Copyright © 2009 by Mark Lichterman

ISBN-978-0-080719-0-4

Notation: Screenplays have a set format of a written presentation that is not accepted (at least I do not know how to do it) by Authors Den, so I will post this in the least confusing way I can.

THE CLIMBING BOY

Screenplay by Andy Davie & Mark Lichterman

Based on the novel: 'The Climbing Boy'

by Mark M. Lichterman

Alternate screenplay (Ending)

EXT. LONDON STREET - NIGHT 

*Zachariah and the Stranger wander into a pool of light from a street lamp. The Stranger looks down at Zachariah smiling up at him while holding his hat in place.

* ZACHARIAH* Why’d ya come fer me this night of all nights Mister? Why’d ya not come fer me before?

* STRANGER* I had to ensure that you’re ready.

* ZACHARIAH * Ready?

* STRANGER* Don’t worry. You passed every challenge I set before you, with good grace and care as I’ve not seen in many a year. You’re a very special boy Zachariah.

We see the stranger’s familiar face clearly for the first time as he removes his hat and crouches to talk to Zachariah. He has rosy cheeks, long, white, wavy hair, a full white beard and smiling eyes below bushy, white eyebrows.

*STRANGER* (CONT’D) It’s near Christmas day Zachariah. If you’re willing, if you would like to, I would like to take you somewhere I believe you will find happiness and love in return for the love and happiness I believe you will bring.

*ZACHARIAH* You’re ‘im aren’t ya? You’re that Santa Claus fella aren’t ya?

The Stranger smiles silently, neither admitting or denying his identity to Zachariah.

 * ZACHARIAH* (CONT’D) Ya found me didn’t ya?

* STRANGER * I never lost you Zachariah. I’ve been waiting for you to be strong * enough to leave Master Johnson of your own free will.

*ZACHARIAH* If ya never lost me how come’s I never got no presents?

The Stranger takes Zachariah’s hand and they walk on.

* STRANGER * You’ve always had your gift. It’s not something I could give you, but something you give to others. Which is why I’m bringing you to where I’m sure you truly belong.

* ZACHARIAH* Eh?

*STRANGER * You will see and understand soon enough. Come, my boy. It’s not far.

As they walk along the street, a house we’ve seen before comes into view. The Stranger and Zachariah come to a halt in the street and look into a window.

Sitting in the window The Lady and her son Albert can be seen peering out.

Holding her hand to her lips she waits in hope.

Upon seeing The Stranger and Zachariah, The Lady hurries away from the window.

Moments later the front door opens and The Lady runs out onto the

doorstep.

* Zachariah looks up at The Stranger in question. * You wants to give me to the lady?

* STRANGER * Albert needs a brother and you need a mother, but you choose your own destiny Zachariah. It’s not for me to give you to anyone. You are free my boy. It’s for you to decide if you’d like a new life as part of their family?

*ZACHARIAH * But does The Lady want me then?

* LADY* (O.C.) I would very much like to make you part of my family Zachariah. *

Slightly startled, Zachariah looks around to see that The Lady has walked from her door to stand with them.

He gazes into her face, tears of joy welling in his eyes as she continues.

* LADY (CONT’D) * Would you do me the honour of allowing me to become your mother?

Zachariah is dumbstruck. He looks to The Stranger, who smiles broadly and nods as he responds.

* STRANGER * It’s alright Zachariah. You’re free to choose whatever you want.

Zachariah lets go of The Stranger’s hand, runs to and wraps his arms around The Lady.

As The Lady and Zachariah climb the steps into the house, where Albert is now waiting at the front door...

*We rise up above the house.

* From high above the street, we dive down into the Lady’s chimney.

Spiraling down the dark flue, a blazing fire comes into view. We pass the flames and come out of a fireplace into…

*GRANDPA’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING * Placard * (12/24/2016) Boston, Massachusetts

Grandpa is sitting with Stephen on his lap. Stephen is gazing at a silver three-penny piece pendant, which Grandpa is twiddling in his fingers.

*GRANDPA* …and that’s how Zachariah, the little climbing boy became my brother on the Christmas of eighteen forty three.

*STEPHEN* Great Uncle Zach’ was the climbing boy, Grandpa?

* ALBERT * Yes indeed he was.

*STEPHEN * So uncle Zach was given to great gra’mama as a Christmas present from Saint Nicholas?

Grandpa Albert gives Stephen a broad smile, silently answering in the affirmative.

We move around grandson and grandfather as Albert gently lifts him from his lap.

* STEPHEN* (CONT’D) Really? - Do you think Santa Claus will find me a brother too? *

*ALBERT* Maybe Stephen, if you’re a really good boy, maybe. The important thing to remember is that the greatest gift we can give or receive is love. Your uncle Zach is living proof of that.

Now, why don’t you finish the tree with the star before you go to bed?

Albert passes the sparkling clean star, the same star young Zachariah had seen in the Lady’s house, to Stephen, who smiles in delight as Grandpa lifts him to the tree.

*Stephen places the star on top of the tree. As he withdraws his hand, we see a sooty thumb print on one of the star’s points.

*We back away from the tree, out through the window and up into the night sky.

THE END. POST CREDIT SCENE: