THE LORD OF THE RINGS
The Fellowship of the Ring
Screenplay by
Fran Walsh &
Philippa Boyens &
Peter Jackson
Based on the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien
© 2001 New Line Cinema
BLACK SCREEN
SUPER: New Line Cinema Presents
SUPER: A Wingnut Films Production
BLACK CONTINUES: ...ELVISH SINGING ... A WOMAN’S VOICE IS
whispering, tinged with SADNESS and REGRET:
GALADRIEL (V.O.)
(Elvish: subtitled)
“I amar presten aen: han mathon ne nen, han mathon ne chae ... a han noston ned wilith.”
(English
The world is changed: I feel it in the
water, I feel it in the earth, I smell
it in the air ... Much that once was is
lost, for none now live who remember
it.
SUPER: THE LORD OF THE RINGS
EXT. PROLOGUE - DAY
IMAGE: FLICKERING FIRELIGHT. The NOLDORIN FORGE in EREGION.
MOLTEN GOLD POURS from the lip of an IRON LADLE.
GALADRIEL (V.O.)
It began with the forging of the
Great Rings.
IMAGE: THREE RINGS, each set with a single GEM, are received by
the HIGH ELVES - GALADRIEL, GIL-GALAD and CIRDAN.
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Three were given to the Elves:
immortal, wisest ... fairest of all
beings.
IMAGE: SEVEN RINGS held aloft in triumph by the DWARF LORDS.
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Seven to the Dwarf Lords: great miners
and craftsmen of the mountain halls.
IMAGE: NINE RINGS clutched tightly by the KINGS OF MEN ... as
if holding-close a precious secret.
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
And Nine ... nine rings were gifted
to the race of Men, who above all else
desire power.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
1.
CONTINUED:
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
For within these rings was bound the
strength and the will to govern each
race.
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
But they were all of them deceived.
FADE TO BLACK
FADE UP: An ancient PARCHMENT MAP of MIDDLE EARTH ... moving
slowly across the MAP as if drawn by an unseen force the
CAMERA closes in on a PLACE NAME ... MORDOR.
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
...for another Ring was made.
TEASING SHOTS: SAURON forging the ONE RING in the CHAMBERS of
SAMMATH NAUR.
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
In the land of Mordor, in the fires of
Mount Doom, the Dark Lord Sauron forged
in secret a Master Ring to control all
others.
IMAGE: The ONE RING reflecting the FIERY LAVA! FIRE WRITING
emerges on the plain BAND OF GOLD.
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
...and into this Ring he poured his
cruelty, his malice and his will to
dominate all life.
IMAGE: THE ONE RING falls through SPACE and into flames...
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
One Ring to rule them all...
IMAGE: A GREAT SHADOW falls across the MAP ... closing in
around the realm of GONDOR...
IMAGE: SCREAMING VILLAGERS, MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN, RUN from
their homes, pursued by ARMIES OF HIDEOUS ORCS.
(CONTINUED)
2.
CONTINUED: (2)
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
One by one the Free lands of Middle
earth fell to the power of the Ring.
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
But there were some ... who resisted.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE UP: ISILDUR, son of the KING OF GONDOR, leads an ARMY
ACROSS the PLAINS OF DAGORLAD...
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
A last alliance of Men and Elves
marched against the armies of Mordor.
On the slopes of Mount Doom, they
fought for the freedom of Middle-Earth.
TEASING SHOTS: THE BATTLE OF DAGORLAD ... THE ELF LORD, ELROND,
commands rack after rank of ELVEN ARCHERS...
ELROND
(Elvish)
Tangado haid! Leithio i philinn!
(English)
Hold positions! Fire the arrows!
TEASING SHOTS: ARROWS FIRING ... ORCS RETREATING before the
ARMY of the LAST ALLIANCE ... ELENDIL, KING OF GONDOR, holds
aloft the great SWORD ... NARSIL!
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Victory was near!
IMAGES: THE HUGE, DARK FIGURE OF SAURON, bearing the ONE RING
on his finger, looms over the field of battle...
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
But the power of the Ring could not be
undone.
IMAGE: SAURON lays waste to the armies of the LAST ALLIANCE.
With desperate courage, ELENDIL leads a charge ... THE BLACK
MACE OF SAURON LASHES OUT!!
IMAGE: ELENDIL’S body falls like a crumpled rag doll...
IMAGE: ISILDUR cradles the body of his father in his arms. The
SHADOW OF SAURON falls over him.
(CONTINUED)
3.
CONTINUED: (3)
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
It was in this moment ... when all hope
had faded, that Isildur, son of the
king, took up his father's sword.
ISILDUR snatches up the BROKEN BLADE OF NARSIL ... The BLADE
severs SAURON’S FINGERS ... AND THE ONE RING FLIES from his
body.
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Sauron, the enemy of the Free Peoples
of Middle-Earth, was defeated.
SAURON’S ARMOUR clatters to the ground, his body GONE ...
VAPROIZED!
CLOSE ON: ISILDUR picks up the SEVERED FINGER and removes the
ONE RING ... transfixed!
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
The Ring passed to Isildur ... who had
this one chance to destroy evil
forever.
IMAGE: GLADDEN FIELD ... ISILDUR leads a small column of MEN
through DARKENING WOODS ... the ONE RING glinting on a CHAIN
around his neck.
GALADRIEL (V.O.)
But the hearts of Men are easily
corrupted. And the Ring of Power has
a will of its own.
SUDDENLY! ARROWS FLY! They are ambushed by ORCS ... ISIDULR
is THROWN from his HORSE!
ISILDUR stumbles to his feet and in a PANIC, puts on the the
RING and DISAPPEARS!
INVISIBLE ISILDUR flees from the BATTLE and jumps into
the RIVER ANDUIN.
ISILDUR MATERIALIZES UNDER WATER ... as the RING slips slowly
from his finger. He grasps for it, desperately.
ORCS on the RIVERBANK spot him in the WATER. They fire a
BARRAGE OF ARROWS into him.
ISILDUR JERKS. Ripples of light play across ISILDUR’S PALE FACE
... he is DEAD.
(CONTINUED)
4.
CONTINUED: (4)
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
It betrayed Isildur to his death.
IMAGE: ISILDUR floats down the RIVER, ARROWS lodged in his
back.
IMAGE: THE RING falls through the MURKY WATERS of the RIVER
ANDUIN ... and into OBLIVION...
GALADRIEL (V.O.)
And some things that should not have been forgotten ... were lost.
GALADRIEL (V.O.)
Thus a Third Age of Middle-Earth
began. History became legend ...
legend became myth.
FADE UP: The waters of the ANDUIN RIVER lie dark and
undisturbed.
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
And for two and a half thousand years,
the Ring passed out of all knowledge.
IMAGE: SILT SWIRLS ... A THIN WHITE HAND reaches down ...
grasping the RING...
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Until, when chance came, it ensnared a
new bearer.
IMAGE: THE THIN WHITE HAND opens to reveal the ONE RING.
GOLLUM (V.O.)
My Precious...
IMAGE: MIST SHROUDED MOUNTAINS...
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
The Ring came to the creature Gollum,
who took it deep into the tunnels of
the Misty Mountains.
FADE TO BLACK
(CONTINUED)
5.
CONTINUED: (5)
IMAGE: THE GLOOM of a MOUNTAIN CAVERN ... a MURKY POOL of
WATER ... in the DARKNESS the SHADOWY OUTLINE of an EMACIATED
FIGURE.
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D) And there it consumed him.
A RASPY VOICE mutters in the half light...
GOLLUM
It came to me. My own. My love...
(ecstatic whisper)
My preciousness.
