SCREENPLAY BY RUDOLPH GREY AND NICOLE V. GAGNÉ
copyright (c) 2016 Rudolph Grey and Nicole V. Gagné
DRACULA IN THE EVIL EMPIRE
EXT – TRANSYLVANIA, VILLAGE STREET – NIGHT
In what looks like a scene from the late-19th century, the streets are deserted, the windows shuttered. A lone young woman is walking hurriedly to her home. At the dark end of a blind alley, a shadowy figure observes her. Sensing the attention, she gazes into the alley. Her gait slows to a halt: She’s transfixed by two glowing points of red light — the figure’s eyes — visible in the black recesses of the alley. She begins to walk slowly toward them.
NAZI OFFICER O.S.
Halt!
FIGURE’S P.O.V.: The woman is grabbed by a gang of Nazi soldiers. Still in a state of partial trance, she’s confused and incoherent as they roughly question her.
NAZI SOLDIERS
(variously)
What are you doing out on the streets after curfew? Do you know the laws against black marketeers? Where are your papers? Who were you supposed to meet?
Enraged by her inability to cooperate, they slap her around, finally slamming her head against a stone wall before they take her away. The figure observes the soldiers departing with their victim. He glides up to the wall where they beat her, slips his hand into the blood stain, and brings a few drops of her blood to his lips. He turns and faces the camera: COUNT DRACULA, his mouth stained red.
INT – GERMANY, RALLY HALL – NIGHT
ADOLF HITLER is making a speech to a huge crowd. Transported by the adulation and his own rhetoric and histrionics, he clenches his fists and shouts hysterically to the throng. FREEZE on Hitler.
CUT TO:
OPENING TITLE: “Dracula in the Evil Empire”
FADE IN:
EXT – TRANSYLVANIA, CASTLE DRACULA – LATE AFTERNOON
Over a full shot of Dracula’s brooding edifice, an opening crawl in stark gothic lettering:
By the Winter of 1940, Romania was under the control of the Nazi-backed dictator Ion Antonescu, and had joined the Axis nations in their war of global conquest and genocide. The Nazi Army and SS installed themselves throughout the Romanian countryside, commandeering any homes and estates they required. But by the Summer of 1944, the Soviets had penetrated Romania. With the Red Army’s advance, the downfall of the collaborator Antonescu was at hand, and the Germans were suddenly forced to abandon their former strongholds.
INT – CASTLE DRACULA, MAIN HALL
The Nazi headquarters that had been set up within the castle is now being frantically dismantled: Soldiers are scrambling about, packing up their equipment, burning papers, barking orders, moving crates into trucks, etc.
INT – VON HAACK’S OFFICE
SS COLONEL VON HAACK shoves an entire drawer full of documents into the arms of his AIDE.
VON HAACK
All of this too — and make sure they’re completely destroyed!
AIDE
Yes, sir!
Aide departs with the papers and Von Haack shuts the door after him. Von Haack throws a few items from his desk into his duffel bag and starts tying it up. Looking about to see if he’s forgotten something, he spots an ornate candlestick, part of the mantle in the room he’d commandeered for his office. Von Haack goes for the booty, but when he removes the candlestick from its place, the wall swings partially open, revealing a staircase. He hesitates for a moment, then locks the outer door of his office, lights the candle, and goes down the stairs.
INT – STAIRWAY
With the candle’s feeble illumination, Von Haack descends the dark, twisting stairway, starting momentarily at a passing rat. At the foot of the stairs is an arched doorway which he steps through.
INT – DRACULA’S LAIR
The entryway opens out onto a series of chambers deep in the bowels of the castle. Von Haack peers about the different niches and compartments, but fails to notice that he is approaching the resting place of the coffins for Dracula and his three wives. Atop the largest and most ornate coffin, a large red-eyed rat watches Von Haack. Before he can enter that secluded area, his attention is drawn in the opposite direction, to a barren altar with a small chest set upon it. He opens the chest, looks within, and gasps in shock at its O.S. contents.
INT – SS COMMAND HEADQUARTERS, HIMMLER’S OFFICE – DUSK
HEINRICH HIMMLER, seated at his desk, thoughtfully reads an official document. He hears his SECRETARY suddenly arguing with Von Haack outside his door.
SECRETARY O.S.
You have to have an appointment —
VON HAACK O.S.
I must see Reichsfuehrer Himmler! Stand aside!
Von Haack bursts into Himmler’s office, as Secretary tries to physically restrain him. He is carrying the chest wrapped in a large blanket.
HIMMLER
Colonel Von Haack! What is the meaning of this intrusion? How dare you come in here like this?
Von Haack is about to answer, but glances at Secretary and falls silent, hugging the chest tighter in his arms. Himmler notices this and waves away Secretary, who closes the door behind him.
HIMMLER
Well?
VON HAACK
I am here in response to your verbal directive of February 29, 1944.
Himmler is speechless. Von Haack thinks he’s confused and attempts to elaborate.
VON HAACK
Your directive which must not be put in writing or even spoken of except among the upper echelon of the SS.
Himmler stares intently at Von Haack’s bundle.
HIMMLER
You’ve found it?
Von Haack holds out his bundle to Himmler. Himmler takes it with the delicacy of a pilgrim handling a sacred object. He places it on his desk and unwraps the blanket, revealing the chest. He opens it and gazes at its O.S. contents. His eyes grow moist. Abruptly, he hardens again and turns to Von Haack.
HIMMLER
I take it you have not shown this to anyone?
VON HAACK
No sir.
HIMMLER
Nobody knows of this except you and I?
VON HAACK
No sir, no one.
Reassured, Himmler relaxes again. His face is radiant as he removes from the chest a large, ancient book.
HIMMLER
Colonel Von Haack, you are our Parsifal, and this is our Holy Grail.
INT – DRACULA’S LAIR – NIGHT
Dracula arises from his coffin and instantly senses that something is wrong. He goes to the altar and sees the book is gone. O.S., Nazis yelling over the sound of auto horns and grinding gears: The last two German trucks are noisily departing the grounds of Dracula’s estate. He clenches his fist and scowls, baring his sharp fangs.
INT – HIMMLER’S LIMO – NIGHT
Himmler and Von Haack are in the back seat of the car as it speeds through the German woods. Himmler, the bundle in his lap, turns to the Driver.
HIMMLER
Faster, damn your eyes! You drive like an old woman!
The car’s engine groans at the increased speed. Von Haack, disoriented by the rapid turn of events, has grown increasingly nervous.
VON HAACK
Will the Fuehrer still be able to receive us by the time we reach Rastenburg?
HIMMLER
He’ll be up.
VON HAACK
I would hate to disturb him in the dead of night.
HIMMLER
This, Colonel Von Haack, will not disturb him.
INT – RASTENBURG, HITLER’S OUTER OFFICE – NIGHT
Hitler is O.S., locked away within his inner office, but his voice, screaming in psychotic fury, reverberates throughout the vast outer office. Himmler and Von Haack sit near the receptionist; Himmler has the chest, still wrapped in Von Haack’s blanket. The Fuehrer’s frenzy makes Himmler fidgety and apprehensive; Von Haack is visibly quaking with fear. The door to Hitler’s inner office opens — the sound of Hitler’s voice is appropriately louder — and a browbeaten general darts out. The receptionist waves in Himmler, who enters with the chest and shuts the door behind him, somewhat muffling the voice again. Hitler’s screaming goes on a little longer, then stops abruptly.
INT – HITLER’S INNER OFFICE
CLOSE-UP, pages from the book: an ancient text of Satanic sorcery, with writing in Latin, Rumanian, German, Greek, and Hebrew, along with various occult and mathematical symbols. Letters are illuminated with blasphemous, demonic imagery. The hand flipping through the pages shuts the book.
Adolf Hitler is seated at his desk, his left hand resting on the closed book. He is barely able to contain his excitement. Himmler, glowing with satisfaction and pride, stands beside him.
HITLER
My dear Himmler, do you realize the significance of what you’ve found? Can you fathom what this means to the future of the Reich?
HIMMLER
I most certainly do, my Fuehrer. That is why I presumed to intrude upon your labors at this late hour.
HITLER
You did well to come immediately. I am surrounded by incompetents and weaklings! If only I had more men such as you, Heinrich.
HIMMLER
Thank you, my Fuehrer. It is my privilege to serve you.
HITLER
You’re certain this Colonel Von Haack of yours has told no one else about this?
HIMMLER
Absolutely certain, my Fuehrer.
HITLER
Good. Very good! Send him in.
Himmler goes to the door, opens it, and waves in Von Haack. He enters nervously and salutes.
VON HAACK
Heil Hitler!
Hitler returns his salute perfunctorily and walks over to Von Haack, looking him up and down appraisingly. Von Haack stands rigidly at attention, afraid even to look at the Fuehrer.
HITLER
Colonel Von Haack, I am pleased that you had the acumen to bring this discovery to our immediate attention. You have made a momentous contribution to the glory of the Reich, and you will be rewarded appropriately. But for now, I must insist that you take special quarters here at Rastenburg and communicate with no one. We will send for you again, in due time. You shall then have the honor of personally participating in our historic undertaking. Now leave us.
VON HAACK
Yes, my Fuehrer. Thank you. Heil Hitler!
HIMMLER
Heil Hitler!
Hitler returns their salutes. Himmler motions for Von Haack to follow him, and they leave the office. Alone, Hitler returns to his desk, opens the book again, and begins perusing it. He stops for a moment and looks up, smiling at the thought of the power that is now within his grasp. Unaccountably, his features start to slacken and he zones out, as though his mind were somehow undergoing a brief eclipse. Snapping out of it abruptly, barely cognizant of the shift that has occurred, he resumes his leafing through the book, ignoring the tremor that has entered his left hand.
INT – CASTLE DRACULA, MAIN HALL – NIGHT
The hall, deserted after the Nazi retreat, is a looted shambles. Dracula furiously berates his cowering servant JANOS, a disheveled gravedigger.
DRACULA
You miserable, quivering imbecile! Do you realize what this means?
JANOS
But master, I didn’t know —
DRACULA
Silence, you sniveling little toad! I will hear no excuses!
Dracula points at his three brides. They keep their distance from his wrath.
DRACULA (Cont.)
I should have thrown you to them, years ago! Why, why do I put up with you?
JANOS
Master, you instructed me to guard your resting place, and I did, no one ever —
DRACULA
You useless idiot! Thanks to your incompetence, my greatest treasure has been stolen. And that treasure is irreplaceable!
Dracula’s wives begin to approach, anticipating that he actually will give Janos to them. Dracula stares at them coldly and they halt their advance.
DRACULA (Cont.)
I should have left you where I found you… stealing corpses from the graveyards. You are useless for anything else.
Dracula seats himself in an ornate, ancient, throne-like chair and shuts his eyes.
DRACULA (Cont.)
Now… now I must determine where those barbarians have taken my most precious possession.
CLOSE-UP, image of the book fading into view, smokey and distorted.
INT – RASTENBURG, DETAINING ROOM
Von Haack is seated in the small room, reading a Nazi physical-culture magazine and smoking a cigarette. The door is unlocked and swings open, startling him. Himmler stands in the doorway.
HIMMLER
You will come with me now, Colonel Von Haack.
Von Haack stubs out his cigarette in an overflowing ashtray and exits with Himmler.
INT – HALLWAY
They go down a corridor and enter a larger detaining room.
INT – SECOND DETAINING ROOM
Hitler stands beside a large pentagram, drawn on the floor with some white powdery substance.
VON HAACK
Heil Hitler!
Hitler returns the salute but approaches him with disgust.
HITLER
You stink of tobacco.
VON HAACK
I’m sorry, my Fuehrer.
HITLER
You must do exactly as Reichsfuehrer Himmler says, Colonel Von Haack. Do you understand?
VON HAACK
Yes, my Fuehrer… but I was just wondering… not that I question the wisdom of your instructions or your motives —
HITLER
Our motives are not your concern! We act for the advancement of our great cause, for the future of the Reich. How dare you question the wisdom of your Fuehrer?
VON HAACK
No, no, my Fuehrer, I only wondered —
HITLER
Yours is not to wonder! You are only to obey, without question, without hesitation!!
HIMMLER
Colonel Von Haack! You will do as I instruct, without further discussion or delay. Or do you wish to be executed for treason?
VON HAACK
Treason? Oh, no, Reichsfuehrer Himmler. No, my Fuehrer, no. I am at your command always. I beg you, forgive me for my weakness.
Himmler hands a cloth to Von Haack.
HIMMLER
Put on this blindfold.
Sweating and shaking with terror, Von Haack clumsily blindfolds himself as Hitler returns to his place beside the pentagram.
HIMMLER
Hold still.
Himmler places something around Von Haack’s neck, but only the chain can be seen; the object itself remains O.S.
HIMMLER
Come with me.
Himmler brings Von Haack up to the pentagram.
HIMMLER
Lie down on the floor.
Himmler positions Von Haack so that only his head is inside the pentagram.
HIMMLER
You will count slowly to 100.
Von Haack begins counting, joined by Hitler and Himmler. As they count, Himmler takes out his gun with its silencer, and brings it up to Von Haack’s head. The object Himmler draped around Von Haack’s neck can at last be seen: a crucifix. On “13,” Himmler fires, splattering blood onto the crucifix. He and Hitler keep repeating “13,” and with each repetition Himmler fires another round into Von Haack’s head. After six shots, Hitler hands Himmler another loaded gun with silencer, and six more shots are fired. After the 12th “13,” Hitler slips the crucifix off Von Haack’s body and dips it in the puddle of blood and gore that was the man’s head. He places the bloody crucifix on the cover of the book, upside down. On the table next to the book is another loaded gun with silencer, which Hitler picks up. Plainly unnerved by the closeness of this corpse and the task that is now before him, Hitler raises the gun in his trembling hand and brings it up to what’s left of Von Haack’s head. Himmler stands away. Hitler, hardly able to look in the direction of his aim, fires the last round into the corpse, as he and Himmler recite the final, 13th “13.” Immediately, a low, sucking sound is heard from the center of the pentagram, where a vortex of wind starts to whirl, faster and faster. An eruption from within the vortex, complete with belching flames and smoke, discharges the first demon: feral and dangerous, like a wild boar on two legs. It bares its fangs and lunges at Hitler, but does not step out of the pentagram. Hitler is frightened but realizes that the demon must play by the rules, and so he stands tauntingly close to it. Himmler, at last a witness to such mysteries, kneels before the pentagram. Hitler sees this and smirks to himself with superiority. Then he leans even closer to the demon.
