PATRIOT TRAITOR

PATRIOT/TRAITOR

Written by

Robert Austin Rossi

Address:2191 21st Street, Unit GSignal Hill, CA 90755Phone Number:760-272-6389

PATRIOT/TRAITOR

Robert Austin Rossi

FADE IN:

EXT. DUBLIN - UNITED TRAMWAY COMPANY - DAY

Five Hundred rail workers, fists raised, SHOUTING “SCAB”, “SCAB”as strikers derail a green and white tram, DUBLINUNITED TRAMWAY COMPANY logo across the top.

TITLE: 1911

The petrified face of the driver.

The demonstrators rock the tram back and forth.

The driver’s hands to his face; the front window smashed by a piece of wood.

SCREAM OF THE DRIVER.

A cloud of dust rises as the tram car falls on its side.

A LOUD HURRAH from the demonstrators.

Paddy wagons. Scores of CONSTABLES jump out with nightsticks, wade into the strikers; bloody baton beatings against fists.

LOUD WHISTLES.

The battered and bruised driver crawls out a window, runs for his life.

Constable’s club to the knees. The man falls. A severe blow to the side of the head of another demonstrator. A deep gash and blood.

ROARS, SHRIEKS. Strikers flee.

INT. LONDON - PICCADILLY HOTEL ROOM - DAY

The impressive chest of a man and his opened tuxedo shirt. A manservant places Mother of Pearl studs.

EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY

The Royal Crest on the front gate: the rampant lion, double tressure flory-counterflory of Scotland, and Irish Harp.

A Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, a Vauxhall Prince Henry, several Hansom Cabs and Carriages entering the gates.

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - THRONE ROOM - DAY

Black Oxford shoes. The crease of formal trousers. Starched white shirt, the Mother of Pearl studs, bow tie. Shoulders pulled back, ROGER CASEMENT, 47, trimmed beard, moustache, framed in the gold gilt double door, fixed blue eyes.

STAMFORDHAM (V.O. ECHOED)For his humanitarian service in The Belgian Congo...

Casement’s right eye twitches.

EXT. CONGO RIVER - DAY

Deck of a steamer, Casement looking ashore. He sees three Congolese Soldiers, two keeping guard, one with his pants at his ankles raping a young native girl.

Grabbing a rifle from the guard next to him, Casement aims and FIRES.

One of the soldiers is winged on his right shoulder. The rapist pulls up his pants and runs with the other two. The girl collapses.

Casement, A SECOND SHOT, the smoking rifle in his grasp.

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - DAY

The rigid Casement. Stamfordham continues.

STAMFORDHAM (V.O. ECHOED)...and his undying devotion to God, King and Country in the Putumayo...

Casement bites his lower lip.

EXT. BRITISH CONSULATE, IQUITOS - NIGHT

Out to the veranda, Casement sees a naked native boy sitting with his knees in his hands, CRYING, keloid scars on his back.

He steps down, walks, sits, his arm over the boy’s shoulder. His fingers softly caress the boy’s back and the taint of the whip.

2.

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - THRONE ROOM - DAY

Beads of sweat on Casement’s forehead.

STAMFORDHAM (V.O. ECHOED)Roger David Casement, Knight Bachelor.

Casement, stiff, to the throne dais beneath a giant, domed velvet canopy; KING GEORGE THE FIFTH, Van Dyke facial hair, full military uniform, nickel plated hilt in hand.

Casement kneels.

The tip of the glistening sword swings from one of his shoulders to the other.

KINGRise, Sir Roger David Casement.

(to Casement)Good job, my boy.

CASEMENTI witnessed unspeakable cruelty, Your Majesty.

KINGIt’s all over now, isn’t it?

CASEMENTI’m not sure.

KINGGo home to Ireland and see about those strikes.

The King shakes hands. Casement, fixed glare, takes three steps backward, bows his head.

EXT. DUBLIN - UNITED TRAMWAY COMPANY - DAY

Bleeding, beaten strikers, nurses tending their wounds. Some hobble away on the shoulders of comrades. The dead removed on stretchers.

INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE - BLUE ROOM - DAY

Palatial furnishings, four chandeliers. The crowded drawing room. Champagne, hors d'oeuvres served from silver trays by white gloved footmen.

3.

GERTRUDE BANNISTER, ALICE STOPFORD GREEN, women in their early 50’s, and Casement.

CASEMENTThank God, it’s over.

GERTRUDEI’m so proud of you, Scodgie.

CASEMENTI didn’t want this. They announced it to the newspapers before I could say “no”.

SIR EDWARD GREY, middle aged, arrogant, approaches them.

GREYCongratulations, Sir Roger.

CASEMENTSir Edward. This is my cousin Gertrude Bannister and my dear friend Alice Stopford Green.

Grey’s sharp look at Mrs. Green.

GREYI’ve read several of your articles in “The Independent”. Somewhat inflammatory toward the Empire, don’t you think?

MRS. GREENIreland has been waiting a very long time for a decision on Home Rule.

GREYThat’s a decision The House of Commons makes.

CASEMENTAnd they’ve failed to do that.

GREYYes, well, we must be patient. If you’ll excuse me, I should find The Prime Minister.

He leaves.

4.

MRS. GREENTories, Liberals, they’re all the same. Ignore the issue and it will go away.

CASEMENTLook around you.

Self-important men and snobbish women CHATTER in small cliques as they eat, drink and LAUGH.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)Champagne and canapes. The English see the world as they want it, not how it really is.

EXT. LONDON - THE MALL - DAY

Carriages and hansom cabs.

INT. HANSOM CAB - DAY

Gertrude, Mrs. Green and Casement. Despondent, he shifts his weight from side to side.

CASEMENTWhat a horrible day.

GERTRUDEHow can you say that? You worked twenty years for recognition.

CASEMENT(snickering)

“For his duty to God, King and Country”. The only problem is King George is not my King and England is not my country.

GERTRUDEYour title legitimizes the Irish Nation.

CASEMENT(outraged)

Legitimizes?

MRS. GREENGod knows, they treat us like bastards.

5.

CASEMENTIt’s a meaningless title. I’m Irish to the core.

EXT. CONNEMARA - DAY

At the edge of the village, a handwritten sign with skull and crossbones:

CONNEMARA, TYPHUS, STAY OUT

Casement on horseback trots to a stop. He notes the sign, kicks the horse, and rides into Connemara.

EXT. CONNEMARA - INFIRMARY - DAY

Casement up the stairs and into the building.

INT. INFIRMARY - DAY

Rows of cots with the sick and dying. Casement jolted.

COUGHING, MOANING, CRYING.

A CATHOLIC NUN rushes up to him.

NUNSir, you can’t be here, there’s typhus.

CASEMENTYou’re here, aren’t you?

Jacket off, rolling up his sleeves.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)Show me how I can help.

The nun’s serious look melts into admiration. She leads him into the infirmary.


Children delirious with fever. Casement changing the compresses. He moves from one bed to the next, the back of his hand checking temperatures, placing iced gauze on their foreheads.

A little BLONDE GIRL looks up at him.

6.

BLONDE GIRLThank you, Sir.

Casement smiles.


The exhausted Casement still taking temperatures, changing compresses. When he comes to the little blonde girl, he puts his hand on her forehead and quickly pulls it back.

He turns her head, her eyes wide open, dead.

Making The Sign of the Cross, he kneels at her bedside.

EXT. CONNEMARA - DAY

THE VOICES OF WOMEN SINGING A “CAOIN”.

Casement on the INFIRMARY steps holding the dead body of the blonde girl. He descends, walks the middle of the road. Tears well in his eyes.

People slowly come out of shops, look out windows.

Steady pace, his back unbending, the little girl’s blonde hair blowing in the wind.

He enters the UNDERTAKER.

EXT. CONNEMARA - DAY (”CAOIN” CONTINUES)

The old priest blesses five small caskets with holy water. The women SINGING at the grave site.

Middle of the street, Casement looks up at the cemetery on the hill. Angered, he marches into Connemara’s GENERAL POSTOFFICE.

INT. GENERAL POST OFFICE - DAY (”CAOIN CONTINUES)

Cage marked TELEGRAPH. A stenographer behind the window, Casement on the other side.

CASEMENTIt’s for immediate delivery to Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Office, Whitehall, London.

The stenographer takes it down in shorthand as he dictates.

7.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)Sir Edward. I have just come from the funeral...

INT. NO. 10 DOWNING STREET - ASQUITH’S OFFICE - DAY

Grey reads the telegram to PRIME MINISTER HERBERT ASQUITH, past his prime, emotionless. He listens intently as Grey reads.

GREY...of five children under the ageof seven. Although the good people of Connemara have three times pleaded with the Governor General in Dublin, no resource from His Majesty’s government has been made available to its citizens. The typhus epidemic is killing scores. The behavior of The Crown in this matter is nothing more than an Irish genocide. Yours, Sir Roger Casement.

Asquith’s eyebrows raised.

ASQUITHWell...

GREYCertainly there is something the government can do.

Asquith lights his pipe, eyes fixed on Grey. Match out, EXHALE.

ASQUITHI rather think of this typhus epidemic as God’s natural selection process.

EXT. SACKVILLE STREET - DAY

The busy main thoroughfare of Dublin with men and women walking, horse drawn carriages, the TRAM BELL RINGING, vegetable and fruit stands.

Casement with a walking stick, deep thought.

A boy runs up to him and hands him a flyer.

8.

OLAIGH NA H-EIREANNRECRUITS WANTED

FOR THEIRISH VOLUNTEERS

MEN WISHING TO RENDER NATIONAL SERVICE CAN JOIN ANY OF THE

FOLLOWING:INFANTRY, CAVALRY, SIGNALS, SUPPLY & TRANSPORT, ARTILLERY, ENGINEERS,

ORDNANCE, MEDICAL

He folds the flyer and puts it in his coat pocket. Tipping his hat to ladies who pass him, he continues to walk.

INT. BANNISTER HOME - KITCHEN - DAY

The wrinkled flyer on the table.

Gertrude, angry, is washing dishes at the sink. Casement stands next to her.

CASEMENTYes, I’ve joined The Irish Volunteers.

GERTRUDEWhy would you do a thing like that, Scodgie? You don’t know when to leave well enough alone.

CASEMENTHave you seen the tenements on Church Street?

Gertrude takes her hands out of the dishwater and dries them with a towel.

GERTRUDEYou’re always putting your nose in where it doesn’t belong.

CASEMENTTake a walk on Church Street. The stench is overpowering. Twenty five families in one tenement. No sanitation.

She DROPS A PLATE on the floor.

GERTRUDEThere’s a dance on Saturday. I think we should go.

9.

She bends down, picks up pieces of the broken dish and puts them in her apron.

CASEMENTThat’s it, bury your head in the sand.

She jumps up, pieces FALLING to the floor again. She looks him directly in the eye.

GERTRUDEHow dare you?

CASEMENTYou’re exactly what the English want. People who don’t give a damn about their own kind.

She SLAPS him across the face. His hand to his cheek, Casement leaves.

Gertrude, her furrowed brow, puts her hands on the edge of the sink, slouches and CRIES.

EXT. PARNELL STREET - NIGHT

Casement sitting in a small park. He looks across at the TOBACCONIST sign on one of the storefronts. A constant look over his shoulder, he gets up, walks the perimeter of the park.

He goes into Parnell Street and walks up and down the block. No one in sight.

EXT. TOBACCONIST SHOP - NIGHT

One final look up and down the street and at the park. He sees nothing. KNOCKING hard three times and softly twice, turning the knob, he slips inside.

INT. TOBACCONIST SHOP - BACK ROOM - NIGHT

A round table, chairs and the men: JOSEPH PLUNKETT, 22, large surgical scar across his neck, PADRAIC PEARSE, a school teacher, THOMAS MACDONAGH, a poet, TOM CLARKE, a tobacconist, and seven other men of various occupations. Casement shakes hands.

CASEMENTIs everyone here?

10.

Pearse, early 40’s, receding hairline, slight jowls.

PEARSEFor the most part.

CASEMENTIt’s important that these meetings be kept secret. The last thing we need is the English crawling down our necks.

Plunkett CHUCKLES.

PLUNKETTComing from a man with an English Title.

CASEMENTAnd you are?

PLUNKETTJoseph Plunkett.

CASEMENTWell, Mr. Plunkett, I’m Irish born and will Irish die.

PLUNKETTYou work for the English government.

CASEMENTIn one way or another we’ve all been working for the English for centuries, haven’t we?

PLUNKETTHave we or is it just you?

Fists clenched, Casement advances toward Plunkett; Pearse steps between them.

PEARSEWe’re not here to judge one another, we’re here for Ireland. If we doubt each other, we play into English hands.

CASEMENTThank you, Mr. Pearse.

PLUNKETTPerhaps you’re right.

11.

He sits down, still glaring at Casement.

CASEMENTThe only thing the English understand is bullets.

PLUNKETTMaybe you belong with The Citizen Army. They preach your blood and guts philosophy.

CASEMENTMaybe I do. Or maybe they belong with us. This is a call to arms of every man, woman and child in our great land.

His FIST to the table.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)No British colony has ever gained its independence without armed insurrection.

EXT. DUBLIN - GRANARY - NIGHT

JAMES CONNOLLY, stout, muscular, hooded, escorted by four men along the northern dock, a pistol at his right temple.

Large steel doors with GRANARY painted in the center swing open, Connolly shoved inside. The door SLAMS AND LOCKS.

A MAN IN A DERBY, middle aged, pale with deep set eyes, in the shadows, takes out a notebook and writes.

