of Steel’, what is he, as hard as steel?" What is he compared to what we have though? A Bat that doesn’t fly, breaks arms and supposedly drives a muscle car? That doesn’t even scratch the surface for female eroticism. It’s lame. I know this might sound old-fashioned but Women of Gotham like a little swooning and being carried off our feet. But then again, we might not have Superman but we have the next best thing. Bruce Wayne. Just his name is like pleasure. Gotham Girls want to know, they say he’s slept with every type of "Hotty" There is from Hollywood to Timbuktu. Look at my works ye mighty and despair, his skin just makes a Gotham gal’s heart melt. Judge me not, If you’re a woman invited to Bruce Wayne’s bed you’d be crazy to even consider saying "No." Afterall, how many women Bed a Billionaire? The Buzzer hits, She jumps, turns and approaches:
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 34.
VALE (cont’d) Jeez this thing needs to go. She hits the comm: VALE (cont’d) Hello? Who is this? Through a small screen: ALFRED. ALFRED I am a represenative for Mr. Wayne -- VALE BRUCE WAYNE!
ALFRED Yes. He requests your presence, if you are available that is. VALE I’ll hurry down, I’ll be quick!
Vale shuts the COMM off! She throws herself into a... FASHION MONTAGE, mixed with several INTERCUTS of ALFRED CHECKING A POCKETWATCH. Vale finally reaches a dress, beautiful silk, Very Gadfly. She stands make-up and all beautiful, intoxicating, she looks as if shes Cinderella ready for the ball.
VALE (cont’d) Hot damn. A date with BRUCE WAYNE. How cool is that? CUT TO:
EXT. VICKI VALE’S APARTMENT - OUTSIDE BUILDING - NIGHT Vale, stunningly exits the building to see: ALFRED holding the door to an exquisite Limousine.
VALE (cont’d) Sorry, This was so unexpected, I wanted to look my best. For Bruce. ALFRED And I doubt he could expect you to look so stunning love. Absolutely (MORE) (CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 35.
ALFRED (cont’d) stunning even to Mr. Wayne’s standards. VALE Where is Gotham’s most eligible bachelor? ALFRED Mr. Wayne regrets that he must me you at the location, as much work as he puts into his company a date for him seems to becoming more and more rare. Vale enters the Limo. Alfred enters the car.
CUT TO: INT. LIMO - MOVING - NIGHT Alfred sits calmly eyes on the road. Vale in the back studying the car.
ALFRED (cont’d) Mr. Wayne wonders if you might fancy a performance at the circus? VALE Fancy? Circus? Sure, he’s Bruce Wayne afterall! CUT TO:
INT. HAYLEY CIRCUS TENT - MAIN TENT - NIGHT Hands gripping! You Dick flying through the air on his MOTHER’S Grip. DICK (Voice Over) There always there for me, they always catch me, and they let me fly! He flys through the air cathing the handle of the swing!
BRUCE and VALE sit among the best drest of the crowd. VALE This kid is amazing!
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 36.
BRUCE I agree, I’ve had my eye on him for a while, He’s something unseen. The show continues through their conversation/interview:
VALE Why have you kept an eye on him? He’s just a circus kid. BRUCE I’ve always had a keen eye for talent. VALE That eye go all over or do you reserve it for business?
Bruce cocks a smile. BRUCE I’m guessing that’s something you hope to find out.
Bruce forces a pause, Vale’s face moves shocked, she can’t tell if she likes the implication or not. BRUCE For your Column. The Women of Gotham seem to want to know everything from Size to Favorite color. VALE Well when there’s a catch like you on the line, it helps to know everything. BRUCE I’m sure I can let a few things slip. Bruce’s smile entrances Vale. Bruce’s eyes shoot to the center stage: RINGMASTER Ladies and Gentlemen our young RICHARD GRAYSON has prepared for us a special trick exclusive for tonight’s show. Watch in horror as the young lad performs a stunt he calls "THE BAT" without the aid of a net!
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 37.
The nets drop, Vale’s eyes fix themselves to the boy. DICK starts a small run and leaps off the platform grabbing the handles of the swing! He swings his body around, and around tantalizing the audience. He gains pace. He aims himself accordingly...
HE LAUNCHES HIMSELF OFF THE SWING! He free falls, arms open like a bat opening his wings! His hands reach for the swing!
INTERCUT: VALE (Panic) OH MY GOD, SOMEBODY HAS TO DO SOMETHING HE’S GOING TO DIE! BRUCE (Calm) Don’t worry darling, he knows what he’s doing.