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
The Ring gave to Gollum unnatural long
life. For five hundred years it
poisoned his mind. And in the gloom of
Gollum's cave...
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
It waited.
FADE UP: Bathed in COLD MOONLIGHT, the WORLD lies DARK and
STILL ... the unsettled quiet before the storm...
GALADRIEL (V.O.)
Darkness crept back into the forests
of the world. Rumor grew of a Shadow in
the East ... whispers of a nameless
fear. And the Ring of Power perceived
... its time had now come. It abandoned
Gollum.
SLOW MOTION: Unseen by its KEEPER, THE RING falls to the MUDDY
FLOOR of a MOUNTAIN TUNNEL...
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
But something happened then the Ring
did not intend...
IMAGE: FUMBLING in the dark, a SMALL HAND closes over the
RING.
(CONTINUED)
FADE TO BLACK
FADE TO BLACK
6.
CONTINUED: (6)
GALADRIEL (V.O.) (CONT’D)
It was picked up by the most unlikely
creature imaginable...
BILBO
(to himself)
What’s this?
A YOUNGISH LOOKING BILBO BAGGINS peers down at what lies in
his hand ... PERPLEXED by what he has found.
GALADRIEL (V.O.)
A Hobbit ... Bilbo Baggins of the
Shire.
BILBO
(surprised)
A Ring.
SUDDENLY! A VOICE SCREAMS ... ITS ANGUISH RINGING through the
COLD, DANK TUNNELS...
GOLLUM (V.O.)
Lost! Lost! My Precious is lost!!
Frightened, BILBO quickly POCKETS the ONE RING and hurries on.
DISSOLVE TO:
WIDE ON: THE CAMERA SOARS AWAY FROM THE MOUNTAINS. MOVING
FASTER AND FASTER ... THEIR DARK GREEN FORESTS AND JAGGED
WHITE PEAKS RECEDING INTO THE SHROUD OF MIST
GALADRIEL (V.O.)
For the time will soon come when
Hobbits will shape the fortunes of all.
CLOSE ON: A MAP OF MIDDLE-EARTH. WE MOVE from the MISTY
MOUNTAINS to HOBBITON.
BILBO (V.O.)
The 22nd day of September in the
year 1400 by Shire-reckoning. Bag
End, Bagshot Row, Hobbiton,
Westfarthing, the Shire, Middle-
earth. The Third Age of this
world.
PULL BACK ON THE MAP TO REVEAL:
DISSOLVE TO:
7.
INT. BAG END HALLWAY - DAY
ANGLES ON: The MAP rests on the floor with several other MAPS,
BOOKS, SCROLLS, and other similar items of research.
CAMERA TRACKS: Down through the hall, we find BAG END shares
this DECOR throughout its modest halls.
SUPER: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
INT. BAG END STUDY - DAY
ANGLE ON: BILBO sits at his DESK, PEN IN HAND.
BILBO
There and Back Again: A Hobbit’s Tale by Bilbo Baggins.
CLOSE ON: the book. The lettering on the page reads exactly as
BILBO has dictated. He turns the next page, which is blank.
ANGLE ON: BILBO considers his words carefully.
BILBO
Now, where to begin? Ah yes...
CLOSE ON: BILBO dips his pen in the ink, and begins writing.
BILBO
“Concerning Hobbits.”
EXT. HOBBITON - DAY
WIDE ON: The small VILLAGE OF HOBBITON is a quaint rustic
settlement nestled amongst rolling green hills and large trees.
The HOBBITS live in HOBBIT HOLES: neat burrows dug into the
grassy hillside, with round doors and cute front gardens.
MONTAGE OF SHOTS UNDER BILBO: HOBBITS plowing fields ...smoking
pipes ... serving food ... woodworking ... leading pigs ...
milking cattle ... tidying their porches ... and of course,
sleeping.
(CONTINUED)
8.
CONTINUED:
BILBO (V.O.)
“Hobbits have been living and farming in
the four Farthings of the Shire for many
hundreds of years, quite content to
ignore and be ignored by the world of
the Big Folk. Middle-earth being, after
all, full of strange creatures beyond
count, Hobbits must seem of little
importance being neither renowned as
great warriors nor counted among the
very wise.”
END MONTAGE
INT. BAG END STUDY - DAY
ANGLE ON: BILBO laughs. HE TURNS TO a KNOCK at the door.
WIDE ON: BILBO in his study.
BILBO
(calling out)
Frodo! Someone at the door.
ANGLE ON: BILBO turns immediately back to his WRITING.
EXT. HOBBITON - DAY
IMAGE: A HOBBIT, when faced with a decision between a KISS
from his SWEETHEART and a MUFFIN, chooses the MUFFIN.
BILBO (V.O.)
“In fact, it has been remarked by
some that Hobbits’ only real passion
is for food.
IMAGE: A HOBBIT carries a BARREL OF ALE on his SHOULDER,
refilling his MUG as he walks.
BILBO (V.O.)
“A rather unfair observation as we
have also developed a keen interest
in the brewing of ales...
IMAGE: Several HOBBITS sit around SMOKING PIPES.
BILBO (V.O.)
“...and the smoking of pipe-weed.
(CONTINUED)
9.
CONTINUED:
IMAGE: HOBBITS carry their fresh picked crops ... HOBBITS
engaged in a leisurely game ... HOBBITS GARDENING.
BILBO (V.O.)
“But where our hearts truly lie is
in peace and quiet and good, tilled
earth.
IMAGE: SAMWISE GAMGEE sits in front of his house, admiring
his flowers.
BILBO (V.O.)
“For all Hobbits share a love of
things that grow.
IMAGE: Near a large, old tree, HOBBITS raise BANNERS AND TENTS.
Others bring in BARRELS OF ALE.
BILBO (V.O.)
“And, yes, no doubt to others, our
ways seem quaint. But today of all
days, it is brought home to me: It
is no bad thing to celebrate a
simple life.”
IMAGE: The HOBBITS raise a large banner that reads: “Happy
Birthday Bilbo Baggins.” Others applaud.
INT. BAG END STUDY - DAY
ANGLE ON: BILBO looking up, annoyed at yet another KNOCK to
interrupt him.
BILBO
Frodo, the door!
His CALL is met with SILENCE.
BILBO
Sticklebacks. Where is that boy?
EXT. HOBBITON WOODS - DAY
ANGLE ON: TWO HOBBIT FEET resting on a small rock ... rising out
of the LONG, OVERGROWN GRASSES.
Frodo!
BILBO (O.S.)
(CONTINUED)
10.
CONTINUED:
CAMERA TRACKS TO: A figure lies beneath the dappled sunlight of
an old tree. White flowers are scattered among the WELL seeded
grasses. An idyllic setting at the end of a long hot summer ...
the figure is reading a book.
ON THE SOUNDTRACK: In the distance, growing louder ... over the
GENTLE CLIP CLOP of an approaching cart and horse can be heard
the HUMMING OF A DEEP VOICE to the tune of “The Road Goes Ever
On and On...”
SUDDENLY! The figure in the grass sits up ... looking straight
at CAMERA is a handsome young HOBBIT, with dark curly hair and
deep blue eyes. This is FRODO BAGGINS ... his EYES alight with
EXCITEMENT! Tossing away the long stem of grass in his mouth,
FRODO runs off.
CUT TO:
EXT. SHIRE LANE - DAY
The cart rattles along a leafy lane, driven by a stooped figure
in GREY.
INTERCUT WITH: SHOTS OF FRODO RUNNING ... CAREENING DOWN A HILL
... JUMPING OVER LOGS ... DODGING TREE BRANCHES.
ANGLE ON: The shambling OLD PONY snorts and rears as ...
SUDDENLY FRODO appears on the bank above the cart.
FRODO
You're late.