HITLER
You would devour me if you could. But I am your master now, and you must serve me in all things. Just as your overlord, the Great Beast, shall serve me, and his Supreme Ruler, Satan Himself, shall serve me, when the next two rituals are enacted.
Hitler turns away and picks up Dracula’s book, taking care not to dislodge the crucifix on its cover.
HITLER
First murder; then blasphemy and murder; then betrayal, blasphemy, and murder. The path to the power of Hell itself is straight and clear indeed.
Hitler presses the book to his lips for a long moment. Removing it, he bristles when he sees Himmler again.
HITLER
Get off your knees, Himmler! We of the master race humble ourselves to no one! Get up!
Himmler gets up sheepishly as Hitler goes over to the demon.
HITLER
This is my first command. Erase all memory, all awareness of these events from the mind of this chicken farmer, and send him home to bed!
HIMMLER
My Fuehrer, no! Please!
The demon only growls, shifting its glances uneasily from Hitler to Himmler, back and forth.
HITLER (Cont.)
Do as I command!
The demon obeys with a snarl and a wave of its claw. Himmler immediately turns on his heel and departs.
OVERHEAD SHOT, with the same smokey distortion seen earlier, of Himmler walking out of the chamber.
CLOSE-UPS, with similar distortion: the vicious, slavering demon; Hitler, laughing in triumph; the book with the bloody crucifix lying on top of it.
INT – HIMMLER RESIDENCE – NIGHT
OVERHEAD SHOT, distorted as above. Breezing past his servants and guards, ignoring their salutes and pleasantries, Himmler walks straight to his bedroom and climbs into bed with his clothes still on and instantly falls asleep.
INT – CASTLE DRACULA
Dracula, still seated in the chair, opens his eyes: He has witnessed the preceding events with the demon, Hitler, Himmler, and Von Haack. He rises slowly from his chair, frowning with anger — and concern.
DRACULA
These fools cannot realize the consequences of what they have done.
Dracula’s wives, seated nearby, rouse themselves from their trances. Dracula hears a wolf howling O.S. A smile appears on his face for the first time. Janos notices.
JANOS
The wolves must be returning to the woods now that the soldiers are leaving.
DRACULA
That is no mere wolf. It is a soul cursed by Satan Himself.
Dracula turns from Janos and goes to a large window, illuminated by the full moon. He transforms into a black bat which flies through the bars and out into the night.
EXT – NIGHT SKY
The bat flies through the air as O.S. howls continue. Suddenly, the howls are torn with human screams.
EXT – WOODS
BAT’S P.O.V.: WOLFMAN is tearing up three Nazi soldiers.
EXT – WOODS, NEARBY PATH
A small Nazi patrol hears the carnage of Wolfman’s attack.
FIRST NAZI
Over there! Quickly!
SECOND NAZI
But sir, where? We see nothing —
FIRST NAZI
The screams, idiot! The direction of the screams!
The patrol comes upon Wolfman. The four men fire their rifles into him and drive him away, but are too terrified to pursue him. The trio of victims are all moving and moaning feebly. The men pick up two of the wounded and carry them away. Before they can return for the third, the bat descends from the sky and starts lapping at the blood from his open wounds. The man writhes feebly as the bat feeds.
THIRD VICTIM
Nein… nein…
EXT – WOODS – THE NEXT MORNING
Wolfman, human once again, lies unconscious beside a stream. His clothes are tattered and blood-stained. He awakens, groggy and confused, the horrors of the previous night dim in his mind. He pulls himself up and wipes his hands on his trousers. In so doing, he notices the blood and murmurs hopelessly to himself. Then he sees in the distance the looming edifice of Castle Dracula. Recognizing it, he heads dazedly off in its direction.
EXT – CASTLE DRACULA
In a corner at the rear of the castle, Wolfman discovers a rotted wooden door with an old, rusty chain over its handle. He picks up a tree limb, wedges it in the chain, and snaps the weathered metal. Then he starts hammering at the door with the branch until it begins to splinter. Putting his shoulder to the door, Wolfman manages to gain entrance.
INT – CASTLE DRACULA, WINE CELLAR
A few rays of light from outdoors pierce the gloom as Wolfman enters the castle’s wine cellar, ransacked by the fleeing Nazis. Huddling in a corner amid the debris of aged, broken crates, avoiding the smashed bottles, the exhausted Wolfman falls asleep.
INT – RASTENBURG, CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY
A group of Nazi military chiefs are in conference with Hitler. The Fuehrer has aged drastically. He seems agitated and doesn’t catch everything that is said to him.
GENERAL HUESINGER, like his cohorts, is unsettled by Hitler’s condition, but presses on with his report.
HUESINGER
There have been, as you know, Fuehrer, some setbacks on the Eastern front. However, no offensive can move on forever — we are in a position to know that very well. The time comes when it is necessary to halt for reorganization and the arrival of supplies. And that is when we shall react.
HITLER
And what is your plan, General?
HUESINGER
We should seal off the Polish plain by concentrating a powerful army around Warsaw, and regroup units presently in retreat, together with reinforcements, on either side of the bastion.
HITLER
Very good, General, as this falls in line with my previous directives.
Hitler turns to COLONEL VON STAUFFENBERG whose face has been mutilated in combat. A war hero with ribbons strung across his chest, he also sports a prosthetic hand.
HITLER
Colonel Von Stauffenberg, you will give your report.
VON STAUFFENBERG
While there have been losses in the East, it is probable that the Soviet offensive will eventually slow down. There is no doubt that the Polish plain can be held, and with the proper regrouping, there is no reason we cannot hold the entire front.
HITLER
So you do see success in this area, Colonel.
VON STAUFFENBERG
Yes, my Fuehrer.
HITLER
Very good, Colonel Von Stauffenberg.
Heusinger unfolds a large map, attracting the Fuehrer’s attention. Von Stauffenberg sets down his briefcase against a foot of the table, three feet from where Hitler is standing. SS OFFICER enters the room and goes up to von Stauffenberg.
SS OFFICER
Colonel Von Stauffenberg, you are wanted on the telephone.
Von Stauffenberg nods in response. After SS Officer turns and departs, he reaches into his briefcase.
CLOSE-UP, inside the briefcase: Von Stauffenberg’s hand activates the mechanism of a time bomb and then grabs a sheaf of papers.
Von Stauffenberg closes the briefcase and leaves the room with the papers. Hitler, examining the map with the generals, doesn’t notice his departure.
INT – ANTECHAMBER
Von Stauffenberg emerges from the Conference Room. Hans Bernd von Haeften has been waiting for him. Together they walk out the front door.
EXT – RASTENBURG
Maintaining silence, they head for their car. The surrounding forest is still but for a few birds and the fluttering of butterflies. Suddenly a ripple shakes the branches of the trees, followed by a burst of fire and a deafening explosion from Rastenburg. Von Haeften and von Stauffenberg watch as smoke and flames shoot up from the collapsing roof and bodies are flung into the air. As one, they go to their car, climb in, and wait.
After a moment of dead silence, shouting SS men run to the scene with stretchers. Sirens begin wailing. More people and cars start to arrive as bodies are carried out of Rastenburg. In the confusion, the two officers drive up to a ring of SS guards. Von Stauffenberg leans out to SENTRY who immediately recognizes him and stiffens to attention.
VON STAUFFENBERG
Urgent mission!
SENTRY
Yes, sir!
Sentry turns to the other guards and signals for them to let the car pass. Then he waves von Stauffenberg through and the conspirators drive off.
INT – RASTENBURG, CONFERENCE ROOM
Hitler emerges from the wreckage of the conference room, shaken, clutching his left arm. SECRETARY runs up to him.
SECRETARY
My Fuehrer! God has saved you!
HITLER
It is not God, fraulein… It is Destiny!
Armed Nazi guards enter and surround Hitler. They escort the staggering Fuehrer down the corridor.
HITLER (Cont.)
It is an augury. No one can stop me. No one.
INT – CASTLE DRACULA, LIBRARY – EARLY EVENING
The light of a torch illuminates a large, medieval painting of Dracula, made when he was still alive and called Vlad the Impaler. Wolfman, holding up the torch, studies the portrait. He doesn’t realize that Dracula and his wives are at the other end of the room, gazing at him balefully. Turning from the portrait, Wolfman is startled to see them.
WOLFMAN
Forgive me for trespassing. You see, I’ve come to —
Dracula raises his hand, silencing Wolfman.
DRACULA
You need not explain your presence.
With a gesture, Dracula plunges Wolfman into a hypnotic trance, revealing the secrets of his mind in a series of distorted images which gradually become clearer.
EXT – TRANSYLVANIAN WOODS – NIGHT, MANY YEARS EARLIER
Wolfman, in the days before he was infected with lycanthropy. Hiking through the brush, he stops to glance up at the full moon. Suddenly he is attacked by a huge wolf. Badly mauled, he manages to crush the beast’s skull with his silver-handled hiking staff, and then stares in horror as the dead animal turns into a dead man.
INT – HOTEL – NIGHT, MANY YEARS EARLIER
Wolfman, still bandaged from his attack, gazes fixedly out the window at the full moon. Trembling and sweating profusely, he cries out in pain and horror, with a scream that turns into an animal howl.
EXT – CASTLE FRANKENSTEIN – DAY, ONE WEEK EARLIER
Wolfman approaches the gutted ruins of the castle. He hears someone inside it, puttering with machinery and talking unintelligibly. He steps into the demolished wreck.
INT – CASTLE FRANKENSTEIN
Standing in the ruins is YGOR, a bearded hermit, whose neck is permanently wrenched to one side. He mutters to himself as he struggles with a large piece of damaged machinery that he’s apparently trying to repair.
WOLFMAN
Hello?
Ygor is startled by the intrusion — and annoyed at not having noticed someone was near. He picks up his heavy wooden cudgel, but makes no move against Wolfman.
YGOR
What do you want here?
WOLFMAN
I seek Dr. Henry Frankenstein.
Ygor shakes his head with finality.
WOLFMAN
This is his castle. I must see him. He has to help me.
YGOR
Frank-shtein is dead.
WOLFMAN
He was my one hope.
Ygor stares quizzically at this statement, then quickly seizes Wolfman’s hand and stares at his palm: The sign of the pentagram fades in and out of view in Wolfman’s hand. Angrily, he pulls away from Ygor’s grasp.
YGOR
You are cursed. But there may still be a way to help you.
WOLFMAN
What? Tell me!
YGOR
First you must agree to help me.
WOLFMAN
Help you how? What are you talking about?
YGOR
Come with me. I will show you.
Ygor leads Wolfman through the ruins of Castle Frankenstein: smashed machinery, a few broken sticks of furniture, the walls scorched from the flames of years gone by.
YGOR (Cont.)
You are an American, yes? A man of reason and learning. You are educated, not like the ignorant, superstitious villagers that live below. So I will let you see something they could never understand — something they can only fear and hate, and seek to destroy.
Ygor leads Wolfman to a large, heavy door that swings open easily when grabbed by its two unobtrusive handles, and the two enter the inner chamber.
INT – CHAMBER
Lying on a large operating table is Frankenstein’s MONSTER. Ygor brings the stunned Wolfman up close to the creature.
YGOR
You must help my friend to regain his strength.
Monster hears Ygor and whimpers feebly. Ygor pats his huge hand.
YGOR
Yes, yes, I’m back. And I’ve brought help!
Wolfman stares at Monster as Ygor retrieves an old notebook from a hidden panel in the wall.
YGOR
Doctor Frank-shtein’s secrets are in this book. Maybe you can understand them and save my friend.
Wolfman reads the notebook’s title page.
WOLFMAN
“The Secrets Of Life And Death.”
YGOR
Yes. Frank-shtein knew those secrets. But Ygor —
(chuckling at himself)
Ygor cannot read! But I am smart. The villagers tried to destroy all of Frank-shtein’s machines. But I have been fixing them. Look, look.
Ygor drags a large device over to Wolfman: It’s been put together in a weird way with mismatching parts.
WOLFMAN
Be careful with that —
Ygor throws the switch and the device immediately starts to short out, smoking and spraying more and more sparks.
WOLFMAN
Turn it off, quickly —
Before Ygor can switch it off, the device explodes and a sheet of flame envelopes Ygor and Monster. Wolfman grabs Ygor and pulls him to the ground, smothering the flames. Then he rushes to Monster, who squeals in terror but is too weak to help himself. With his jacket, Wolfman puts out the fire. Monster clutches Wolfman’s arm in gratitude, grunting with emotion.
YGOR
You saved me. And you saved my friend.
Ygor pulls himself up and hands Wolfman the notebook he dropped during the excitement.
YGOR (Cont.)
Surely you will help us.
WOLFMAN
Even if all the old equipment was working, I don’t know if I could do it. But now, the way things are here… We’d need some very special help.
YGOR
Yes… special help. And you, you need special help too, for your own troubles.
WOLFMAN
You said you had a way to help me.
YGOR
I know of someone — someone very powerful — who may be able to help you.
WOLFMAN
Where does he live?
YGOR
He is in Transylvania. With his knowledge of the dark secrets and with Frank-shtein’s book, perhaps we can find a cure for you. And bring back my friend to the way he was.
WOLFMAN
Who is this man?
YGOR
He is not a man. His name is Dracula. Count Dracula.
INT – CASTLE DRACULA, LIBRARY
Dracula and his wives are now standing close to Wolfman. Dracula awakens him from his trance.
WOLFMAN
You know why I’ve come here?
DRACULA
Yes. And I can help you. But first you must help me.
WOLFMAN
I’d do anything to rid myself of this terrible curse.
DRACULA
Something has been stolen from me — a book. I must get it back.
WOLFMAN
Who has it?
DRACULA
That swinish Austrian — the fanatic. He has dared take possession of it.
WOLFMAN
Who do you mean?
DRACULA
The one they all call “leader.”
WOLFMAN
“Leader.” Fuehrer?
DRACULA
Yes.