SLOW-MO: HEARTBEATS. DICK (Voice Over) I fly, the lump in my throat grows and all I want to do is cry because for the first time in my life I don’t have my parents to catch me! HIS HANDS MISS THE HANDLE!
DICK (cont’d) (Voice Over) But thats OK. Because... HE PULLS A CABLE ATTATCHED TO A GRAPNEL HOOK!
DICK (cont’d) (Voice Over) I can take care of myself! HE throws it! IT catches the SWING and swings DICK into a flip!
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 38.
He lands on the platform and takes a bow! BRUCE (Voice Over) The boy is fascinating. He’s death defying. Suitable. But this kid lacks something, something that comes with age. He’s by far the most promising candidate for the position. Vale, shes looks as if her heart is about to jump out. And all it takes is a smile to ease the adrenaline shooting through her. Bruce Smiles. The Ringmaster announces the Flying Graysons are about to perform the "ROBIN", Bruce and Vale continue their interview/conversation:
VALE The more you tell me the less I know. BRUCE Must be a gift. VALE Not the only one I’m sure. BRUCE I can Imagine. VALE Let me ask you a question: Why the circus?
BRUCE Well It’s odd, but it’s always a place I’ve enjoyed. Ever since I was child I had came to the circus every year.
VALE Insightful. Sounds like Bruce Wayne has a bit of boyhood charm behind the male model good looks.
BRUCE Another gift. I’m sure it’s something that the right woman could appreciate.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 39.
VALE Any woman in Gotham could appreciate that.
BRUCE I’m sure they could. Let me ask you a question. VALE A question from Bruce Wayne? This could be interesting. BRUCE What is it about me that makes me Gotham’s Most eligible bachelor? The money? Looks? Charity work? VALE Honestly? It’s all the above. I mean You’re Bruce Friggin Wayne, Gotham’s Prince. A royal white knight! BRUCE I suppose thats more interesting than being Gotham’s Dark Knight.
VALE Batman? We got Batman, but if it’s all the same I think Gotham is happier having you.
Bruce changes his focus: GRAYSONS. BRUCE This act is astonishing. In the rafters, A man cloaked. Sets up a SNIPER RIFLE.
He lays down. P.O.V: SCOPE. Watching the act, Dick’s head in frame. BRUCE looks up to the rafters.
BRUCE (cont’d) Excuse me darling. I think I need to restroom. VALE (Entranced by the ACT) You’ll miss the act. She turns BRUCE is GONE.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 40.
SLOW-MO: THE GRAYSONS UNITE! THE FORM OF THE ROBIN! P.O.V: SCOPE - A LOUD POP!
SLOW-MO: THE BULLET WHIZES THROUGH, IT CLIPS THROUGH MARY INTO JOHN! THEY LET GO OF DICK! The crowd screams! DICK lands harsh rolling off the platform barely grabbing the ladder.
He slides down. He meets his parents to see: JOHN and MARY dead. Dick collapses to his knees.
DICK (Broken) Mom. Dad. IN the RAFTERS: The assailant disassembles the Sniper. He takes off.
CUT TO: EXT. HAYLEY CIRCUS - OUTSIDE MAIN TENT - NIGHT - The assailant takes off out of the TENT. Edges of a cape move along the top. A whistle, a swish, A BATARANG hits the assailant forcing them down. They topple over, the coat and Hat go: DEADSHOT, dressed in vibrant reds and blacks. A Mask with a fine scope. Encircling, DEADSHOT fires. DEADSHOT Where are ya’. Edges of a cape! He fires again! DEADSHOT C’mon you winged bastard. WHERE ARE YOU! BATMAN DROPS FROM NOWHERE! Him and DEADSHOT tangle, Blow against blow. A fair match.
Batman fights with a direct style, stealth not flash, the opposite of DEADSHOT. He throws a bit of flash and flare into each kick and punch.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 41.
Batman treats the fight like a covert mission, Deadshot treats it like it’s being filmed by a camera crew. Batman connects a boot To DEADSHOT, Blocks a punch, He sends him on his ass with a southpaw to the jaw!
SIRENS pick up. BATMAN Damn it.
COPS SHOW UP! They get out of their squad cars, BEAT COPS. BATMAN VALE (Voice Over) (Voice Over) There’s something rotten And they call themselves in this city, they wear cops! badges--
VALE exits the tent, TWO COPS dragging a struggling, shaken DICK GRAYSON. BEAT COP C’mon kid! We gotta get you outta here! VALE stops the cop! VALE Let him go! He’s scared let him go!
