HEARST CASTLE
Pilot: "The Enchanted Hill"
Written by
Jared Battaglia
INT. STUDIO ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - DAY
MOVING WITH A SUITED TALL MAN down a long corridor. An unshakable presence flanked by personal secretary JOSEPH WILLICOMBE aka THE COLONEL, a World War 1 veteran.
VOICE OVER The man is an empire builder, even started a war with Spain. Some say he’s more powerful than the president of the United States.
INT. STUDIO BOARDROOM - SIMULTANEOUS
That voice belongs to ADOLPH ZUKOR, 50, a Hungarian-born fur salesman turned pioneering film mogul. He sits with a TEAM OF STUDIO EXECUTIVES at a long conference table.
STUDIO EXECUTIVE 1 I hear they call him nouveau riche in the New York society circles.
Although diminutive, Zukor is an indomitable spirit, known as “the Napoleon of Motion Pictures.”
ZUKOR They said the same thing about us. Now they all want to see all our movies and glamorous stars.
STUDIO EXECUTIVE 1 But he’s ruthless.
ZUKOR So are we.
STUDIO EXECUTIVE 2 What on earth does he want from this studio?
STUDIO EXECUTIVE 1 (isn’t it obvious) To swallow us whole?
Zukor is unconcerned.
ZUKOR I think he has something different in mind.
An anxious FEMALE SECRETARY enters the room.
2.
SECRETARY Mr. Zukor, he’s here.
ZUKOR Send him in.
INT. STUDIO BOARDROOM - MOMENTS LATER
TIGHT ON newspaper tycoon and former politician WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST, mid-50s, seated at the other end of the table. Clean shaven. Light-colored three-piece suit on.
The King of Scandal’s penetrating gaze could unsettle most anyone. But his unexpected adolescent-like high-pitched voice takes everyone in the room off guard.
HEARST My friends, I think we could be of great use to each other.
ZUKOR What are you proposing Mr. Hearst?
HEARST I’ve formed my own movie-picture company. I’m calling it Cosmopolitan Productions. I want your studio to be its home.
Zukor digests the news.
ZUKOR Cosmopolitan. Like your general- interest magazine?
HEARST Yes, it’s our star publication. Compelling stories are the reason why Cosmopolitan is so popular.
ZUKOR Many we ourselves have tried to option.
The disclosure makes Hearst smile in a childlike way.
HEARST (proudly) We really do have the best stories. All the top writers from H.G. Wells to Upton Sinclair pen short-serials and nonfiction our readers love.
3.
ZUKOR Myself included.
HEARST We’ll also be mining bestsellers from the Cosmopolitan Book Corporation. And with my new animation studio, I plan to turn all the popular comic strips we control into movies the whole family can enjoy.
STUDIO EXECUTIVE 1 (starting to come around) I must admit, you do have an impressive toy chest, Mr. Hearst.
ZUKOR With quite a trove of tales ripe for film adaptations.
Hearst nods his head.
HEARST We speak each other’s language, boys. That’s why I want to bring Cosmopolitan Productions from New York to Hollywood. Turn our best stories drawn from all my papers and magazines into films.
Zukor thinks about it.
ZUKOR Audience pre-awareness does help lift box-office numbers.
HEARST Your moviegoers will already be familiar with the stories by the time they reach the silver screen.
ZUKOR And will we have guarantees on prints and advertising?
HEARST Oh yes, we’ll promote and advertise the films in all our publications free of charge.
Zukor’s face lights up.
4.
ZUKOR Maximum synergy.
HEARST Precisely.
Zukor thinks about it.
ZUKOR Vertical integration is what this studio does best.
HEARST And I’ve built the greatest publishing institution in the world. Hollywood is the next frontier for me.
But Zukor isn’t ready to show his cards yet.
ZUKOR What about our other films?
HEARST You finance and distribute movies from Cosmopolitan, we’ll give you unlimited access to our publications for the promotion of all your movies.
Off the Studio Executives, intrigued by his proposal.
INT. STUDIO BOARDROOM - SOON AFTER
Hearst has left, giving the execs something to think about. Zukor eyes his colleagues.
ZUKOR Mr. Hearst seems to understand the audience like we do.
STUDIO EXECUTIVE 1 (skeptical) He’s doing this for her. I’m telling you, it’s all for her.
EXT. SUNSET BOULEVARD - NIGHT
A Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost cruises down the iconic palm tree- lined road in its early years. Behind the wheel is a confident and vivacious YOUNG WOMAN dressed to the nines.
5.
Porcelain skin, blue eyes, and natural strawberry blonde curls. She glances up in the rearview, soon realizes a car is tailing her.
A DUESENBERG MODEL A pulls up alongside her packed with preppy-dressed COLLEGE STUDENTS trying to get a closer look.
COLLEGE STUDENT 1 It’s her, it has to be!
One of the guys sticks his head from the moving car --
COLLEGE STUDENT 2 Excuse me, miss! Are you Marion Davies, the picture star?! You look just like her, it’s uncanny!
She puts her finger to her lips while driving and considers the question.
YOUNG WOMAN Well now, I do get that often.
The Young Woman flashes her eyebrows, gives them a wink and a knowing smile, then steps on the gas -- pulling ahead of the car. The college kids laugh their heads off.
COLLEGE STUDENT I knew it!
INT. MUSSO & FRANK GRILL - NIGHT
Brooklyn-born silent film star and former Ziegfeld girl MARION DAVIES, 20s, makes her entrance. Upscale PATRONS take notice from their red booths.
She cooly heels through the restaurant floor towards a dimly- lit corner booth where Hearst is seated with The Colonel. Marion joins them, trying her best to be discreet.
MARION Gentlemen.
She speaks in a low whiskey voice. The publishing czar is clearly smitten by her comedic flair and charm.
HEARST Zukor’s in.
MARION Well, that calls for a martini.
6.
Marion signals a passing SERVER. Cut to she sips a martini with steaks and chops now on the table.
HEARST As the face of Cosmopolitan Pictures and with our newspapers promoting your films, you’re going to be the Queen of the Screen.
MARION Well, ain’t that a daisy. Although the critics say I can’t act and I can’t talk but guess that’s why silent pictures are perfect for me.
HEARST Screw those chatter-mags, your big expressive eyes and that limitless energy were made for the cinema. Now Marion Pickford always makes very fine, clean pictures. And I want you to do the same.
MARION I can’t say her movies are my favorites though, W.R.
He snaps his fingers. His mind is always working.
HEARST All your productions must be first rate. Big sweeping costume dramas the audiences will never forget.
MARION Listen, you just came to town. Let’s have a little fun. Hollywood is so gay. You’re gonna love it. There’s like a party every night.
HEARST My wife drags me to enough parties in New York.
MARION You can be assured, these parties aren’t like those boring Gilded Age throwback galas.
Hearst lowers his voice, talks deliberatively.
7.
HEARST We have to be discreet for the sake of my family. That’s why the Colonel is here.
Marion shrugs.
MARION Bring the Colonel along then.
The Colonel is stone faced. But Hearst warms to the idea.
EXT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOME - NIGHT
Marion leads Hearst by the hand into a lively party. The Colonel trails behind them. A ragtime band entertains a sea of guests in varied attire -- dancing, drinking, sniffing from trays of snuff.
All very loose and free. As Marion stated, it’s unlike the austere affairs Hearst is used to. But from the cautiously curious look on his face, he could get used to this scene.
MARION A whole lot different than your wife’s stuffy friends on the Upper East Side?
HEARST Quite a bit.
A shocked PARTY GOER confers with another on a couch across the room, noticing them together.
PARTY GOER (on the sly) Is that William Randolph Hearst?
Actress LOUISE BROOKS with a sleek, close-sheared black bob haircut and stylish flapper dress on, follows his gaze, while sipping a vodka tonic in her hand.
LOUISE BROOKS The one and only.