WOLFMAN
Hitler? You don’t mean Adolf Hitler?
DRACULA
That is his accursed name. What awaits him will be worse than death.
WOLFMAN
It’s impossible.
DRACULA
You do not wish to be cured?
WOLFMAN
Of course I do, but —
DRACULA
I can cure you. But to do that, I must have the book. This “fuehrer” has already enacted the first of its prescribed rituals. He has sealed it with blood and…
Dracula can’t bring himself to even utter the word “Cross.”
DRACULA (Cont.)
…metal. Now I am no longer able to seize the book myself. Even if I could touch it, the second ritual will take place where I cannot enter. If he fulfills it and goes on to complete the third and final ritual, then we will all be compelled to kneel before him.
WOLFMAN
But no one can get near him.
DRACULA
You have found the one who is unstoppable. At dawn you shall leave here and return to Castle Frankenstein. Bring the creature to me, and I will restore it to its monstrous power.
WOLFMAN
But what about me? Tomorrow night, it’s going to happen to me again.
DRACULA
Your powers too are great. They only lack direction.
Dracula yanks open his sleeve and in one stroke slashes his forearm with his own fingernails.
DRACULA (Cont.)
An animal must be led… by blood.
Dark blood slowly wells up from Dracula’s lacerations. He brings his wounded arm up to Wolfman’s face.
DRACULA
Drink, and I will be able to reach your mind even after you’ve changed.
WOLFMAN
You’ll be able to control me? I won’t have to kill?
Wolfman hesitates. With his other hand, Dracula pulls Wolfman’s head closer.
DRACULA
Do not resist me.
Wolfman puts his mouth to Dracula’s bleeding arm. A maniacal smile comes upon Dracula’s face.
EXT – BERCHTESGADEN – DAY
Recuperating at his retreat, Hitler sips his tea. His left arm trembles as he leans over to pet his favorite dog, Blondi. Sensing an awful change in its master, the dog snarls and snaps at him. Hitler turns from the dog. His face twitches and his left arm shakes uncontrollably.
HITLER
Guard! Guard! Immediately!
GUARD comes running up to the infuriated Hitler. Following him, but keeping her distance, is EVA BRAUN.
GUARD
Yes, my Fuehrer!
HITLER
You must… dispatch this… this beast. Immediately!
GUARD
My Fuehrer? Dispatch it?
HITLER
Shoot it! Shoot it! Kill… kill it… kill the wretched animal! Now!
Guard looks at the now-docile Blondi, who has retreated, cowering and whimpering, to a corner of the verandah.
GUARD
But my Fuehrer, surely you are not serious? It is your beloved pet, Blondi…
Guard looks to Eva Braun, who has watched the entire scene in disbelief, paralyzed with shock. They exchange glances in a terrible instant. Their inaction sends Hitler into a frenzy, and he shakes violently, his face purple with rage.
HITLER
You worthless imbecile! Shall I have you shot too? Obey my order!
GUARD
Yes, my Fuehrer.
Guard’s face betrays his disgust as he turns and goes to Blondi. He takes out his pistol, aims at the dog’s head, and fires. The dog yelps. He fires again and the dog is dead, to the sickened horror of Eva Braun and the small group of Nazi brass and hangers-on who have heard the commotion and come to investigate. Hitler returns to his chair, still shaking uncontrollably.
EVA BRAUN
Adolf! What has come over you? How could you do such a thing?
HITLER
I will… brook no disobedience.
EXT – CASTLE DRACULA – JUST BEFORE DAWN
A large, rather funereal coach pulled by four black horses waits before the castle. Wolfman stands alongside it. He seems somewhat disoriented, as though he hasn’t slept in a long time. Janos, in the driver’s seat, leans down to him.
JANOS
We must leave now.
WOLFMAN
Where is Count Dracula?
JANOS
He has retired for the day.
Janos motions for Wolfman to get in the coach.
JANOS (Cont.)
We have a long journey to Varsaria and Castle Frankenstein.
WOLFMAN
Wouldn’t it be safer to travel at night? The Nazis will be patrolling the roads.
JANOS
No one will stop us in this coach. Hurry! There is no time to waste!
Wolfman climbs into the coach. It takes off down the road leading away from Castle Dracula and vanishes into the mist.
INT – VARSARIA, FARMHOUSE – LATE AFTERNOON
Ygor is busy raiding the larder, stuffing his pockets with roast chicken as he tosses other food into a large burlap sack. Behind him is an open window with its curtains flapping in the breeze: his entryway into this house. Grinning, he gnaws hungrily on a chicken leg as he fills his sack. Visible through the window is the peasant family — FATHER, teenage SON, mother, and withered grandmother — headed toward the house. They talk and laugh with some patrolling Nazi soldiers, and fail to notice the break-in. Hearing the voices, Ygor ducks out of view, and gets ready to dart out the window. They enter the farmhouse as he’s halfway out, trying to pull the oversized sack with him. Father grabs his shotgun and points it at Ygor.
FATHER
Stop, thief! I will not say it twice!
Ygor sees the gun and climbs back into the farmhouse.
YGOR
You have caught me red-handed. I am sorry, friend, but hunger makes a man do desperate things.
FATHER
You shameless thief! There is enough food in that sack for my entire family!
YGOR
I have a friend who is ill. He is weak and needs food —
FATHER
You might pay for your meals, you twisted freak! I should turn you over to the Gestapo! Come here!
Son grabs the sack away from Ygor and then goes through his pockets, pulling out more food. He also produces a large, handsome pocket watch, which he holds up to his Father.
YGOR
My grandfather gave me that watch when I was a boy. His father bought it for him —
FATHER
I’ll keep that watch in payment for what you were going to steal from me. Now, get out of here, you foul-smelling cripple!
Son pockets the watch and goes over to his Father.
SON
Father, let me give him a beating. Then he’ll think twice before trying to rob anyone again.
FATHER
Perhaps you are right. What this pig needs is a good thrashing.
Son reaches for a large leather strop that hangs nearby with Father’s razor, brush, and shaving mug. As Son approaches him with the strop, Ygor doesn’t move a muscle; he just stares at Son with a sinister glint in his eye.
YGOR
So, you want to beat old Ygor, eh?
SON
Shut up, old fool!
Son suddenly lashes out at Ygor, catching him on the side of his face with the strop. Ygor reels backward at the painful lash. As Son starts to beat him with the strop, Ygor grabs onto it and, with a powerful jerking motion, sends Son flying head first into the wall. He slumps to the floor. Father attempts to get a clear shot at Ygor as mother and grandmother clutch each other and wail at the top of their lungs. Ygor swiftly swings up a table chair, knocking the shotgun from Father’s hands. Wasting no motion, he smashes the chair on Father’s head on the downswing, knocking him out. Brandishing the chair, he turns on the women who are sobbing in terror, their eyes averted. Surveying the scene, Ygor sets down the chair, chuckling to himself. He leisurely refills his sack, then retrieves his watch from Son, making sure to spit on his crumpled form. Taking the shotgun with him, he exits calmly through the back door.
EXT – FARMHOUSE
As the sun begins to set, Ygor goes up the desolate road that leads away from the farmhouse and village, and off into the woods and Castle Frankenstein. He munches on a chicken leg and laughs to himself, wincing in pain at the ugly bruise raised by the strop.
INT – CASTLE FRANKENSTEIN, CHAMBER – DUSK
Monster lies immobile in the darkness. A break in the clouds frees a few rays of the vanishing sun. They penetrate a distant window and stream onto Monster who tries feebly to touch them. Ygor enters, and Monster grunts appreciatively. Ygor gives the Monster water. He drinks noisily.
YGOR
Here my friend, drink, drink! And look what I have for you! Food! For once, plenty of food for us both!
Ygor tears a loaf of bread and brings a large chunk to Monster’s lips. It devours the food weakly but ravenously.
YGOR (Cont.)
It’s good, eh? Yes, you must eat, eat and become strong again! Ygor stole this food for you, to bring you strength.
Ygor gives a roast chicken to Monster who eats all of it, including the bones.
YGOR (Cont.)
Soon the American will return with help for you, and we will make you well again! You will be strong and powerful, even better than you were before.
Ygor painfully touches the welt on his face.
YGOR (Cont.)
Then things will be different for us both.
INT – A WINDOW OF CASTLE DRACULA – EARLY EVENING
Dracula gazes out at the night sky. His wives hang back, waiting for his attention. They grab at the centipedes and spiders crawling along the walls and eat them. Dracula speaks to the women without turning to face them.
DRACULA
Soon the moon will rise. Leave me.
As his wives withdraw, a gust of wind blows a red curtain toward Dracula. His face darkens as he sees that the curtain is a tattered Nazi flag, hanging from a broken pole in a nearby window. He tears at it coldly, uncovering a cluster of young bats, huddled within the flag. Dracula scoops them up in his hands and watches them writhe through his fingers.
DRACULA
You hunger, don’t you? You thirst for life… for blood.
The bats start to fly off from his hands.
DRACULA (Cont.)
Go — go and satisfy your thirst!
The tiny bats disperse into the night sky.
EXT – CASTLE FRANKENSTEIN – EARLY EVENING
Large bats wheel over the heads of Wolfman and Janos as they approach the ruined castle. Ygor can be heard from within, playing a mournful tune on his horn. Janos steels himself for whatever horrors await them. Wolfman anxiously looks up to the darkened sky.
INT – CASTLE FRANKENSTEIN, CHAMBER – NIGHT
Wolfman and Janos enter, interrupting Ygor’s playing. Monster growls ominously at the intrusion, scaring Janos who stares at the creature with disbelief.
YGOR
(to Monster)
No, no, it is our friend.
Seeing that Wolfman has indeed returned, Monster grunts with delight. Ygor rushes up to Wolfman and joyfully grabs him by the shoulders. Wolfman responds to the attention but is growing increasingly distraught and confused.
YGOR
(to Wolfman)
Our friend, you have returned!
WOLFMAN
Yes, I’ve… I’ve returned. With help from Count Dracula. But tonight, once again, the moon will be full. Once again it will happen… I’ll change… I’ll kill…
YGOR
No, my friend, no. Here you will be safe.
WOLFMAN
You don’t understand! You’ve got to keep me here tonight and make sure I don’t get loose!
YGOR
He could do nothing to help you?
WOLFMAN
Look, I don’t… there’s nothing…
Ygor eyes Dracula’s servant suspiciously and draws Wolfman aside, closer to Monster, whom Janos doesn’t dare approach. Wolfman tries to maintain coherence by focusing on what’s about to happen to him.
YGOR
Dracula — what did he tell you?
WOLFMAN
I’m not sure what he can do for me.
Monster reaches out for Wolfman and grabs his arm.
YGOR
Can he help my friend?
WOLFMAN
Yes, tomorrow… we’ll bring him back. But —
YGOR
(to Monster)
My friend, yes! You will live again!
Wolfman grabs Ygor.
WOLFMAN
Ygor, you must listen to what I’m saying! You must bind me! Chain me securely, lock me away somewhere in this castle! Now!
YGOR
It will be as you say. Come.
Ygor leads Wolfman to a staircase that descends further into the castle. Janos follows after them.
INT – DUNGEON – NIGHT
Ygor finishes securing Wolfman’s hands and feet to chains in the wall. Wolfman is muttering incoherently, now only partly conscious of what’s going on. Ygor turns to Janos and speaks to him as though he were Ygor’s lackey.
YGOR
We cannot leave until the morning. Come for me at dawn, and we shall free the American and bring my friend to your coach. Then all of us shall pay a call on your master.
Ygor notices that Janos has been staring out the window and not hanging on his every word. He looks that way and sees the clouds parting to reveal the full moon. The rays of the moon stream onto Wolfman, who cringes as though caught in the blast of a hot light. Ygor and Janos see this and make ready to leave.
YGOR
Let’s go.
Spotting a rat, Ygor takes a swing at it with his cudgel. As he does this, he sees that Janos has made no move to depart and just continues to stare at Wolfman with horror.
JANOS
Lo!
YGOR
Eh?
Wolfman is in the throes of his agonizing metamorphosis. He strains in his bondage and howls like an animal as fur sprouts from his body, and fangs and claws heave into view. He struggles with mounting frenzy and strength against the chains until, with a hideous roar, he rips free one of his feet and then starts pulling more wildly to free the other.
JANOS
Those chains cannot hold him much longer! He’ll tear them right out of the wall!
Wasting no time, Ygor makes a sprint up the dungeon stairs, heading for the door. Janos follows quickly, and the two stumble on the stairs, trampling each other in their haste. With a howl, the slavering Wolfman yanks out the chain that holds his other foot, and then immediately pulls free his right hand as well. Snarling with rage, Wolfman turns to the wall, grabs the last chain with both hands, and yanks it free. Ygor and Janos, almost at the door, see this just as Wolfman spots the pair and bounds swiftly after them. Janos and Ygor tumble through the doorway.
INT – ANTECHAMBER OF DUNGEON
Janos and Ygor slam the door shut just before Wolfman can reach them. It heaves with a bang as Wolfman behind it throws his weight against it. Ygor and Janos quickly slam down two heavy timbers that bar the door, just as the howling Wolfman begins his next assault.
INT – DUNGEON
Wolfman assaults the door again — clawing and hammering at it furiously, with his chains slapping at the door and the walls — but with little result. Readying for another attempt, he notices the moonlight streaming in from a high barred window. He turns from the door to the window, his chains swinging. Easily, he rips open the manacles binding his wrists and ankles, and then darts to the window and leaps up to reach the bars. Holding onto the window frame with his left hand, he grasps a bar with his right and pulls it out. Three more are also yanked free, and then Wolfman slips through the window and out of the dungeon.
EXT – CASTLE FRANKENSTEIN
Wolfman leaps from the window, drops 20 feet to the ground, and dashes off into the dark woods.
INT – CASTLE FRANKENSTEIN, ANTECHAMBER OF DUNGEON
Ygor, grasping his cudgel, and Janos, holding a handy pitchfork, stand outside the door and listen intently to the silence. From the opposite direction, they hear Wolfman howl O.S. They look over in that direction and realize that he’s gotten out of the castle. They slowly set down their weapons but the fear remains in their eyes.