INT. DUBLIN - GRANARY - NIGHT

Irish Volunteers including Pearse, Clarke, MacDonagh, Plunkett and Casement. Connolly is flopped into a chair, hands tied behind his back. He struggles.

CONNOLLYFucking English!

Casement pulls off the hood and Connolly SPITS in Casement’s face. He wipes it off.

Connolly’s curious look at the men.

CONNOLLY (CONT’D)Who the hell are you?

12.

CASEMENTRoger Casement.

CONNOLLY(infuriated)

Sir Roger Casement!

Clarke, late 50’s, bushy moustache, thin.

CLARKEEasy now, Jimmy, Roger is one of us.

CONNOLLYThere is no “us”, Clarke. I could have known you’d be here.

CASEMENTDon’t be a fool, Connolly.

Connolly lifts his feet and pushes Casement to the ground; his chair falls backwards.

LAUGHTER

Casement gets up. He gives the LAUGHING men a serious look.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)Pick him up and untie his hands.

Men lift and untie Connolly. He shakes off his tumble.

CONNOLLYAre you going to kill me?

CASEMENTI might. First let’s talk about a collaboration.

CONNOLLY(LAUGHING)

A collaboration is it? Kill me now.

CASEMENTWe are all Irishmen.

Connolly looks around at the men.

CONNOLLYBig talk from little people. Poets, school teachers, farmers and a tobacconist. That’s your army?

13.

CASEMENTWe’re all men who see a different future for Ireland and are willing to die for it.

The men CHEER in agreement.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)We need to put our differences aside. King George is not going to walk away quietly.

CONNOLLYAnd me? What would my role be in this new army you’re forming?

CASEMENTEqual role, equal vote.

Connolly takes a DEEP BREATH, walks to the wall, hangs his head and takes a moment to think. He turns.

CONNOLLYYou talk a good game, Casement. The most I can promise you is that I will bring your proposal back to my people.

CASEMENTThat’s all we ask.

A LOUD BANG and a dent in the steel doors. Another BANG, a wider dent. The frightened men look one to the other.

EXT. DUBLIN - GRANARY - NIGHT

Two lines of soldiers rush the door with eight man battering rams. The Man in the Derby watches.

SMASH, CRASH.


The next BANG deepens the dent. Casement calm, Connolly’s menacing walk toward him.

CONNOLLYI knew you were an English spy.

CASEMENTOpen the port holes, boys.

14.

The men rush to the edge of the room and lift three large, round doors. Connolly’s arm grabbed by Casement.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)Come on, you can punch me later.

The astonished Connolly watches as the men jump feet first into the holes. At one of the port holes...

CASEMENT (CONT’D)(to Connolly)

You next. Jump.

He pushes Connolly. Connolly leaps into the port hole feet first.

INT. DUBLIN - PORT HOLE - NIGHT

The copper cylindrical port hole with twists and turns, Connolly’s confused face looking from side to side as he rolls.

HIS LOUD BELLOW

His body bumps and grinds and rapidly flies down the tube.


Casement closes the port hole above him, the back of his jacket caught by the cover.

INT. DUBLIN - PORT HOLE - NIGHT

Trying to slide, but he can’t. Looking over his head, Casement sees his jacket jammed in the closed port hole door. He tugs, pulls, tires to rip, but it won’t budge.

Twisting around in knots, he pulls his arms out of the jacket and WHOOSH, he slides feet first on his belly down the tube. His chin grazed by every brass ring, he lifts his head and POP, it hits the top of the tube.

His frantic ride, flailing hands.

EXT. THE LIFFEY - NIGHT

Exploding out of the tube into the river, Casement dives underwater.

15.

EXT. UNDERWATER - NIGHT

Street lights illuminate his swim. Holding his breath, butterfly stroke. He sees a pair of legs treading water.


Casement surfaces, face to face with Connolly. Shaking his head...

CASEMENTSwim for the love of God, man.

Side by side, the breast stroke at Olympic speed.


More BANGS of the battering ram and a large hole. Soldiers followed by The Man in the Derby come through the opening. They look around. Empty.

The Man in the Derby goes to the table, lifts the candle and turns it upside down. A downpour of hot wax on the table.

He sees the back of Casement’s jacket sticking out of the port hole. He goes to it, lifts the cover and the jacket slides down.

MAN IN THE DERBYThe Liffey!

The soldiers frantic run out the battered hole, guns poised.


High above on the dock, armed soldiers search the water with their eyes. The Man in the Derby points at Connolly and Casement who swim a distance away.

MAN IN THE DERBYThere!

BULLETS on the water, Casement and Connolly swim faster and faster dodging SHOTS. A dive, swim, another dive and swim.

Silence.

Casement looks over his shoulder. The soldiers are gone.

16.

CASEMENT(joy)

Arrah!

Side by side the men swim toward shore.

EXT. DUBLIN - STREET - NIGHT

Casement and Connolly in the middle of the street soaking wet.

WATER SQUEAK of their shoes.

Casement looks at Connolly and starts to TITTER. Connolly looks down. SLUSHING. He looks at Casement’s dripping beard.

He LAUGHS. Casement grins.

CASEMENTFucking English. You can punch me now if you like.

Connolly puts his arm around Casement. Their backs as they trudge the Street leaving a trail of wet.

EXT. DUBLIN - MELLOWS BRIDGE - DAWN

Connolly and four men start across the bridge from one end. Casement, Pearse, MacDonagh, and Clarke start across the bridge from the other.

The Middle over The Liffey. A few words are exchanged between Connolly and Casement who shake hands.

All the men shake hands and leave together on the Queen Street side of the bridge.

A lace curtain in an upstairs window is pulled back. The Man in the Derby looks down at the group.


Asquith behind his desk; Grey, serious demeanor.

GREYThe Irish Volunteers have joined forces with The Citizen Army.

ASQUITHSon of a bitch! It’s that bloody Casement.

17.

GREYI don’t think it’s Casement.

ASQUITHYou wouldn’t.

Asquith gets up, paces. The telephone RINGS.

ASQUITH (CONT’D)I want a man on Casement day and night. I want to know who he meets, what he eats, when he takes a piss. Another one on Connolly.

The telephone still RINGING.

GREYYes, Sir, Prime Minister.

Asquith smashes the telephone to the floor. Ringing stops.

ASQUITHGod damn Irish, you can’t trust a thing they do or say.

EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS - DAY

Men on their bellies crawl under barbed wire.

Connolly and Casement watch.

CASEMENTWe have fifty thousand recruits.

CONNOLLYWe need four times that.

Pearse rushes up to them out of breath.

PEARSEThe Ulsters have landed guns at Larne.

CASEMENTWe’ll set up a meeting, convince them to join the cause.

CONNOLLYThere’s no convincing the Ulsters. I’ve tried.

(MORE)

18.

They only care about themselves. Those guns will be pointed directly at us.

PEARSEThe only thing more ridiculous than an Ulster with a gun is a Volunteer without one.

CASEMENTThen we’ll get them. As many as we can. The only rule that King George respects is that of the rifle.

INT. DUBLIN - GREEN HOME - DAY

The petite hand of a woman, Standard Clear Transparent GT 14K Gold Music Nib Fountain Pen writing. THREE THOUSAND POUNDS.

Mrs. Green sits at a desk in an elegant parlor finishing the check, Casement standing over her.

CASEMENTI didn’t know where to turn.

MRS. GREENYou came to the right place.

She stands and hands him the check.

MRS. GREEN (CONT’D)There, that’s a start. And there’s more. I have friends with money. Irishmen in New York, Boston.

She grabs Casement’s arm.

MRS. GREEN (CONT’D)You’re not alone in this. You buy the guns, I’ll arrange the transport.

EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS - DAY

Target practice. Men with guns fire at mock British soldiers sixty feet away. The hurried men hand off their rifles to other men standing behind them. Connolly watches with Casement.

CONNOLLY (CONT'D)

19.

CASEMENTDamn those English bastards. We can’t accomplish a rising if our men have to share guns.

CONNOLLYThanks to you we have six hundred German Mausers. Mrs. Green has arranged for them to be picked up off the coast of Norway.

CASEMENT(angry)

Six hundred guns for fifty thousand Volunteers.

Patting him on the back...

CONNOLLYWe can do better. You’ll think of something. You always do.

Connolly looks at the firing line.

CONNOLLY (CONT’D)(SHOUTING)

Aim for the heart, Plunkett, the heart.

The angry Plunkett looks at him, turns and fires. A bullet straight to the heart of the dummy.

INT. BANNISTER HOME - DAY

Breakfast in the small dining room. Sausages, eggs and toast. Gertrude pours tea as Casement reads THE IRISH INDEPENDENT.

CASEMENT(aloud)

“Reports of collaboration between The Volunteers and the Citizen Army have surfaced and are of concern to The Castle.”

He throws the paper on the floor.

The confused Gertrude, holding a cup of tea, looks at him and the paper.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)Son of a bitch!

20.

GERTRUDEYou watch your language in this house, Sir.

A brief silence, Casement eats his eggs, Gertrude butters toast.

GERTRUDE (CONT’D)You’re Sir Roger Casement. Why do you want to get involved with these hooligans anyway?

CASEMENT(disturbed mumble)

Freedom fighters.

GERTRUDEWhat did you say?

CASEMENT(loudly)

I said, “Freedom Fighters”.

Gertrude sits back and takes a DEEP BREATH.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)We’re freedom fighters. The Volunteers are dedicated to driving the English out of Ireland.

GERTRUDEI think your time would be better spent finding a wife.

He moans.

GERTRUDE (CONT’D)And why not? You’re a handsome bachelor with a Title.

CASEMENTScraggly beard, sun scorched skin from The Congo and The Amazon. No woman in her right mind would marry a character like me.

GERTRUDEI’ll find someone.

He stands, throws his napkin on the table.

CASEMENTIt’ll have to wait.

21.

He leaves; unaffected, she SIPS her tea.

INT. LONDON - FOREIGN OFFICE - DAY

CLICK, CLACK. Black Oxford shoes walking travertine marble flooring.

The bottom of a door opening and the Oxfords entering, a determined gait.

MALE VOICE (V.O.)You can’t go in there. He’s on the telephone.

The Oxfords continue to move, another door opened, the shoes inside.

Grey sits behind his desk, the telephone receiver to his ear.

He lays the receiver on his desk and stands.

GREYRoger! I wasn’t expecting you.

Blazing eyes, Casement’s outstretched hand, an envelope.

CASEMENTMy resignation from The Foreign Service, Sir Edward.

GREYDidn’t you get my wire? We’re sending you to Canada. You always wanted Canada.

CASEMENTI refuse to provide humanitarian services to foreign countries while there is no humanity in Ireland.

He is on his heels and out.

GREY(stunned exclamation)

PAH.

His body trembling, he looks down at the telephone receiver, shaking, picks it up.

GREY (CONT’D)I’m very sorry, Sir.

22.


Asquith with the phone to his ear.

ASQUITHThat bastard Casement.

EXT. GLASGOW DOCK - DAY

Sign: GLASGOW EMBARKATION

Seaman at a ship, SS CASSANDRA, ready to remove the gangplank.

CONNOLLY (V.O.)(yelling from a distance)

One more passenger if you please.

The seaman look up and see Connolly and Casement running toward the them.

CASEMENTThis isn’t right. I should be in Ireland.

CONNOLLYWe need American money. I have hundreds of Volunteers to unload the rifles. What difference would two more hands make?

They reach the gangplank.

CONNOLLY (CONT’D)You do your job, get the money, and I’ll do mine.

They shake hands and Casement reluctantly climbs aboard.

Casement on the deck, Connolly the dock.

CONNOLLY (CONT’D)(hands cupped, yelling)

Find DeVoy. He’s head of the clan.

CASEMENTI’ll be back. You can count on that.

23.

EXT. HOWTH - DAY

A white-painted yawl of at least 50 tons, smartly kept, and steered by a woman, anchors and the hatches open.

One hundred men and women running for all they are worth towards the pier.

EXT. SS CASSANDRA - DAY

Passengers, including Casement and The Man in the Derby, stroll The Promenade Deck. Casement stops at the rail and pounds his fist on it.

EXT. HOWTH - DAY

A dozen rowboats paddle furiously toward the yawl.

EXT. SS CASSANDRA - DAY

Casement sits in a deck chair cleaning his pipe. Angry, he TAPS his pipe hard on the deck and the bowl breaks from the stem.

EXT. HOWTH - DAY

Mrs. Green at the front of a rowboat poised beneath the deck of the yawl. Pearse, oars in hand sits.

A man on the yawl hands over rifles to Mrs. Green who passes them to Clarke. He stacks them in the hull.

A small Gatling Gun is lowered by ropes to another rowboat. MacDonagh and Plunkett steady it, place it in the center of the boat, untie the ropes.

EXT. NEW YORK HARBOR - DAY

One hundred first class passengers, standing on the upper deck of The Cassandra as it passes The Statue of Liberty.

Casement studies the Libertas statue as the ship passes close to it: THE TORCH, THE TABULA ANSATA.

A wide smile on Casement’s face.

24.

INT. SEEDY SMOKE FILLED ROOM - NIGHT

A game of pinnacle. Six men at a green felt top table.

JOHN DEVOY, 60’s, full gray beard and hair, broad shouldered, shrewd, plays a card.

ROBERT MONTIETH, a hulking, fit man, 38, standing behind one of the players takes out a Colt Revolver and SHOOTS him in the back of the head. Blood splatters, Casement’s face and hands covered with the residue.

