TIM BURTON'S CORPSE BRIDE
Screenplay by
Caroline Thompson, Pamela Pettler & John August
February 18, 2004
FADE IN:
INT. VICTOR'S ROOM - EXTREME CLOSEUP - DAY
We GLIDE OVER beautiful, shimmering lakes of color.
PULLING OUT, we find the colors make up the patterns on a
butterfly's wing, drawn in miraculous detail on a large
sketch pad.
VICTOR, a handsome 19-year-old with a gentle, slightly
dreaming quality, adds tiny finishing touches to the
sketch. His Victorian-style room is filled with drawings
and paintings of all sizes, mostly of butterflies. There
is one prominent painting of Victor with a friendly-
looking dog.
The drawing done, Victor lifts a glass bell jar. A
butterfly escapes, flits around the room and out of the
open window.
CUT TO:
EXT. TOWN SQUARE - DAY
We FOLLOW the butterfly on its flight around the town.
The streets are cobblestone. The architecture is cold
and severe. Hues are muted and grim: the butterfly is
the only really colorful thing in view. Stiff-looking
TOWNSPEOPLE walk along -- nodding very formally, and
without warmth, when they pass each other.
A church BELL CHIMES the first of four strokes. The TOWN
CRIER strides into the square and rings his big HAND
BELL.
TOWN CRIER
Four o'clock and all's well!
MUSIC begins to grow -- a methodical MARCH. As the
butterfly floats along a line of shops, we see:
The GREEN GROCER... arranging fastidious little piles of
withered onions. The gentle RUSTLE adds a rhythm to the
song.
The WATCHMAKER... checking and re-checking the large
clock that hangs in front of his shop, resetting the
second hand until it's just so. The clocks TICK like
metronomes.
The BAKER... wearily adding another plain brown loaf to
the pyramid that stands in his window. Each loaf as dry
and flavorless as the next.
(CONTINUED)
2.
CONTINUED:
The BUTCHER... whose arm rises and falls mechanically,
filling the air with a constant CHOPPING sound on the
downbeat.
WIDOWMUNCH, the seamstress, sits among bolts of cloth,
all shades of gray. Her SEWING MACHINE CHUGS along in
rhythm to the MUSIC.
As the butterfly floats off, we STAY ON the entrance of a
large stately house. We are back at the home of Victor's
family, the Van Dorts.
The front door opens, and out steps WILLIAM VAN DORT.
He's a slouch-shouldered gentleman who speaks from behind
his drooping mustache.
WILLIAM
Where is Victor? We might be
late!
Victor leans out of an upstairs window. With zero
enthusiasm ...
VICTOR
Coming, Father.
WILLIAM
Right, right. Very good.
Victor's mother, NELL VAN DORT, is a plump, pushy
Victorian matron. She gazes across the town at the
Everglot Mansion with its two imposing gables.
She begins to sing, "According to Plan." Nell has the
voice of an opera diva. William, who talk-sings most of
his lines, is the gentle voice of reason.
NELL/WILLIAM
A beautiful day!
A very nice day.
For a wedding!
A wedding rehearsal.
A practice run .. .
. . . of a sort . . .
Of what's to come.
Assuming nothing goes wrong.
That is why everything,
Every last little overlooked
thing,
Must ... Go ... (MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED;
NELL/WILLIAM (CONT'D)
(CHORUS)
According to plan!
Our son will be married,
According to plan!
We will be carried
According to plan!
Into the halls
Of high society!
Have tea with the Queen!
At parties to be seen,
Dressed in pale aubergine,
We'll forgot who we've beeeeen.
They look into each other's eyes, agreeing ...
NELL/WILLIAM
This is a fortunate day,
For those of recent fortune.
3.
Victor arrives beside them. With his gangly legs and
stiff collars, he always seems miserably uncomfortable.
WILLIAM
Where is Mayhew? We might be
late!
On cue, the Van Dort carriage pulls up, announced by the
HACKING COUGH of MAYHEW, the driver.
CUT TO;
INT. THE CARRIAGE - DAY
Victor sits across from his parents, who are squeezed
together uncomfortably as the carriage CLATTERS across
the cobblestones. MUSIC CONTINUES UNDER...
WILLIAM
Victoria Everglot is quite a
catch. Isn't she, Victor?
VICTOR
I wouldn't know, Father. I've
never had a word alone with the
girl.
Nell and William share a look.
NELL/WILLIAM
Well, first you say ...
How do you do? (CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
NELL/WILLIAM(CONT'D)
Then commenr on her beaury.
Saying such rhings --
Even if lies - -
Are Jusr a husband's dury.
Don'r rry robe funny,
Don'r rry robe quick,
You're nor very clever;
You'll never be slick.
VICTOR
So I should be myself?
NELL
(ANNOYED)
You haven'r been hearing ar all!
WILLIAM
Victor, this is our one chance to
buy what money can't
respectability!
NELL
Remember, the Everglots are the
oldest, noblest family around,
descendants of the Grand Duke of
Everglot ...
CUT TO:
INT. EVERGLOTDRAWINGROOM- CLOSEUP OF AN IMPOSING
PORTRAIT - DAY
4.
of the DUKE OF EVERGLOT. We PULL OUT, REVEALINGan
enormous room furnished with high wing-backed chairs, an
elaborate gray sofa, curlicue side tables and heavy
drapes.
MAUDELINEEVERGLOT, an imperious Victorian matron with
extremely high hair and an imposing bosom, stands by the
window, watching the Van Dort carriage approach from
across the square.
She sings to her round, importantly-frowning husband,
FINIS EVERGLOT.
MAUDELINE/FINIS
A terrible day!
Now, dear ...
A terrible family!
I won't hear it!
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
\ _____
CONTINUED:
MAUDELINE/FINIS (CONT'D)
So common, so coarse,
Nouveau riche ...
Oh, it couldn't be worse.
Yes it could.
(SHE SIGHS)
They could be bankrupt landed
gentry.
Penniless like us.
FINIS
Whoever thought putting fish into
cans could be so profitable?
MAUDELINE
This ... is ... why ...
HAUDELINE/FINIS
According ro plan!
Our daughrer will wed,
According ro plan!
And we will be led,
According ro plan!
Our of rhe deprhs
Of deepesr pov'rry!
Who would have guessed our
daughrer,
Ugly as an orrer,
Would be rhe only valuable rhing
We have ro offer.
CUT TO:
INT. VICTORIA'S BEDROOM- DAY
5 .
VICTORIA EVERGLOT. Despite
a pretty, sweet young girl.
laced into tight corsets by
what her mother thinks, she's
At the moment, she is being
her elderly maid, Hildegarde.
VICTORIA
Oh, Hildegarde, do loosen it a
tiny bit.
Hildegarde hesitates, then quickly loosens the corset.
She helps Victoria put on a gray, high-collared dress.
VICTORIA
(CONFIDING)
Hilde, I'm nervous. What if
Victor and I don't like each
other?
(CONTINUED)
6.
CONTINUED:
There is a shocked, severe LAUGH from the doorway.
Victoria and Hildegarde whirl to see the imposing figure
of Maudeline. Finis is at her side.
MAUDELINE
For heaven's sake, Victoria!
'Like' each other? As if that has
anything to do with marriage? Do
you suppose your father and I
'like' each other?
VICTORIA
But surely you must, a little?
FINIS & MAUDELINE
(IN UNISON)
Of course not!
VICTORIA
But, you had me, didn't you?
FINIS
You were conceived in a fit of ...
(what's the word?)
responsibility!
The cathedral-like DOORBELL ECHOES through the mansion.
Maudeline turns on her heel. Without looking back --
MAUDELINE
Get those corsets laced properly!
I can hear you speak without
gasping!
EXT. EVERGLOT MANSION - DAY
The Van Dorts stand before the massive front doors.
NELL
(TO VICTOR)
You really should be grareful,
For everyrhing we've done.
Who else would sacrifice so much
For rhe good of rheir son?
INT. EVERGLOT ENTRY HALL - DAY
Finis and Maudeline step down the grand stairway. It's
cold and imposing, feeling more like a financial
institution than a home. They are the very image of old
world high society.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
NELL
Marriage is a partnership,
A little tit for tat.
You'd think a lifetime watching us
Might have taught her that.
INTERCUT VAN DORTS.
ALL FOUR PARENTS
Everything will be perfect,
Once everything is perfect.
Assuming everything goes ...
(BIG FINISH)
According to plan!
7 .
The Everglot's BUTLER opens the door, regarding the Van
Dorts with barely concealed disdain.
The two mothers offer each other false smiles.
MAUDELINE
(to Finis, under
HER BREATH)
Smile, darling, smile ...
With tremendous effort Finis' mouth twists into a forced
smile.
FINIS
(to Maudeline,
under his breath)
Let's get this over with, shall
we? (loudly)
Well Hello! What a pleasure.
Welcome to our home.
The parents come together in an awkward ritual of
handshakes, bows and air-kisses.
William Van Dort shakes Maudeline's hand.
WILLIAM
Why, you must be Miss Victoria.
You don't look a day over twenty!
He winks to Finis as Nell cringes with embarrassment.
Maudeline turns toward the Butler.
(CONTINUED)
·-~--·
CONTINUED:
MAUDELINE
We will be taking tea in the west
drawing room. We still await
Pastor Galswells.
(AN AFTERTHOUGHT)
Tell Victoria that the Van Darts
have arrived.
8.
The parents turn as a group and head for the drawing
room, leaving Victor standing in the hallway, forgotten.
Victor stands in the sudden silence, unsure of what to
do. Looking around nervously, his glance falls on a
nearby room across the hallway. The door is ajar,
revealing a tantalizing glimpse of a PIANO.
He hesitates, then slips into the room.
CUT TO:
INT. EVERGLOT MUSIC ROOM - DAY
A large dreary room with drab, formal paintings dominated
by an enormous piano, the size of a small boat.
Victor is irresistibly drawn to it. He sits and touches
the keys caressingly. On the piano he notices a small
vase holding a single stem of winter jasmine. He begins
to PLAY, at first haltingly, then losing himself in the
music.
His song is sad but dreamy.
CUT TO:
INT. VICTORIA'S BEDROOM - DAY
Victoria is nervously adjusting her dress when the MUSIC
suddenly floats up to her.
CUT TO:
INT. TOP OF THE STAIRS DAY
Victoria stops, transfixed, then continues down the
steps, following the sound of the PIANO.
CUT TO:
9.
INT. EVERGLOT ENTRY HALL - DAY
She peers into the doorway of the drawing room, where the
parents have gathered. William Van Dort relates a boring
tale, gesturing ever so slightly as he speaks.
WILLIAM
I never understood why men needed
black shoes .lllld brown shoes, when
a quick coat of paint can turn one
into the other!
Nell cringes, mortified. The Everglots sit with stern
scowls frozen on their faces.
Crossing to the other side of the entryway, Victoria
comes to the music room. She quietly enters.
INT. EVERGLOT MUSIC ROOM - DAY
Victor is seated at the piano, his back toward the door.
