Black Sam miniseries Part 2

BLACK SAMA Pirate’s Tale

Part II

a spec miniseries teleplay byRan Cartwright

Second Draft: 10/23/01

1

FADE IN

EXT. CLIFFS ABOVE NAUSET BEACH - EVENING

A brisk wind picking up; clouds gather to the north, an approaching storm.

MARIA HALLET stands near the edge of the cliff, looking out to sea, her hair billowing. Nearby a small campfire burns in front of her hut.

EXT. ATLANTIC OCEAN - DAY

The Whydah and the Marianne sail north.

SUPER:

“Atlantic OceanEarly April 1717”

EXT. WHYDAH MAIN DECK - DAY

A calm day under sail. Some pirates play cards at a hatch cover. Nearby others play checkers, while more lounge around the main deck.

ELSEWHERE ON THE MAIN DECK an Irish pirate plays a pipe while another dances an Irish jig.

ELSEWHERE, ON THE QUARTER DECK, SAM BELLAMY, captain of the Whydah, and RICHARD NOLAND, quartermaster, stand at the starboard rail looking out to sea to the north.

NOLANDThe wind’s shiftin. Northeast.

SAMAye. A storm’s coming.

(pauses)We’d better trim sails. Signal the Marianne.

2

Sam turns toward a ladder leading to the main deck.

NOLAND Aye.

EXT. MARIANNE MAIN DECK - DAY

The crew prepares for the coming storm. PALSGRAVE WILLIAMS, captain of the Marianne, stands amidships, shouting orders.

PALSGRAVEDouble reef the mainsail! We’re putting before the wind! There’s a storm comin, lads! Make haste!


Dark, heavy overcast, the storm tosses the Marianne and Whydah on the waves. Lightning and thunder flash and rumble.

Wind whistles through the rigging; the small sails still set flap on the wind. Rain pours down on the decks, the waves pounding the ships.

EXT. WHYDAH MAIN AND QUARTER DECKS - DAY

A work crew on the main deck tugs on a line to further shorten sail. Richard Noland hurries past them on his way to the quarter deck.

NOLANDTighter on the line, lads! Or the wind’ll take her!

He hurries on, crossing the main deck and up the ladder to the quarter deck. He finds Sam standing next to JOHN FLETCHER who’s manning the ship’s wheel.

NOLAND We’re takin on water, captain! On the lee!

3

SAMGet a crew on the pumps, Mister Noland!

NOLANDAye, sir!

Noland hurries away.

SAMSteady, Mister Fletcher!


Palsgrave stands on the rain washed main deck, watching a work crew pull a line to tighten the already double reefed mainsail; RICHARD CAVERLEY directs the work crew.

CAVERLEYPull, lads! Pull!

A wind gust catches the sail and it begins to unfurl, tearing the line from the hands of the work crew. The sail swells full, and with a snap like cannon fire, it tears away from the yard, catches in the rigging, then shrouds, then the wind carries it away into the darkened storm, the broken lines from the missing sail whipping around in the wind.

PALSGRAVESecure those lines, lads!

INT. WHYDAH HOLD - DAY

A work crew, supervised by old JOSEPH RIVERS, pumps water from the hold. Noland arrives.

NOLANDHow goes it, Mr Rivers?

RIVERSWe’re takin on water as fast as we can pump it out. ‘S all we can do to stay afloat! Someone’s goin to have to find the leak and patch it afore it gets any worse.

4


The storm over, the sky partly sunny. The two ships rest gently on the water, their sails furled or dangling, the main sail of the Marianne still gone.

EXT. WHYDAH QUARTER DECK - DAY

General chatter as work crews scurry about repairing storm damage. Sam stands by the wheel manned by Fletcher.

SAMMister Davis!

Twenty two year old THOMAS DAVIS hurries to Sam.DAVIS

Aye captain.

SAMYou’re a carpenter, lad; find the leak and patch it before it sinks this ship!

DAVISAye captain.

Davis hurries away.

INT. WHYDAH HOLD, BOW - DAY

Davis has found the leak in the bow, water coming through a split seam between two planks.

DAVISAh, so there ye are. Not such a big problem. I’ll have ye fixed in no time.

INT. MARIA’S HUT - NIGHT

Maria sits in her tiny hut, a quilt wrapped around her for warmth. A lantern hangs from the roof, casting shadows into the corners.

We hear a sudden rap on the wall of the hut. Maria, startled, looks up. Another rap, then more. Maria reaches for the lantern, rises, and steps outside.

5

EXT. MARIA’S HUT - NIGHT

Four young BOYS stand several feet away. One holds a torch; the others throwing stones at the hut. They pause and step back.

BOY WITH TORCHIt’s her! It’s the witch!

BOY 1Witch!

Boy 1 throws another stone.

MARIAStop that! Stop.

Boy 2 throws a stone at Maria. She dodges it.

MARIA Stop it, I say! Go away and leave me alone!

BOY 3Witch! Witch!

BOY 2Witch!

Maria starts toward them as Boy 3 throws a stone. They hurriedly step back, then run off into the night.

Maria pauses, then looks to the northern horizon as soft thunder rumbles and lightning flashes in the distance. She then turns and disappears back into her hut.


Sam, Noland, Rivers, JEREMIAH BURKE, WILLIAM MAIN, and others gathered on the quarter deck. Davis appears from a ladder, approaching Sam.

DAVISThe leak’s been repaired, captain.

6

An arm around Davis’ shoulders, Sam turns to the others.

SAMWell, lads! Like Mr Davis here, you’ve all done good work! I say this calls for a celebration! What say you?!

Cheers erupt from the crew.

BURKEA play, captain!

SAMA play? Suggestions?

Rivers laughs.

RIVERSThe Tempest!

The pirates boo and hiss Rivers’ suggestion, some throwing their hats at him.

MAINI say The Royal Pirate!

BURKEAye! The Royal Pirate!

Others add their agreement.

SAMAll right, clear the quarter deck, lads! We need actors!

Sam grins as he pauses.

SAM The rest, including myself, will watch!

7

INT. WHYDAH HOLD BELOW MAIN DECK - DAY

Several pirates root through chests and trunks, looking for costuming and props. Grabbing what they want, they slam the lids closed and head back up the ladder to the main deck.

ELSEWHERE IN THE HOLD, a small group of pirates sleep off a drunk. The slamming trunk lids awakens one of them.

The DRUNKEN PIRATE struggles to sit up. He sees his empty tankard lying next to him, picks it up, looks into it, grumbles, then drops it, and lays back down.


The pirates with their costuming and props hurry up a ladder to the quarter deck. Standing at the quarter deck fore rail are Sam and Noland.

Sam glances at the pirates with their costuming, then at Noland and chuckles.

SAM(teasing)

You sure you don’t want to play a part?

NOLANDMe? An actor? Huh!

(shakes head no)Nay, I don’t think so!

Sam laughs.


The Drunken Pirate awakens again, sits up, checks his tankard again, grumbles, then glances at his still sleeping shipmates.

Hearing cheers and shouts above, he glances. He grumbles again, then struggles to his feet, making his way to a ladder.

8


The Drunken Pirate emerges from below. Hearing cheers, he looks up, sees a gathering of pirates on the quarter deck.

He has no idea that a play is being staged and what he’s witnessing isn’t real.

The Drunken Pirate watches as two pirates step forward with a CONDEMNED PIRATE standing between them. A pirate playing the part of ALEXANDER THE GREAT faces the Condemned Pirate.

ALEXANDER THE GREAT‘Know’st though that Death attends thy mighty crimes, And thou shall’st hang Tomorrow Morn betimes!’

The Drunken Pirate’s eyes go wide. He turns and scrambles back through the hatch into the hold.


The Drunken Pirate kicks and shakes his friends.

DRUNKEN PIRATEWake up, y’bilge rats! They’re goin t’hang ole Jack! Wake up!

Three of the sleeping PIRATES groggily awaken.

PIRATE 1They’re what…?

DRUNKEN PIRATEThey’re goin t’hang ole Jack! We got t’stop ‘em now!

The Drunken Pirate grabs his cutlass and turns to an armory cabinet as his three friends stagger to their feet.

DRUNKEN PIRATE Arm yourselves, lads! We’re goin t’have a fight on our hands!

Breaking open the cabinet, the Drunken Pirate grabs hand grenades.

9


The mainsail yard lies across the port and starboard rails. A new mainsail has just been attached. Palsgrave stands nearby, watching Caverley. Caverley turns to Palsgrave.

CAVERLEYThat’s it, Captain. She’s ready!

PALSGRAVEVery good, Mister Caverley! Take her up!

Caverley turns to his work crew.

CAVERLEYAll right lads, haul her up!

Gunfire and the explosion of a hand grenade erupts from the Whydah at anchor nearby. Palsgrave glances toward the ship.

PALSGRAVE(thinking aloud)

What’s goin on there!?

Caverley joins him as another gunshot is heard.

PALSGRAVE Lower a boat! I’m going over.


The Drunken Pirate and his friends are attacking other pirates. The Condemned Pirate lays against the fore rail, his right leg mangled and bloody. The ship’s Surgeon, JAMES FERGUSON, kneels next to him.

CONDEMNED PIRATE(in pain)

Me leg! Me leg! They blew me leg off!

Ferguson tears a strip from his shirt and ties a tourniquet on the pirate’s leg.

FERGUSONYou’re goin to be all right, lad.

1 0

ELSEWHERE ON THE QUARTER DECK, pistols fired, a clash of cutlass steel. Pirate 1 from below deck lunges with his cutlass at Alexander the Great.

PIRATE 1Ye hang ole Jack, will ye?! I’ll cut ye afore ye get another chance!

Alexander parries the blow. They spin, swinging again, Alexander taking a deep cut on his upper sword arm. A momentary pause. Pirate 1 grins. Alexander lunges, burying his cutlass in Pirate 1's stomach. Noland suddenly appears.

NOLANDStand down! Now!

The Drunken Pirate appears, lunging at Alexander. Alexander dodges as Noland grabs the Drunken Pirate, forcing him back.

We hear two sudden pistol shots in rapid succession. All fighting stops as the pirates turn toward the sound of the pistol shots.

Sam stands atop a quarter deck hatch cover, holding two pistols, angered and scowling at those gathered.

SAMMister Noland!

NOLANDAye, captain.

SAMI want those who started this taken below and put in irons!

NOLANDAye captain.

Noland grabs the Drunken Pirate by the shoulder.

NOLAND Let’s go!

1 1

SAMThe Surgeon! Where’s the surgeon! Mr Ferguson!

Ferguson slowly rises to his feet next to the wounded Condemned Pirate.

FERGUSONHere, Captain Bellamy.

SAMDo what you can for the wounded.

FERGUSONAye captain.

A murmur among the pirates as Sam steps down from the hatch cover and walks to the quarter deck fore rail. He passes Ferguson as the Surgeon approaches the wounded Alexander.

FERGUSON (to Alexander)

Hmmm, you’re goin to lose that arm, lad.

AT THE FORE RAIL, Sam looks down at Noland and others leading the Drunken Pirate and his surviving friends across the main deck and down into the hold. Main approaches.

MAINWhat got into the…?

SAM(interrupts)

I don’t know, but as long as I’m captain, The Royal Pirate will never be performed on this ship again!

Palsgrave and Caverley arrive on board. Sam turns and storms away to a ladder leading down to the main deck.

1 2

EXT. WHYDAH MAIN DECK, PORT RAIL - DAY

A plank held up, one end resting on the port rail. Sam stands at the head of the plank. Pirates, including Palsgrave and Caverley, are gathered. The wrapped body of the pirate killed in the melee lies on the plank, covered by a pirate flag.

