BATMAN TRIUMPHANT by “The Guard” 2003 Batman created by … · BATCAVE-BATGIRL'S ARMORY A black gloved hand selects a BATPISTOL. CUT TO: INT. BATCAVE-MAIN CHAMBER Steam rises

BATMAN TRIUMPHANT

by “The Guard”

2003

Batman created by Bob Kane

The WARNER BROTHERS logo appears onscreen.

Ominous notes sound.

The logo morphs into a Bat-Emblem. Dark skies fade in around it.

Brilliant blue light emanates from the Bat-Emblem, blinding us.

BATMAN TRIUMPHANT

FADE IN

GOTHAM CITY-DUSK

An aerial view of Gotham.

Ancient architecture has mixed with the new millennium.

The result: architecture that combines stone cathedrals and shining towers of glass and steel. Hundreds of cars, taxis, and buses cruise along the streets below, and a siren echoes from somewhere.

SUPER TEXT:

GOTHAM CITY

CUT TO:

EXT. FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF GOTHAM-DUSK

A huge stone building set behind a large set of stone stairs. The bank building has a windowless exterior, with wide glass entrance doors. Several GOTHAMITES are going in and out.

CUT TO:

INT. FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF GOTHAM

About 20 Gothamites are waiting in line in front of old-fashioned, gated bank windows. We can hear Classical music in the background.

CUT TO:

EXT. FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF GOTHAM-DUSK

A black Hummer pulls to a perfect stop in front of the bank. Almost on cue, the doors open, and seven THUGS climb out of the Hummer. All of them wear black leather and ski masks. Two of them have submachine guns.

2.

The other five have duffel bags and gas masks. The men turn as a back door on the vehicle starts to open.

FADE TO:


The front doors burst open and the seven thugs enter. Two of them lower their weapons at the citizens in the bank, who react with terror at the sight of them. The thugs spread out through the bank, holding customers at gunpoint. The front doors open and an eighth figure enters. The newcomer is tall and thin, and clad in a bizarre, makeshift costume of tattered brown rags. There is straw poking out of his trousers. A strange sackcloth mask with two slit-like eyeholes is pulled over his head. The effect is that of a living scarecrow. An accurate description. When THE SCARECROW speaks, his harsh voice is muffled under the mask.

THE SCARECROWMasks!

The thugs pull their gas masks over their faces. The Scarecrow reaches into his mess of rags, finds a hidden pocket, and removes a small black remote control. He presses a button on the remote

Red gas starts to seep from the vents of the bank. At the sight of the gas, some of the bank's customers start screaming in fear. Several of them turn in circles, unsure of what to do or where to go. Some of them collapse onto the floor. Then the gas begins to take effect. Some of the people choke and gag. Others start to shake. Others scream.

A FRANTIC WOMAN is curled into a small ball, clawing at her hair.

FRANTIC WOMANSpiders! Get them off me!

In the corner of the bank, a LITTLE GIRL hugs a stuffed bear.

LITTLE GIRLNo, Mom! Don't shoot Dad!

The Scarecrow watches all this with an almost bored posture. Then, he looks at his thugs, who have spread out even more, menacing people with their guns. Two of them are nowhere to be found.

THE SCARECROWWhere's the bank manager?

3.

Two thugs drag a small, balding man in a business suit forward.

BANK MANAGEROmigod...

The Scarecrow looks down at the terrified man.

THE SCARECROWOpen the vault.

BANK MANAGERI can't...it's on a time-lock combination release. I need the other-

The Scarecrow raises a pistol into the air and aims it at the BANK MANAGER's face.

THE SCARECROWOpen the vault.

BANK MANAGERYes! Yes, all right!

The thugs drag the manager over to the fault, where the manager begins to turn the huge wheel that unlocks it.

The Scarecrow turns and watches some of the bank's customers. He straightens as he does. He seems to be feeding off their terror. He smiles beneath his mask, his dark eyes glittering in triumph.

THUG #1 (O.S.)The vault's open.

The Scarecrow turns toward his men and points at the huge vault on the other side of the bank.

THE SCARECROWGrab as much from the vault as time allows. Batman and his groupies will be here soon.

The thugs head into the vault with their duffel bags.

FADE TO:

4.

EXT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS-DUSK

A tall, ancient brownstone building of 10 stories. The classic police globes are mounted in front of the building. Officers, detectives, and civilians are going in and out.

CUT TO:

INT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS

Bustling offices. Officers are walking past with arrestees. Some detectives are talking over cups of coffee. Five women and a man are working the switchboards in a corner. One dispatch officer scowls and presses a button.

DISPATCH OFFICERRepeat that, please.

CUT TO:

INT. COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE

COMMISSIONER JAMES GORDON is sitting behind his desk (which is piled high with papers and assorted coffee cups), talking to someone on the phone.

GORDONI don't care what he said. I want him-

Gordon stops talking and looks up. A YOUNG OFFICER stands in the door. Gordon covers the phone with one hand. He scowls.

GORDONYes?

YOUNG OFFICERThere's a heist taking place at the First National Bank. Some freak in a mask. There are units there, waiting for backup. Could be a hostage situation.

Gordon scowls. He hangs up the phone.

GORDONLet's go.

Gordon rises and grabs his trenchcoat off a coathook. He slips it on as he follows the officer out through the offices of the Gotham Police Department.

CUT TO:

5.

INT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS

Gordon walks past an office cubicle, where a fat, black haired detective in a rumpled dress shirt is sitting at his desk, chewing on a pen, staring into space.

GORDONBullock, go up to the roof and activate the signal. And then meet me in the briefing room.

DETECTIVE HARVEY BULLOCK swivels toward Gordon and smiles.

BULLOCKCounting on the Batsquad?

GORDONThis is no time for jokes, Detective. Do it.

Bullock grumbles something, but he stands and heads for the roof as Gordon and the other officer leave the offices.

FADE TO:

EXT. WAYNE MANOR-DUSK

A huge stone manor, perched on a large estate looking over Gotham.

FADE TO:

WAYNE MANOR LAWN-DUSK

On the huge lawn behind the manor, BRUCE WAYNE and DICK GRAYSON are finishing a round of croquet. ALFRED PENNYWORTH and his niece BARBARA WILSON are watching from chairs on the side. Bruce lines up a shot. Dick is leaning on his croquet mallet.

BRUCEHow's college going?

DICKIt's going all right. Barbara and I are in a lot of the same classes.

Bruce nods, taking his shot. The ball goes right through the wicket. Bruce straightens.

BRUCEYou're dating.

6.

Dick looks surprised.

DICKUh...

Barbara looks up.

BARBARAYeah.

Alfred smiles.

ALFRED(chiding)

Isn't that nice, Master Bruce? Two love-birds.

Bruce nods.

BRUCEIf it doesn't interfere with business, then I'll be glad for them.

Alfred coughs. He looks at Barbara, who is staring at her laptop.

ALFREDWhat's that, Barbara?

Barbara looks up.

BARBARADebugging a program.

Dick smiles.

DICKShe's good with computers.

Bruce nods.

BRUCESo is Alfred. That's how she found out.

Alfred smiles.

ALFREDI think it was for the better, sir.

Bruce nods.

7.

Dick takes his shot, but the ball lands short of the wicket.

DICK(frustrated)

Ahhh!

Barbara giggles.

ALFREDHaving trouble, Master Dick?

Dick scowls.

DICKI'm not all that good at this.

Bruce smiles. He lines up his next shot. He takes it. The ball goes right through the wicket again. Dick frowns. Bruce smiles and turns to Barbara.

BRUCEHow's the apartment working out, Barbara?

Barbara looks up from her laptop.

BARBARAGreat. My friends still can't believe I got into The Clocktower.

ALFREDIt is quite exclusive.

DICKYou must know someone.

Barbara smiles. Bruce opens his mouth. Something catches his attention, and he closes his mouth and looks up. Steel fills his gaze, and his entire attitude changes. In a matter of seconds, Bruce sloughs off the image of a carefree billionaire as his grip tightens on his croquet mallet.

Dick, Barbara, and Alfred look up.

The BAT-SIGNAL floats on the clouds above Gotham, which can be seen in the distance. Bruce drops the mallet, turns and starts for the manor. Dick and Barbara exchange knowing looks and follow. Alfred picks up the discarded croquet mallets and follows them.

CUT TO:

8.

INT. WAYNE MANOR-LIVING ROOM

The procession pauses in front of a huge grandfather clock, which appears to be built into the wall. With a sense of tradition and purpose, Bruce reaches up and turns the hands of the clock to 10:45. There is a click, then a machine-like whirring, and the entire clock SEPARATES from the wall and ROTATES OUTWARD, revealing a hole in the wall, and behind it, a dark stairwell, hewn out of stone. Bruce Dick and Barbara enter, and walk down the flight of stone stairs.

CUT TO:

INT. BATCAVE-MAIN CHAMBER

Much larger than the last two films. It's been excavated a bit more to provide more room. But the familiar things are still there: The giant computer, the crime area, the vehicle recess. There are now three huge costume vaults in a triangular formation.

Bruce, Dick and Barbara split off into three directions after crossing the catwalk that leads over the vehicle recess, and walk into their respective vaults.

FADE TO:

INT. FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF GOTHAM-BANK VAULT

The Scarecrow watches as five of his thugs shove stacks of bills into their duffel bags. Two of the thugs are working together.

THUG #1How long does The Bat take?

THUG #2Hard to tell. Depends on-

THE SCARECROWMore action. Less talk, gentlemen.

THUG #1Yes, sir.

CUT TO:

INT. BATCAVE-BATMAN'S COSTUME VAULT

Black gloved hands SNAP a bat-shaped buckle closed.

CUT TO:

9.

INT. BATCAVE-ROBIN'S COSTUME VAULT

Black gloved hands SNAP a bird-shaped buckle closed.

CUT TO:

INT. BATCAVE-BATGIRL'S COSTUME VAULT

Black gloved hands SNAP a bat-shaped buckle closed.

CUT TO:

INT. BATCAVE-BATMAN'S COSTUME VAULT

A cape WHIPS open, revealing a black chestplate with a raised silver Bat-Emblem on a black field.