He plays, lost in his MUSIC.
VICTORIA
How lovely.
Startled, Victor jumps in his seat, BANGING his knees on
the piano, causing the lid to drop with a loud,
reverberating thud.
He turns to see Victoria, looking pretty as a picture,
standing behind him.
VICTOR
(FLUSTERED)
Oh ... I ... do forgive me. I ...
VICTORIA
You play beautifully.
VICTOR
I ... I do apologize, Miss
Everglot. How rude of me to ...
Victoria comes over to him impetuously.
VICTORIA
The song. What is it called?
VICTOR
Oh, it was ... just something I
came across.
VICTORIA
Came across where?
(CONTINUED)
··~~···
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
Well ... It was inside me, I guess.
VICTORIA
How nice you found a way to let it
out.
(BEAT)
Mother won't allow me near the
piano. Music is improper for a
young lady. Too passionate, she
says.
Victor nervously rubs his aching knees.
VICTOR
If I may ask, M-Miss Everglot ...
VICTORIA
Perhaps, in view of the
circumstances, you could call me,
'Victoria.'
VICTOR
Yes, yes, of course. Well,
Victoria ...
VICTORIA
Yes, Victor?
VICTOR
Tomorrow we are to be ...
(can't say it)
MM••• MM•••
VICTORIA
(SMILES)
Married.
VICTOR
Yes. M-Married.
She sits down beside him on the piano bench.
VICTORIA
Since I was a child, I've dreamt
of my wedding day. I always hoped
to find someone I was deeply in
love with. Someone to spend the
rest of my life with.
(A BEAT)
Silly, isn't it?
VICTOR
Yes. Silly! Ha!
10.
(CONTINUED)
~--
11.
CONTINUED:
A beat. He looks at her.
VICTOR
N-no. Not at all.
They both LAUGH nervously, moving a tad closer. Victor
accidentally knocks over the small vase. He grabs the
scarf from his pocket just as Victoria takes out her
handkerchief. As they both hastily clean up the spill,
their hands touch. They look at each other.
Suddenly in the doorway is PASTOR GALSWELLS, who fixes
them with a stern, forbidding glare. The parents are
clustered behind him.
Victor hastily stuffs the flower in his pocket.
PASTOR GALSWELLS
(THUNDERING)
What impropriety is this? You
shouldn't be alone together! Here
it is one minute before five, and
you are not at the rehearsal. You
might be late!
VICTOR
Oh dear ... we ... we ...
MAUDELINE
(COLDLY)
Come at once.
INT. EVERGLOT DRAWING ROOM - EARLY EVENING
CUT TO:
The group has gathered
the wedding ceremony.
William and Nell.
in the drawing room to rehearse
Seated are Finis and Maudeline,
The front of the room has been set up as a makeshift
altar. An elaborately-carved table holds a pair of
candles and a chalice.
Pressure is high. It's the social event of the decade,
and Maudeline Everglot has left nothing to chance. She's
like a 19th Century Martha Stewart, obsessively planning
to the tiniest detail.
Pastor Galswells presides, holding a book and an
ornamental holy scepter. Victor trembles in nervous
agony as Pastor Galswells glares at him.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
PASTOR GALSWELLS
Let's try it again. Shall we,
Master Van Dort?
12.
Victor lifts his left hand and takes three steps back.
VICTOR
Y-Yes, sir. Certainly.
Right.
Right.
PASTOR GALSWELLS
(HISSES)
VICTOR
(AGREEING)
PASTOR GALSWELLS
RIGHT!!!
Victor hastily lifts the correct hand.
VICTOR
Oh, right! With this ... this ...
Hand ...
PASTOR GALSWELLS
(annoyed,
PROMPTING)
VICTOR
Hand, yes ... with this hand, I
will. ..
He takes Victoria's elbow, but gets flustered at touching
her.
VICTOR
Oh, forgive me, I, er ...
PASTOR GALSWELLS
Continue!
Victoria takes three steps forward. Victor accidentally
takes four.
PASTOR GALSWELLS
Three steps! Three! Can you not
count!
Victor quickly backs up, stepping on Victoria's toe.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
(MORTIFIED)
Oh dear! P-pardon me. Uhm.
three steps ...
13.
Nell fans herself in distress as Maudeline and Finis look
on with utter disgust.
FASTOR GALSWELLS
Never mind. Let's just pick it up
at the candle bit.
VICTOR
The candle bit?
PASTOR GALSWELLS
The candle! The candle! Can you
remember nothing?
VICTOR
(HORRIFIED)
N-no, no, of course not ... I mean
y_e_s_!
Victor takes a lit candle.
VICTOR
With this candle ...
BARKIS BITTERN, the Everglot's lawyer, enters and hands
Finis some papers to sign.
BARKIS
I beg your pardon, sir. These are
most important ...
FINIS
(waving him off)
Not now, Barkis.
BARKIS
The pre-nuptials.
Finis quickly signs the papers and hands them back, all
the while scowling at Victor. Barkis TUT-TUTS in
sympathetic disapproval. (We sense a private scheming
thought.)
VICTOR
With this candle ... this candle ...
(CONTINUED)
\.____.
14.
CONTINUED:
Victor tries to light the other candle. He's having a
hard time. For several long seconds he fiddles with the
wick as the others watch. Finally, leaning close, he
gets the candle to light.
Victor sighs with relief, accidentally blowing the candle
out.
From her chair, Nell groans.
PASTOR GALSWELLS
(EXPLODING)
Do you not wish to be married,
Master Van Dort?
VICTOR
No! No!
Victoria looks up in surprise.
VICTORIA
You do not?
VICTOR
No! I meant no, I do no, er, not
wish to be married, that is, I
very much want --
Pastor Galswells HITS him with the holy scepter.
PASTOR GALSWELLS
Pay attention! Have you even
remembered to bring the ring?
VICTOR
The ring ... yes! Of course ...
He pulls the ring out of his pocket, and fumbling, drops
it. Everyone GASPS at this sacrilege.
PASTOR GALSWELLS
( THUNDERING)
Dropping the ring! This boy
doesn't want to be married!
Even Victoria is starting to get worried now.
VICTOR
I'll get it!
(CONTINUED)
\ , ____
15.
CONTINUED:
Victor scrambles on his hands and knees, desperately
grasping for the ring as it rolls under Maudeline's
chair. He reaches, fumbling blindly under the hem of her
long dress as she stares at him with barely-contained
outrage.
Victor scrambles to his feet, holding up the ring
triumphantly.
AS HE
OTHER
FIRE.
VICTOR
Got it!
does this, Victor accidentally KNOCKS OVER the
lit candle and Maudeline's dress starts to CATCH
Everyone tries to put it out.
PASTOR GALSWELLS
(FURIOUSLY)
Enough! This wedding cannot take
place until he has properly
prepared!
Pastor Galswells POINTS wrathfully towards the door.
PASTOR GALSWELLS
Young man, learn your vows!
Humiliated, Victor STUMBLES out. All this being too
much, Victoria faints, then almost in unison Nell,
Maudeline and finally William FAINT dead away.
CUT TO:
EXT. EDGE OF VILLAGE - EARLY EVENING
The Town Crier watches a distraught Victor as he crosses
the old stone bridge, passing the Village Church, and
heads toward the dark woods beyond.
Victor plunges into the woods. Spindly birches give way
to dark foreboding trees. Victor mutters desperately to
himself.
VICTOR
With this hand, I will ... I
will. ..
He tries it again.
VICTOR
With this hand, I empty your cup.
No. That's not it.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
VICTOR (CONT'D)
Your cup will never empty, for I
will light your way. No. With
this candle, I lift your sorrow ...
no, no. Oh, it's no use.
16.
CROWSflap from tree to tree,
through the darkening forest.
the forest as if someone else
following him as he wanders
There is a haunted feel to
is watching him.
DISSOLVE TO;
A DESOLATE CLEARING
where, long ago, an ancient tree had toppled over.
Moonlight streams in through the gap in the forest
canopy. CROWSroost in the surrounding trees, CAWING
noisily.
Victor sits, mumbling the vows. The CAWINGof the CROWS
becomes more insistent. Victor looks up, and realizing
that he now has an audience, decides to really go for it.
He stands with a theatrical flourish.
VICTOR
With this hand, I lift your
sorrows. Your cup will never
empty, I will be your wine ...
The SQUAWKINGGROWSLOUDERfrom the branches overhead.
VICTOR
(looks up to the
CROWS)
Thank you.
(CONTINUING)
With this candle, I will light
your way in darkness ...
Victor begins to get his confidence back.
He takes the ring out of his pocket. Tangled with it is
the jasmine from the music room. Victor stares at it for
a moment, and gathers strength for the grand finale.
With a dramatic flourish, he kneels.
VICTOR
With this ring ...
He slips the ring on a small twisted root that extends
from the ground.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED;
VICTOR
(TRIUMPHANTLY)
I ask you to be mine!
17.
Suddenly the crows fall silent. A faint WIND RUSTLES
through the trees.
Victor looks up into the branches, where the crows
silently stare down at him. The root TWITCHES,
unnoticed. Still watching the crows, Victor reaches for
his ring ...
The root suddenly encircles his wrist.
Horrified, Victor tries pull free as the CROWSSCATTER
with a cacophonous CAWING, wings FLAPPING.
Victor desperately PULLS, ripping a MASS OF ROOTS AND
DIRT from the ground.
Sprawling backwards, he sees a skeletal arm clamped
around his wrist.
Victor SCREAMSand flings it away as the ground splits
open in front of him.
A ROOT-COVEREDFIGURE, wearing a tattered wedding gown,
SPRINGS from the frozen earth to reveal the CORPSE BRIDE.
The ring sparkles in the moonlight.
CORPSE BRIDE
You may kiss the bride!
Victor scrambles backwards, turns and RUNS frantically,
stumbling through thickets and branches.
He falls and, getting up, realizes that he's tripped on a
GRAVESTONEin an old abandoned graveyard.
The Corpse Bride moves towards him.
Victor runs for his life, dodging between the crooked
tombstones. He CRASHESblindly through the branches of
the bare, brittle trees that seem to block his escape.
He stumbles across a small creek as the Corpse Bride
pursues him.
As Victor dashes blindly through the trees, the crows fly
in his path. He reaches the edge of the woods and
sprints towards the footbridge.
CUT TO;
18.
EXT. VILLAGE FOOTBRIDGE - CONTINUOUS ACTION
Victor reaches the footbridge and stops to catch his
breath. He turns back, peering at the dark forest. It
is oddly silent.
Suddenly, the crows BURST from the trees, flying straight
at him. He turns to run, and freezes in horror ...
The strangely-alluring figure approaches him from the
other side of the bridge.
CUT TO;
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE - SAME TIME
The Town Crier peers towards the footbridge, holding his
lantern. He can just barely see Victor, and what seems,
from this distance, to be a woman in a long gown
embracing him. The Town Crier frowns disapprovingly.
