The Island of Dr.

Moreau
by Christopher Park

The Island of Dr. Moreau By: H.G. Wells

Revisions by (Names of Subsequent Writers, in Order of Work Performed)

Current Revisions by (Current Writer, date)

Name Address Phone

FADE IN. EXT. COASTLINE - DAY Through teeming undergrowth and low bearing palm trees we see a small blip dip up and down in the ocean. As the LIFERAFT washes up onshore PRITCHARD (30s, thinned from dehydration and malnourishment) uses what strength left to open his eyes. PRITCHARD'S POV: A bush shakes, parted as a blurred figure hobbles over. Pritchard weakly reaches out. Help... PRITCHARD FADE OUT. FADE IN:

EXT. ISLAND JUNGLE - CONTINUOUS Flashes of trees wave by as the dirt shifts under Pritchard's weight, he passes out again. FADE OUT. FADE IN: INT. CAVE - DAY Pritchard wakes up, a blurred hole of light radiates from thetop of the cave. God? PRITCHARD

Suddenly he starts to choke on water, his vision sharpening to reveal the blur around the ceiling hole to be fur. Retching upward, something nearby barks in alarm as Pritchard steadies himself. DOG MAN, an abominable mix of St Benard and Man, whines. He sets down his water bowl, helping Pritchard sit up. The cave is quite large, there is an overhead through which the light shines in. The main floor is littered with nests, there is a ledge to the left, behind which is a narrow exit. To the right there is an entrance large enough for a jeep to pass through.

(CONTINUED)

2. CONTINUED: Too weak to fully react, Pritchard's horror is no less extreme when he views his rescue. Dog Man vanishes behind the ledge and reappears with the SAYER OF THE LAW; a blind, hunchbacked gray mess of fur that walks with a staff. Together they stand on the ledge and the Sayer of the Law pounds his staff on the ground, pointing it at Pritchard. SAYER OF THE LAW What is the law? Pritchard stares at him blankly. SAYER OF THE LAW (CONT'D) WHAT is the LAW? Pritchard twists his head to see more figures appearing out of the cave approaching him. PRITCHARD Do...not... DOG MAN (Enthusiastically) Thou shalt not walk on all fours! BEAST MEN That is the law! SAYER OF THE LAW What is the law? BEAST MEN Thou shalt not eat flesh or fish! SAYER OF THE LAW None escape the law! BEAST MEN None escape the law! The creatures then break out into a frenzy, whooping and hollering different laws. Pritchard, wary of danger, stays completely still. MAN DOG Thou shalt not claw tree bark! PRITCHARD Thou shalt not walk on all fours. SAYER OF THE LAW Thou shalt not suck up drink!

(CONTINUED)

3. CONTINUED: (2) BEAST MEN Are we not men?! Pritchard tries to crawl towards the exit, whereupon he accidentally puts his hand down on a FOOT. Looking up, we see the HYENA-SWINE. Hyena-Swine immediately notices Pritchard's hand and roughly grabs it, inspecting it closely with mutated hands. Dragging Pritchard behind him the Hyena-Swine makes his way to the front, parading Pritchard's hand. HYENA-SWINE Five finger! Nearby beast men stop to watch, each trying to get a closer look at Pritchard's hand. The Sayer of the Law reaches down to grope and outline Pritchard's hand. The Sayer of the Law lowers his voice between him and Pritchard. SAYER OF THE LAW He comes to live with us? PRITCHARD (beat) He comes to live with you. Suddenly the Sayer of the Law lifts up Pritchard on his toes with animal strength. SAYER OF THE LAW Are we not men? The crowd of beast men cheer wildly. INT. CAVE - MORNING Pritchard stiffly wakes up on top of a fresh nest. Looking around, he sees the beast men are still asleep. Getting up, he carefully picks his way through the cave before leaving through the large exit. EXT. JUNGLE - MORNING Pritchard makes his way through the jungle, not yet having his land legs back. He trips on a branch, his hand landing in a RABBIT CARCASS. Disgusted, he wipes it off on a tree as he continues. EXT. JUNGLE CREEK - CONTINUOUS Pritchard falls on all fours exhausted, greedily beginning to slurp up water and bathe himself. Pritchard hears the sound of MUSIC in the distance. Reinvigorated, he runs after it. We barely see the blur of Hyena-Swine vanish in the bushes.

4. EXT. JUNGLE ROAD - MORNING MONTGOMERY (30s,former combat medic now downtrodden and alcoholic). Dressed as a cross between a soldier and hippie with a side holster. Driving a jeep, he hums to himself the song on the stereo, his rifle bouncing nonchalantly on a rack in the backseat. Pritchard bursts out of the thicket, arms flailing to flag down the jeep. Montgomery skids to avoid Pritchard, almost hitting a tree. Turning the jeep off he snatches his rifle and hops out. MONTGOMERY Just what the hellHelp! PRITCHARD

Montgomery freezes, looking at Pritchard with an unreal expression. PRITCHARD (CONT'D) I don't know, it- they, they're,MONSTERS! And, andA goofy smile plays on Montgomery's face as he lowers his weapon. MONTGOMERY Hey, HEY. Calm down, just get in the jeep alright? You're safe now. My name's Montgomery. PRITCHARD But, those THINGSMONTGOMERY Are gonna come looking for you unless you hurry up. Pritchard's already in the passenger's seat by the time Montgomery climbs in. Montgomery turns on the jeep and reaches for the radio. MONTGOMERY (CONT'D) Hey doc, you're not gonna believe this. EXT. CAMP COMPOUND - NOON The jeep pulls up to a large electric gate, Montgomery gets out and punches in a code. As the gates open he gets back in the jeep, rolling into the compound.