PARTY GOER But that’s not his wife, it’s Marion Davies.
Louise rolls her eyes.
8.
LOUISE BROOKS Oh please, their affair is the worst kept secret in Hollywood. You didn’t know?
SWISH PAN to Marion -- she moves her hips with the jazzy beat, a bit tipsy and points at Hearst.
MARION Dance with me, Pops. Come on, I know you got it in you.
Marion starts swaying and snapping her fingers from side to side with the music, encouraging Hearst to join her.
HEARST I’m afraid I don’t.
Hearst stands there, reluctant to come out of his shell.
MARION Nope. It’s there. Think back to your Hasty Pudding days, there’s still that performer in you. Set him free, get that groove goin’ -- I’m warning you though, once it’s out, you’re not gonna be able to put it back in.
He shuffles his feet towards her rigidly like a performing elephant. She dances around him, arms flapping like a bird. Soon he’s dramatically twirling Marion from left to right in front of everyone as the band carries on.
INT. FOLLIES THEATRE - DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - MATCH CUT
A lineup of HOT MAMMA GIRL DANCERS perform a rousing routine on the neon-lit stage to the delight a packed after-hours crowd. Marion holds Hearst’s arm in their seats.
MARION (whispers) Just like old times, right?
She brings a smile to his face.
HEARST They’re all nice to look at sure, but none of these girls light up the stage like you do.
Marion’s mouth opens, touches her heart.
9.
MARION Aren’t you the charmer?
A man stands up behind them --
MAN IN THE CROWD (shouts) Indecency!
Suddenly, a phalanx of POLICE and ANTI-VICE SQUADS burst into the theater. Hearst and Marion exchange a panicked look.
The audience flees in all directions. Marion takes Hearst’s hand, she guides him through the melee. They swiftly hustle out a side door.
EXT. BACK ALLEY - CONTINUOUS
The Colonel pulls up in a Ford Model T. Hearst and Marion hops into the backseat. He guns the engine. The car rockets down the alley and screeches around the corner.
INT. FORD MODEL T - STREETS OF DOWNTOWN LA
Marion slaps Hearst’s shoulder. He sits stiffly beside her, reeling that he let his guard down.
MARION I can’t believe that just happened! It’s gonna make the papers!
HEARST No, it absolutely won’t. I’ll make sure of that.
MARION Oh right, I forgot! You own all the newspapers.
HEARST Not all of them. But quite a few.
MARION Well now, it’s all about the movies. ‘Cause William Randolph Hearst is going Hollywood! Did you hear that everyone?! Hearst is going Hollywood!
She throws her hands up in the air. Window down. Wind blowing in her hair. Marion never looked lovelier to him.
10.
EXT. THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL - BUNGALOW
Hearst and Marion wind down in lounge chairs next to each other, gazing out at the fiery sunrise. Both wear fluffy robes and slippers. They have a unique, unmistakable bond.
MARION Ya know, I used to think you were just another stage door Johnny. The other dancers would say he’s a wolf, best to stay away from him.
She wags her finger. He turns his head to look at her.
HEARST So what changed?
MARION I realized you weren’t so bad. Maybe a bit lonesome but harmless.
He raises an eyebrow.
HEARST My critics would disagree.
MARION I’ve gotten to know the real you. The man behind the myth. And you what I figured out?
HEARST What’s that?
MARION We’re good for each other.
She tenderly takes his hand in his.
HEARST I’d like to think that’s true.
MARION It really is, Pops. We bring things out from each other.
HEARST You are the precious treasure of my heart. I’m in love with you Marion. Now what am I going to do about it?
Marion closes her eyes, overcome with emotion.
11.
MARION Marry me.
HEARST I can’t, you the reason. But there’s no one else in the world I’d rather be with than you.
They lay together curled up like teenagers on their sides, staring into each other’s eyes.
MARION You’re trying to lead this double life. But we’re not fooling anyone. Everyone can see how crazy we are about each other. Even if you never marry me, I’m loyal. I’m always, always gonna be on your side.
HEARST And I’ll always be on yours. I’ve inherited some land on the Central Coast from my mother. I used to camp there as a boy. I’m going to build a little bungalow overlooking the water. My wife and sons will vacation with me but when they’re not there, it could be ours.
She thinks about that.
MARION Sounds like a good time.
He grins.
HEARST Oh I guarantee you, it will be.
EXT. SAN SIMEON - DAY
A swathe of barren and rocky land overlooking unspoiled Pacific coastline, perched on verdant hills above San Simeon Bay -- a natural deep-water harbor.
With a full-brimmed Panama hat on, Hearst cradles a dachshund in his arms as he heads up an earthen pathway.
Daylight shadows reveal, a TINY FIGURE in horn-rimmed glasses, tie and a gray tweed tailored suit paired with a skirt awaiting him at the top of a worksite.
12.
HEARST Good afternoon, Miss Morgan.
This is architect JULIA MORGAN, late-40s,, a small, thin, self-effacing woman with a will of iron. No makeup. Hair up in a neat bun held by bone pins. She speaks in a sotto voice:
JULIA Mr. Hearst, a pleasure to see you.
HEARST Now that I’ve acquired all my mother’s paintings, sculptures and tapestries, I’ve realized I need a place to put them all.
JULIA So, you might want to build something bigger than a bungalow?
HEARST Yes, I think we should get a bit more ambitious with our plans.
She takes in their surroundings.
JULIA There’s certainly a lot of space here to expand your vision.
HEARST And you’re known for being fluent in many different styles?
JULIA I’d like to think so.
HEARST Good, good.
Off Hearst, looking out across the landscape like a panther ready to spring.
EXT. CAMP HILL - DAY
Hammers bang. The grinding sound of a concrete mixer. Tents and a mess hall dot the base of the hillside. LABORERS swarm the area; wood-carvers, carpenters and stone-casters. Trucks and horses deliver wagonloads of lumber.
Julia oversees the job site in wire rimmed glasses, men’s pants under a long skirt and a wide brimmed hat. Hearst joins her side, observes the construction progress.
13.
HEARST I’ve never seen a woman excel as you do in a man’s profession. Might as well call you John Morgan.
JULIA I don’t view what I do as being a man’s profession.
HEARST Miss Morgan you shall remain then. We’ve made some good progress.
JULIA It has evolved quite a bit from a little bungalow.
They take in the framing of two ornate towers atop a castle- like structure looming over the sunny hilltop above the fog.
HEARST I’m going to call it La Cuesta Encantada, the Enchanted Hill. It’ll be like a Maxfield Parrish painting come to life. How soon can it be finished?
JULIA There’s shortages of everything in San Simeon. We’ve had men walk off the job. Wages are good but we need better accommodations, if we want to avoid more turnover. Better food and sleeping tents that won’t leak when it rains too.
HEARST Give the workers whatever they need to keep them from revolting. But don’t get too carried away this isn’t the Fairmont hotel.
EXT. STUDIO LOT - DAY
Hollywood young and anarchic. Hearst walks with a trio of Cosmopolitan Executives.
HEARST I knew from the start the enormous potential motion pictures could have on society. (MORE)
14.
HEARST (CONT’D) Their power to move people and open up their minds to exciting new possibilities. We are selling dreams on that screen.
Hearst reaches for the sound stage door.
INT. STUDIO LOT - SOUND STAGE
Marion sits on a throne as Mary Tudor for a big budget spectacle unlike anything that’s ever been produced in this town. Hearst marches inside. His face twists into a scowl.
HEARST (raises his voice) I do not like what Marion is wearing. It looks cheap. Her productions must be first-rate in every aspect.
Italian-born director ROBERT G. VIGNOLA, 40s, mustached with slicked back black hair, yells from his chair.
VIGNOLA Cut!
QUICK POPS: Cosmopolitan Productions presents MARION DAVIES IN “WHEN KNIGHTHOOD WAS IN FLOWER” appears above on a MOVIE THEATER MARQUEE.