EXT – WOODS – NIGHT
A family of gypsies — including middle-aged FATHER, MOTHER, and Brother-In-Law; adolescent SON and DAUGHTER; elderly GRANDMOTHER — are huddled around their campfire. They look about ominously when they hear the howls of Wolfman.
DAUGHTER
Listen! I’ve never heard a wolf howl with such a fury…
Grandmother crosses herself.
GRANDMOTHER
You had better pray that it is just a wolf.
FATHER
Now Grandmother, don’t start in with your ghost stories again —
GRANDMOTHER
They are true —
FATHER
(laughing at her)
Yes, of course they are! The woods of Varsaria are haunted by monsters and ghouls, and we shall all be devoured before this night is over!
MOTHER
(to Father)
Karl, don’t joke of such things! Especially with Anton still away.
FATHER
(suddenly concerned)
My boy hasn’t returned with the firewood yet? Why didn’t you tell me?
The howls of Wolfman, now much closer, pierce the night. The women start to whimper with fear.
FATHER
(to Brother-In-Law)
Hans, make a torch. Hurry!
Father takes up his rifle, making sure it’s loaded. Mother is frantic when she sees this, but he ignores her.
MOTHER
Karl, no!
FATHER (Cont.)
Anton would have gone off in that direction. Come on, let’s go.
Son, also armed, starts to join them, but Father stops him.
FATHER
Dieter, you stay here — no matter what happens, you must protect the others.
SON
Yes, Father!
MOTHER
Karl! Hans!
The two men leave the campsite as the women sob. Son remains on alert. After a silent pause, the night is split by O.S. snarls of Wolfman, gunfire, and the screams of the men. Then all is silent again. The women are hysterical by now. Son is terrified but stays at his post as instructed.
Suddenly Wolfman lunges out of the brush, grabbing at Daughter. Shrieking with terror, she manages to break free, most of her clothes torn away by Wolfman’s claws. Son fires point blank into Wolfman’s chest, forcing him to stagger back, and she runs screaming into the night. Shrugging off the blast, Wolfman flings himself at Son as the other gypsies scatter from the campsite. The bloody Wolfman rises from Son’s corpse and bays at the full moon.
INT – BERCHTESGADEN, RECEPTION ROOM – NIGHT
BORMANN, GOEBBELS, Himmler, and all the other Nazi bigwigs and generals are gathered together at an elaborate dinner party. They are laughing at a story from GOERING, who chuckles throughout the telling of it. They’ve plainly heard it all before, but still find it amusing — especially because the Fuehrer is doubled over with laughter. Hitler seems more haggard and worn away than ever.
GOERING
So we decided to prepare a special scroll for that fool Von Ribbentrop’s birthday, which would include all the treaties he’d signed on behalf of the Reich. But we couldn’t come up with any agreements that we hadn’t reneged on after they’d been signed!
Gales of laughter from Goering, Goebbels, Himmler, Bormann, and the generals. Hitler laughs so hard, tears come to his eyes. He leans against Himmler for support.
HITLER
Do you remember that Heinrich? Do you remember?
Himmler is somewhat puzzled, but eager to keep Hitler merry.
HIMMLER
Why yes, Fuehrer, I remember.
Hitler finds Himmler’s response particularly funny and begins laughing all the more.
HITLER
Good, good!
GENERAL GUDERIAN, taking advantage of the Fuehrer’s good humor, approaches Hitler. Bormann is visibly displeased by this intrusion, but Guderian ignores him.
GUDERIAN
My Fuehrer, if I may have just a minute of your time in private.
Hitler’s jollity begins evaporating quickly, but he makes an effort to be civil with Guderian.
HITLER
General Guderian, if it’s about the Eastern front, we really have nothing further to discuss.
GUDERIAN
I fear the Russian threat must be taken seriously, my Fuehrer.
HITLER
Do you presume to suggest that I do not take such matters seriously?
GUDERIAN
No, my Fuehrer, of course not. If I can just convey to you certain mistaken strategies —
HITLER
There’s no need for you to try to teach me. I’ve been commanding the German army in the field for five years, and during that time I’ve had more practical experience than any gentleman of the German staff could hope to obtain.
The tremors have started up in Hitler’s left hand. As he grows more annoyed, they become so intense that he must hold onto it with his right hand.
HITLER (Cont.)
I’ve studied Clausewitz and Moltke and read all the Schlieffen papers. I’m more in the picture than you are.
GUDERIAN
My Fuehrer, I respectfully submit that if we persist in maintaining a second line of defense only one mile behind the first, the result will be catastrophe for our —
HITLER
I have already heard enough from your report this afternoon, General Guderian! As Supreme Commander, I will hear no more of your idiotic twaddle!
GUDERIAN
Then I am no longer needed here. With your permission, I shall leave.
Hitler nods his assent curtly and turns away to Goering and Bormann. Guderian exits, red-faced and tight-lipped.
GOERING
Your assessment of the situation was sound as always, my Fuehrer.
BORMANN
You made good sense. The generals are inclined to forget who is the real leader.
HITLER
Leadership is the key. Always remember that. We must never waver, never falter. We must hold every foot of ground and give up nothing! Lacking a strong leader with an iron will, everything would end in failure.
Hitler’s tremors have grown: Now his entire left arm shakes.
HITLER (Cont.)
If the Americans were to lose their leader, they would be helpless. Their entire war effort would collapse.
GOEBBELS
Well said, my Fuehrer. And the Jew Roosevelt, with his incipient mental paralysis —
At this phrase, the entire group breaks into raucous laughter, especially Hitler.
INT – CASTLE DRACULA, DINING HALL – NIGHT
A large Nazi file folder with a big swastika emblem lies on the floor. Dracula steps on it as he enters the silent dining hall, which has been seriously trashed. The large and ancient table has cigarettes and cigars stubbed out in the antique wood and is scattered with plates of half-eaten food that’s being nibbled on by rats. The ornate chair at the head of the table is tilted to one side, a leg snapped off. Spilling out of the fireplace is a pile of half-burned books, files, reports, etc. Dripping and smashed beer bottles are everywhere, along with bottles of vintage wine from the castle’s cellar. Dracula, fuming, looks up at the huge swastika that has been carved into the mosaic-tiled wall. The wall is also covered with Nazi graffiti — ‘Deutschland über alles,’ ‘Juden heraus,’ and other catchphrases — along with obscene drawings. Dracula grabs the broken chair and smashes it to pieces against the wall.
DRACULA
They will pay for this! They will pay — in blood!
Dracula turns to the window and gazes at the full moon. Staring into it, his eyes glow with the focusing of his psychic energy. In his mind he hears the howling of Wolfman, and his eyes narrow in concentration.
EXT – WOODS OF VARSARIA – NIGHT
Wolfman, after drinking from a stream, raises his head to the moon again. But instead of howling he only growls dully, as Dracula’s will invades his mind.
INT – CASTLE DRACULA, DINING-HALL WINDOW
Dracula, illuminated by the full moon, is motionless with concentration. He speaks quietly, his lips barely moving.
DRACULA
Yes, son of evil… hear me…
EXT – WOODS OF VARSARIA – NIGHT
Wolfman shakes his head like a confused animal.
DRACULA (Cont. V.O.)
…hear me… you must go… a long journey… to your prey.
Wolfman gets up and shuffles off into the woods.
DRACULA (Cont. V.O.)
Faster!… Faster!…
Wolfman’s gait increases until he is racing with tremendous speed through the forest.
EXT – BERCHTESGADEN – NEAR DAWN
A few straggling partygoers tipsily climb into their limo and leave Hitler’s lair, driving off into the woods.
INT – BERCHTESGADEN, HITLER’S PRIVATE ROOM
Hitler, still exuberant from the party, has his jacket off and is removing his tie. His valet LINGE is hanging up his jacket.
HITLER
(to Linge)
Again, sing it again!
LINGE
Yes, my Fuehrer!
Hitler, ecstatic, claps his hand in time and joins in the song.
HITLER & LINGE
Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf, who’s afraid of the big bad wolf, so early in the morning!
EXT – BERCHTESGADEN
Wolfman emerges from the woods and starts to climb up the iron railings to the balcony of Hitler’s room.
INT – ROOM
Hitler walks out onto the balcony and sings as he unbuttons his shirt.
HITLER
Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf, the big bad —
Hitler is frozen in shock at the sight of Wolfman, snarling and slavering as he climbs toward his prey. Hitler dashes back into the room and slams shut the balcony doors.
EXT – BERCHTESGADEN
Wolfman’s claws grasp the tip of Hitler’s balcony just as the first rays of the sun begin to break into view.
HITLER O.S.
Guards! Guards! The balcony!
Dizzied by the onset of his transformation back into a human, Wolfman loses his grip and plummets to the ground. From within the mansion can be heard the pandemonium caused by Hitler’s alarm: whistles blowing, men running about, dogs barking, people yelling, etc. Wolfman gets up and stumbles back into the woods as the guards emerge on Hitler’s balcony, guns drawn, looking about in confusion.
INT – ROOM
Guards are everywhere, armed to the teeth. Hitler, badly shaken, is cowering in a corner. He clings to Linge as if ready to throw him at the attacking Wolfman.
GUARD
We cannot find anyone, my Fuehrer.
HITLER
You and your men will remain on guard by the railing and throughout the grounds.
GUARD
Very good, my Fuehrer!
The soldiers leave and take their positions. Linge twists uncomfortably in Hitler’s grip.
LINGE
My Fuehrer, perhaps a song again? Your favorite?
Hitler instantly pushes Linge away.
HITLER
No! No! No more songs! No more!
EXT. BERCHTESGADEN
The guards are at their posts, guns drawn.
INT – CASTLE DRACULA, DRACULA’S LAIR
The lid slowly closes on Dracula’s coffin. His hand disappears into the casket and it shuts.
EXT – CASTLE FRANKENSTEIN – EARLY MORNING
Janos secures the horses to his coach and enters the castle.
INT – CASTLE FRANKENSTEIN, ROOM
Ygor munches on a chicken leg in between puffs on his cigar. He watches Janos bustling about to get ready for their departure but makes no effort to help him.
YGOR
You should eat something, gravedigger. It will be a long trip.
JANOS
You’d do well to get off your ass and help me so we can meet the Master on time!
Ygor pours himself some more wine, slowly and deliberately, and drinks it loudly.
INT – CASTLE FRANKENSTEIN, CORRIDOR
A door opens and Ygor and Janos emerge, awkwardly carrying Monster on an improvised stretcher. As they descend the stairs with their very heavy burden, Ygor’s foot goes through a rotted stair and they nearly drop Monster.
JANOS
You clumsy fool! Watch where you’re going!
YGOR
Don’t push your luck, gravedigger! I’ve killed for less than that!
JANOS
Your threats mean nothing to me. Stop your blathering and let’s be finished here!
The two seethe in silent rage as they struggle down the stairs with Monster. Suddenly Ygor’s dog appears and lunges for Janos’ ankle. It hangs onto his pants leg and sock, refusing to let go. Janos sputters with exhaustion and anger and Ygor laughs uproariously. Trying to kick the dog, Janos loses his balance and topples down the stairs, Ygor and Monster tumbling after him. They land in a heap at the foot of the stairs. Monster growls with weak annoyance. Janos hurls a rock at the dog which runs away yelping.
YGOR
Leave my dog alone!
The two men hurl themselves at each other and start fighting, rolling around on the floor. Janos breaks free of Ygor’s grip and jumps up. He grabs the pitchfork but uses it only to hold Ygor at bay while he speaks.
JANOS
Enough! We have a job to do!
Ygor still wants to fight. Janos brandishes the pitchfork at him.
JANOS
Enough, you fool! We can settle our own accounts later! Dracula will have our heads if we fail to deliver the Monster on time!
At the mention of Dracula, Ygor comes to his senses and calms down. He checks that Monster is all right and then dusts himself off, muttering under his breath.
YGOR
Well, we got him down the stairs…
EXT – ROAD IN VARSARIAN WOODS – LATE MORNING
Janos is at the reins, driving. Ygor emerges from a small door through which he can see Monster lying prone within the coach. Ygor shuts the door and takes his seat beside Janos.
YGOR
I wonder what became of my friend, the American? Perhaps we will come upon him…
JANOS
Or the mischief he has caused. I dare say a lycanthrope will have left his mark.
EXT – VARSARIAN COUNTRYSIDE, A BROOK NEAR A TAVERN
Wolfman awakens, human again, his mind still cloudy, his clothes torn and bloody. He does not hear the villagers in the distance.
EXT – TAVERN
A crowd of villagers stands about the body of a young girl, torn to ribbons by Wolfman. Her FATHER stands over her, weeping. OLD WOMAN makes sure she gets a good look at the corpse.
FIRST VILLAGER
It is the work of the devil!
SECOND VILLAGER
We must hunt the beast down and kill it!
OLD WOMAN
You cannot kill this beast by ordinary means! It is a werewolf, one of the undying!
SECOND VILLAGER
None of your nonsense, old woman! It is a wolf, nothing else! Don’t speak to us of monsters and werewolves! We’ve had our fill of such things here!
OLD WOMAN
Then you should believe what your eyes behold! This is the work of a werewolf, one of Satan’s accursed slaves! I know — my own son was killed by such a creature.
FATHER
My Ilona! How could she die this way? Why did this have to happen?
FIRST VILLAGER
What other misfortunes can God send upon us?
A squad of Nazi soldiers pulls up in a jeep. Young, cocky LIEUTENANT STECKLER gets out of the jeep and looks around.
STECKLER
What has happened here?
Frightened by the shouting Nazi, nobody speaks. Steckler turns to the victim’s Father.
STECKLER
Well?
FATHER
My daughter… she has been murdered… by a wild beast.
OLD WOMAN
Not by a beast, but by a beast man!
STECKLER
(to Old Woman)
What nonsense are you prattling, you old fool?
OLD WOMAN
This girl was killed by a werewolf: half man, half animal.
Steckler turns to his squadron and sniggers with contempt.
STECKLER
These peasants and their superstitions…
The men take his cue and start laughing at the stunned villagers. Only an older SERGEANT gazes thoughtfully at the body as Steckler talks down his nose to the villagers.
STECKLER
There will be a full investigation of this crime.