CASEMENT(shocked)

Jesus Christ, what the hell was that?

The trembling card players, blood on their clothes and bodies, fold their cards on the table.

DEVOYHe was an English spy. That’s the way we handle his kind in America.

CASEMENTFor the love of God, man, cold blooded murder?

DEVOYIf we hadn’t killed him, he would have eliminated each one of us.

CASEMENTIt’s still murder. The Volunteers don’t engage in murder.

DEVOYMaybe they should.

He LAUGHS and the other card players nervously LAUGH with him.

DEVOY (CONT’D)(to Montieth)

Dump his body in the East River.

MONTIETHYes, Sir, Mr. DeVoy.

He WHISTLES; another man comes in and they lift the body and drag it. Casement watches, silently looking from the corpse to DeVoy and back again.

Wiping the blood splatter from his face...

25.

CASEMENTBarbarism, sheer barbarism, that’s all that was, Mr. DeVoy.

DeVoy gives him an evil stare.

INT. BELMONT HOTEL - BATHTUB - NIGHT

A disturbed look, Casement in steaming water. He SCRUBS his entire body clean of the blood. Harder and harder. He soaps the brush and SCRUBS again.

INT. BELMONT HOTEL - NIGHT

A table in the single bed hotel room. A bottle of JAMESONWHISKEY AND TWO GLASSES. A steady hand grabs the bottle and pours full.

DeVoy CLINKS his glass to Casement’s.

CASEMENTFor the cause.

DEVOYAye, for the cause.

(suspicious)You’ve come to raise money?

CASEMENTFor guns.

DeVoy fills the glasses again.

DEVOYConnolly writes that the German guns from Howth are insufficient.

CASEMENTInsufficient in what way, Mr. DeVoy?

DeVoy downs another whiskey.

DEVOYSingle shot and only one small Gatling Gun sent. They need heavier artillery for The Rising.

Casement downs his shot, pours two more glasses.

CASEMENTThen, heavier artillery it will be.

26.

DEVOYAnd where do you expect to find that?

CASEMENTWe need your help. James was certain that you and the clan would assist us.

DeVoy downs his whiskey, stands, paces, eyes Casement.

DEVOYThe German Consulate has informed me that their government is prepared to arm an Irish Uprising. I could make an introduction for you.

CASEMENTPlease do.

EXT. BELMONT HOTEL - NIGHT

Montieth follows DeVoy and Casement down the steps.

CASEMENTI don’t need a bodyguard.

DEVOYYou never know. The English are a slimy bunch.

DeVoy in the car; it drives away. Casement looks at Montieth.

CASEMENTYou’ll be getting your own room, I presume?

MONTIETHThe one right next to yours.

Casement up the stairs, shaking his head.

Montieth looks across the street. The Man in the Derby takes notes. His eyes meet Montieth’s and The Man in the Derby moves away.

Montieth’s suspicious glower.

27.

INT. HOUSE OF COMMONS - DAY

Tories on one side, Liberals on the other. In the front row on the Liberal side, Asquith and Grey.

Mrs. Green and Plunkett in the gallery above, standing, solemn glare at the MP’s.

Asquith nudges Grey who stands...

GREYOwing to the summary rejection by the German Government of the request made by His Majesty’s Government for assurances that the neutrality of Belgium would be respected, His Majesty’s Ambassador in Berlin has received his passport, and His Majesty’s Government has declared to the German Government that a state of war exists between Great Britain and Germany as from 11 p.m. on August 4th, 1914.

The members of the chamber on both sides stand, APPLAUD and CHEER.

The backs of Mrs. Green and Plunkett as they climb the steps to the exit.

EXT. MCSORLEY'S OLD ALE HOUSE - NIGHT

An Oldsmobile Limousine pulls up outside. DeVoy, Casement, Montieth and two other men get out.

Casement looks up at the sign: MCSORLEY’S OLD ALE HOUSE,ESTABLISHED 1854.

INT. MCSORLEY’S OLD ALE HOUSE - NIGHT

Never ending IRISH MUSIC.

The men walk the crowded bar, Casement looking from side to side.

CASEMENTI didn’t come to New York to be entertained.

28.

DEVOYBut entertained you will be, I assure you.

They walk to a long table in the back.

FRANZ VON PAPEN, well groomed, a moustached, good looking German Emissary, 35, sly, nursing a pint of Guinness. Von Papen stands, DeVoy shakes his hand.

DEVOY (CONT’D)Franz Von Papen, Sir Roger Casement.

VON PAPEN(strong German accent)

Sir Roger, a pleasure.

Von Papen extends his hand to Casement. He shakes it.

CASEMENTSir.

DeVoy holds up four fingers to the bartender. They sit.

DEVOY(whisper to Casement)

Von Papen is your ticket to Germany.

Von Papen’s wide, sly smile.

INT. BELMONT HOTEL - BATHROOM - DAY

Scissors in hand, Casement cuts off his beard and shaves his face clean.

INT. NEW YORK - PHOTOGRAPHER’S STUDIO

Casement stands with a woman and three children. A flash and the PHOTOGRAPHER...

PHOTOGRAPHEROne more and we’re done.

The flash of magnesium powder with potassium chlorate.

PHOTOGRAPHER (CONT’D)Thank you, madam.

Casement hands the woman money. She and the children leave.

29.

PHOTOGRAPHER (CONT’D)And now, one for your passport?


Connolly leads an unarmed platoon of Irish Volunteers in green uniforms and caps as men and women look at the soldiers from the sidewalks.

EXT. NEW YORK - PIER 54

Beneath the bow of OSKAR II, a large crowd of well wishers waving to passengers on the deck. ADLER CHRISTIANSEN, 28, chiseled good looks, and Casement, furiously run with suitcases in hand.

CASEMENTIt was a stroke of luck finding you in New York.

CHRISTIANSENThank you for taking me home, Roger.

CASEMENTIf we don’t hurry, we’ll both be staying in New York.

Race to the finish, wide strides along the pier and difficulty through the crowd.

TWO BLOWS OF THE OSKAR II WHISTLE.

INT. SS OSKAR - THE BRIDGE - DAY

CAPTAIN HEMPEL goes over a list with FIRST OFFICER SCHMIDT. Both men in early forties, fair Norwegian complexions.

FBI AGENT BAKER, a fit G man, and The Man in the Derby step onto the bridge.

Looking up...

HEMPELThe bridge is closed, gentlemen.

Showing his credentials.

BAKERFBI agent Baker.

30.

HEMPELHow may I help you?

BAKERRoger Casement or R. D. Casement is a passenger on The Oskar II.

Hempel looks at Schmidt who flips through the passenger list.

SCHMIDTCederblom, Chillborg, Christiansen, Cronemeyer. No Casement.

The Man in the Derby whispers to Baker.

BAKERHow many men traveling alone?

SCHMIDTForty-two in first class; Sixty-five in second class.

Baker staggered by the numbers. The Man in the Derby’s determined look at Baker who concedes with an EXHALE.

BAKERWe will need to see the passports of all the single men.

HEMPEL(dismayed)

All? We are ready to shove off.

BAKERAll.

Hempel nods; Schmidt leaves.

INT. SS OSKAR - CORRIDOR - DAY

The long passageway of rooms. Six stewards knocking on doors.

INT. SS OSKAR - DINING ROOM - DAY

Baker and The Man in the Derby behind a table. A long line of men including Christiansen and Casement. Baker hands back a passport to the man in front of Casement.

Baker motions to him.

31.

Moving forward, Casement recognizes The Man in the Derby. He avoids the man’s eyes and looks directly at Baker.

BAKERYour passport, please.

Baker examines the SMALL PASSPORT PHOTO and looks at Casement.

CASEMENTIs there a problem?

The Man in the Derby looks Casement up and down.

BAKERJ. E. Landry. Your purpose in traveling to Norway?

CASEMENTInsurance Claim. I’m investigating the sinking of “The Nordland”. My company insured its cargo.

BAKERAnd your Irish accent?

CASEMENTBorn in Galway. Came here as a lad with my parents. Never seemed to be able to shake it.

Casement hands him a business card: JAMES E. LANDRY, REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE, 31 NASSAU STREET, NYC. As he does, a photo falls out of his wallet.

THE PICTURE OF CASEMENT, THE WOMAN AND THE CHILDREN.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)My wife and children. I never go anywhere without them.

Baker turns to The Man in the Derby who scrutinizes the photo. A brief shake of his head “no”.

BAKERThank you, Mr. Landry. Safe voyage.

Baker hands him the passport, The Man in the Derby returns the photo. Casement turns and leaves.

A long line of men still standing; Casement’s glance of relief at Christiansen as he goes.

32.

INT. CHRISTIANIA, NORWAY - HOTEL ROOM - DAY

Christiansen unpacks Roger’s bags as Roger looks out the window.

TITLE: CHRISTIANIA, NORWAY

CASEMENTWe’re being followed.

CHRISTIANSENBy whom?

CASEMENTI’m not quite sure. Leave that. I need you to hire a motor car and find your father.

CHRISTIANSENMy father?

CASEMENTSee if he can arrange a skiff of some sort to take us to Germany.

INT. HOTEL HALLWAY - DAY

Christiansen gets into the elevator.

INT. HOTEL LOBBY - DAY

The elevator doors open, The Man in the Derby standing.

THE MAN IN THE DERBYThe car you requested is waiting, Mr. Christiansen.

Christiansen and The Man in the Derby walk to the front door of the hotel and out.

EXT. NUMBER SEVENTY NINE DRAMMENSVESISEN - DAY

A black Audi, top down, Christiansen and The Man in the Derby in the back seat. The car goes through black wrought iron gates. On the stanchion a gold on black sign: BRITISHCONSULATE.

33.

INT. NUMBER SEVENTY NINE DRAMMENSVESISEN - DAY

The Man in the Derby stands at an office door, Christiansen seated in front of the desk of MANSFELDT DE CARDONNEL FINDLAY, 55, the six feet six, sunken cheeked British Consul General.

FINDLAYThe man you traveled with?

Christiansen’s finger tapping the desk.

Findlay slips money across the desktop and Christiansen pockets it.

CHRISTIANSENHe traveled under the name Landry but he is Sir Roger Casement.

FINDLAYAre you sure of that?

CHRISTIANSENI’ve known him for years. I met him when he was Consul General in Brazil. He is Roger Casement.

FINDLAYAnd his plans?

Christiansen looks at him slyly and Findlay passes more money.

CHRISTIANSENMake his way to Germany to buy arms and solicit recruits.

FINDLAYRecruits?

CHRISTIANSENIrish P-O-W’s. The Germans will transport them to Ireland and they will become part of a Rising.

Findlay pulls a Kongsberg Colt Revolver from the desk and pushes it toward Christiansen.

FINDLAYWe can’t let that happen, can we Mr. Christiansen?

Christiansen’s trembling upper torso. Findlay pushes more money across the table.

34.

INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

Christiansen, in his coat, the bulge of the Kongsberg Colt clearly visible beneath the back. He faces Casement.

CASEMENTYou’ve been gone eight hours. Did you find your father?

CHRISTIANSENNo, Sir, I did not.

CASEMENTWhere were you?

CHRISTIANSENKidnapped.

CASEMENTKidnapped! By whom?

CHRISTIANSENThe British Ambassador, Findlay, and his men. I was taken to the consulate and grilled. They know you’re here.

Casement’s fingers through his hair, worried look.

CASEMENTWhat did you tell them?

CHRISTIANSENNothing.

Reaching behind his jacket, he pulls out the Kongsberg Colt and points it at Casement.

CHRISTIANSEN (CONT’D)They gave me this and promised me five thousand pounds if I killed you.

Roger’s eyes squint as he looks at Christiansen.

CHRISTIANSEN (CONT’D)I’ve never killed a man in my life and I’m not about to start. For any amount of money.

He hands the revolver to Casement.

35.

CASEMENTThe ruse is up. We need to get to the German Consulate. It’s the only place we’ll be safe.

EXT. HOTEL - DAY

A bell-boy puts luggage in the boot of a Mercedes-Benz Town Car and goes inside.

Christiansen and Casement down the hotel steps , hats, their hands at the lapels of heavy winter coats, faces buried deep inside. They get in the rear of the car and it drives away.

EXT. CHRISTIANIA, NORWAY - CITY STREETS - DAY

The car maneuvers through the city.

INT. MERCEDES-BENZ - DAY

Christiansen and Casement slouched in the rear seat. The driver looking in the rearview mirror.

DRIVERWe’re being followed by an Audi.

Clutching his lapels, Casement takes a quick look out the rear window.

CASEMENTPull to the curb.

Casement turns away from the window and the Audi passes. It pulls to the curb about one hundred yards away.

DRIVERIt’s stopped on the next block, Sir.

CASEMENT(to Christiansen)

I’ll get out, you take it in circles around the city.

(to the driver)Make the turn here and let me out.

The Mercedes-Benz turns the corner and Casement quickly hops out. The car moves.

36.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Casement hides behind the Corinthian column of a building, watchful. After a few moments, he sees the Audi race past. He moves on foot in the other direction.

EXT. DUBLIN - SAINT STEPHEN’S GREEN - DAY

Connolly on a soap box with a crowd of two to three hundred.

CONNOLLYIf you are itching for a rifle, itching to fight, then have a country of your own; better to fight for your own country than for the robber Empire.

EXT. GERMAN EMBASSY - DAY

Casement steps to the door, DEUTSCH BOTSCHAFT, in bold letters. He KNOCKS.