(CONTINUED)

5. CONTINUED: MONTGOMERY So, what's your name? Pritchard's oblivious, too engrossed in the layout of the camp. MONTGOMERY (CONT'D) Yo! Do. You. Have. A. Name? PRITCHARD (mutters) Pritchard. Montgomery shakes his head and parks the jeep. The compound is large but weathered, holding a two story house, garden, utilities shack, laboratory and adjacent storehouse. They get out and make their way towards the house. PRITCHARD (CONT'D) What is all this? MONTGOMERY This island is the illustrious property of one "Dr. Moreau". INT. HOUSE - NOON The inside is comfortably furnished, although messy. Venetian blinds let in enough light to give the house a warm feel. The walls are covered in various decorations ranging from touching landscapes to labelled skulls. INT. SITTING ROOM - NOON Montgomery leads Pritchard into a room filled with Victorian furniture, pointing at a couch. Wait here. MONTGOMERY

The room's coffee table splits the couch from two lounge chairs. A liquor cabinet is next to the door that Montgomery walks out of. Pritchard looks around at the various accreditations, award plaques and news-clipings. He does not notice Montgomery reenter the room with DR. MOREAU. Dr. Moreau (70s, calculating with an air of authority) clears his throat loudly, Pritchard turns in surprise. DR. MOREAU My name is Dr. Moreau, you've already met Montgomery. Now...

(CONTINUED)

6. CONTINUED: Moreau sits in the chair opposite of Pritchard's. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) To what do I owe your trespass? PRITCHARD Doctor, I don't know if I'm hallucinating, but...there were...things. Monsters. They were all in a cave, theyMoreau puts up his hand, silencing Pritchard. Montgomery pulls out a glass from the cabinet and pours himself a drink. DR. MOREAU Maybe you should start from the beginning, how did you get here? Pritchard sits down on the couch. PRITCHARD My name is Pritchard, and I was a passenger on a junker The Lady Vain. Our boat capsized in the middle of a storm, I've been drifting ever since. DR. MOREAU What were you doing overseas? PRITCHARD I'm a photographer, I was on assignment...of the Philippine Islands for National Geographic. DR. MOREAU And what about your camera, do you have it? PRITCHARD Wha? No, please, I'm not crazy, I've been adrift for weeksDR. MOREAU Well, Pritchard, it seems as if you've had an incredible ordeal. Moreau gets up and goes to the cabinet, his back to Pritchard, and pulls out two glasses, filling them with water.

(CONTINUED)

7. CONTINUED: (2) PRITCHARD Please, sir, what the hell were those things? What is this place? WhaPritchard cuts himself off, reeling from sickness and fatigue. Here. DR. MOREAU

Moreau hands Pritchard a glass of water. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) Try to calm yourself, take a deep breath, and relax...you're safe now. Pritchard gulps down the water and rests, after a moment the glass falls out of his hand and crashes on the floor. MONTGOMERY What do you want me to do with him? DR. MOREAU Put our guest in the servants' room. Then get M'ling to clean this mess up INT. LAB - DREAM Pritchard is still unconscious, but restrained to an operating table. What little light reflects off surgical instruments like Christmas lights. Struggling within his bonds, he wakes up, seeing images flash around him: -A tray full of bloody instruments. -Impetuous howling of animals. -Machines pumping chemicals in and out. -Moreau in scrubs preparing a bone saw. -Pritchard screaming insanely, with open wounds, stitched together by plugs and IVs, looking more beast-like. INT. SERVANT ROOM - NOON A dusty fan slowly sifts air in the unkept thatched hut, there are five barren bunks, and a small bathroom in the corner. Montgomery stands at the end of Pritchard's bed,illuminated by the only window. He shakes Pritchard again.

(CONTINUED)

8. CONTINUED: MONTGOMERY You feelin' alright? Pritchard groggily sits up. PRITCHARD How long was I out? MONTGOMERY Bout a day. Pritchard remembers everything that's happened, he spins around, trying to figure his surroundings. Montgomery comes around the side of the bed and holds Pritchard by his shoulders, steadying him. MONTGOMERY (CONT'D) Whoa, whoa, whoa, take it easy. Hey, remember me? PRITCHARD Am I still dreaming? MONTGOMERY 'fraid not. Pritchard looks around the room, noticing the empty beds. PRITCHARD Where's everybody? MONTGOMERY Out. C'mon, I got breakfast waiting. INT. SITTING ROOM - NOON Pritchard sits at the couch again, head in hand. MONTGOMERY (O.S.) It's actually around noon, but I think some breakfast might do you better. Montgomery comes in, wearing a woman's apron, placing a platter of breakfast varieties on the table. No bacon? PRITCHARD

MONTGOMERY Ha. Doc's a vegetarian.

(CONTINUED)

9. CONTINUED: Moreau enters as Montgomery goes over to the liquor cabinet again, pouring himself a shot. DR. MOREAU And how is our castaway this afternoon? MONTGOMERY Well so far he walks and talks. Of course, if you'd let me do a full physicalDR. MOREAU Nonsense. You feel fine, don't you? Pritchard grunts in-between bites. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) There, you see? What more could you ask for? MONTGOMERY Slow down on those eggs, your body's still weak. Pritchard stops, wipes himself off. PRITCHARD Thank you. Thank you for everything. DR. MOREAU Well Mr. Pritchard. While it is clear you've been through an incredible ordeal I'm afraid I need you to gather your strength and ride back to the caves with us. Pritchard chokes. WHAT?! PRITCHARD

Instantly Moreau drops to a cold demeanor. DR. MOREAU Let me make this exceedingly clear to you Pritchard, those creatures in the cave were quite real. If you would like to survive your visit to this island I suggest you follow my command.