SERGEANT
Lieutenant Steckler, do you recall the reports of a wild animal that was sighted at Berchtesgaden last night? Perhaps there is more to this than meets the eye.
STECKLER
(to Father)
When did this happen?
FATHER
Last night.
OLD WOMAN
During the full moon!
STECKLER
We will get to the bottom of this. Sergeant, have the area searched.
The soldiers climb out of the jeep and the Sergeant begins deploying them into search parties.
EXT – BROOK
Wolfman splashes water onto his face and staggers to his feet. He heads down the road only to walk right into a pair of Nazis.
FIRST NAZI
You! Come with us! Now!
Resigned, Wolfman surrenders himself to the Nazis, who drag him away to Steckler.
EXT – TAVERN
The villagers see the Nazis approaching with Wolfman.
FIRST VILLAGER
Look! They’ve got him already!
The angry villagers crowd about Wolfman and his Nazi captors.
STECKLER
Back! Back, all of you!
Steckler fires his luger in the air and the crowd backs away.
STECKLER
I will interrogate the prisoner.
Fearing the crowd, Steckler keeps his pistol handy. Wolfman fumbles at his torn clothes, still somewhat confused.
STECKLER
Identification?
WOLFMAN
I have none… I must have been robbed… I don’t know.
OLD WOMAN
He is the one! Look at his hand! He has the mark of the beast!
Steckler grabs Wolfman’s hand: A pentagram fades in and out of view in his palm. The villagers gasp when they behold this.
FIRST VILLAGER
He is the monster! He is the one!
FATHER
He is the fiend who murdered my dear Ilona! Kill him! Kill him!
The villagers begin to riot and attack the captive Wolfman.
STECKLER
Get back, all of you!
The Nazis begin clubbing back the villagers and firing wildly, as they retreat with Wolfman to their jeep. In the tumult, Wolfman is freed from his captor’s grasp and makes a wild break for freedom, jumping over a hedge and rolling down a hill. Several villagers immediately start to chase him. Steckler sends soldiers after Wolfman.
STECKLER
No shooting! Colonel Kraus will want him alive!
EXT – FARMHOUSE
Wolfman dashes across the small fields of a farmer who is running toward him with a pitchfork. Wolfman sidesteps the fork, grabs ahold of it, and swings the hapless villager upward in a classic ju-jitsu maneuver. But a second farmer, a huge 400-lb. hulk, heads toward Wolfman as the Nazis and villagers encircle him from the other side.
EXT – WOODS
At the top of a hill in the woods, the coach is still. Ygor and Janos gaze below at Wolfman in his plight.
YGOR
We have to help him!
Ygor starts to climb off the coach, but Janos restrains him.
JANOS
It’s impossible! As long as we remain in this coach, we are safe! If we leave it, we are doomed. They have the guns!
Monster growls at the commotion and strains at the bonds designed to protect him during his transport to Dracula. Ygor tries to calm him.
YGOR
No, my friend, he is right: We cannot help. The American is my friend too, but it is not to be. We must remain in this coach and take you to Count Dracula.
Monster, bewildered and angry, accepts Ygor’s words and whimpers in sadness over his lost friend, Wolfman.
JANOS
Ygor, look! He is lost now, but look how he fights!
EXT – FARMHOUSE
Wolfman grapples with the large farmer, jabbing at him with the pitchfork. He scatters soldiers and villagers left and right but is ultimately overcome by their superior numbers. The spectral coach goes by as the Nazis drag Wolfman to their vehicle.
EXT – WOODS
The coach moves silently through the woods.
JANOS
It is unfortunate that there was nothing we could do.
YGOR
I should have jumped off this coach and smashed in their heads. The Nazi swine and the village scum! Where will they take him from here?
JANOS
He will go to the Sisters of Faith.
YGOR
Eh?
JANOS
A convent commandeered by the Gestapo. They say Colonel Kraus uses the old cells and the catacombs to interrogate prisoners… They say he has very persuasive means…
YGOR
Eh? What means do you speak of?
JANOS
Something I’ve heard these Germans specialize in: torture.
INT – CONVENT, CELL
JAILER drags Wolfman to a cell and shoves him inside.
JAILER
Rest while you can, American. You will be called soon enough.
WOLFMAN
You mustn’t keep me here!
Wolfman lunges at Jailer to reach the door. Jailer forces Wolfman back, swinging at him with his truncheon.
JAILER
Schweinhund! In a hurry for the rack?
Jailer exits, locking the door behind him. With despair and exhaustion, Wolfman collapses in a corner of the room.
Another prisoner is huddled in a corner, asleep. He has covered himself with straw for warmth. Groaning in his uneasy slumber, he stirs and his hand slides from his chest. It hits the floor with an audible crack. Wolfman notices that the prisoner’s hand is artificial. The prisoner awakens and turns his disfigured face to Wolfman: It is Colonel Von Stauffenberg.
WOLFMAN
Who are you?
VON STAUFFENBERG
I don’t have a name anymore.
Von Stauffenberg has been beaten badly in the last few days. Wolfman is moved by the sight of his battered limbs and broken teeth.
WOLFMAN
Why are you here?
VON STAUFFENBERG
I tried to rid the world of our beloved Fuehrer. But our plot failed… somehow he lived through the explosion.
WOLFMAN
Where are we?
VON STAUFFENBERG
In a house of worship — now, a house of the damned. Colonel Kraus has been gathering all of Herr Hitler’s specialists to this place.
WOLFMAN
Specialists?
Scream O.S. from a nearby cell. The voice screams again, arcing into a shriller cry that cuts off abruptly.
VON STAUFFENBERG
Yes. Specialists in torture.
EXT – GRAVEYARD – NIGHT
A light rain falls on the small convent cemetery located in a secluded corner of the grounds. Ygor and Janos stand alongside the coach. Monster rests atop a large granite tomb.
YGOR
You like these places, don’t you, gravedigger?
JANOS
(stung)
Here is where the horses have brought us!
Ygor turns to Monster whose eyes are alive with excitement.
YGOR
It will not be much longer, my friend. Soon you will be strong!
As the rain increases, Janos senses a presence.
JANOS
The Master isn’t far off.
Ygor sees something O.S. a little closer to home, and quietly takes up a shovel from a nearby open grave. Two Nazi GUARDS, out patrolling the perimeter of the graveyard, approach.
FIRST GUARD
Identify yourselves! What are you doing here?
YGOR
None of your business, Nazi scum!
The Nazis, stunned by his response, have no time to react as Ygor savagely swings the shovel and smashes both their heads with a single blow — a move which doesn’t fail to impress Janos.
JANOS
The Master would approve.
Ygor kicks both Nazis into the grave and begins shoveling dirt on them. A thunderclap is heard and Janos wheels about: Dracula has been watching them. Ygor turns and tosses aside the shovel.
DRACULA
A job well done. But now we must hurry. Janos, help him set up the lightning rod.
Janos goes to fetch the disassembled lightning rod from the coach.
YGOR
The American has been taken by the Nazis.
DRACULA
He is exactly where I want him to be. Now get to work, quickly.
The storm grows more violent as Ygor helps Janos put together the sections of the metal rod and set it up in the middle of the cemetery. They unroll long wires from it, which they attach to the electrodes on Monster’s neck. Dracula glares at the convent.
INT – CONVENT, CHAPEL
Elderly NUN presides over the prayers of a large group of young girls. The storm rages at the windows. Nazi MAJOR HEINZ enters, startling the girls with his voice. In the hallway behind him, other Nazis scramble about, getting ready for some big event.
HEINZ
Sister. The presence of the finest flower of our Aryan youth has been requested by the Fuehrer himself. A select group of young women will have the privilege of participating in a special ceremonial audience with ranking Party elite.
Nun treats Heinz with fawning obsequiousness.
NUN
Yes sir, of course. You honor us.
Nun claps her hands twice and all the girls stand up. Heinz surveys their ranks, his eyes narrowing with pleasure as he tours through the nubile specimens and picks out the prettiest of the blue-eyed blondes. He lines them up and marches them out of the chapel.
INT – HALLWAY
Under the blind gaze of Christian iconography, other Nazis are rounding up girls from their dormitories, with less pretense of civility. Girls and nuns are yelled at, pushed around; some weep and a few are getting hysterical. Heinz’s girls get panicky, and one tries to run back into the chapel. He yanks her back into line. Nun emerges to investigate and Heinz grabs her face and shoves her back into the chapel.
INT – CELL
Wolfman and von Stauffenberg can hear distantly the O.S. women’s and girl’s voices as they’re being rounded up. Wolfman paces the cell anxiously.
WOLFMAN
What’s that? What’s happening now?
VON STAUFFENBERG
They’re preparing a party for the Fuehrer. The Gestapo mounts productions such as this for our great leader.
Wolfman gazes hopelessly at the small barred window near the ceiling.
WOLFMAN
I’ve got to get out of here. Tonight, the horror will begin again for me.
Von Stauffenberg listens to the O.S. women.
VON STAUFFENBERG
You have no monopoly on horror, my friend, not here.
INT – TORTURE CHAMBER
The Nazi torturers are huge shirtless men. Two of them tie down a prisoner, GOTTLIEB, to a surgical table. A third TORTURER stands nearby, watching them with anticipation. His face and chest gleam with sweat.
TORTURER
So Herr Gottlieb spits in the face of an officer of the SS?
GOTTLIEB
Burn in Hell, Nazi pig!
Gottlieb spits at Torturer who slowly wipes it away with the back of his hand.
TORTURER
Hell is going to seem like a very pleasant place, my friend, after what you are about to experience.
Torturer turns to COLONEL KRAUS who wears a shining full-dress uniform for his meeting with the Fuehrer at the evening’s ceremony. Kraus, smoking a cigarette, hands Torturer a large pair of pliers. Torturer approaches the struggling Gottlieb as the other two force open his jaws.
INT – CELL
Wolfman and von Stauffenberg hear the O.S. Gottlieb’s cries.
VON STAUFFENBERG
It won’t be much longer for us now. Certain death awaits us tonight.
WOLFMAN
There are worse things than death.
EXT – BERCHTESGADEN – NIGHT
Hitler stands on the balcony of his room, looking out at the storm without getting wet. Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” is playing on his phonograph. Linge hovers nearby, hanging on every word from the Fuehrer.
HITLER
Tonight will be a fortuitous night, a night of great import. Tonight will effect the fate of the world. It will be a turning point. Always remember, there is never an end to the struggle. Those who do not want to fight in this world of eternal struggle do not deserve to live.
When the Fuehrer finally pauses, Linge speaks up.
LINGE
Your limousine is waiting, my Fuehrer, to take you to your meeting.
Linge helps Hitler into his coat; by the time he’s putting on his hat, Hitler’s arm is trembling. But despite his physical deterioration, his words aren’t ironic: He seems more relentless and dangerous than ever.
HITLER
You know, I am in constant pain, though I never talk about it — except to you. It is iron resolve, sheer fortitude of will that keeps me going. You do not alter the destinies of nations in kid gloves. We must never weaken. It is all willpower.
EXT – GRAVEYARD
Dracula spreads forth his arms to the furious storm.
DRACULA
Elements, come forth! I command you, show yourselves!
The storm grows wilder. Ygor and Janos huddle together near the coach for protection.
DRACULA
Now!
A lightning bolt strikes the rod spectacularly. Electricity flows through the wires to Monster, who begins to rouse himself. Ygor, ecstatic, slaps Janos on the back.
YGOR
Look! My friend lives again!
INT – CELL
Jailer enters and Wolfman starts to get up.
JAILER
No, not you! Stauffenberg, you’re next!
Wolfman grabs Jailer as guards come for von Stauffenberg.
WOLFMAN
No, leave him alone! Take me instead, I want to die!
Jailer bursts out laughing at Wolfman’s demands.
JAILER
All right, you can be next!
Jailer indicates to the guards to drop von Stauffenberg and take Wolfman. Von Stauffenberg is surprised by this turn of events but tries not to show it. He makes no move as the laughing Jailer and his guards depart with Wolfman.
INT – TORTURE CHAMBER
Hellish screams of torment are heard as blood spurts onto the statue of a Christian saint. In the hazy smoke and reddish light, the figures of the huge torturers can be seen. One walks up to the immaculate Kraus.
TORTURER
He still refuses to talk, Colonel Kraus. We’ve been at him for almost four hours.
KRAUS
He’s wasting our time. Enough of this. Off with his head.
Torturer takes up a large ax, goes back to victim, and decapitates him in one blow. Guards drag Wolfman into the execution scene. Kraus is annoyed to see him.
KRAUS
This is the American. Where is Colonel Von Stauffenberg?
GUARD
He insisted that he go first.
Kraus studies Wolfman for a long moment.
KRAUS
Such noble sacrifice.
(to the guards)
Bring Stauffenberg!
As two guards leave for von Stauffenberg, Kraus turns to Wolfman.
KRAUS
We shall question you and your dear friend the traitor at the same time.
Kraus gives torturers a nod, and they strap Wolfman onto a slanted table. Wolfman looks across the room where another prisoner, shrieking in agony, is lowered by torturers into a vat of boiling water. Kraus laughs at Wolfman’s horror. Jailer enters along with the guards who drag in von Stauffenberg. Kraus notices his presence.
KRAUS
Has the Fuehrer arrived?
JAILER
Yes, Colonel Kraus. He and Reichsmarschall Goering have gone straight to their places upstairs.
INT – TENT ON CONVENT ROOF
A large circuslike tent, set up on the roof, protects the guests from the storm. Nazis are dragging naked nuns and schoolgirls (all blue-eyed and blonde) to a large circle of ceremonial posts. They are bound hand and foot, facing into the circle at a large pentagram drawn with white powder. Hitler and Goering confer quietly in a corner.
HITLER
It is unfortunate that our young blonde fraulein must be sacrificed.
GOERING
Their blood will be shed for the glory of the Reich. What greater honor can there be?
Hitler, his eyes glazed, trembles constantly. He grabs Goering by the shoulders, rattling the Reichsmarschall.
HITLER
We must be hard, Goering, we must be brutal. Sentiment cannot play a part in our actions.
Hitler turns to survey a line of bound, naked girls. Their crying and screaming fades into silence at his attention. Hitler goes up to one SCHOOLGIRL and touches her chin.
HITLER
Do not be afraid, fraulein. By your sacrifice, you will live forever in the glory of our great nation.