A GERMAN GUARD answers the door.

GERMAN GUARDWas willst du hier?

CASEMENTDo you speak English?

GERMAN GUARDReluctantly.

CASEMENTI’m Irish. Sir Roger Casement. I have a letter of introduction from Herr Von Papen. I’m being followed.

The German looks in all directions but sees no one.

GERMAN GUARDI don’t see anyone.

Casement hands him the Von Papen letter.

CASEMENTTrust me, the English Ambassador Findlay wants me dead.

The guard reads. At the conclusion...

37.

GERMAN GUARDBitte treten Sie ein. Please, come in.

Casement enters, the guard takes another look around, and closes the Embassy door.


Connolly to the crowd.

CONNOLLYIf ever you shoulder a rifle, let it be for Ireland. Conscription or no conscription, they will never get me or mine.

EXT. GERMAN EMBASSY - DAY

Casement is rushed out the Embassy door and into a waiting carriage. Two German Guards stationed on the foot irons; it moves down the drive.


Connolly finishes.

CONNOLLYYou have been told you are weak, that you have no rifles. Revolutions do not start with rifles; start first and get your rifles after. Our curse is our belief in our weakness. We are not weak, we are strong. Make your mind to strike before your opportunity goes.

HUGE APPLAUSE AND WHISTLING from the crowd.

EXT. FISHERMAN’S WHARF - DAY

Christiansen and his father, OLGAR, a man of about fifty, overalls, seaman’s cap, wait at the side of a fishing boat.

The horse carriage pulls to the dock and the two German Soldiers jump down. One of them helps Casement out of the carriage.

38.

CASEMENTThank God, Christiansen.

CHRISTIANSENRoger, this is my father Olgar.

Olgar and Casement shake hands.

OLGAREn glede å møte deg.

CHRISTIANSENHe doesn’t speak English. He says “it’s a pleasure to meet you”.

The men climb aboard the fishing boat.

EXT. GERMANY - PORT OF KIEL - NIGHT

The fishing boat in shallow water. Several sailors, Olgar and Christiansen at the bow. Casement jumps knee deep into the water.

CASEMENTThank you, gentleman.

TITLE: GERMANY, 1915

Christiansen throws him his suitcase, starts over.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)No.

Christiansen looks at him.

CHRISTIANSENI’m not letting you go alone.

CASEMENTYou’ve been my faithful companion for two months, Christiansen. This adventure is mine alone. Go home to Norway with your father.

CHRISTIANSENRoger...

CASEMENTIt’s too dangerous. I would never forgive myself if something were to happen to you.

Olgar pulls Christiansen into the boat.

39.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)Go with God, gentlemen.

EXT. BERLIN - NIGHT

Casement, suitcase in hand, walks through the deserted Brandenburg Gate.

EXT. BERLIN - CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES - DAY

Casement looks up at the massive building with its arched windows and carved concrete facade. He goes up the stairs.

INT. - CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES - OFFICE - DAY

GRAF GEORG VON WEDEL, a thin gray bearded man smokes a cigarette as he sits behind his desk, cat eyes staring directly at Casement.

CASEMENTIreland is not part of this war.

VON WEDELTell that to the hundreds of Micks we have in our stalags.

CASEMENTForced conscription. The English locked our boys out of the factories. They had no choice but to join up or starve.

VON WEDELWhat do you want from Germany, Sir Roger?

CASEMENTIf we are to mount a rebellion against the English, we need arms.

VON WEDELGerman arms?

CASEMENTWe will take rifles where we can get them. And Gatling Guns. We need heavy artillery.

Von Wedel snaps his fingers and a door opens. Montieth, now moustached, walks through the door.

40.

VON WEDELI think you know Robert Montieth. He’s one of DeVoy’s men.

CASEMENTRobert?

MONTIETHMr. DeVoy thought you might need some help.

A wide smile, Casement stands and shakes Montieth’s hand vigorously.

CASEMENTI’m happy to see you.

VON WEDELI’ve done my homework on you, Sir Roger. Mr. Montieth has brought American dollars to purchase the guns you so desire.

CASEMENTAnd men.

VON WEDELI beg your pardon.

CASEMENTYou said you had hundreds of Micks in your stalags. I would like the opportunity to recruit them to fight the English. After all, what good are rifles without men to carry them?

EXT. GERMANY - LIMBURG CAMP - DAY

The barbed wire encampment with armed towers and patrols of German guards.

Hundreds of Irish prisoners stand in front of Montieth and Casement.

On a platform.

41.

CASEMENTI owe to yourselves as well as to myself to convince you that the effort to form an Irish Brigade is based on Irish interests only, and is a sincere and honest one, so far as my actions with the German Government is concerned and so far as their action in the matter goes.

JOHN ROBINSON, a twenty-eight year old Irishman, good looks, athletic, hurls a rotten tomato which hits Casement in the face.

German Guards step forward, Casement puts up his hand to them. Montieth hands Casement a handkerchief. Wiping his face...

CASEMENT (CONT’D)An Irish Brigade, if it be formed today, will rest on a clear and definite agreement wherein the German Government is pledged to aid the cause of Irish independence by force of arms, and above all, to aid Irish men to fight for their own freedom.

Robinson yells “Traitor” and then a chorus of men slowly grows “Traitor”, “Traitor”, “Traitor”.

The German guards step in and break up the meeting by ushering the men back to their bunkhouses.

Casement’s disappointed face.

MONTIETH(To Casement)

You did your best. You need to remember that these men are prisoners. How they came to this fate, what they’ve seen, how they’ve been treated... I just don’t see how you convince them that The Germans are now their friends.

CASEMENTI won’t give up. I can’t. These men could make the difference between a successful Uprising and another English defeat.

42.

MONTIETHLeave this to another day. Let’s go back to Berlin.

They walk toward The Stalag gate.

An Irish Sergeant, BAILEY, twenty-nine, virile, a bodybuilder, a marathon run after them.

BAILEY(shouting)

Sir Roger.

Montieth and Casement turn around and stare at the man.

BAILEY (CONT’D)(out of breath)

I want to join.

Montieth and Casement look at him with suspicion.

BAILEY (CONT’D)The Brigade. I want to join.

CASEMENTAnd why’s that, young man?

BAILEYBailey, Sergeant Daniel Bailey. My mum died in an English workhouse. Tuberculosis. They worked her to death. Please.

Montieth and Casement look at each other in agreement.

CASEMENTLet’s see if we can get The Commandant to release you to our charge and from there...

BAILEYFrom there we fight together for an Irish Republic.

CASEMENTThat’s the spirit we’re looking for, Danny.

The men walk toward the Stalag Headquarters.

INT. CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES - OFFICE - DAY

Montieth and Casement in chairs. Von Wedel stares.

43.

VON WEDELYou’ve had three months. How many men have you recruited?

CASEMENTFifty.

MONTIETHNot quite fifty.

VON WEDELAs we speak a steamer is being loaded with rifles for the Irish Coast. It will be steered by German sailors but it will fly a Norwegian flag.

CASEMENTThank you Herr Von Wedel.

VON WEDELYou will go ahead of the guns and make preparations for the landing.

CASEMENTMy work here is not done, we need more men.

VON WEDELI have been patient, Sir Roger, very patient but I’m afraid my patience has run out. You and Robert will be ferried by U-Boat to the Kerry Coast. You leave tonight.

Leaning forward...

CASEMENTBut...

Montieth’s hand across Casement’s chest.

MONTIETHThank you for all you have done, Herr Von Wedel. The Provisional Government will not forget Germany.

VON WEDELGo home, Gentlemen. You attack the English from Ireland and I can assure you Germany will attack from France.

Montieth pulls Roger out of his chair and they leave.

44.

VON WEDEL (CONT’D)From France to England and then onto Ireland.

He LAUGHS HYSTERICALLY

EXT. OFF THE COAST OF BAY OF TRALEE - NIGHT

FLASHES OF LIGHTNING in the distance, black-gray clouds and a furious downpour. Violent Atlantic waves RUMBLE with white caps; WHIPPING WIND lifts torrents of mist.

TITLE: BAY OF TRALEE, 1916

LIGHTNING exposes a boat with three men. Formidable rowing. An overpowering crest capsizes the scull and two of the men, life vests keeping them afloat, salvage their vessel, climb back in and pull the third onboard.

EXT. BANNA STRAND - NIGHT

Bailey jumps out of the rowboat, and wading in shallow water, pulls it ashore.

Casement, wet to his core, collapses face first on the front of the skiff and HYPERVENTILATES in total exhaustion.

Bailey and Montieth, pull Casement from the scull and lay him in the sand. Roger gasping for air lay on the beach.

MONTIETHCatch your breath, Roger.

They pull the boat onto the beach and collapse near Casement.

EXT. BANNA STRAND - DAY

Bailey and Montieth stand over Casement who lies in the sand with his eyes closed.

MONTIETHRoger. Roger!

Casement slowly opens his eyes, the sun blinding him. He raises his hand to block its rays.

MONTIETH (CONT’D)We need to move.

Casement tries to get up but his legs can’t support his weight.

45.

BAILEYThey’re going to find us.

MONTIETHRoger, can you walk?

He tries to get up and falls into his hollow.

CASEMENTI have no legs. I’m drained.

The men help him up and he collapses.

Montieth looks up and sees a huge piece of driftwood.

MONTIETH(Pointing)

Over there, there’s a piece of driftwood. We’ll dig a foxhole and put him in it. He’ll be safe there.

CASEMENTI’m fine right here.

MONTIETHWe can’t afford to have anyone find you.

They pick him up, dig a small foxhole behind the driftwood and place him in it.

MONTIETH (CONT’D)You’ll be safe here. We’re going for help.

The two move up to the road, Montieth continually looking back at Casement.

INT. TOBACCONIST SHOP - BACK ROOM - NIGHT

Connolly stands over a table with Pearse, MacDonagh and Clarke. A map of Dublin on the table.

CONNOLLY(pointing out locations)

The main encampment will be at The General Post Office. MacDonagh, you will head up the encampment on St. Stephen’s Green and Pearse, you at Jacob’s Biscuit Factory.

CLARKEWe don’t have enough men, Jimmy.

46.

CONNOLLYCasement has arranged for guns to be landed off the Kerry Coast. Volunteers from all points will collect them and march into Dublin to support us. We’ll have the English surrounded.


Depleted, Casement lies in his beach bed, his ruddy, handsome face. He moves his arms from his side over his head leaving angel wings imprinted in the sand.

He opens his sparkling eyes, blinks. Dribbles of wet, now evaporating, trickle down his forehead.

He looks to the road and sees a boy on a bicycle looking directly toward him. The boy rides away.

Casement closes his eyes.

EXT. CORK COAST - DAY

Two ships about 5000 meters away from one another. A NORWEGIAN FLAG flaps from the mast of a merchant ship, the UNION JACK from an armoured cruiser.

EXT. DECK OF HMS BLUEBELL - DAY

Through his binoculars the frosty bearded LIEUTENANT MARTIN A. F. HOOD of The Bluebell spies THE AUD flying THE NORWEGIAN FLAG. He stands on the deck surrounded by BRITISH TOMMIES.

HOODI’ll be hanged if there isn’t something very strange about her.

He sees lifeboats lowered from The Aud.

HOOD (CONT’D)Germans!

The Aud explodes as rowboats of German Sailors paddle furiously toward shore.

HOOD (CONT’D)To the guns!

47.

EXT. TRALEE - DAY

The boy on his bicycle. He races, stands to peddle, his back weaving back and forth at the edge of the small beach village.

Past stucco, thatched roofed houses, he increases speed. His head turns to look behind, fear in his eyes. Faster, bicycle wobbling.


The boy, a Constable, and a posse carefully shimmy down to the beach.

Roger Casement’s eyes just visible, intent on the men who approach.

Arriving at Casement, the Constable kicks sand into Casement’s face.

CASEMENTIs there a law against sleeping on the beach?

CONSTABLEWho are you?

CASEMENTRichard Morten.

CONSTABLEAnd what are you doing here, Mr. Morten?

CASEMENTIt’s Good Friday. I came to pray at The Shrine of St. Brendan.

Looking at his damp clothes...

CONSTABLEAnd go for a swim? I don’t think so.

(to the posse)Arrest him. He’s from that German boat that sank off the coast of Tralee.

Casement’s disgruntled face.

48.

CONSTABLE (CONT’D)You feign a good Irish accent, but I know a German when I see one.

The men lift Casement and drag him through the sand to the side of the road.

EXT. LONDON - EUSTON STATION - PLATFORM - DAY

Three men stand on the platform as a single engine, one car train slowly pulls into the station. IRISH MAIL TRAINimprinted on the side of the car.

The train stopped, the Constable from Ireland steps off with Casement in handcuffs, his clothes clumped with dried sand.

The three men take Casement into custody and walk away.

INT. SCOTLAND YARD - DAY

A sterile room with table and one chair on each side. ADMIRAL REGINALD HALL, naval uniform, mid fifties and PATRICK QUINN, from Special Branch, younger, watch BASIL THOMPSON, the mid forties, sly investigator.

THOMPSONYou were arrested in Ireland?

CASEMENTI was arrested on Good Friday morning.

THOMPSONWhat is your name?

CASEMENTYou already know my name.

THOMPSONWhat is your name?

CASEMENTOfficially I am Sir Roger Casement.

THOMPSONThere are people who may be impersonating Sir Roger Casement.

CASEMENT(almost laughing)

I don’t think there are many people who would care to impersonate me.

49.