CLOSE ON: GANDALF glowers at the young HOBBIT...
GANDALF
A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins,
nor is he early. He arrives precisely
when he means to.
They look at each other for a moment ... then both start
laughing as FRODO’S face breaks into a smile and he leaps on to
the front seat of the cart.
FRODO
It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf!
(CONTINUED)
11.
CONTINUED:
Next to GANDALF, we see how small HOBBITS are ... FRODO is 3
foot 6 inches tall.
GANDALF
You didn't think I'd miss your
Uncle Bilbo’s birthday?
EXT. HOBBITON FIELDS - DAY
CUT TO:
WIDE ON: The cart rattles past a FIELD LUPIN being tended by
HOBBITS.
FRODO
What's new in the world? Tell me
everything.
ANGLE ON: GANDALF looks down at FRODO, a twinkle in his eye.
GANDALF
What, everything? Far too eager and
curious for a Hobbit. Most unnatural...
Well, what can I tell you? Life in the
wide world goes on much as it has this
past age. Full of its own comings and
goings, scarcely even aware of the
existence of Hobbits...
CLOSE ON: GANDALF as he surveys the peaceful scene before him.
GANDALF (CONT’D)
...for which I am very thankful.
So, how is the old rascal? I hear
this is to be a party of special
magnificence.
FRODO
You know Bilbo. He’s got the whole
place in an uproar.
GANDALF
Well, that should please him.
FRODO
Half the Shire’s been invited. And
the rest of them are turning up anyway.
(CONTINUED)
12.
CONTINUED:
WIDE ON: The cart rattles over a stone bridge towards a BUSY
HOBBIT MARKETPLACE.
BILBO (V.O.)
And so life in the Shire goes on very
much as it has this past age full of
its own comings and goings, with change
coming slowly...
ANGLE ON: HOBBITS look up in wonder and excitement as the cart
bearing GANDALF and FRODO rolls past the GREEN DRAGON INN...
BILBO (V.O.)
...if it comes at all. For things are
made to endure in the Shire passing
from one generation to the next.
CRANE UP: As the cart rattles into the small village of HOBBITON
... a quaint rustic settlement, nestled amongst rolling green
hills and large trees.
BILBO (V.O.) (CONT’D)
There’s always been a Baggins living
here under the Hill in Bag End.
INT. BAG END STUDY - DAY
ANGLE ON: BILBO stops writing again and looks up, thoughtful.
BILBO
And there always will be.
EXT. HOBBITON FIELDS - DAY
ANGLE ON: GANDALF and FRODO continuing for their destination.
FRODO
To tell you the truth, Bilbo’s been a
bit odd lately. I mean, more than
usual. He’s taken to locking himself in
his study.
13.
INT. BAG END STUDY - DAY
CLOSE ON: BILBO picks up a MAP of Middle Earth.
FRODO (V.O.)
He spends hours poring over old maps
when he thinks I’m not looking.
ANGLE ON: BILBO folds the map and puts it down. He pats his
pants pockets. Suddenly, he looks worried. He pulls his pockets
inside.
BILBO
(worried)
Where’s it gone?
QUICK CUTS: BILBO desperately searches for something...under
cushions ... in pockets ... through coats ...
ANGLE ON: He shoves his hands into his vest pockets, and stops
... relieved...
CLOSE ON: He removes his hand from his pocket ... his missing
item clenched tightly in his fist ... he holds it to his mouth,
grateful to have not lost it.
EXT. HOBBITON FIELDS - DAY
FRODO
He's up to something.
FRODO shoots a knowing look, as GANDALF averts his eyes.
FRODO
All right, then, keep your secrets.
GANDALF
What?
FRODO
But I know you have something to do
with it.
GANDALF
Good gracious, me.
CUT TO:
(CONTINUED)
14.
CONTINUED:
FRODO
Before you came along, we Bagginses
were very well thought of.
GANDALF
Indeed?
FRODO
Never had any adventures or did
anything unexpected.
GANDALF
If you're referring to the incident
with the Dragon ... I was barely
involved ...all I did was give your
uncle a little nudge out the door.
FRODO
Whatever you did ... you’ve been
officially labeled a disturber of the
peace.
GANDALF
Oh, really?
ANGLE ON: ODO PROUDFOOT looks up as the CART passes by, deeply
suspicious.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOBBITON - DAY
CRANE UP: EXCITED CHILDREN, chasing after the cart.
CLOSE ON: GANDALF ignores the children’s cries. The children
stand deflated, watching GANDALF disappear up the lane.
AT THAT MOMENT: spinning balls of bright color suddenly leap out
of the cart, fizzing over the heads of the delighted children.
ANGLE ON: GANDALF smiling to himself, well pleased with his
joke.
ANGLE ON: ODO PROUDFOOT is unable to suppress a chuckle.
FRODO stands up in the cart as GANDALF reigns in the HORSE.
FRODO
Gandalf ... I'm glad you're back.
(CONTINUED)
15.
CONTINUED:
FRODO leaps expertly from the cart. GANDALF smiles.
GANDALF
So am I, dear boy...so am I.
EXT. BAG END - DAY
CUT TO:
WIDE ON: GANDALF’S CART pulls up outside the gate to BAG END ...
a particularly fine example of a HOBBIT HOLE, with a large round
front door set into a grassy hillside. There is a sign on the
gate which reads: “NO ADMITTANCE EXCEPT ON PARTY BUSINESS.”
GANDALF strides up the garden path of BAG END. He raises his
staff and raps on the front door ... a voice calls out:
BILBO (O.S.)
No thank you! We don't want any more
visitors, well-wishers, or distant
relations.
GANDALF
And what about very old friends?
Suddenly the door opens and BILBO BAGGINS stands before him. He
is a HOBBIT OF INDETERMINATE AGE, with a mischeivous TWINKLE in
his eye. Wearing a dashing brocade waist coat, he look every
inch the eccentric gentleman.
BILBO
Gandalf?
GANDALF
Bilbo Baggins!
BILBO
My dear Gandalf!
GANDALF drops to his knee to embrace his old friend.
GANDALF
Good to see you. One hundred and eleven
years old, who would believe it?
GANDALF looks at him more keenly.
(CONTINUED)
16.
CONTINUED:
GANDALF (CONT’D)
You haven't aged a day.
GANDALF and BILBO laugh together and enter BAG END.
BILBO
Come on, come in! Welcome, welcome!!
INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - DAY
CUT TO:
BILBO leads GANDALF into BAG END ... cozy and cluttered with
souvenirs of BILBO’S travels. GANDALF has to stoop low to avoid
hitting his head on the low ceiling.
BILBO hangs up GANDALF’S hat on a peg and trots off down the
hall.
BILBO
(calling)
Tea? Or maybe something a little
stronger ... I’ve got a few bottle of
the old Wi
BILBO disappears into the kitchen as GANDALF looks around ...
enjoying the familiarity of BAG END ... he turns, knocking his
head on the light and then walking into the wooden beam. He
GROANS.
BILBO (CONT’D)
I was expecting you last week. Not that
it matters, you come and go as you
please, always have done, always will.
You’ve caught me a bit unprepared, I’m
afraid ... we’ve only got cold chicken,
bit of pickle, some cheese here ... ooh,
no, that might be a little risky...
GANDALF stops in front of a framed map, charred in one corner
... it is Thorin’s map of the LONELY MOUNTAIN ... GANDALF smiles
to himself.
(CONTINUED)
17.
CONTINUED:
BILBO (CONT’D)
Er, we’ve got raspberry jam and apple
tart ... got some custard somewhere. Not
much for Afters, I’m afraid. Oh no ...
we’re alright ... I’ve just found some
sponge cake. Nice little snack. Hope
it’s enough.