CUT TO:

INT. BATCAVE-ROBIN'S COSTUME VAULT

A cape WHIPS open, revealing a crimson chestplate with a raised gold "R" on a black oval field.

CUT TO:

INT. BATCAVE-BATGIRL'S COSTUME VAULT

A cape WHIPS open, revealing a black breastplate with a raised silver feminine Bat-Emblem.

CUT TO:

INT. BATCAVE-BATMAN'S ARMORY

A black gloved hand grabs a silver BATARANG.

INT. BATCAVE-ROBIN'S ARMORY


CUT TO:

INT. BATCAVE-BATGIRL'S ARMORY


CUT TO:

10.

INT. BATCAVE-BATMAN'S ARMORY

A black gloved hand selects a BATPISTOL.

CUT TO:

INT. BATCAVE-ROBIN'S ARMORY


CUT TO:

INT. BATCAVE-BATGIRL'S ARMORY


CUT TO:


Steam rises from the recess in the center of the cave as THE BATMOBILE rises from a lower level. The new Batmobile is a shorter, sleek black roadster with a sinister bat-head on the front, two scalloped fins, and a covered cockpit. The Batmobile levels off with the cave floor and begins rotating toward the access tunnel on the far wall.

BATMAN emerges from his costume vault. His latest Batsuit is all black, with a raised silver Bat-Emblem on a black field, and a black capsule belt with a silver, bat-shaped buckle. The suit has none of the frills that previous Batsuits have had. Batman's long black cape trails behind him as he climbs three metal stairs to reach the Batmobile's platform.

Batman strides toward The Batmobile (which has rotated to face the access tunnel) and vaults into the open cockpit. The cockpit slides shut around him.

CUT TO:

INT. BATMOBILE

Lights on the dashboard flare.

BEAT

BATMANIgnition.

The engine roars to life.

CUT TO:

11.


Turbines scream and The Batmobile rockets into the access tunnel, flame spewing from twin exhaust ports on it's rear. As the sound of the powerful machine dies out, ROBIN and BATGIRL emerge from their respective costume vaults.

Robin is clad in a crimson suit with a raised gold "R" on a black oval field over his left breast. He has a black and gold belt around his waist. Black boots, gloves, and a black cape with gold lining. A black domino mask completes the image.

Batgirl wears all black, with a raised feminine Bat-Emblem on her breastplate. She has a silver and black belt. Beautiful red hair spills out the back of her new cowl and falls to her shoulders. She wears knee high boots, and her cape is lined with silver.

Robin and Batgirl stride toward the vehicle recess and meet up.

BEAT

A large black pod rises from the vehicle recess. The two watch.

BATGIRLLove the new suit.

Robin nods.

ROBINI'm just glad we got rid of the nipples.

BEAT

BATGIRLI liked them.

The two crimefighters exchange glances as the pod splits open with a hiss, revealing THE REDBIRD and THE BATCYCLE.

Robin and Batgirl stride toward their respective vehicles and climb on. Both of them fire their engines at the same time. Lights on the vehicles' dashboards go from gold to green. The bikes roar.

BATGIRLFirst to the exit?

12.

ROBINYou're on.

BEAT

Engines roar, and the two vehicles rocket into the access tunnel.

CUT TO:

INT. BATCAVE ACCESS TUNNEL

The Batmobile rockets along.

CUT TO:


Robin and Batgirl are closing fast.

CUT TO:

INT. BATMOBILE

Police frequencies scroll across a small screen. Batman scowls.

BATMANScanners indicate a break-in at First National Bank.

CUT TO:


Robin smiles.

ROBINCatman?

CUT TO:


Batgirl shakes her head.

BATGIRLHe's in Blackgate.

CUT TO:

13.


Robin smiles.

ROBINKiller Moth?

CUT TO:


Batgirl smiles.

CUT TO:

INT. BATMOBILE

Batman looks at a feed from a bank camera on a small console monitor. The feed shows most of the bank's customers collapsed on the floor. Batman scowls.

BATMAN(grim)

I don't think so.

CUT TO:

A BACK ROAD-NIGHT

The three vehicles roar toward Gotham. The Bat-Signal floats in the dark skies overhead.

CUT TO:

GOTHAM CITY-NIGHT

An aerial view of The First National Bank of Gotham. Several police cars are parked out front. Cops are hunkered down behind their cars, guns out and aimed at the front doors of the bank, waiting for backup.

BEAT

Three figures swing into frame on silver cables and detach, landing on the bank's roof. Batman, Robin and Batgirl.

Batman turns and looks over the edge of the roof.

BATMANThere's a Hummer out front. That indicates more than one burglar.

Robin nods. He's reaching beneath his cape.

14.

ROBINStandard entrance?

Batman looks at him.

BATMANWindows are expensive.

Batgirl nods.

BATGIRLFront door?

Batman nods.

The three crimefighters race to the edge of the roof, turn, raise Batpistols, and fire compressed-air Batgrapples into a stone outcropping. Then, after attaching their Batpistols to their belts, the three of them drop over the edge of the roof into the darkness below.

CUT TO:

INT. FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF GOTHAM-VAULT

The Scarecrow and his thugs have finished loading their duffel bags. The thugs hoist their bags over their shoulders, and the group heads for the main entrance. The Scarecrow stops walking.

PAN AROUND

Batman stands there, arms folded.

THE SCARECROWBatman.

Batman looks the masked man over.

BATMANYou are?

BEAT

THE SCARECROWYou can call me...The Scarecrow.

Batman looks at him. The Scarecrow scowls beneath his mask.

THE SCARECROWKill him.

15.

The two thugs with machine guns level them at Batman.

BEAT

Robin and Batgirl step from the shadows behind each thug and use sleeper holds on the gunmen. The two gunmen crumple to the ground.

Robin turns to The Scarecrow.

ROBINNice outfit. Does it itch?

The Scarecrow scowls beneath his mask.

BEAT

THE SCARECROWTake care of them.

The Scarecrow's thugs drop their duffel bags. Batman steps forward, flipping his cape open and striking a martial arts pose.

THUG #3Watch out. He might hit us with his credit card.

Some of the thugs laugh.

Batman smirks. Then his hand comes up and out, and he WHIPS a batarang into the THUG #3's face. Thug #3 goes down in a heap, out cold. Batman walks toward the remaining six men. The thugs start to back up toward the other end of the bank.

Batman and Robin follow them. The Scarecrow bolts for the exit.

Batgirl palms her belt and a folded batarang drops into her hand, a thin cord attached to the end. Batgirl snaps it open and whips it through the air. The batarang snakes around The Scarecrow's ankles. The cord pulls tight, Batgirl pulls on the line and braces herself, and The Scarecrow crashes to the floor. Batgirl pulls the dazed man across the floor, toward her, until The Scarecrow has twisted to a half-sitting position opposite her. The Scarecrow watches as she approaches. Then his gloved hand darts beneath the folds of his costume and he whips a small blade free, slices upward through his cord, and then slashes at her. Batgirl steps backward as The Scarecrow leaps to his feet, sending a wild kick toward her midsection.

16.

Batgirl blocks his leg with her gauntlet, slaps the knife from his gloved hand with her balled left fist, and spins into a karate kick of her own, connecting with his chest, knocking The Scarecrow onto his back. He lies there...

Batgirl walks toward The Scarecrow, cautious. Then she palms her belt, snapping a pair of BAT-CUFFS into her gloved hand. She reaches down with one hand and hauls The Scarecrow to his feet. She snaps one of the cuffs onto The Scarecrow's wrists.

THE SCARECROWI...surrender.

Batgirl nods. She opens the other Bat-cuff. The Scarecrow looks down at her.

THE SCARECROWThanks.

Batgirl looks confused. She stops with the cuffs.

BATGIRLFor what?

BEAT

THE SCARECROWFor being stupid.

The Scarecrow thrusts his arm forward, a small skull-shaped bulb in his gloved left hand. The Scarecrow squeezes the bulb, and a stream of red gas squirts from the skull's mouth. Batgirl gasps, steps back, and looks dumbfounded for a second.

THE SCARECROWEnjoy your worst fears. I will.

The Scarecrow whirls and delivers a high kick to Batgirl's chin. Batgirl goes down. The Scarecrow kneels, picks up several duffel bags, and heads for the main entrance. A BRAVE GUARD manages to reach up in an attempt to grab The Scarecrow's leg. The Scarecrow kicks the guard in the face, sending him sprawling. Then The Scarecrow kneels and picks up one of the unconscious thug's machine guns. He tucks it under his arm and staggers for the entrance under his load.

CUT TO:


There's a fight in progress. Batman grabs a thug's arm, pulls him toward him, and then flips the thug over his shoulder. Then Batman whirls and sidekicks another thug in the stomach.

17.

Batman grabs the man he kicked and hurls him at the one on the ground. The second thug hits the first, sending them both toppling to the floor.

CUT TO:

INT. FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF GOTHAM-EXT. VAULT

Robin has engaged his own three thugs. One of them grabs him around the midsection. Robin uses the man's grip as leverage and leaps up off the floor, kicking the two thugs in front of him. Then he lands, plants his boots on the floor, and head butts the thug behind him. He twists free of the thug's loosened grip. Robin spins, grabs the man's wrist with two hands, pulls his arm out and sidekicks him in the chest three times in rapid succession. The man falls to the floor. Robin turns and kicks one of the thugs he kicked earlier, sending the man staggering backward, into the bank vault. Robin grabs the remaining thug, slams him into the wall, then pushes him into the vault. Robin reaches up and starts to close the vault door.

THUG #4No!

The vault door slams shut. The locks spin. Robin smiles.

CUT TO:


Batman reaches down and hauls one of his thugs up off the floor. He head butts him and drops the man's unconscious form on the floor. The final thug holds up his hands in surrender.

CUT TO:

EXT. FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF GOTHAM-NIGHT

The Scarecrow exits the bank. He looks up, a little shocked. Flashing red and blue police lights are reflected off the glass doors of the bank's main entrance.

COPS (O.S.)Freeze!

About 20 handguns are chambered.

The Scarecrow levels his machine gun and pulls the trigger.