SAM…and thus we commit his body to the deep. It has always been so for sailors, and shall always be. Amen.

PIRATES(in unison)

Amen.

Sam nods. The pirates holding the plank tip it up and the body slides off into the ocean.

ON flag’s death head.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. OFFSHORE, NAUSET BEACH - NIGHT

ON flag’s death head, the flag worn, its edge tattered as it flutters on the breeze.

We see the Whydah riding in a storm just offshore, enveloped in an eerie glowing mist, a ghost ship with torn sails and dangling lines.

Maria stands at the water’s edge, watching and waiting, the breeze billowing her hair.

A cloud billows across the water toward her. Out of the cloud steps Sam, walking on the water to Maria. They come together, embrace, and kiss.

The kiss broken, Maria looks up, finds Sam changed. His face white, drained of blood, dark circles around his eyes, and a gash on his forehead. He smiles. She’s uncertain, afraid.

MARIASam…?

1 3

SAMI’m dead, Maria. But I still came back for you.

Maria shakes her head no, struggling to break free of Sam.

MARIANo! No! Nooooo!

She pushes free of Sam, forcing herself…


…awake as she sits up, gasping from the nightmare. She peers around wide-eyed.

MARIASam?

She throws off the quilt, jumps up and hurries outside.

EXT. MARIA’S HUT - NIGHT

Maria hurries to the edge of the cliffs. Afraid, she stares out to sea and cries out.

MARIASam!


Three ships at anchor, their sails struck, the Marianne tethered to a small two masted sloop captained by SIMON BEERE. A longboat rests in the water next to the sloop.

The Whydah lies at anchor a short distance away.

EXT. SLOOP MAIN DECK - DAY

The crew of the sloop are herded together, guarded by pirates. Other pirates are transferring loot to the Marianne. Palsgrave and Caverley step on deck.

PALSGRAVEAll right lads, lets relieve this ship of her cargo and be quick about it!

1 4

A PIRATE approaches Palsgrave.

PIRATECaptain Beere is waiting in the longboat, sir.

PALSGRAVEVery good.

(to Caverley)Mister Caverley, see that Beere’s crew is taken aboard the Marianne and then get the Marianne away from this ship. I don’t know what Captain Bellamy has in store for her.

CAVERLEYAye captain.

Palsgrave starts for the starboard side of the sloop.

EXT. LONGBOAT - DAY

Waiting in the longboat are MR MOON at the tiller, Captain Beere, and two other pirates. Palsgrave climbs into the longboat.

PALSGRAVECast off, lads!

Palsgrave takes a seat opposite Beere. The pirates cast off and row toward the Whydah, Moon steering. Palsgrave, his back to the Whydah, smiles at Beer.

BEERE(heated)

Mr Wilson, I demand to…

PALSGRAVE(interrupts, smiling)

Williams, sir, Captain Williams.

Palsgrave pauses as he nods.

PALSGRAVE At your service, sir.

1 5

BEERE Captain Williams! I demand to know the meaning of this! What are you doing with my ship!? My cargo!? I’ll have you know, sir, that this is an act of piracy!

PALSGRAVEPiracy? Sir, that’s a mighty strong accusation.

EXT. WHYDAH MAIN and QUARTER DECKS - DAY

Sam and Noland stand on the port side quarter deck, watching the longboat approach. Sam smiles as he turns and glances down at the main deck.

SAMMister Main!

ON THE MAIN DECK, Main looks up at Sam.

MAINAye captain!

ON THE QUARTER DECK with Sam and Noland.

SAMStrike the ensign and run up our flag! Let ‘em know who we are!

ON THE MAIN DECK with Main.

MAIN Aye sir!

EXT. LONGBOAT - DAY

Beere throws accusations at Palsgrave.

BEERE…you commandeer my ship, hold my crew, take my cargo! That, sir, is piracy!

1 6

PALSGRAVEPiracy, sir?

BEERE(frustrated)

Aye, piracy! Damn you, sir! Damn you…

Beere’s words trail off as he notices the black flag being run up the flagstaff of the Whydah. His eyes go wide.

BEERE You ARE pirates!

PALSGRAVEWell, sir, I’d say we’re more like free men!

Palsgrave erupts in laughter.


Sam, Noland, and a gathering of Whydah pirates wait as Captain Beere joins them, followed by Palsgrave. His hands clasped behind his back, Sam steps forward and nods.

SAMCaptain Beere, I believe?

BEERECaptain Bellamy…

(nods to Palsgrave)…so this man tells me. Seems your exploits in the Caribbean have gained you quite a reputation up and down the coast!

SAMIndeed! I trust not too flattering.

BEEREMay I ask what you intend to do with my ship, my men, and myself?

SAMWe…intend to relieve you of your cargo, then you and your men can be on your way.

1 7

BEEREAh, Robin Hood and his merry band of thieves. So, the stories they tell of you are true.

Noland steps forward.

NOLANDCaptain Bellamy, I think it unwise to set him free.

SAMWhy is that, Mr Noland?

NOLAND He and his men could warn the authorities about us. He just said we’re well known up and down the coast. They’ll be itchin to string us up!

A murmur of agreement passes among the pirates. Sam glances around, his eyes falling on Main.

SAMWhat say you, Mister Main? Do you agree with Mister Noland?

MAINAye captain. I do.

SAMWell, lads. Do you all agree?

A chorus of ‘AYES’ from the pirates. Sam turns to Beere.

SAM Well, Captain Beere, seems I can’t let you go after all! My crew won’t permit it.

NOLANDI say we sink his ship too!

Another chorus of ‘AYES’ from the pirates.

1 8

BEERE(surprised)

Well, Captain Bellamy, have you no control over your men? Or do they control you?

Sam chuckles.

SAMCaptain Beere, we conduct ourselves in a democratic manner here.

Sam begins to pace the deck, gesturing to the ship.

SAM My good captain, this ship is a former slave ship. Now it’s a ship of free men. Do you see the irony? Look around you! There are Englishmen, and Jamaican, and French, Dutch, Portuguese, Swede, African…

(motions to Julian)Mr Julian, there, is Indian!

Sam stops and turns to Beere.

SAM Many nations are represented on this ship, and we are all free and equal!

(pauses)Aye, I’m the captain of the Whydah, but my power only lies with the good graces of my men, and so does my loyalty. I cannot veto a general vote of my crew. That is our law.

BEEREI see no law that governs the conduct of thieves.

1 9

SAMCaptain Beere, I like you. You’re strong willed. You would be a welcomed addition to my crew. I would ask that you join us, sir. As an officer in my fleet, your services would…

BEERE(interrupts)

Sir, the laws of God and man forbid me from turning pirate.

SAM(enraged)

Damn my blood! I’m sorry they won’t let you have your ship; I scorn to do any one mischief when it’s not to my advantage!

Sam pauses, glances at sloop lying at anchor, then Beere.

SAM Damn your ship, we’ll sink her! And damn you, Captain Beere, you’re a sneaking puppy and so are all who’ll submit to be governed by laws that rich men have made for their own security! The cowards haven’t the courage otherwise to defend what they get by their knavery! Damn all of ye!

(pauses)Damn the crafty rascals and you who serve them - all of you a pack of hen-hearted numbskulls! They call us cutthroats, and villains! The only difference is they rob the poor under the cover of law! We plunder the rich under the protection of our own courage!

Sam pauses, staring at Beere, then his voice turns softer.

SAM What say you, Captain Beere? Would you not prefer our way than sneak after the asses of these villians for employment?

2 0

BEERENay, sir! Thieving pirates have no authority…

SAM(interrupts, enraged)

I’m a free Prince, sir! My conscience tells me I’ve as much authority to make war on the whole world as anyone who has a hundred sail of ships at sea, and an army of 100,000 men in the field!

(pauses, chuckles)But I see there’s no arguing with sniveling puppies who allow superiors to kick them about deck at pleasure, and pin their faith upon a pimp of a parson who neither practices nor believes what he puts upon the chuckelheaded fools he preaches to!

Sam pauses, walks to Captain Beere and looks him in the eye.

SAM You are a devilish conscious rascal, Captain Beere! Damn ye! I owe no allegiance to anyone but to those aboard my ship!

Sam glances at Beere’s sloop, notes the Marianne moving away from it, then turns to Palsgrave.

SAM Captain Williams! You’ve taken his crew off?

PALSGRAVEAye captain. They’re aboard the Marianne.

Sam storms to the quarter deck fore rail, plants both hands on the rail, and leans over.

SAM Mr Taffier!

2 1

TAFFIERQui captain!

SAMWhen the Marianne’s clear, sink that sloop!

TAFFIERAye captain!

Taffier turns to his gun crew.

TAFFIER All right lads, on the port side! You heard the captain!

Sam approaches Palsgrave.

SAM (soft)

When you return to the Marianne, old friend, take Beere with you.


The Whydah broadsides the sloop, destroying and sinking her.

EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF EASTHAM - DAY

Raining hard, a storm. Maria runs through the streets, aprons draped over an arm, holding her shawl over her head with the other hand.

She rounds a corner, running headlong into two RUFFIANS. She spins, looking at them fearfully as they return her stare, then she turns and continues running.

EXT. CAPE COD MARSHLAND - DAY

We see Maria running through the rain, heading home.

EXT. MARIA’S HUT ON CLIFFS ABOVE NAUSET BEACH - DAY

Maria runs to her hut, throws back the blanket covering the entrance, and ducks inside.

2 2

EXT. MARIA’S HUT - DAY

Maria lights the hanging lantern, then pulls her quilt around her for warmth. She rocks back and forth, her knees drawn up under her chin. The rain pours down on her hut.

TIME FADE -

Maria asleep as the rain continues to pour.

EXT. ATLANTIC - DAY

Dark clouds gather on the northern horizon. The Whydah and Marianne are at anchor, their sails trimmed.


Main and Burke at the wheel, gazing at the gathering storm, Burke concerned.

BURKEAnother storm comin. Looks like a bad one.

MAINAye.

Rivers walks past as Burke speaks again.

BURKESomethin not right about all these storms. We shoulda stayed in the Caribbean.

RIVERSAw, no need to fret so, lads! This ship can sail through any storm!

2 3

INT. WHYDAH CAPTAIN’S CABIN - DAY

Sam, Palsgrave, Noland, and Caverley gathered in Sam’s cabin, going over a map of the colonial seaboard. Sam points to the map.

SAMWe’re here. If we’re separated in the storm, we’ll sail off the Virginia coast for ten days, then ten more days off Long Island. Somewhere in between we’ll find one another. Agreed?

PALSGRAVE Aye, agreed.

Noland and Caverly nod.

EXT. WHYDAH MAIN DECK - EVENING

A storm rages, lightning and thunder roaring around them, waves crashing against the ship. Sails are furled, lines secured.

Sam, grabbing lines for support, fights his way to a ladder leading to the quarter deck.

ELSEWHERE, ON THE QUARTER DECK, Main and Burke are at the ship’s wheel. The ship lurches to port, waves crashing across the deck. Burke and Main are swept away from the wheel, but are caught in the ship’s netting, saving them from being washed overboard.

MAINHold on lads! She’ll steady! Hold on!

Sam appears at the top of the ladder. The three of them struggle to the wheel. A loud crack is heard. They look back; lines and shrouds of the mizzen mast whip in the wind. Another crack. The upper part of the mizzen mast crashes to the deck.

2 4

SAMSecure those lines as best you can, Mister Burke!

BURKEAye captain!

Burke fights his way aft through the raging storm.

INT. WHYDAH BELOW MAIN DECK - EVENING

The storm tosses the ship, hanging lanterns swinging. Water leaks through cracks and pours through the grating of some hatch covers.

