THE ADVENTURES
OF FLASH GORDON by Jeff Callaway
CHAPTER ONE
EXT:NEW
YORK CITY-LATE 1930'S-DAY
Against dark clouds overhead, the
Title "The Adventures of Flash Gordon" is illuminated by jagged
apocalyptic lightning which crackles through black rainless skies over a New
York street. As we PAN DOWN, a crowd is gathered outside a gleaming, beautiful
art-deco skyscraper (the RAYMOND BUILDING) as a NEWSBOY hawking his wares shoves the afternoon edition
in our face with a headline that reads: EXTRA!! TOP SCIENTISTS MEET TODAY.
STRANGE WEATHER GIVEN TOP PRIORITY.
NEWSBOY
Extra! Extra! World's greatest
scientists talk about the weather!
Ge'cha paypa...
As he moves away, we get a clearer
view of the strange and
REPORTER #1
So you think all this freaky
weather
means the end of the world,
huh?
MAN
It's a sign from God.
REPORTER #2
Oh yeah? So you talk to God?
MAN
Yes I do.
REPORTER #1
So what's he say?
As he pauses to ponder revealing the truth to the infidels, they suddenly lose interest.
REPORTER #1
Hey lookit, it's Flash Gordon!
REPORTER #2
Where?!
REPORTER #1
Over there! C'mon!!
The reporters leave the bewildered
man and rush to pester FLASH GORDON as he exits a cab. Tall, handsome, in his
mid-to-late 30's and dressed immaculately, he is immediately surrounded by a
throng of reporters.
REPORTER #3
Hey Flash, what are you doin' here?
FLASH
Take it easy boys, no story here. I
just came down to see my dad in
action.
REPORTER #4
Yeah, what does Professor Gordon
think about all this weird weather
anyway?
FLASH
Wait ten minutes, he'll tell you
himself.
REPORTER #1
What
do you think about it?
FLASH
I think it makes for a pretty lousy
polo game.
REPORTER #2
Ah, come on Flash?
FLASH
Come on guys, ask the scientist in
the family. I'm just here to watch,
okay?
The reporters reluctantly head for
other prey, allowing Flash to try and wedge his way inside.
FLASH (CONTÕD)
(to himself) Maggots. (louder) Hey
kid, gimme one. Here. Keep it.
Flash passes the appreciative newsboy a bill.
NEWSBOY
Gee, thanks Flash.
FLASH
Just don't grow up to be a
reporter.
As Flash passes, we notice an
attractive, well-dressed woman in her late 20's who appears to be following
him, trying to remain inconspicuous. She flashes a PRESS ID to enter, then
stuffs it hastily in her cleavage.
INT:LOBBY OF BUILDING
The scene inside is a bit more
orderly, but very loud as bodies push from the entrance to the press conference
area in the lobby, which is filled with chairs below a long table on a
makeshift stage. A MODERATOR stands behind a central podium flanked by many of
the greatest scientific minds of the planet, as he tries to begin the
proceedings over the chaotic din.
MODERATOR
Ladies and gentlemen! Ladies and
gentlemen of the press, thank you for attending today's conference. As you are aware, for months now many parts of the Earth have been subject to strange,
unpredictable weather patterns and geological forces. While these phenomenon
are highly unusual, we must state categorically and for the record that there
is no cause for alarm.
A
reporter jumps to his feet to interrupt.
REPORTER #5
No cause for alarm?! There's a
volcano in Missouri!
Another reporter joins him.
REPORTER #6
People are catching fish in the
Sahara!
A protester with a sign in the
back of the room adds his very loud two-cents worth.
PROTESTOR
It's the end of the world!!!
Everyone joins in now, a sense of
panic filling the room.
The moderator tries in vain to
calm them as a MESSENGER makes his way to the stage and approaches one of the
scientists, PROFESSOR GORDON, a distinguished-looking older man, who addresses
a fellow scientist under his breath.
SCIENTIST
This whole thing is a circus.
PROFESSOR GORDON
It's a farce.
MESSENGER
Professor Gordon, someone to see you,
sir.
PROFESSOR GORDON
Not now, weÕre in the middle of...
MESSENGER
It's your son, sir.
The news does not appear to be well received.
PROFESSOR GORDON
Oh. Excuse me.
He follows the messenger off-stage to a fairly secluded
alcove where Flash awaits.
PROFESSOR GORDON
Hello son. Just passing by?
FLASH
Look, I'm sorry, I know you're
busy...
PROFESSOR GORDON
Well, it's not exactly stunt flying
or polo...