(CONTINUED)

10. CONTINUED: (2) Pritchard is taken back, looking to Montgomery for support. Montgomery only stares into his glass. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) Do you understand? Yeah. PRITCHARD

DR. MOREAU Montgomery. Pull the jeep around. Montgomery gulps the last of his drink and leaves. EXT. JUNGLE ROAD - NOON From above, the jeep leaves a trail of dust as it speeds down the road. PRITCHARD (O.C.) What are we doing? DR. MOREAU (O.C.) They believe you're one of their kind, and for the sake of stability we'll have to convince them otherwise. In the box next to you are a pair of whips, hand them to me. Be sure to do exactly as I say when we're inside. Back on the ground inside the jeep, Moreau turns around inquisitively at Pritchard. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) Unless, of course, you'd rather live with them? The jeep pulls up to the mouth of the cave. A serious cloud comes over both Montgomery and Moreau as Pritchard uncertainly gets out of the car. INT. CAVE - NOON The beast men mill about, but hush and clear a path for Moreau. Montgomery, Moreau, and Pritchard walk up on top of the ledge that the Sayer of the Law stood on earlier, Moreau unfurls his whip and points to Pritchard. Man! DR. MOREAU

(CONTINUED)

11. CONTINUED: Moreau cracks his whip, the audience below them wince and howl. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) Not beast! Man! Again he cracks the whip. Moreau grabs Pritchard by the arm and pulls him forward. Yanking Pritchard's head back with one hand, he opens his mouth with the other, displaying his teeth. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) See? Teeth of MAN! Moreau releases a petrified Pritchard before the whooping crowd. Grabbing Pritchard's hand, Moreau lays his own on top of it, showing the crowd. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) See? Hand of MAN! Moreau cracks his whip again. He is man! DR. MOREAU (CONT'D)

Moreau pushes Pritchard to the edge, who catches himself and hastily goes back beside Moreau. Moreau pushes him again. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) See? Walk of MAN! Pritchard, catching on, struts back. The beast men are almost in a frenzy now. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) (whisper) Sing the Pledge of Allegiance, and enunciate on the vowels. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) See? Voice of Man! Pritchard steps forward, his voice trembling at first. The beast men hush in awe as Pritchard recites. PRITCHARD I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

(CONTINUED)

12. CONTINUED: (2) There is a moment of dead silence before Moreau steps in front of Pritchard. DR. MOREAU See? Voice of MAN! Moreau cracks his whip, snapping the animals out of their trance. He is MAN! He is MAN! DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) BEAST MEN

Moreau takes out the spare whip and hands it to Pritchard. He is MAN! DR. MOREAU

Pritchard cracks the whip to the reciting cries of the beast men. BEAST MEN He is MAN! He IS MAN! HE. IS. MAN! EXT. JUNGLE ROAD - NOON The ride is quiet except for Moreau's light whistling. Pritchard sits aghast in the back seat. PRITCHARD Will somebody explain just what the hell is going on? EXT. CAMP COMPOUND - NOON Montgomery parks the car again and gets out to punch in the code. DR. MOREAU You have two options now Mr. Pritchard. You can leave this island without ever knowing what you saw. Or, you can stay here and find the answer to what was in that cave. Montgomery comes back and drives through the gate. Pritchard leans forward. PRITCHARD Get me out of here.

13. EXT. HOUSE - NOON The three walk up to the front door, Montgomery goes in and the screen door shuts behind him. As Moreau reaches for the handle Pritchard grabs him by his shoulder. PRITCHARD Did you hear me? I said I want to go home. Moreau looks at him simply, regarding him like a child. Okay. DR. MOREAU

Moreau slips inside, leaving Pritchard stupidly standing on the deck. Pritchard flings open the door and storms inside. INT. HOUSE - NOON Moreau's observing a standing case of constructed animal skeletons when Pritchard wheels him around. PRITCHARD What'd you mean "okay"? Where's your boat, your radio? How the hell am I supposed to leave?! Moreau starts to walk towards the back of the room, entering a hallway. INT. HALLWAY - NOON DR. MOREAU We have no boat, no working radio, and you may leave when the supply ship comes. PRITCHARD And when's that supposed to be? Moreau reaches the door to the garden. DR. MOREAU In two years. Moreau opens the door and steps into the sunlight. EXT. GARDEN - NOON The garden is rich from the tropical climate, but some of the plants look abnormally large.

(CONTINUED)

14. CONTINUED: They vary from flowers to small clusters of crops. Moreau passes among them, inspecting a few. PRITCHARD You're lying, there's gotta be some other way off this island. DR. MOREAU My boy, I've been living here for at least eleven years now. Look around you. We can make our own food, water, even solar panels for electricity. PRITCHARD So then why do you need a supply ship if you have everything already? Moreau reaches down and plucks a few berries off a bush. DR. MOREAU Use your head Pritchard, surely there are some things that can't be automatically produced from the elements. There is an uncomfortable silence, Moreau sits on a wooden bench, eating his berries. PRITCHARD (beat) What was in the caves, doctor? DR. MOREAU Remember our deal Pritchard. PRITCHARD Well I don't have much of a choice if I'm gonna be living here for the next two years, am I? Moreau pulls out a dog whistle and gives three shorts notes on it. At the sound of footsteps near the door, Pritchard turns around and sees M'LING wearing a full burka. M'ling goes to Moreau's side, giving him a short bow. Moreau turns to address Pritchard. DR. MOREAU Those beasts in the cave-

(CONTINUED)

15. CONTINUED: (2) Moreau swiftly takes off M'ling's hood, revealing the mashed face of a chow-chow and bear. M'ling tries to cover his face in shame. Moreau casually sucks on a berry. Oh my God! PRITCHARD

DR. MOREAU Now, now M'ling. We have a guest. M'ling slowly lowers his gloved hands, but stares at the ground. PRITCHARD You let one of those things in your house?! DR. MOREAU Of course. You see, all these creatures, are my creations. M'ling is merely the most able to serve. PRITCHARD You...made them? Pritchard begins to edge towards the door. PRITCHARD (CONTD) What does the ship supply? DR. MOREAU There's nothing to be afraid of. PRITCHARD Where're the other servants? M'ling looks uncertainly between Pritchard and Moreau. Moreau takes a step toward Pritchard. DR. MOREAU Pritchard, trust me, IPritchard whirls around and takes off. INT. HALLWAY - NOON Pritchard tears down the hall. DR. MOREAU (O.S.) MONTGOMERY!