The machine gun spits fire, and The Scarecrow strafes.

CUT TO:

18.


The sound of gunfire continues.

Batman whirls. The Scarecrow is gone and Barbara is kneeling.

CUT TO:


The COPS dive for cover as The Scarecrow's rounds chew up their police cruisers. The Scarecrow hurries down the steps, gun barrel blazing, toward his waiting Hummer. He opens the door and throws his duffel bags inside. He fires a final burst through the windows at the cops on the other side, sending them scrambling for cover.

CUT TO:


Batman looks at Robin. Robin nods. Batman turns and races outside.

CUT TO:


The Scarecrow climbs into the driver's seat of his Hummer. He slams his foot down on the gas as Batman races from the bank. The Hummer peels out into the street. Some of the cops fire their weapons at it, but the bullets bounce off the armored exterior.

Batman's hand goes beneath his cape and he raises a Batpistol into the air. A compressed-air Batgrapple launches into the night. Batman is pulled into the air, and he swings into pursuit, his cape flowing behind him as his arc takes him behind the Hummer. Several cops stand, watching in awe.

CUT TO:

INT. HUMMER

The Scarecrow looks in the mirror and sees the black shadow in the air behind the Hummer. He slams his foot down on the gas pedal.

CUT TO:

19.

THE STREETS-NIGHT

Batman lets go of his Batpistol and drops, controlling his fall with his cape. He lands a little short of the fleeing Hummer and touches down on the asphalt, rolling to absorb the impact. He rolls to his feet and looks up as the Hummer squeals around a corner.

BATMANDamn.

CUT TO:


Robin palms his belt and removes several pairs of Quick-Cuffs.

BATGIRL (O.S.)No!

CUT TO:


Batgirl is reaching out toward something we can't see.

CUT TO:

INT. ALLEY

Robin lies, slumped against a brick wall, a dark stain oozing from a hole in the armor over his stomach. His face is lifeless.

CUT TO:


Batgirl sinks to her knees.

BATGIRLDick!

Batgirl's hands go to cover her mouth.

CUT TO:


Robin forgets about the thugs and runs over to where Barbara is kneeling.

20.

BATGIRLNo! Dick!

Robin kneels and grabs Batgirl's shoulder.

ROBINBatgirl?

Batgirl recoils.

ROBINBarbara?

CUT TO:

THE STREETS-NIGHT

Batman turns and starts striding back toward the bank.

CUT TO:


Robin is kneeling in front of Batgirl. He grabs both her shoulders and looks into her face.

ROBINBarbara? What's wrong?

Batgirl continues to sob. Robin looks worried. Batman enters through a side door. Robin looks up.

ROBINWhere's The Scarecrow?

Batman scowls.

BATMANI lost him.

BATGIRL (O.S.)Dick...

Batman looks down at Batgirl.

BATMANThis is what I mean about personal life interfering with business.

ROBINWhat?

21.

BATMANWe'll talk about it later.

BEAT

BATMANThe police can't see her like this.

Robin nods.

BATMANGet The Batmobile. Take her back to the cave.

Robin stands.

ROBINWhat about the bikes?

Batman palms his belt and a small device snaps into his hand.

BATMANAuto-pilot.

Robin smiles.

ROBINYou amaze me sometimes.

BATMANGo.

Robin kneels, picks Batgirl up, and hurries out the side door.

CUT TO:


Five POLICE CRUISERS pull to a stop at the bottom of the stairs outside the Bank, bubbles blazing. The doors open and several armed COPS rush up the stairs.

CUT TO:

THE STREET-NIGHT

Commissioner Gordon climbs out of one of the cruisers. He slams the door and hurries up the stairs. Behind him, Bullock, now wearing a trenchcoat, pulls his own gun and follows Gordon up the stairs.

CUT TO:

22.


Commissioner Gordon and Bullock walk past several other cops, who are tending to the bank's frightened patrons. Batman is kneeling near the bank vault, silent, looking at something on the floor.

GORDONBatman? What happened?

Batman stands.

BATMANSomeone calling himself The Scarecrow robbed the bank.

Bullock looks around the bank. Some of the customers are clawing at the walls. Others are curled into little balls. Some are sitting and rocking.

BULLOCKWhat the hell is wrong with these people?

BATMANI don't know.

Bullock turns toward Batman.

BULLOCKYou don't know?

Bullock looks at Gordon.

BULLOCKGuess the World's Greatest Detective isn't as smart as he thinks.

Gordon scowls.

GORDONThat's enough, Bullock.

Batman looks down. There is a miniscule piece of brown fabric on the floor. Batman kneels, studies it for a moment, then reaches beneath his cape and brings out tweezers and a small vial. He picks up the fabric, puts it in the vial, and closes it. He stands.

GORDONWhat's that?

23.

BATMANI don't know.

Batman sweeps his cape to the side, opens a belt capsule and tucks the vial inside. He closes the capsule and lets his cape fall over it. Then he turns and heads for the exit.

BULLOCKJesus, Commissioner! That's police evidence. You're going to let him take off like that?

Gordon scowls.

GORDONI trust him, Bullock.

Bullock scowls. He starts to move toward Batman. Batman stops walking. Bullock freezes. Batman pauses for a second, then keeps walking.

Gordon smiles.

FADE TO:

EXT. WAYNE MANOR-NIGHT


FADE TO:

INT. WAYNE MANOR-GUEST BEDROOM

Barbara is asleep in bed. Dick stands at her side, still wearing his Robin suit without the mask. Alfred is folding a damp towel.

Dick sighs.

DICKIs she going to be all right?

Alfred nods.

ALFREDI believe so, Master Dick.

Dick nods.

DICKWhat happened?

24.

Alfred shakes his head.

ALFREDI'm not certain. She's exhibiting the symptoms of fever. Master Bruce is working on it...downstairs.

Dick nods.

DICKI don't know what I'd do without her, Al.

Alfred nods.

ALFREDNeither do I.

Alfred leaves the room. Dick looks at Barbara. He stares at her for long moments. Then he leaves the room.

FADE TO:


Bruce is sitting at The Batcomputer, still wearing the Batsuit with the cowl pulled back off his head, running a program. There is a mechanical whirring and light spills into the cave from the manor above. Dick comes down the stairs, looking concerned. He stops on the catwalk over the vehicle recess.

DICKBarbara's asleep.

Bruce nods. He presses a button, and video footage from the bank heist appears. Bruce presses another combination of buttons and the footage blacks out. He presses another button.

DICK(sarcastic)

How's Barbara, Dick? I hope she's all right.

Bruce looks at him.

BRUCEYou froze up tonight.

Dick scowls.

25.

DICKBarbara was screaming! She looked like she'd seen a ghost!

BRUCEShe handled The Gentleman Ghost.

Dick scowls.

DICKYou know what I mean.

Bruce sighs.

BRUCEYour identities could have been compromised.

Dick scowls.

DICKHow?

Bruce presses a sequence of buttons. More footage from the bank's monitor's appears onscreen: A frozen image of Robin kneeling at Batgirl's side.

Bruce presses a button.

ONSCREEN BATGIRLNo! Dick!

Onscreen, Robin kneels and grabs Batgirl's shoulder.

ONSCREEN ROBINBatgirl?

Onscreen, Batgirl recoils.

ONSCREEN ROBINBarbara?

Bruce presses a button and the image freezes.

BRUCEWe have to protect our identities, Dick. The people behind the masks. The people with loved ones and friends that can be exploited or hurt with certain information.

Dick nods.

26.

DICKI wasn't thinking.

BEAT

BRUCEStart.

Bruce stands and turns to face his partner.

BRUCEWhat we do...is no game. It's life and death. And not just our lives. Sometimes the lives of others... depend on us.

Dick looks at him for a moment. He nods.

DICKGot a lead on this Scarecrow character?

Bruce turns and walks off into the darkness, around the massive computer, to a hidden alcove. Dick follows him.

CUT TO:

INT. BATCAVE-CRIME LAB

The partners enter the alcove behind the computer. The area is filled with expensive scientific equipment and more computers. Bruce walks over to an electron microscope, which is sitting on a console that's been hewn from the rock of the cave wall. He gestures toward it.

BRUCETake a look.

Dick leans down and peers into the microscope.

BRUCEThat's a piece of fabric from The Scarecrow's costume. There are traces of some kind of molecular compound on it. I've done a few tests. I need to do some more.

Bruce turns and heads back into the main cave. Dick follows him.

CUT TO:

27.


Bruce sits down at the Batcomputer. Dick stands behind his chair.

BRUCEOpen previous file.

Onscreen, A CGI schematic of a chemical compound appears.

BRUCEResume chemical breakdown.

Onscreen, the schematic starts to spin. Dick stares at it.

BRUCEIt's chemical composition includes Sarin, Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and chlorobenzalmalonitrile. And several unidentified phosphates.

BEAT

BRUCEAll chemicals used in common nerve gases. Designed to cause elevated blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, fever, and blurring of vision. But whoever this...Scarecrow is...he's mixing those chemicals with some newer, unidentified substances.

Bruce looks at Dick.

BRUCEThat could be what's affected Barbara. Similar to Pamela's pheromones.

Dick is staring at the screen.

DICKBarbara was exposed to nerve gas?

Bruce shakes his head.

BRUCENo. The additional components make it into more of a...fear gas.

BEAT

28.

BRUCEI'm not sure how it works. Yet.

Bruce swivels in his chair and picks up a cordless receiver on the control console below the computer screen. He puts the phone to his face.

BRUCEAlfred.

ALFRED(over commlink)

Yes, sir?

BRUCEWhen Barbara wakes up, tell her not to bother suiting up. There's some kind of nerve toxin running through her. She needs to rest. I'm not sure how long the toxin's effects will last.

Bruce hangs up the receiver. Dick scowls.

DICKWe're a team.

Bruce stands.

BRUCEYes. And on this team, I call the shots. And I'm going to find The Scarecrow.

Bruce reaches back and pulls his cowl over his face. Batman looks at Dick for second, then turns and heads for the Batmobile.

Dick scowls.

DICKYour House, Your Rules, huh?

Batman turns toward Dick.