FLASH
Come on Dad...
PROFESSOR GORDON
...but it'll have to do.
FLASH
I came to say goodbye. I might
be out of pocket for a while.
PROFESSOR GORDON
Out of pocket?
FLASH
I've accepted an assignment with
the War Department.
PROFESSOR
GORDON
Ummm hmmm.
FLASH
Yeah, some new
bird needs a test flight. Might be fun.
PROFESSOR GORDON
You trying to convince me or you?
FLASH
(mutters)
What's the use.
PROFESSOR GORDON
So itÕs back to the army, eh?
FLASH
Yeah, well we all can't be rocket
scientists.
PROFESSOR GORDON
No...but you're going to see one,
aren't you?
FLASH
(pause) How did you...
PROFESSOR GORDON
I still have a few friends.
FLASH
I guess you do.
An uneasy pause as neither is quite sure what to say.
FLASH
Well, I'd better be...
PROFESSOR GORDON
Son, watch out for that crazy old
man Zarkov. He's the sharpest
pencil in the box, but he doesn't
have an eraser.
Flash tries valiantly to digest this tidbit, but gives up.
FLASH
What the hell does that mean?
PROFESSOR GORDON
You'll find out.
FLASH
I hate it when you get cryptic.
PROFESSOR GORDON
Goodbye son...(extends hand) and
good luck.
FLASH
(taking his hand) Thanks.
PROFESSOR GORDON
Be careful.
FLASH
Why start now?
The professor turns
heavily and heads back to the stage.
EXT:STREET OUTSIDE BUILDING-DAY
A BLACK SEDAN near the entrance holds four GERMAN AGENTS, who
speak in <subtitles>.
INT:GERMAN'S CAR
AGENT
1
<Any sign?>
AGENT 2
<Not yet.>
Flash exits the building, scanning
the traffic as heÕs ambushed by DALE ARDEN, the young reporter following him
earlier.
EXT:SIDEWALK OUTSIDE BUILDING-DAY
DALE
Hey handsome, what's the rush?
Dale is really pouring it on and draws a beaming smile from
Flash, until he notices her press pass almost stuffed into
her blouse, then turns smartly on his heel.
FLASH
StinkinÕ reporters.
DALE
(incredulous)
Wow, that's quite a sniffer.
FLASH
ItÕs easy when the smell's bad.
DALE
Hey, slow down, Captain...
He stops and does a slow turn.
DALE
(CONTÕD)
...I've got a few questions.
FLASH
No one's called me Captain in
quite a while, sweetie.
DALE
Mmm, you don't say? Well, Captain,
howÕs this for
a news report?
She almost adopts the exaggerated
sound of a Movie-Tone Newsreel announcer.
DALE (CONT'D)
Flash Gordon, war hero, polo star,
daredevil, stunt pilot, thrill seeker, playboy, womanizer, anything else... Oh
yeah, (whispers) Now you're a secret agent.
Flash gives her a look that could burn through concrete.
DALE
Pretty good, huh?
They are much closer now.
FLASH
Who the hell are you?
DALE
Dale Arden. I'm a reporter.
FLASH
And all that that entails...
DALE
Thank you.
FLASH
...and if you don't leave this
alone- NOW- you're gonna get hauled in front of a bunch of Feds that don't care
about great legs, so just drop it.
Flash beats a
hasty retreat as he spots his contact at the curb.
DALE
Great legs, huh?
She hurries after him, but Flash's
car speeds away just as she makes it to the street. She overhears a snippet of
German as the other black car squeals off in pursuit.
DALE
Oh no you don't!
She jumps in front of the next
car, a cab, forcing him to
screech to a stop. She pours on the charm before he can get a
word in.
DALE
Ohhh, I'm so sorry, but I really
need a ride...
CABBIE
Sure lady, where to?
DALE
Well, see, I've got this really
big box of stuff over there and I can't pick it up. Could you please be a dear?
CABBIE
Ahh, sure ting.
As soon as the cabby moves, she races around the car, jumps
in, and squeals away in pursuit.
INT:DALE'S CAB
DALE
(quietly singing)
I'm gonna win a Pulitzer... I'm
gonna win a Pulitzer...
EXT:STREETS OF NEW YORK
Flash's car darts quickly through the streets of New York.
INT:FLASH'S CAR
CONTACT
How's the family?
FLASH
Don't ask. By the way, your people
need to tighten up, you're already
leaking.
CONTACT
What!?
FLASH
A reporter back there, Dale
Arden...
CONTACT
Ahh geez, not her...
FLASH
What?