16. INT. HOME - NOON Montgomery intercepts Pritchard, makes a grab, but Pritchard shoves him out of the way and tears through the door. EXT. JUNGLE - AFTERNOON Pritchard is frantically running, suddenly a branch SNAPS, he freezes and slowly looks over. Three beast men cautiously look up through the brush, Pritchard freezes, then runs the opposite way, the beast men follow. EXT. BEACH - AFTERNOON The beast men hang at the edge of the jungle as Pritchard rushes towards the low tide. Montgomery and Moreau pull up in a jeep, getting out they hurry to the edge of the coast. Pritchard! MONTGOMERY

Pritchard is waist deep in the ocean by now, he turns towards the beast men. PRITCHARD What're you waiting for?! The beast men look at each other, confused. PRITCHARD (CONT'D) Don't be afraid! DR. MOREAU What're you doing?! PRITCHARD There's more of you than them! You canPritchard is knocked over by a wave, as he tries to steady himself, Moreau pulls out his pistol; firing a shot into the air. ENOUGH! DR. MOREAU

All the beast men, Pritchard, and even Montgomery fall wayside. Moreau takes Montgomery's gun out of its holster and steps towards the beach. Pritchard wades a little more outward. Moreau's face is contorted with rage, his voice spitting venom.

(CONTINUED)

17. CONTINUED: DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) You may have shipwrecked here, but this is still MY island. And if I wanted you dead I would've done it while you slept or at any other convenience. Now if you're quite finished with this foolishnessHe throws the pistols at the foot of the waves. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) You may return to the house whenever you feel reasonably sane again. Moreau turns and leaves, Montgomery following him, driving away in the jeep. The beast men begin to leave, the action now over. Tentatively Pritchard wades out of the water,grabbing the two pistols he checks the rounds. Both are full. He marches up the beach, only the Hyena-Swine stays at the fringes of the jungle. Pritchard looks at him. YAH! PRITCHARD

The Hyena-Swine doesn't move. Pritchard fires a shot into the air, and the Hyena-Swine recedes into the bushes. EXT. GARDEN - AFTERNOON Moreau is watering the plants as Pritchard creeps up, one pistol in his belt, the other in his hand. DR. MOREAU Have you calmed down, or should I have M'ling prepare a bath for you to throw yourself in? PRITCHARD What are those things doctor? I want the truth. Moreau sets the water can down on a nearby glass table stand. Under the stand is a basket of freshly picked produce, beside it a fold out chair. DR. MOREAU I told you, they're my creations. M'ling opens the door, carrying a tray of two glasses of lemonade.

(CONTINUED)

18. CONTINUED: Pritchard gives him a wide berth as he passes, tightening his grip on the gun. Moreau motions to the table stand. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) Just put it there M'ling, thank you. M'ling moves the water can onto the ground and delicately places the tray down. He gives a quick bow and Pritchard watches him leave. Moreau takes a sip of lemonade. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) Extraordinary creature. You know he made that burka? I believe he's ashamed of himself. PRITCHARD Shouldn't he be? No. DR. MOREAU

He puts the glass down. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) M'ling is one of my best creations. He is truly the pinnacle of science and a marvel of evolution. PRITCHARD How can you say that? DR. MOREAU Mr. Pritchard have you any familiarity with biology? Chemistry? Any degree of medicine? PRITCHARD I-well...no. DR. MOREAU Then I will try to be as simplistic as possible. Moreau relishes another sip of lemonade. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) These creatures have, by my hand, been molded from their primitive bestiality to the proto homosapiens you've witnessed.

(CONTINUED)

19. CONTINUED: (2) How? PRITCHARD

DR. MOREAU Condensing fifteen years of research into a sentence...plastic and cranial surgery, inoculation, gene therapy, vivisection, etc, etc. How many? PRITCHARD

DR. MOREAU How many what? PRITCHARD How many of them are there? DR. MOREAU Oh. About...fifteen or so I'd wager. Pritchard sits on the ground in disbelief, letting the gun slip to the ground. Moreau sits in the fold-out chair. How many? PRITCHARD

DR. MOREAU Yes, about fifteen. Pritchard bolts up. PRITCHARD How many...animals...have you killed?! How many...creatures have you slaughtered in your work? DR. MOREAU Oh! Oh. Oh, I couldn't tell you that. Moreau takes another drink from his lemonade while Pritchard watches in disbelief. PRITCHARD What you're doing here, it's unnatural. You can't just butcher animals like puzzle pieces. And then, you try to make them into something they can't ever be. (MORE)

(CONTINUED)

20. CONTINUED: (3) PRITCHARD (CONT'D) You're bastardizing nature while spitting in God's eye.

Moreau leisurely drains the last of his glass. He then reaches under the table and inspects an ear of corn. DR. MOREAU This corn...can't be found anywhere on earth, it's not a native species. Man "bastardized" it through domestication. But we still eat it every night. It's the same "bastardization" that yields us this corn that does the fruit of any science. PRITCHARD You can't seriously compare corn to torture. DR. MOREAU (tossing the corn away) Torture? Hah! If not to serve the needs of Man, then what purpose do animals have? PRITCHARD Mankind has just as much duty to serve nature as he does himself. DR. MOREAU Man's only duty is to knowledge. And Nature's duty is to provide Man the tools needed to accomplish his task. PRITCHARD And you think this brutality is part of that duty? DR. MOREAU YES! How many people would suffer today if lab rats had not suffered before them? Animals are but tools to serve us. They serve us in labor, in nutrition, and when called upon, they serve us in science. The study of Nature makes a man as remorseless as Nature itself. PRITCHARD But this is different-