THOMPSONOf course you know your position perfectly, because you are not bound to answer any questions put to you and any reply you make will be used in evidence against you.

CASEMENTMay I ask what you charge me with?

THOMPSONYou are not charged.

CASEMENTI was charged on arrest in Kerry by the Constable who arrested me.

THOMPSON What did he say to you when he charged you?

CASEMENTWith aiding to land arms on the coast of Kerry.

THOMPSONYou made no reply to that?

CASEMENTI said I should ask for legal advice.

Hall smirks at Quinn.

QUINN(whisper to Hall)

If anyone can break him, it’s Thompson.

THOMPSONYou are not charged at present but it is certain that you will be. Would you like to make any statement?

CASEMENTI had better not.

THOMPSONDid you write the following to Mrs. Alice Stopford Green?

He picks up the letter and reads. Hall nudges Quinn.

50.

THOMPSON (CONT’D)“Send this on by hand. Read it if you like; it is sacred confidence. But send it on by sure means. With much love and affection from the man of Three Cows. He is well, and has convincing assurances of help, recognition, friends and comfort for the poor old woman. All that he asked for will be given her and the stranger put out of her house forever. He has seen the big men and they are on with his views and if successful they will aid to the uttermost to redeem four green fields.”

Smiles on Hall and Quinn.

Thompson hands it to Casement. He looks at it briefly and hands it back.

CASEMENTI accept full responsibility for it. I am sure from what you have read that is what I wrote. I recognize it. That is only a fringe of what I said.

THOMPSONPolitical views are different from political acts.

CASEMENTWhat I say I must act on. Some Irishmen are afraid to act, but I am not. I am willing to face all the consequences. All I ask you to believe is that I have done nothing dishonorable.

THOMPSONDishonorable?

His HARDY LAUGH.

THOMPSON (CONT’D)For Christ’s sake, man, you’ve committed treason.

Casement’s wide smile.

KNOCK. Quinn answers it.

51.

MUFFLED VOICES. Thompson tires to listen. Quinn re-enters.

THOMPSON (CONT’D)What is it?

Quinn WHISPERS to Thompson.

THOMPSON (CONT’D)Let’s take a short break.

The three men leave.

Casement, in shackles, stands and hobbles to the wall. He puts his head against it, soft movement back and forth.

GASPING FOR AIR, he turns around, goes to his knees and puts his head between his legs as best he can.

Thompson re-enters with Hall and Quinn who carry a trunk.

THOMPSON (CONT’D)Sit down. I didn’t give you permission to walk about.

Casement complies.

THOMPSON (CONT’D)Now, is this your trunk?

CASEMENTIt looks like a trunk I once owned.

THOMPSONDo you have the key?

CASEMENTCertainly not.

THOMPSONWe need to search this trunk!

CASEMENTThen, break the lock for all I care. If it’s mine, there’s nothing of import in it.

Hall and Quinn carry the trunk out.

THOMPSONHave you thought of the solicitor you would employ?

52.

CASEMENTIt depends on where I am going to be tried. Shall I be tried in Ireland?

THOMPSONYou will be tried in England.

CASEMENTI should only wish to be defended by an Irishman who would understand my point of view. Some of my own countrymen could.

THOMPSONThen I would advise you to hire your solicitor sooner than later.

EXT. DUBLIN - GENERAL POST OFFICE - DAY

The bombed out shell of the General Post Office burning. The RAT-TAT-TAT of the Gatling Gun. British Fusiliers FIRE rifles, a canon ball EXPLODES creating a giant hole in the front of the building.

INT. DUBLIN - GENERAL POST OFFICE - DAY

Only fragments of its former glory, rafters, scorched walls.

Connolly at a window shooting and reloading. He sees one of the men, shell shocked, stand and walk past a window.

Motioning to him...

CONNOLLYGet down, get down.

Connolly moves toward the man. A VOLLEY OF GATLING GUN FIRE. Connolly is hit. He recoils and collapses. A second gunshot hits him. Blood oozing from his wounds.

Plunkett runs to his side and pulls him away from the window and applies a tourniquet.

Connolly SCREAMS. Then, catching his breath...

CONNOLLY (CONT’D)Whatever you do, Plunkett, don’t surrender.

A HUGE IMPLOSION

53.

Bodies fly, an inferno of flames.

PLUNKETTI’m afraid we have no choice, James.


White flags appear from several windows of the General Post Office. The MILITARY CAPTAIN BLOWS A WHISTLE.

MILITARY CAPTAINHold your fire.

Some errant rounds.

MILITARY CAPTAIN (CONT’D)I said, “Hold your fire!”

A NURSE steps out of the General Post Office holding a flag.

NURSEWe have wounded.

MILITARY CAPTAINBring them out. Tell the others to throw their guns out the window. Single file, hands above their heads.

Dozens of rifles out the windows.

The slow march out. The wounded hobbling with the assistance of the sturdy, hands raised. Plunkett and three other men carry Connolly out on a stretcher.

CONNOLLY(to Plunkett)

God damn you, Plunkett!

EXT. TOWER OF LONDON - DAY

The exterior of The Tower and the moat.

INT. LONDON TOWER - CELL - DAY

A grimy Casement still in the clothes he has worn for nearly a month, his head down, sitting on the edge of a cot. The door opens and A MIDDLE AGED WARDEN stands in the doorway.

54.

WARDENThey’re all going to the firing squad. You should be so lucky, it’ll be the gallows for you.

The warden SLAMS the door.

Casement still looking at the floor, elbows on knees, head in hands.

Tears hitting the floor.

EXT. KILMAINHAM GAOL - DAY

The heavy iron door.

EXT. KILMAINHAM GAOL - COURTYARD - DAY

Guards march Pearse out, his hands tied behind his back. They blindfold him. He shivers.

PEARSEYou cannot conquer Ireland; you cannot extinguish the Irish passion for freedom. If our deed has not been sufficient to win freedom, then our children will win it by a better deed.

The immediate RATTLE OF GUNFIRE. Bullet holes on Pearse’s shirt. He slumps to the ground.

EXT. KILMAINHAM GAOL - COURTYARD - DAY

An empty chair two feet from a wall.

Red Cross Ambulance comes through the double gates; two soldiers open the rear and remove Connolly on a stretcher. He is placed on the chair and slips off.

Connolly’s SCREAM OF PAIN.

The soldiers tie him to the chair and blindfold him.

A VOLLEY OF SHOTS FROM THE FIRING SQUAD. Connolly’s body contorts and his head falls forward.

55.


GAVAN DUFFY, 33, suit, tie, briefcase walks the ramparts of the Tower to the building in which Casement is confined.

INT. TOWER OF LONDON - CELL - DAY

The door to the cell is UNLOCKED for Duffy.

Walking in...

DUFFYSir Roger...

He hesitates, puts his forearm up to his nose.

DUFFY (CONT’D)That smell...

He looks at Casement, food bits in his beard, dirty face and hands, still in the crusty clothing from his arrest.

Duffy realizing...

DUFFY (CONT’D)Good God, man, they’re mistreating you.

CASEMENTWho are you?

Braving it, Duffy steps forward, hand outstretched. Casement refuses to shake it.

DUFFYGavan Duffy, your solicitor.

CASEMENTMy solicitor? On whose authority?

DUFFY(coughing at the smell)

Your cousin Gertrude and Mrs. Green.

Casement’s SIGH of relief.

CASEMENTThen, you’re Irish.

56.

DUFFYEvery bit of me, Sir Roger.

(covers his nose)When was the last time you bathed?

CASEMENTIn the Atlantic. Twenty-two days ago.

DUFFYAre they feeding you?

CASEMENTMush twice a day.

Duffy looks around the room. A cot, a small table and chair, a candle and a bucket.

DUFFYNo water or toilet?

CASEMENT(pointing)

I have to relieve myself in the bucket. They take me to the sewer to empty it every other day.

DUFFYI think my first job is to see to it that your conditions are improved.

Casement’s intent look at Duffy.

EXT. DUBLIN - KILDARE STREET - DAY

Duffy sitting on the steps, a half glass door, BARRISTERimprinted on the window. SERJEANT ALEXANDER SULLIVAN, 41, rotund, smoking a cigar, strides down the street.

Duffy stands.

DUFFYSerjeant Sullivan.

SULLIVANDuffy, my boy, back from London so soon?

DUFFYSir Roger’s living conditions are pitiful.

(MORE)

57.

He hasn’t bathed since he left Germany and they make him shit in a bucket.

SULLIVAN(irate)

What?

DUFFYThe stench in his cell was horrific.

SULLIVANI’ll send off a telegram to Sir Frederick immediately.

DUFFYSir Frederick?

SULLIVANSir Frederick Smith, the Attorney General. He’s decided to try the case himself. High profile, he expects to get some political gain out of it.

DUFFYThey’re ganging up on him. Poor bastard.

SULLIVANThey sent me the indictment. Come in, you can help me go over it.

They move up the stairs and into Sullivan’s offices.


Gertrude, carrying a suitcase, and Mrs. Green walk the entry path. They hand the guard passes.

INT. TOWER OF LONDON - DAY

The naked, trembling, filthy Casement stands close to a wall.

Hosed cold water hits him from three different directions. He squirms, his hands protecting his genitals.

Shot in the face and he lifts his hands to protect his eyes. Full aim at the head and hair, he turns to the wall for protection, the water to his back.

DUFFY (CONT'D)

58.

Mud drips down his legs and into a puddle.

His butt crack and the back of his legs doused. He slips and falls. The guards move to different sides of him, the hoses aimed downward at his body, Casement in fetal position.

INT. TOWER OF LONDON - NEW CELL - DAY

A new cell, commodious, a real bed, a toilet and sink, a larger desk and several chairs, a bowl of fruit. Casement pushed into the cell by THE WARDEN, a large, uniformed bully.

WARDENYou have visitors. Don’t get too comfortable here.


A long moment. Casement peers at Gertrude who is whimpering and Mrs. Green who is calm.

After that long moment...

MRS. GREENI’m so proud of you, Roger.

Gertrude bursts into a full sob and lowers her head.

CASEMENTIt isn’t the end of the world, Gert.

Gertrude reaches into her purse, pulls out rosary beads and places them on the table.

GERTRUDE(through her tears)

Only God can determine that, Scodgie.

CASEMENTThen we must leave it in his hands.

Roger looks at her and at the rosary beads, picks them up and puts them in his pocket. Mrs. Green consoles Gertrude.

INT. KING’S COURT - GALLERY - DAY

More people than seats.

59.

Gertrude and Mrs. Green fight their way down the steps of the upper gallery to seats in the front row. They sit.

GERTRUDEIt’s all too horrible.

She sees her “Skodgie” escorted into the courtroom in handcuffs. At the edge of the courtroom the cuffs are removed.

Handkerchief to her eyes, Gertrude wipes away some tears.

INT. KING’S COURT - COURTROOM FLOOR - DAY

A long walk to the box, Casement looks up and smiles at Gertrude and Mrs. Green who hang over the rail. Gertrude gives him a small wave.


The three white wigged Justices enter and take their places on the bench. The Usher of the Court steps forward.

USHERMy lords, the King’s Justices do strictly charge and command all of the persons to keep silence for they will now proceed to the pleas of The Crown and arraignment of the prisoner.


Mrs. Green gives Gertrude a serious look. Gertrude hangs her head, INHALES, and looks forward.


Lord Chief Justice Reading leans forward.

READINGThe King’s Coroner will now read the charges.

LEONARD KERSHAW, the King’s Coroner, a tall, pale man in his early sixties steps forward.

60.

KERSHAWSir Roger Casement, you stand indicted and charged on the presentment of the grand jury with the offense of High Treason.

There is a quick, small BUZZ in the courtroom; Roger, emotionless gazes forward.

KERSHAW (CONT’D)Sir Roger David Casement, how say you, do you plead guilty or not guilty to the treason alleged in the indictment?

CASEMENTNot guilty.

Sullivan’s confused glare at Duffy.

SULLIVANYour Lordship, with your permission, may I have a conference with Solicitor Duffy?

READINGVery well, but please don’t take up too much of The Court’s time.

WHISPERS between Sullivan and Duffy.

SULLIVANI thought we agreed that he would plead guilty.

DUFFYCasement will not plead guilty in an English Court. He does not recognize their authority.

SULLIVANWe have no case. No witnesses to present, no ability to deny established facts. Good God man, this will be a disaster.

DUFFYNot necessarily. We have the deficiencies of the indictment. They cannot prove aid and comfort. Yes, he was in Germany, so what. Other Englishmen were in Germany.

(MORE)

61.

Not one of the witnesses can testify that he conspired with the Germans. Not one. To the contrary. In every speech he gave, he said his fight was for Ireland and Ireland alone. Sir Frederick does not plead that he was a rebel who looked to invoke revolution in Ireland. He never even mentions Ireland. His whole case hinges on proving that he gave aid and comfort to The Germans and thereby committed treason. He cannot prove that theory.

SULLIVANYou’ve got a point there, Duffy. So, we must establish through cross-examination that at no time did Casement conspire with Germany and therefore he is not guilty of high treason.

DUFFYExactly.

READING(to Sullivan and Duffy)

Gentlemen, are you finished?

SULLIVANYes, Your Lordship. Thank you.


Mrs. Green and Gertrude look from the gallery as SIR FREDERICK SMITH, middle aged, fit, trim and very slick stands.


The judges on the bench. Chief Justice Reading motions toward Smith.

READINGSir Frederick.

DUFFY (CONT'D)

62.

SMITHMay it please your Lordships: gentlemen of the jury, I appear with my learned friends on behalf of The Crown to support the charge of treason without the realm against the prisoner at the bar who has the privilege of being defended by my learned friends: Serjeant Sullivan and Mr. Duffy.

He clears his throat.

SMITH (CONT’D)It is the Crown’s intention to prove that Sir Roger conspired against King George’s enemy, Kaiser Wilhelm the Second, and Germany. This treasonous act committed by the prisoner, blinded by a hatred for this country, as malignant in quality as it was sudden in its origin, will be proved by The Crown. Sir Roger has played a desperate hazard and lost. Today we claim that forfeit.

Smith goes back to his table and looks down at a piece of paper and then directly at Reading.

SMITH (CONT’D)If it pleases your Lordships, The Crown would call to the docket, Mr. John Robinson.

USHERMr. John Robinson.


Gertrude looks at Mrs. Green with questioning eyes. “Who is John Robinson?” Mrs. Green shrugs.

INT. KING’S COURT - COURTROOM - DAY

Sullivan turns to survey Robinson as he comes into Court. Robinson, the tomato man from Limburg, eyes Casement with disdain.

63.


Sir Frederick walks to his table and glances at Sullivan.

READINGCross-examination, Serjeant Sullivan?

Sullivan stands and scratches the side of his right temple.

SULLIVANThank you, Your Lordship. Mr. Robinson, can you remember everything that Sir Roger said at the Limburg Camp in Germany?

ROBINSONNo.

SULLIVANThen you only remember bits?

ROBINSONA few words or so.

SULLIVANDid you ever personally meet Sir Roger?

ROBINSONI did not.

SULLIVANYet, you say he wanted you to join The Irish Brigade?

ROBINSONYes.

SULLIVANDid he say that The Irish Brigade was to fight for Ireland?

ROBINSONYes.

SULLIVANNot Germany?

ROBINSONNot for Germany, just Ireland.

SULLIVANThank you, Mr. Robinson

64.

Sullivan looks at Reading.

SULLIVAN (CONT’D)No further questions, Your Lordship.

Robinson leaves the stand and walks out. Smith looks at the sparkle in Sullivan’s eyes.

EXT. SANDRIGHAM HOUSE - DAY

The red bricked galleried entrance hall.

TITLE: SANDRIGHAM HOUSE

INT. SANDRIGHAM HOUSE - CONSERVATORY - DAY

The glass walled and ceilinged room with palms and various tables and chairs. King George the Fifth looking out a window at a wide expanse of lawn. Asquith and Grey enter and King George turns to them.

KINGGentlemen.

Bowing

ASQUITHYour Majesty.

GREYYour Majesty.

KINGHeadlines in every newspaper and now this letter from the American President asking clemency for Sir Roger. He won’t help us with the war but he doesn’t hesitate to put his nose about our business.

(biting)Woodrow Wilson!

ASQUITHTypically American, Your Majesty.

KINGWell, I don’t give a God damn about the Americans.

ASQUITHThey will join the war, Your Majesty. It’s a certainty.

65.

KINGNothing is certain with the Americans.

GREYPerhaps we should consider clemency, Your Majesty. It might encourage them.

KINGThey can go to hell. We don’t need them.

ASQUITHWe most certainly need them, Your Majesty.

The King’s furious eyes at the contradiction.

KINGNo clemency for Casement.

He starts to walk out, stops and turns around.

KING (CONT’D)And I want him stripped of his title.

GREYExcuse me, Your Majesty, but there’s no precedent in stripping a knight of his title.

KINGThen, make one.

The King continues out; Asquith’s frustrated glance at Grey.


Reading looks at Smith who is hesitant.

READINGSir Frederick.

Smith looks up.

READING (CONT’D)May we proceed?

SMITHYes, Your Lordship. The Crown calls Sargent Daniel Bailey.

66.

Casement’s face, parted lips, wide-open eyes, and raised eyebrows bunched together, he turns to the courtroom door.

Bailey walks in avoiding Casement’s daggers and goes directly to the docket.

SMITH (CONT’D)Sargent Bailey took his oath earlier today, Your Lordship.

Reading looks at The Usher who nods his assent.

READINGVery well, then.

SMITHSargent Bailey, you were interned at Limburg in Germany.

BAILEYI was.

SMITHAnd during your unfortunate detainment, did you have occasion to hear Sir Roger Casement speak at Limburg?

BAILEYHe spoke three times at the camp while I was there.

Casement’s chin jutting out, narrowed eyes.

SMITHAnd the camp itself. Were there Frenchmen, Russians, Englishmen?

BAILEYIt was entirely Irish. About three to four hundred Irishmen.

SMITHAnd when Sir Roger addressed the men, what did he say?

BAILEYHe asked us to join The Irish Brigade.

SMITHDid he promise you anything?

67.

BAILEYMoney and a better life.

CASEMENT(outburst)

Never!

Reading turns to him.

READINGI will not tolerate outbursts from the prisoner.

CASEMENTI apologize, Your Lordship.

READINGVery well then. You may continue, Sir Frederick.

SMITHWhat kind of better life?

BAILEYWe would be taken out of Limburg, given new clothes, better food and trained by the German Army.

Casement leans forward on the box, head bowed, calming himself.

SMITHSo, you would fight for Germany.

BAILEYNo, Sir. We would be trained by them but we would return to Ireland at the end of the war if Germany won it.

SMITHAnd if they did not win?

BAILEYWe would be given money and passage to America.

SMITHAnd did you join up?

BAILEYNo Sir, not at the first.

68.

Casement looks up, a slight sneer. Reading’s threatening look.

SMITHWhat made you change your mind?

BAILEYRobert Montieth.

SMITHAnd who is Robert Montieth?

BAILEYHe was Sir Roger’s henchman.

Sullivan eyes Casement’s disgruntled face, stands.

SULLIVANObjection Your Lordship, this characterization of Mr. Montieth is quite inappropriate as the man is not here to defend himself.

READING(to Bailey)

And where is this Robert Montieth now?

BAILEYIn America, I assume. He came from America so he probably went back.

READINGI agree with Serjeant Sullivan. I instruct the jury to disregard Mr. Bailey’s characterization of Robert Montieth. It is one man’s opinion, not a fact.

The faces of the jurors.

SMITHYou said it was Robert Montieth that convinced you to join The Irish Brigade?

BAILEYNo, Sir, Montieth was some sort of assistant.

Bailey looks at Reading. Reading nods to him.

69.

BAILEY (CONT’D)It was Sir Roger who recruited me. He threatened my family back in Ireland. He said they would be hurt.

CASEMENT(out of control)

Liar!

GASPS from the gallery.

Sullivan immediately on his feet.

SULLIVANYour Lordship, please, may I have a word with my client?

READINGThis will be his last warning. Otherwise, we will try Sir Roger in absentia.

SULLIVAN Thank you, Your Lordship.


Gertrude’s confused look at Mrs. Green.

MRS. GREEN(quietly)

Roger will not be allowed in court.


Sullivan goes to the box for a hushed conversation.

SULLIVANWhat the hell are you doing?

CASEMENTIt’s a flagrant lie. I never threatened his family. He came to us.

SULLIVANI told you there would be lies. Now, contain yourself.

Sullivan goes back.

70.

SULLIVAN (CONT’D)Your Lordship, we object to the defendant’s response.

Reading takes a moment.

READINGI’ll allow it; the man is relating his own story.

EXASPERATION from Sullivan as he sits.

SMITHAnd you joined.

BAILEYWhat choice did I have?

SMITHOnce you joined, did you ever witness Sir Roger engage in conversation with members of the German Government?

BAILEYAlmost daily when we were in Berlin. Klaus van Papen, Graf Von Wedel. I suppose he may have even met The Kaiser.

Sullivan starts to stand; Reading waves him down.

READING(to the jury)

The jury will disregard the speculation that Sir Roger may have met with The Kaiser.

The questioning eyes of jurors.

READING (CONT’D)(to Bailey)

Sargent Bailey, please confine your remarks to what you know, not what you suppose.

BAILEYYes, Your Lordship.

SMITHAnd at some point you came back to Ireland.

71.

BAILEYBy German U-Boat and then we had to row ashore. We nearly died.

SMITHWe?

BAILEYMyself, Robert Montieth and Sir Roger.

SMITHWere there guns involved?

BAILEYThe guns were aboard “The Aud” which sunk in The Bay of Tralee. We were to make preparations for their landing.

The pompous Smith returns to his seat.

READINGSerjeant Sullivan?

Sullivan stands.

SULLIVANYour mother died in an English workhouse, is that correct?

BAILEYMy mother is alive and well in Belfast.

Casement’s leans his head back and then forward again.

SULLIVANHmm. I only have two or three questions more. Sargent Bailey, were you arrested when you landed in Ireland?

BAILEYI was.

SULLIVANAnd now you’re a free man?

BAILEYI am.

72.

SULLIVANAnd yet you committed almost the same deeds as Sir Roger.

Smith on his feet.

SMITH(indignant)

If I may, Your Lordship?

SULLIVANThat’s fine. I have no further use for this witness.


KEY IN THE LOCK, DOOR CREAKS OPEN

A young priest, FATHER THOMAS CAREY, enters Casement’s cell.

CASEMENTThank you for coming, Father...

CAREYCarey. Father Carey. How may I help you, Sir Roger?

CASEMENTI should like to make my confession.

Father Carey takes out his purple stole, kisses it, places it over his shoulders. He sits next to Casement and takes his left hand.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)(making sign of the cross)

Bless me, Father, for I have sinned...

CAREYYes, Roger?

CASEMENTI have committed cardinal sin in words, deeds, and actions.

INT. ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE - DAY

A jittery SIR GEORGE CAVE, 38, seated. Smith paces back and forth.

73.

SMITHHe’s going after the indictment.

(anger)And what did we plea, Sir George?

CAVETreason.

SMITH(still angry)

Treason outside the realm. Not one word about ties to the Irish Uprising. Not one.

CAVEWhat difference could that make?

SMITHAll the difference. We can tie Casement to an Irish Uprising. Meetings, recruitment, arms...

Directly in Sir George’s face.

SMITH (CONT’D)...but what we don’t have is one piece of evidence that he gave aid and comfort to the Germans.


Smith stands, looks at the bench.

SMITHYour Lordships, the Crown calls Bernard Riley.

Reading nods at the Usher.

USHERBernard Riley.

BERNARD RILEY, a stout Constable in uniform, troops to the docket. The Usher places the Bible in front of him, one of his hands on it.

RILEYI swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

74.


The middle of Riley’s testimony.

SMITHAnd whom did you find on the Banna Strand?

RILEYHe called himself Richard Morten...

Casement smiles.

RILEY (CONT’D)...but I didn’t believe him.

SMITHAnd why is that?

RILEYHe looked as if he had gone for a swim. Fully clothed. I suspected he had been on the German ship.

Smith turns to Reading.

SMITHNo further questions, Your Lordship.

READINGSerjeant Sullivan.

SULLIVAN(as he stands)

When did you discover that this Mr. Morten was Sir Roger Casement?

RILEYThe day after he was taken to London by one of the other Constables.

SULLIVANWas he with any Germans when you found him?

RILEYHe was alone.

SULLIVANAlone. Did anyone tell you that he had been on The German ship you described?

75.

RILEYNo.

SULLIVANSo, you just assumed that he had been on the ship and you also assumed that he was German, is that right?

RILEYYes, Sir.

SULLIVANAnd you called him a German spy, did you not?

RILEYI did.

SULLIVANBut you saw no Germans, you recognized an Irish accent and the sunken boat to which you refer was sunk quite a distance from The Banna Strand. Is that correct?

RILEYEvery bit of it, Sir.

SULLIVANConstable Riley, you have no personal knowledge that Sir Roger was aboard that ship or that he was even in Germany.

RILEYNo, Sir, I don’t.

SULLIVANYou found a man, wet as you describe, lying in a hollow on the Banna Strand on Good Friday morning.

RILEYYes, Sir.

SULLIVANAnd the surf on that morning?

RILEYIt was wild. There had been a storm the night before.

76.

SULLIVANA man could have been hit by a wave if he were walking along the coast.

Smith quickly stands.

SMITHObjection Your Lordship. Serjeant Sullivan is calling for speculation.

READINGAgreed. Serjeant Sullivan, this is the same objection you made against the prosecution. You know better. Really.

SULLIVANI’m sorry, Your Lordship.

(to Riley)How did Mr. Morten... Sir Roger... explain his presence?

RILEYHe said he had come to pray at the Shrine of St. Brendan.

SULLIVANBecause it was of course Good Friday morning.

RILEYYes.

SULLIVANDid you know at that time or have you subsequently learned that Sir Roger is a very religious man?

RILEYNo, Sir.

SULLIVANWell, for your benefit, I will tell you that he is.

Smith on his feet.

SMITHMay I ask who the witness is here, Your Lordship?

77.

READINGI agree. Serjeant Sullivan, if you would please refrain from histrionics.

SULLIVANYes, Your Lordship. I have no further questions.

Riley steps down as Sullivan goes back to his seat. Sullivan leans into Duffy.

SULLIVAN (CONT’D)(whispering)

They have no case. Not one shred of evidence of aiding and abetting the Germans.


Gertrude watches Casement as he relishes the fish and chips she has brought him.

GERTRUDEI think it’s going well, Scodgie.

His eyes to her as he ravenously eats.

GERTRUDE (CONT’D)Mrs. Green thinks so. A few burps here and there but they haven’t proven aid and comfort.