BATMANI don't have time for this. I've got a lunatic to find.

Batman turns and heads for the Batmobile

DICKYou never have time.

29.

Batman turns toward Dick.

BATMANYou don't like it? You're free to leave. Otherwise, meet me on top of the towers.

Batman strides toward The Batmobile. Dick scowls. We hear the rustle of a cape, and the cockpit sliding shut with a hiss. The Batmobile roars to life. Dick sighs and raises his Robin mask into the air. He looks at it. Turbines scream and we hear tires squeal.

FADE TO:


Alfred is sitting beside Barbara's bed. Barbara sighs.

BARBARAI let him down.


ALFREDNo, Barbara. Master Bruce is exercising caution.

BARBARABecause I failed.

ALFREDYou didn't fail, Barbara.

Alfred sits down in a chair beside her bed.

ALFREDSince arriving, Batgirl has been an invaluable member of this team. Your computer skills are second to none, and your martial arts and detective skills are beginning to rival Master Bruce's.

Barbara smiles.

BARBARAThat's not true.

Alfred smiles.

30.

ALFREDShall we ask Killer Moth what he thinks?

Barbara smiles.

BARBARAThat's different.

She sighs.

BARBARASometimes I feel like I'm a hindrance.

Alfred nods.

ALFREDMaster Dick has confided the same to me in the past.

Barbara looks at Alfred, surprised.

BARBARAHe has?

Alfred nods.

ALFREDYes, dear. Truth be told, sometimes I feel like a hindrance as well.

Barbara smiles.

BARBARAOh, Uncle Alfred.

Alfred stands.

ALFREDWith Master Bruce, sometimes it's difficult not to feel like that. Now get some rest. We'll talk some more in the morning.

Barbara smiles.

BARBARAGoodnight.

Alfred smiles.

31.

ALFREDGoodnight, Barbara.

Alfred turns off the light and closes the door, leaving Barbara in bed, thinking. She looks out her window at the dark skies.

FADE TO:

EXT. GOTHAM STATE-NIGHT

A huge stone building, one of several that make up the campus.

CUT TO:

INT. DEAN'S OFFICE

A tall, bald man with horn-rimmed glasses is sitting at his desk, working late. This is THE DEAN of Gotham State. The Dean is hard at work, scribbling notes on a notebook.

There is a long, hissing sigh. The Dean looks up. He sees nothing. He keeps working. There is a low chuckling. The Dean snaps to attention.

DEANWhat? Who's there?

The Dean peers out into the darkness, confused, a little scared.

THE SCARECROW (O.S.)Your worst nightmare.

The Dean freezes. Then he picks up his phone and punches a button.

DEANSecurity.

THE SCARECROW (O.S.)It's a little late for that.

The Dean looks up as a figure enters the room. Tall and menacing.

DEANL-Late?

The Scarecrow enters The Dean's office, and stops in front of the other man's desk.

32.

THE SCARECROWBoth of them are past caring about their jobs.

DEANYou...

THE SCARECROWKilled them? Yes.

The Scarecrow leans over The Dean's desk.

THE SCARECROWAnd now...guess what?

DEANN-No!

THE SCARECROWYes.

The Scarecrow thrusts his arm forward, a small skull-shaped bulb in his gloved left hand. He squeezes the bulb, and a stream of red gas squirts from the skull's mouth. The Dean screams and throws up his arms.

THE SCARECROWSoon...

BEAT

THE SCARECROWYou'll know true fear.

The Dean looks up as sweat starts to run down his face. He starts to shake.

DEANC-Crane?

The Scarecrow nods.

THE SCARECROWYou're starting to understand.

The Dean is breathing hard. His face turns red as we realize he can't breathe. His face contorts in pain, and his right arm clutches his heart. The Scarecrow puts a covered foot on his chest and pushes. The Dean's chair tips, and he topples over and falls, landing on the floor. His last few gasps come from the floor. The Scarecrow leans over the dead man. He laughs, and tosses the skull bulb into the air, then catches it. He turns and heads back out into the hall.

33.

THE SCARECROWOne down. Six to go.

FADE TO:

GOTHAM CITY-NIGHT

Batman stands on the edge of the roof of one of two massive towers, looking out over Gotham. Robin swings into frame on a silver cable and swings out over the rooftop. He lets go of his line and drops to the roof, landing next to Batman.

ROBINSo...how are we going to find him?

BATMANThe Scarecrow's compound triggers some kind of fear mechanism in the human brain. It takes certain kinds of chemicals to provoke a reaction like that. There are few places in Gotham that have access to those kinds of chemicals. We have to find a link somewhere.

Robin nods.

ROBINSo...we look.

SFX: There's a beep.

Batman reaches up and taps the side of his cowl.

BATMANGo ahead.


There's been...a murder, sir.

Batman scowls.

BATMANThe police can handle it.


I felt Batman and Robin might wish to investigate.

BATMANAll right. Batman out.

34.

Batman reaches up and taps the side of his cowl. He looks at Robin.

BATMANI'll handle it.

Robin nods.

ROBINAll right. I'm gonna go check on Barbara.

Robin leaps out over the streets, firing a Batgrapple as he does, and swinging down into the darkness in a wide arc. Batman watches for a moment. Then he turns and heads back into the darkness of the roof.

FADE TO:

EXT. HOUSE-NIGHT

A huge home, almost a mansion. The building is surrounded with Gotham police cruisers. Yellow crime scene tape is pulled around the boundaries.

CUT TO:

INT. HOUSE-HALLWAY

Commissioner Gordon and Detective Bullock walk down the hall.

BULLOCKWhose the stiff?

GORDONDonald Peterson. Chairman Of The Board at Gotham State.

BULLOCKThe prison?

Gordon scowls.

GORDONThe college.

CUT TO:

INT. HOUSE-BEDROOM

Gordon and Bullock enter. A sheet-covered BODY lies on a bed. COPS are milling about, along with several EMT'S.

35.

An BLONDE WOMAN of about 20 is sobbing in the corner, talking to a FEMALE OFFICER. Gordon walks up to a DETECTIVE in the center of the room.

GORDONWho's in charge here?

The detective turns. He looks relieved.

DETECTIVECommissioner Gordon. I am, sir.

GORDONWhat happened here?

DETECTIVEWe don't know, sir.

The detective points at the blonde woman in the corner.

DETECTIVEThat woman seems to have witnessed part of it.

Bullock nods.

BULLOCKWhat's she said?

The detective flips open a notebook and reads from it.

OFFICERShe said she was having a "personal meeting" with the Chairman. She went into the bathroom to freshen up. Next thing she knows, she comes out, and he's dead on the bed.

Gordon frowns. He and Bullock walk over to the EMTs, who are talking beside the bed.

GORDONCause of death?

One of the EMT's looks up at Gordon.

EMTLooks like a heart attack. The Medical Examiner will need to run some tests to be sure.

BULLOCKSigns of a struggle?

36.

EMTNo, sir.

Bullock throws up his arms.

BULLOCKSo he died of natural causes.

Bullock turns to Gordon.

BULLOCKWe're wasting our time.

BATMAN (O.S.)I don't think so.

Bullock sighs.

BULLOCKOh, great.

Batman steps from the shadows in a corner of the room.

BATMANThe Chairman was murdered.

BULLOCKHow's that, genius?

Batman scowls. He opens his mouth to speak.

PAN OVER

A YOUNG FEMALE OFFICER enters the room.

YOUNG FEMALE OFFICERCommissioner! Dispatch is reporting that the Dean of Gotham State has been found dead in his office.

Gordon looks shocked.

GORDONJesus.

Batman looks at Bullock. Bullock scowls.

BATMANIt's The Scarecrow.

Gordon looks at Batman.

37.

GORDONWhat?

BATMANThe piece of fabric I found last night had a triple-chain molecular chemical residue on it. I believe The Scarecrow has some sort of fear toxin. The Dean and the Chairman might have been...scared to death.

Gordon shakes his head.

GORDONWhat would make someone do that?

Batman scowls.

BATMANThe same thing that motivates them all, Commissioner.

BEAT

BATMANRevenge.

Batman looks down at the dead man.

BATMANAnd the two places in Gotham that stores and supplies the range of chemical agents needed to create a toxin that could do this are-

GORDONAxis Chemical and Gotham State.

Batman nods.

BATMANYes.

Gordon nods.

GORDONSo we're looking for someone with a grudge against the college.

Gordon turns to Bullock.

38.

GORDONBullock. Get back to Central. Round up the usual suspects. The Assistant Dean, President, Vice President. People who stand to benefit from the death of the college's administration.

BEAT

GORDONBatman...

Gordon turns. Batman is gone.

CUT TO:

THE STREETS-NIGHT

The Batmobile speeds along the streets.

CUT TO:

INT. BATMOBILE

Batman drives with both hands on the wheel.

BATMANAlfred.


Yes, sir?

BATMANPrepare all the files the computer has on Gotham State. I'm en route.

CUT TO:

THE STREETS-NIGHT

The Batmobile hangs a sharp right and disappears around a corner.

FADE TO:

39.


The Batmobile pulls into the cave and screeches to a stop. The cockpit slides open and Batman vaults out and heads for The Batcomputer as the turntable begins to rotate The Batmobile back toward the access tunnel. Alfred is waiting beside The Batcomputer, a silver covered dish in his hands.

ALFREDDinner, sir?

BATMANNot now.

ALFREDIt's roast pheasant.

Batman strides over to the Batcomputer and sits down. He presses a sequence of buttons and information starts to scroll across the screen. Alfred enters the frame, sets the silver covered dish on a small free space on the computer console and walks off.

FADE TO:

INT. COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE

Gordon looks up as Bullock enters his office.

GORDONBullock? How's the investigation going?

Bullock scowls.

BULLOCKNot good. We checked out most of the names. The two men who stand to gain the most from the Dean's death are both dead themselves. The third one is missing. We found tons of people who had grudges against the college, but none that fit our profile.

Bullock sighs.

BULLOCKThere was a professor. Jonathan Crane. He was fired a month ago for discharging a concealed weapon in one of his classes.

40.

Gordon looks interested.

GORDONOh?