CONTACT
She's that broad that did that thing
on the Mayor
last month.
FLASH
That was her?
CONTACT
That's impossible. Nobody knows
about this new baby, yet.
EXT:STREETS OF NEW YORK
The black sedan pulls nearer to Flash's car as the Germans
ready their machine guns. Dale is recklessly dodging other
cars, frantically trying to catch up with Flash and the bad
guys.
INT:FLASH'S CAR
FLASH
Where to?
CONTACT
A
private airstrip nearby.
FLASH
Followed by...?
CONTACT
South America.
FLASH
That's more like it. Acapulco? Rio?
CONTACT
Peru.
FLASH
Peru? There's nothing but mountains
there.
CONTACT
Yeah, nothing but mountains...and
Hans Zarkov.
FLASH
Oh, so that's where he's been.
CONTACT
Yeah, if they haven't locked him up
in the loony bin yet.
FLASH
What's that supposed to mean?
CONTACT
You'll find out soon enough.
The contact reaches to the floor of the car.
CONTACT
Here. You might need this.
He hands Flash a pistol in a shoulder holster.
FLASH
What for?
A barrage of machine gun fire
erupts from the Nazi's car, now perilously close.
CONTACT
Just in case?
Another explosion of gunfire
shatters the rear window of their car.
INT:FLASH'S CAR
CONTACT
We may have heard the Germans are
interested in Zarkov, too.
FLASH
The machine gun's a pretty good hint!
CONTACT
Shut up and shoot back!
EXT:STREETS OF NEW YORK
Flash's car squeals around a
corner, followed closely by the Germans. Dale has now almost caught up,
refusing to be shaken from the trail. Flash exchanges fire with the Germans,
picking off the one riding shotgun. Another agent leans out the back window,
peppering Flash's car with bullets.
INT:DALE'S CAB
DALE
Oh no you don't, get away from my
story!
EXT:STREETS OF NEW YORK
Dale, pushing her cab to the limit, rams the German's car
from behind, causing an agent to fall out of the window.
Another agent fires at Dale, forcing her to slow down a bit.
The collision allows Flash to gain some lead time as the
chase continues.
INT:FLASH'S CAR
The contact reaches inside his overcoat and removes an
envelope.
CONTACT
HereÕs your
instructions and the location of Zarkov's lab in the Andes. Whatever happens,
don't let those guys get it, understand?
FLASH
Right.
CONTACT
Hang on, we're here.
EXT:GATE OF AIRSTRIP
Flash's car crashes through the gate and makes a beeline for
the waiting aircraft, which is warmed up and sitting on the
runway just ahead. The Germans follow in hot pursuit, guns
blazing. Flash's car pulls up behind some steel drums for
cover yards away from the plane.
INT:FLASH'S CAR
CONTACT
Ready?
FLASH
Always.
EXT:AIRPLANE RUNWAY
Flash and his contact move behind
the steel barrels, guns blazing. Flash picks off an agent, but not before his
contact catches a bullet in the shoulder. Flash tries to help, but is pinned
down by the remaining German.
CONTACT
Flash, go! I'll try and hold him
off.
He tries to cover Flash, but
quickly falls dead after several fatal shots to the chest. Flash, determined to
reach the plane, jumps from his cover firing away but hears only clicks; heÕs
out of ammo. The German, now confident of success, advances slowly, grinning.
GERMAN AGENT
You will come with me, Herr Gordon.
They hear an approaching car
drawing closer. He turns,
only to be sent sprawling through
the air as Dale rams him with the cab. As she gets out, they both stare dumbly
at the crumpled body lying several feet away.
DALE
He was a bad guy, right?
FLASH
Bad guy?
DALE
Yeah, I mean, that was OK, right?
Suddenly, gunfire erupts behind them as another carload of
Germans arrive.
DALE
(CONT'D)
I mean, I saved you, right?
FLASH
Come on, let's go.
DALE
Hey, you're welcome!
Flash drags Dale into the plane, closing the door just before itÕs sprinkled with bullets. The plane takes
off, flying into the ominous, stormy weather ahead.
EXT:THE SKY
As Flash's plane travels through the clouds, we see
superimposed over them a map of the Western Hemisphere,
tracing their trek towards the Andes. As they near Peru,
the
map dissolves to show the plane traveling through
the clear, moonlit South American night.
INT:AIRPLANE COCKPIT
Flash and Dale are seated in
the cockpit. Several seconds of engine-droned silence pass.
DALE
Gee, I never knew an airplane could
be so quiet.
Flash ignores her.