CUT TO;
EXT. VILLAGE FOOTBRIDGE - CONTINUOUS ACTION
The Corpse Bride moves towards
gather, swirling around them.
stands motionless. She slowly
skeletal hand the wedding ring
Victor as the crows
Overcome by fear, Victor
lifts her veil. On her
glistens in the moonlight.
Huge eyes dominate her pale face.
She leans towards him, her bony hand touches his chest as
the crows encircle them, forming a solid field of
black ...
CUT TO:
EXT. THE LAND OF THE DEAD - PERPETUAL TWILIGHT
The crows EXPLODE away in a gust.
Bride are standing in another land
misshapen buildings in the b.g.
Victor and the Corpse
entirely, with
The Corpse Bride is gabbling, giddy and elated.
CORPSE BRIDE
You were wonderful. So
passionate. It was everything I
dreamed of.
As the Corpse Bride talks, a BLACK WIDOW SPIDER descends
from her veil.
(CONTINUED)
19.
CONTINUED:
Victor takes a couple of steps back, looking fearfully at
the Corpse Bride's face.
The Black Widow fires a strand of web at
The sticky strand is incredibly strong.
is able to reel him back in.
Victor's chest.
The tiny spider
BLACK WIDOW
Now, dear, where do you think
you're going?
The Bride's eye pops out, and a MAGGOTpeers out of the
socket. The Maggot looks and sounds like Peter Lorre.
MAGGOT
I don't like him. He's creepy.
The Corpse Bride pops her eye back in. Maggot rides on
her ear.
CORPSE BRIDE
Oh Victor! I can't wait for you
to meet everyone.
VICTOR
How... How do you know my name?
CORPSE BRIDE
You think I'd marry a stranger?
Corne on!
The Corpse Bride leads Victor away, running.
CUT TO:
INT. TOWNSQUARE (LAND OF THE DEAD) - CONTINUOUSACTION
The Corpse Bride pulls Victor into
echo of the town square up above.
shadowy PASSERS-BY.
VICTOR
the square -- a lurid
Victor spies some
Help! you have to help me, I've
been kidnapped by ...
The Passers-by turn round.
are corpses and skeletons. Victor sees that they, too,
He stops in his tracks.
VICTOR
... the dead!
From every direction, CORPSES IN EVERY IMAGINABLESTATE
OF DECAY come running, or hobbling, or oozing.
(CONTINUED)
20.
CONTINUED:
Victor recoils in horror. The crowd moves in closer.
SCISSORHEAD
Now he's a fresh one.
DEAD LADY WITH FLOWERS
Very fresh.
A precocious SKELETONBOY curiously pokes Victor with a
stick.
SKELETONBOY
He's still soft!
The VARIOUS HORRORSgather round Victor, fascinated.
CORPSE BRIDE
He's my husband. He gave me this
ring!
The Corpse Bride, beaming, extends her arm to show her
ring to the gathered crowd.
CROWD
("HOW TOUCHING")
Aaaaahhhhhh.
VICTOR
("BLIND TERROR")
AAAAAAHHHHHHH!
A BEHEMOTHshakes Victor's hand vigorously.
BEHEMOTH
Pleased to meet you. Oh! His arm
stayed on!
BEEHIVE WOMANprods and pokes at Victor.
BEEHIVE WOMAN
He's still breathing!
Everyone listens very closely to Victor's panting chest.
MOSS MAN
He is! My word, living flesh! Is
his heart beating too?
BEHEMOTH
I'll take it out and have a look!
Behemoth crams his hand into Victor's mouth.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
CORPSE BRIDE
Please, leave him alone. He's
only just arrived.
Behemoth pulls his hand out.
21.
As she turns back to Victor, her left eyeball pops out,
revealing Maggot again, who addresses the townsfolk.
MAGGOT
We saw the whole wedding. It was
romantic!
Black Widow emerges behind the Maggot.
BLACK WIDOW
He reminds me of my 3rd, 7th, 24th
and 63rd husbands.
MAGGOT
Before you ate them?
MAGGOT
There was one thing missing,
though. He forgot to kiss the
bride.
Gradually, the entire crowd begins to CHANT:
CROWD
Kiss her! Kiss her!
Corpse Bride giggles, slightly embarrassed.
Victor can take no more. His spindly legs buckle as he
FAINTS.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE UP:
INT. PUB (THE LAND OF THE DEAD) - LATER
Victor's eyes slowly open.
FROM HIS POV
a huge, blurry SKULL floats in front of him, filling his
field of vision. As it slowly comes INTO FOCUS, he sees
it's not a huge skull after all. It's the forms of a
crowd leaning over him, silhouetted against the light.
Corpse Bride leans over him.
CORPSE BRIDE
Are you alright?
22.
BACK TO SCENE
Several skeletons help Victor into a chair as he looks
around in wide-eyed horror. He sees that he's in ...
A PUB of some kind. Green flames flicker in the
fireplace, casting shadows along the crazily tilting
walls. Rib-like beams rise toward the ceiling.
Dark figures move through the crowded room and gypsy-like
music fills the smoky air. Coffin-shaped shelves behind
the bar are filled with odd and ancient-looking bottles.
PAUL, THE HEAD WAITER, pokes his head INTO FRAME.
PAUL THE HEAD WAITER
(TO VICTOR)
Have a drink, dear boy. It'll
calm your nerves.
A glass slides toward Victor. The CAMERAPULLS BACK to
reveal Paul the Head Waiter is in fact, only a head. A
swarm of BEETLES have emerged from the stump of his neck
and scurry across the bar, pushing the glass towards
Victor.
PAUL THE HEAD WAITER
(to Corpse Bride)
Ma cherie, where have you been
hiding yourself? It's been ages.
The beetles quickly return, carrying Paul off to serve
his next customer.
As the Corpse Bride chats merrily away, Victor scans the
room. A group of SKELETONS and CORPSES play billiards in
a far corner. Nearby, a DEAD GENTLEMANsits puffing his
pipe, as double smoke rings blow from his eye holes.
WELLINGTON, a tall, ragged skeleton, dressed in the
remains of a military uniform, has a CANNONBALLHOLE in
his chest.
He plays chess with a DEAD DWARF, also clad in the
tattered remains of a uniform, with a large sword thrust
through his breastbone. A HANGEDMAN, noose still around
his neck, plays darts with a few other CORPSES.
Another ROTTING CORPSE sits near the dartboard, reading
the newspaper, oblivious to the occasional dart landing
in his head.
At one end of the room is a small stage, where a band of
SKELETONS are playing on bizarre instruments made from
salvaged scraps and bits of bone.
(CONTINUED)
23.
CONTINUED:
MRS. PLUM, the cook, is a rotting, blue-skinned old lady
surrounded by a cloud of flies. She pushes a cart
between the tables, serving soup from a large tureen. As
she ladles it out, her jawbone drops into the bowl.
It's all a bit much for Victor. He takes a gulp of his
drink.
Victor sees his chance. He grabs the sword in the Dead
Dwarf's back, and waves it around, clearing a space in
the shocked crowd. The sword still has the Dead Dwarf
general attached. The BAND stops playing.
Victor's trying to act tough, but his terror is evident
to everyone. His hand shakes.
VICTOR
Keep away! I've got a ... Dwarf.
And I'm not afraid to use him! I
want some answers! Now!
WELLINGTON
Answers. I think you mean
answers.
VICTOR
Thank you, yes, answers! I need
answers. Why am I here? Who is
she? What is she?
The houselights dim, leaving a single spotlight hitting
the stage, where BONEJANGLES, front-man for THE
SKELETONS, steps forward.
BONEJANGLES
Since you're askin' ...
(snaps his fingers)
Hit it, boys!
The Skeletons launch into a lively number, a "Minnie the
Moocher"-type ballad where the crowd sings along,
pounding their glasses on the bar to keep time.
BONEJANGLES
GIVE A LISTEN - -
YOU CORPSES WHO STILL HAVE AN EAR,
TO THE SONG OF THE DAMSEL WE ALL
HOLD SO DEAR.
A MAIDEN WHOSE BEAUTY WAS KNOWN
FAR AND WIDE,
WHO'D SOON BECOME KNOWN AS OUR
LOVELY
CORPSE BRIDE.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
ALL
(LUSTILY)
DIE, DIE, WE ALL PASS AWAY,
OUR BEAUTIFUL BRIDE'S THE REMAINS
OF THE DAY.
BONEJANGLES
SHE SAT IN HER COACH
WITH HER FINE DIAMOND BROOCH
AND RODE THROUGH THE WOODS WHERE
THE ROBBERS WOULD HIDE.
TO GET AT THE BANGLE
THE POOR GAL WAS STRANGLED!
SAD WAS THE DAY SHE BECAME THE
CORPSE BRIDE.
ALL
(ROBUSTLY)
BREATH, BREATH, THEY CHOKED OUT
HER BREATH
THE BRIDE'S WEDDING DAY WAS THE
DAY OF HER DEATH!
24.
Wellington takes a verse.
WELLINGTON
SHE FELL IN THAT SPOT AND
IN NO TIME SHE WENT ROTTEN.
THE LOAM WAS HER HOME AND SHE
CRIED --
HOW SHE CRIED!
FOR WHAT MAN WOULD HAVE HER
THIS LONELY CADAVER?
NEVER A BRIDESMAID BUT ALWAYS A
BRIDE!
ALL
DIE, DIE, WE ALL HAVE TO DIE,
A TOAST TO THE GIRL WHO'S GOT MUD
IN HER EYE!
DEADDWARF
SHE SWORE ON HER GRAVE
THAT SHE'D SOMEDAY FIND LOVE.
WHO WOULD HAVE GUESSED
IT WOULD COME FROM ABOVE?
AFTER MANY LONG YEARS
WITH WORMS IN THE SOIL,
TODAY'S WHEN THE VICTOR IS GETTING
THE SPOILS!
ALL
(LUSTILY)
VIC, VIC, LET'S HEAR IT FOR VIC!
(CONTINUED)
\ --~--
\..______,
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
Pardon me, fellows, I'm going to
be sick.
The Hanged Man takes a verse.
HANGED MAN
AS A WIFE SHE 'LL BE PERFECT,
NO WORRIES 'BOUT THAT!
SHE' LL NEVER GET OLDER,
SHE'LL NEVER GET FAT!
SHE CAN'T GET MUCH COLDER
WHO WOULDN'T LIKE THAT?
MRS. PLUM
WOULD YOU MIND FOR A MOMENT
REMOVING YOUR HAT?
Mrs. Plum SMACKS the Hanged Man with the soup ladle.
Maggot pops out of the Corpse Bride's eye socket.
MAGGOT
(CHANTING)
FIRST COMES LOVE, THEN COMES
BURIED!
RIGOR. MORTIS, THEN YOU'RE
MARRIED!
BLACK WIDOW
HAPPY HUSBAND HUNTING GROUNDS
IN THE EARTH WHERE LOVE ABOUNDS!
BONEJANGLES
TODAY THERE IS LAUGHTER
THROUGHOUT THE HEREAFTER
25.