(CONTINUED)

21. CONTINUED: (4) How? DR. MOREAU

PRITCHARD Because you're making monsters! Not medicine, not science, this is nothing but perverted slaughter! How can you justify what you've created? DR. MOREAU ...Come with me. INT. LABORATORY - EVENING The laboratory is equipped with most modern technology. There are computers, petri dishes, tubes, microscopes,formaldehyde jars, a refrigerator, and various empty animal cages. In one corner of the room is a large blanketed tank. Near the end of the room is the operating table, curtained by a white plastic sheet. Moreau tours the room while giving his speech. Prichard looks down and sees the petri dishes, some under UV light, others on top of scribbled notes. DR. MOREAU Through meticulous and endless labors I, I, have created, given form to life. As they pass the animal cages Pritchard notices scattered clumps of fur, he lingers on the TANK for a moment. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) I have given the most "unique" gifts of humanity to once mindless beasts. Speech, thought, dexterity, there is no limit to either physical or mental metamorphosis that I can produce. They pass by the operating table, Pritchard looks through a slit in the curtain. PRITCHARD'S POV: The scene is almost identical to his dream, the table has dried blood on the wrought leather restraints. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) A mind truly open to science must see all it has to offer. Moreau stops in front of the formaldehyde jars, his demeanor changes.

(CONTINUED)

22. CONTINUED: DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) But I am not without my failure Pritchard. Pritchard turns back around to the covered tank, walking towards it. PRITCHARD What's in that tank? DR. MOREAU (almost inaudible) A monument to all my sins. Pritchard stops cautiously in front of the tank, unable to bring himself to pull the sheet off. Moreau comes up behind him. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) You wanted to know what happened to the former residents of your room? PRITCHARD Doctor, what's in the tank? Moreau pulls the curtain off in one swift stroke, Pritchard recoils in terror. PRITCHARD (CONT'D) Jesus Christ! DR. MOREAU After my first few specimens I decided to experiment with form. It was...a narcissistic, foolish choice. It escaped unfinished one night. We tracked it down to a corner of the island, but not before it killed the other men. The formaldehyde tank is stuffed with the bloated corpse of an abomination. It's snake-like, with protruding stems of mutilated arms and legs. Its face ghoulishly resembles a tortured man, frozen in an agonizing scream. DR. MOREAU (O.S.) (CONT'D) Ever since, I have molded my creations in human form. Parts of it shine through the light, highlighting its insides, Pritchard steps forward seeing bits of what looks like digested men.

(CONTINUED)

23. CONTINUED: (2) Moreau swiftly returns the cover back over the tank. Pritchard stands shell-shocked. PRITCHARD (mutter) At what cost...is all this worth it? DR. MOREAU By whatever cost necessary. Pritchard backs away from the tank and Moreau. His rage and pity bring him to the edge of tears. PRITCHARD You're insane. I don't care how, I'm leaving. DR. MOREAU (beat) Driven, as all men should be. Pritchard quickly exits the laboratory, Moreau remains,giving the tank a sideways look. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) I admire that. EXT. LABORATORY Pritchard storms out as Montgomery approaches. Montgomery tries to stop Pritchard but is shaken off. PRITCHARD Don't touch me. Pritchard. MONTGOMERY

Pritchard turns on Montgomery. PRITCHARD You knew. This whole time you knew. Yeah. MONTGOMERY

PRITCHARD Why-how can you stay here? MONTGOMERY It's not how you think.

(CONTINUED)

24. CONTINUED: Pritchard is baffled. Montgomery tries to calm Pritchard by holding his arms. Pritchard shakes him off, ready for a fight. Montgomery steps back, hands in the air. MONTGOMERY (CONT'D) You really plan on leaving? PRITCHARD I'll build a goddamn boat if I have to. EXT. JUNGLE - MORNING CLOSE UP: An axe embeds itself in a log. RETURN TO SCENE: Montgomery and Pritchard are in the jungle chopping trees and wood. Pritchard stares at the axe. Montgomery methodically chops, waiting. Why. PRITCHARD

MONTGOMERY It doesn't matter anymore. PRITCHARD You experiment on animals or something? MONTGOMERY No. Combat medic. Pritchard begins to chop passive aggressively. Montgomery remains calm. PRITCHARD MONTGOMERY You're serious? You're really gonna build a raft and leave? PRITCHARD My boat drifted off, and I'm not fucking staying here for two years. I'll take my chances. Pritchard notices Montgomery's DOGTAGS. PRITCHARD (CONTD) How'd you end up here?

(CONTINUED)

25. CONTINUED: MONTGOMERY Moreau needed a man who had experience. I needed a job. Been thirteen years now. Pritchard stares at Montgomery in disbelief. PRITCHARD How did you not get on the first boat out? MONTGOMERY I wanted to, more than anything. I promised myself I'd be out on the first supply boat, but (laughs) He is a genius. Horror turned to curiosity, turned to pity, and now... Montgomery stares at a piece of wood, despondent. Violently he drives his axe into the trunk of a palm tree. Leaving it there, he sits on the other logs, takes out a bottle of water and has a drink. Pritchard sits down beside him, taking a sip from his own bottle, swatting a mosquito on his neck. They sit in silence for a minute. PRITCHARD What's "the law" their always repeating? MONTGOMERY It's a set of rules that Moreau made up to keep them in line. PRITCHARD What happens if they break it? MONTGOMERY Anyone who breaks the law goes to the house of pain to be fixed. PRITCHARD "House of pain"? MONTGOMERY Moreau's laboratory. The laws Moreau put down, they're designed to reinforce their crude human psyche.