Among those gathered are Noland, Rivers, and a terrified young JOHN KING.

KINGShe’ll sink! She’s going to sink!

RIVERSShe’ll be fine, lad! She’s a good ship.

A sudden load crack. Nolan, Rivers, and King glance at the main mast. Noland grabs a lantern. They hurry to the mast, find it at a slight angle, the deck above buckled. The wooden braces around the mast on the deck have been broken.

NOLANDIt’s been sprung!

RIVERSIt’ll need bracing!

NOLANDAye!

2 5


The storm over, the clouds are clearing. The Whydah anchored, the crew busy themselves with repairs. Sam crosses the deck, sees Davis and South.

SAMMister Davis! I want the mainmast braced!

DAVISAye captain.

SAMMister South, take a work crew and cut away the mizzen mast! We’ll replace it at Green Island!

South nods. Noland approaches Sam.

NOLANDIf I didn’t know better, I’d think this ship was cursed.

LOOKOUT (o.c.)Captain!

Sam and Noland glance up at the lookout.

LOOKOUT No sign of the Marianne, sir!

Sam sighs, then turns to Noland.

SAMTen days, Mister Noland. Ten days in these waters, then we continue north.

Sam turns and walks away.

NOLANDAye captain.

2 6


The storm over, the ship alive with repair activity. Palsgrave and Caverley stand at a rail amidships, Palsgrave looking out over the ocean with his spy glass.

LOOKOUT (o.c.)No sign of her, captain!

PALSGRAVEKeep an eye out for her!

LOOKOUT (o.c.)Aye, captain!

Palsgrave slowly lowers the spy glass, his gaze still on the ocean.


The Whydah, alone, under sail. Her mainsail and fore mainsail are furled, the mizzen mast gone.

EXT. WHYDAH MAIN MAST CROW’S NEST - DAY

The Lookout spots a sail.

LOOKOUTSail on horizon! Off the starboard bow!

ELSEWHERE, ON THE QUARTER DECK, Sam hurries to the starboard rail, closely followed by Noland. Sam raises his spy glass to look at the ship.

NOLANDThe Marianne?

SAMI don’t think so.

(pauses)Two masted, square rigged, but…

(pauses)…but not a sloop. More like a brig.

2 7

Sam lowers the spy glass and glances down at the main deck.

SAM Mister Taffier!

ELSEWHERE, ON THE MAIN DECK, Taffier looks up at Sam.

TAFFIERQui captain!

ELSEWHERE, ON THE QUARTER DECK.

SAMPrepare to fire chasers!

TAFFIER (o.c.)Qui captain!

Sam turns to Main at the wheel.

SAMMister Main! Bring us in close, her port side.

MAINAye captain.

Again Sam looks at the ship through his spy glass.


The Whydah overtakes the small two masted ship, the Ann, chasers fired across the Ann’s bow. The Ann lays-to, her mainsail lines loosened, wind dropping from the sail.

EXT. ANN MAIN DECK - DAY

The CAPTAIN of the Ann and his crew are gathered on the main deck under guard. Sam and several pirates are there. Burke pushes his way through the crowd to Sam.

BURKEAll secure, captain.

SAMVery good, Mister Burke.

2 8

Sam turns to the Captain of the Ann.

SAM Captain. I shall leave ten of your men aboard with eighteen of my own men. You and the rest of your men shall be guests aboard my ship…

ANN CAPTAIN(interrupts)

For how long!? Sir.

SAMFor as long as I think it necessary.

(to Noland)Mister Noland. You have command of this vessel until we reach Green Island.

NOLANDAye captain.


The Whydah and the Ann under sail.


The Ann Captain leans against the starboard rail, gazing at his ship sailing a short distance away. Sam approaches and leans on the rail next to the Ann Captain.

ANN CAPTAINCaptain.

SAMCaptain. A fare wind we have today.

ANN CAPTAINSo, may I ask your intentions?

SAMMy intentions? My intentions are myown, captain.

2 9


Palsgrave and Captain Beere walk across the main deck.

BEEREWell, Captain Williams, I do commend you on the fair treatment you’ve shown my men…

LOOKOUT (o.c.)(interrupts)

Two sails aport! Three leagues!

Palsgrave and Beere hurry to the port side of the ship. Palsgrave takes out his spy glass and looks.

BEERECaptain Bellamy?

PALSGRAVEI’m not…sure.

Palsgave suddenly turns, scans the deck for Caverley, and spots him.

PALSGRAVE Mister Caverley! Let out more sail! We’re going after them!

Palsgrave turns his attention back to the ships on the horizon, raising the spy glass to his eye again.

CAVERLEYAye captain!

(to shipmates)All right, lads! You heard the captain! Unfurl the fore topsail! Haul on those lines now, lads!

BEERE(incredulous)

You’re going after them? Two ships against your one?

3 0

PALSGRAVE(spy glass to eye)

Aye, Captain Beere. Two ships against my one. And once we catch them, I would suggest you keep your peace if you want that fair treatment you spoke of to continue.


Three ships at sail, one (the Marianne) pursuing the others.

EXT. MARIANNE CROW’S NEST - DAY

The Lookout peers through his spy glass at the two of ships. He suddenly lowers the glass and looks down at the deck.

LOOKOUTCaptain Williams! One of them’s the Whydah! I don’t know ‘bout the other!

ELSEWHERE, ON THE DECK, Palsgrave, spy glass in hand, and Beere look up at the crow’s nest.

PALSGRAVEThank you, Mr Johnson!

Palsgrave and Beere turn, glancing at the two ships that are much closer now.

PALSGRAVE (thinking aloud)

The Whydah and another ship. Hmph. Look’s like Sam’s been busy since the storm!


Palsgrave comes aboard the Whydah, Sam waiting. They embrace.

PALSGRAVEWell, I see the storm didn’t sink you after all!

3 1

SAMSome minor damage - sprung mainmast, and we had to cut away the mizzen. The Whydah’s a sturdy ship, Pals. No little Atlantic storm is going to sink her.

Sam pauses, grins as he glances past Palsgrave at the Marianne lying at anchor a short distance away.

SAM And I see you’re no worse for wear!

Palsgrave laughs.

PALSGRAVENo storm is going to sink the Marianne! She bobs like a cork on the waves!

They laugh. Palsgrave glances at the Ann lying at anchor.

PALSGRAVE So, I see you’ve been busy.

SAMThe Ann, aye. Just a little token. Gave the lads something to do! Rich Noland’s in command of her.

Sam slaps Palsgrave on the shoulder.

SAM Let’s go to my cabin and have a drink!

INT. WHYDAH CAPTAIN’S CABIN - DAY

Sam stands at a table pouring wine into a glass. Palsgrave sits opposite him.

SAMSo, how’s our friend, Captain Beere?

Sam hands the glass of wine to Palsgrave.

3 2

PALSGRAVE(taking glass)

A stuffed shirt, he is. But seeing how we run the Marianne, he’s softening a bit.

Sam pours another, puts the wine bottle on the table, sits.

SAMHe certainly doesn’t have the making of a free man.

PALSGRAVEOr a cutthroat as he’d say.

They laugh. Palsgrave sips his drink, sets the glass down.

PALSGRAVE I’m thinking of stopping at Block Island to visit my family. My mother and sister have a homestead there. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen them, Sam.

SAMBy all means, do so! We can meet up again at Green Island to overhaul the ships.

PALSGRAVEA fortnight?

Sam nods.

SAMA fortnight.

Sam raises his glass of wine.

SAM To family.

Palsgrave raises his glass.

PALSGRAVETo family.

They drink their toast.

3 3

EXT. ATLANTIC OCEAN - DUSK

Night coming on. The Whydah, Ann, and Marianne under sail, their lanterns aglow.

EXT. CLIFFS ABOVE NAUSET BEACH, MARIA’S GARDEN - NIGHT

A hard steady rain with occasional lightning and thunder.

ON the garden, the rain washing Maria’s plants away.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. CLIFFS ABOVE NAUSET BEACH, MARIA’S GARDEN - DAY

ON the rain ruined garden.

The storm over, the morning sun pushes through sparse cloud cover.

Maria stands looking at her garden. She shakes her head, looks to sea, then turns and walks to her hut and enters.

INT. MARIA’S HUT - DAY

Sitting, Maria lights the hanging lantern. We see a weaving loom. Maria begins to weave, quickly gets bored, and sits back. She grabs her shawl, rises, and leaves the hut.

EXT. NAUSET BEACH - DAY

Shawl about her shoulders, Maria slowly walks along the water’s edge, tide lapping around her bare feet. She pauses and stares out to sea.


The Whydah, Ann, and Marianne sail north, the Marianne in the lead.

EXT. A DESERTED BLOCK ISLAND HARBOR - DAY

The Whydah, Marianne, and Ann rest at anchor in the harbor.

3 4


Palsgrave, ready to disembark, crosses the deck with Caverley. Beere is in the background with some of his men.

PALSGRAVEMister Caverley, the Marianne is yours until I return.

He pauses as he glances at Beere.

PALSGRAVE And take good care of our guests.

CAVERLEYAye captain.

Palsgrave disappears over the side. Caverley watches a moment, then glances at Beere who’s staring back at him.

EXT. BLOCK ISLAND BEACH - DAY

A longboat on the beach; a few pirates stand around it. The Whydah, Marianne, and Ann lie at anchor in the background. On the beach stand Sam and Palsgrave.

SAMBe careful here. Remember, Beere says we’re known up and down the coast. I’d hate to see something happen to you and not meet up at Green Island.

PALSGRAVEYou keep a lookout yourself, Sam.

SAMNothing’s going to happen to me, old friend. Say hello to your family for me.

Sam smiles, slaps Palsgrave on the shoulder.

SAM Until Green Island.

3 5

Sam turns starts toward the longboat.

PALSGRAVESam!

Sam stops and turns.

PALSGRAVE Say hello to your aunt and uncle for me. And Maria and the baby.

(pauses, smiles)Fair winds, Captain Bellamy. See you at Green Island.

Sam smiles, waves, then walks to the longboat. He climbs in and the pirates push off. Palsgrave watches them go.

EXT. STREET ENTERING EASTHAM - DAY

Maria walks down the street, entering Eastham with an armload of aprons to sell.

EXT. EASTHAM STREET - DAY

Maria on the street, trying to sell her aprons.

ACROSS THE STREET stands on OLD MAN ready to mount his small horse drawn wagon. He watches as Maria approaches two women.

ACROSS THE STREET, Maria and the two women.

MARIAWould you like to…?

WOMAN 1(interrupts)

Move aside!

Maria steps out of the way and watches them as they pass by.

WOMAN 1 (huffy)

I wish she’d find another town to peddle her wears. You think she’d learn by now.

3 6

WOMAN 2She still lives in that little shack on the cliffs above the beach. She built it herself, they say!

WOMAN 1Hmph! No doubt as dirty and ragged as she!

ACROSS THE STREET the Old Man climbs onto the seat of his wagon, takes the reigns, and glances at Maria again.

ACROSS THE STREET Maria continues to peddle her aprons as she approaches a HUSBAND and WIFE.

MARIAWould you like to buy one of my aprons?

The Husband places an arm around his Wife’s shoulders and guides her around Maria.

HUSBANDCome along, my dear. We have no traffic with such as she!

EXT. WILLIAMS FAMILY HOME - DAY

Palsgrave approaches the small family home, sees his SISTER working a nearby garden. She looks up, then straightens, her eyes going wide. Palsgrave stops walking and smiles at her.

PALSGRAVE’S SISTERPalsgrave? Palsgrave!