IN HER TOMB IN THE GLOOM
THERE'S A GROOM BY HER SIDE!
ALL
AND SO THEN IN CLOSING
AS WE KEEP DECOMPOSING
THINGS TURNED OUT QUITE WELL FOR
THE LOVELY
CORPSE BRIDE!
The pub is swirling with activity as the Dead dance and
laugh.
The song ends. The Corpse Bride plants a big kiss on
Victor's cheek. He is absolutely stunned.
CUT TO:
EXT. EVERGLOTMANSION (LAND OF THE LIVING) - NIGHT
The village square is dark, except for a few lights
coming from Everglot Mansion.
26.
All is silent, but for the HACKINGCOUGHcoming from
Mayhew, who sits shivering on the Van Dorts' carriage
parked in the drive.
CUT TO;
INT. VICTORIA'S BEDROOM- NIGHT
Victoria is sewing together several patches of material
to make the corner of the quilt. So far, it's only as
big as her lap. Hildegarde attends her, clearly
concerned for the girl.
VICTORIA
Perhaps the Pastor was right. And
Victor doesn't want to marry me.
She casts her patchwork aside.
VICTORIA
I'm being silly. He's
have turned up by now. bound to
Right?
Victoria gets up and walks to the door, followed by
Hildegarde.
CUT TO;
INT. EVERGLOTDRAWINGROOM- NIGHT
The Van Dorts
drawing room.
doorway.
and the Everglots are gathered in the
Victoria enters, staying close to the
NELL
I'm sure he'll be back shortly.
He's terrified of the dark. In
fact, when he was a boy he used
to ...
The Butler announces a new visitor;
BUTLER
Master Barkis!
Barkis enters the room and walks over to Finis.
BARKIS
May I have a word with you, sir?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
FINIS
(WITHOUT MOVING)
Yes. Go on.
Barkis beckons the Town Crier into the room.
BARKIS
Tell them what you told me.
27.
The Town Crier RINGS his BELL, as loud as he ever does in
the square. He speaks in the same deafening tones.
Everyone else flinches from the volume. OBJECTS RATTLE
and fall off shelves.
TOWNCRIER
HEAR YE, HEAR YE! VICTOR VAN DORT
SEEN THIS NIGHT ON THE BRIDGE IN
THE ARMSOF A MYSTERYWOMAN. THE
DARK-HAIREDTEMPTRESSAND MASTER
VAN DORT, 19, SLIPPED AWAYINTO
THE NIGHT! AND NOWTHE WEATHER--
BARKIS
Enough.
The Town Crier leaves the room.
Everyone is stunned -- especially Victoria.
NELL
Mystery woman? He doesn't even
know any women!
BARKIS
Or so you thought. But alas, he
has gone.
VICTORIA
Victor ...
BARKIS
Do call for me if you need any
assistance -- in any way.
Barkis eyes Victoria, the same way a cat looks at a pet
parakeet. He then takes his leave.
MAUDELINE
Oh, the humiliation! Who else
knows about this? Good heavens,
Finis, what shall we do?
(CONTINUED)
\ ......___,.
CONTINUED:
FINIS
Fetch my musket!
NELL
(FRANTICALLY)
William, do something!
WILLIAM
(clears his throat)
Look, the Town Crier probably just
had a slow news day. You know how
it is. You need something to cry
about - -
FINIS
(cuts him off)
Regardless, we are one groom short
for the wedding tomorrow!
(under his breath)
Not to mention the financial
implications.
MAUDELINE
A most scandalous embarrassment
for us all! And with my relatives
due to arrive. This is most
dreadful.
NELL
Give us a chance to find him.
WILLIAM
We beg of you. Just give us until
dawn.
28.
In the b.g., Finis is hopping up and down. Grabbing for
the musket that hangs on the wall, a bit too high for him
to reach.
Very well. MAUDELINE
'Til dawn.
She RINGS for the Butler. The Van Dorts hastily get up
and back out, bowing.
NELL
Thank you! Thank you! I am sure
there must be some explanation.
We will find him.
(SOTTO)
And when we do, he'll wish he
were ...
CUT TO;
INT. PUB (LAND OF THE DEAD) - PERPETUALTWILIGHT
VICTOR
Dead! Demised ... expired ...
29.
Victor and the Corpse
romantically lit with
relaxed than before.
MUSIC.
Bride sit at a secluded table,
candles. The mood is much more
The BANDplays romantic DINNER
Paul the Head Waiter hops up. He speaks with a French
accent.
MY NAME
waiter.
WEDDING
SPECIAL
PAUL THE HEAD WAITER
ees Paul, I am ze head
I will be creating your
feast. Now, are zer any
dietary requirements?
VICTOR
I'm allergic to artichokes. Not
that it matters anymore. Being
that I've kicked the bucket.
Shuffled off this mortal coil ...
Corpse Bride and Paul exchange a glance.
The young man
are not dead.
married!
PAUL THE HEAD WAITER
is confused. You
You are just
VICTOR
Very funny.
CORPSE BRIDE
No, really. It's true.
Corpse Bride holds Victor's hand over the candle on the
table.
VICTOR
Ouch!
CORPSE BRIDE
Feel better?
VICTOR
(rubs his hand)
That hurt. But wait, that must
mean ... I'm not dead? I'm still
alive? I'm alive!
BIG CORPSE
Don't rub it in, pal.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The Corpse Bride smiles, happy to see Victor happy.
VICTOR
But how can a living person marry
a dead person?
CORPSE BRIDE
By making a vow! Which you did!
VICTOR
But I'm already supposed to marry
Victoria.
CORPSE BRIDE
I'm sure she'll get over it.
There are lots of living people up
there.
30.
Sensing Victor is unconvinced, the Bride takes a more
sympathetic approach.
CORPSE BRIDE
This Victoria. Did you love her?
VICTOR
(a little wistful)
I never had a chance to find out.
Truth is, we hardly know anything
about each other.
CORPSE BRIDE
The thing is, Victor. I know a
lot about you. I've watched you
wandering through the woods,
sketching ...
VICTOR
You have? When?
CORPSE BRIDE
Haven't you ever felt like you
weren't alone, even when you were?
Or saw something out of the corner
of your eye and turned and it
wasn't there?
VICTOR
Yes.
CORPSE BRIDE
It was me.
Victor is strangely touched.
(CONTINUED)
I
''----
CONTINUED:
CORPSE BRIDE
We live in these two different
worlds, but they overlap
sometimes. I think we were meant
to find each other.
VICTOR
I don't even know your name.
CORPSE BRIDE
I can't believe ... in all the
excitement. It's Emily.
(BEAT)
I also have a little wedding gift
for you.
31.
The Corpse Bride WHISTLES. Out comes a little skeleton
dog, wagging its tail, very happy to see Victor.
VICTOR
Scraps! My dog Scraps!
SCRAPS JUMPS UP and starts LICKING Victor.
CORPSE BRIDE
I knew you'd be happy to see him.
With manic energy, the little dog tears around the bar,
knocking over glasses before leaping back into Victor's
lap.
Hearing the RUCKUS, Mrs. Plum emerges from the kitchen,
waving her soup ladle.
MRS. PLUM
Who let that horrid beast in here?
PAUL THE HEAD WAITER
(looking at Victor)
He came in with the dog.
VICTOR
(to Mrs. Plum)
I'm afraid he's mine. Well,
Hfili. ••• Scraps was my dog when I
was a boy.
MRS. PLUM
Keep him out of my kitchen! Who
knows where he's been.
She turns back through the kitchen door, maggots and
flies swarm over her bluish-grey flesh.
(CONTINUED)
32.
CONTINUED:
The little DOG jumps around in Victor's lap, wagging his
tail and BARKING cheerfully.
CORPSE BRIDE
What a cutie.
VICTOR
You should have seen him with fur.
Victor pets the skeleton dog fondly.
VICTOR
Mother never approved of Scraps
jumping up like this.
(SOTTO)
But, then again, she never
approved of anything.
CORPSE BRIDE
Do you think she would have
approved of me?
VICTOR
You're lucky you'll never have to
meet her.
Victor suddenly has an INSPIRATION.
VICTOR
(FALSE BRIGHTNESS)
Well, actually ... now that you
mention it ... I think she would.
Yes. I do believe she would. In
fact, since we're, you know, m...
married ... you should definitely
meet her. And my father too. You
should meet both my parents!
Victor waits nervously for her reaction.
Slowly, a big smile comes over Corpse Bride's face.
CORPSE BRIDE
What a fantastic idea! Let's go
find them. Where are they buried?
VICTOR
Oh, there is one slight problem ...
CORPSE BRIDE
What is it?
VICTOR
They're not from around here.
(CONTINUED)
··------·.
CONTINUED;
CORPSE BRIDE
Where are they?
Victor points toward the ceiling.
CORPSE BRIDE
They're still alive?
VICTOR
I'm afraid so.
CORPSE BRIDE
(CRUSHED)
That is a problem.
33.
GUT TO:
EXT. VAN DORT HOUSE (LAND OF THE LIVING) - NIGHT
Mayhew sits on the carriage, SNEEZING, COUGHINGin the
pouring rain.
GUT TO:
INT. VAN DORT DRAWINGROOM- NIGHT
RAIN HAMMERSon the WINDOW. Nell WHIMPERSinto a big
handkerchief.
NELL
They're the best family for miles
and we were going to marry into
them. Their manners and
breeding -- were going to be our
manners and breeding! They're
related to a Duke.
(her voice breaks)
A Duke!
WILLIAM
And we've lost a son, of course.
NELL
(DISMISSIVE)
Oh yes. That too.
WILLIAM
But we haven't lost all hope.
NELL
How so?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED;
WILLIAM
The Everglots agreed to have their
daughter marry .Q.U.r son.
NELL
Yes, I recall!
WILLIAM
But we never specified which son.
Nell looks at him, perplexed. Has he lost his mind?
NELL
We only have one son!
WILLIAM
Or do we?
NELL
We do!
34.
With a wait-one-moment finger, William leaves the room.
He returns a beat later, holding a broom dressed in a
dinner jacket, complete with a top hat perched on the
straw.
WILLIAM
May I introduce Reginald Van Dort!
NELL
He's a broom!
WILLIAM
He's tidy!
NELL
He's flammable!
WILLIAM
And Victor isn't? Dear wife, with
the proper flame, we all burn to
cinders.
NELL
And we Hi.l..l burn to
don't find Victor! cinders if we
Ooooh!
She storms out of the room.
WILLIAM
(to the broom)
Your mother's very fragile.
CUT TO;
35.
INT. VICTORIA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Victoria is alone. She is sewing her quilt -- it now
covers an entire armchair and is looking slightly more
unhinged. She seems sadder and lonelier than ever.
Finally, she stands up and throws on a heavy shawl.
great effort, she pushes up the window and leans on
sill, looking out into the rainy night.
CUT TO;
WITH
THE
INT. ELDER'S STUDY (LAND OF THE DEAD) - LATER
The study is stacked ceiling to floor with crumbling
books, scrolls, charts and strange, medieval, scientific
instruments. Rickety shelves bend under the weight of
mysterious jars and boxes. Crows perch in the rafters.