SCHOOLGIRL
But… I want to live!
HITLER
In death you shall live forever.
Hitler gives her a sad smile, and Schoolgirl grows calmer. She also becomes more aware of her nakedness and starts to blush with embarrassment.
SCHOOLGIRL
My Fuehrer — am I to die for you?
Hitler moves his hand from her chin to her shoulder, brushing her breast. The erotic import of the moment is not lost on either of them. Involuntarily, Schoolgirl’s nipples grow erect.
HITLER
Yes, child. You die for me.
Tears stream down the Schoolgirl’s face.
SCHOOLGIRL
Ohhhh… my Fuehrer.
Schoolgirl’s body begins to shudder slightly.
HITLER
Do not cry, fraulein.
Hitler wipes the tears from her face. Then, impulsively, he embraces the naked young girl. His left arm twitches as she begins shaking in uncontrollable orgasmic tremors.
HITLER
My poor little fraulein…
Goering watches, eyebrows raised. This scene has also been observed by the other Nazis gathered there. Hitler feels their eyes on him and releases Schoolgirl. Goering goes to Hitler.
HITLER
I did my best to comfort the young girl.
GOERING
And you seem to have allayed her fears well, my Fuehrer. Perhaps you can calm down the other fraulein.
HITLER
Yes, yes.
Hitler makes the rounds of the naked girls as Goering smirks at him. Some girls faint, others shudder or cry deliriously for him to touch them.
Goering turns to survey the rest of the scene and his face suddenly clouds in anger. He waves his AIDE over, who helps him slip into his ceremonial robes of white satin.
GOERING
Where are the lights? There have to be thirteen arc lights set up facing due north!
AIDE
Colonel Kraus ordered that they be kept on the floor below. He said so much light on the roof could attract Allied bombers.
GOERING
That imbecile! Have those lights brought up here immediately!
AIDE
Yes, Reichsmarschall!
Aide rushes off, taking several soldiers with him for help.
EXT – GRAVEYARD
Dracula has raised the storm so that wave after wave of lightning erupts into the lightning rod. Electricity flows into Monster, who arises from the slab: He seems larger than ever and actually glows with a hazy luminescence. Exultant, Ygor runs up to Monster.
YGOR
My friend! You are strong once more!
DRACULA
Get back, you fool!
Ignoring Dracula, Ygor goes to Monster who reaches out to him. The two connect and Ygor is electrocuted in Monster’s grip. Monster’s face is a pathetic mixture of confusion and sorrow as his friend’s body slumps lifelessly to the ground.
DRACULA
The impetuous bungler!
Janos, stunned, goes over to Ygor’s still-steaming body, picks up his limp hand, and lets it drop.
JANOS
I fear he is dead, Master.
Monster looks to Janos and Dracula, trying to comprehend what has happened to his friend. Dracula focuses his will on Monster.
DRACULA
It is too late for him.
Lightning strikes the rod again, further energizing Monster. He reaches up to the sky and two lightning bolts strike him simultaneously, right at his electrodes. Janos retreats in fear behind Dracula.
DRACULA
Now he is unstoppable! Behold!
Monster yanks away the wires attached to his electrodes. Dracula points to a large stone memorial column which has the figure of an angel in flight carved into its pinnacle.
DRACULA
(to Monster)
Destroy it!
With a growl, Monster applies himself to the column, uproots it, and smashes it over onto its side. He turns to Dracula whose eyes glow as his will penetrates Monster’s mind.
DRACULA
Go!
Monster immediately turns and heads off for the convent.
INT – TORTURE CHAMBER
Von Stauffenberg’s head tilts back into the light. He is on his back, elevated well off the floor: When Kraus leans in close to speak to him, he is looking up at von Stauffenberg. Kraus walks around him as he talks, and camera moves to hold him, revealing von Stauffenberg’s predicament: Four torturers stand beneath the prisoner, holding him aloft. Each one has a limb of von Stauffenberg’s slung over his right shoulder and grips it tightly with both hands.
KRAUS
You should thank me, Colonel Von Stauffenberg. I am permitting you to die like a hero. Like Damiens — you must know of him, Colonel, he’s legendary. Centuries ago he was executed in the public square, killed by four horses, one tied to each extremity. Slowly, inexorably, his limbs were torn from their sockets. You will have the honor of undergoing his exquisite torment. Of course, we have no horses, but we do have Udo, Monar, Gunter, and Dietrich: the four strongest men in Germany. Together, we shall show our American guest how the Reich rewards its traitors.
VON STAUFFENBERG
You! You are the traitors!
Infuriated, Kraus flashes a signal at the torturers, who start pulling on von Stauffenberg at the same time, with a vicious jerk. He cries out as Wolfman looks on in horror.
WOLFMAN
Leave him alone!
Wolfman struggles in his chains. Kraus slaps him with his riding crop, being careful not to get his uniform spattered. Then he waves his stick at the torturers.
KRAUS
Continue!
They continue to lay into von Stauffenberg who breaks into a prolonged wail of agony.
EXT – CONVENT
Two GUARDS are sentries at a side path leading to convent.
FIRST GUARD
Where’s Helmut?
SECOND GUARD
Out there in the brush. He said he heard something —
O.S. Helmut screams. Monster lunges into the scene and flings the Nazi’s corpse at the Guards. First Guard is knocked to the ground. Second Guard, keeping his balance, begins firing his rifle at Monster. His shots alert other soldiers, and they begin to descend noisily on the scene. Monster clouts Second Guard on the side of his head, killing him instantly. First Guard begins firing from the ground. Monster reaches out, grabs First Guard’s rifle, and yanks it away — along with First Guard’s arm, ripped out by the roots. Gunfire, yelling soldiers, and screams are heard throughout the melee, as Monster plows through 10, 20, 30 armed men. Nazis are tossed through the air, slammed against stone walls, knocked into one another; they get their arms, ribs, collarbones smashed by Monster’s blows; one fallen soldier has his helmeted head squashed under Monster’s juggernaut foot. Monster’s terrible fury redoubles when he reaches the convent’s gate and throws himself against it.
INT – CONVENT, FRONT GATE
Pandemonium reigns as Monster bursts down the door, crushing two soldiers who are caught beneath it as he strides in. Major Heinz barks orders to his lieutenant in a frenzy.
HEINZ
Get more men! This thing is not human!
The soldier runs off for reinforcements. Monster grabs Heinz like a toy and snaps his back over his knee. More soldiers approach, and Monster rips a nearby door off its hinges and runs it into the Nazis.
EXT – GRAVEYARD
Dracula turns to the sky and waves his arms. The clouds break and the full moon shines through.
INT – TORTURE CHAMBER
Kraus and torturers surround Wolfman who is weeping. On a table beside Kraus are a scalpel and a blowtorch.
KRAUS
I trust our American guest will prove more… durable than the late Colonel. He must assist us in our little experiment on the parameters of pain.
(to Torturers)
First the scalpel, then the blowtorch.
Kraus gestures to one torturer who picks up the scalpel and approaches the panic-stricken Wolfman.
WOLFMAN
No! No! Get away from me!
INT – CONVENT, MAIN HALL
Monster, throttling a Nazi, starts at his friend’s voice.
WOLFMAN O.S.
No! Get away!
Monster tosses aside corpse and goes to the voice. He heads down corridor to torture chamber, mangling guards who try to oppose him.
INT – TORTURE CHAMBER
Kraus sits on the window ledge, watching Wolfman as Torturer brings scalpel up to his victim’s chest.
WOLFMAN
No! No!
Torturer begins and Wolfman screams. Kraus leans in, revealing the full moon through the window. Wolfman’s screaming turns into growling and his transformation grips him. Kraus and torturers look on stunned as the werewolf bursts from his bonds and pounces upon torturer, tearing him to ribbons. Kraus screams at his guards.
KRAUS
Kill the beast! Kill it!
A guard empties his pistol into Wolfman but to no effect. Wolfman turns from torturer’s corpse and tears into guard. Two huge torturers attack Wolfman. One giant smashes a block of mortar against Wolfman who shrugs off the blow and slashes torturer across the eyes with his claws. As a second giant attacks Wolfman with a heavy crowbar, the first falls back shrieking and topples a table full of surgical instruments. Wolfman rips crowbar from hands of second giant and knocks him into the vat of boiling water. Kraus runs from torture chamber — and closer to the carnage of approaching Monster, which can be heard O.S.
INT – CORRIDOR
Kraus runs down the corridor and sees Monster headed his way. Terrified, he makes to turn back, only to see Wolfman dashing toward him. Paralyzed with fear, he presses against the wall and emits a hushed, high-pitched, infantile wail. Wolfman throws himself onto Kraus — his jaws dive horribly onto the screaming Nazi’s head. Turning from his prey, Wolfman spits out the flesh he has torn away. Most of Kraus’ face is gone: His eyes stare from the sockets of his visible, glistening skull. Kraus slumps lifelessly to the floor as Wolfman tears into other torturers who enter armed with axes, clubs, etc. More soldiers also enter, firing at Wolfman and Monster, who continue attacking and destroying their human opponents.
EXT – CONVENT ROOF
Ignorant of the activity below, the white-robed Nazi worshippers reach a climax in their ceremony. As Goering speaks, he tears pages from a large Bible, dips them in a brass bowl filled with blood, and drops them into a fire blazing in front of him.
GOERING
All hail the dark forces! We offer these virgins to the unnamable one!
With each torn page, another girl is stabbed to death with a large knife and dumped onto a mound of corpses which has piled up by now within the pentagram. Hitler methodically tears up photographs of Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin, feeding the pieces into the fire. When the last photo is gone, Goering gives a nod to his Aide, and suddenly all the arc lights are switched on, flooding the scene with light.
EXT – GRAVEYARD
Dracula sees the light at the convent roof and wraps himself in his cape, intensifying the focus of his will.
INT – CORRIDOR
Monster and Wolfman reach the foot of the stairway and start going up, plowing through the hapless Nazis who oppose them.
EXT – CONVENT ROOF
Despite the increased illumination, a dark spot can be seen at the center of the pentagram. It emits a low hum and Hitler begins trembling violently.
HITLER
Goering, behold! The Great Beast materializes!
INT – CONVENT
On the landing at the top of the stairs, soldiers are rushing frantically in all directions. CORPORAL appeals to LIEUTENANT on duty.
CORPORAL
Sir, they are headed to this floor! They are unstoppable!
LIEUTENANT
We must radio High Command for reinforcements immediately! Tell them the Fuehrer is in the gravest of danger!
Corporal rushes off to relay the message as Lieutenant turns to two SS OFFICERS who bar the door to the roof. The sound of the chaos surrounding O.S. Monster and Wolfman gets louder with their approach.
LIEUTENANT
Do you believe me now? You must let me warn the Fuehrer!
FIRST SS OFFICER
No one is to pass!
LIEUTENANT
Listen to me!
Second SS officer starts to aim his rifle at Lieutenant when suddenly he and his partner are both blown away by the Corporal’s pistol. Lieutenant takes his chance and goes through the large metal door and out onto the roof.
EXT – CONVENT ROOF
The dark area is larger now, and its unsettling hum is louder. Lieutenant throws himself at nearest Nazi bigwig: Goering, who appears to be in a slurred, druggy state.
GOERING
What is it? What do you want?
LIEUTENANT
Reichsmarschall, the Fuehrer’s life is in danger. There are two unstoppable creatures headed this way, right now!
Goering is thoroughly confused and uncomprehending.
GOERING
What? What is it you say? What creatures?
LIEUTENANT
There’s no time to explain! You and the Fuehrer are in the gravest danger! Quickly! You must send for reinforcements, for a helicopter to come rescue the Fuehrer!
Lieutenant starts to pull away the blathering Goering. The Fuehrer stands near the black hole — now some three feet in diameter and humming louder than ever. He has Dracula’s book, the crucifix still attached to it, in his arms. Hitler sees Goering moving about and turns angrily on him.
HITLER
Goering! What are you doing? You know the significance of this ritual!
Goering, only semi-coherent, tries to explain the situation.
GOERING
Fuehrer — you are in danger — grave danger…
Suddenly, he sobers up a notch.
GOERING
Bombers!
All the Nazi devotees can hear them now too, above the din: War planes coming in. Hitler, unconcerned, slowly opens Dracula’s book.
HITLER
They are too late! Too late!
Hitler, transported, starts to read. His intoning causes a leap in the ferocity of the humming, overwhelming his words.
EXT – NIGHT SKY
Allied bombers bear down on their illuminated target.
EXT – CONVENT ROOF
Hitler is visibly shouting the text now but is barely audible above the buzzsaw hum off the O.S. black hole. The sound seems to have had a calming effect on Lieutenant who has joined Goering in a circle of men surrounding the pentagram. Other soldiers from the landing below have also been drawn in, and their uniforms can be seen scattered among the robed throng.
EXT – GRAVEYARD
Dracula is rigid in his concentration.
INT – STAIRWAY
Coming up the stairs are Monster and Wolfman, annihilating the last remnants of the Nazis. The soldiers go flying over stair railings and through windows, broken in two by the berserk Monster or slashed and gouged by the ferocious Wolfman. Three soldiers guard the door that leads onto the landing, and they are gripped by terror as they see certain death approaching. Wolfman dives on one; body blows from Monster crush the others. Monster then lunges at the door and rips it off its hinges.
INT – LANDING
The sound from the hole blares loudly as Monster and Wolfman enter. Swinging the door, Monster slams a Nazi against the wall and squashes him. Wolfman tears apart the few remaining Nazis who fire at them, as Monster goes for the huge metal door that opens onto the roof. He slams at the door with all his might. There is a great dent but it does not give. Monster, bleating in fury, rips out a column and uses it as a battering ram against the door.
EXT – CONVENT ROOF
Hitler closes Dracula’s book and kisses it. A red flame ignites at the center of the six-foot hole and starts spreading outward very quickly. Monster’s O.S. pounding can be heard over the noise from the hole.
INT – LANDING
Wolfman howls in triumph as Monster swings the column again and again, finally breaking through the door. The sound is louder than ever as they burst onto the roof.
EXT – GRAVEYARD
Dracula’s features, immobile in concentration, suddenly contort into a feral grimace of attack.