(CONTINUED)

26. CONTINUED: (2) Pritchard concentrates on the AXE. MONTGOMERY (CONT'D) And the reason we have such shit...Man, I can't tell ya what I'd give for a steak. Pritchard stands up, the realization dawning on him. What? MONTGOMERY (CONTD)

PRITCHARD The day I ran into you, before, when I was running in the jungle. I found a half eaten rabbit. Montgomery bolts up. MONTGOMERY Are you sure? Pritchard nods, Montgomery's face drains of color. INT. CAVE - NOON A RABBIT CARCASS falls on the ledge, Moreau towering over it. DR. MOREAU THE LAW HAS BEEN BROKEN. None of the beast men move, Pritchard looks uncertainly at Montgomery. Slowly the Sayer of the Law steps forward. SAYER OF THE LAW The law has been broken. Moreau cracks his whip. DR. MOREAU THOU SHALT NOT EAT MEAT. The Sayer of the Law recoils in fear back inside the crowd. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) WHO HAS BROKEN THE LAW? The beast men look among each other, until Dog Man begins to whine. DOG MAN Leopard Man...it, it was the Leopard Man!

(CONTINUED)

27. CONTINUED: The crowd parts around Dog Man, who steps forward, confident from the crowd's attention. DOG MAN (CONT'D) Yes, I seen him, he, HE broke thelaw! The beast men begin to become more animated as Moreausearches the crowd. SAYER OF THE LAW Where is the Leopard Man? In the back of the crowd is the LEOPARD MAN, a hunchbacked specimen with blood caked on his CLAWS, nearing his way towards the exit. There! DOG MAN

Leopard Man roars and flees out the wide exit, the masses instantly part as Moreau, Montgomery, and Pritchard pursue him. EXT. CAVE BEACH - NOON The Leopard Man takes off ahead, climbing over the jeep. DR. MOREAU Montgomery, shoot him! Montgomery slings his rifle around, shoots and misses. The Leopard Man falls on all fours, running even faster. Montgomery misses again before Moreau shoves him aside and takes the rifle himself. Moreau shoots, and the Leopard Man collapses. The beast men, excited by the hunt, begin chanting. BEAST MEN None escape the law! Moreau looks disgusted at an ashamed Montgomery and throws him back his rifle. Pritchard is in shock, out of the corner of his eye he sees the only beast man not chanting. Hyena Swine locks eyes with Pritchard with utmost hatred, Pritchard is too scared to break away. Pritchard! DR. MOREAU (O.S.)

28. INT. PRITCHARD'S ROOM - NIGHT Montgomery sits at the foot of the bed reading a thermometer. MONTGOMERY Yep, it's Malaria. PRITCHARD Don't think I've ever had malaria. MONTGOMERY You're gonna be in for a trip. You know what they say, "the first cut's always the deepest". PRITCHARD Ugh, fuck off. MONTGOMERY (laughs) I should still have some medicine leftover in my supply. Montgomery gets up to leave. PRITCHARD Monty, last week, on the beach...what happened? Montgomery freezes, back still to Pritchard. MONTGOMERY (beat) I'll have M'ling send some soup up. After Montgomery leaves, Moreau enters carrying an armful of books. DR. MOREAU I see you're doing well. Pritchard stiffens at the sight of him. Moreau puts the books on the nearby desk. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) These are my latest research notes, Thought a "journalist" might enjoy them. Moreau hesitates, then turns to leave. PRITCHARD Doctor, last week, on the beach...what happened?

(CONTINUED)

29. CONTINUED: DR. MOREAU (beat) Montgomery spends a great deal more time with the beast men than ought to. His sympathy has made him vulnerable to affection. He sees the beast men as real people. Shooting that leopard man to him was like shooting a child. Moreau leaves. Pritchard lets Moreau's words sink in, then rolls over and goes to sleep. INT. SITTING ROOM - NIGHT Montgomery is on the couch with a bottle of whiskey. Moreau briefly walks through the room. DR. MOREAU Nice to see you on top of things. And pick up the corpse of that animal first thing tomorrow morning. Montgomery watches him leave, then flips him off, taking another swig. EXT. CAVE BEACH - MORNING PAW PRINTS MONTGOMERY'S POV: Orderly PAW PRINTS line the beach, fading into the surf. RETURN TO SCENE: Montgomery stands up, we see that the body of the Leopard Man has vanished. Puzzled, Montgomery gets into his jeep and drives into the jungle. INT. LABORATORY - MOMENTS LATER Moreau is sitting in front of a microscope, a box full of blood vials sits next to him. Moreau is frustrated with the sample. He grabs another one from the box and earnestly compares them under two microscopes. Suddenly Moreau smashes the samples against the table in a fit of rage.

30. INT. HOSUE - MONGTOMERY'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS Montgomery sits on his bed watching a copy of Superbowl XXXVIII with bloody mary in hand. Littered around him are the relics of a forgotten life. DR. MOREAU (O.S.) MONTGOMERY! Moreau storms through the door to Mongtomgery's indifference. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) You damn drunk! Those samples you gave me we're all mislabeled, half of them are mixed! INT. PRITCHARD'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS DR. MOREAU (O.S.) Do you how far you've set my research back?! Pritchard sits up in bed, straining to hear. A CRASHING LAMP is heard off screen from Montgomery's room. INT. HOUSE - MONTGOMERY'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS A baseball sits in the shattered remains of a lamp. Montgomery is up and in Moreau's face now. MONTGOMERY I've dealt with you, and your ways, for ten years! But your fucking pipe dream is gonnaMontgomery stops short sight of Pritchard, who's now in the room, leaning on a dresser for support. Moreau turns and looks surprised. DR. MOREAU M'ling! (beat) Pritchard...what're you doing out of bed? M'LING! There is a brief moment of awkward silence as neither Montgomery nor Moreau can look at a confused Pritchard. M'ling enters hurriedly. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) Take Pritchard back upstairs would you? It's about time for his medication.