The whole place is frosted with bird droppings, and the
dust of untold centuries. It's Leonardo Da Vinci meets
Sanford and Son.
ELDER GUTKNECHT is an ANCIENT, GNARLED SKELETON, as bent
and twisted as a tree root. He wears a scholarly cap and
wire-rimmed glasses.
Victor and Corpse Bride plead with him as he wanders
between the stacks, removing something from one pile and
carefully placing it on another.
CORPSE BRIDE
... please, Elder Gutknecht,
surely there must be something you
can do?
ELDER GUTKNECHT
Why go up when you can stay down
here? People are dying to get in.
Victor and Corpse Bride exchange a look.
VICTOR
It's very important she meet my
family. Just a quick hello and
we'll be right back.
CORPSE BRIDE
(TO VICTOR)
I'm so glad you thought of this.
A twinge of guilt comes across Victor's face.
Elder Gutknecht rubs his head in thought, causing a
shower of dust to drift off him. Suddenly, inspiration!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
I have it!
spell!
A what?
Of course!
ELDER GUTKNECHT
A Ukranian haunting
VICTOR
CORPSE BRIDE
36.
Elder Gutknecht shuffles to a stepladder affixed to his
bookshelf.
Corpse Bride and Victor watch as he hoists himself up
each step, knocking books off the shelf as he goes.
At the top of the ladder he struggles to reach for a
particularly large book.
VICTOR
(HASTILY)
Allow me, sir.
Victor retrieves the book and drops it on Elder
Gutknecht's desk.
ELDER GUTKNECHT
(climbing down from
LADDER)
It's just the thing for these
quick trips. None of the fuss of
corporeal travel.
VICTOR
Such a thing is possible?
ELDER GUTKNECHT
Certainly. But not needed here.
Now, let's see ...
He flips through the pages. Corpse Bride and Victor lean
closer, slightly touching one another. They are so
intent on the book they don't notice.
ELDER GUTKNECHT
It certainly is dusty.
What Gutknecht doesn't realize is that most of the dust
comes from him.
ELDER GUTKNECHT
Ahh! Here. And we have
everything we need.
(CONTINUED)
37.
CONTINUED:
He takes a strange speckled egg from a bowl on his desk.
He begins MUMBLINGa spell, then suddenly looks up.
ELDER GUTKNECHT
Ready?
VICTOR
No! I don't understand how ...
ELDER GUTKNECHT
Just remember, when you want to
come back, just say 'hopscotch.'
VICTOR
Hopscotch?
ELDER GUTKNECHT
That's it.
Elder Gutknecht suddenly CRACKSthe egg above their
heads. Instead of a yolk, a strange, sparkling powder
falls out.
The moment it touches Victor and Corpse Bride, they
instantly collapse.
TRANSITION TO:
EXT. ABANDONEDCEMETERY(LAND OF THE LIVING) - NIGHT
Victor blinks, bewildered. As the sparkling dust clears,
he finds himself standing in the middle of a graveyard,
Corpse Bride at his side.
CORPSE BRIDE
I had forgotten how beautiful the
moonlight is ...
She leans over to a tree, trying to gather a branch in
her hand. But her fingers pass right through it.
Confused, Victor reaches out. His fingers pass through
it too.
VICTOR
Is this a dream?
CORPSE BRIDE
No, it's real. Everything's real
except us. You and I are just
phantoms.
(CONTINUED)
38.
CONTINUED:
Laughing, she glides around the trunk. She dances around
the clearing, disappearing behind the black columns and
reappearing again.
Victor is transfixed by the vision of her dancing, her
dress flowing around her like smoke in the cold light of
the moon.
She comes back to him.
CORPSE BRIDE
Which house is yours?
Victor looks around. To the left, he sees his own house,
with one gable. To the right, he sees the Everglots'
two-gabled mansion.
After a beat of hesitation, he points to the Everglots.
VICTOR
It's right up there.
(QUICKLY
IMPROVISING)
Why don't I sort of go first,
and ... prepare them. You wait
here.
CORPSE BRIDE
Perfect!
Victor runs toward the house atop the hill.
We STAY BEHIND with the Bride as she dances on
gravestones. After a few beats, Black Widow and Maggot
crawl out.
BLACK WIDOW
You are a very trusting bride.
MAGGOT
She is warmhearted.
BLACK WIDOW
But we're all cold-blooded now.
CORPSE BRIDE
Not Victor.
BLACK WIDOW
No. Not Victor. He's back in the
Land of the Living. And I'm sure
he has a l..a.t. to catch up on.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
MAGGOT
What are you implying?
BLACKWIDOW
Out of sight, out of mind. Out of
mind ... out of the picture.
39.
Corpse Bride looks over at the two-gabled house in the
distance.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. EVERGLOTMANSION- NIGHT
Victor approaches the house cautiously, not sure what to
expect. Then he spies two silhouettes in one of the
downstairs windows.
He carefully approaches.
FINIS (O.S.)
(SILHOUETTE)
If I ever get my hands on that Van
Dort boy, I'll strangle him with
my bare hands.
INT. EVERGLOTDRAWINGROOM- CONTINUOUSACTION
MAUDELINE
Your hands are too fat, and his
neck is too thin. You'll have to
use a rope!
FINIS
Hmmmf.
BACK TO VICTOR
Startled, he creeps back away. He nearly gives up
altogether, when he notices a --
ANGLE - LIGHT
In an upstairs window.
BACK TO SCENE
With the courage of the damned, he reaches for a rickety
trellis, hoping to climb it. But his hands pass right
through it.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED;
Drat!
Think,
VICTOR
There must be a way.
Victor, think!
40.
As he wracks his brain, we notice his shoes have floated
up off the ground.
VICTOR
The skeleton called it a haunting
spell. That would make me a ...
ghost.
Only now does he realize that he's floated up to the
second level. He can look in the window.
CUT TO;
INT. VICTORIA'S BEDROOM- NIGHT
Victoria sits in her armchair, frantically stitching away
at her quilt.
She hears a WHISTLE. She turns to see Victor on her
balcony -- muddy, disheveled, his jacket torn, his hair
wild. She rushes over and opens the French doors.
Victor enters.
VICTOR
VICTORIA --
VICTORIA
Victor! Oh, it is such joy to see
you. What's happened to you!
(BEAT)
Your coat --
VICTOR
(DESPERATE)
Victoria, you have to help me.
VICTORIA
You cannot know what they have
been saying ...
Suddenly Victor freezes with horror. He is facing the
window, and he alone sees ...
Corpse Bride's SKELETAL ARM appearing over the railing of
the balcony.
Victor lets out a panicked gasp.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
He quickly steps in front of the window, so Victoria
won't see the bride.
VICTORIA
Victor, what's wrong?
VICTOR
(HASTILY)
I seem to find myself married.
And you should know it's
unexpected.
41.
Corpse Bride heaves the rest of herself over the edge of
the balcony, losing a leg in the process. She grabs the
leg to reattach it.
Corpse Bride, distracted with fixing her leg back on,
doesn't notice Victoria.
CORPSE BRIDE
(MERRILY)
Oh dear, and I did so want to make
a good impression! I couldn't
wait, darling. I wanted to
meet ...
Now she sees Victoria, and freezes.
Both women stare at each other. Corpse Bride, puzzled,
goes up to Victor, putting a possessive hand on his arm.
CORPSE BRIDE
Darling? Who is this?
As her hand rests on his arm, Victoria sees the RING.
VICTORIA
(STUNNED)
Victor! Who ... What is this?
VICTOR
Victoria, wait, you don't
UNDERSTAND --
(DESPERATELY)
I can assure you it's not what you
think. She's dead! Look!
He grabs the Corpse Bride's bony arm, flapping it for
emphasis.
Victoria SCREAMS.
CORPSE BRIDE
Who is she?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
VICTOR
Victoria Everglot. The girl I'm
supposed to marry.
Suddenly there's a POUNDINGon the bedroom door.
MAUDELI NE
(behind the door)
Victoria! What's going on in
there! Open this door at once!
Finis, get the key!
CORPSE BRIDE
(TO VICTOR)
You tricked me!
She grabs him tightly around the chest.
CORPSE BRIDE
Hopscotch!
VICTOR
What? (realizing)
Wait! No!
Suddenly, Corpse Bride and Victor begin to fade.
VICTOR
Victoria, you have to help me!
He reaches out to her. Their fingers nearly touch,
before Victor completely disappears.
CUT TO:
INT. ELDER'S STUDY (LAND OF THE DEAD) - PERPETUAL
TWILIGHT
42.
Elder Gutknecht sits at his desk when suddenly Corpse
Bride and Victor awaken on the floor. She pushes herself
up.
CORPSE BRIDE
You lied to me! Just to get back
to that other woman.
Victor stands there, guilty as charged.
VICTOR
(MISERABLY)
Don't you understand? You are the
other woman.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
No!
THE
CORPSE BRIDE
(more hurt than
FURIOUS NOW)
You're married to me!
other woman.
43.
SHE'S
Corpse Bride bursts into tears. Unsure of what to do,
Victor turns to the Elder for support.
ELDER GUTKNECHT
( SHRUGGING HIS
SHOULDERS)
She's got a point.
CORPSE BRIDE
( SOBBING)
Oh, and I thought ... I thought
this was all going so well ...
Her eye plops out with the force of her weeping. Victor
picks it up and hands it back to her.
VICTOR
Look, I'm sorry but ... this just
can't work.
CORPSE BRIDE
(putting her eye
BACK IN)
Why not?
(SELF-CONSCIOUSLY)
It's my eye, isn't it?
VICTOR
No ... your eye is fine.
Really?
CORPSE BRIDE
(BLINKING)
VICTOR
Yes. Listen, under different
circumstances, well, who knows.
But, we're just .t.o.o. different. I
mean, you're dead.
CORPSE BRIDE
You should have thought about that
before you asked me to marry you.
VICTOR
Why can't you understand? It was
a mistake! I would never marry
you!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
The words sting. Corpse Bride dejectedly lowers her
head. She turns and walks out of the Elder's study,
leaving Victor standing there, feeling like a heel.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEY WAY (LAND OF THE DEAD) - LATER
44.
Corpse Bride walks down the alley. She reaches into a
hidden pocket of her gown, and pulls out a dried,
crumbling wedding bouquet. Petals drift off it.
CORPSE BRIDE
Roses for eternal love ... lilies
for sweetness ... baby's breath ...
She drops the bouquet on the ground and walks off.
Victor stands in the shadows, watching the Corpse Bride
walk away. He follows, but keeps a good distance back.
Black Widow and Maggot are perched on the bride's
shoulders. As the bride wipes off a tear, we see that
the moisture floats away like feather down.
BLACK WIDOW
Forget him. He's not worth the
tears, darling.
MAGGOT
But what tears they are! Strong
and wispy!
CORPSE BRIDE
(IGNORING)
I can't compete with that woman.