She runs to him.

PALSGRAVE’S SISTER Palsgrave!

They embrace.

PALSGRAVE’S SISTER Dear brother! We’ve heard so much about you!

3 7

PALSGRAVESo I’ve heard!

PALSGRAVE’S SISTERMother’ll be so surprised.

PALSGRAVEI hope she hasn’t disowned me!

His Sister laughs.

PALSGRAVE’S SISTERI don’t think so.

Palsgrave offers an arm.

PALSGRAVEShall we see?

They lock arms and continue to the cottage, disappearing inside.

INT. WILLIAMS FAMILY HOME - DAY

Palsgrave, his Sister, and MOTHER are seated at a table, having a family meal, Palsgrave telling them tall tales of his adventures.

PALSGRAVE…and we took the treasure right out from beneath the nose of old Captain Jennings! Sailed away before he came back!

(chuckling)I’ll bet he was hot when he got back and found his treasure and us gone to sea!

Palsgrave laughs.

PALSGRAVE’S MOTHERBy what you say, this Bellamy seems a gentleman.

3 8

PALSGRAVEHe is, a kind and gentle soul if there ever was one. I’d like you both to meet him someday. You’ll take to him right away.

PALSGRAVE’S SISTERWhat about your jewelers shop? Do you still have it?

PALSGRAVEAye, it’s still there. Locked up. As far as I know.

PALSGRAVE’S MOTHERYou know you can never go back to it. Nor your family.

Palsgrave stares across the table at his Mother, realizing the truth of her statement.

EXT. MARIA’S GARDEN - DAY

Maria tries to salvage her garden. The Old Man with the small horse drawn wagon arrives, pulling up to Maria’s garden. A tarp covers the bed of the wagon. Maria stands.

OLD MAN(climbing down)

I see your garden isn’t doing so well.

MARIAThe rain…

OLD MAN (interrupts)

There’s been enough of that lately!

The Old Man slowly walks to the back of his wagon, Maria following. He pulls the tarp away.

OLD MAN Well, perhaps this’ll help you a little.

3 9

Maria looks at several small baskets of vegetables, then the Old Man.

MARIAWhy would you do this for me?

The Old Man smiles.

OLD MANI’ve known you lived out here a long time now, and I seen you in town earlier today tryin to sell your aprons. I’m an old man…

(pauses)…and I don’t much listen to what others say when the things theysay ain’t good things.

MARIAThank you sir. You’re very kind.

The Old Man smiles as he gently rests his hands on her shoulders.

OLD MAN Truth of the matter is, young lady, I had a daughter once; back in England she run off when she was about your age. Never saw her again. I like to think that now and again someone mighta helped her out when she needed it.

Tears in her eyes, Maria hugs the Old Man.

EXT. WILLIAMS FAMILY HOME - NIGHT

Palsgrave stands outside, looking up at the stars. He’s joined by his Mother.

PALSGRAVE’S MOTHERYou can’t stay here long. The authorities will find you and those aboard your ship.

4 0

Palsgrave wraps an arm around her and holds her close.

PALSGRAVEI know.

(pauses)I know.


The Ann and Whydah, cannons run out, flank the small three masted Mary Anne, an Irish ‘pink.’


Sam stands at the quarter deck rail facing the Mary Anne.

SAMStrike your colors, captain! And brace abox your sails!

EXT. MARY ANNE MAIN DECK - DAY

On the main deck of the Mary Anne, CAPTAIN ANDREW CRUMPSTEY and First Mate, nineteen year old THOMAS FITZGERALD, stand facing the Whydah.

FITZGERALDShe’s striking her colors.

INSERT: King’s Ensign and pendent on the Whydah’s mainmast flagstaff being lowered.

Crumpstey nods.

CRUMPSTEYAye, she is.

INSERT: Black flag raised on Whydah’s mainmast flagstaff.

Crumpstey stares at the pirate flag.

CRUMPSTEY Lower our colors, Mister Fitzgerald. And spill the wind.

4 1

FITZGERALDAye, captain.

Fitzgerald turns away.


Sam calls out to members of his crew as he descends a staircase from the quarter deck to the main deck.

SAMMisters Baker, South, Hoof, Quintor, Brown, Shuan, and Von Vorst!

The named pirates approach Sam on the main deck.

SAM I want you to board that ship. Mister Baker, you’ll have command. Determine her compliment; instruct her captain.

INT. MARY ANNE GALLEY - DAY

The ‘plump’ cook, ALEXANDER MACKCONACHY, at work in his galley, hears a commotion among the men above. He wipes his hands on a rag, then starts for a ladder leading on deck.

EXT. LONGBOAT ALONGSIDE THE MARY ANNE - DAY

THOMAS BAKER and his crew lash their longboat to the side of the Mary Anne.

Five pirates - Baker, SIMON VON VORST, HENDRICK QUINTOR, PETER HOOF, and JOHN BROWN - are armed with pistols, knives, and cutlasses. The remaining two, THOMAS SOUTH and JEAN SHUAN, are unarmed.

Baker, cutlass in hand, turns to his crew.

BAKER(sarcastic)

All right, lads, let’s introduce ourselves!

The start up the side of the Mary Anne to her deck.

4 2


MackConachy, on deck, glances toward Crumpstey and Fitzgerald. He ducks behind the mainmast as he sees the pirates climb aboard, waving their weapons.

TIME FADE -

ELSEWHERE ON THE MAIN DECK the Mary Anne crew are held at bay by the pirates. Baker waves his cutlass, notes Crumpstey’s clothing, and approaches him.

BAKERYou are the captain of this ship?

CRUMPSTEYI am.

Baker lays the point of his cutlass on Crumpstey’s chest.

BAKERWhat’s you company? How many!?

CRUMPSTEYEight. Nine including myself.

ELSEWHERE ON DECK, South, standing next to Fitzgerald, leans toward the Mary Anne’s mate.

SOUTH(whispers)

I’m a prisoner on board the Whydah. Two of us, Tom Davis and myself, we’re goin to escape first chance we get.

FITZGERALD(whispers)

Prisoners.

SOUTH(whispers)

Aye, prisoners.

4 3

ELSEWHERE ON DECK, Baker and Crumpstey.

BAKERGather your papers, captain. You and five of your men are to be guests aboard the Whydah. Pick three to remain here.

Crumpstey stares at Baker, then turns to his men.

CRUMPSTEYMister…

BAKER(interrupts)

Belay that!

Crumpstey looks at Baker. Baker eyes him suspiciously.

BAKER I’ll pick.

Baker paces the deck, glancing at Crumpstey’s men. He stops, points his cutlass at Mary Anne crewman JAMES DONOVAN.

BAKER You…

Points with the cutlass at Fitzgerald.

BAKER You…

Baker glances at MackConachy standing by the mainmast and points at him.

BAKER You, come here.

MackConachy hesitantly approaches Baker.

BAKER And you…you three remain aboard.

(to Crumpstey)You and the rest will go to the Whydah.

4 4

Brown appears suddenly.

BROWNMister Baker! She’s loaded with wine!

Baker smiles.

EXT. LONGBOAT - DAY

Crumpstey’s five mates are in the longboat, guarded by Quintor and Brown. Crumpstey, carrying his papers, climbs into the boat.


Crumpstey and his five mates stand in the background as Brown speaks with Sam.

SAMWine you say.

BROWNAye captain. Barrels of it!

SAMWell, Mister Brown, take four mates with you and Mister Quintor. We must have them bring a few barrels back to the Whydah!

BROWNAye captain!


Quintor and Brown are with the four additional pirates as they lift a longboat off one of the Mary Anne’s hatches. They open the hatch and look into the hold.

BROWNBlocked by anchor cables.

QUINTORBest that we check the captain’s stock instead.

4 5


One of the four wine detail pirates reports to Sam.

PIRATEWe got five bottles, sir. From the captain’s own stock.

SAMAll right, lad. That’ll have to do.

Sam turns to the rail facing the Mary Anne.

SAM Ye ready to make sail, Mister Baker?!


Baker at the railing, flanked by Quintor and Brown, facing the Whydah.

BAKERAye captain!


Sam at the quarter deck rail.

SAMSteer northwest by north, Mister Baker!


Baker, Quintor, and Brown at the rail.

BAKERAye captain!

Baker turns to his crew.

BAKER All right, lads! Fix sails. Course northwest by north.

(points at Donovan)You, lad. What’s your name!?

4 6

DONOVANJames Donovan, sir.

Baker points to MackConachy.

BAKERAnd you! Your name?!

MACHCONACHYAlexander MackConachy, sir.

BAKERYou two move those anchor cables so we can get at that wine!


The Whydah, Ann, and Mary Anne under sail. The Mary Anne lags a little behind.

INT. MARY ANNE HOLD - DAY

The pirates gathered around a barrel of wine, Donovan and MackConachy watching nearby. Quintor breaks open the barrel with an ax. The pirates cheer, dipping their tankards.

BROWNFresh wine! And ‘tis all ours!

HOOFGoin to be a fine voyage to Green Island, I say!

BAKERAll right lads, take your fill!


Sam stands at the aft rail, shouting to Baker aboard the lagging Mary Anne.

SAMMake haste, Mister Baker! Or we’ll lose you!

4 7

INT. MARY ANNE MAIN DECK - DAY

Baker stands at the rail.

BAKERAye captain!

Baker turns to Brown.

BAKER More sail, John!

BROWNAye Tom! I’ll carry sail till she carries her masts away!

EXT. WHYDAH CROW’S NEST - DAY

The Lookout, spy glass to eye, looks out over the ocean. He lowers the spy glass, pauses, then glances down.

ELSEWHERE, ON THE MAIN DECK, Sam stands, looking up at the Lookout who shakes his head ‘no.’

Sam walks to the starboard rail where JOHN LAMBERT and another pirate are taking soundings with a marked rope. They are hauling the rope up.

SAMMister Lambert?

LAMBERTCaptain. We’ll be fine s’long as we don’t get any closer to shore.

SAM(looks to port)

Shore? What shore?

LAMBERTIt’s out there, captain. And it’s near.

SAMYou and Mister Julian know these waters.

4 8

LAMBERTAye.

SAMGood. I want the two of you to take the wheel.

LAMBERTAye captain.

Lambert walks away toward the quarter deck. Sam turns.

SAMMister Julian!

ELSEWHERE ON THE MAIN DECK, Julian, hauling on a line.

JULIANAye captain!

SAMAssist Mister Lambert at the wheel!

JULIANAye captain.

He secures the line and starts toward the quarter deck.


John Brown at the helm of the Mary Anne. MackConachy sits on a hatch while several pirates, drinking wine, are gathered around him, Baker and Von Vorst teasing the cook.

Von Vorst steps to MackConachy, places a foot on the hatch, and runs the flat of the blade of his knife under MackConachy’s chin.

VON VORST (menacing)

Ye have more liquor on board. We know. Now ye tell us where’d tis, or I’ll break ye neck.

Von Vorst laughs, turning away. Baker approaches the cook.

4 9

BAKER (cackling)

Ya steer windward of your course. Ya don’t tell Simon what he wants to know, then I shoot ya as sure as I shoot a dog! And ya won’t live to tell your story!

Baker laughs, glances around, then turns back to the cook.

BAKER Don’t worry none, we shant hurt ya unless ya give us cause.

Baker pauses as he looks at his fellow pirates.

BAKER Right lads?!

The pirates shout their agreement as Baker turns toward Fitzgerald.

BAKER Ya know who we are lad?? Do ya?

Fitzgerald shakes his head no.

BAKER Well I’ll tell ya. We sail with Captain Black Sam Bellamy, and we got a Kings Commission for privateering!