Hearst attends the premiere with Marion on his arm. They walk the red carpet through flashing camera lights.
EXT. CASA GRANDE - CENTRAL PLAZA - ARC SHOT
Julia Morgan stands at center directing contractors, workers and gardeners. CGI SEQUENCE: The property MORPHS around her over time to resemble the structure we know it to be.
INT. PASSENGER TRAIN - (TRAVELING) - NIGHT
Hearst plays solitaire. Bright colored suit on. GUESTS packed in a private car en route to San Simeon for the weekend. Among them are up-and-coming gossip columnist LOUELLA “LOLLY” PARSONS, 40s, and the unmistakable CHARLIE CHAPLIN, 30s.
MARION All aboard the Midnight Special!
15.
Marion pantomimes pulling a chain. Everyone cheers. Cut to Marion is careful Hearst doesn’t see her. She huddles with her FRIENDS, taking sips of gin from the bottle.
MARION (CONT’D) (lowers her voice) I’m a bad girl.
Later, Marion dances with friends in the aisles. She turns to meet Hearst’s inscrutable gaze from his seat. Marin shoots a goofy grin back at him. He has no reaction.
EXT. HEARST CASTLE - ESTABLISHING
A procession of cars pass a GATE GUARD driving up a winding fog-choked dirt road overlooking the ocean that leads into the Hilltop compound with its white limestone-covered bell towers lit up, like a twinkling city on the hill.
Guests exit the cars to behold the sight of America’s most extravagant dream house. ANGLE ON their excited faces.
INT. CASA GRANDE - NIGHT
SERVANTS show starry guests to their rooms. Bags in hand, ready to experience the magic of the Ranch for themselves.
EXT. CASA GRANDE - FRONT COURTYARD
Marion dips a foot in the moonlit fountain.
MARION What are you waiting for Chaplin?!
Charlie Chaplin skips over to her.
CHAPLIN I really shouldn’t.
MARION I insist, you really should!
She reaches out her hand. He takes it, steps into the water with her. Chaplin calls out over his shoulder --
CHAPLIN Come on, we can’t be the only ones!
16.
The icons are soon joined by Japanese-born actor and international sex symbol SESSUE HAYAKAWA and the lively MADAME SUL-TE-WAN, a prolific actress whose schtick is having a “mysterious air” to her (but she’s actually from Kentucky).
They dance the Charleston. Water splashing at their feet. Reverse to reveal, Hearst gazes down from a window above -- keeping a close on Marion.
EXT. SAN SIMEON, CALIFORNIA - ESTABLISHING
A small coastal town overlooking the bay; founded by whalers. Now a company town occupied by Hearst employees.
STAFF RESIDENCES are housed at an estate village near San Simeon Bay where Hilltop workers and their families reside. Julia Morgan-designed mission-style bungalows along the 450- square miles of pristine coastline Hearst owns.
EXT. ROOSEVELT HIGHWAY
TRACK a PICKUP TRUCK along a curving road. A thriving town with small shops ahead but the land is mostly untouched.
EXT. SAN SIMEON ROAD
The Pickup pulls in front of Sebastian’s General Store. A handsome young migrant worker, ZAIN CARTLETT, 20s, awaits on a bench. Holds a rough-hewn leather bag in his hands.
STILLY You my new recruit?
The driver EZIAS “STILLY” STILLWELL, 20s, gets out of the truck. Work shirt and jeans. Good-natured, rakish charm.
ZAIN Believe so, name’s Zain Cartlett.
Zain stands. Stilly cracks a smile.
STILLY Folks call me Stilly. You can too.
ZAIN Thanks for having me onboard.
STILLY Tom said you’re reliable. Like me you’ll be wearin’ many hats at the Ranch. (MORE)
17.
STILLY (CONT’D) Night watchman, cattle transporter, footman. Won’t be any time to get bored. So now that that’s all out of the way, welcome to San Simeon.
Stilly opens up his arms to their surroundings.
INT. PICKUP TRUCK - CONTINUOUS
Stilly gets behind the wheel and starts up the engine.
STILLY Might as well call it Hearstville. ‘Cause this town is a William Randolph Hearst operation. And we’re the engine keepin’ it moving.
INT./EXT. PICKUP TRUCK - CASTLE GROUNDS
Stilly drives onto a road leading up from State Highway 1. NEW POV: a winding ascent up a hillside surrounded by fenced pastures. PAN UP at a TURRETED CASTLE on the horizon.
ZAIN Never seen anything like it.
STILLY Hearst Castle will surpass anything you’ve ever laid eyes on. But it’s The Ranch. The Chief doesn’t like people callin’ it a castle.
ZAIN The Chief?
STILLY Our nickname for W.R. Make no mistake, man’s the genuine article.
RACK FOCUS on horses cantering over rolling hills, which on second glance look very much like --
ZAIN (stunned) Zebras...
Stilly follows his sight lines. A knowing smile streaks across his face, “Gets em’ every time.”
STILLY Uh, huh. The Chief likes his guests to feel “transported.”
18.
Stilly steers around a bumpy bend on the winding road to the castle. The ZEBRA HERD skitters past in a blur of stripes.
STILLY (CONT’D) Largest private zoo in the country.
They pass a sign; Animals Have Right of Way. An assortment of grazing buffalo, free roaming elephants, necking giraffes and a flock of ostriches zip by.
EXT. HEARST CASTLE - ESTABLISHING
The ENCHANTED HILL wreathed in mist at the highest prominence. A magnificent twin-towered Spanish Revival mansion. Three GUEST COTTAGES, tennis courts and a WHITE- MARBLE POOL on 127 pristine acres overlooking the Pacific.
INT. CASA GRANDE - UPSTAIRS STAFF QUARTERS
FEMALE STAFF trickling out from bedrooms upstairs above the kitchen. MRS. DOYLE, the stern head of household, directs:
MRS. DOYLE Everyone must be up and ready to go. We’re gathering in the Refectory to discuss the day ahead.
INT. CASA GRANDE - SOUTH WING
HOUSEHOLD SERVANTS, BUTLERS and MAIDS begin the daunting task of keeping this grand spectacle of fortune in order.
INT. CASA GRANDE - KITCHEN
A large hotel-style kitchen. STAFF OF CHEFS prepare breakfast; warming a food spread across a pantry table, firing up stock pots and pressure cookers.
Mrs. Doyle marches through the doors. Checklist in hand. Hair up in a tight bun. Eyes calculating each second of her day.
EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY
Julia Morgan steps off a train and onto a platform. Briefcase in hand, Queen Mary-style dark hat on. A well-scrubbed DRIVER awaits by a Buick Touring Car.
DRIVER Good to see you again, Miss Morgan.
19.
He tips his hat. She grants him a polite smile.
JULIA My work here is clearly never done.
INT. BUICK TOURING CAR - MOVING
The Driver steers over a stretch of washboard roads, slipping onto State Highway 1. Bumps jostle Julia in the backseat.
DRIVER Every weekend here again from San Francisco. It’s remarkable what you’ve built on top of that hill.
He glances back at her in the rearview mirror.
DRIVER (CONT’D) My daughter couldn’t believe it when I told her about you. What would ya say to a young girl curious about what you do?
She considers the question, meets his stare in the mirror.
JULIA Buildings are like puzzles to me. Figuring out how everything fits together. Each one tells its own story. And I have a feeling this one will have some interesting tales to be told one day...
A careful smile appears on her face.
INT. CASA GRANDE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY
Hearst exits his grand bedroom in a silk robe. He sees the door to Marion’s room across the hall from his is ajar.
INT. CASA GRANDE - UPSTAIRS SUITE
Curtains drawn. Hearst peeks his head inside. Marion lies sprawled on the bed, sleeping off her hangover. He gently closes the door. The Colonel appears from down the hall. Hearst approaches him.
HEARST (voice low) Have you seen Chaplin around?
20.
THE COLONEL I haven’t, sir.
HEARST Keep an eye on him for me.
THE COLONEL I always do.
They exchange a knowing glance.
EXT. CASA GRANDE - PLAZA
Julia walks an esplanade across landscaped gardens, up a balustrade staircase like the Spanish Steps of Rome.
INT. CASA GRANDE - MAIN HOUSE
Julia enters through iron work entrance doors, moving into the heart of San Simeon’s crown jewel. 165 rooms filled with priceless antiques and art.
YOUNG WOMAN’S VOICE Miss Morgan?
HAZEL HOBSON, 20s, enter the hallway from another room. Wears a trim suit and a polite smile, not unlike Julia.
JULIA Yes?
HAZEL I’m Hazel Hobson. I was in your sorority at Berkley.
They shake hands. Julia is unaccustomed to being recognized outside of her professional circle.
JULIA Certainly not at the same time.
HAZEL A few years later. I was lucky enough to live in the sorority house you designed.
JULIA Glad you enjoyed it.
HAZEL A magnificent building but not on as grand a scale as this one.
21.
JULIA Mr. Hearst’s does favor grandeur. What’s brought you to the Ranch?
HAZEL I work with Robert Vignola. He’s a contract director with Cosmopolitan Productions. Makes all the best Marion Davies films.
JULIA I don’t see many movies. What is it that you do for him?
HAZEL I’m his assistant. But trying to be a filmmaker myself. It’s not easy though, being one of the girls.
JULIA I know a thing or two about that.
They share a subtle smile. Unspoken code.
HAZEL I was told you’d be here this weekend. It’s incredible what you’ve done. So many luxurious rooms. Like California’s own Palace of Versailles on the Pacific.
Her eyes swimming around at all the objets d’ art. The effect isn’t lost on Julia.
JULIA A hundred and fifteen rooms in all, for now. Mr. Hearst’s vision is ever expanding.
HAZEL (surprised) You mean the Ranch isn’t finished?
JULIA As long as he keeps the telegrams coming, so do I. Should be on my way though, there’s an indoor Roman plunge pool that needs to be built.
Julia starts to go. Hazel thinks quickly.
HAZEL Would be great for more people to know about you.
22.
Julia pauses. She glances back.
JULIA I don’t much care for publicity.
She heads out. Off Hazel, wanting to know more about her.
INT. CASA GRANDE - THE REFECTORY
Hilltop employees assemble together in this 27 foot high- ceilinged medieval-style dining hall decorated in Flemish tapestries and bright silk banners. Mrs. Doyle stands at the head of a long table next to a stone fireplace.
MRS. DOYLE Forty guests have joined Mr. Hearst and Miss Davies for the weekend. Many are first-time visitors to the Ranch. Costumes and makeup have been flown up from Hollywood to enhance their experience. Every expectation needs to be exceeded.
INT. CASA DEL MAR - GUEST HOUSE
Ornately furnished. Venetian paintings. A cheval glass mirror reveals two wiggling bodies underneath a tangle of bed sheets in a cloistered bedroom. SAM ROSEN, 30s, is on top of a woman. Tousled hair, upbeat and excitable. A Cosmopolitan Productions junior executive and screenwriter.
SAM I’d say our first day at the Ranch is off to a swingin’ start.
He smiles down at CELINE ENRIGHT, 20s, underneath him. A well- off East Coast socialite and former ballet dancer.
CELINE She’ll hear us.
SAM Oh, please! You were the one screamin’ all night like a banshee!
Celine laughs, reaches over and smacks him with a pillow.
CELINE Don’t you dare!
He grins.
23.
SAM I can’t help myself, you’re hot as a pistol.
INT. CASA DEL MAR - GUEST HOUSE
Sunlight illuminates an adjacent bedroom - grazes over ANNA BUCKLEY, 20s, in repose, staring up at the intricate ceiling. A fresh-faced ingénue working as a part-time assistant to Marion Davies, while trying to make it as an actress herself. She cracks a smile, slips out of bed and drapes a long silk robe over herself, goes over and opens the second-story balcony overlooking:
EXT. CENTRAL PLAZA - ESPLANADE - REVERSE ANGLE
Which unfolds from Casa Granda like a grand Mediterranean villa fringed by palm trees and stone vases on pedestals. Stilly and Zain emerge on a walkway. Anna takes in the view.
STILLY There’s always a boldface name visiting the Ranch. Actress Marion Davies herself has become the grand hostess of San Simeon now that Hearst’s wife never makes it out here anymore. Might run into the likes of Amelia Earhart, Gloria Swanson, Douglas Fairbanks, even Harpo Marx himself. You a Marx fan?
ZAIN I haven’t seen many pictures.
STILLY Not everyone loves the movies like I do.
Stilly slyly puts his hand on Zain’s chest to hold him back. Zain follows his gaze ahead at Anna on the second story cast- stone balustrade, taking in the spectacular view.
ZAIN Who is she?
STILLY Anna Buckley, starting working as Marion’s assistant and now she’s going to be an actress herself. Screenland Magazine called her one to watch.
24.
She sees them, smiles from her perch.
ZAIN Wouldn’t argue with that.
STILLY C’mon. She saw us. No gawkin’.
Stilly ushers Zain up a staircase lined with lamp posts.
STILLY (CONT’D) See, first the Chief conquered all the newspapers in the country, now he’s taking over the land of magic and dreams.
EXT. CASA DEL MAR - BALCONY
Anna watches Stilly and Zain set off for Casa Grande.
SAM (O.S.) How ya gettin’ on, dear?
Sam steps out onto the balcony connecting their rooms.
ANNA Not having nearly as much fun as you and Celine.
He runs his hand through his hair, chuckles.
SAM We’re a bunch of troublemakers.
ANNA Look at this place though, it’s like a fairy tale castle.
SAM Oh trust me, the fun’s only just begun. Rumor has it now that Millicent has moved out, Hearst is going to be making San Simeon his new base of operations.
CELINE I don’t blame him. I’m never living on the East Coast again.
INT. HEARST CASTLE - JULIA’S OFFICE
Julia enters, surprised to find Hearst waiting by her desk.
25.
HEARST Welcome back, Miss Morgan.
JULIA Mr. Hearst, I thought you’d be busy all weekend with your guests.
HEARST I plan on taking some cowboy actors on a trail ride to see what they’re really made of out there. But I made some notes and adjustments I’d like to discuss when I return.
He sets down pages of notes clipped together.
JULIA I’ll look them over but we’re still working on the new additions we talked about in our last meeting.
HEARST We’ll get to all of it. Sit next to me at dinner. I acquired some new antiques at auction that we’ll have to find a place for.
JULIA We’ve yet to find space for the dozens upon dozens already stored away at the warehouses we had built for them by the wharf.
HEARST Tell the Great Houses of Europe to stop selling off all their wonderful things then.
Julia knows there’s no use.
JULIA I’ll see you at dinner.
HEARST ‘Til then.
He tips his hat and leaves.
EXT. CASA GRANDE - DAY
WITH STILLY & ZAIN pushing through tall cathedral doors, into the ornate foyer that opens up to a maze of gilded rooms.
26.
STILLY They say this is the way God would do it if he had the money. There’s no limit to Hearst’s bankroll.
Stilly puts his hands on his hips, lets the awe settle in.
MRS. DOYLE (O.S.) Stillwell, who’s this?
Mrs. Doyle draws upon them from down the hallway.
STILLY Zain Cartlett, our new hire. Zain, this is Mrs. Doyle, the Hilltop’s head of household staff.
MRS. DOYLE You’re to run all hires by me.
STILLY Take it up with Pancho. He tasked me with putting together a team of extra hands for the season.
MRS. DOYLE Oh, I intend to. Mr. Hearst and Miss Davies just rode up on the Midnight Special from Los Angeles. I don’t need interlopers about.
STILLY Zain comes highly-recommended.
MRS. DOYLE Well, there’s no shortage of work to be done. But if anything happens with him, it’s on you.
Mrs. Doyle stalks off and exits into the Plaza.
STILLY A strong backbone will do you good in the South Wing.
EXT. SAN SIMEON POINT - DAY
Crashing surf creams the coast under rugged cliffs. A thousand-foot wooden wharf stretches over this natural deep water harbor.
27.
Ranch Caretaker FRANCISCO “DON PANCHO” ESTRADA, 50, Mexican- Californian, the patriarch of the local Estrada family and Hearst’s lifelong friend, emerges through a grove of majestic pines horseback on a silver-mounted saddle, trotting his regal black stallion onto the shoreline.
Pancho’s son, JAKE ESTRADA, 20s, rides a short distance behind him. Tall, broad-shouldered and movie star handsome. Blue jeans, boots and flat hats on.
PANCHO Can’t keep up?
Pancho gallops ahead, looks back with a smile.
JAKE Roundup lasted a few days too many. This horse is played out.
PANCHO Sure it’s just the horse?
Riding along a short distance behind them is Hearst encouraging a trio of exhausted COWBOY ACTORS on horseback.
HEARST Come on prissies! You’re all macho on the big screen but if you can’t keep up I’ll have one of my newspaper writers do an exposé on the lack of authenticity from Hollywood’s biggest cowboy stars.
Hearst smiles sardonically. The Cowboy Actors pick up their pace. Jake trots his horse up next to his father.
JAKE I can’t forget about what happened down here.
Pancho feels for his son.
PANCHO (compassionate) Sometimes it’s best not to look back, Jake.
EXT. SAN SIMEON POINT - (FLASHBACK)
A glowing red sun rising. Buzzards hover overhead. Jake rides towards a GROUP OF CHINESE SEAWEED FARMERS on a Panga boat floating in a rocky cove. He gets down from his horse.
28.
A gray-faced EDDIE WU, 30s, third generation Chinese-American from a local family of seaweed harvesters and a vet on staff at the Ranch, approaches him.
EDDIE They found her Jake...
Jake gets a glimpse of a BODY draped in curtains of brown seaweed. Off Jake, a stunned look on his face.
EXT. CASA GRANDE - PLAZA - DAY
Mrs. Doyle descends a grand balustraded staircase to meet Anna, Sam and Celine gathered at the central fountain.
MRS. DOYLE Mr. Rosen, I presume?
SAM Yes, you must be Mrs. Doyle. This is actress Anna Buckley and my girlfriend Celine Enright --
MRS. DOYLE Welcome to the Ranch.
Mrs. Doyle guides them onward.
MRS. DOYLE (CONT’D) I keep house for Hearst. And I’m responsible for directing our domestics. Who are here to make sure you have everything you need.
Celine takes Sam’s arm.
CELINE It’s quite an impressive operation.
MRS. DOYLE Guests can do what they want. But we ask that you not pick flowers or fruit around the Main House.
CELINE It’s like the Garden of Eden.
MRS. DOYLE Cocktail hour is at six. Dinner is announced at nine. Served when Mr. Hearst and Miss Davies are seated.
29.
CELINE Is the rumor true the Chief only allows two drinks per night?
MRS. DOYLE That’s correct.
Sam gives Celine a conspiratorial smile, lowers his voice.
SAM We can play fast and loose with that one.
MRS. DOYLE If there’s anything else you need, you can find me in the South Wing.
Mrs. Doyle moves on.
SAM I say we hit the pool first.
Celine makes a lemon face, imitates Mrs. Doyle’s voice.
CELINE (haughty) I wonder what the rule is on topless sun bathing?
Hazel heads down the steps. She sees them and goes over.
HAZEL How’s everyone getting on?
Celine throws her arms around Hazel.
CELINE Cousin! I was wondering when you’d show your face.
HAZEL Been prepping with Mr. Vignola.
They walk and talk.
SAM The Chief’s passion project is finally coming together with scenes to be filmed right here on the grounds of the Ranch.
Celine flutters her hands in the air.
30.
CELINE The Rolling Hills: An Epic Romance by the Sea.
HAZEL You’ll never guess who I met.
CELINE (hopeful) Rudolph Valentino?
HAZEL No, Julia Morgan.
CELINE Who in the world is she?
HAZEL Mr. Hearst’s architect.
CELINE (surprised) His architect is a she?
HAZEL A very accomplished one but no one knows about her.
CELINE Sounds like the plot of a movie you could direct one day, Hazel. “The castle-building woman architect no one knows about.”
HAZEL Audiences do like inspiring real life stories.
SAM Enough shop talk. This isn’t a pitch meeting. Let’s enjoy ourselves, we finally made it to Hearst’s Ranch. The invitation all of Hollywood vies for.
EXT. THE HACIENDA - (HEARST RANCH) - ESTABLISHING
A white-washed Mission Revival-style ranch bunk house with a Moorish dome. WIDEN OUT to reveal herds of free-range Jersey cattle and buffalo returning from a drive.
31.
RANCH HANDS pile big stacks of grain. They feed horses and water them down. The camaraderie between these cowboys and vaqueros is the lifeblood of the Ranch.
The Pickup Truck rumbles through a wooden gate and pulls into a car port positioned outside the Ranch Office Building. Stilly and Zain step out --
STILLY Time to meet Majordomo.
ZAIN Mr. Hearst?
STILLY No, Don Pancho Estrada. The only man you’ll ever hear call Hearst -- “Willie.” W.R.’s father was a Forty- Niner, when he struck it big in the mines, he came down here and bought all the ranchos. The Estrada’s were one of the families that sold. But there’s no bad blood between em’.
EXT. HACIENDA COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS
Stilly and Zain head into a sun-filled Old California style courtyard lined by rows of palm trees.
STILLY Pancho’s the closest thing to a father I’ve had since my old man left.
Pancho steps out of the Ranch Office.
PANCHO Stilly, where ya been?
STILLY Bringing Zain into the fold. He’s gonna help around the Hilltop but can do double-duty down here.
Pancho checks him over.
PANCHO (to Zain) Got good roping skills?
ZAIN Haven’t done much herding but I’m a quick learner.
32.
PANCHO I can work with that.
Jake follows out. A glance at Stilly, ready to throttle him.
JAKE We need to talk. Alone.
STILLY Good to see you too, Jake.
INT. THE HACIENDA - RANCH OFFICE
Pancho enters his office, closes the door. Stilly and Jake join him where he presides over all manner of ranch life.
JAKE This place fell behind. We left the Ranch in your hands.
Jake stands against the wall. A cold stare.
STILLY We’ve been understaffed for months.
JAKE We always make it work. No matter what the circumstances.
Pancho shakes his head, amused.
PANCHO You two are like a couple of bickering niñas. Know that?
STILLY Zain’s gonna be a good addition to the team. We need him.
JAKE Everyone has to check out before they step foot on this ranch.
STILLY I been trying to keep this place together while you were on roundup.
JAKE Knew you couldn’t handle it.
PANCHO That’s enough.
33.
JAKE Stilly needs to be reminded he’s not one of Hearst’s rich layabouts this place caters to.
Jake leaves.
STILLY Well, that went well.
Pancho looks over at Stilly.
PANCHO Where’s Natalie?
STILLY Been making herself scarce lately.
Off Pancho, concerned.
EXT. NEPTUNE POOL - ESTABLISHING
Splash -- a body sinks down into vividly blue water. Swims back up to the surface, revealing a breathtaking outdoor pool surrounded by ROMAN COLONNADES and GREEK STATUES. Reveal: Anna swimming over to Sam and Celine by the stone steps.
ANNA Why am I the only one in this glorious pool?
Celine dips her sunglasses, flipping through magazines.
CELINE I got wrapped up in all the complimentary magazines. Good Housekeeping, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, House Beautiful. Hearst owns all my favorite glossies.
SAM And I’m up to my ears in notes. The Chief is gonna shut down the money supply on the whole film if he’s not satisfied with this script.
Celine slinks over Sam’s shoulder, massages his back.
CELINE Why not relax a little?
34.
ANNA You do look a bit hot around the collar. Should cool off.
Anna gets out of the water, shoots Celine a look. Together, they grab Sam’s arms, dragging him to the edge of the pool.
SAM No! No!
They laugh and pull Sam into the water with them.
INT. CASA GRANDE - PRIVATE GOTHIC STUDY
Arched ceiling. Vaults stocked with books. Hearst stands at a Gothic window overlooking his quarter-million-acre ranch.
VIGNOLA We still need to cast a male co- star for the film. But you’ve rejected all my ideas.
Robert Vignola sits at a table with stacks of script notes.
HEARST I’m particular about who Marion shares the screen with.
VIGNOLA Don’t I know it. Doesn’t change the fact that we need to book someone and someone soon.
Hearst contemplates.
HEARST He should be an older actor. Not too old. Preferably middle-aged.
VIGNOLA Why not a heart throb? Someone to put more butts in those seats.
HEARST Marion has a wandering eye.
Vignola thinks.
VIGNOLA I have a few names in mind who you wouldn’t have to worry about.
Hearst crosses his arms, skeptical.
35.
HEARST How can you be sure?
VIGNOLA There are some handsome young actors whose appetites Marion wouldn’t exactly satisfy.
Hearst catches his drift.
HEARST Smart. As long as they can present themselves in a traditional manner, I’d prefer she perform with that type of actor. I always want Marion in noble parts and for her to be seen as a proper woman.
VIGNOLA Why not just let her be herself?
HEARST The nature of our relationship, though loving, is unconventional. It’s my fault people may see her as a fallen woman. I’ve robbed her of her virtue, Robert. Therefore, I am under an obligation to protect her.
VIGNOLA I think you may underestimate her.
Hearst narrows his eyes at the director.
HEARST Your only concern should be helping me make Marion Davies become the biggest movie star in the world.
VIGNOLA It’s what I want too. She’s the best hearted women in the world.
HEARST Let’s get this movie made then.
Hearst exits the room.
EXT. HILLTOP - DAY
Rustic barracks down the south side of the hill are where construction workers, gardeners and male servants reside.
36.
EXT. BUNKHOUSE - MEN’S DORMITORY
Stilly leads Zain down a long corridor of cloistered bedrooms. He stops at a door and opens it.
STILLY This is where you’ll be staying. Bunkhouses are a lot more rustic than the women’s staff quarters in the Main House...
INT. BUNKHOUSE ROOM
Spartan-like yet cozy. Patchwork blanket over the bed next to wooden drawers and a mini-coke fridge. Zain looks around.
ZAIN Nicer than anything I’m used to. This place is more like some mythical kingdom than a ranch.
He puts his duffel bag on the bed.
STILLY It’s the Hearstian way. He likes everything first rate. I’ll letcha get settled. Be back in a bit.
ZAIN Thanks, Stilly. For everything.
Stilly nods.
STILLY You’re gonna do well here.
Stilly leaves. Zain steps forward, looking out upon the ranch. As if he could find a place in this world.
INT. CASA GRANDE - UPSTAIRS SUITE
Marion sips hot coffee in an armchair at a small wooden table across from close confidante Madame Sul-Te-Wan.
MARION How do you like the Ranch so far?
MADAME SUL-TE-WAN Must be the most luxurious home California has ever seen.
37.
MARION I don’t doubt it. Lot of pressure though.
The Madame gives her a look.
MADAME SUL-TE-WAN How so?
MARION Now that Millicent and W.R. have their agreement she’ll remain in New York, I’ve become chatelaine of San Simeon.
MADAME SUL-TE-WAN Why would you doubt yourself? You could charm a pearl out of an oyster if you wanted to.
MARION Maybe with the Movie Colony but W.R. rubs shoulders with dignitaries, world leaders, royalty, bon vivants, and who knows what else.
The Madame leans back in her chair with a smile.
MADAME SUL-TE-WAN You got this. Hearst built it but you’ll make this home legendary.
They share a smile, anticipating what future awaits.
INT. CAMOZZI’S BAR - CAMBRIA
Mrs. Doyle slips inside this card parlor and pool hall. She sits down next to PATRICK AGANS, 40s, slumped on a bar stool. A pock-marked face and hot-tempered blowhard.
PATRICK Look at this place. Hordes of Mongolian labor taking our jobs!
Patrick gulps his drink. The Bartender shoots him a look.
BARTENDER These are my customers.
Eddie glares from the other side of the bar sipping a beer.
38.
EDDIE Time you cut this guy off, Ralph.
PATRICK Who the hell asked you?!
A hand touches his shoulder.
MRS. DOYLE Easy now. Eddie’s harmless.
PATRICK You know that clown?
MRS. DOYLE I know everyone from Cambria to San Simeon. Been here all my life.
PATRICK Guess that’s why I was told you could be of help to me.
MRS. DOYLE I’ll do more than help. But first buy me a drink.
Patrick polishes off his whiskey, signals the Bartender.
EXT. PACIFIC SCHOOL - LATER
A one-room school house perched on a mesa where the children of ranch employees attend.
NATALIE ESTRADA, 20, Jake’s wildly beautiful younger sister, exits through the front doors. She’s a child of nature with a fierce independent streak. Raven-haired. Bright eyes.
STILLY Can we talk?
Natalie sees Stilly standing by his truck.
STILLY (CONT’D) You haven’t been yourself lately, I just want to make sure you’re okay.
NATALIE Don’t need you to look out for me. I get enough of that from Jake.
39.
STILLY Things happened but we’re a family. Your Dad’s birthday celebration is tonight. Be good to be together.
Natalie exhales.
NATALIE Can’t you just forget about me?
STILLY That’d be impossible. Want a ride?
Natalie shrugs.
NATALIE Sure. It’s a long walk.
She gets into the truck. Stilly smiles, drives off.
EXT. TENNIS COURTS - DAY
Racquets in hands, Sam and Celine hit a ball back and forth. Celine takes a hard swing. Grunts. Sam swings but misses.
SAM Well played.
A thought strikes her mind --
CELINE What about Millicent Hearst? Doesn’t his wife object to Marion being the grand doyenne here?
SAM It’s a scandalous to be sure. But Mr. Hearst won’t divorce his wife.
CELINE I wouldn’t stand for it. Unless I could keep a paramour of my own.
She smiles suggestively.
SAM Not everyone’s a modern woman.
CELINE Oh come on, Millicent was a vaudeville girl just like Marion. Not some First Four Hundred type.
40.
SAM Like your family?
Celine scoffs.
CELINE I’m nothing like my family.
SWISH PAN to Marion calls out to them.
MARION You two are always working up a sweat together! Change out of those clothes and get ready for some fun!
EXT. HEARST ZOO - DAY
A private menagerie. Known as Animal Hill. Carnivore pens with lions, tigers and bears. A monkey house for chimpanzees and orangutans. Bird cages packed with macaws.
MARION This place is like being on one big merry-go-round isn’t it?
Everyone follows alongside Marion.
CHAPLIN There’s no place else like it.
MARION We got leopards, jaguars, chimpanzees. Even a kinkajou.
They pass the monkey house. An ORANGUTAN throws a banana peel and hits Sam in the face. Celine laughs, horrified.
CELINE Sam!
Sam wipes a smudge from his face, looks back at the orangutan grunting noisily with a crooked smile.
SAM He’s a real personality plus.
MARION That’s just Big Charlie actin’ up. Tell him to go pound sand!
Everyone laughs.
41.
INT. CASA GRANDE - ASSEMBLY ROOM - MATCH CUT
More laughter. The room is filled with a COTERIE OF GUESTS. The Chief’s inner circle of Hollywood elites, senators, foreign potentates and editorial staff from Hearst papers.