She has everything he wants.
Including a pulse.
BLACK WIDOW
Nonsense!
MUSIC RISES for a song, "Break My Heart."
BLACK WIDOW
All she has is life,
You have everything after!
All she has is blood and hair,
You have glorious laughter!
As Black Widow and Maggot get into it, they start
swinging around the bride, flying on spider web lines.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
MAGGOT
All she has is colour,
Which fades with every day.
The best in you is black and
white,
And shades of blue-ish grey!
Corpse Bride smiles, despite herself.
BLACK WIDOW
Famine, death and pestilence,
Haven't troubled you in years,
The best part of being dead,
Is burying your fears.
MAGGOT
Everyone, eventually,
Dies and rots and stinks,
Victor, he will too, one day.
No matter what he thinks.
CORPSE BRIDE
He thinks I'm a monster.
MAGGOT
You .a..u:_ a monster. A beautiful
monster.
BLACKWIDOW
So start acting like one.
45.
A little inspired, Corpse Bride takes on a verse:
CORPSE BRIDE
Cut me with a knife,
I feel nothing.
MAGGOT
Exactly!
CORPSE BRIDE
Burn me with a flame,
I'll keep smiling just the same.
BLACKWIDOW
As well you should!
CORPSE BRIDE
Cupid shot his arrow
At my only living part.
So if you want to hurt me,
Break my heart.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
Wait, what?
again!
46.
MAGGOT
No! It got sad
Black Widow and Maggot try to salvage the can-do spirit
of the song, but Corpse Bride keeps shooting it down.
WIDOW/MAGGOT/BRIDE
Remember ...
All she has is life,
You have everything after!
What good is an afterlife
When love is a disaster?
All she has is colour,
Which fades with every day.
Like an ink-stain soaked and
scrubbed,
I'll gladly fade away.
The best part of being dead ...
Is feeling not a thing.
But everyone, eventually ...
Feels love's cruelest sting.
Black Widow and Maggot are at a loss.
continues her sad lament, they retreat
cage.
As the Bride
inside her rib
CORPSE BRIDE
Cut me with a knife,
I feel nothing!
Burn me with a flame,
I'll keep smiling just the same.
Cupid shot his arrow
At my only living part.
So if you want to hurt me,
Break my heart.
As Corpse Bride walks off, we COME UPON Victor, who's
heard the whole song. He feels terrible.
TRANSITION TO:
INT. VICTORIA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Victoria, wide-eyed and disheveled, paces
Hildegarde tries desperately to calm her.
watches her with unamused disdain.
VICTORIA
It's true, Mother! Victor's
married to a dead woman! I saw
her! A corpse! Standing right
here, with Victor!
the room.
MAUDE LINE
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
MAUDELINE
(GASPING)
Victor was in your room!? The
scandal!
HILDEGARDE
Miss Victoria, dear, let Hilde fix
you a nice cuppa tea. Come sit in
your chair ...
I can't sit!
He came here
VICTORIA
I have to help him!
to ask for my help!
HILDEGARDE
Come sit by the fire, dearie,
you're shakin' like a leaf. Let
Hilde fetch you a blanket.
MAUDELINE
Fetch her a straightjacket. She's
completely mad!
47.
Annoyed, Maudeline turns on her heel and exits.
Hildegarde leads Victoria to a chair and drapes a blanket
across her shoulders.
VICTORIA
A corpse in a wedding gown, with
my ring on her finger. It was
awful!
HILDEGARDE
Truly awful, Miss Victoria. A
corpse in a wedding gown! I've
heard tell of such things. Don't
worry, dearie, we'll save Master
Van Dort from the clutches of
darkness.
Hildegarde exits the room, closing the door firmly behind
her.
CUT TO;
EXT. VICTORIA'S BALCONY - LATER
Victoria, with the blanket
stands out on the balcony.
She hesitates, then climbs
trellis.
wrapped over her like a hood,
The rain is falling hard.
over the railing and down the
Hildegarde is waiting for her at the bottom, with an
umbrella at the ready.
\
' ~---
48.
EXT. EVERGLOT MANSION - CONTINUOUS ACTION - RAIN
Victoria and Hildegarde hurry across the village square
in the POURING RAIN.
EXT. PASTOR GALSWELLS' HOME - NIGHT (RAIN)
Pastor Galswells, his towering Pope-hat, now flopped
forward like a night cap, answers a KNOCK on his door to
discover Victoria and Hildegarde.
PASTOR GALSWELLS
(APPALLED)
Miss Everglot! What are you doing
here! You should be at home
prostrate with grief!
HILDEGARDE
We sought the advice of a man of
the cloth.
VICTORIA
Pastor Galswells, I have to ask
you something.
PASTOR GALSWELLS
This is most irregular!
VICTORIA
Please, I beg of you! Tell me,
can the living marry the dead?
PASTOR GALSWELLS
What on earth are you speaking
about?
VICTORIA
Please, Pastor Galswells! It's
Victor! He needs our help! He's
married to a corpse! He has a
Corpse Bride!
Pastor Galswells looks at her piercingly.
VICTORIA
undoThere must be some
what's been done.
one who would know
WAY TO
YOU'RE
how!
THE ONLY
Seeing the Pastor's distrust ...
HILDEGARDE
I've known this girl her whole
life, ain't never once lied.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
PASTOR GALSWELLS
I believe I know the thing to do.
Come with me .
Victoria and Hildegarde gratefully follow him.
CUT TO:
EXT. LARGE HOME - NIGHT (RAIN)
49.
CLOSE ON a large imposing door and Pastor Galswells' fist
BANGING on it.
We PULL BACK to reveal it's Victoria's own front door.
She squirms desperately to escape as Pastor Galswells
holds her firmly.
VICTORIA
No! Please. You must believe me!
The Butler answers, with Maudeline and Finis right behind
him.
MAUDELINE
(HORRIFIED)
Good Lord. What on earth is this
about! Victoria! Where are your
corsets?!
Victoria struggles wildly. She's muddy and disheveled,
looking more and more, in fact, crazy.
PASTOR GALSWELLS
She is speaking in tongues! Of
unholy alliances! Her mind has
come undone, I fear, led perhaps
by this strange woman.
He's referring to ...
MAUDELINE
Hildegarde!
... who stands sheepishly behind them.
FINIS
Good heavens.
She and Finis drag Victoria in.
(CONTINUED)
·."-..__.
CONTINUED:
MAUDELINE
Thank, you, Pastor Galswells.
Thank you so much. Hildegarde,
you may get started on breakfast!
50.
Maudeline and Finis close the door as Pastor Galswells
bows with a judgmental scowl.
CUT TO:
INT. EVERGLOTENTRYWAY- NIGHT
Maudeline bolts the door and hands Victoria over to the
Butler.
VICTORIA
Mother, Father, please ...
listen ...
The Butler escorts a weeping Victoria up the stairs.
Maudeline leans against the wall, clutching her heart.
MAUDELINE
Will the mortification never
cease?
She looks in agony, toward the portrait of the Duke.
MAUDELINE
What would the Duke have said?
(slowly, in growing
HORROR)
And the relatives en route as we
speak! They've R.S.V.P. 'd. It's
too late! Oh, won't the villagers
just gloat! It will be years
before we can show ourselves in
public again! What shall we do?
FINIS
We shall continue as planned, with
or without Vincent.
MAUDELINE
Victor.
FINIS
Whatever.
CUT TO:
51.
INT. THE VAN DORTS' CARRIAGE - DAY
The Van Dort CARRIAGE CLATTERS along the cobblestone
streets through the POURING RAIN. Mayhew sits, wet and
miserable, his hacking cough reverberating.
Seated within, Nell and William continue their search for
Victor. William peers out the window on one side as Nell
looks out the other, scanning the vicinity with a pair of
opera glasses. From outside, in the driver's seat, comes
the sound of Mayhew's RASPING COUGH.
NELL
Did you hear the latest gossip?
Our son, married to a corpse,
she's saying.
WILLIAM
Stark raving mad. Frankly, my
dear, perhaps we're better off out
of it.
A pause.
WILLIAM
Of course, we're the ones with the
son married to the corpse.
NELL
William, don't be ridiculous.
What corpse would marry him?
WILLIAM
At least we have one dependable
son.
He gestures to the suit-wearing broom, who is
across from them. Nell rolls her eyes.
NELL
(BANGING CEILING)
Faster, Mayhew! And silence that
blasted coughing!
Mayhew suddenly stops coughing.
WILLIAM
(LOOKING THROUGH
the opera glasses)
Oh, where can the ninny have gone
to?
CUT
SITTING
TO:
52.
EXT. PUB (LAND OF THE DEAD)- PERPETUAL TWILIGHT
Victor walks toward the pub entrance, holding the dried
bouquet. Two skeletons push past him, carrying a table.
INT. PUB - CONTINUOUSACTION
Victor enters. Most of the tables have been moved
outside for the wedding feast. It's quiet and still, a
"closing time" vibe.
The place is empty except for a skeleton who sweeps the
floor, and Mrs. Plum, who pushes a cart of dirty dishes
into the kitchen. Up on the stage, Corpse Bride sits,
PLINKING sadly on the old piano.
VICTOR
(walks up to her)
I ... I think you dropped this.
Without looking up she takes the flowers.
VICTOR
I'm sorry. I'm sorry I lied to
you about wanting to see my
parents. Truth is, I'm happier
not to see them.
Corpse Bride doesn't respond. The Maggot pops out of her
ear.
MAGGOT
Oh, save it for the living girls,
Vic. I think you've said quiet
enough already.
The Black Widow emerges. They perch on her shoulders,
one on either side.
VICTOR
I never meant to ...
BLACK WIDOW
I've had dozens of husbands, and
none of them as heartless as you.
You should be ashamed.
VICTOR
But, I. ..
MAGGOT
You're married now and there's
nothing that anyone can do about
it. You might as well get used to
it.
(CONTINUED)
\ ...__
CONTINUED:
CORPSE BRIDE
Don't bother. You can't force him
to like me.
VICTOR
53.
But I do like you. Truly. It's
just this whole evening hasn't
gone quite, well, according to
plan.
After a beat, Victor sits down on the bench next to her.
He starts playing along. Corpse Bride looks up at him,
surprised, but keeps playing, as he improvises.
It's nothing fancy, just simple fun like "chopsticks."
Something Victor would never have played in the company
of others before.
The music picks up as they play. It's almost like a
"Dueling Banjos" thing: Corpse Bride plays a riff, and
Victor echoes it back with an unexpected spin.
They're starting to truly enjoy themselves.
Corpse Bride takes a solo, her skeletal hand breaking
free from her wrist and running on its fingers down the
length of the keyboard. It dances there, doing a little
"soft shoe" melody before the Corpse Bride, laughing,
picks up her hand and snaps it back into place.
CORPSE BRIDE
(GIGGLING)
Pardon my enthusiasm.
VICTOR
(SHYLY)
I like your enthusiasm.
An awkward beat. Victor and Corpse Bride look at each
other.
