FADE IN:EXT. LONDON - 1855 - NIGHT11Warm light shines from the study of the gracious Kingsleyhome. A man, silhouetted in the window, speaks with ardor.INT. THE STUDY - NIGHT - CONT.22CHARLES KINGSLEY has just described his new venture to hisfriends, including LORD ASCOT.LORD ASCOTCharles, you have finally lost yoursenses.A COLLEAGUEThis venture is impossible.CHARLES KINGSLEYFor some. Gentlemen, the only way toachieve the impossible is to believeit is possible.A COLLEAGUEThat kind of thinking could ruin you.CHARLES KINGSLEYI’m willing to take that chance.Imagine trading posts in Rangoon,Bangkok, Jakarta...He stops. His nine year-old daughter ALICE stands at thedoor in her nightgown, clearly frightened. He goes to her.CHARLES KINGSLEY (CONT’D)The nightmare again?She nods. He takes her hand and turns to his guests.CHARLES KINGSLEY (CONT’D)I won’t be long.INT. YOUNG ALICE’S BEDROOM - LATER33He sits on her bed, listening with utmost seriousness.ALICEI’m falling down a dark hole, then Isee strange creatures...CHARLES KINGSLEYWhat kind of creatures?CONTINUED