BEAT COP Back to the funny pages lovepot! VALE The boy needs a Hospital! BEAT COP Don’t worry babe! He’s in good enough hands!
VALE Yeah every girl in Gotham Knows what you cops do with your hands. With what you do to Women Makes me wonder what you do to children!
BEAT COP Shut UP! The Beat Cop puts a bit of force into a hard SLAP.
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 42.
VALE Let that boy go, he never did anything wrong! BEAT COP Shut up, or we might take you to the Gultch! BEAT COP (cont’d) Get that Hussy back!
ALRED pulls up in the Limo. He gets out. He marches to the Beat cop, as his hand is about to hit VALE again. ALFRED CATCHES HIM.
HE turns to... A RIGHT JAB to COP’S JAW. ALFRED It’s not very nice to pick on a lady as lovely as Ms. Vale.
WHAM! A baton takes Alfred down. The cops get into the squad car and BURN RUBBER! Vale picks ALFRED up.
VALE C’mon Jeeves. We gotta get on their asses. As they get into the LIMO:
ALFRED They must be taking that boy to GOLD’S GULTCH. VALE Why the kid? CUT TO: EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
BATMAN stands calm. He taps a small key sized device. BATMAN Fix on location.
CUT TO:
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 43.
INT. BATCAVE - GARAGE - NIGHT Lights switch on. A series of Signals and beeps sound out.
BATMAN (cont’d) (Voice Over) They’ve taken Deadshot. But He’s not important right now. Right now Dick Grayson age 13 is the important part. He’s just entered my world. A dark world where light doesn’t exist. He doesn’t know how to handle what happened. How could he? I didn’t when this happened to me.
THE BATMOBILE revs up. Lights switch on, out of the grill slides a Bat-face BATTERING RAM! BATMAN (cont’d) (Voice Over) This kid is in danger if the beat cops have him. The mob controls them. Going to need to let Gordon know. IT TAKES OFF!
FADE OUT: 44.
ACT FOUR FADE IN:
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT - Two GCPD Patrol cars speed down, Vale and Alfred in the Limo speeds out after them.
CUT TO: INT. SQUAD CAR - MOVING - NIGHT TWO cops hold Dick down.
DICK Killed them. He killed them. Parents dead. Killed them, he killed them. BEAT COP That’s crazy talk kid. Shut up. DICK My parents. Murdered, Shot. Kill. Shot.
CUT TO: INT. LIMO - MOVING - NIGHT Alfred sits in the passenger seat next to Vale driving.
VALE Jeeves you have a Camera? ALFRED It’s Alfred Ma’am, but I do fancy myself a shutterbug. VALE Get it. If Gotham won’t do anything about these creeps then Washington will!
CUT TO: EXT. WOODS - NIGHT The Squad car takes a hard right speeding down to Gold’s Gultch, Half a mile away. From the left: THE BATMOBILE smashes into the driver’s side of the car!
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 45.
The car spins out of control, the front end hits a tree. The three cops get out, The Batmobile gone! The cops search around, pull Dick outside of the car! They carry Dick to the Gultch.
One of the beat cops spots VALE. He pulls a pistol -- aims it. Lining up the shot -- Eyes squinting -- He fires.
VALE turns the car hard, it spins out into a full flip! IT LANDS UPRIGHT. CUT TO:
INT. LIMO - WRECKED - NIGHT Vale’s eyes haze. she blacks in and out. Alfed urges to keep her awake.
A loud screeching fills the air. ALFRED Oh dear. CUT TO:
EXT. WOODS - GOLD’S GULTCH - NIGHT The cops beat on Dick. The loud screech grows, they turn to see--
--A SWARM OF BATS! BEAT COP Damn! Everyone head out! BEAT COP #2 What about the kid? BEAT COP LEAVE HIM! The Bats hit! They crawl through the swarm
BEAT COP (cont’d) Friggin hate BATS! TWO BLARING HEAD LIGHT SPEED THROUGH THE SWARM!
(CONTINUED) CONTINUED: 46.
The Cops rise, Batman hits the Leader with a Hard elbow to teh knee, The second he delivers a powerful kick to the stomach, and the final cop gets a knee to the face! Grayson lays on the ground, bleeding from a punch to the lips. A powerful hand picks him up. BATMAN (Off Screen) On your feet Soldier! BATMAN holds DICK GRAYSON by his uniform. BATMAN (cont’d) You’ve just been drafted into a WAR! SUPER: TO BE CONTINUED!