Suddenly a LOUD CRASH is heard from the kitchen. Scraps
comes running out through the door with Mrs. Plum in
pursuit.
MRS. PLUM
Who let that filthy beast in my
kitchen!
We FOLLOWScraps and Mrs. Plum out into the village
square.
\
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE - SAME TIME
The place is bustling as the Dead prepare for the
upcoming party.
54.
Bonejangles and the Skeletones, who have been warming up,
break into SONG to inspire the hard-working crowd.
This leads to a "spontaneous" musical number in which
skeletons stagger back and forth arranging heavy tables
as steaming platters are laid out with tightly
choreographed precision, like a Busby Berkeley musical.
Mrs. Plum leads the singing, (think "Everybody Eats When
They Come to My House" by Cab Calloway) as the trays of
odd, gnarled "food" hit the table. The whole village
gets into the act, arranging dead flowers and hanging
decorations.
Paul the Head Waiter scurries between people's feet,
darting from place to place, supervising the activities.
As the MUSIC continues, Corpse Bride, feeling her old
cheerful self again, gazes at the party preparations
swirling around her. Her eyes settle on Victor, in his
filthy, tattered jacket.
She studies him carefully, shaking her head.
Black Widow emerges from Corpse Bride's ear and WHISTLES.
Suddenly, dozens of fellow spiders descend from above and
land on Victor. Victor closes his eyes in horror.
Without missing a beat, the spiders swarm over him. They
repair his tattered suit in Land of the Dead style. The
plain, austere fabric is now interwoven with glistening
spider webs, and glows with a sinister elegance.
Victor opens his eyes and looks down in astonishment.
Corpse Bride beams as party preparation, and the MUSIC,
reach fever pitch.
A group of skeletons stagger under the weight of a
grotesque, towering wedding cake, decorated with tangled
roots and spider webs.
It tilts and sways precariously from side to side. It's
so massive that skeletons dance on the first three
layers. Mrs. Plum, on top of the cake, puts the
finishing touches on as the MUSIC ENDS, giving way to
excited chatter and applause.
The excitement is interrupted by the clamor of --
A BELL RINGING.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
PAUL THE HEAD WAITER (O.S.)
Coming through, coming through!
New arrival!
55.
He ushers in the new arrival, a confused-looking elderly
man. It is Mayhew, the Van Darts' coachman.
VICTOR
Mayhew!
MAYHEW
Young Victor!
VICTOR
How nice to see you!
(REALIZING WHAT
THIS MEANS)
Er, I mean, I'm so sorry ...
MAYHEW
(looking around,
WONDERINGLY)
So ... so peaceful! No one barkin'
orders at me night and day. Oh,
pardon me, Master Van Dort.
VICTOR
No, no, I understand. How is
everyone?
MAYHEW
All right, I suppose.
still wonderin' where
off to. Oh, and Miss
Yes?
VICTOR
(INSTANTLY)
MAYHEW
THEY'RE
YOU SLIPPED
VICTORIA --
She's getting married this
evening.
VICTOR
What? Married to whom?
MAYHEW
Barkis Bittern.
VICTOR
(SHOCKED)
B-Barkis Bittern!? The Everglots'
lawYer?
(CONTINUED)
··....___.
\"-- .
\-.....___,
CONTINUED;
MAYHEW
Aye, with you gone and all. They
didn't want to waste the cake.
VICTOR
Barkis Bittern? But ... But, how
could she?
MAYHEW
Time to pick up the pieces and
move on, I suppose.
SKELETON (O.S.)
Hey, mate! Speakin' of pickin' up
the pieces ... come give us a hand
with this table!
MAYHEW
So much for 'eternal rest.'
He walks off to help as Victor digests this new
56.
information. The Corpse Bride watches Victor with
growing concern -- his thoughts have already returned to
Victoria.
DISSOLVE TO;
INT. VICTORIA'S BEDROOM (LAND OF THE LIVING) - SAME
TIME
Finis and Maudeline speak to a pale, trembling Victoria.
MAUDELINE
That's enough, Victoria. The
wedding has been planned for
months. All my relatives, direct
descendants of the Duke, are
probably in their carriages right
this moment!
(DISMISSIVE)
This is just a small change. It
won't make any difference.
VICTORIA
(FAINTLY)
But, mother ...
FINIS
(INTERRUPTING)
Barkis will make a fine husband.
VICTORIA
I don't love Barkis.
(CONTINUED)
''-...___-
CONTINUED:
And I remind
irrelevant!
ACCORDING TO
MAUDELINE
you, that is
The wedding is on,
plan.
They close the door, sealing her in the room.
CUT TO:
57.
INT. EVERGLOT DRAWING ROOM - DAY
Barkis stands proudly in front of the mirror, lips curled
into an arrogant sneer, as Hildegarde hovers around him,
pins in her mouth, making adjustments to the high-
collared wedding suit.
Barkis' sneer quickly transforms into an obsequious smile
as Finis enters the room.
BARKIS
I must thank you again, sir, for
the unexpected honor of ...
FINIS
(STRAIGHTENING
his own tie
in the mirror)
Cut the small talk. You're an
Everglot now, and Everglots do not
mince words. I expect this
wedding to come off without a
hitch. Do I make myself clear?
BARKIS
Absolutely, sir. Without a hitch.
Crystal clear, sir.
FINIS
Excellent.
BARKIS
(PIOUSLY)
I shall not disappoint you, sir.
(POINTEDLY)
Most certainly not in remembering
my vows.
He jumps as Hildegarde has, apparently by accident, poked
him with a pin. He glares at her. She looks back at
him, the soul of innocence. Barkis returns his gaze to
the mirror, and smiles approvingly at his own reflection.
CUT TO:
',,.___.
EXT. TOWNSQUARE (LAND OF THE DEAD) - PERPETUAL
TWILIGHT
58.
The party is about to begin. Corpse Bride is putting on
the finishing touches, when Elder Gutknecht approaches
her.
ELDER GUTKNECHT
Very good indeed. I've always
thought people worried too much
about the ceremony and not enough
about the celebration.
CORPSE BRIDE
Well, it was a very quick
ceremony.
She tucks a dead flower in his lapel.
ELDER GUTKNECHT
As it should be. In my day, we
didn't bother with cups and
candles. Rubbish, all of it. How
does anyone keep it straight when
they say their vows?
CORPSE BRIDE
(PLAYFULLY)
Lucky for me, I didn't have to. I
was rather silent!
Elder Gutknecht stops. Dust drifts off him.
ELDER GUTKNECHT
Excuse me?
CORPSE BRIDE
(a little more
HESITANTLY)
I was rather silent?
ELDER GUTKNECHT
You didn't say your vows?
No ... ?
CORPSE BRIDE
(FRIGHTENED NOW)
ELDER GUTKNECHT
But, my child, you must both say
the vows for the marriage to be
binding.
They stare at each other.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
CORPSE BRIDE
(SLOWLY)
What are you saying?
ELDER GUTKNECHT
My dear, you're not really
married. He's free to go.
59.
Corpse Bride looks around wildly at all the wedding feast
preparations, the crowds of the Dead, already beginning
to congregate, and at Victor, now wild and handsome, with
Boots trotting alongside. She looks back at Elder
Gutknecht, distraught.
ELDER GUTKNECHT
The moment he realizes he's not
really married, he'll simply drift
back.
CORPSE BRIDE
But surely. . . surely there's some
way to fix this? Please help me!
ELDER GUTKNECHT
You'll have to complete the
ceremony by saying your vows.
CORPSE BRIDE
I'll say them right now!
Elder Gutknecht shakes his head.
What?
CORPSE BRIDE
(DISTRESSED)
ELDER GUTKNECHT
His vows were spoken in the land
above. You too, must say your
vows among the living.
Corpse Bride stares at him. Her knees wobble.
CORPSE BRIDE
We'll never get up there without
him knowing. If he finds out ...
He'll leave! How can I explain
it?
The Elder scratches his skull, wafting a faint cloud of
dust.
(CONTINUED)
\_,.-
CONTINUED:
ELDER GUTKNECHT
Perhaps, my dear, it is time to
accept that some things are not
meant to be.
CORPSE BRIDE
I've been waiting my whole life,
and my whole after-life for this!
I'm not giving up now. We're
going up there. And we're going
up now.
ELDER GUTKNECHT
Wait. Please be reasonable ...
Even if I could allow it, you said
yourself he'd be suspicious.
CUT TO:
60.
EXT. TOWN SQUARE (LAND OF THE DEAD) - MOMENTSLATER
The Dead have gathered around the statue. Corpse Bride
is on top of the horse as she addresses the crowd.
CORPSE BRIDE
Listen up, people! Listen up!
There's been a change of venue!
Grab what you can and follow me.
We're moving this party.
SCISSORHEAD
Where?
CORPSE BRIDE
Upstairs!
The crowd reacts with surprised GASPS and confused
MURMURING...
FRESHLY-DEAD WOMAN
Upstairs? I didn't know we had an
upstairs here.
Why?
VICTOR
(SURPRISED)
CORPSE BRIDE
(TALKING FAST)
For the moonlight! I was thinking
we could ... repeat our vows up
there ... like the first time we
met. It would be so romantic ...
(CONTINUED)
61.
CONTINUED:
He listens to her rapid-fire, used-car salesman pitch.
CORPSE BRIDE
And you could say good-bye to
everyone properly ...
VICTOR
(RESIGNED)
If it means that much to you.
He smiles to Corpse Bride and extends his arm to her.
Corpse Bride beams, giddy with relief.
HANGEDMAN
Back among the living? Is it
possible?
SKELETONGIRL
Sounds creepy. Let's go.
The crowd CHEERS, and excitedly rush to gather up their
stuff. Elder Gutknecht looks very concerned.
ELDER GUTKNECHT
Oh, dear ...
The Dead Tinsmith straightens his tie, and combs the
single strand of hair on his head, trying to make himself
present ab le for the journey.
CUT TO:
NEWANGLE
Bonejangles and the Skeletons gather their instruments.
CUT TO:
ANOTHERANGLE
Black Widow and Maggot crawl out of Corpse Bride's ear,
pulling with them a gossamer sheet of fabric.
BLACK WIDOW
We thought you needed a proper
wedding veil.
CORPSE BRIDE
(GENUINELY TOUCHED)
Thank you.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
MAGGOT
It's woven from your tears. They
are so strong and wispy.
62.
CORPSE BRIDE
It's beautiful.
She starts to cry happy tears.
BLACK WIDOW
So now she wants a gown.
As the bugs put the veil on, we...
MATCHCUT TO:
INT. VICTORIA'S BEDROOM- EVENING
Another wedding veil, carried by Hildegarde. She enters,
finding Victoria slumped on the edge of her bed.
HILDEGARDE
(GENTLY)
Miss Victoria, we must leave for
the church ...
Victoria looks up. She's been crying.
VICTORIA
Yesterday, I thought my wedding
would be happy. Now I feel like
I'm caught in the tide, pulled out
to sea.