DALE (CONT'D)
You know, you haven't said a word
in over three hours.
He continues to ignore her.
DALE (CONT'D)
Thinking about your Dad?
FLASH
You leave my Dad out of this! The
only reason you're still here is
that I don't have time to dump you
out.
DALE
You're not gonna stop this story,
buster; it's got Pulitzer written
all
over it.
Flash resumes his silence, refusing to take the bait, so Dale
attempts another method.
DALE
Sorry. I guess you two don't get
along?
FLASH
You know...fathers and sons.
DALE
I take it he doesn't approve of your
working for
the Army.
FLASH
It's
none of your damn business.
DALE
But why? Your dad's done
government research for years, hasn't he?
Flash, deciding that she won't shut up on her own, tries a
new approach.
FLASH
Do you remember the ÒGreatÓ war?
DALE
Of course I do...well, I was pretty
young.
FLASH
I wanted to
fight so bad I faked my way in when I was 16.
DALE
I didn't know that. What did your
dad think?
FLASH
He didn't think teenagers should be
flying over Europe trying to kill
each
other. He was right.
DALE
You mean because you were so young?
FLASH
I mean I shouldn't have gone at
all.
DALE
What about the war? What about
ÒfreedomÓ and ÒlibertyÓ and all that other good stuff?
FLASH
IÕm tired of hearing people use
those words to justify slaughtering children.
DALE
That's pretty cynical for a war hero.
FLASH
There's the reporter calling the
kettle black.
DALE
What? Don't even start...
FLASH
Sure , but that's okay, you have
to be a cynical parasite to do your job. Feeding on other people's misery like
maggots and vultures...
DALE
That's not
fair! We expose corruption, we keep people honest...
FLASH
Gee, and I thought you just wanted
to win a Pulitzer?
Dale has had enough and gets up,
but Flash keeps it up.
FLASH (CONTÕD)
Dale Arden, tireless crusader,
champion of truth. Defender of the oppressed!
DALE
You're a real pig, you know that?
FLASH
Feel free to
step outside.
Dale storms out of
the cockpit.
FLASH (CONTÕD)
I meant the plane!
EXT:SKIES OVER PERU
Two German fighters flank Flash's plane, move into attack
formation and begin to fire, damaging one engine.
INT:AIRPLANE COCKPIT
Dale rushes back into the cockpit.
DALE
What was that?
FLASH
Our friends are back and they mean
business.
DALE
We're under attack?
FLASH
Nothing gets past you, does it
detective?
The fighters make another strafing run, causing one of the
engines to break into flames.
DALE
Can't you do anything?
FLASH
No guns... they're a lot faster...
we're
pretty much out of luck.
The flaming engine explodes following a third strafing run,
rocking the entire plane.
FLASH
(CONTÕD)
We'll never make it, we've gotta
bail.
DALE
What?!
FLASH
I
said we've got to bail out before
we crash.
DALE
I'm not bailing out with them
flying around out there!
FLASH
Suit yourself.
He leaves the cockpit.
DALE
Wait a minute!
She wisely follows.
INT:FLASH'S PLANE-CABIN
Flash moves down the center aisle past the parachute rack
with Dale in pursuit.
FLASH
Unstrap those.
DALE
You're crazy!
FLASH
No, I'm staying alive, and if you
want to do the same, you'll UNSTRAP
THOSE PARACHUTES, NOW!!
Dale starts to reply, thinks
better of it, then un-straps the parachutes from a storage closet. As Flash
opens the cabin door another, more violent explosion rocks the plane as the
second engine is hit by gunfire. The aircraft lurches downward at a severe
angle, causing both of them to hang on for dear life. The free parachutes now
begin sliding down the aisle and out the cabin door single file, dropping into
the skies below. Flash makes a mad lunge for the last one, grabbing it just
before it falls out, while Dale grabs his foot with one hand while holding on
to a luggage strap with the other.
DALE
Come back here!
She pulls him back and they both manage to stand as the cabin
rocks wildly.
FLASH
Come here.
He straps the parachute on Dale, then unstraps his belt and
begins to tie them together at the waist.
DALE
What are you doing?!
Ignoring her, he grabs another luggage strap and continues,
manhandling her in the process. They are very close.
DALE (CONTÕD)
What do you think you're doing?!
FLASH
What's the matter sweetheart, isn't
this fun?
DALE
I SAID WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU
DOING?!
FLASH
You're the reporter, figure it out.
Her eyes widen as she realizes what is about to happen.
FLASH (CONTÕD)
Scared,
huh?
They jump.