VON VORST And we’ll take it to the ends of the earth and back again!

Hoof suddenly pops his head out of another hatch.

HOOF Tom! She’s leaking bad. We’ll need to pump her bilge to keep her afloat.

5 0

BAKER Damn.

(to Fitzgerald) Mister Fitzgerald, reef the topsail. This leaky ship be damned! Come on lads!

Baker hurries toward the hatch where Hoof stands.


Sam paces the deck. He looks up at the crow’s nest upon hearing the Lookout’s shout.

LOOKOUT (o.c.)Fog ahead!

Sam runs across the main deck, up the ladder to the forecastle, to the fore rail, and peers out at the ocean in front of them. Rivers and Crumpstey join him.

RIVERSThat’s a heavy fog rollin ‘cross the water, captain. Doesn’t look good.

SAMAye.

Sam pauses, then looks back toward the main deck.

SAM Lay to, lads! Drop anchor!

The Whydah erupts in activity to stop the ship.

TIME FADE -


The Ann has pulled astern of the Whydah, Sam waiting for Noland who boards and approaches Sam.

NOLANDWe sighted land, captain. Through the fog, northwest by north.

5 1

SAMAre you sure?

NOLANDAye.

SAMCape Cod?

NOLANDI think so.

SAMThank you, Mister Noland.

Turning away, Sam shouts so Noland and his crew can hear as he races up a ladder to the quarter deck.

SAM Let’s get underway, lads! Steer a northerly course!

Surprised at Sam’s command, Noland pauses at the edge of the main deck. He looks back at Sam, then continues over the side to a waiting longboat.

ELSEWHERE ON THE MAIN DECK Main and Rivers stare at Sam.

MAINNortherly? We could run this ship aground.

Rivers glances over his shoulder toward the bow, looking at the gathering storm clouds.

RIVERS(thinking aloud)

Northeasterly winds are the Devil’s own.

ELSEWHERE, ON THE QUARTER DECK, Sam approaches Lambert and Julian at the wheel, Crumpstey standing to one side.

SAMI’ll take the wheel.

5 2

LAMBERTAye captain.

Lambert and Julian step back as Sam takes the wheel.

SAMAll right lads! Furl the mainsail! We’ll run on our fore main, fore top, and main top sails!

LOOKOUT (o.c.)Ship off the starboard bow! One league! A two masted sloop, captain!

Sam glances up at the Lookout, then the approaching ship, then turns the Whydah toward the ship.

SAMRun up the King’s Ensign, Mister Main!

ELSEWHERE, ON THE MAIN DECK.

MAINAye captain!

Main and Rivers turn toward the main mast.

ELSEWHERE, ON THE QUARTER DECK, Sam glances at Crumpstey, then the approaching ship.

SAM(eyes on ship)

Captain Crumpstey, keep your peace when we come alongside that ship.

CRUMPSTEYYou have my word as a man of honor, sir.

SAM(eyes on ship)

That’s good enough.

5 3

ELSEWHERE, ON THE MAIN DECK, Burke looks at the ship through a spy glass. He lowers the glass and looks up at Sam.

BURKEShe’s the Fisher, sir!

ELSEWHERE, ON THE QUARTER DECK, Sam at the wheel.

SAMVery good, Mister Burke!

TIME FADE -

EXT. WHYDAH QUARTER DECK - EVENING

Sam at the wheel; Lambert, Julian, and Crumpstey nearby.

SAMMister Lambert, take the wheel.

LAMBERTAye sir.

Lambert takes the wheel as Sam hurries away and down a ladder as the Whydah comes in close on the Fisher.

ON THE MAIN DECK, Sam at the rail with Rivers, Burke, and Main, facing the Fisher.

SAMWhere ye from?!

EXT. FISHER MAIN DECK - EVENING

CAPTAIN ROBERT INGOLS stands at rail with some of his crew.

INGOLSCape Cod! And you, sir!?


Sam at the rail…

SAMWe are of the sea! Are you familiar with these waters, sir?!

5 4


Ingols at the rail…

INGOLS Aye, I’m a coastal trader here abouts! I know these waters well!


Sam at the rail…

SAMGood! We are in need of your assistance to guide us to port!


Ingols at the rail…

INGOLSI am sorry, sir! We’re on our return voyage to Virginia! Storm clouds are gathering, and we must…


Sam at the rail…

SAMMister Taffier!

TAFFIERQui captain!

(to his gun crew)All right, lads! Run ‘em out!

Cannons are run out, pointing at the Fisher.

SAMAgain! We require your assistance!


Ingols at the rail, stares silently back at Sam.

5 5


Sam turns to Burke.

SAMMister Burke, take three men and secure that ship. You have command. Instruct her captain to come aboard the Whydah.

BURKEAye captain.


Captain Ingols ushered on deck, met by Sam, Rivers, Main, and others. Ingols bows.

INGOLSCaptain Robert Ingols, sir.

SAMCaptain Ingols, we thank you for your assistance. I’m Captain Samuel Bellamy…

INGOLS(interrupts)

Bellamy? The pirate?

SAMFree man, sir. Free man. Now, captain, if you’d kindly guide us to a safe harbor, you and your ship will be free to go on your way.

INGOLSThen I suggest you turn your ships around and sail a southerly course.

SAMSouth? No sir, we sail north.

5 6

Ingols glances north, then looks at Sam.

INGOLSNorth? Into that!?

SAMI grant you the storm clouds are building, but at this time of year, the storm’ll play out fast.

INGOLSAnd if it doesn’t?

(pauses)If it doesn’t, that storm will ground your ship.

Sam glances at the gathering storm, lightning beginning to flash and a soft peel of thunder in the distance.

EXT. WHYDAH FORECASTLE - DUSK

Sam, alone, paces the forecastle of the Whydah, alternately glancing at the sails, the wind, the gathering storm, and the churning sea.

ELSEWHERE, ON THE MAIN DECK, Rivers and Main watch Sam pacing on the forecastle deck.

MAINHe’s got the weather on his mind, he has.

RIVERSAye, he has. It’s the Devil’s Wind, I say. I’ve seen it afore. Not many a captain has sailed his ship through the Devil’s Wind and lived to tell about it.

EXT. CLIFFS ABOVE NAUSET BEACH - DUSK

Maria at the cliff edge, looking out to sea, occasionally glancing north at the gathering storm as it nears - lightning more frequent, thunder roars, the wind picking up.

5 7

EXT. WHYDAH MAIN DECK - DUSK

Sam approaches Rivers and Main who have been joined by Ingols and the Ann Captain.

SAMMister Main, signal the other ships to put out a light astern and follow. We are getting under way…

INGOLS(interrupts)

A southerly course, I trust.

Sam pauses, stares at Ingols, then:

SAMNorth, Captain Ingols. We’re sailing north.

Sam turns and walks away.

EXT. ATLANTIC OCEAN - DUSK

The Whydah, Mary Anne, Ann, and Fisher under sail, rear lanterns aglow. The Whydah in the lead, they are beginning to string out, the Mary Anne dropping further behind.

EXT. MARY ANNE MAIN DECK - DUSK

The storm approaches; lightning and thunder roll in from the sea. A light rain falls.

The seven pirates have MackConachy, Donovan, and Fitzgerald on deck, Fitzgerald at the wheel. Some of the pirates are drunk, some carrying tankards of wine, including Baker.

BAKERYou have the wheel, Fitzgerald!

Baker takes a swig of his wine, then turns, staggering, and points to MackConachy and Donovan.

5 8

BAKER (speech slurred)

You and you. You have watch. And watch good or I cut your gizzards out!

Baker pauses, swaying on his feet.

BAKER I’m goin t’get some shut eye.

He staggers toward a hatch, then stops, turns and points back at Fitzgerald.

BAKER And keep an eye on the Whydah’s lanterns!

Baker continues on; the six pirates, mumbling, follow. Fitzgerald, Donovan, and MackConachy watch the pirates disappear below deck, then MackConachy glances at Donovan and Fitzgerald.

MACKCONACHYWe could take the Mary Anne back…

DONOVANAnd do what? The rest of our mates and the captain are aboard Bellamy’s ship!

(to Fitzgerald)Just hold your course, lad.

Donovan walks away’ MackConachy and Fitzgerald watch him go.

TIME FADE -

LATER, now night, the rain a major squall, the seas rough, tossing the Mary Anne between growing waves. The wind whistles through the lines and shrouds, straining the sails. Lightning and thunder are heavier, more frequent. The rain pours heavily while waves wash over the deck.

Donovan, grasping anything he can for support, makes his way to Fitzgerald at the wheel. The men shout to be heard over the raging storm.

5 9

DONOVANLash yourself to the wheel, lad, or you’ll be washed overboard!

FITZGERALDI’ve lost sight of the Whydah! The lanterns are…!

MackConachy appears out of the dark, making his way to Donovan and Fitzgerald.

DONOVAN(interrupts)

Lanterns be damned, lad! We need to save ourselves!

The squall suddenly strikes the Mary Anne hard, lurching her to one side, her lee rail awash. MackConachy, Donovan, and Fitzgerald grab the wheel for support.

EXT. FISHER MAIN DECK - NIGHT

The raging storm tosses the Fisher. Rain lashes the deck; waves crash against the hull. Three pirates fight the storm to lower a longboat. Burke appears, confronting them. They shout to be heard.

BURKEWhat ye think you’re doin lads?!

PIRATEWe’re leavin this ship…!

BURKE(interrupts)

And goin where?!

PIRATEAshore! Noland said he sighted land!

BURKEYe don’t stand a chance in…!

PIRATE(interrupts)

We’ll take our chances, Mr Burke! We stay here, the seas’ll surely sink this ship!

6 0

Burke pauses, glances at the longboat hanging on its cables, then turns to the three pirates.

BURKEAll right, lads, let’s get the boat into the water!

They continue lowering the longboat.

INT. MARY ANNE BELOW DECK - NIGHT

Waves break against the Mary Anne. She lurches sideways, waking Baker. He struggles up, notes the leaking ship, water pouring through the hatch, timbers groaning, and the storm raging above deck. He begins to waken his fellow pirates.

BAKERHoof! Von Vorst! Get up, ye lazy dogs! Brown!

The six pirates stir. Fighting a hangover, they struggle to their feet. Baker heads for a ladder.

BAKER Come quick, lads! On deck!

EXT. MARY ANNE MAIN DECK - NIGHT

The storm now a thunderous raging gale, lashing the Mary Anne and pushing her toward shore. Lightning flashes. Thunder roars. Waves crash over the deck. Wind howls and whistles through the rigging and shrouds, some sails torn and flapping in the wind.

Baker and his six pirate companions crawl out of a hatch amidships. They fight their way through the storm to the wheel where Donovan, MackConachy, and Fitzgerald fight to control the ship. They shout to be heard.

BAKERYou hear the roar of those breakers under the lee bow?!

FITZGERALDAye!

6 1

BAKERToo close to shore! Bring us about before the wind! That’ll take us…!

The Mary Anne lurches sideways as a wave crashes across the deck. The pirates and prisoners grab what they can for support. As the ship settles:

BAKER That’ll take us to deeper water!

(to pirates)We need to trim sails to…!

The Mary Anne pitches hard to one side as she runs aground, the pirates and prisoners thrown to the deck. They scramble, reaching for anything to grab for support, then struggle to their feet.

VON VORST We’ve run aground, lads!

Von Vorst turns to Baker.

VON VORST Tom! The pressure on the hull! The wind ‘n water’ll tear us apart!

BAKERAye! We need to take down the masts…fore and mizzen!