EXT – CONVENT ROOF
Hitler takes the book away from his lips.
HITLER
Too late!
A shock wave of heat and light bursts from the center of a vast pool of flame. Monster and Wolfman recoil from it, buffeted by swirling winds. From the center of a fiery vortex, the second demon materializes: a 20-foot-tall monstrosity that immediately grabs worshippers and starts devouring them.
EXT – NIGHT SKY
Bombers drop their loads on the convent.
EXT – CONVENT ROOF
Goering is on the floor, clinging to Hitler’s robe. Hitler holds aloft Dracula’s book, riveting the second demon’s attention.
HITLER
We are one!
Monster and Wolfman also see the book and make for Hitler. A sphere of energy radiates from the demon to Hitler and Goering before Monster and Wolfman can reach them. Explosions suddenly obliterate everything.
EXT – GRAVEYARD
Dracula watches as bombers pulverize the convent. Janos is underneath the coach, addled with terror. The sound of the bombing ceases and the planes are heard flying away, but Janos doesn’t even raise his head. Dracula stares off at the convent, his face betraying his concern.
EXT – CONVENT
DRACULA’S P.O.V.: In the still-smoking debris of the building, a large pulsating orb of light is visible. It momentarily swells and then winks out. Hitler steps out of the rubble, followed by Goering. The two shed their robes and head into the woods.
EXT – GRAVEYARD
Dracula walks up to the coach.
DRACULA
Get up!
Janos is still quivering beneath the coach.
DRACULA
UP!
Janos bolts out from his shelter.
EXT – WOODS
Hitler, clutching Dracula’s book, climbs into a limousine parked near the road. Goering gets in beside him and they speed off, attended by guards on motorcycles.
EXT – GRAVEYARD
Dracula gets into the coach as an unsteady Janos takes his place in the driver’s seat and gathers the horses’ reins. Dracula leans out of the coach window.
DRACULA
To Berlin!
Janos jerks the reins and the coach takes off.
INT – LIMO, BACK SEAT
Hitler and Goering sit silently in the back seat as DRIVER, visible through a pane of glass, speeds them to Berlin. Goering, still out of breath from his ordeal, huffs and wheezes as he draws the curtains on the car’s windows. Hitler, his eyes glazed, smiles faintly. His mind is a million miles away, but he still has Dracula’s book locked in his grip. Goering leans in close to speak to Hitler but doesn’t notice that the Fuehrer is completely oblivious to his words.
GOERING
These back roads are slower, but at least we know they’re protected.
(to Driver)
How long before we reach the Chancellery?
DRIVER
We should be there by sunrise, Herr Reichsmarschall.
Goering shuts the curtains on the chauffer’s window and settles back comfortably. Hitler still registers no awareness of him.
GOERING
Soon Fuehrer, we will be safe in Berlin.
EXT – OUTSKIRTS OF BERLIN – NEAR SUNRISE
The black skies are filled with red smoke, and there is a constant muffled roar from the bombardments of the Soviet Army. Berlin’s buildings are all charred, crumbling, or leveled outright; many are in flames. The landscape is punctuated by demolished Russian tanks with dead soldiers dangling out of them. Women’s screams and sobs are heard, along with the brutal voices and laughter of men: A group of Russian soldiers rapes a German mother and daughter who have been out scavenging for food.
Dracula’s coach glides silently past, unseen by the people.
INT – COACH
Dracula observes the scene impassively.
EXT – STREET
The coach slips away down the street and comes to a stop. Janos leans down to confer with Dracula.
JANOS
Master, the sun will soon rise.
DRACULA
I am aware of that.
Dracula points to the wreckage of some bombed-out buildings.
DRACULA (Cont.)
Head for that building over there. And hurry — our time is short!
EXT – STREET
Janos guides the coach to the abandoned building. Further down the street, a Nazi officer is driving a cart loaded with bazookas. He gives them out like bread rations to a small crowd of old men, young boys, and women.
INT – BUILDING
Dracula stands beside the parked coach, looking out at the besieged city, as Janos carries his coffin down into the cellar. He knows the light of day is almost upon him.
DRACULA
(to Janos)
Faster!
Janos disappears down the stairs.
DRACULA
Nothing has changed, century after century. Only their method of killing — at that, they have become more efficient.
Janos pokes his head up.
JANOS
Master, everything is ready.
Dracula glances skyward warily and then descends catlike into the depths, followed by Janos.
EXT – OLD REICH CHANCELLERY – SUNRISE
Hitler’s limousine pulls up to the building. Driver gets out and opens the door for the Fuehrer, but no one emerges.
INT – LIMO
Goering is aware that Hitler is unaware of him. But he misses the strange overtones of exhilaration and malignant reinvigoration in the Fuehrer’s catatonia, and leans over delicately to speak to Hitler.
GOERING
Fuehrer, we are here.
HITLER
Yes, I know.
Hitler makes no move to get out. The driver leans in and offers his hand. Never looking at him, the Fuehrer slowly gives him his trembling left arm. Goering makes ready to leave but Hitler stops him, speaking almost as though he was receiving his words.
HITLER
No, Goering… your place is not here now. You are needed in the South. You will be in radio contact with me.
GOERING
Yes my Fuehrer, if that is your wish. I had hoped to remain by your side now…
HITLER
No, no, Goering. You are one of the few I can still trust.
Gripping the driver’s hand, Hitler gets out of the car.
EXT – OLD REICH CHANCELLERY
Other guards awaiting Hitler escort him into the building as the driver gets back into the limousine and slams the door.
INT – LIMO
Goering’s open briefcase rests on the seat next to him. As the car pulls away, he unzips a small leather traveling kit with a syringe and a small jar, and rolls up his sleeve.
INT – LIMO, DRIVER’S SEAT
The driver, ignorant of what’s happening in back, picks up a communicating tube and starts speaking to Goering.
DRIVER
Herr Reichsmarschall, shall we stop first —
INT – LIMO
Goering stares off into space, glassy-eyed and content.
DRIVER O.S. (Cont.)
— at your home? Herr Reichsmarschall?
INT – OLD REICH CHANCELLERY
Hitler descends into the Fuehrerbunker, oblivious to the salutes he receives from the soldiers, bureaucrats, and officials whom he passes. The guards at the entrance to the bunker admit him, and the other soldiers who had accompanied him head back up into the Chancellery.
INT – BUNKER, HALLWAY
Hitler’s face darkens when he sees LIEUTENANT standing in front of the door to his study.
HITLER
You will guard this door from the end of the hall, Lieutenant.
LIEUTENANT
Yes, my Fuehrer! Heil Hitler!
The Lieutenant takes his new place several yards away, and Hitler enters his study, slamming the door behind him. After a moment of silence, the door is locked repeatedly from within.
INT – HITLER’S STUDY
Hitler finishes the last lock. The only light is from a large candle that burns right beside the door. He sets down the book on a small barren altar and then goes to his desk. There is a tray with a large cover. Hitler sits and removes the cover, revealing a platter filled with slices of chocolate cake. He starts to consume the cake ravenously.
INT – BUNKER, EVA BRAUN’S ROOM
One of Hitler’s secretaries watches Eva Braun pose in front of a mirror with a new black dress.
EVA BRAUN
Tonight, we shall be wed at last.
INT – HITLER’S STUDY
Hitler, shoveling cake into his mouth with his right hand, stares fixedly at a photograph of Franklin Roosevelt, which trembles in his left hand. In a sudden reflex, as if his body was being directed from outside, Hitler’s face contorts and a huge glob of cake bursts from his mouth, spattering the picture.
EXT – GOEBBELS HOME – NIGHTFALL
A bombing raid is going on nearby as a car pulls up outside the house. Goebbels emerges from the car and is met on the steps of his home by a soldier who hands him a telegram. Flames cast weird shadows on Goebbels as he reads the message, his face alighting with ecstasy.
GOEBBELS
The Fuehrer must be informed immediately!
INT – BUNKER, SWITCHBOARD
SOLDIER at the switchboard is sitting at attention, obviously talking to someone very important.
SOLDIER
Yes, sir! Please hold.
He patches in another line.
SOLDIER
My Fuehrer! Dr. Goebbels says he has urgent news for you.
INT – HITLER’S STUDY
Hitler holds the phone to his ear. His face and clothes are stained with cake.
HITLER
Put him through.
A garbled Goebbels chatters away, and Hitler smiles smugly.
HITLER
You are quite sure?
INT – GOEBBELS HOME
As he reads the telegram verbatim, Goebbels practically shouts to be heard over the sound of the bombing.
GOEBBELS
“Franklin Roosevelt dies, reports the BBC. Further details as they arrive.” My Fuehrer, this is the miracle — the turning point predicted in your horoscope!
INT – HITLER’S STUDY
Hitler still holds onto the phone, but he doesn’t seem to be speaking to Goebbels anymore.
HITLER
I have left nothing to chance. Nothing at all. After midnight tonight, no power on earth will be able to stop me.
EXT – BERLIN, ABANDONED BUILDING – NIGHT
Dracula steps out from the doorway of the building. The roar of the bombardments is constant; the night is illuminated by not-so-distant flames. Offscreen, Janos cries out: Dracula sees two Russian soldiers dragging him away down the street. As he starts to pursue them, they disappear around the corner of the block. At the end of the street, COSSACK SOLDIER on horseback spots Dracula.
COSSACK SOLDIER
You! Halt!
Ignoring the Cossack, Dracula heads after Janos. The Cossack unsheathes his sword and takes off after Dracula, ready to cut him down. When he gets close, Dracula turns on him and snarls. Terrified, the horse rears backward, dislodging the Cossack. Dracula catches him by the throat and snaps his neck. Then he drops the Cossack and strides off after Janos.
The two soldiers are gleefully stomping Janos, and don’t notice Dracula approaching them from behind. One soldier rears back for another kick, and Dracula grabs his leg. Twisting it violently, Dracula breaks it, and the soldier screams in pain. His comrade fires a burst from his machine gun into Dracula, but the bullets have no effect. Dracula swats the weapon from the soldier’s hands, grabs him, and tears into his throat. The soldier with the broken leg fires his pistol at Dracula, who drops his comrade and turns on him. Dracula wrenches the soldier’s arm, causing his pistol to fly from his grip — and the crucifix around his neck to pop into view. Dracula recoils from the cross with a growl, but Janos, swinging the fallen machine gun, finishes off the soldier with a few whacks. Then he tosses the weapon aside and bows to Dracula.
JANOS
Thank you, master. They would have killed me had you not intervened.
DRACULA
Go back to the coach and stay with it. You’ll be safe there.
JANOS
Might you not need my assistance, master?
DRACULA
No, Janos, this I shall do alone.
Dracula walks off into the night.
EXT – STREET
Dracula hangs back in the shadows as a gang of Russian soldiers advances through the streets, firing their weapons and cheering themselves along.
RUSSIAN SOLDIERS
(variously)
Death to the bloodthirsty fascist brigands! Annihilate them! Victory will be ours! Avenge our murdered comrades! Defeat the enemy!
They fire machine guns at German soldiers who dart in and out of the bombed-out buildings. After they pass, Dracula transforms into a bat and flies off into the smoky sky.
INT – BUNKER, CONFERENCE ROOM
A giant map is spread out on the table in front of Hitler. Resting his hands on the map, the Fuehrer looks up, transported in his own rhetoric. Goebbels, a few generals, and assorted aides are present and listen respectfully.
HITLER
Fate has removed the greatest war criminal of our time, and the turning point of the war will now be decided. It is no accident that Roosevelt has left the picture — and the events of the coming days will not be accidents either. I have other aces up my sleeve. It is perfectly clear to me what is to be done.
Bormann enters, hands Hitler a radiogram, and stands back. Hitler gapes at the message in utter disbelief, his face beginning to distort with rage. He throws the radiogram to the table and slams the tabletop with his fist, sending charting devices, pencils, and a bottle of ink sailing into the air. Everyone close to him begins to back away.
HITLER
Goering! He dares! What insufferable conceit! He dares send such a missive to the supreme commander of the Wehrmacht!
Hitler’s left arm, jerking uncontrollably, collides with a large globe which flies off and shatters against the wall.
HITLER (Cont.)
That wretched traitor! The vile effrontery!
Hitler, his face now a mass of nervous tics, is on the verge of convulsions. He slams both fists onto the table.
HITLER (Cont.)
That depraved degenerate! He would dare do this!
Goebbels picks up the telegram. As he reads to himself, Goering’s V.O. is heard reciting the text (and temporarily obscuring Hitler’s ranting). Other Nazis look over Goebbels’ shoulder to see what the message is.
GOERING V.O.
“Fuehrer! In view of your decision to remain at your post in the fortress of Berlin, do you agree that I take over, at once, the total leadership of the Reich, with full freedom of action at home and abroad, as your deputy, in accordance with your decree of June 29, 1941 —”
When the Fuehrer pauses for breath, Bormann takes the opportunity to twist the knife deeper into his rival’s back.
BORMANN
(to Hitler)
He demands a reply before 10 o’clock. It’s an ultimatum.
HITLER
I cannot believe it! Goering, an outright traitor! That dissolute drug fiend! That deceiver! You will order his arrest for treason!
Exhausted, Hitler slumps back into his chair. DR. MORRELL, the Fuehrer’s physician, goes to him while the other Nazis pass the radiogram among themselves and confer intently.
HITLER
I cannot believe it…
MORRELL
My Fuehrer, you must not get too aggravated.
HITLER
Yes, you are right, Morrell. There is a marriage ceremony to be performed tonight.
Morrell helps up Hitler and they leave the conference room.
EXT – OLD REICH CHANCELLERY
A bat flies toward the building.
INT – BUNKER, MAP ROOM
Hitler, wearing a gray field jacket and dark trousers, stands beside Eva Braun who is dressed in a sleeveless, black silk afternoon dress. Goebbels and Bormann are behind them, serving as witnesses. MAGISTRATE turns to Hitler.
MAGISTRATE
Adolf Hitler, you are of pure Aryan blood?
HITLER
Yes!
MAGISTRATE
And Eva Braun, you are of pure Aryan blood?
EVA BRAUN
Yes.
MAGISTRATE
(to Hitler)
You are free of all hereditary disease?
HITLER
Yes. Yes!