(comes into view)
I could make you some eggs if you’d like?
BILBO jumps, a half eaten pork pie in his hand, as GANDALF
mysteriously appears behind him.
GANDALF
Just tea, thank you.
BILBO
Oh ... right. You don’t mind if...?
GANDALF
No, not at all. Go ahead.
A SUDDEN LOUD KNOCK ON THE FRONT DOOR.
LOBELIA (O.S.)
Bilbo Baggins, you open this door...
BILBO
I'm not home.
BILBO tiptoes to the window and peeps out.
BILBO
(whispers)
It’s the Sackville-Bagginses!
LOBELIA (O.S.)
I know you’re in there!
BILBO
(whispers)
They’re after the house. They’ve
never forgiven me for living this
long!
GANDALF watches, amused, as BILBO tries to hide.
(CONTINUED)
18.
CONTINUED: (2)
BILBO
I’ve got to get away from these
confounded relatives, hanging on the
bell all day, never giving me a moment's
peace. I want to see mountains again ...
mountains, Gandalf ... and then find
somewhere quiet where I can finish my
book ... oh, Tea!
GANDALF
So, you mean to go through with your
plan, then?
BILBO
Yes, yes ... it’s all in hand. All the
arrangements are made.
GANDALF
Frodo suspects something.
BILBO
‘Course he does, he's a Baggins ... not
some blockheaded Bracegirdle from
Hardbottle!
GANDALF
You will tell him, won't you?
BILBO
Yes, yes.
GANDALF
He’s very fond of you.
BILBO
I know. He’d probably come with me if I
asked him. I think, in his heart,
Frodo’s still in love with the Shire,
the woods and the fields ... little
rivers.
BILBO stands gazing out of the kitchen window.
BILBO (CONT’D)
I am old, Gandalf...
BILBO looks at GANDALF sadly...
(CONTINUED)
19.
CONTINUED: (3)
BILBO (CONT’D)
I know I don’t look it, but I’m
beginning to feel it in my heart.
CLOSE ON: BILBO’S fingers close around his waistcoat pocket ...
gripping a small, unseen object.
BILBO (CONT’D)
I feel thin ... sort of stretched, like
butter scraped over too much bread. I
need a holiday ... a very long holiday
and I don’t expect I shall return ...
in fact, I mean not to.
INT. BAG END - EVENING
CUT TO:
GANDALF and BILBO are sitting on the BAG END porch. BELOW THEM,
final preparations are being made on the PARTY field. BILBO
strikes a match and lights his pipe.
BILBO
Old Toby. The finest weed in the
Southfarthing!
BILBO blows a perfect smoke ring and watches it rise into the
air. A tiny sailing ship with masts and sails glides through the
CENTER of BILBO’S smoke ring.
BILBO (CONT’D)
Ohhhh.
(smiles)
Gandalf, my old friend ... this will
be a night to remember.
EXT. PARTY FIELD, HOBBITON - NIGHT
CUT TO:
BOOM! A FIREWORK explodes into the night sky high above HOBBITON
... in the shape of a great green tree with unfolding branches.
TILT DOWN: with glowing flowers as they rain down from the
branches ... evaporating just above the upturned faces of the
delighted party-goers.
(CONTINUED)
20.
CONTINUED:
144 HOBBITS, feasting and drinking CARTS of beer and wine are
scattered about, and the tables are piled high with steaming
scones and savories.
GANDALF hurries about, lighting fireworks with a blue spark that
dances magically from his staff ... BILBO is greeting visitors.
BILBO
Hello, hello, Fatty Bolger, lovely
to see you! Welcome, welcome!
FRODO and SAM sit at a table drinking ale ... FRODO notices
SAM’S eyes keep flicking to another pretty HOBBIT, ROSIE COTTON,
sitting some distance away.
FRODO
Go on, Sam, ask Rosie for a dance.
SAM
(horrified)
I think I'll just have myself another
ale.
FRODO
Oh, no you don't. Go on.
SAM goes to drain his glass ... suddenly it is snatched out of
his hands as FRODO thrusts him into the middle of a passing
throng of dancers.
ANGLE ON: SAM’S HORRIFIED FACE as he is SWEPT away. FRODO laughs
and finishes SAM’S beer.
ANGLE ON: GANDALF as he sets alight a particularly spectacular
firework that draws gasps of admiration from the party guests.
CLOSE ON: BILBO is relating stories of his adventure to a group
of YOUNG HOBBIT CHILDREN.
BILBO
(melodramatic)
So there I was ... at the mercy of three
monstrous trolls ... Have you ever heard
of a Troll? Do you know what a Troll is?
Great big nasty twenty foot high smelly
things ... and they’re arguing ...
arguing about how they were going to
cook us!
(CONTINUED)
21.
CONTINUED: (2)
ANGLE ON: A LITTLE HOBBIT GIRL’S upturned face ... her eyes
growing larger and larger.
BILBO (CONT’D)
Whether it be turned on a spit or minced
in a pie or whether they were going to
sit on us one by one and squash us into
jelly! They spent so long arguing the
whither-to’s and why-for’s that the
sun’s first light cracked over the top
of the trees ... and turned them all to
stone!
STUNNED GASPS from his young AUDIENCE greet his astonishing
feat!
CLOSE ON: MERRY and PIPPIN, two mischeivous YOUNG HOBBITS in
their late teens. PIPPIN scrambles onto the back of GANDALF’S
wagon, snatching up a small firework.
MERRY
No, no ... the big one ... the big one!
PIPPIN grabs a huge rocket. MERRY smiles. The pair runs off with
it.
ANGLE ON: BILBO continues to greet his guests. He shakes hands
with a woman who is tailed by an overwhelming crowd of CHILDREN.
BILBO
Mrs. Bracegirdle, how nice to see you!
Welcome, welcome. Are all these
children yours?
MRS. BRACEGIRDLE laughs with tired eyes and nods.
BILBO
Good gracious, you have been
productive.
MRS. BRACEGIRDLE laughs and nods.
SUDDENLY! Bilbo’s ears are assailed by a familiar strident
VOICE.
LOBELIA (O.S.)
Bilbo?
BILBO quickly runs to FRODO.
(CONTINUED)
22.
CONTINUED: (3)
BILBO
(panicked)
Sackville-Bagginses! Quickly! Hide!
BILBO and FRODO quickly hide behind the wall of a tent.
ANGLE ON: OTHO AND LOBELIA SACKVILLE-BAGGINS ... an older,
grumpy-looking pair with sharp eyes ... emerge and look about
the party like vultures searching for prey.
ANGLE ON: BILBO breathes a huge sigh of relief.
BILBO
Thank you, my boy.
ANGLE ON: FRODO chuckles.
BILBO
(suddenly serious)
You're a good lad, Frodo.
ANGLE ON: FRODO stares at his UNCLE, perturbed by the change of
tone.
BILBO (CONT’D)
I'm very selfish, you know. Yes, I am
... very selfish. I don't know why I
took you in after your mother and
father died, but it wasn't out of
charity. I think ... it was because, of
all my numerous relations ... you were
the one Baggins that showed real
spirit.
FRODO
Bilbo, have you been at the Gaffer's
home brew?
BILBO
No. Well, yes. But that's not the
point. The point is, Frodo ... you'll
be all right.
BILBO lifts his mug and takes a drink ... probably of the
Gaffer’s home brew.
CLOSE ON: FIREWORK FUSE crackles with flame!
(CONTINUED)
23.
CONTINUED: (4)
ANGLE ON: MERRY is holding out the big rocket ... he looks aghst
at the fizzing fuse that PIPPIN has just lit.
MERRY (CONT’D)
(worried whisper)
You're supposed to stick it in the
ground!