(to Hoof and South)Mr Hoof! Mr South! Lend a hand!

Baker, Hoof, and South disappear into the raging storm as they make their way forward to the foremast.

TIME FADE -

Baker, Hoof, and South at the foremast. They cut the lines to the yards and sails, then cut the mast down, scrambling for safety as the mast falls.

BAKER Come on, lads! The mizzen!

They fight their way aft.

6 2

TIME FADE -

The mizzen mast falls as Baker, Hoof, and South scramble out of the way.

BAKER That’s it, lads!

They fight their way back to the wheel while tattered sails and dangling rigging slap against the sides of the ship, the wind howling, breakers spraying the deck.

BAKER They’re down, Simon! But I don’t think it’ll do any good! With that wind and the breakers, this gale is still goin t’tear us apart!

FITZGERALDWe can swim to shore from here!

VON VORSTYou’d be a fool to try, lad! The waves would pick you up and take you out t’sea. You’d drown!

SHUANWe’re goin to die here!

BROWNIf we’re goin t’die, for God’s sake let us go down in the hold and die t’gether!

EXT. LONGBOAT - NIGHT

Burke and the three pirates fight the stormy seas in the longboat, two of the pirates attempting to row.

BURKEHold tight, lads! The waves’ll drive us ashore!

A towering wave suddenly crashes over the longboat, swamping it, drowning all four aboard.

6 3


The pirates and prisoners huddle together in a corner of the hold under a rocking lantern. Cold, wet, and scared, they shiver as the raging storm echoes through the hold.

Empty wine bottles and trash roll across the floor as the wind and waves roll the ship back and forth. The timbers of the ship groan under the battering gale.

SHUANWe’re goin to die here! We’re goin to…!

VON VORST(interrupts, to Fitzgerald)

Fitzgerald! I seen you with a Good Book; read to us…

Fitzgerald looks at Von Vorst, then Baker. Baker nods. Fitzgerald reaches into the folds of his coat and takes out his soaked copy of the Book of Common Prayer. Gently turning the damp pages, Fitzgerald looks for a passage to read.

FITZGERALDThe Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. The hour cometh, and now is,…

He pauses, ship hit hard by a wave, lurches sideways. Bottles and other items crash through the hold, roll across the floor. The pirates and prisoners gaze around wide eyed. The ship begins to steady; Fitzgerald continues his reading.

FITZGERALD The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Repent ye; for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

He stops reading as another wave crashes against the Mary Anne, causing the ship to lurch sideways, bottles and other items crashing across the floor.

6 4

EXT. WHYDAH QUARTER DECK - NIGHT

The Whydah sails on, her sails double-reefed, mainsail furled. The howling gale tosses the ship, dangling lines snapping in the wind, waves crashing against the hull.

Lambert and Julian have the wheel. Grasping lines nearby are Sam, the Ann Captain, and Ingols. Rivers struggles through the howling gale to join them. They shout to be heard.

RIVERSNo sign of the Fisher or Mary Anne, cap’n!

Sam, desperate, turns to the Ann Captain.

SAMI’ll make you a deal, captain! You guide us safely to Provincetown, and you can have your ship and freedom!

ANN CAPTAINOn one condition, Captain Bellamy! You get your men off my ship, I’ll lead you to Provincetown!

SAMIt’s a deal, captain!


Maria sits, her arms curled around her knees drawn up under her chin. She peers around fearfully, the lantern rocking. Outside the storm rages, wind, and rain buffeting her hut.


A huge wave hits the ship, rattling the timbers. The pirates, grasping their wine bottles, and crew cry out. The lantern flame flickers, then steadies. Fitzgerald continues.

FITZGERALDAlmighty and most merciful Father; we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much…

6 5

He glances up at the pirates as he reads.

FITZGERALD …the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws.

(eyes back to book)We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and…

Fitzgerald stops as another wave crashes against the ship. Frightened, Shuan repeats Fitzgerald’s words.

SHUANAmen…we have done those things which we ought not to have done…

He falls silent, glancing wide eyed at Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald looks at Shuan, then continues:

FITZGERALD…and there is no health in us.

PIRATESAmen! Amen!

EXT. WHYDAH MAIN DECK - NIGHT

Noland fights through the storm to join Rivers and Sam. They shout to be heard.

NOLAND(to Sam)

You trust him?! The captain of the Ann?!

SAMI have to trust him!

Sam makes his way toward a ladder leading to the quarter deck. Noland glances at Rivers.

NOLANDWell, I don’t trust him!

6 6

EXT. ANN MAIN DECK - NIGHT

The Ann Captain and FIRST MATE cling to the mainmast shrouds as the storm rages around them. They shout to be heard.

FIRST MATE…you’re going to lead those cutthroats to Provincetown?!

ANN CAPTAINNo! It is my opinion that Bellamy intends to attack Provincetown!

FIRST MATEThen what are you going to do?!

They pause as a crashing wave rocks the Ann.

ANN CAPTAINDo you hear those breakers!?

FIRST MATEAye!

ANN CAPTAINWe’re inshore! I propose to take this ship as close to shore as possible, then steer a course away! The Whydah is heavier and larger! If Bellamy follows, he’ll run his ship aground! The surf will tear his ship apart!


The raging storm batters the Mary Anne, thunder crashing around them. The pirates, drunken and afraid, huddle with their three prisoners. Fitzgerald continues reading.

FITZGERALDDeliver me from mine enemies O God. Defend me from them that rise up against me. O deliver me from the wicked doers and save me from blood thirsty men…

6 7

Fitzgerald looks at the pirates.

PIRATES (in unison)

Amen! Amen! Amen!

Above them, the LANTERN

gently rocks back and forth.

MATCH CUT:


LANTERN

rocking as the storm rages outside. Maria continues to huddle.

EXT. ANN MAIN DECK - NIGHT

The Ann Captain and First Mate at the ship’s wheel, the First Mate manning the wheel. The storm rages around them, breakers crashing against the bow.

ANN CAPTAINAll right, lad! Hard over and take us away!

The First Mate spins the wheel hard clockwise.

EXT. WHYDAH QUARTER DECK - NIGHT

The Whydah, battered by the storm. Huge waves break across her bow. Howling wind blows the torrential rain horizontal, cutting through the shrouds and lines.

Sam stands at the wheel with Lambert, Julian, Captain Crumpstey, and Captain Ingols.

ELSEWHERE, ON THE MAIN DECK, Rivers clings to the mainmast shrouds. Nearby, Main clings to a hand rail. They shout…

RIVERSBreakers, cap’n! Breakers!

6 8

ELSEWHERE, ON THE QUARTER DECK.

SAMTrim the foresails and tack off into the wind, lads!

ELSEWHERE, ON THE FORECASTLE DECK, pirates start up the foremast in an attempt to trim the foresails.

ELSEWHERE, ON THE QUARTER DECK, Noland appears out of the darkened storm, fighting his way to join Sam at the wheel.

NOLANDS’no good, captain! The breakers are drivin us inshore!

Sam pauses as he glances at Noland, then hurries to the fore rail of the quarter deck.

SAMDrop anchor, lads! Drop anchor! ANCHOR!!

ELSEWHERE, ON THE MAIN DECK, pirates wrestle with the capstan to drop anchor. The Whydah lurches as the anchors take hold. The ship starts to swing around, stern shoreward, dragging the anchors with it toward shore.

ELSEWHERE, ON THE QUARTER DECK, Noland joins Sam at the quarter deck fore rail.

NOLANDShe’s draggin the anchors with her!

SAM(angered and desperate)

Be damned, Mister Noland! I won’t lose this ship, nor her crew, nor her treasure!

Sam hurries through the raging storm down a staircase to the main deck and struggles to the pirates manning the capstan, noting Taffier clinging to the shrouds nearby.

SAM Mister Taffier! Make sure all cannons are secured!

6 9

TAFFIERQui captain!

Sam continues toward the pirates manning the capstan.

SAMCut those cables, lads!

CAPSTAN PIRATEAye captain!

With hand axes, the pirates hack at the anchor cables.

ELSEWHERE ON THE MAIN DECK, Taffier approaches a cannon. The ship leans after being hit hard by a huge wave. The cannon breaks loose, crashing across the deck, taking Taffier with it, crushing him against a hatch.

Hit by another massive wave, the ship leans further. Sam slips and falls on the wet deck, slides across the deck against the hatch and cannon where Taffier lies dead. Sam stares at him, then fights to his feet.

Crumpstey appears out of the storm, fighting his way to Sam.

CRUMPSTEYCaptain Bellamy! You have prisoners below deck! If this ship goes down, they’ll drown!

Sam pauses, staring at Crumpstey, then turns to Main who’s still clinging to a nearby rail.

SAMMister Main! Get below and release the prisoners!

MAINAye captain!

Main struggles toward the nearest hatch.

ELSEWHERE ON THE MAIN DECK, pirates cut through anchor cables, the cables race away into the dark. The Whydah shudders.

CAPSTAN PIRATEShe’s free captain!

7 0

ELSEWHERE ON THE MAIN DECK, Sam and others glance up as the remaining tattered sails are suddenly blown out, exploding and flapping in the wind, dangling lines snap like whips.

SAMCut those lines, lads! Bring down those sails, and secure the free lines where you can!

Pirates scramble across the deck, hacking at the lines with cutlasses, knives, and hand axes to bring the sails down.

INT. WHYDAH HOLD - NIGHT

The ship pitches side to side, water pouring through hatches, ship’s timber groaning. Main fights his way through the hold to several pirates and chained prisoners.

MAINSet those men free, lads! On order of the captain!

Pirates scramble to free the prisoners as Main turns and starts back to a ladder leading up on deck.


Main scrambles on deck; the ship lurches sideways. Main stumbles and falls. As he regains his feet, a wave crashes across the deck, washing him overboard.

ELSEWHERE ON THE MAIN DECK, Sam stands by the mainmast as unsecured lines snap around him.

SAMSet the spritsail, lads! The sprit…!

The Whydah runs aground, stern first, hitting the shoals with a shudder that vibrates through the ship. The ship leans heavily.

Pirates and prisoners slip and slide across the wet decks as more towering waves crash over them. Many are washed overboard; some entangled in lines, dangling shredded sails, rigging, and shrouds.

7 1

EXT. SHOALS - NIGHT

Huge waves crash against the Whydah, the ship slowly rolling. Her shredded sails flap in the wind, dangling lines snap like gunfire.


The ship slowly rolls; all across the deck desperate pirates and prisoners attempt to jump ship and swim.

ELSEWHERE ON THE MAIN DECK, Noland scrambles down a ladder from the quarter deck. The ladder to collapse under him and Noland falls to the main deck, sliding to the lee rail.

A cannon slides across the deck after Noland, crashes into him and through the railing, carrying Noland into the raging waters beyond.

ELSEWHERE ON THE MAIN DECK, more cannons break free and crash across the deck to leeward, among those killed being Captain Ingols.

INT. WHYDAH HOLD - NIGHT

Water pours through the hatches of the rolling ship, extinguishing lanterns. Screaming pirates and prisoners scramble as stored cannons crash through the ship, taking out bulwarks and stanchions, Doctor Ferguson among those killed.


Water pours through the gun ports. More of the pirates and prisoners scramble for safety, some jumping ship, others entangled in lines, rigging, shredded sails, and shrouds.

ELSEWHERE ON THE MAIN DECK, Thomas Davis tries to make his way to the leeward rail. A huge wave washes over the deck, taking Davis with it.

ELSEWHERE ON THE MAIN DECK, Captain Crumpstey fights his way across the deck to aid the fallen Captain Ingols and is washed overboard.