Bullock nods.

BULLOCKThe Board of Directors told us that Crane said he was looking for a reaction. Well...he got one.

Gordon nods.

GORDONThat might be a place to start.

Bullock shakes his head.

BULLOCKDon't think so. We searched his apartment and his former office. Found nothing. Lotta books, tons of good prints, but nothing that would connect him to these murders.

GORDONDamn.

BULLOCKHe left behind a few ticket stubs for a bus trip to Central. Looks like he might have left town after he got fired.

Gordon sighs.

GORDONGive me some good news.

Bullock shakes his head.

BULLOCKWe even checked into his background. He doesn't have relatives in the Gotham area. His neighbors and his landlord described him as brilliant, a little quiet. We checked with the college. His students and his fellow professors loved him. He had the one episode with the gun. Other than that, he's clean.

41.

(MORE)

No criminal record, no mental problems. He ain't our villain, Commish.

Gordon sighs.

GORDON(musing)

Then where's the connection?

FADE TO:

EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING-DUSK

A nice brownstone in a good section of Gotham.

FADE TO:

INT. APARTMENT

It's dark. A man sits in a chair in front of the window. Upon closer inspection, we can see that his hands are tied behind the chair.

A figure enters the frame, walking around in front of the chair. The Scarecrow. He stops in front of the window, forming an eerie silhouette.

THE SCARECROWYou like it?

BEAT

THE SCARECROWI call it Fear Gas. It affects certain portions of the brain. A small dose and a person's worst nightmares come to life.

BEAT

THE SCARECROWThe Dean and Chairman Peterson...got a stronger dose.

PAN AROUND

A man in a tan business suit is sitting in the chair. This man is THE ASSISTANT DEAN. He's sweating, and the veins on his forehead are pulsing. He's staring out the window at something we can't see. His lips are moving, but no words are coming out.

42.

BULLOCK (cont'd)

THE SCARECROWYou're wondering how I'm not affected?

The Scarecrow walks around behind the Assistant Dean.

THE SCARECROWThe mask filters the gas for me.

The Assistant Dean looks up.

ASSISTANT DEANPlease...

The Scarecrow leans down.

THE SCARECROWPardon?

The Assistant Dean looks down.

ASSISTANT DEANPlease...

The Scarecrow straightens.

THE SCARECROWYou want me to be merciful? Oh, it's too late for that. You made sure of it. You and the others.

BEAT

The Scarecrow turns toward the window.

ASSISTANT DEANWh-What...did I...d-do?

The Scarecrow turns toward him.

THE SCARECROWYou? You were icing on the cake.

The Scarecrow turns back toward the window.

SCARECROWBut revenge has been a long time in coming.

The Scarecrow leans against the wall, his arms on either side of the window.

43.

THE SCARECROWYou see as a child...I was teased. Ostracized.

ENTER FLASHBACK:

A SUBURB-DAY

A tall, thin child of about ten is sobbing, running down the street, a book clutched under his arm. Up the street, some other children are laughing at him.

FADE TO:

INT. HALLWAY

A tall, thin teenager with high, thin features and glasses is being pushed back and forth between two muscular bullies. The books he was holding fall to the floor. Tears stream down his face. The bullies laugh. Several girls walk past, laughing.

THE SCARECROW (O.S.)High school wasn't much better. Girls avoided me. Bullies beat me up. Even teachers mocked me.

FADE TO:

INT. APARTMENT

The Scarecrow is trembling.

THE SCARECROWAnd then...the students and administration at Gotham State. Judging me, as the world has judged me since I was born. Treating me as a lesser being, a freak of nature. Someone to be pitied, and ignored.

BEAT

THE SCARECROWI've been beaten, bullied, and teased for far too long.

The Scarecrow turns, walks around behind The Assistant Dean, and rests a tattered glove on The Assistant Dean's shoulder.

THE SCARECROW(whispering)

All of that...is going to change.

44.

BEAT

THE SCARECROWI won't be afraid. Never again. Now the world will learn to fear me.

BEAT

The Scarecrow straightens.

THE SCARECROWThe Scarecrow.

PAN AROUND

The Assistant Dean is dead. Has been for some time. His face is frozen in terror, and the veins on his forehead are bulging. The Scarecrow sighs. He stares at the man's face for a minute, then turns and walks past him into another room, pulling his mask off, revealing a man with unkempt hair, and a strange, haunted look to him. He has a pronounced brow, sunken features, and an elongated nose.

FADE TO:

A ROOFTOP-NIGHT

Jonathan Crane stands on the edge, looking down on Gotham.

ENTER FLASHBACK:

INT. CLASSROOM

Dressed in a white shirt and tie, Crane is aiming a gun. He FIRES.

CRANEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Students dive for cover. Crane stops firing and holds the gun up.

CRANEThis! This is spontaneous terror!

FADE TO:

INT. GOTHAM STATE-BOARDROOM

A group of well-dressed gentlemen sits behind a table.

45.

PAN AROUND

Jonathan Crane sits in front of them, dressed in a nice suit and tie. His unkempt hair is combed, and he is the picture of professionalism, but the expression on his face is that of a condemned criminal.

CHAIRMANYou are suspended from teaching until further notice. Until we can conduct a thorough investigation into this morning's...disturbing events.

Crane looks shocked.

CRANEYou can't do this.

The Chairman scowls.

CHAIRMANYou've given us no choice, Dr. Crane.

CRANEPlease...teaching is all I have.

CHAIRMANYou should have thought of that before pulling a gun on 20 students.

Crane stands, upset. He looks at the Board of Directors. His brow furrows with hatred.

CRANEYou've taken the one thing I have.

Crane looks down, then back up at the Board of Directors.

CRANE(whispering)

Before this is over...

BEAT

CRANE(whispering)

You’ll know true fear.

46.

Some of the directors who heard him looked shocked. A few of them laugh. Crane turns and leaves the board room.

END FLASHBACK:

FADE TO:

A ROOFTOP-NIGHT

Jonathan Crane stands on the edge, looking down on Gotham.

CLOSE ON:

Crane's face.

He's trembling with rage. A single tear rolls down his cheek. He reaches up with a rough gloved hand and brushes it into oblivion. He sniffles. Crane looks down at the citizens below with hatred.

CRANE(whispers)

Look at them. Going about their perfect lives, not caring what happens. No worries. No fears.

An evil smile spreads across his face.

CRANENot for long, though.

Crane starts to laugh. His laughter becomes insane cackling.

CUT TO:

THE STREET-NIGHT

Several PEDESTRIANS look up, confused.

CUT TO:

A ROOFTOP-NIGHT

Crane scowls and reaches into his sackcloth. He pulls out a pistol. He levels the weapon and FIRES. He keeps firing, watching with glee as the citizens panic, and run.

CRANEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Crane fires twice.

47.

CRANEFear me!

Crane fires twice.

CRANEYou pathetic wastes of life! Fear The Scarecrow!

Crane keeps firing. His gun runs out of bullets. Crane looks at the gun. He starts to shudder with glee.

CRANEYes...

BEAT

CRANEI can feel it. Cold. Chilling.

BEAT

CRANEFear.

Crane looks up at the dark skies and starts to laugh again. His laughter echoes forever.

FADE TO:


Dick comes down the stairs from the manor and walks toward the Batcomputer, where Bruce is sitting, staring at the screen.

DICKBruce?

BRUCEI've been looking at possibilities for The Scarecrow. And I think I might have found him.

DICKOh?

Bruce nods. He taps a few buttons. The computer whirrs and a file appears onscreen.

BRUCEJonathan Crane. Graduated from East Gotham High with honors.

48.

(MORE)

Enrolled in Gotham Tech College. Brilliant scientific mind. Taught a course in applied psychology until his release...for discharging a concealed weapon.

DICKYou think that's him?

BRUCECould be.

Bruce stands and walks into his costume vault. Dick looks at the picture onscreen.

DICKSo this is him...

Onscreen, we see a staff photo of Jonathan Crane.

Dick scowls.

DICKA professor? Isn't that a little...

There is a metallic clang from the costume vault.

BRUCE (O.S.)Fries was a research scientist. Dent was a D.A.

Dick's face darkens.

DICKYeah.

Batman emerges from the costume vault. He heads for The Batmobile.

BATMANI'm going to check out Crane's apartment.

Batman vaults into The Batmobile. Dick watches as the cockpit slides shut.

BEAT

Turbines scream and The Batmobile rockets into the access tunnel, flame spewing from twin exhaust ports on it's rear.

Dick scowls.

49.

BRUCE (cont'd)

DICK(whispering)

Sure, Bruce. Need some help?

FADE TO:

INT. CRANE'S APARTMENT

A shadow falls over the window. The window creaks, then slides up. Batman drops into the apartment. He looks around. He thumbs something on his belt.

CLOSE ON:

Batman's cowl.

Small green Night Vison lenses slide down over his cowl.

BATMAN'S POV:

The room is bathed in green light.

Batman crosses the room, to the bookshelf. One shelf is full of Dean Coontz and Stephen King novels. Another shelf is full of Poe's works, and a third shelf holds science journals. Batman pulls a journal off the shelf and opens it. He closes it and kneels, looking at the other books on the shelf. Then he rises and moves into the hall outside the room. Batman walks down the hall until he reaches another door. He opens it and peers inside. It's a bathroom. Batman pushes the door open.

CUT TO:

INT. BATHROOM

Batman enters, and walks across the floor. He peers down into the tub. He kneels.

CLOSE ON:

The drain.

There is a small bit of some kind of purple powder crusted in the small holes of the drain. Batman squints. He scowls. Then he reaches beneath his cape and behind his back. He brings out a small, clear plastic vial, and a pair of small forceps. He scrapes some of the residue off the drain and uses the forceps to deposit the bits of powder into the vial, then closes the vial and puts it back in his belt.

50.

Batman stands, then turns and leaves the bathroom. He heads back out into the hall, until he reaches the next door. He opens it. It's a bedroom, with a neat bed, and not much furniture. An open closet holds a row of suits.

CUT TO:

INT. BEDROOM

Batman enters.