He continues to eat.

GERTRUDE (CONT’D)I know we’ve had our differences, but you know I love you.

He stops, wipes his face with a napkin.

CASEMENTGert, I never doubted it for a minute and you know that I love you.

He goes back to the food.

GERTRUDEIt’s funny how things get turned upside down.

78.

CASEMENTIt’s an upside down world, Gert. Someday, someone will sort it out.

He reaches out to her. She grabs his hand and smiles.


Sullivan, Duffy and Casement in conference.

CASEMENTI want to testify.

SULLIVANThat’s a very foolhardy move, Sir Roger. You’d be coming up against one of the most skilled barristers I know. He will make you twist your words.

CASEMENTThey need to hear my side.

SULLIVANYour side is the Irish side. For Christ’s sake, do you know where you are? The English aren’t interested in The Irish. Never have been.

DUFFYSerjeant Sullivan’s right, Sir Roger. Your testimony would do more harm than good.

SULLIVANLet the lawyers do the work; we don’t need you to win, The Crown can’t prove aid and comfort.

INT. ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE - DAY

Cave and Thompson watch as Smith bangs his fist on the table.

SMITHAsquith wants him convicted and we have not one shred of evidence that he either conspired with or gave comfort to the Germans. God damn you Cave, you’ve made quite a mess.

79.

THOMPSONThere is a way around it.

SMITHWhat?

THOMPSONHis diaries. Full of erotic behavior. We’ve been reviewing them for weeks. He’s a homosexual.

SMITHWhat?

THOMPSONHe prefers sex with men.

SMITHI know what a homosexual is, Thompson. Good God, you expect me to present that to the Justices.

THOMPSONChristiansen will testify to it. He will say he had relations with Casement in South America, New York and Norway. Even on the boat to Norway.

Cave is in shock at the suggestion.

CAVEAnd how much money does Christiansen want this time?

THOMPSONTen Thousand Pounds.

SMITHThe man’s a scoundrel. I wouldn’t give him a shilling. He’d say anything for money. I will not disgrace myself.

THOMPSONIf we cannot win on the basis of the indictment, we can certainly prevail on Sir Roger’s character. The diaries alone are full of male fantasies and descriptions of the length and girth of the native boys’ cocks.

80.

SMITHGood Lord, this is a filthy business.

THOMPSONShall I bring you The Black Diaries to review?

SMITHDo I have a choice?

Smith leaves and SLAMS the door behind him.


Casement, cuffs off, goes to the box. Sullivan and Duffy at the defense table.

Grey and Cave enter the courtroom with their briefcases. Cave hands Sullivan an envelope. Sullivan hands it to Duffy who opens it.

Pulling up one sheet, he reads, his face shocked. He looks up at Casement in the dock. The confused Casement at Duffy’s grievous eyes.


Casement seated. The trembling Duffy, paper in hand.

DUFFY(reading)

A boy, perhaps 17, huge endowment, thick, almost erect.

He looks at Casement.

CASEMENTJesus, I wrote that? I don’t know, maybe I did. Everyone was naked in The Putumayo all the time.

Duffy continues to read.

DUFFYHe thrust into me like a wild animal, each thrust harder. I muffled my ecstasy with a pillow.

CASEMENTI certainly never wrote that. It’s total fabrication.

81.

DUFFYThe handwriting is the same.

He shows it to Casement.

CASEMENTIt’s a forgery, a very good one, but definitely a forgery.

DUFFYIf The Crown presents this at trial, we’re finished.

CASEMENTWhat does Serjeant Sullivan say?

DUFFYHe refuses to look at it.

CASEMENTAnd how does this relate to the charge of treason without the realm?

DUFFYNot at all. They can’t prove that so they’re attacking your character. Don’t you understand? They won’t hang you for treason, they’ll hang you because you’re a homosexual.

CASEMENTOh, my God, these people have no consciences.

EXT. KING’S COURT - DAY

A light rain, umbrellas. Sullivan stands under the Gothic Arch with Sir Frederick.

SMITHIf he were to plead insanity, he might live.

SULLIVANHe is not insane.

SMITHIt is the only thing that will save him from the gallows.

82.

SULLIVANYou’re reaching, Sir Frederick. Your case is weak and you know it. On its face the indictment cannot be proved. I shall move to quash it.

SMITHChief Justice Reading will never grant your motion.

SULLIVANThen, we shall let the jury decide.


Smith standing at his table. He looks at Chief Justice Reading.

SMITHThe Crown calls Inspector Basil Thompson.

Reading nods to the Usher.

USHERInspector Basil Thompson.

Thompson strides confidently to the docket.

THOMPSON(hand on Bible)

I swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Smith moves from behind the table. Jurors watch intently.

SMITHMr. Thompson, you interrogated the prisoner at Scotland Yard, did you not?

Casement trembles.

THOMPSONI did.

SMITHHow long did that interrogation last?

83.

THOMPSONWe brought Sir Roger back three times.

SMITHDid he admit to the charges?

THOMPSONIn my opinion, yes.

Sullivan on his feet.

SULLIVANYour Lordship, please. We don’t want Mr. Thompson’s opinion. We want to know what Sir Roger said to him.

READING(to Thompson)

The question, Mr. Thompson, is “Did Sir Roger plead guilty to the charges?” Your response should be “yes” or “no”.

THOMPSONNo. He said he would seek legal advice.

SMITHDid there come a point during the interrogation that you presented documents to Sir Roger to review?

THOMPSONYes.

SMITHAnd among those documents were there three black bound diaries?

Instant fear on Casement’s face.

THOMPSONNo. We found the diaries afterwards. In a trunk we broke open.

SMITHAnd in those diaries...

Up again.

84.

SULLIVANYour Lordship, no diaries have been placed in evidence as far as I know.

READINGCorrect, Serjeant Sullivan. Sir Frederick, these diaries to which you refer, where are they?

SMITHWe dare not present such items, Your Lordship. They are too scandalous for Court.

READINGScandalous, you say, but not present in the Courtroom. Do these diaries state the name of the author?


Gertrude looks at Mrs. Green in shock. Mrs. Green pats her on the knee.


The discussion of the diaries.

SMITHThere is no name but we can show that the handwriting...

READINGWe are not soothsayers, Sir Frederick. I’m afraid that without proof that the diaries are from Sir Roger, I must rule that they are inadmissable and that the Court will not entertain testimony regarding them. Do you understand?

Sullivan smiles at Duffy.

SMITHPerfectly, Your Lordship. No further questions.

READINGMr. Sullivan.

85.

SULLIVAN(standing)

I have no questions for this witness, Your Lordship.

READINGYou may step down, Mr. Thompson.

A red faced, angry Thompson steps down and stomps out.

INT. KING’S COURT - HALLWAY - DAY

Thompson bursts through the courtroom doors. He notices a gaggle of reporters who are smoking and immediately goes to them.

THOMPSONGood morning, boys. Quite a trial, wouldn’t you say?

A prominent AP reporter, GIBBS, looks at him with disgust.

GIBBSWhat do you have up your sleeve now, Thompson?

THOMPSONInteresting reading for your subscribers.

GIBBSAnd what might that be?

THOMPSONThe sexual exploits of Sir Roger Casement.

GIBBSCan you prove that they are his exploits?

THOMPSONThe documents speak for themselves.

GIBBSI know you, Thompson. Unless you can show me that these “documents” are actually Casement’s, I want nothing to do with your slanderous tactics.

THOMPSONAnd the rest of you boys?

86.

They look one to the other.

REPORTER 1I’ll take a look.

REPORTER 2Why not?

REPORTER 3Me too.

The three leave with Thompson. Gibbs shakes his head.


Asquith smoking his pipe, smug. Grey, a disappointed look.

GREYI’m afraid Viscount Reading would not allow testimony on The Black Diaries, Sir.

Asquith reaches for the newspaper on his desk: THE LONDON TIMES. He holds it up to Grey. Headline: CASEMENT’S DARKHEART.

ASQUITHSometimes you don’t need evidence or testimony.

Asquith’s hardy LAUGH, Grey solemn.


A SOLDIER enters the cell, Casement seated, his food untouched.

SOLDIERNot hungry, Roger?

CASEMENTTake it away.

The soldier takes the tray and starts out. He looks back, pumps his crotch back and forth.

SOLDIERPerhaps you’d like a little taste of this, you pervert.

87.

Casement throws a punch but misses. The cell door SLAMS. Roger puts his face against the wall and begins to CRY, a slow crumble to the floor.


Duffy seated.

DUFFYYour eyes are all red. Did they mistreat you somehow?

CASEMENT(upset)

Not really.

DUFFYWhat’s wrong?

CASEMENT(angry)

This fucking trial, that’s what’s wrong. God, I wish Connolly were here. He’d give these assholes a one up.

DUFFYYou’ve got to calm down. They haven’t proven aid and comfort. That was their entire plea.

CASEMENTWas there a count for character assassination? Have you read the newspapers?

DUFFYIt’s all innuendo.

CASEMENTThat’s easy for you to say. They’re not writing these things about you. Lies, all of it, lies.

EXT. KING’S COURT - DAY

Sullivan and Duffy walking the steps.

DUFFYDo you think it’s true about Sir Roger?

88.

SULLIVANI don’t care one way or the other. We have a job to do.

DUFFYHe denies it.

SULLIVANDoes he? Let me tell you something, Duff. People lead two lives, one that is seen and one that is not. When the two collide, it spells disaster. Let’s see if we can avoid disaster today.

They walk into the Courthouse.


Reading looks out at the courtroom and gallery.

READINGSir Frederick, your next witness.

SMITHThe Crown rests, Your Lordship.

READINGSerjeant Sullivan, are you prepared to begin?

SULLIVAN(standing)

Your Lordships, I would like to go back to the indictment.

Smith SIGHS.

READINGYou may proceed.

SULLIVANThe indictment which Your Lordships have before you charges “High Treason” by adhering to the King’s enemies elsewhere than in the King’s realm, to wit, Germany.

READINGAnd your point?

89.

SULLIVANThe plea is contrary to the statute.

READINGTo which statute do you refer, Serjeant Sullivan?

SULLIVAN25 Edward the third. That statute says...

He picks up a heavy book from the table.

SULLIVAN (CONT’D)“...adhering to the King’s enemies within the realm.”

He puts down the book.

SULLIVAN (CONT’D)Per The Crown’s indictment they allege that such High Treason was committed in Germany. As far as I know Germany is not within the realm. At least not yet.

LAUGHTER IN THE GALLERY

Casement’s surveys the gallery.

READINGSilence!

SULLIVANAlthough this matter is complex on its depth, it is quite simple on its surface. The indictment does not plead that High Treason was committed within the realm. Therefore, Common Law does not permit the indictment. Reference is made not only to the statute 25 Edward the third, but also to the cases of Mulcahy vs. The Queen, 1868 and The King vs. Lynch, 1903.

READINGThe justices and I will take this under advisement and return with our decision in the morning. Until then, the court is adjourned.

90.

USHERAll rise.


Mrs. Green and Gertrude stand as the Justices leave the bench.

GERTRUDEI don’t understand what’s happening.

MRS. GREENSullivan is trying to get the case dismissed on a technicality.

GERTRUDEIs that wise?

MRS. GREENWhat other choice does he have, Gert? There are no witnesses on Roger’s behalf and Sullivan does not want Roger to testify.

GERTRUDEWhy not? Roger would tell the truth.

MRS. GREENAnd Sir Frederick would interpret that truth into a lie by whatever means he could. Trust me, Roger must not testify.

Gertrude complies reluctantly and they start up the stairs.


Sullivan looks around the cell.

SULLIVANIt isn’t so bad, is it?

CASEMENTWho cares.

SULLIVANCome on, Roger, chin up. Take your mind off of it. Tell me about the Putumayo.

91.

Roger looks at him.

SULLIVAN (CONT’D)Come on, tell me all about your adventures.

After a moment...

CASEMENTIt was The Garden of Eden and hell wrapped up in one neat package.

SULLIVANFlora and fauna, I suppose.

CASEMENTYou’d have to see it. Incredible.

SULLIVANHow frightening was the Amazon?

CASEMENT’S VOICE BEGINS TO FADE.

CASEMENTNot at all, although I have a funny story. One night a passenger on the steamer got sick, vomited over the side. A huge caiman raised its head, mouth wide open, teeth poised...


The justices at the bench.

READINGAfter the very careful consideration of the law before the statute, of the statute, of the cases in which the decision involved construction of the statute, and of the writings of learned authors, we do not think we should usefully occupy the time of the Court by again reviewing these matters.

A LOUD SIGH from the gallery. Reading looks up and sees Gertrude’s face in hands, Mrs. Green rubbing her back.

92.

READING (CONT’D)If I may continue. This court agrees with the conclusions of Mr. Justice Willis in the case of Mulcahy vs. The Queen. “If a man be adherent to the King’s enemies in this realm or elsewhere...” Elsewhere being the key word. Therefore, Serjeant Sullivan, your Motion to Quash is denied.

LOUD SIGH.

READING (CONT’D)(to Gertrude)

Madam, if you cannot contain yourself, kindly remove yourself from the gallery.

Gertrude stiffens herself. Casement gives her a nod.

READING (CONT’D)Serjeant Sullivan, are you in a position to tell us now as to the course you propose to take? Do not do so if it is inconvenient.

SULLIVANThe prisoner wishes to make a statement and then I shall address the jury.

READINGVery well.

(to the jury)You must understand, gentlemen, that the statement which the prisoner wishes to make to you is not made upon oath, and he cannot be cross-examined upon it.