HILDEGARDE
The sea leads to many places,
dearie. Maybe you'll land
somewhere better.
BARKIS (O.S.)
(PRE-LAP)
With this hand I will lift your
sorrows. Your cup will never
empty, for I will be your wine.
INT. VILLAGE CHURCH- EVENING
CUT TO:
A somber, ponderous bleakness pervades, accentuated by
the sound of LUGUBRIOUSORGANMUSIC.
(CONTINUED)
63.
CONTINUED:
Victoria stands dully at the altar, wearing her austere
ivory wedding gown.
The portrait of the Duke has been brought to the church
and placed in a seat of honor, as if to witness the
ceremony.
Finis and Barkis wear formal wedding suits and towering
top hats.
BARKIS
With this candle, I will light
your way in darkness. With this
ring, I ask you to be mine.
He slides an ornate ring onto her finger.
The silent CROWDsits, stiff and starched in their grey
suits and dresses. Among them, we FIND Hildegarde.
Pastor Galswells nods at Victoria. With a deep breath,
she takes a candle from the table.
VICTORIA
(almost a whisper)
With this hand I will lift your
sorrows. Your cup will never
empty, for I will be your wine.
With this candle, I will light
your way in darkness. With this
ring, I ask you to be mine.
She slides a gold ring onto Barkis' chubby finger. He
offers a saccharine smile, as much for the crowd as
anyone.
PASTOR GALSWELLS
I now pronounce you, man and wife.
Barkis leans in for a kiss. Victoria turns her cheek at
the last moment, lest he kiss her lips.
TRANSITION TO:
INT. EVERGLOT DINING ROOM - NIGHT
THE DINNER
a funeral.
EVERYTHING
party is being held with all the formality of
Multiple salad forks. Finger bowls.
placed just so.
The only sound is the occasional TINKLE of GLASS and
SILVERWARE.
(CONTINUED)
64.
CONTINUED:
Maudeline is in her element, and works the crowd, who sit
chewing the bland meal like wax statues.
Barkis tries to take Victoria's hand, but she pulls away.
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE (LAND OF THE LIVING) - NIGHT
The village is still and quiet. The Town Crier is out
lighting the street lamps.
Then, the CLATTER of HOOVESon cobblestones. The Town
Crier looks up to see Van Dort's carriage coming over the
bridge, racing towards the village at breakneck speed.
It barrels through the gates and circles the square on
two wheels.
Shocked villagers peer from their windows.
The CARRIAGESMASHESinto the statue.
Resorting to his default behavior, the Town Crier pulls
out his BELL and starts RINGING.
TOWNCRIER
VAN DORT FAMILY CARRIAGECRASHES
IN VILLAGE SQUARE! NO SURVIVORS!
A beat later, the very shaken Van Dort parents emerge
from the cab in.
TOWNCRIER
TWO SURVIVORS!
WILLIAM
(EXPLAINING)
Our driver, Mayhew, expired while
at the reins.
NELL
Quite rude!
The Crier RINGS his BELL again.
TOWNCRIER
UNGRATEFULSURVIVORSBLAMEVICTIM!
WILLIAM
(to no one in
PARTICULAR)
So much for impartiality.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
TOWNCRIER
IN OTHER NEWS, THE DEADWALKTHE
EARTH!
65.
WHIP PAN BACK DOWNthe street,
CARNIVALis marching this way.
party, just arrived.
where a NOISY, JUBILANT
It's the dead wedding
INT. EVERGLOTDINING ROOM- NIGHT
Barkis Bittern stands, holding up his wine glass for a
toast. Normally, he'd have to wait for the room to grow
silent, but it's already library-quiet.
BARKIS
As many of you know, it was a
quick courtship for Victoria and
I. But love is like that --
spontaneous and unexpected.
Unbridled! Serendipity may have
brought us together, but no force
on Earth could ever tear us apart.
Just then, some of The Dead SMASHthrough the WINDOWS.
Amid the SCREAMS, the Hanged Man tries to restore calm.
HANGEDMAN
Sorry to bust in, but we need some
tables. We've got a celebration
of our own.
Skeletons and ghouls lift several tables, carrying them
right out the door, along with the plates and silver.
Amid the commotion, Victoria and Hildegarde run from the
room.
Maudeline strives gamely to maintain her composure, until
the Hanged Man lurches up to her and rips his head
through the painted portrait.
HANGEDMAN
We haven't been properly
introduced, have we? It's me!
The Duke!
He strikes the same heroic pose
frame hanging around his neck.
horrified silence.
as his portrait, the
There is a shocked and
Maudeline SCREAMS-- more from the horror of the
revelation than anything else.
(CONTINUED)
66.
CONTINUED:
MAUDELI NE
You ... the Duke?
HANGEDMAN
Darling, how do you think you got
this very grand house, and all
your lovely 'family heirlooms'?
Noticing Victoria's absence, Barkis goes looking for her.
HANGEDMAN
Come on, you stuffy buggers! The
real party's happening down the
hill!
CUT TO:
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE - NIGHT
It's been transformed beyond recognition into a brightly-
colored, pulsating party zone. The Green Grocer's racks
of lettuce heads are now skulls, while the skeleton
children run with bolts of fabric from the Widow Munch's
seamstress shop.
To the consternation of the watchmaker, Wellington is re-
setting all the CLOCKS to RING at once. Down the street,
Paul the Head Waiter leads a crew of ghouls through the
baker's shop, spraying frosting everywhere.
Amid this tumult, we FIND Corpse Bride and Victor. He
looks around, smiling.
VICTOR
I like this place better already.
Realizing the undead mean them no harm, The Living are
gradually warming up to the situation. Nell is swept
into the revelry, caught up dancing with the Dead Dwarf
General.
Pulling mother away, Victor introduces them to Corpse
Bride.
VICTOR
Mother, Father. This is Emily.
WILLIAM
(going with it)
Pleased to meet you.
.'----- NELL
What's your last name, Emily?
(CONTINUED)
\ .._
CONTINUED:
CORPSE BRIDE
Merrimack.
NELL
Why, the Merrimacks are a Yen
good family. Their grandfather
was an Earl!
WILLIAM
Well done, Victor!
CORPSE BRIDE
We're just about to get married ...
(QUICKLY)
67.
... again.
Up near the statue -- and the crashed carriage -- Elder
Gutknecht stands at a makeshift altar. Corpse Bride and
Victor join him.
Elder Gutknecht flips through his book.
ELDER GUTKNECHT
Let's skip the boilerplate and get
straight to the vows. Living
first.
Corpse Bride slips off her ring, and hands it to Victor.
VICTOR
With this hand I will lift your
sorrows. Your cup will never
empty, for I will be your wine.
With this candle, I will light
your way in darkness. With this
ring, I ask you to be mine.
He slides it back on her finger. She smiles, but there's
a trace of guilt there.
ELDER GUTKNECHT
Now, you.
CORPSE BRIDE
With this hand I will lift your
sorrows. Your cup will never
empty, for I will be your wine ...
As Corpse Bride speaks, she sees Victoria off to the
side, watching with quiet horror.
ELDER GUTKNECHT
Go on, my dear.
(CONTINUED)
68.
CONTINUED:
Shaken, Corpse Bride continues with her vows.
CORPSE BRIDE
With ... with this candle I will
light your way in darkness.
She pauses, then ...
She stops.
CORPSE BRIDE
With this ...
Victor looks puzzled, waiting for her to continue.
VICTOR
What's wrong?
The Corpse Bride looks up at Victor. She smiles as a
tear rolls down her tattered cheek.
CORPSE BRIDE
Ihi.Ji is wrong .
She takes off the ring and hands it to him. In her eyes
we see a sad tenderness for the fleeting love that almost
was, and an acceptance that it never could be.
CORPSE BRIDE
I love you, Victor, but you're not
mine. My dreams were taken from
me. Now I've stolen them from
someone else.
Only now does Victor follow her gaze across to...
VICTOR
Victoria!
She slowly walks towards them.
VICTORIA
I thought you H.e..r..e. married.
VICTOR
I heard you were too.
She holds up her hand, revealing the ornate wedding ring.
Corpse Bride reacts with alarmed confusion.
CORPSE BRIDE
Where did you get that ring!?
Barkis comes up behind his wife ...
(CONTINUED)
\,.,_____.,,'
CONTINUED:
BARKIS
Victoria, I ...
You! You were
strangled me.
CORPSE BRIDE
the highwayman who
You took my ring!
69.
Barkis looks over to the Everglots, and Pastor Galswells,
who have just arrived.
BARKIS
Nonsense. I'm a respected
attorney...
CORPSE BRIDE
The ring has my name on it. Check
the inscription.
Victoria pulls it off her finger, and reads the
INSCRIPTION:
VICTORIA
'For Emily, with all my love.'
With a sudden rage that surprises him, Victor launches
himself at Barkis.
VICTOR
Murderer!
He lands a few blows before Barkis sloughs him off.
Barkis makes a break for it, but suddenly finds
caught by one of Black Widow's sticky threads.
to the ground, where everyone pounces on him.
Victoria turns to Pastor Galswells.
VICTORIA
I want an annulment.
PASTOR GALSWELL
Done.
HIMSELF
HE FALLS
Victoria and Corpse Bride exchange their
is said, but the real hand-off is clear.
smiles at Victor.
rings. Nothing
CORPSE BRIDE
Meanwhile, there's still a tussle over Barkis. Both the
living and the dead want a piece of him.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
MAGGOT
You disgusting piece of filth! I
would not crawl through your
entrails!
70.
POLICEMEN pull Maggot off. They lift up Barkis, carrying
him away. This doesn't please the dead.
PAUL THE HEAD WAITER
We should have him! He hurt our
friend!
ELDER GUTKNECHT
It's their world, their rules. He
is living.
MAGGOT
Not forever.
Black Widow CALLS AFTER Barkis ...
BLACK WIDOW
We'll be seeing you.
Amid all the chaos, Corpse Bride simply walks away. We
settle on Victor and Victoria, watching her leave.
VICTORIA
I feel terrible for her. To lose
so much.
VICTOR
I think she's finally free.
EXT. VILLAGE FOOTBRIDGE - DAWN
CUT TO:
Corpse Bride crosses the bridge alone. Soon she is
obscured by the fog flowing around her.
EXT. FOREST - DAWN
As Corpse Bride moves through the trees, her veil catches
against the bark. She twists back on herself, slowly
spinning, caught up in the gossamer threads. Before
long, the veil has wrapped around her like a cocoon.
She's completely hidden inside. We see the cocoon
vibrate. A metamorphosis is clearly occurring.
Suddenly, the cocoon breaks open.
(CONTINUED)
71.
CONTINUED:
One hundred brilliant butterflies emerge, rising in the
wind.
Much like the start of the movie, we FOLLOWthem as they
fly. Their journey takes them back to...
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE- DAY
... where a wedding is taking place.
Victoria slides a ring over Victor's finger. As they
lean in for their kiss, they both notice the butterflies
overhead.
They watch them for a moment, somehow knowing.
FADE OUT.
THEEND
|