He turns in a slow circle, looking around the room. His gaze travels over the bed, a dresser, and then rests on the closet. Batman walks to the closet, pushes the suits aside and looks at the back wall of the closet. Then he turns. His gaze falls on the bed. Batman walks over to the mattress, leans down, and lifts the mattress with one hand.

There is a puff of gas.

Batman steps back, throwing his cape up as red gas fills the air around the bed. He backs from the bed as the cloud of red gas dissipates into the air. He holds his cape over his face for long moments, then lowers it. He looks down, still holding his breath.

Then he sighs. He breathes in, slow. Nothing happens. He scowls.

BEAT

The room blurs for a second. Batman shakes his head to clear it.

Then he hears it. A soft ticking. Batman freezes. He looks around. Somewhere in the apartment, a timer dings.

Batman races toward the wall and throws himself through Crane's bedroom window, shattering it, sending glass and bits of frame out over the street. Batman's gloved hand whips out from beneath his cape, a Batpistol in it, and he sends a Batgrapple lancing upward as he dives from the window.

CUT TO:

EXT. CRANE'S APARTMENT-NIGHT

The Batgrapple catches and Batman swings out from the building as the apartment EXPLODES, sending more glass and chunks of stone out over the street. Batman swings in a wide arc and is pulled upward. He lights on a roof across the street, above Crane's apartment.

51.

Batman stands and shakes his head, breathing deep, looking back down at Crane's apartment, now in flames. Then he takes a running leap off the building, plummeting toward the ground.

BATMANBatmobile. Ignition. Remote Meet.

Below, The Batmobile pulls out into the street he's falling toward, weaving through traffic. Batman extends his cape and slows his descent. He lands on the ground amidst traffic and walks toward the Batmobile, where the cockpit is sliding open. Batman vaults in and the cockpit closes.

BEAT

The Batmobile takes off down the street, weaving through traffic.

CUT TO:

INT. BATMOBILE

Batman drives, looking pissed.

CUT TO:

THE STREETS-NIGHT

The Batmobile roars down the street.

CUT TO:

INT. BATMOBILE

The dashboard blurs for a second. Batman shakes his head.

CUT TO:

THE STREETS-NIGHT

The Batmobile roars up a ramp and onto a much larger section of road. Other traffic surrounds his car.

CUT TO:

INT. BATMOBILE

Batman pulls the gearshift down.

CUT TO:

52.

THE EXRESSWAY-NIGHT

The Batmobile slows, weaving in and out of the lanes.

CUT TO:

INT. BATMOBILE

Batman scowls. Cars flash past outside his window.

CUT TO:

THE EXPRESSWAY-NIGHT

All of a sudden, a figure stands in the road, about 150 feet ahead. Clad in a garish suit. One half is black. One half is bright purple. Something is wrong with the figure's face.

CUT TO:

INT. BATMOBILE

Batman stares in horror as the figure FLIPS A COIN. The figure catches the coin in it's hands. It raises twin machine pistols into the air. Batman looks shocked. He jerks the wheel.

CUT TO:


The Batmobile careens out of the lane as bullets trace past the cockpit. It clips another car, sending the other car spinning into a wall.

CUT TO:

INT. BATMOBILE

BATMANTactical.

Above the windshield, a mirror-camera blinks on.

There's nothing behind The Batmobile.

Batman scowls. Then his gaze goes forward.

There's no mistaking it this time. TWO-FACE stands in the road, guns leveled. Batman wrenches the wheel, hard.

CUT TO:

53.


The Batmobile careens, sliding along the street, out of control.

CUT TO:

INT. BATMOBILE

Batman tries to brake and can't on the rain-slicked pavement.

CUT TO:


The Batmobile's wheels have locked up, but the massive machine is sliding out of control.

CUT TO:

INT. BATMOBILE

Sweat runs down Batman's face from beneath his cowl.

BEAT

BATMANEject.

CUT TO:


The Batmobile's cockpit BLOWS OFF.

BEAT

Batman is CATAPAULTED into the air. He spreads his cape like giant wings as The Batmobile CRASHES into a steel wall below. Batman glides to the top of a suspension bridge and lands, looking down at The Batmobile, which has plowed into a support girder below, and doesn't have a scratch. Batman scowls.

FADE TO:

THE BACK ROADS-NIGHT

The Batmobile tears along a dirt road, the headlights on either side of the menacing Bathead blazing a path through the darkness.

CUT TO:

54.

INT. BATMOBILE

Batman presses a button on the dashboard and a small slot beneath the dashboard slides open. Batman places the evidence vial in it.

The slot slides closed.

BATMANInitiate chemical breakdown.

The components appear on a small screen. Batman scowls.

CUT TO:

A BACK ROAD-NIGHT

The Batmobile roars toward the side of a cliff, and then right through it. A holographic cave wall flickers back into place as a huge steel panel slides closed behind the Batmobile. The Batmobile dives deeper into the darkness of the Batcave access tunnel.

CUT TO:


The Batmobile pulls into the cave and stops on the turntable. Alfred turns from dusting the Batcomputer and scowls. The Batmobile's cockpit slides open.

ALFREDWelcome home, sir.

Batman climbs out of the Batmobile, a haunted look on his face. Then he heads for the costume chamber as the turntable starts to rotate.

ALFREDMaster Bruce?

Alfred walks toward the costume vault. We hear the sound of rubber snapping. Alfred enters. Bruce is leaning against the door of his costume vault. The cowl is pulled back off his head. He's breathing harder, and his face is slick with terror-sweat.

ALFREDMaster Bruce? What's the matter?

BEAT

55.

BRUCEI saw him.

Alfred looks confused.

ALFREDSaw who?

Bruce sighs.

BRUCE(whispering)

Harvey.

Alfred looks shocked.

ALFREDHarvey Dent?

Bruce turns toward Alfred. He nods.

BRUCERight in front of me.

Bruce lowers his head.

BRUCEBut I can't have seen him. He's dead. I saw him die. We never found him, but no could survive that fall.

Bruce looks up at Alfred.

BRUCEIt had to be The Scarecrow's Fear Gas. But I didn't breathe it in.

Bruce sighs.

BRUCEEven if I did...it doesn't explain me seeing Dent.

Alfred looks at Bruce.

ALFREDPerhaps...

Bruce turns toward him.

56.

ALFREDYou feel somewhat...responsible for his death, Master Bruce.

Bruce scowls.

BRUCEI had no choice.

Alfred nods.

ALFREDDespite that.

BEAT

ALFREDYou feel some lingering guilt.

Bruce shakes his head.

BRUCENo. I came to terms with who and what I am a long time ago. I'm not a murderer. I'm Batman. I protect people.

Bruce turns and leaves the vault. Alfred follows him out across the Batcave, to the Batcomputer. Bruce sits down in the chair and presses a button. Data fills the screen.

Alfred nods.

ALFREDPerhaps a little rest is in order?

BRUCENo time. I've got to see what this sample is made of.

Bruce presses a sequence of buttons. Onscreen, A CGI schematic of a chemical compound appears.

BRUCEResume chemical breakdown.

Onscreen, the schematic starts to spin. Bruce's gaze darkens as the computer does it's work.

BRUCEDamn.

He leans back in his chair, staring at the screen.

57.

BRUCEIt's the same. Look.

He presses a sequence of buttons.

BRUCEHere's the one from the fabric I found at the bank.

Another CGI schematic of a chemical compound appears.

ALFREDThe exact same compound?

BRUCENot quite. The second has an extra chain. (He points) Here.

Alfred nods.

ALFREDYou are quite the detective, Master Bruce.

Bruce stands.

ALFREDYou're going to get some rest, I presume?

BRUCENo. Now I know for sure that Jonathan Crane is The Scarecrow. And I've got to inform Gordon.

ALFREDMaster Bruce...

BRUCEAlfred. If Batman and the police don't catch Crane soon, more people will die.

BEAT

BRUCEHe's obsessed with vengeance.

Alfred scowls.

ALFREDIndeed.

58.

Bruce reaches up and pulls the cowl over his face. He straightens. Then...Batman heads toward The Batmobile, leaving a concerned Alfred to ponder.

FADE TO:

THE ROOF OF POLICE HEADQUARTERS-NIGHT

The Bat-Signal blazes into the Gotham night from the huge searchlight in the center of the roof. An access door bangs open, and Commissioner Gordon, wearing a white dress shirt, rushes out onto the roof. Batman stands on the edge of the roof, looking up at the signal.

GORDONBatman?

Batman turns toward Gordon.

BATMANJonathan Crane is The Scarecrow.

Gordon looks surprised.

GORDONThe professor? But we searched his apartment.

Batman nods.

BATMANI searched it again. There was a powdered chemical residue in the drain of his bathtub. The kind of chemicals a college professor shouldn't have.

Gordon looks worried.

GORDONOh, no...

Gordon scowls.

GORDONI'll put out an APB. I'm not sure it'll do much good. And I'll have his apartment searched again.

BATMANDon't bother. The evidence is gone.

59.

GORDONWhat?

Batman turns back to the edge of the roof.

BATMANCrane rigged a bomb to a timer. It exploded while I was there. His apartment's gone.

Gordon nods.

GORDONSo he's thinking one step ahead.

Gordon sighs.

GORDONIt pains me to admit it...but we're a little out of our league here. You've got to find him. Stop him before this gets worse.

Batman's face darkens beneath his cowl.

BATMANI intend to, Commissioner.

Gordon sighs.

GORDONThis town is used to lightweights since Freeze. King Tut. Egghead. Killer Moth. The Clock King. Calendar Man.

Gordon sighs.

GORDONCrane is insane. He's homicidal. And he's brilliant. The Scarecrow is something Gotham hasn't seen for a long time.

BEAT

GORDONAnd it scares me.

Gordon turns. Batman is gone. Gordon sighs. He looks down over the edge of the roof for a minute. Then he turns toward the Bat-Signal, which has somehow been shut off.

60.

Gordon looks up at the skies for a minute, then turns and heads back inside.

FADE TO:

THE SIDEWALK-DAY

The citizens of Gotham are walking along the streets. Several of them stop and purchase newspapers from a vending machine on the sidewalk. We catch a glimpse of the headline as one man walks past:

TERROR AT GOTHAM STATE

CUT TO:

ANGLE ON:

A TV screen.