PIPPIN
It is in the ground.
MERRY fearfully tosses the ROCKET to PIPPIN! the fuse sizzles
angrily.
MERRY
Outside!
PIPPIN
This was your idea.
PIPPIN attempts to throw the fizzing rocket back to MERRY.
WHOOSH! The two HOBBITS are suddenly blown off their feet in a
shower of sparks as the rocket blasts off with frightening
power.
ANGLE ON: The ROCKET ZOOMS over the party ... it suddenly bursts
apart, forming the shape of a great red golden DRAGON! Fire fire
gushes from its nostrils as it turns back and FLIES towards the
startled crowd.
CLOSE ON: FRODO watches the FIREWORKS DRAGON with alarm ... but
BILBO is oblivious to the PANICKING CROWD and impending danger!
FRODO
Bilbo! Watch out for the dragon!!
BILBO
Dragon? Nonsense ... hasn't been a
dragon in these parts for a thousand
years!
ANGLE ON: FRODO as he hurriedly pulls BILBO to the ground, just
as the dragon roars a few feet above their heads like a flaming
express train!
HOBBITS dive to the ground, tables overturn, tents collapse,
food flies everywhere.
(CONTINUED)
24.
CONTINUED: (5)
The FIREWORKS DRAGON turns a somersault and explodes over the
hills with a deafening BANG! This gets the biggest cheer of the
night.
ANGLE ON: MERRY AND PIPPIN, clothes and hair smoking.
MERRY
That was good!
PIPPIN
Let's get another one!
LARGE HANDS suddenly clamp down on MERRY and PIPPIN’S ears.
LOW ANGLE: GANDALF looking DOWN STERNLY!
GANDALF
Meriadoc Brandybuck, and Peregrin Took
... I might have known!
MERRY and PIPPIN are leaning over a barrel, washing dishes in
soapy water ... with GANDALF sitting nearby, smoking his pipe
and sipping an ale.
Cries of “SPEECH! SPEECH!” erupt from the party.
ANGLE ON: BILBO stepping on a stool ... he bows in gratitude at
the applause.
Speech!
FRODO
BILBO
(clearing his throat)
My dear Bagginses and Boffins, Tooks
and Brandybucks ... Grubbs, Chubbs,
Burrowses, Hornblowers, Bolgers,
Bracegirdles, Goodbodies, Brockhouses
and Proudfoots...
ANGLE ON: A HOBBIT WITH PARTICULARLY BIG FEET
PROUDFOOT
Proudfeet!
CUT TO:
(CONTINUED)
25.
CONTINUED:
BILBO
Proudfoots. Also my good
Sackville-Bagginses that I welcome
back at last to Bag End.
ANGLE ON: OTHO and LOBELIA scowl at BILBO. He doesn’t care.
BILBO (CONT’D)
Today is my one hundred and eleventh
birthday. I am eleventy-one today! Yes,
and alas ... Eleventy-one years is far
too short a time to live among such
excellent and admirable Hobbits!
Tremendous outburst of approval!
BILBO (CONT’D)
I don't know half of you half as well
as I should like, and I like less than
half of you half as well as you
deserve!
SCATTERED CLAPPING as the guests try to work out if that was a
compliment or not.
CLOSE ON: FRODO AND GANDALF smiling to themselves.
CLOSE ON: BILBO ... a strange HUM seems to fill his head. A bead
of sweat rolls down his brow.
BILBO’S hand pulls something out of his waistcoat pocket and
holds it behind his back.
BILBO (CONT’D)
I have ... things to do and I have put
this off for far too long.
CLOSE ON: BILBO’S knuckles turn white as he tightens his grip on
the small object behind his back.
BILBO (CONT’D)
I regret to announce this is the end. I
am going now. I bid you all a very fond
farewell!!
BILBO looks across at FRODO, hesitates... then...
(CONTINUED)
26.
CONTINUED: (2)
BILBO (CONT’D)
(whisper)
Goodbye.
BILBO instantly vanishes. The party explodes into an uproar ...
the crowd leaps to its feet.
ANGLE ON: FRODO staring at the empty stool in disbelief.
CUT TO:
EXT. BAG END - NIGHT
The party is still in an excited uproar ... some 50 yards away
as we PAN across a moonlit lane to the front door of BAG END.
Door opens, pulled by an invisible hand.
INT. BAG END - NIGHT
The door quietly closes ... BILBO materializes as he pulls a
plain gold ring off his finger. BILBO laughs as he tosses the
ring in the air, then places it in his pocket.
ANGLE ON: BILBO emerges from the passage, carrying a walking
stick. He finds GANDALF looming over him.
GANDALF
I suppose you think that was terribly
clever?
BILBO
Come on, Gandalf. Did you see their
faces?
GANDALF
There are many magic rings in this
world, Bilbo Baggins, and none of them
should be used lightly.
BILBO
It was just a bit of fun. Oh, you’re
probably right, as usual.
BILBO
You will keep an eye on Frodo, won't
you?
(CONTINUED)
27.
CONTINUED:
GANDALF
Two eyes. As often as I can spare them.
BILBO
I'm leaving everything to him.
GANDALF
What about this ring of yours? Is that
staying too?
CLOSE ON: BILBO ... he gives GANDALF a look and nods towards the
mantelpiece.
BILBO
Yes, yes, it's in an envelope ... over
there on the mantelpiece.
GANDALF frowns at the empty mantelpiece ... BILBO suddenly feels
his waistcoat with a look of guilty surprise.
BILBO (CONT’D)
No, wait. It’s here in my pocket. Isn't
that ... isn’t that odd, now? Yet,
after all, why not? Why shouldn't I
keep it?
GANDALF
I think you should leave the Ring
behind, Bilbo. Is that so hard?
BILBO
Well, no ... and yes. Now it comes to
it, I don't feel like parting with it.
It’s mine. I found it. It came to me!
ANGLE ON: GANDALF LOOKS DOWN AT BILBO WITH RISING CONCERN.
GANDALF
There's no need to get angry.
BILBO
Well, if I'm angry, it's your fault!
It's mine. My own, my precious.
GANDALF
Precious? It's been called that before,
but not by you.
(CONTINUED)
28.
CONTINUED: (2)
BILBO
What business is it of yours what I do
with my own things?
BILBO’S voice, shape and manner have suddenly changed.
GANDALF
I think you've had that ring quite
long enough.
BILBO
You want it for yourself!
GANDALF rises to his full height, his eyes flash, his shadow
suddenly seems to fill the room.
GANDALF
Bilbo Baggins, do not take me for some
conjurer of cheap tricks!
BILBO cowers from GANDALF, disarmed by his power ... a
frightened HOBBIT. GANDALF’S expression softens.
GANDALF (CONT’D)
I am not trying to rob you. I am trying
to help you.
Sobbing, BILBO runs to GANDALF and hugs him.
GANDALF (CONT’D)
All your long years we’ve been friends
... trust me as you once did. Let it
go!
BILBO
You're right, Gandalf. The Ring must go
to Frodo.
BILBO lifts his knapsack and heads for the front door.
BILBO (CONT’D)
It's late, the road is long ... yes, it
is time.
Bilbo?
Hmmm?
GANDALF
BILBO
(CONTINUED)
29.
CONTINUED: (3)
GANDALF
The Ring is still in your pocket.
BILBO hesitates ... reaches into his pocket.
BILBO
Oh, yes.
CLOSE ON: BILBO pulls out the ring ... he stares at it in his
palm. With all his will power, BILBO allows the ring to slowly
slide off his palm and drop to the floor.
CLOSE ON: The tiny ring lands with a heavy thud on the wooden
floor.