CASEMENTMay I have permission to read the statement which I desire to make?

READINGYes.

CASEMENTMy Lords and gentlemen of the jury. I desire to say a few words only with reference to some of the statements made by the prosecution.

(MORE)

93.

As to my pension and the honour of knighthood conferred upon me I will say one thing only. The pension I earned by services rendered, and it was assigned by law. The knighthood it was not in my power to refuse.

A BUZZ OF DISAPPROVAL from the gallery. Justice Reading eyes the gallery.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)There were four misstatements in the testimony. First, I never advised Irishmen to fight for Germany. Second, I never got the rations of Irishmen reduced. Third, I never took one half penny from German hands. Fourth, I have never allowed any government whether it be Brazilian, Belgian, or German to use me for their own good. I am Irish and the only government which has used me for its purposes is The British Government and I am proud of my deeds in The Congo and The Putumayo. It was my one desire to serve Ireland as well as I had served your government.

Readings inscrutable face.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)My Lord, I beg to say a few more words.

Reading nods.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)We have been told, we have been asked to hope, that after this war Ireland will get Home Rule, as a reward for the life blood shed in a cause which whoever else its success may benefit can surely not benefit Ireland.

The faces of the jury.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)And what will Home Rule be in return for what its vague promise has taken and still hopes to take away from Ireland?

CASEMENT (CONT'D)

94.

Mrs. Green’s sad countenance.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)It is not necessary to climb the painful stairs of Irish history--- that treadmill of a nation whose labours are as vain for her own uplifting as the convict’s exertions are for his redemption---

Sullivan hangs his head.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)...to review the long list of British promises made only to be broken---

Reading looks away.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)...of Irish hopes raised only to be dashed to the ground.

Sir Frederick’s eyes lowered.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)Home Rule when it comes, if come it does, will find an Ireland drained of all that is vital to its very existence---

Admiration in Gertrude’s eyes.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)...unless it be that unquenchable hope we build on the graves of the dead.

A long moment of silence

READINGSerjeant Sullivan?

SULLIVANI believe the prisoner has said it all.

READING(deep breath)

We will begin addresses to the jury in the morning. Until then, we are adjourned.

95.

USHERAll rise.


Gertrude and Mrs. Green with fixed eyes on Sullivan.


The Justices full attention to Sullivan who addresses the jury at the bar.

SULLIVANWhat the crown has to prove is that what Roger David Casement did in Germany was treason in the sense that it was designed, and designed by him to strengthen the forces of Germany against England.

He turns, walks to the table and continues.

SULLIVAN (CONT’D)If The Crown have made out their case, it is your duty as lawful citizens to return a verdict of guilty; but I claim this, that the law requires that The Crown should prove their case, and prove it up to the hilt, and you must with sure judgment and with clean consciences consider if you be satisfied upon that point; and if you do that, if you approach the case in that spirit and apply the test to it, dark and heavy as the case may be as far as the defense is concerned, I do suggest to you that there is a way open to you to return a verdict which would be none the less just because it is humane.

Sullivan sits. Duffy leans into him.

DUFFYWhat the hell, Sully, you never addressed aid and comfort. That’s our whole case.

SULLIVANWouldn’t have done one lick of good.

96.

INT. KING’S COURT - HALLWAY - DAY

A flood of reporters, bystanders, officials. Gertrude, Mrs. Green and Duffy seated on a bench.

DUFFYIt’s going to be all right.

MRS. GREENNot one word about aid and comfort. You told us that was the whole case. The Crown never proved aid and comfort.

DUFFYSerjeant Sullivan did not think that the jury would listen to it.

GERTRUDEWhy not?

DUFFYIt’s complicated, Mrs. Bannister.

MRS. GREENHow complicated could it be to say The Crown never proved aid and comfort to the Germans.

DUFFY(frustrated)

I don’t know, I’m only a solicitor, Serjeant Sullivan is the barrister.

MRS. GREENAnd in my opinion the wrong one for this case.


The jury takes their seats as everyone looks at them. Roger’s eyes examine each one as he sits.

Chief Justice Reading nods to The King’s Coroner, Mr. Kershaw.

KERSHAWAre you agreed upon your verdict?

The FOREMAN, still handsome at fifty-eight, stands.

FOREMANWe are.

97.

KERSHAWHow say you; do you find the defendant, Roger David Casement, guilty or not guilty of high treason whereof he stands indicted?

FOREMANGuilty.

APPLAUSE AND A LOUD SCREAM FROM THE GALLERY.

Casement’s head tilts to the floor, his shaking arms holding the docket.

Grey gets up from his seat in the gallery, his anguished face convulsing, he leaves.

READINGI will have order. Order! Take your seats or I will have the gallery cleared.

KERSHAWRoger David Casement, you stand convicted of high treason. What have you to say for yourself why the Court should not pass sentence and judgment upon you to die according to the law?

CASEMENTI may say at once, My Lord, that I protest against the jurisdiction of this Court in my case and on this charge. Loyalty is a sentiment, not a law. It rests on love, not on restraint. The Government of Ireland by England rests on restraint and not on law; and since it demands no love, it can evoke no loyalty.

READINGRoger David Casement, you have been found guilty of treason, the gravest crime known to the law, and upon evidence which in our opinion is conclusive of guilt.

(MORE)

98.

The duty now devolves upon of passing sentence upon you, and it is that you be taken hence to a lawful prison, and thence to a place of execution, and that you be there hanged by the neck until you are dead.


Gertrude faints and nearly topples over the edge. A man grabs her from behind and places her in the seat. Mrs. Green fans her. There is a LOUD COMMOTION around her.

Casement looks to the gallery, sees Gertrude unconscious, and hangs his head.

EXT. PENTONVILLE PRISON - DAY

The expansive lawn and the red brick prison with two towers on each side of the main entrance.

TITLE: PENTONVILLE PRISON, 1916

INT. PENTONVILLE PRISON - DAY

The prison with sturdy iron stairs and catwalk, walls painted in yellow. The long row of cells to Casement’s. He sits at a small desk writing a letter.

Duffy comes to the opened cell door.

DUFFYKnock, knock.

CASEMENTDuffy, they let you up?

DUFFYI’ve been here so often, they know I’m no threat.

CASEMENTGod bless you, Duffy.

DUFFYGert sends her love. She wishes she could come over, but the trip is long and expensive.

READING (CONT'D)

99.

CASEMENTShe writes me everyday.

DUFFYAnd you to her. She reads every word with delight.

Duffy looks away.

DUFFY (CONT’D)Roger, I’m so sorry.

CASEMENTFor what? You did your best.

DUFFYFor choosing Sully. I could have done better.

CASEMENTI’ll admit, I didn’t much care for Serjeant Sullivan, but in the end, I think he did all he could do.

DUFFYAnd to complicate things, now I’m going to marry his sister.

CASEMENT(delighted)

What? Well, congratulations. I wish we had some Irish Whiskey to toast.

Duffy holds his finger to his lips as he pulls a pint of Jameson from his inside pocket.

DUFFYThey never frisk me anymore.

Casement grabs two glasses from a rack above his desk. Duffy pours the whiskey. Casement downs it.

CASEMENTSure enough, I miss the brew.

DUFFYHere, have another.

CASEMENTI’d better not. They’ll smell it off me. Do you love her?

DUFFYWith all my heart.

100.

Roger SIGHS

CASEMENTI should have settled down with a wife and had a family instead of traipsing from here to Kingdom come.

Duffy gives him a look.

CASEMENT (CONT’D)I’m not a homosexual. My God, I hope that’s not my legacy.

DUFFYRoger, I promise that I will work ‘til the day I die to prove that The Crown forged those diaries.

CASEMENTAh, enough of that. The hell with them. Give me another.

They toast and Casement gleefully downs his last taste.

INT. PENTONVILLE PRISON - DAY

Casement escorted by two guards and Father Carey.

Walking...

CAREYOur Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread...

They reach the door to the courtyard and the gallows. The guard swings it open. Father Carey’s frightened eyes as he sees the gallows.

CASEMENTAnd forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us...

CASEMENT (CONT’D)And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.

CAREYAnd lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.

101.

CAREY (CONT’D)God be with you, Roger.

CASEMENTAnd also with you, Father Carey.

Carey stands in the doorway as the guards escort Casement up the stairs of the gallows, place the noose around and put a hood over his head.

Father Carey blesses Casement from a distance.

SNAP. The trap door falls. Casement’s body contorts, his feet scramble wildly and then are still.

INT. BANNISTER HOME - DAY

Gertrude sits in a rocking chair by the fireplace. She opens an envelope and the rosary beads she gave Casement fall out. She extracts a letter.

CAREY (V.O.)My dear Mrs. Bannister, Rest assured that Sir Roger died with faith and piety. He had all the dispositions, faith, hope, charity and contrition. He was ready to meet his Creator. I gave him The Holy Father’s blessing with Plenary Indulgence attached shortly before his execution and for half an hour before, he followed me in fervent and earnest prayer.

Gertrude puts the letter in her lap. She picks up the rosary and silently prays, her fingers working the beads.


Gertrude and Mrs. Green stand on the sidewalk amidst the hustle and bustle of Dublin. They hold stacks of flyers. Gertrude hands one to a passing man.

GERTRUDEIrish Freedom now.

Mrs. Green hands a flyer to another man.

GERTRUDE (CONT’D)(top of her lungs)

Irish Freedom now.

102.

In a car parked across the street, The Man in the Derby and another man watch Gertrude and Mrs. Green.

THE MAN IN THE DERBYI wish the hell The Prime Minister had the guts to hang a woman.

INT. DUBLIN HOME - FOYER - DAY

MARGARET SULLIVAN DUFFY, early 70’s, knee length, waisted silk dress with matching belt walks ROBERT KEE through the checkerboard foyer toward the sun room.

MARGARETHe never gives interviews, you know. You must have the magic touch.

KEEI was sorry to hear about your husband, Mrs. Duffy.

MARGARETGavan was a good man.

KEEIndeed he was.

TITLE: 1956

Margaret leads Kee into the sun room.

Serjeant Sullivan, now 80, his head to the side, sleeping in a brightly upholstered wicker chair. A cane next to him. A wicker couch of the same fabric and a rectangular coffee table and french doors leading to an expanse of lawn.

Margaret gently moves to Serjeant Sullivan and wakens him.

MARGARETSully, the reporter is here.

Half awake.

SULLIVANHuh?

MARGARETMr. Kee.

The aged Sullivan speaks slowly with a slur.

103.

SULLIVANOh, yes, yes.

(extending his hand)Please.

MARGARET(quietly to Kee)

Not too long, now.

KEEThank you, Mrs. Duffy.

She leaves.

SULLIVANSo, you want to hear about Casement. They all do. It’s ancient history.

KEENot to the people of Ireland, Serjeant Sullivan. They’ve petitioned the English for repatriation of his body.

SULLIVANNever happen. The English hated him with a passion. Still do.

KEEAs his barrister, how did you find him? As a person...

SULLIVANHe absolutely believed in his own illusions. He was a most attractive chap and he would persuade you that things were real that existed only in his own imagination. He was an educated man. On every subject, except himself, he was well informed. Very pleasant actually.

KEEDid he ever discuss the diaries with you?

SULLIVANIncessantly. I was tired of listening to his explanations. He wouldn’t take my word that they would never be produced in court.

104.

KEEAnd they never were.

SULLIVANOf course not, they wouldn’t dare, but Casement was convinced The Crown would use them against him. You see, Irish-American opinion had swung very anti-British as a result of the executions after the Easter Uprising. In order to affect U.S. opinion, these diaries were being shown to the American journalists. Gavan Duffy had told Casement about this before I met him. From that point that was the only subject Casement would discuss.

KEEDo you think The Crown wanted you to plead insanity?

SULLIVANI’m sure that was the meaning of Freddie Smith sending me the diaries. But there were no grounds in law to show that the man was insane. The diaries weren’t enough.

KEEThere was some question regarding your summation.

SULLIVANAid and comfort. Aid and comfort. Who the hell cared? I knew we had lost when they didn’t throw out the indictment.

KEEDid you give up at that point?

SULLIVANWhat point?

KEEWhen they didn’t throw out the indictment.

SULLIVANI was pissed. Let me tell you, they missed the boat there. Not a single thing about Ireland. Germany, Germany, Germany.

(MORE)

105.

They couldn’t prove a damn thing about what he did or didn’t do in Germany.

KEEDid Casement ever tell you he was a homosexual?

SULLIVANNever in that way.

KEEBut you suspected he was?

SULLIVANLet me say this. Roger Casement was a megalomaniac. He thought he could win the Irish War for Independence all by himself. And he damn near did.

ON BLACK

ON 6TH DECEMBER 1922 THE IRISH FREE STATE WAS CREATED.

ON BLACK

THE CONTROVERSY OVER CASEMENT’S BLACK DIARIES CONTINUES TO THIS DAY

EXT. DUBLIN - O’CONNELL STREET - DAY

ARCHIVE FOOTAGE

Thousands of people gather in a light rain as the catafalque of the remains of Sir Roger Casement are paraded down O’Connell Street.

A full military State Funeral Processional.

ON BLACK

THE REMAINS OR ROGER DAVID CASEMENT WERE RETURNED TO DUBLIN ON MARCH 1, 1965. HE WAS GIVEN THE FULL RESPECT OF A PATRIOT.

FADE OUT.

SULLIVAN (CONT'D)

106.

Documents

PATRIOT TRAITOR