An enclosed world built around the New California aristocracy. STEADICAM through luminaries from the upper echelons of journalism, literature, politics and Hollywood.
SAM It’s like a who’s who of everyone who’s anyone.
Sam and Celine lounge on a cushy couch with drinks in their hands. Anna sits in a chair nearby. White-gloves, floral dress on. Hair perfectly in place. Marion moves about the room with Hearst. She wears a bejeweled dress.
MARION H’lo, my dears.
She waves at various guests. Hearst raises a glass, a complex man of many parts who longs to be liked and loved.
HEARST Cocktail hour has begun.
Marion folds her hands in prayer, looks up at the ceiling.
MARION Thank God.
Cut to Marion doing impressions. Girlish voice, looking around shyly.
MARION (CONT’D) Hello, my name is little Ma-a-ry Pickford. I’m just a bowl of sunshine. Saffron-sweet they say I am. But please don’t eat me up.
She wags her finger in the air. Makes a scared face. Chaplin, Sessue and Madame Sul-Te-Wan laugh uproariously.
HEARST I can always count on Marion to bring her signature brand of fun and merriment to the Ranch.
Vignola and Hazel take note.
42.
VIGNOLA (to Hazel, on the sly) She should be doing comedies. But Hearst makes it all about these damsel roles.
Julia steps inside. Stylish cape on. Hearst heads to her. He towers over her, places his hand on her back.
HEARST I want to brainstorm at dinner. I have new ideas for the plunge pool.
JULIA I have my pen and paper.
Celine pops her chin on Hazel’s shoulder, whispers --
CELINE (off Julia) She looks like a nobody.
HAZEL That may be the point.
EXT. HEARST RANCH - BURNETT CREEK
Jake emerges on horseback through a stretch of coastal prairie along a creek bed. Ahead, Patrick is trying to cut barbed wired fence with a pocket-knife.
Jake picks up speed, draws a gun out from his holster. He fires a shot at a wall of manzanita. Patrick puts his hands up in the air. Their eyes meet.
PATRICK Don’t want no trouble, amigo. There’s a young man here my boss is none too happy with.
JAKE I don’t involve myself in the business of our guests.
PATRICK He ain’t a guest. You don’t want to cross Jack Dragna.
INT. CASA GRANDE - KITCHEN
A large hotel-style kitchen. CHEFS fire up stock pots and pressure cookers; warming food spread across a pantry table.
43.
INT. CASA GRANDE - THE REFECTORY
A long banquet table studded with paper napkins, bottles of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Celine is stupefied by the table setting as everyone takes their pre-assigned seating. She picks a paper napkin off the table, looks at it.
VIGNOLA Hearst likes to keep things casual.
HEARST How’s the script comin’, Sam?
SAM Gonna be Marion’s best yet.
Marion makes a goo-goo face.
MARION Oh goody!
HEARST Just keep it clean.
STAFF enters. Stainless steel domed plate covers on trays.
EXT. THE HACIENDA - COURTYARD
Natalie walks in. Pancho is having a drink and smoking a joint at a small patio table by a fire pit.
NATALIE Happy belated birthday, Pancho.
PANCHO Gracias. It’s good to be home.
They embrace.
NATALIE I’ve been meaning to tell you, I want to work on the Hilltop.
The disclosure takes Pancho by surprise.
PANCHO But you’re happy here.
NATALIE I’m ready for something different. Women staff members live in the South Wing. I could too. There’s so much excitement up there. (MORE)
44.
NATALIE (CONT’D) I heard George Bernard Shaw even visits sometimes. I might meet authors like him who could give me advice on becoming a novelist one day, write an epic California romance like Ramona.
PANCHO Your mother loved that book.
NATALIE She read it to me three times.
PANCHO I can make a call to Willie. You hungry? I made tamales.
A smile forms on her face.
NATALIE I’m starving.
INT. PRIVATE THEATER - NIGHT
A MOVIE plays on the big screen. GUESTS sit up front filling their mouths with popcorn. Marion winks at Charlie Chaplin. Hearst sees her. She coyly slips out of the theater. Hearst exchanges a nod with the Colonel.
INT. CASA GRANDE - PRIVATE BATHROOM
Marion puts her finger to her lips with Chaplin, Celine and others gathered in the bathroom. She opens up the toilet tank and takes out a bottle of gin, pours everyone a drink.
INT. CASA GRANDE - DOWNSTAIRS HALLWAY
The Colonel keeps an eye on the glow of light emanating from beneath the closed bathroom door. He picks up a phone been hidden in an alcove. Speaks into the receiver.
EXT. CASA GRANDE - MAIN TERRACE
Upbeat music plays. CAMERA GLIDES across the Main Terrace lit by brightly colored Japanese lanterns.
NEW ANGLE: from the upper cupola overlooking the Santa Lucia hills and sea. Stilly and Zain observe the glittery crowd.
45.
STILLY Hearst throws the most extravagant parties the Movie Colony has ever seen. Always thought the East Coast blue bloods were too stodgy for his taste. Now they want to come here to be seen with the Golden People.
ZAIN And what does that make us?
Stilly cracks a smile.
STILLY We’re the Plain People.
They observe the Press Lord presiding over his court of guests like a Roman Emperor.
HEARST I hope you’re enjoying yourselves at the Ranch. Our papers are fighting the good fight and our pictures continue to capture the audience’s collective hearts. I’d like to recognize someone that made my dream here a reality.
Julia tenses amidst the guests.
HEARST (CONT’D) My architect Julia Morgan.
Hearst regards Julia. She smiles and nods, taken by surprise. Everyone applauds the diminutive woman in spectacles.
MARION And as always, we love to celebrate with all you great-looking people. Millions of thanks for being you.
Marion nearly loses her balance, a little tipsy.
MARION (CONT’D) Now let us all behold the boneless girl from Marrakech!
She motions towards a FEMALE CONTORTIONIST. Guests applaud, dazzled at an array of VAUDEVILLE ACTS; a FIRE BREATHER, a SWORD SWALLOWER and AERIALISTS.
46.
EXT. CASA GRANDE - VERANDA
Zain follows Stilly over to a quiet veranda, while helping move some chairs.
STILLY I thought that sword swallower was gonna cut his own head off.
ZAIN That would’ve made the papers.
ANNA Not likely. W.R. would have the story scrubbed from existence.
They see Anna by the balustrade, taking in the glittering moonlit ocean in the distance.
STILLY Sorry Miss Buckley, didn’t mean to disturb you.
ANNA You’re fine.
STILLY Enjoying the party?
ANNA I don’t really fit in with the film colony folks.
STILLY I know about another party. Crowd’s a bit different.
Off Anna, an intriguing proposal.
EXT. CASA GRANDE - MAIN TERRACE
Hazel makes her way over to Robert Vignola. He regards Julia across the way, taking in all the starry guests.
VIGNOLA Think Julia Morgan’s in the club? Look at those suits. Kind of queer.
HAZEL She dresses that way because of her profession. Most women are given a choice in life. It’s either a career or a family. (MORE)
47.
HAZEL (CONT’D) Whether she’s in the club or not, one thing is for sure, Julia is the most important American architect hardly anyone knows about.
VIGNOLA Speaking of certain memberships, seems you’ve caught someone’s eye.
Hazel realizes a FEMALE AERIALIST among the performers is looking her way. A coy smile between them.
We STAY WITH Vignola moving through the party. Louella Parsons makes her way into his orbit. She observes Hearst ushering a tipsy Marion inside Casa Grande.
LOUELLA Marion Davies and Mr. Hearst have become the most famous unmarried couple in America. Haven’t they?
Vignola follows her sight lines.
VIGNOLA If it wasn’t for Fairbanks and Pickford, they’d been the King and Queen of Hollywood.