EXT. BAG END - NIGHT
ANGLE ON: BILBO staggering out of BAG END ... he braces himself
in the night air, PALE and TREMBLING, as if his loss of the ring
has weakened him. GANDALF steps up behind.
BILBO
I've thought up an ending for my
book... “And he lived happily ever
after to the end of his days.”
GANDALF
I'm sure you will, my dear friend.
BILBO
Goodbye, Gandalf.
GANDALF
Goodbye, Bilbo.
BILBO walks away from BAG END, disappearing into the night,
softly singing: “The Road goes on and on.”
GANDALF (CONT’D)
(softly)
Until our next meeting.
CUT TO:
30.
INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
CLOSE ON: THE RING ... GLINTING on the floor ... GANDALF circles
around it, a PUZZLED look on his face. GANDALF slowly reaches
for the RING. His fingers barely touch the RING ... the creepy
HUM rises on the SOUNDTRACK.
ANGLE ON: GANDALF is sitting in front of the fire, with his pipe
... staring into the flickering flames.
BILBO (V.O.)
It's mine, my own, my precious.
GANDALF
(to himself)
Riddles in the dark.
FRODO (O.S.)
Bilbo! Bilbo!
FRODO rushes into BAG END ... he stops and picks up the RING at
his feet. GANDALF continues staring into the fire, as if locked
in thought.
GANDALF
(to himself)
My precious ... precious...
FRODO
(quietly)
He's gone, hasn't he?
FRODO steps into the living room.
FRODO (CONT’D)
He talked for so long about leaving ...
I didn’t think he’d really do it.
GANDALF
(mutters to himself)
...my own.
Gandalf?
FRODO
GANDALF turns ... his eyes locking onto the RING in FRODO’S
fingers.
GANDALF
Bilbo’s ring.
(CONTINUED)
31.
CONTINUED:
GANDALF sorts hurriedly through BILBO’S papers.
GANDALF (CONT’D)
He's gone to stay with the Elves.
He's left you Bag End...
GANDALF holds out the envelope ... FRODO drops the RING into it.
GANDALF (CONT’D)
...along with all his possessions.
GANDALF seals the envelope with wax. He hands it to FRODO.
GANDALF (CONT’D)
The ring is yours now. Put it somewhere
out of sight.
GANDALF rises hurriedly and starts to gather his things.
FRODO
Where are you going?
GANDALF
There are things I must to see to.
FRODO
What things?
GANDALF
Questions. Questions that need
answering.
FRODO
But you've only just arrived! I don't
understand...
GANDALF is already at the door, he turns to FRODO.
GANDALF
Neither do I. Keep it secret, Keep
it safe.
GANDALF hurries out the door ... leaving FRODO standing alone in
BAG END.
(CONTINUED)
32.
CONTINUED: (2)
ANGLE ON: THE ENVELOPE
THE CAMERA PUSHES IN ... THE HUM OF THE RING comes up on the
SOUNDTRACK. The CAMERA PUSHES through the white paper to the
RING ... beneath the HUM the whispered murmur of BLACK SPEECH
can be heard.
CUT TO:
EXT. BARAD-DÛR - NIGHT
The jagged ruins of BARAD-DÛR. THE DARK TOWER!
TEASING IMAGES: THE HUGE DARK TOWER OF BARAD-DÛR is being
rebuilt! Thousands of ORCS crawl over the surface, hauling stone
and iron up the towering heights.
GOLLUM (O.S.)
Shire! Baggins!!
EXT. MINAS MORGUL - NIGHT
CUT TO:
NINE BLACK RIDERS burst out of MINAS MORGUL and charge toward
CAMERA.
EXT. THE WEST ROAD, GONDOR - DAY
WIDE ON: A LONE HORSEMAN gallops to the crest of a hill on the
west road. The main highway south to MINAS TIRITH ... he looks
toward the saw-toothed mountains of MORDOR ...
WIDE ON: MOUNT DOOM ... A HUGE, BILLOWING CLOUD OF BLACK FILTH
grows and spreads across the red streaked sky ... casting a
shadowy pall over the nightmarish landscape ... seeping out
across the blood red sky...
ANGLE ON: GANDALF, his face grave. He spurs his horse on.
CUT TO:
INT. CITADEL, MINAS TIRITH - NIGHT
ANGLE ON: GANDALF making his way down into the lower depths of
the CITADEL.
CUT TO:
33.
INT. CITADEL CHAMBER, MINAS TIRITH - NIGHT
CLOSE ON: Pages flipping as GANDALF searches ancient scrolls and
books placed high on a wooden table. His eyes settle on one old
parchment. He murmurs hurriedly to himself, reading.
GANDALF
(reading)
The year 3434 of the Second Age ...
here follows the account of Isildur,
High King of Gondor, and the finding of
the Ring of Power.
CLOSE ON: ISILDUR, TRIUMPHANT, REACHES FOR THE ONE RING, HIS
EYES FIXATED ON IT.
GANDALF
(reading)
It has come to me ... the Ring of Power!
It shall be an heirloom of my kingdom
... all those who follow in my bloodline
shall be bound to its fate, for I will
risk no hurt to the ring ... it is
precious to me, though I buy it with
great pain...
CLOSE ON: ELVISH LETTERING MARKS ON THE FADED OLD DOCUMENT IN
GANDALF’S HAND.
GANDALF
(reading)
The marking on the band begin to fade
... the writing which at first was as
clear as red flame, has all but
disappeared ... a secret now that only
fire can tell...
EXT. HOBBIT FARMHOUSE - EVENING
FARMER MAGGOT is chopping wood in his garden.
CUT TO:
CLOSE ON: SNORTING HORSE NOSTRILS ... as the shadow of a BLACK
RIDER looms over a HOBBIT HOUSE.
Terrified, FARMER MAGGOT cowers in his doorway ... FANGS, his
dog, whimpers and backs away.
DISSOLVE TO:
(CONTINUED)
34.
CONTINUED:
BLACK RIDER
(hissing)
Shire? Baggins?
FARMER MAGGOT
(terrified)
There’s no Bagginses around here!
They're all up in Hobbiton ... that
way.
THE BLACK RIDER GALLOPS AWAY AT SPEED.
INT. GREEN DRAGON - NIGHT
CUT TO:
The HOBBITS of HOBBITON are having a grand evening of ale and
song.
ANGLE ON: MERRY and PIPPIN, mugs in hand, sing and dance on a
table while supporting each other.
ANGLE ON: FRODO retrieves more mugs of ale from the bar and
dances around the tavern.
HOBBITS
(singing)
Hey ho, to the bottle I go!
To heal my heart and drown my woe.
Rain may fall and wind may blow.
But there still be –
many miles to go!
Sweet is the sound of the pouring rain,
and the stream that falls from hill to plain.
Better than rain or rippling brook –
PIPPIN
is a mug of beer inside this Took!
Huge laughter and clinking of mugs.
ANGLE ON: DADDY TWOFOOT, TED SANDYMAN, and SAM’S father, HAM
GAMGEE (A.K.A. THE GAFFER), involve themselves in a most serious
discussion. SAM sits quietly next to his father.
(CONTINUED)
35.
CONTINUED:
DADDY TWOFOOT
There's been some strange folk crossing
the Shire. Dwarves, and others of a
less than savoury nature.
TED SANDYMAN
War is brewing. The mountains are fair
teeming with goblins.
ANGLE ON: SAM, smokes his pipe and looks at ROSIE behind the
bar. She gives him a huge smile.
GAFFER
Far-off tales and children's stories,
that's all that is. You're beginning to
sound like that old Bilbo Baggins.
Cracked, he was.
TED SANDYMAN
Young Mr. Frodo here, he's cracking!