MAGISTRATE
(to Eva Braun)
And you are free of all hereditary disease?
EVA BRAUN
Yes.
MAGISTRATE
Then with the power vested in me as Gauleiter of Berlin, you are now man and wife.
Magistrate hands a document to Hitler, indicating his required signature. The Fuehrer signs. Then Eva Braun signs, starting to write her name “Braun” and then crossing it out and writing “Hitler.”
INT – CONFERENCE ROOM
Champagne corks pop as generals, secretaries, Dr. Morrell, Bormann, and Goebbels and his wife Magda all celebrate the marriage. Hitler, seated next to Eva, is approached by his cook, FRAULEIN MANZIALY, who proffers a tray filled with pastries.
FRAULEIN MANZIALY
I baked these as a special treat, my Fuehrer. I know how you love them.
HITLER
Creampuffs! Ah, Fraulein Manzialy, you know my weakness! Of course, I shall have only one — I have to watch my waistline.
The sound of bombs pounding above ground can be heard as Hitler bites into the creampuff. In a dark corner of the ceiling, unseen by the celebrants, a red-eyed bat has been watching. It stirs, scuttles over to the door, and leaves.
INT – CORRIDOR
The bat changes into Dracula, who moves like a shadow down the hall toward Hitler’s study. The muffled bomb bursts can still be heard; sometimes they cause little streams of plaster dust to trickle down in the halls. He pauses just a few doors away from the room with his book.
CLOSE-UP, distorted image of the book, as Dracula sees it in his mind’s eye. The bloody crucifix still rests atop it, preventing him from reclaiming the book.
Dracula hears the guard shifting his feet and heads silently down another hallway. He hears the voice of a little girl who is inside one of the rooms. Dracula changes into a mist and seeps under the crack of the door.
INT – THE GOEBBELS BEDROOM
Goebbels’ five-year-old daughter, HEIDI, is sitting in an easy chair, talking sternly to her doll.
HEIDI
Stop crying, or Mama will have to punish you again!
The child looks up and sees Dracula. At first frightened, she quickly grows calm under the vampire’s hypnotic gaze. She gets up, letting the doll drop, and follows Dracula to a dark corner of the room.
INT – GOEBBELS CHILDREN’S ROOM
Three more of Goebbels’ children are in the adjacent room. Two girls — Hedde, 6, and Holde, 8 — are playing a game. The boy HELMUT, 10, reads a book. The girls stop playing and wordlessly leave the room. Helmut notices them.
HELMUT
You can play in the hall outside, but don’t go far.
The girls shut the door behind them, and Helmut returns to his book.
INT – CONFERENCE ROOM
Hitler reflects with Goebbels and Bormann.
HITLER
I have always said there are two possibilities for me: to win through with all my plans, or to fail. If I win, I shall be one of the greatest men in history. If I fail, I shall be condemned, despised, and damned. With the power now at my disposal, there can be only one outcome.
INT – GOEBBELS CHILDREN’S ROOM
HELGA, at 12 the oldest of the children, enters with Hilde, age 7, and sees that the other two girls are gone. She turns to Helmut.
HELGA
Where are Holde and Hedda?
HELMUT
Weren’t they out in the hall?
HELGA
No.
HELMUT
Maybe they’re with Heidi.
HELGA
I’ll go look. You stay here with Hilde.
Helga exits, leaving Hilde with Helmut.
INT – CORRIDOR
Helga enters her parents’ bedroom.
INT – THE GOEBBELS BEDROOM
Helga looks around and sees nothing, but before she can turn to go, Dracula steps up behind her and claps his hand over her mouth. His blood-stained teeth flash as he whispers into the terrified girl’s ear.
DRACULA
Do not fear. Through me, you shall live in death forever.
INT – CONFERENCE ROOM
Eva Braun and Magda Goebbels are both laughing over a remark from Gerda Christian, one of Hitler’s secretaries. A bomb falling close aboveground shakes the Bunker momentarily, and the women start nervously. Hitler looks to Eva from his circle of admirers.
HITLER
Eva, we should retire to our room now.
Eva shows Hitler a pout of disappointment.
HITLER
Very well, we’ll stay a short while longer. But not too long — and not too much champagne!
Hitler resumes his discourse, speaking directly to Goebbels.
HITLER
When I look at the intellectual classes among us, well, unfortunately, we need them, you know, otherwise we might some day, I don’t know, exterminate them or something. But unfortunately, we need them…
INT – GOEBBELS CHILDREN’S ROOM
Dracula enters, blood from his lips trickling down to his chin. Helmut and Hilde look up at him.
HELMUT
Has Uncle Adolf sent you?
DRACULA
I have come to take you on a long journey.
Dracula envelops the two children in his cape.
INT – CONFERENCE ROOM
Hitler, with Eva by his side, is in mid-conversation with his secretaries, Bormann, and Josef and Magda Goebbels.
HITLER
You see, it’s our misfortune to have the wrong religion. Why didn’t we have the religion of the Japanese, who regard sacrifice for the Fatherland as the highest good? Why did it have to be Christianity with its meekness and flabbiness?
Hitler gives Eva a glance and they say their goodnights to the assembled guests.
INT – CORRIDOR
Hitler and Eva head for Hitler’s study. The Lieutenant snaps to attention at their approach.
LIEUTENANT
Heil Hitler!
HITLER
My wife and I are not to be disturbed for any reason. You are to disregard any unusual sounds you might hear from that room. Is this understood?
LIEUTENANT
Yes, my Fuehrer!
HITLER
Good.
Hitler and Eva enter the room. The door is locked repeatedly from within.
INT – HITLER’S STUDY
As Hitler secures the last of the locks, Eva looks about in disbelief. Satanic paraphernalia is all over the room, including various large pentagrams on the floor and walls, a flaming brazier, a long black whip, and a stock for holding a victim upright, hands in the air.
EVA BRAUN
Adolf! What is all this? What is it all for?
HITLER
Just shut up and bend over.
EVA BRAUN
Adolf! What do you mean?
HITLER
You heard me, woman! Have I not made myself clear?
Eva represses a giggle, blushes, and bends over a cot, raising her black silk skirt.
HITLER
You stupid female! Is that all that’s on your mind?
EVA BRAUN
But Adolf — our wedding night —
Trembling with rage, Hitler snatches up the whip and grabs Eva by her hair, yanking back her head.
HITLER
You will do as I say! You will obey me without question! Do you understand?
EVA BRAUN
Yes, my Fuehrer.
Hitler shoves the handle of the whip up to Eva’s mouth.
HITLER
Kiss it!
Fighting back her tears, Eva presses her lips to the whip.
HITLER
Good. Now, into the stock!
Eva gets up and Hitler secures her in the stock. Then he rips open the back of her dress.
HITLER
Your sacrifice is demanded by Satan, the black angel.
EVA BRAUN
(sobbing)
What — what is it you are going to do with me?
HITLER
Nature is cruel, and so I must be cruel.
Hitler turns to Dracula’s book and removes the crucifix that he originally placed upon it. A distinct outline of the cross is left in bloody relief on the cover of the book. Hitler spits on the crucifix and flings it into the flaming brazier. Then he takes up the whip again, goes over to Eva, and rears back to begin flogging her. Suddenly, Dracula emerges from the shadows, grabs the whip, and wrenches it out of Hitler’s grip.
HITLER
Who dares? Do you not realize who I am?
DRACULA
And do you not realize who I am?
Momentarily abashed, Hitler gapes at Dracula, who turns from him and releases Eva from the stock, flinging her aside. Infuriated, Hitler fires his Walther pistol repeatedly into Dracula, at point-blank range, but to no effect. Terror contorts Hitler’s face. Dracula grabs Hitler’s wrists, knocking his empty gun to the floor, and wrenches the Fuehrer to his knees. Over Hitler’s protests, the vampire drags him to the stock and imprisons him in it.
HITLER
No! No! This cannot be! You will release me at once! I, supreme chancellor of the Third Reich, command it!
Dracula grabs the whip and begins lashing Hitler who screams in pain and terror.
INT – CORRIDOR
The drunken Nazi revelers hear the commotion from within Hitler’s study but dare not defy his instructions and enter.
INT – STUDY
With each lash of the whip, Hitler writhes and screams in agony, exciting Dracula into a frenzy. He continues to flay the screaming Hitler as Eva, hysterical, runs to the door to get help. She starts struggling with its multitude of locks and bolts, but before she gets even one opened, Dracula grabs her by the wrist.
DRACULA
Come here, you!
Dracula pulls the shrieking Eva to him, bites into her jugular vein, and feasts. Gorged with her blood, he throws her to the floor and snatches up his book. Averting his eyes from the crucifix’s impression, which he knows is still on the cover, he steels himself for what he must do. He grows rigid with concentration.
DRACULA
My Lord Satan…
Bowing his head, Dracula presses his blood-stained lips to the cover of the book. He winces with pain as the image of the cross sears the skin in his mouth with an audible sizzle. Threads of black, tar-like fluid start spilling from his mouth onto the book.
A low rumble is heard and suddenly the floor of Hitler’s study starts splitting open. A sickly yellow mist seeps out and spreads quickly throughout the room. In one area it darkens and thickens, condensing into manlike proportions. SATAN slowly materializes, gliding through the mist toward Dracula. Satan is recognizably human, but his eyes and manner suggest something more akin to a reptile or an insect: something driven not by desire or reason but by blind instinct — something absolutely and forever insatiable.
Satan comes to a stop, hovering before Dracula. The flow ceases from the vampire’s mouth, and with a low groan, Dracula at last takes the book away from his lips: All traces of the cross are lost under the thick black discharge. He speaks to Satan with difficulty.
DRACULA
I offer unto you two damned souls.
Satan’s sepulchral voice fills the room, as though coming from everywhere at once.
SATAN
You have done well, my disciple. And now their time has come.
With his other hand, Dracula holds up Eva’s bloody form. She struggles in his grip until Satan points his finger at her, causing her to begin withering and desiccating before the eyes of the horror-stricken Hitler. Her voice is the last to go: a disembodied scream that echoes throughout the room and decays into silence. Then Satan turns to Hitler.
HITLER
I followed your instructions faithfully — the sacrifices, untold millions —
SATAN
Your war is lost.
HITLER
You must let me win it! You must — I kept my end of the bargain!
SATAN
Your pact means nothing to me.
HITLER
Betrayed! Again I am betrayed!
SATAN
What manner of fool would trust… the devil?
Satan plunges his hand into Hitler’s chest. Hitler gasps and his body starts to decay and disintegrate: His teeth fall out, his eyeballs sink into his skull, his flesh collapses into putrescence. What was his shuddering heart shrivels into black powder in Satan’s fist. Then, with a flash, Satan dematerializes and the mist evaporates.
Dracula is alone. Not even bothering to look around him any further, he turns to the door, rips it open, and steps out of Hitler’s study, carrying his book.
INT – CORRIDOR
Dracula strides past the drunken Nazis, who are too terrified to make a move against him. He begins to ascend the stairs out of the Bunker.
EXT – ABANDONED BUILDING, ALLEY
Janos, asleep atop the coach, abruptly awakens and gives the reins a shake. The horses start pulling the coach as he rubs his eyes with his sleeve.
INT – BUNKER, STUDY
Goebbels watches Hitler’s LACKEYS scraping up the remains of Hitler and Eva, which they dump into a large cardboard box. Goebbels has a crazed expression on his face, as though he might snap at any minute. Bormann enters, drunk, and looks about in disbelief.
BORMANN
What happened?
GOEBBELS
The Fuehrer took his own life by pistol. His wife died by swallowing poison.
Everyone looks at Goebbels in astonishment — a response that enrages him.
GOEBBELS
Do you understand me!?
Frightened, the lackeys nod their heads.
GOEBBELS
Repeat it!
Haltingly, they repeat his pronouncement.
LACKEYS
(variously)
The Fuehrer took his own life by pistol. His wife died by swallowing poison.
They hand the box of remains to Goebbels. He gently takes it and leaves, jerking his head for them to follow him.
INT – CORRIDOR
Goebbels heads up the stairs to the Chancellery garden, followed by the lackeys. O.S. a woman screams, but she is ignored by everyone.
INT – GOEBBELS CHILDREN’S ROOM
Magda Goebbels, surrounded by the corpses of her children, screams and screams and screams.
EXT – CHANCELLERY GARDEN
Shrapnel from Soviet tanks flies through the air as Goebbels puts the box into a bomb crater. Hitler’s valet Linge pours petrol from a large can into the box, and then sets a paper on fire and hands it to Bormann who tosses it into the box. The remains erupt into flames and the small company offers a stiff-armed Nazi salute to the fire.
EXT – OLD REICH CHANCELLERY
Dracula stands in front of the building as his coach, driven by Janos, moves silently down the street and stops for him. He speaks to Janos slowly and thickly.
DRACULA
I have what I came for.
Dracula climbs into the coach and it starts traveling through the obliterated Nazi empire.
EXT – STREETS OF BERLIN
Everywhere flames brighten the blackened city — they dance in reflection on the spectral coach and on the faces of Dracula and Janos as they travel through a landscape by Bosch: lynched Hitler Youth hang from lampposts, with notes pinned to their bodies (“coward,” “traitor,” “thief”); scattered among the bomb craters are human limbs and dismembered corpses, attracting clusters of rats; “Der Henker,” a huge, one-eyed man with a hangman’s noose slung over his shoulder, drags away a terrified Nazi officer, who screams in vain for someone to help him; a small group of Nazi soldiers puts another group of Nazi soldiers against a wall and riddles them with bullets; drunken Russian soldiers, singing and laughing uproariously, roast an ox over an open spit, as several of their comrades beat a young German boy to death; a Russian tank, trapped in an alley, is demolished by a handful of bazooka-wielding German women, who then are trapped by hordes of Russian rapists. Screams, gunfire, and explosions are heard throughout the city as the coach disappears into the night.
(This film script, completed in 2016, appears here for the first time.)
Link to:
Film: Scripts & Treatments: Contents
For more on Rudolph Grey, see:
Music Lecture: The Secret of 20th-Century American Music
And be sure to read Rudolph Grey’s book Nightmare of Ecstasy: The Life and Art of Edward D. Wood, Jr.
NICOLE V. GAGNÉ 