FEMALE REPORTERCommissioner Gordon and the Gotham police department have declined to comment, but doctors believe that the administrators might have suffered massive heart attacks...

PAN AROUND

INT. APARTMENT

Jonathan Crane, wearing the rags and tatters of his Scarecrow costume, without his mask, is relaxing on a couch, feet up on an endtable. His hands are pressed together at the palms. He scowls.

BEAT

CRANEMight have?

Crane turns.

CRANEHear that? You might have suffered a heart attack!

61.

PAN OVER

An older, balding man is sitting with his head face-down at a kitchen table.

Crane stands up and walks over to the window. He looks down at the citizens below. He smiles, leaning against the window.

CRANEFeel that, Gotham? That's fear.

Crane smiles.

CRANEAnd it is sweet.

FADE TO:


Dick is sitting at the Batcomputer. A huge list of names fills the giant screen.

DICKNew search parameters. Fear. Gotham State. The Scarecrow. Run search.

Dick leans back in the chair and sighs as another huge list of names fills the screen.

BARBARA (O.S.)Hard at work?

Dick swivels the chair around. Barbara stands there, wearing a t-shirt and sweatpants, smiling. Dick stares at her. He smiles.

DICKWell...I wasn't.

Barbara smiles.

DICKYou're feeling better?

BARBARAYeah.

Dick smiles.

DICKGood.

62.

Dick swivels the chair back toward the computer screen.

BARBARAWhat's all this?

DICKI'm following up on Bruce's investigation into The Scarecrow. Looking at other possibilities. Bruce thinks it might be this Jonathan Crane person, but that seems almost too obvious.

Barbara nods.

BARBARAWell...he could be insane.

Dick looks up at her.

DICKAll of them are insane.

Barbara nods. Dick sighs.

DICKThis is going nowhere.

He stands and turns to face her.

DICKYou feel like doing something?

BARBARALike what? Dinner? A movie?

Dick smiles.

DICKSomething like that.

Barbara smiles.

FADE TO:

GOTHAM CITY-NIGHT

Two caped figures swing across the chasms between rooftops on silver cables. Robin and Batgirl land on a ledge of a stone tower and turn to look down at the streets.

CUT TO:

63.

THE LEDGE-NIGHT

BATGIRLI'd forgotten how much I love our dates.

Robin smiles.

ROBINDon't tell Bruce that.

Barbara smiles. The two of them look at each other.

BEAT

BEAT

BEAT

WOMAN (O.S.)Police!

Robin looks down. He scowls.

BATGIRLRape?

Robin shakes his head.

ROBINPurse snatcher. Be right back.

Robin leaps off the ledge, firing a Batgrapple, and swings toward the ground. Batgirl watches, impressed.

CUT TO:

THE SIDEWALK-NIGHT

The PURSE SNATCHER is running down the sidewalk.

BEAT

Robin's arc takes him down over the street. The line tightens up, and Robin swings down behind the purse snatcher, and drives both his feet into the man's back, sending him sprawling to the pavement.

CUT TO:

THE SIDEWALK-NIGHT

The WOMAN looks up as Batgirl lands on the street.

64.

BATGIRLYou all right?

CUT TO:

THE SIDEWALK-NIGHT

Robin hauls the purse snatcher to his feet. He slams the man into a wall.

CUT TO:

THE SIDEWALK-NIGHT

The woman watches.

WOMANI'm...fine.

Dick drags the man back up the sidewalk to the woman.

ROBINApologize.

PURSE SNATCHERI'm not gonna-

ROBINApologize.

The purse snatcher looks at the woman.

PURSE SNATCHERHere.

He hands the purse to the woman, who takes it. The woman looks in her purse.

BATGIRLIs it all there?

WOMANI believe so. Yes.

Robin cuffs the purse snatcher while Batgirl watches. Then he walks over to the woman and Batgirl.

ROBINYou all right?

The woman nods.

65.

WOMANI'll be fine.

Robin nods. He looks at Batgirl. Both crimefighters reach beneath their capes and raise Batpistols into the air. Both of them fire compressed-air Batgrapples into the air and rise off the street, leaving the grateful woman behind.

CUT TO:

THE LEDGE-NIGHT

The Batgrapples pull Robin and Batgirl up past the ledge. The two of them drop off and land on the ledge. Batgirl smiles.

BATGIRLThat was impressive.

Robin nods.

ROBINI learned a few tricks in the circus.

The two of them are silent for a moment.

BATGIRLSo...

BEAT

BATGIRLAbout Bruce...

Robin nods.

ROBINYeah?

BATGIRLIs he ok?

Robin looks down at the street.

ROBINI don't know. We don't talk much.

Batgirl looks at Robin.

BATGIRLWhat?

Robin sighs.

66.

ROBINHe's not shutting me out...but he works solo a lot more.

Batgirl frowns.

BATGIRLDoesn't that kind of defeat the purpose of "Batman and Robin"?

Robin shrugs.

ROBINHe was Batman long before I came along. Besides...we're experienced enough to handle ourselves now.

Batgirl nods.

BATGIRLUntil we get gassed.

She sighs.

BATGIRLI thought he was gonna fire me.

Robin smiles.

ROBINI doubt it. There's always an opening for someone with computer skills.

Batgirl smiles.

BATGIRLIs that all I am? A hacker?

Robin smiles.

ROBINNah.

BEAT

ROBINYou've got lots of other skills.

Batgirl smiles. Then she snaps her Batpistol free. Robin smiles and leaps off the roof before her, firing his own Batgrapple with a burst of compressed-air as he plummets.

67.

Batgirl smiles.

BATGIRLShowoff.

She fires her Batgrapple into the night and leaps off the ledge.

Below, Robin's line SNAPS.

Batgirl watches in horror as he PLUMMETS.

BATGIRLDick!

CUT TO:

THE LEDGE-NIGHT

Robin is still standing on the ledge. He watches as Barbara lets go of her line.

ROBINBarbara!

Robin takes a running leap off the building and dives toward the streets below.

CUT TO:

MID-AIR

Batgirl is falling, reaching out for...nothing. She looks surprised. She starts to come to her senses, reaches behind her for another Batgrapple, snaps it free of her belt and sends another grapple launching high into the air. Her Batgrapple catches and she swings in a wide arc, landing on a roof. Robin swings in and lands beside her seconds later. He looks worried.

ROBINBarbara?

Batgirl looks shaken.

BATGIRLI'm...fine.

Robin looks concerned.

ROBINYou sure?

68.

Batgirl looks at him.

BATGIRLYou...fell.

Robin looks concerned.

ROBINBarbara.

BEAT

ROBINI never left the ledge.

Batgirl lowers her head. She sighs.

BATGIRL(Whispering)

We'd better go home.

Robin nods.

FADE TO:

INT. BATCAVE-MEDICAL AREA

Barbara is sitting on a metal exam table, deep in the Batcave. Alfred has a medical bag open. He's putting a stethoscope back into it. Bruce and Dick are standing on the wall opposite them.

ALFREDI see no traces of foreign substances in her bloodstream.

BARBARAThat's a relief.

BRUCEWe'll need to get a sample of her blood.

Alfred nods. He reaches into his medical bag. He pulls out a needle. Barbara scowls. Bruce looks at her for a moment.

BRUCEBarbara.

Barbara looks up.

69.

BRUCEI hate to do this. But I've got no choice. You can't be there out there like this.

Barbara nods.

BARBARAI know.

BRUCEIt's just for now. Until we can find an anti-toxin...or it wears off on it's own.

Barbara nods. Bruce looks at her for a moment, then turns to go. Dick watches him leave the alcove. He follows Bruce as he heads up the stone stairs toward the manor entrance.

DICKYou can't do this to her.

BRUCEShe's a hazard to herself and others right now.

DICKShe's our partner.

BRUCEAnd right now that's dangerous for her. And us.

Bruce places his palm on a sophisticated console set into the wall. A soft green light goes over his palm as his handprint is scanned, and there is a beep. The steel door in front of them rotates outward, and Bruce and Dick enter the manor. Bruce cuts through the living room. Dick follows him. The grandfather clock rotates shut behind them.

DICKI don't believe this.

BRUCEYou don't have to.

Bruce walks down a hall. Dick follows him.

DICKYou can't just shut her out.

70.

BRUCEI'm not. Get some sleep. You both have school tomorrow.

Dick scowls. Bruce turns and heads back down the hall.

FADE TO:

INT. WAYNE MANOR-HALLWAY

Bruce heads down a hall. Barbara passes him. She doesn't look at him. Bruce scowls and keeps walking.

FADE TO:


Bruce enters the room. Alfred is coming out of the grandfather clock entrance. He looks up. Bruce looks at him.

BRUCEAlfred...

ALFREDYes, sir?

BRUCEIs Barbara all right?

ALFREDShe's fine, sir.

Bruce nods.

BRUCEI mean...does she understand?

Alfred nods.

ALFREDI believe so, Master Bruce.

Bruce sinks onto the couch. He picks up a huge remote control and switches on the massive TV in front of the couch.

Onscreen, GOSSIP GERTY is sitting with a man in his late forties, with a trim beard. A logo behind her reads:

BATMAN: FRIEND OR FOE?

GERTYAnd we're back, with the second half of BATMAN: FRIEND OR FOE.

71.

(MORE)

The Caped Crusader's most controversial moments...discussed and dissected. We spoke with Dr. Chase Meridian before the break. With me now is Dr. Bartholomew Wolper, author of the book: BATMAN: MAN OR MYTH?

BEAT

GERTYYour views on Batman, doctor?

Onscreen, DR. WOLPER scowls.

WOLPERBatman is a menace to Gotham.

GERTYA menace?

WOLPERHe's out there, making up his own rules, punishing those he feels are doing wrong.

Onscreen, Gerty scowls.

GERTYSuperman does the same in Metropolis.

WOLPERSuperman works with the Metropolis Police Department. And he doesn't wear a mask. Batman does. Superman talks to the press. Batman doesn't. What does the Caped Crusader have to hide, I wonder?