He laughs as FRODO arrives with drinks.
FRODO
And proud of it. Cheers, Gaffer.
GAFFER
Well, it's none of our concern what
goes on beyond our borders. Keep your
nose out of trouble, and no trouble'll
come to you.
ANGLE ON: FRODO smiles and raises his tankard.
LATER...
ANGLE ON: ROSIE COTTON bids the last of the PATRONS “Goodnight”
... SAM meets her eyes for a moment as he and FRODO leave the
inn.
ROSIE
Goodnight, lads.
Goodnight.
SAM
(CONTINUED)
36.
CONTINUED:
FRODO and SAM continue on their way. Behind them, an intoxicated
HOBBIT kneels before ROSIE and raises his arms as if worshipping
a goddess.
INTOXICATED HOBBIT
Goodnight, sweet maiden of the
golden ale!
SAM
(muttering)
Mind who you're sweet-talking.
FRODO
Don't worry, Sam. Rosie knows an
idiot when she sees one.
SAM stops walking.
SAM
(worried)
Does she?
EXT. BAG END - NIGHT
CUT TO:
WIDE ON: FRODO FAREWELLS SAM outside BAG END, and heads towards
the front door.
CREEPY POV FROM INSIDE BAG END: FRODO coming up the path.
CUT TO:
INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
ANGLE ON: FRODO enters BAG END ... he immediately PAUSES,
sensing that something is amiss. All is quiet ... FRODO peers
uneasily into the darkened living room.
SUDDENLY! A large figure looms out of the shadows, reaching for
FRODO. FRODO lets out a startled cry, pulls himself free and
spins around to face his ASSAILANT.
GANDALF steps into a shaft of moonlight. Paranoia blazes in his
eyes. His clothes are dirty and ragged from much traveling. Hair
and beard much longer and unkempt.
(CONTINUED)
37.
CONTINUED:
GANDALF
(urgent whisper)
Is it secret? Is it safe?
INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
CUT TO:
FRODO pulls the envelope out of an old chest. GANDALF,
suspcious, ALERT.
Without a word, GANDALF takes the envelope and tosses it into
the fireplace!
FRODO
(bewildered)
What are you doing?
Flames instantly consume the envelope ... revealing the RING, as
it sinks into the red hot embers. GANDALF reaches into the fire
with a pair of tongs ... he lifts the RING out.
GANDALF
Hold out your hand, Frodo ... it is
quite cool.
GANDALF drops the RING into FRODO’S hand ... he reacts to its
weight.
GANDALF (CONT’D)
What can you see? Can you see anything?
FRODO
Nothing ... there's nothing. Wait...
CLOSE ON: THE GOLD BAND of the RING as fiery letters begin to
appear ... a tiny inscription glows red ... as if burning from
within.
FRODO (CONT’D)
...there are markings.
CLOSE ON: GANDALF ... STILL ... TENSE.
FRODO (CONT’D)
It's some form of Elvish. I can't
read it.
(CONTINUED)
38.
CONTINUED:
GANDALF
(ominous)
There are few who can ... the language is
that of Mordor, which I will not utter
here.
Mordor?
FRODO
GANDALF
In the common tongue, it says:
“One Ring to rule them all. One Ring to
find them. One Ring to bring them all
and in the darkness bind them.”
INT. BAG END KITCHEN - NIGHT
CLOSE ON: THE RING lies on FRODO’S simple kitchen table.
GANDALF
This is the One Ring, forged by the
Dark Lord Sauron, in the fires of Mount
Doom ... taken by Isildur from the hand
of Sauron himself.
FRODO
(quiet realization)
Bilbo found it ... in Gollum's cave.
GANDALF
Yes. For sixty years, the Ring lay quiet
in Bilbo’s keeping, prolonging his life,
delaying old age ... but no longer,
Frodo. Evil is stirring in Mordor. The
Ring has awoken. It's heard its master's
call.
AT THAT MOMENT: A FLEETING, LOW WHISPER OF BLACK SPEECH emanates
from the RING. FRODO looks at GANDALF, each knowing the other
has heard it.
FRODO
But he was destroyed ... Sauron was
destroyed.
ANGLE ON: THE RING lies between them on the table.
CUT TO:
(CONTINUED)
39.
CONTINUED:
GANDALF
No, Frodo. The spirit of Sauron endured.
His life force is bound to the Ring and
the Ring survived. Sauron has returned.
His Orcs have multiplied ... his
fortress of Barad-dûr is rebuilt in the
land of Mordor. Sauron needs only this
Ring to cover all the lands in the
second darkness. He is seeking it,
seeking it, all his thought is bent on
it. For the Ring yearns, above all else,
to return to the hand of its master:
They are one, the Ring and the Dark
Lord. Frodo, he must never find it.
SUDDENLY, FRODO scoops up the RING.
FRODO
Alright!
INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
ANGLE ON: FRODO hurriedly entering the living room.
FRODO
(thinking fast)
We put it away, we keep it hidden! We
never speak of it again. No one knows
it’s here, do they?
GANDALF shifts uncomfortably.
FRODO (CONT’D)
Do they, Gandalf?
GANDALF looks at FRODO sadly...
GANDALF
There is one other who knew that Bilbo
had the Ring. I looked everywhere for
the creature Gollum, but the enemy
found him first.
CUT TO:
CUT TO:
40.
INT. BARAD-DÛR - NIGHT
CLOSE ON: A TEASING GLIMPSE of GOLLUM being tortured by the
ORCS. The wretched creature screams in pain.
GANDALF (V.O.)
I don't know how long they tortured him
... but amidst the endless screams and
inane babble, they discerned two words.
GOLLUM
(screaming)
S...Shire! Baggins!
INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
CLOSE ON: FRODO’S HORRIFIED FACE!
FRODO
Shire! Baggins! That will lead them
here!
EXT. SHIRE LANE, SOUTH FARTHING - NIGHT
CUT TO:
IMAGE: On a dark country lane, a HOBBIT BOUNDER lifts his watch
lantern in alarm.
HOBBIT BOUNDER
Halt! Who goes there?
Out of the darkness thunder two BLACK RIDERS ... A LETHAL SWORD
swings down at the small HOBBIT BOUNDER.
INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
FRODO thrusts the RING at GANDALF.
FRODO
Take it! Take it!
GANDALF
No, Frodo...
FRODO
You must take it.
CUT TO:
(CONTINUED)
41.
CONTINUED:
GANDALF
You cannot offer me this ring.
FRODO
I am giving it to you!
GANDALF
Don't tempt me, Frodo! I dare not take
it, not even to keep it safe.
CLOSE ON: THE RING IN FRODO’S HAND...
GANDALF (CONT’D)
Understand, Frodo ... I would use this
Ring from a desire to do good ... but
through me, it would wield a power too
great and terrible to imagine.
FRODO
But it cannot stay in the Shire!
GANDALF
No, no, it can't.
CLOSE ON: THE RING IN FRODO’S CLENCHED HAND.
FRODO
What must I do?
INT. FRODO’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
CUT TO:
ANGLE ON: FRODO throwing clothes into a knapsack ... GANDALF
watches him, making plans...
GANDALF
You must leave, and leave quickly. Get
out of the Shire.
FRODO
Where? Where shall I go?
GANDALF
Make for the village of Bree.
FRODO
Bree? What about you?
(CONTINUED)
42.
CONTINUED:
GANDALF
I will be waiting for you at the Inn of
the Prancing Pony.
FRODO packs his food into his knapsack.
FRODO
And the Ring will be safe there?
GANDALF
I don't know, Frodo. I don't have any
answers. I must see the Head of my
Order. He is both wise and powerful.
Trust me, Frodo. He’ll know what to do.
INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
FRODO is preparing to leave.
CUT TO:
GANDALF
You’ll have to leave the name of Baggins
behind you ... for that name is not safe
outside the Shire.
GANDALF helps FRODO into his coat.
GANDALF (CONT’D)
Travel only by day. And stay off the
road.
FRODO
(thinking)
I can cut across country easily enough.
GANDALF looks at the young HOBBIT, moved by his courage.
GANDALF
My dear Frodo. Hobbits really are
amazing creatures. You can learn all
there is to know about their ways in a
month, and yet, after a hundred years,
they can still surprise you.
SUDDENLY! A SOUND from outside.
(CONTINUED)
43.
CONTINUED:
Get down!
GANDALF (CONT’D)
GANDALF FREEZES ... he moves quietly towards the window, eyes
wide with tension. He raises his staff above the window, and
slams it down on the intruder. THERE IS A YELP OF PAIN!
GANDALF hauls a small figure into the room ... SAM GAMGEE
sprawls across the floor! He looks up in terror as GANDALF looms
over him.
GANDALF (CONT’D)
(angry)
Confound it all! Samwise Gamgee, have you
been eavesdropping?
SAM
I ain’t been dropping no eaves, sir!
Honest. I was just cutting the grass
under the window there, if you follow
me...
GANDALF
It’s a little bit late for trimming the
hedges, don’t you think?
SAM
I heard raised voices...
GANDALF
What did you hear? Speak!
SAM
Nothing important ... that is, I heard
a good deal about a ring ... and a Dark
Lord. And something about the end of
the world, but... Please, Mr. Gandalf,
sir, don't hurt me! Don't turn me into
anything unnatural!
GANDALF
No?
FRODO SMILES.
GANDALF (CONT’D)
Perhaps not. I’ve thought of a better
use for you.
CUT TO:
44.
EXT. HOBBITON FIELDS - PREDAWN
WIDE ON: HOBBITON ... shrouded in a white veil of MIST.
WIDER: To REVEAL GANDALF, FRODO, and SAM hurrying across a
ploughed field, away from HOBBITON! GANDALF leads his HORSE ...
FRODO and SAM are carrying knapsacks.
GANDALF (V.O.)
Come along, Samwise ... keep up...
CUT TO:
EXT. HOBBITON WOODS - DAY
GANDALF leads FRODO and SAM under the cover of WOODS.
GANDALF (V.O.)
Be careful, both of you. The Enemy has
many spies in his service, many ways of
hearing ... birds, beasts...
GANDALF takes FRODO to one side...
GANDALF (CONT’D)
(low voice)
Is it safe?
FRODO NODS ... he pats his pocket.
GANDALF (CONT’D)
Never put it on, for the agents of the
Dark Lord will be drawn to its power...
Always remember, Frodo, the Ring is
trying to get back to its master ... it
wants to be found.
GANDALF wheels his horse and gallops away.
EXT. GREEN HILL COUNTRY - DAY
CUT TO:
MONTAGE: FRODO and SAM hike over the gentle Shire countryside
... wading through a shallow stream ... pass by the quaint
hollows of Hobbit Holes ... heating a kettle over a small fire
... clambering over stone walls.
CUT TO:
45.
EXT. GREEN HILL COUNTRY - AFTERNOON
SAM stops short ... taking stock of his surroundings. SAM looks
back from where they came.
SAM
This is it.
FRODO
This is what?
SAM
If I take one more step, it’ll be the
farthest away from home I've ever been.
FRODO gives SAM a pat on the shoulder.
FRODO
Come on, Sam.
SAM takes a deep breath and steps forward.
CLOSE ON: SAM’S brown, furry foot hits the ground.
FRODO IS SMILING.
FRODO
Remember what Bilbo used to say ...
it's a dangerous business...
FRODO and SAM continue their journey.
BILBO (V.O.)
...it’s a dangerous business, Frodo,
going out your door ... you step onto
the road, and if you don't keep your
feet, there's no knowing where you
might be swept off to.
EXT. HOBBITON WOODS - NIGHT
CUT TO:
SAM cooks a dinner while FRODO relaxes in a tree, smoking his
pipe.
SUDDENLY, FRODO turns his head, listening.
ON THE SOUNDTRACK: Singing ... high, sweet voices sing in a
strange language.
(CONTINUED)
46.
CONTINUED:
ANGLE ON: FRODO looks at SAM with a delighted smile.
FRODO
(whispers)
Sam! Wood-Elves!
ANGLE ON: A group of ELVES pass slowly through the forest, some
on horseback, some walking, some with banners. The group seems
to shine of its own light, their white garments softly glowing
against the purples and midnight blues of the woods. Their
haunting song continues.
ELVEN VOICES
(Elvish)
a Galad ren i veniar
hi' aladhremmin ennorath
A Elbereth Gilthoniel
ithil nâ thûl, ithil lîn hen
O Light to us that wander here
Amid the world of woven trees!
O Elbereth! Gilthoniel!
Clear are thy eyes and bright thy breath!
ANGLE ON: FRODO and SAM watching the procession from behind a
tree.
FRODO
They're going to the harbour beyond
the White Towers. To the Grey Havens.
SAM
They're leaving Middle-earth.
FRODO
Never to return.
SAM
I don't know why ... it makes me sad.
EXT. HOBBITON WOODS - NIGHT
CUT TO:
FRODO appears asleep. SAM tries desperately to find a
comfortable spot on the ground.
(CONTINUED)
47.
CONTINUED:
SAM
Everywhere I lie there’s a dirty
great root sticking into my back.
FRODO neither moves nor opens his eyes.
FRODO
Just shut your eyes, and imagine
you're back in your own bed, with a
soft mattress and a lovely feather
pillow.
ANGLE ON: SAM looks skeptical, but tries it.
SAM (sighs)
It's not working Mr. Frodo. I'm never
going to be able to sleep out here.
FRODO
Me neither, Sam.
FRODO smiles. SAM stares at the sky and finds something to
nibble on.
EXT. SHIRE, A HILL - NIGHT
WIDE ON: Mist descends over the peaceful Shire.
TRACK BACK TO REVEAL: A horse neighs and stamps. Its BLACK RIDER
comes slowly to a halt and looks for his prey.
CUT TO:
EXT. ISENGARD VALLEY - DAY
GANDALF is galloping along the outskirts of the ancient forest
of FANGORN. Nestled in a basin at the foot of the distant MISTY
MOUNTAINS, the tall black tower of ORTHANC is clearly visible.
EXT. ISENGARD VALLEY - DAY
GANDALF gallops through the gate, into the fortress of ISENGARD
... a great ring-wall of stone, a mile from rim to rim, encloses
beautiful trees and garden, watered by streams that flow down
from the mountains.
(CONTINUED)
48.
CONTINUED:
SARUMAN (V.O.)
Smoke rises once more from the mountain
of doom ... the Shadow takes shape in
the darkness of Mordor; the hour grows
late ... and Gandalf the Grey rides to
Isengard seeking my council...
The strange tower of ORTHANC ... hewn from a solid pillar of
obsidian ... rises up in the center of the ISENGARD CIRCLE.
GANDALF arrives at he foot of the ORTHANC STAIRS.
ANGLE ON: SARUMAN, THE WHITE WIZARD as he sweeps down the
ORTHANC stairs.
SARUMAN
For that is why you have come, is it
not, my old friend?
GANDALF moves quickly towards him, grimy and weary from his long
ride.
Saruman!
EXT. ISENGARD GARDENS - DAY
GANDALF
GANDALF and SARUMAN walk slowly between the beautiful trees of
ISENGARD. SARUMAN’S clean, white robe contrasts with GANDALF’S
dusty grey robes.
SARUMAN