(CONTINUED)

31. CONTINUED: M'ling leads Pritchard out of the room. Montgomery passive aggressively sits down, returning to the game and taking an extra sip of his drink. Moreau's eyes are filled with poison for a moment, then he swiftly exits the room. INT. HOUSE - PRICHARD'S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER Pritchard is lying in bed, prepped for receive his injections. M'ling is carefully mixing the medicine, answering between pauses. PRITCHARD How much longer till I'm better? M'LING Soon, very soon. PRITCHARD Yeah, that's what you said four weeks ago. M'LING You sick for three week. Pritchard picks up one of the glass bottles and begins to toy with it. While examining it, we see the label read: HYXOGENYNIA. PRITCHARD Whatever, all these meds, can't even keep track of the days anymore. M'ling whines in annoyance, grabbing the bottle with both hands and carefully putting it back on the table counter. Pritchard looks out the window, FAINT sounds can be heard from the laboratory. PRITCHARD (CONT'D) (aside) What're you up to? Pritchard snaps his attention to M'ling, now injecting him with medicine. M'ling undoes the tourniquet, gathers her supplies and leaves. Pritchard goes back to reading one of Moreau's journals. DISSOLVE TO:

32. INT. LIVING ROOM - HOUSE - DAY PANNING over a display of fossilized bones and tools that gradually evolve in sophistication. DR. MOREAU (V.O.) Two percent. We exist by two percent. The essence of our species lies within the fusion of two separate chromosomes in our simian cousins. INT. LABORATORY - DAY SLIDE MICROSCOPE POV: Two red cells mingle around each other before the one is absorbed, changing its color to a purple hue. DR. MOREAU (V.O.) But is the ascent of Man really credit to such a hiccup in evolution? And if so... Moreau leans back from the microscope in order to jot down on a notepad. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) Could we not control evolution just as easily? INT. LABORATORY - FLASHBACK - DAY Moreau and Montgomery are in surgical scrubs, an obscured figure lies squirming on the operating table. DR. MOREAU (V.O.) Valiantly I've tried, my previous attempts to ascend the beast form ended with M'ling. Moreau stands opposite of an unconscious M'ling lying on the operating table. In his arms, umbilical cord attached, is her almost unrecognizable baby. It's stillborn. INT. PRITCHARD'S ROOM - PRESENT - DAY Pritchard sits reading the journal. DR. MOREAU (V.O.) Never though did I have what I needed until now.

33. INT. LABORATORY - DAY Moreau is at work wearing scrubs in his lab, comparing charts and simulations on the computer. DR. MOREAU (V.O.) This whole time I've been trying to imitate nature's form, instead I should break it. Moreau goes towards the operating table, we see a silhouetted figure constrained to the table. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) The chance to regress manMoreau picks up a scalpel off the tool tray and whips the curtain behind him. The silhouette quivers before Moreau. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) Into beast. The silhouette screams in agony as Moreau begins his work. CUT TO: INT. PRITCHARD'S ROOM - DAY Pritchard catapults awake in bed, he has a noticeable stubble now. Faint SCREAMS echo out from the laboratory. A beat later, M'ling walks in to administer the malaria medicine. Pritchard looks around wearily. PRITCHARD How much more of this do I have to take? M'LING Not long, three week now. Pritchard barely recognizes the lie. M'ling routinely mixes the medicine. PRITCHARD I don't want it. M'ling ignores him, coming towards him with the needle. Pritchard smack it to the floor, shattering it. INT. PRITCHARD'S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER M'ling walks in, broom in hand, to find Pritchard's bed empty. He drops the broom and hurries out to find him.

34. EXT. HOUSE - DAY Pritchard sucks in the hot fresh air, enjoying his moment of freedom before turning his head towards the laboratory. INT. LABORATORY - CONTINUOUS Pritchard sneaks inside, Moreau is busy working at the far end of the room. As Pritchard nears he accidentally knocks over a beaker,Moreau snaps around, shocked to see a startled Pritchard. You... DR. MOREAU

The distraction is long enough for the thing on the table to buck in its frenzy to escape. Moreau tries to restrain it but one of the wrist straps is torn loose and the creature tosses Moreau into the curtain. Pritchard runs forward to help Moreau up. As he does so the crazed animal leaps over Pritchard and tears out of the laboratory. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) I'm alright! Moreau runs after the escaped creature with Pritchard on his heels. EXT. LABORATORY - CONTINUOUS Moreau hops into the jeep adjacent to the entrance of the laboratory. Pritchard hops in side saddle. PRITCHARD What was that?! Moreau speeds off without an answer. EXT. CAMPGROUND - DAY Already at the campground's exit is the whitish blur of the escaped test subject. Moreau floors the gas. PRITCHARD Doctor, what the hell is going on? DR. MOREAU (heatedly) It doesn't matter. We're going to hunt it down and capture it.