LOUELLA She has this power over him I’ve never seen before.
VIGNOLA Yet he sees her as his possession. One that must be guarded.
LOUELLA I think she may be playing a game of her own.
INT. CASA GRANDE - GOTHIC STUDY
Marion curls up on a sofa by the bookcases. Hearst sits down next to her. She puts up her finger.
MARION I just need a breather then I’ll get back out there, Pops.
HEARST Think it’s time to call it a night.
Marion makes a frown face.
48.
MARION I haven’t had more than two drinks. So, you can’t be mad.
Not that Hearst believes her.
HEARST I’m not, Marion. I’m desperately in love with you. Look at this world we’ve created. I just don’t want it to ever be destroyed.
MARION Then marry me. You’re separated from Millicent already. Make you and me official.
A crooked grin appears on her face.
HEARST I’ve decided to stay in San Simeon year round. And I want to make you president at Cosmopolitan Pictures.
Marion sits up, floored by the news.
MARION Mean it?
HEARST I do. You’re the reason for the company’s success. You should have a say in what movies we make.
MARION Then Pickford better watch her back because we’ll have the best movies in town.
HEARST You’ll get a big share of the profits and your own money too.
She gives him a kiss on the cheek.
MARION There’s nobody else in the world like you, W.R. There really isn’t.
Hearst gets a feeling. He turns his attention to the doorway.
49.
INT. CASA GRANDE - CORRIDOR
Hearst steps out of his Gothic Study. He sees Louella Parsons stealthily rounding a corner and follows her.
HEARST Miss Parsons. Can I have a word?
She freezes, turns to face him. Caught.
LOUELLA I must have gotten turned around on my way to the ladies’ room.
HEARST How convenient you found your way right outside my office.
LOUELLA Oh? I had no idea.
He rolls his eyes.
HEARST Cut the bullshit. You’re one of the best chatter-writers. I think we could be useful to each other.
Music to her ears.
LOUELLA You’d get all the scoops before anyone else.
HEARST I’ll have my legal department draw up a contract. I’d like you to be my eyes and ears in Hollywood.
LOUELLA Make sure that contract has the right amount of zeroes and my eyes and ears are exclusively yours.
She gives him a knowing smile.
EXT. THE HACIENDA - COURTYARD
An earthen pitcher fills a glass on the table. Natalie pours margaritas. Pancho presses fresh tortillas as a raucous fiesta unfolds around them.
50.
Stilly picks two glasses of sangria from the table, hands them off to Zain and Anna. They sip their drinks.
ANNA This might be the best sangria I’ve ever tasted.
STILLY And ever will.
As a plethora of ranch workers and their families enjoy Mexican food and listen to a mariachi band play.
STILLY (CONT’D) Different feel down here, right?
ANNA I’d say.
STILLY Natalie, this is actress Anna Buckley. Anna, this is Natalie.
Natalie lights up.
NATALIE I know. I read Screenland.
Pancho whistles, gets everyone’s attention. Raises a glass.
PANCHO I want to toast on my birthday. To family and friends. New and old here at the Hacienda --
Everyone claps. He holds his hand up --
PANCHO (CONT’D) We may work in the shadows of Willie’s big beautiful castle but we are the heart of this land.
A hint of longing for what was lost in his eyes. While Anna shares a hesitant look with Zain. As everyone celebrates, she clandestinely sneaks away. Zain follows her.
EXT. RANCH LANDS - NIGHT
Anna stares out at Casa Grande on the misty hilltop, beneath the cover of a willow tree.
ZAIN Have I seen you in another life?
51.
A tear streaks down her cheek.
ANNA I thought you were gone forever.
ZAIN I’m not leaving again.
She takes his face in her hands. They kiss.
ANNA I’m finally an actress.
ZAIN And a fine one at that Miss Floyd.
ANNA Audley Floyd doesn’t exist anymore.
ZAIN I never forgot her.
ANNA I did everything I could to come here. Despite what the papers wrote, I don’t think Lucy’s death was an accident.
Anna retrieves a leather bound journal from her pocket.
ANNA (CONT’D) Her journal was sent to the Hollywood Studio Club Rooming House For Women where I’ve been staying while working for Marion.
Zain takes the journal in his hands, opens it.
ZAIN There’s pages torn out.
ANNA I’m going to find out what really happened to her.
ZAIN We’ll do it together.
She looks at Zain, like all bets are off.
EXT. THE HACIENDA - COURTYARD
Pancho sees a FIGURE exiting a car outside.
52.
EXT. HACIENDA COURTYARD - MOMENTS LATER
Pancho goes outside and finds Julia in the courtyard.
JULIA Thought I’d check in with an old friend. It’s good to see you.
PANCHO Good to see you too. Join me. I know you love my homemade tequila
He pulls a chair out for her at the table. They sit. Pancho pours them each a glass of tequila from a jug.
JULIA Thank you, Pancho.
He hands her a glass. She smiles at him, sips her drink. Her eyes dance across the mountains in the distance.
JULIA (CONT’D) Mr. Hearst was right. This is a special place.
PANCHO The land is in my blood and bones.
JULIA Ever regret your family selling to his father?
Pancho considers the question.
PANCHO Sometimes. But despite his flaws, Willie’s my friend.
JULIA I know the feeling.
EXT. RANCH LANDS - CONTINUOUS
Anna and Zain’s attention soon turns to Patrick heading towards them.
PATRICK Don’t think I forgot about you. Been trailing you since you left Los Angeles.
Zain goes cold. A flash of anger in his eyes.
53.
ZAIN I said I’m done.
PATRICK You’ve got a debt to pay. And wait ‘til the Lord of San Simeon finds out about you.
Patrick swings. Zain ducks, strikes him. Then Patrick leaps forwards and tackles him to the ground.
ANNA Get off him!
Anna grabs Patrick’s arm. He knocks her off. She falls. Zain punches him in the face. They struggle. A gun shot rings out!
Black birds flutter into the night sky. Reveal, Jake on his horse. A smoking gun in his hand.
INT. NEPTUNE POOL - DRESSING ROOM
Hazel and the Performer sneak off. She takes Hazel’s face in her hands. Kisses her lips.
INT. CASA GRANDE - UPSTAIRS SUITE
Marion stands at her window, watching the Beautiful People of the day in this enclosed world. It’s a magical time. Madame Sul-Te-Wan stands in the doorway.
MARION I feel like his wife in every way. But I have to pretend I’m not.
MADAME SUL-TE-WAN I know a thing or two about playing pretend. But when I see you look at him that’s real love.
Her words strike a chord.
MARION I’d give everything I have to marry that silly old man. Not for the money and security, he gives me more than I’ll ever need. Know what I get from him that means the most?
MADAME SUL-TE-WAN Tell me.
54.
MARION The feeling I’m worth something. I never got that before from anyone.
EXT. ROOSEVELT HIGHWAY - NIGHT
The Buick Touring Car drives down a lonely road. The lights of Casa Grande gleaming golden in the distance.
INT. BUICK TOURING CAR - SIMULTANEOUS
Julia’s driver steers around a bend, glances up in the rearview mirror at Julia seated in the back.
DRIVER Another eventful weekend at the Ranch, Miss Morgan?
JULIA You could say that.
She stares out at the window, reflective. Then realizes --
JULIA (CONT’D) Steve look out!
A LOGGING TRUCK makes a sharp turn from around the bend. He SLAMS on the breaks. Julia flies forward and smacks the windshield. Crack! Blood hits the glass.
EXT. ROOSEVELT HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS
The car horn is stuck blaring. Engine smoking. Cracked headlights glowing.
EXT. SAN SIMEON - CONTINUOUS
FOG ROLLS in through the PINE FOREST. FLOATING towards this kingdom of picturesque hills. We PULL UP across the night sky as the CAMERA RISES to an AERIAL SHOT of HEARST CASTLE.
As we, FADE OUT.
END PILOT
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