ELSEWHERE, the decks start to splinter, main and fore masts crack, the yards split and fall to the deck and water.

7 2

ELSEWHERE, ON THE QUARTER DECK, a wave breaks across the deck, washing Lambert and Julian from the ship’s wheel. Julian struggles to his feet as another wave breaks across the deck and washes him over the side.

ELSEWHERE, ON THE MAIN DECK, Lambert, washed from the quarter deck, struggles to his feet as a spar from the main mast falls to the deck, killing him.

ELSEWHERE ON THE MAIN DECK, Sam, struck by falling debris, as the mainmast breaks free and begins to topple, the Lookout screaming as he falls into the water.

Knocked to the deck and injured, Sam slides across the tilting deck into a hatch, hit on the shoulder and arm seconds later by a sliding cannon.

The main mast topples into the water, taking with it lines, shredded sails, rigging, shrouds, and Rivers who’s entangled in the mainmast shrouds.

As the Whydah continues to roll, dazed and severely injured, Sam struggles to his feet, slips on the tilting deck and tumbles headlong into the water.

EXT. SHOALS - NIGHT

As the Whydah rolls, the foremast snaps and collapses into the water. Finally, the ship completes its roll, capsized, keel up, the waves pounding the battered and broken hull.

EXT. SHOALS - NIGHT

Julian clings to a floating spar in the raging waters. Davis appears out of the dark, swims to the spar and grabs hold. He glances at Julian.

DAVISMister Julian! Mister Julian!!

Julian slowly turns his gaze to Davis.

DAVIS Are you all right?

7 3

JULIAN(weakened)

Shore…we get ashore.

ELSEWHERE IN THE WATER, Sam, dazed and severely injured with a mangled arm and shoulder, a large gash across his forehead, clings to another spar. He passes out.

EXT. NAUSET BEACH - NIGHT

Julian and Davis are on the beach.

JULIANThe sun’ll be up soon, lad. They’ll come looking, and they’ll look at you the same as they’ll look at me! You’ll swing same as I!

DAVISI don’t belong with you…I’m finding my own way!

Julian pauses as he stares at Davis, then:

JULIANAll righty, lad. Best of luck to ye!

Julian slowly rises and starts out across the beach.

DAVISWait! Where are you going?

Julian stops and turns.

JULIANRhode Island, lad. To find Captain Williams. Tell him what happened here.

DAVISBest of luck to you, Mister Julian.

Julian smiles, then turns and disappears into the dark.

ELSEWHERE ON THE BEACH, Sam awakens. Injured, his clothes tattered, drenched in blood and sea water, he staggers to his feet, peers around, then starts off into the dark.

7 4

EXT. NAUSET BEACH - DAY (MORNING)

Ship wreck debris, including many bodies of pirates and prisoners, litter the beach. Off shore rests the over turned hull of the Whydah. Villagers wander the beach, scavenging from the debris and bodies.

INT. MARY ANNE BELOW DECK - DAY

Pirates and prisoners asleep in the hold; Hoof awakens, groggily sits up, peers around, noticing all is quiet. He shakily rises to his feet, makes his way to a ladder leading on deck.


The storm ended, sky partly cloudy, a brisk breeze blowing.

Hoof staggers on deck, squints in the light of the rising sun, notices the ship has run aground on an island just offshore from the mainland.

A joyful Hoof cries out, jumping up and down.

HOOFWe survived! The seas did’n take us!

Hoof’s cries awakens the others. They scrambled on deck, joining in Hoof’s celebration.

On the northern horizon, something catches Von Vorst’s eye. He scrambles part way up the shrouds of the mainmast.

VON VORSTTop masts, lads! And sails!

The others gather near the shrouds and look. Von Vorst glances at his friends, holds out a hand.

VON VORST Pass me a glass, lads!

Baker climbs part way up the shrouds, and hands a spy glass to him. Von Vorst looks to the horizon with the spy glass.

7 5

VON VORST Two ships, lads! Under sail.

BAKERThe Whydah?

VON VORSTNay, Mister Baker. Not the Whydah.

HOOFNoland’s ship, I say!

Von Vorst lowers the glass, his eyes still on the horizon.

VON VORSTThey’re sailin north. Away from us.

He climbs down from the shrouds.

BAKERCome along, lads. We’d better be lookin over the Mary Anne, see how badly she’s beached.

EXT. POCHET ISLAND BEACH - DAY

The pirates, except Quintor and Shuan, and the Mary Anne mates are gathered on the beach inspecting the ship’s hull. Quintor and Shuan remain on board.

VON VORSTShe’s bilged, Tom. We’ll never get her off this beach.

Baker nods.

BAKERAye.

BROWNWell, I say we break out more wine!

Quintor and Shuan appear at the deck rail, resting a large trunk on the rail.

QUINTORWe’ve food, lads! A trunk full of sweatmeats!

7 6

Shuan and Quintor drop the trunk over the side.

EXT. CAPE COD COUNTRYSIDE - DAY

Sam, dazed and in pain, staggers across the marshy landscape between brush and bushes. He stumbles, falls, pauses, then struggles to his feet and continues on.

EXT. CLIFFS ABOVE NAUSET BEACH - DAY

Maria walks to the cliff edge and looks out on the scene of death and destruction.


Villages still wander the beach, scavenging. Two OLD WOMEN stand over the body of a dead pirate.

OLD WOMAN 1Pirates, they is! The lot of ‘em!

Old Woman 2 looks up, sees Maria standing above the beach at the edge of the cliff.

OLD WOMAN 2There’s the witch!

Old Woman 1 glances up at Maria.

OLD WOMAN 2 I bet she did this. Cursed ‘em all, I say.


Mid-morning. The pirates sit together, eating sweatmeats, drinking wine. A short distance away MackConachy, Fitzgerald, and Donovan sit together.

VON VORSTIf we tally long, we’re goin t’get caught here.

BROWN(drunken)

Nay, we’re not goin t’get caught. Cap’n Bellamy’ll come for us!

7 7

Brown struggles to his feet, a wine bottle in each hand, and staggers to the three Mary Anne prisoners. Drunken, he points to the ship.

BROWN I’m the cap’n of this here fine vessel!

He pauses as he points to his fellow pirates.

BROWN And those are my men! What say you, lads!?

Brown erupts in laughter, takes a swig of wine from one bottle, then the other.

BROWN T’ain’t rum, but it’ll do!

(pauses)So, what say you, Mister Fitzgerald?! Ye sail with ole Cap’n Brown!?

He laughs again, then takes another swig from each bottle.

EXT. EASTHAM OUTSKIRTS - DAY

Julian, hiding behind barrels on the outskirts of Eastham, overhears two MEN talking as they pass by.

MAN 1Aye, I hear it’s Black Bellamy’s ship.

MAN 2No survivors.

MAN 1Aye.

They pass. Julian slowly rises from behind the barrels, then makes his way out of the village.

7 8


Maria wanders among the dead. The townspeople avoid her, whispering amongst themselves as she passes, including a MAN and WOMAN

MANYe have a witch that lives up there on the cliffs, and now this ship wreck. I tell ye this bodes no good.

WOMANThere be spirits here and strange devils, I say. Tis not a good place to be.


The pirates still seated in the sand, eating sweatmeats and drinking wine. Brown has rejoined them. The three Mary Anne mates remain a short distance away.

HOOF Whatta we do?

VON VORSTI say we make our way to Boston, hire on another ship.

BAKERI say we go to Rhode Island. Hook up with Cap’n Williams.

SHUANAye! Cap’n Williams!

HENDRICKAye.

Unnoticed, two locals, JOHN COLE and WILLIAM SMITH, approach across the beach.

JOHN COLEHello friends!

7 9

The pirates and Mary Anne mates glance at the two men approaching, the mates joining the pirates as the two men arrive. Smith gestures over his shoulder.

SMITHWe saw your masts from the mainland. You caught in that storm?

SHUANAye, we rode out the storm, fought the Devil’s own waves we did!

QUINTORAye! We set the sails, hauled the lines, and held on, laughin in the face of the Devil!

BROWNAye, we stood fast on the deck all night, facin the Devil down, we did!

He pauses, grins, and slaps Baker on the shoulder.

BROWN T’ain’t no Devil’s goin t’sink our ship with our good Cap’n Baker guidin us through!

The three Mary Anne mates exchange glances.

JOHN COLEWell, we got a canoe, can make a few trips, take you all ashore. If you’re likin to a warm meal and a fire to warm yourselves, your welcome to come to my home.

Baker rises to his feet, offers a hand.

BAKERWell, that’s mighty friendly of ye, Mister…

JOHN COLECole, sir. John Cole.

8 0

They shake hands.

BAKERMister Cole.

JOHN COLEAnd this is my neighbor, William Smith.

Smith nods as he shakes hands with Baker.

BAKERMister Smith. I’m Thomas Baker. Captain of the Mary Anne.

WILLIAMSCaptain Baker.

INT. CAPE COD COUNTRYSIDE - DAY

Sam staggers across the countryside, still making his way toward Wellfleet. He stumbles and falls.

INT. JOHN COLE HOME - DAY

Cole, Smith, the pirates, and the Mary Anne mates are gathered in the Cole home, seated at a large table with Cole’s wife laying plates before them, the table littered with wine bottles.

JOHN COLEMighty nice of you to bring along the wine, sir.

BAKERWell, sir, your kindness calls for a celebration, ye might say.

JOHN COLESo, captain, where might you and your men be going?

BAKERWith our ship bilged, we’re making our way to Rhode Island. We hope to…

8 1

MACKCONACHY(interrupts)

To Hell, I say!

Baker, Cole, and Smith glance at MackConachy.

JOHN COLESir?

MackConachy pauses, glances at Fitzgerald and Donovan, then Baker before he turns his gaze to Cole.

MACKCONACHYTo Hell, sir! They can go to Hell! They’re Black Bellamy’s men! Pirates, so help me!

MackConachy gestures to Fitzgerald and Donovan.

MACKCONACHY Me and my friends here ain’t no part of Black Bellamy’s men! We sail with Cap’n Crumpstey ‘board the Mary Anne. That’s our ship out there on the island! Not theirs!

Cole turns to Baker and smiles.

JOHN COLESeems the storm may have ruffled this man, or perhaps a little too much wine.

Baker grins.

BAKERPerhaps a little of both, sir. Pay him no mind. It’s been a long voyage for him.

JOHN COLEI may have a little something to help him. I shall return promptly, sir.

Baker nods as Cole rises from the table and disappears into a back room.

8 2

INT. BACK ROOM OF JOHN COLE HOME - DAY

Cole enters the back room, a small pantry. Cole’s Young SON sits at a small table, drawing.

Cole takes a little pouch from a cupboard, mixes some of its contents with water, then approaches his Son.

JOHN COLEI have an errand for you, son. I want you to deliver a message to Justice Doane for me.

INT. JOHN COLE HOME - DAY

Cole returns to the main room, a cup of sugar water in hand. He glances at MackConachy seated and afraid. Nearby stand Baker and Von Vorst in whispered discussion.

Cole approaches MackConachy and smiles as he places the cup of sugar water before him.

JOHN COLEHere, sir. This should do you well.

He leans over and whispers:

JOHN COLE Sugar water, my friend.

MackConachy looks up at Cole.

MACKCONACHYSu…?

Cole interrupts him, patting him on the shoulder.

JOHN COLE(interrupts)

You’ll be fine, sir. We’ll all be just fine.

BAKER (o.c.)Mister Cole…

Cole looks up to see Baker and Von Vorst approaching.

8 3

BAKER Mister Cole, would you perhaps be able to tell us the quickest way to Boston from here?