(CONTINUED)

35. CONTINUED: PRITCHARD Wait, we need to go back and get Montgomery, heDR. MOREAU There's no time for Montgomery! CUT TO: EXT. - JUNGLE - DAY - CONTINUOUS Beast men perk their heads up in curiosity at the sound of the distant jeep. CUT TO: EXT. - JUNGLE - DAY - CONTINUOUS The jeeps slows to a crawl, Moreau frantically searching. DR. MOREAU Damn! Where'd it go?! There! PRITCHARD

As Pritchard points to a BUSH, the creature leaps out, landing on top of the jeep. It then takes off into the thicker part of the jungle where the jeep can't follow. Dammit! DR. MOREAU

Moreau grabs the rifle off the back of the jeep and runs after his prey. Pritchard clumsily unbuckles his seat belt and tries to keep up with Moreau. Moreau! PRITCHARD

As Pritchard stumbles through the bush, BEAST MEN race by him, now enthralled by all the excitement. Pritchard lags behind a little as he watches in amazement of the creatures swimming through the foliage with ease. EXT. CLIFF EDGE - DAY - MOMENTS LATER The steep cliff is too much to climb. The surrounding foliage, which would've provided escape, is haunted by the Beast Men.

(CONTINUED)

36. CONTINUED: As the creature paces his situation with increasing panic, Moreau steps out of the bushes. He has the triumphant look of a cat whose caught his mouse. Moreau CLICKING the safety off the gun alerts the creature to his presence. The creature turns and hurls a rock, Moreau ducks placidly. DR. MOREAU Now, now... Moreau COCKS the chamber. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) (under his breath) We both knew it would come to this. As Moreau shoulders the rifle, a RUSTLE in the bushes makes him spin around and FIRE. CUT TO: EXT. JUNGLE - DAY - CONTINUOUS Pritchard stops in his tracks for only a heartbeat, then bounds forward with pumping adrenaline. CUT TO: EXT. CLIFF EDGE - DAY - CONTINUOUS The creature takes his opportunity and leaps upon Moreau, knocking the rifle out of his hands. Moreau screams in alarm. AAAAHHH! DR. MOREAU

The creature raises its fist, ready to strike Moreau. DR. MOREAU (CONT'D) MONTGOMERY! We now see the creature for the first time, it's resemblance to Montgomery is indisputable. Rage froths at the corners of his mouth. Montgomery lowers his hand, but keeps his grip. He grabs a rock, and in a scene reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey, bludgeons Moreau to the whooping cries of onlooking Beast Men. SFX: Beast Men whooping muffled. Bludgeoning is in slow motion.

(CONTINUED)

37. CONTINUED: Pritchard emerges on the scene through the brush to see Montgomery murdering Moreau. NO! PRITCHARD

Pritchard grabs the rifle as Montgomery steps off Moreau's corpse. As Pritchard is about to fire, all the Beast Men sharply fall silent; watching him. Pritchard's grip wavers, a slow chant begins to rise among the Beast Men. BEAST MEN None escape the law... As the cries of the Beast Men reach their usual frenzy, they're ready to pounce on Montgomery and tear him to shreds. Montgomery tries to fend them off, but he won't be able to do so for long. Montgomery pleads with Pritchard with eyes that seem almost human. Pritchard re-shoulders the rifle. BANG! Montgomery falls dead. The camera steps to the side to REVEAL the Hyena-Swine kneeled over Moreau's corpse, picking at it with curious onlookers. Pritchard stumbles back, dazed, dropping the rifle. He sees the Hyena-Swine. Hey. PRITCHARD

The Hyena-Swine ignores him. PRITCHARD (CONT'D) Scat...hey, HEY! The Hyena-Swine and beast men back up a little. The Hyena Swine stands up, talking to the crowd. HYENA-SWINE He's dead. The House of Pain is no more! The gravity of the situation begins to weigh in on Pritchard as the Beast Men whisper amongst themselves. BEAST MEN No pain?...what now?... Pritchard becomes uneasy as a few of the Beast Men begin to eye him suspiciously. He instinctively grabs Moreau's whip from his corpse, cracking it to get their attention.

(CONTINUED)

38. CONTINUED: (2) PRITCHARD What is the Law? There is an awkward silence. PRITCHARD (CONT'D) Not to walk on all fours! What is the law? DOG MAN (meekly) Not to...eat meat PRITCHARD What is the law? HYENA-SWINE (O.S.) Thou shalt not kill. Pritchard turns to face the Hyena-Swine. They Hyena-Swine is holding the rifle with all thumbs. The rifle unexpectedly goes off, blowing up a coconut a foot from Pritchard's head. The beast men scatter into the jungle, their howls ringing from the trees. INT. HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT Pritchard is sitting alone at the set table in the candle light, the light making him look gaunt. M'ling enters pushing a trolly with dinner on it. There's enough food for four people. M'ling fixes Pritchard's plate and then his own. He sits beside Pritchard. As Pritchard numbly eats the howls and jeers of the beast-men echo outside. Pritchard slowly stops when he notices M'ling sobbing. PRITCHARD The dinner is very good. M'ling sobs harder. M'LING I made too much. I- I made his dish. IPritchard reaches out and gingerly pets M'ling. M'ling begins to croon lightly. As M'ling turns to Pritchard, we see that he's CRYING. Pritchard is taken back by the humanity.

(CONTINUED)

39. CONTINUED: PRITCHARD Get some sleep, M'ling. I'll clean up. INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT Pritchard is doing the dishes. A crashing sound is heard from somewhere in the house. Pritchard pauses. M'ling? PRITCHARD

He eases his way through the house into the... INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS Pritchard looks around, no signs of a disturbance. Another clatter. EXT. LABORATORY The night is almost impenetrable. Pritchard carries a rifle and creeps up to the laboratory. A streak of faint light splits out from the door. INT. LABORATORY Pritchard slips through the creaking door. PRITCHARD (Whisper) M'ling? Pritchard nears a gas lantern. He sets it upright and looks around. Behind him is the gun closet, fresh scratch marks crisscross its surface. A low growl is heard. Pritchard spins to face he source but can't make out its location. Silence... The Hyena-Swine lunges at Pritchard from behind. Pritchard narrowly ducks in time. He fires a wild shot, missing.