JOHN COLEBoston? I thought…

BAKER(interrupts)

We changed our minds. Boston’s where we’re going.

EXT. JOHN COLE HOME - DAY

The pirates hurriedly leave the Cole home, Baker and Von Vorst in the lead.

VON VORSTWhat about MackConachy and Fitzger…?

BAKER(interrupts)

They can stay. They’d only slow us down if we brought ‘em along.

VON VORSTWhy the hurry to get to Boston?

BAKERRhode Island, we’re goin t’Rhode Island. And somethin’s not right here. I feel it. Wouldn’t do us any good to stay here any longer than we have to.

INT. HOME OF JUSTICE DOANE - DAY

JUSTICE DOANE sits at a large desk doing paper work. Cole’s Son stands in front of the desk.

DOANEPirates, you say!?

COLE’S SONYes, sir. That’s what my father said.

8 4

DOANESeven of them!? Black Bellamy’s men?!

COLE’S SONYes sir.

Doane rises.

DOANEWell, young sir, we shall see about that!

EXT. EASTHAM TAVERN - DAY

The pirates passing the Eastham Tavern, Brown looks up at the sign.

BROWNI think I need a drink, lads! It’s a long walk t’Rhode Island.

Brown starts for the tavern. The others pause, exchange glances, then follow.

EXT. JOHN COLE HOME - DAY

Cole, Williams, Cole’s Son, and the Mary Anne mates stand in front of the Cole home, talking with Justice Doane, on horseback, who’s accomapnied by several armed men.

JOHN COLEThat’s right, judge. They said they were going to Boston.

DOANEWell, we’ll catch them before they get far.

MACKCONACHY(indignant)

A bunch of braggarts and drunkards they are!

Doane stares at MackConachy, then looks at Cole.

8 5

DOANEThank you, Mister Cole.

Doane spurs his horse around and his posse follows.

EXT. CAPE CODE COUNTRYSIDE - EVENING

Doane and his posse on the trail of the pirates. A thought comes to Doane’s mind.

DOANE(thinking aloud)

Drunkards, he said.

A slow smile crosses Doane’s face.

EXT. EASTHAM TAVERN - EVENING

The pirates exit Eastham Tavern and stumble into Doane and his waiting posse, their weapons pointed.

DOANENo need for you gentlemen to travel all the way to Boston…or Rhode Island. We’ve rooms for the lot of you right here in Eastham! In our prison.

EXT. CAPE COD COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT

Sam, in bad shape, leans against a tree trunk. He glances around, then continues on.

EXT. CAPE CODE COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT

Julian hides behind bushes, watching two men pass by carrying lanterns. After they are gone, Julian hurries away.

EXT. CAPE COD COUNTRYSIDE - DAY

Sam, deteriorating rapidly, staggers on toward Wellfleet.

EXT. WELLFLEET CEMETERY - DUSK

Sam staggers into the cemetery and stands before the apple blossom tree where he and Maria had first met. He stares for a moment, then slowly approaches the tree.

8 6

He reaches out, gently touching the branches. Then, with effort, he lies down and curls up by the tree trunk. He falls asleep, and sometime during the night he dies.

ON Sam.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. WELLFLEET CEMETERY - DAY

ON Sam still lying under the tree.

A crowd has gathered. A MAN kneels next to Sam, checking for vital signs, then shakes his head.

MANHe’s dead.

He looks up at those gathered.

MAN Does anyone know who he is?

A murmur in the crowd, some shaking their heads ‘no.’ Higgins from the tavern makes his way forward.

HIGGINS(eyes on Sam)

That’s Sam Bellamy. I’d better let Israel know.

EXT. BLOCK ISLAND BEACH - DAY

Palsgrave and Caverley walking the beach, the Marianne at anchor in the bay.

CAVERLEY…everything’s stowed away. We’re ready to sail, captain.

PALSGRAVEVery good, Mister Caverley.

CAVERLEYThere is one thing. Captain Beere and his men. Stuffed shirts don’t make for good company. We’ve got to do…

8 7

PALSGRAVE’S SISTER (o.c.)(interrupts)

Pals! Palsgave!!

Hearing her voice, Palsgrave and Caverley turn. Several yards behind them Palsgrave’s Sister and a ragged and haggard John Julian approach.

PALSGRAVE(thinking aloud)

Julian?

Palsgrave’s Sister and Julian join Palsgrave and Caverley.

PALSGRAVE Mister Julian?

Julian glances at Palsgrave’s Sister, then Caverley. Palsgrave follows his glance, then reaches out and places a hand on his shoulder.

PALSGRAVE Come, let’s talk.

Palsgave leads Julian a short distance away, then turns to face him.

JULIANCap’n Bellamy’s gone. And all the mates. Six days ago…the Whydah was wrecked in a storm near Eastham. Tore the ship apart…only me and Davis survived…

Palsgrave pauses, glances at the Marianne, then back at Julian.

PALSGRAVEAll right, Mister Julian. You can sail aboard the Marianne if you wish.

JULIANI do, sir.

PALSGRAVEThen get aboard and get some rest.

8 8

JULIANAye cap’n.

Palsgrave hurries along the beach toward a beached longboat in the distance, passing his Sister and Caverley.

PALSGRAVE(passing)

Come along, Mr Caverley. We sail within the hour.

Caverley joins Palsgrave. Palsgrave’s Sister and Julian straggle behind.

CAVERLEYWithin the hour, sir?

PALSGRAVEAye, within the hour.

ELSEWHERE ON THE BEACH, Caverley and Julian climb into the longboat. Palsgrave turns to his Sister, rests his hands on her shoulders.

PALSGRAVE I must go now. Tell mother goodbye for me…

PALSGRAVE’S SISTERSo soon, Pals? It’s only been…

PALSGRAVE (interrupts)

I’ll be back as soon as I can.

He leans forward, kisses her on her forehead, then turns for the longboat.


Palsgrave, Caverley, and Julian arrive on deck. Nearby stands Captain Beere.

PALSGRAVECaptain Beere!

8 9

Beere joins Palsgave.

BEERE(bows)

Captain.

PALSGRAVEGather your men, captain. I want you off my ship within the hour. You are free to go.

Without awaiting a reply, Palsgrave walks away while Beere stares at him. Palsgrave approaches Caverley.

PALSGRAVE Mister Caverley. Prepare to make sail.

CAVERLEYNorth to Green Island as planned sir?

Palsgrave looks out to sea.

PASGRAVE(eyes to sea)

No, Mister Caverley. We sail south. To Nassau.

CAVERLEYSouth, sir?

PALSGRAVESouth, Mister Caverley.

CAVERLEY(uncertain)

Aye, sir.

Caverley stares at Palsgrave for a moment, then turns away.

PALSGRAVE

stares out to sea.

DISSOLVE TO:

9 0


BACK TO PRESENT DAY -

Campfire flames dance, soft orange light reflect on the faces of the OLD WOMAN, MARY, and MAGGIE. Mary and Maggie stare at the fire. The Old Woman smiles, then chuckles.

OLD WOMAN…and so, Captain Williams sailed to Nassau. Quite a tale, ay?

(pauses)Well, it’s all true.

The Old Woman takes the locket from around her neck. She leans forward and hands it to Mary. Mary and Maggie inspect the locket closely.

OLD WOMAN (cont o.c.)The locket Captain Williams made for Sam.

Mary glances at the Old Woman.

MARYAnd Sam gave to Maria before he left Wellfleet.

OLD WOMAN Yes, young lady. Yes he did.

The Old Woman pauses as she leans close and grins.

OLD WOMAN Some say Maria’s ghost still walks these dunes waiting for Black Sam to return.

MAGGIEWhat did happen to Maria?

OLD WOMANOh, well, they say she grew old waiting for Captain Bellamy and died here on these cliffs.

9 1

She sits back and sighs. The wind kicks up, a soft peel of thunder in the distance. The Old Woman looks out to sea. A misty fog bank rolls in on shore.

OLD WOMAN (looking to sea)

Well, seems a storm’s brewing. You two had better be getting home before it gets here.

The Old Woman chuckles as she turns to Mary and Maggie again. She begins to rise from her chair.

OLD WOMAN These old bones don’t take to foul weather like the use to.

Mary and Maggie rise from their chairs.

MAGGIEThanks for the tea.

MARYYes, thank you.

The Old Woman chuckles.

OLD WOMANYou’re quite welcome. Thank you for spending some time with an old lady and listening to her story.

She chuckles again while motioning with her fingers.

OLD WOMAN Now you run along before you get wet!

MAGGIEThanks again.

They disappear into the dark, Mary inadvertently taking the locket with her. The Old Woman smiles, watching them go, then turns and slowly walks to the edge of the cliff, watching the gathering storm, the fog thickening off shore.

9 2

EXT. CAPE COD COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT

Mary and Maggie walking home.

MARYDo you believe her story?

MAGGIESeems a bit far fetched. Ghosts and pirates and witches. I don’t know.

Mary absentmindedly glances at the locket, realizes she still has it. She stops in her tracks.

MARYHer locket! I forgot to give it back!

MAGGIEDon’t worry about…

MARY(interrupts)

I’ve got to return it! Wait here, I’ll be right back.

Mary hurries off into the night toward the Old Woman’s hut.

EXT. CLIFFS OVER NAUSET BEACH - NIGHT

Mary back at the hut; the campfire still burns, the Old Woman nowhere to be found. Mary notices the soft golden light coming from the beach below. She walks to the cliff edge and looks down.


The Old Woman slowly approaches a glowing misty fog lining the shore. In the fog offshore we see a ghost ship with shredded sails and dangling lines. Out of the fog steps the ghost of Sam Bellamy.

The Old Woman pauses as Sam’s ghost approaches. Sam smiles as he holds out his hands and takes her hands in his. She changes into the young and beautiful teenage MARIA HALLET. They embrace, then smile up at Mary atop the cliff.

9 3

EXT. CLIFFS OVER NAUSET BEACH - NIGHT

Staring at the scene below, Mary smiles as she hears Maria’s voice.

MARIA (v.o.)Keep the locket. And when you lookat it, remember the story an oldwoman once told you.

Mary smiles, tears in her eyes. She glances at the locket in the palm of her hand, then clenches the locket in her fist, holding it close to her heart.

MARY(a whisper)

I will.

Mary watches as the ghosts of Sam and Maria turn and, arm in arm, walk away, disappearing into the night.

PAN IN CLOSES ON ghost ship.

FADE TO BLACK

FADING SCREEN TEXT.

On the night of April 26, 1717, the Whydahwas wrecked in a nor’easter on the shores of Cape Cod. One hundred and forty fourpirates and prisoners were killed in thedisaster. Only two survived - John Julianand Thomas Davis.

FADING SCREEN TEXT.

Of Davis, Julian, and the pirates aboard theMary Anne, Julian disappeared into the pagesof history while the remaining individualswere caught and stood trial. Davis and Southwere acquitted, the court accepting theirstory of pressed service. The remaining pirateswere found guilty and hung on November 15, 1717.

9 4

FADING SCREEN TEXT.

Palsgrave Williams left Block Island andreturned to the Caribbean where he retiredfrom a career of piracy the following year.Growing bored, Williams returned to piracy, retiring a final time in 1723 at age 45.

FADING SCREEN TEXT.

Like John Julian, Maria Hallet disappeared intothe pages of history. For generations peoplerelated the tale of the Whydah and Maria’spatient wait for Captain Bellamy’s return. Thetale became legend and remained so until July,1984 when the wreck of the Whydah was discovered.

FADE OUT TEXT.

THE END

FADE OUT

Black Sam miniseries Part 2

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Transcript of Black Sam miniseries Part 2