BEAT

WOLPERAnd how do we know that there hasn't been more then one Batman? I mean...for all we know there could have been...two or three!

GERTYYou don't like him.

72.

GERTY (cont'd)

WOLPERI apologize for not having the glowing view of him that Ms. Meridian seemed to. But to me, Batman's a joke.

GERTYStrong words. Care to explain?

WOLPERDon't get me wrong...the ideal behind Batman is great. But he's not doing what he should. When he first appeared, Batman stopped muggers and rapists. He took on organized crime. He protected people. Now he waits for the police to shine that damn signal! He waits until there's something that will get him in the papers, or on television!

Bruce scowls.

ALFRED (O.S.)Rubbish.

Onscreen, Gerty folds her hands in her lap.

GERTYSo...Gotham would be better off without him?

Onscreen, Wolper shakes his head.

WOLPERI never said that. But Gotham would be better off with a Batman who acts more like Superman does. Or even Green Arrow. There's a hero who doesn't seek the spotlight. He stops muggers and rapists...and he doesn't get his picture in the paper. Or on magazine covers.

Onscreen, Gerty scowls.

GERTYHe's also a communist.

73.

WOLPERSo? He's good enough for the Justice League. That's good enough for me.

The screen cuts out. A BREAKING NEWS logo appears.

VOICEOVERWe interrupt this program for breaking news.

Bruce leans forward, tense.

VOICEOVERWe now go live, to Jack Ryder in the Channel Six studio.

The screen FADES IN:

JACK RYDER, a handsome, black-haired man is sitting at a desk.

RYDERGood evening.

BEAT

RYDERTerror strikes tonight in downtown Gotham as a group calling themselves the Brotherhood Of The People has taken a group of partiers at The Ritz Gotham hostage. Demands have been issued, and Gotham's Finest are engaged in a standoff with the group. We now go live to the Ritz Gotham, where Jennifer Epsin is going to bring us the latest. Jennifer?

Bruce stands and starts across the room.

ALFREDMaster Bruce?

BRUCEI'm going.

Bruce walks over the grandfather clock and turns the hands to 10:45. There is a click, then the machine-like whirring, and the clock begins to rotate outward.

Alfred scowls.

74.

ALFREDThis situation seems well within the reach of Gotham's police department. Perhaps Batman should rest this evening.

Bruce turns.

BRUCEHe'd love to, Alfred. But he can't.

Alfred sighs.

ALFREDAt least take Master Dick.

Bruce disappears into the darkness of the Batcave. The clock rotates shut. Alfred sighs.

FADE TO:

INT. WAYNE MANOR-DICK'S BEDROOM

Dick is sitting on his bed, thinking.

ENTER FLASHBACK:

INT. WAYNE MANOR

Bruce and Dick stride through a room.

PAN AROUNDOn the far wall, a huge wooden bookcase is sliding to the right, revealing two silver poles dropping into the darkness of the Batcave. There are a Bat-Emblem and a Robin-Emblem emblazoned on silver plates on the wall behind the respective poles. Bruce and Dick stride the poles as one, and slide down them. The bookcase slides shut.

CUT TO:

INT. BATCAVE

Bruce and Dick slide into the Batcave on the poles, land on the Batcave floor, dismount, and stride toward a single costume vault.

FADE TO:

75.

INT. BATCAVE

Batman and Robin emerge from the costume vault.

Batman wears an all dark blue Batsuit with a huge raised Bat-Emblem on his chest. Robin wears a crimson suit with green armpieces and leggings. Black boots and gloves. Black cape with a gold lining. Black domino mask. Batman and Robin stride toward The Batmobile from BATMAN FOREVER, which is rotating to face the access tunnel. Batman and Robin vault into The Batmobile together.

BEAT

Flame spews from the exhaust, and The Batmobile roars into the access tunnel.

FADE TO:

INT. GOTHAM MUSEUM-ANCIENT EGYPTIAN WING

Batman and Robin are back to back, fighting several thugs in slave garb. Behind them, a large, round man in strange gold armor and a gold headdress is walking up a flight of stairs. He carries a gold scepter. Batman fights past two thugs and races up the stairs after the man in the armor. Robin whirls, grabs two thugs, and slams their heads together. He turns and looks up the stairs.

FADE TO:

EXT. CLOCKTOWER-NIGHT

Perched on the ledge of Gotham's equivalent of Big Ben, Batman and Robin are facing down a tall, middle-aged man in horn-rimmed glasses and a black dress suit. The man wears a strange bowler hat, and there is a large gold pocket watch chain leading into his front pocket. Batgirl, clad in a dark purple version of her current costume with a raised gold Bat-Emblem on her chest, swings into frame on a silver cable as the man smiles and aims a gun at Batman and Robin.

FADE TO:

INT. HIDEOUT

Batgirl is restrained to a steel operating table of sorts. A tall bald man with an elongated egg-shaped forehead and a black handle-bar mustache in an expensive lavender suit stands near her. Batman and Robin crash through the windows on either side of the table and land on the floor in a shower of glass. Robin races over and starts to unlock Batgirl's restraints.

76.

Batman walks across the room, toward the bald man, who is reaching into his suit. He brings out a small silver egg-shaped item, which pops open.

FADE TO:

INT. WAYNE MANOR-DICK'S BEDROOM

Dick smiles, remembering.

ALFRED (O.S.)Master Dick? Is something wrong?

Dick turns toward the hall. Alfred stands there.

DICKNo, Al. Just reminiscing.

Alfred nods and continues on down the hall.

Dick sighs.

BEAT

Something outside his window catches his attention. Dick turns.

The Bat-Signal floats on the dark skies.

Dick stands, looking out the window.

FADE TO:

EXT. RITZ GOTHAM-NIGHT

The streets outside Gotham's most exclusive nightclub are crowded with police cruisers and curious citizens. Commissioner Gordon is sitting in one cruiser with a hostage negotiator. He's scowling.

FADE TO:

INT. RITZ GOTHAM-DINING ROOM

A GUNMAN in black leather and a ski mask peers out the window. Behind him, there are four more GUNMEN, two in the dining room, and one holding the HOSTAGES, about 20 of them, at gunpoint. The lead gunman holds a submachine gun. He scowls and raises a cell phone to his mouth.

LEAD GUNMANLet me talk to Gordon.

CUT TO:

77.

INT. POLICE CRUISER

The negotiator hands Gordon a cell phone. Gordon puts the cell phone to his ear.

GORDONThis is Gordon.

LEAD GUNMANWhat's the holdup, Gordon? You have our demands!

GORDONWe're working on it. It's going to take time.

Gordon turns to the negotiator. The negotiator shakes his head.

CUT TO:


LEAD GUNMANTime? You're stalling until Batman shows up? No deal. If The Bat shows, all of them die.

CUT TO:

INT. POLICE CRUISER

Gordon looks shocked.

CUT TO:


LEAD GUNMANWe'll kill them all if we have to!

CUT TO:

INT. RITZ GOTHAM-BALLROOM

Held at gunpoint, some of the hostages start to sob. Others hold each other. A few of them look pissed.

CUT TO:

78.


BATMAN (O.S.)Enough.

The lead gunman turns. Batman is walking from the shadows in the corner of the ballroom. He looks mad. The gunmen whirl toward him. Batman scowls, pulling a batarang from beneath his cape. One of the gunmen flinches. Batman whips the batarang in his direction, over his head. The razor-weapon spins over the gunmen and slices the rope holding back the curtain that divides the ballroom and dining room. The curtain there drops, obscuring the hostages from the gunmen. The gunmen turn back toward Batman. Except one. He heads for the curtain.

Batman palms a small round object from his belt. He presses a stud on it and small wires loosen. He WHIPS it through the air. The BAT-BOLA elongates and zips around the lone gunman's ankles. The gunman falls, landing with a crash.

LEAD GUNMANShoot him!

The gunmen open fire. Batman scowls and palms his belt again. A Batgrapple snaps into his waiting hand. He raises it, fires a piton into the ceiling, and rises over the gunmen on a silver cable. He lets go of the Batpistol and lands behind them, snapping his cape down.

Batman grabs one gunman's arm and kicks him in the stomach. A second gunman raises his weapon. Batman turns to face him, a scowl on his face. Then he freezes.

CUT TO:

INT. ALLEY-NIGHT

In another time, THOMAS AND MARTHA WAYNE and YOUNG BRUCE are walking down the street. A MAN steps from the shadows. He raises a pistol into the air. Young Bruce stares as the man pulls the trigger. Two gunshots echo in the stillness. Bruce watches as his parents fall to the ground in slow-motion.

CUT TO:

INT. RITZ GOTHAM-BALLROOM

Batman reaches out for something unseen.

BATMANNo!

79.

The gunmen look at each other, then at Batman.

BATMANMother!

The gunman watch, shocked, as Batman sinks to his knees. The gunmen close in, aiming their weapons at his head. Batman is looking at the floor. The gunmen are as shocked as Batman is.

GUNMAN 2I don't believe this.

GUNMAN 3(Awed)

We're gonna kill The Bat.

LEAD GUNMANSo shoot him.

BEAT

A side window explodes in a shower of colored glass as Robin swings into the room on a steel cable. He lets go of his cable as he lands on the floor and whirls, sending two batarangs spinning, taking out two of the gunmen's weapons. Robin leaps forward, kicking one of the gunmen in the chest, sending him back into a wall. He follows the man and punches him in the face. Then he whirls, karate kicks the other gunman in the side, and then uses his momentum to slam the man headfirst into the wall. The remaining two men rush Robin, who kicks one in the side and backhands the other one. He grabs the men and slams their heads together. Both of them drop like stones. Robin looks down as the last man falls, scowling. Then he turns toward the hostages. The lead gunman left is holding a pistol to a woman's head.

LEAD GUNMANGet back! I'll do it!

Robin freezes. The lead gunman cocks the weapon. Robin holds out a hand.

ROBINWait...

The lead gunman scowls.

LEAD GUNMANWe said no cops. No capes. For freedom. For the Brotherhood. She dies.

His finger tightens on the trigger.

80.

And a batarang slams into his head. The lead gunman drops to the floor, out cold. Robin looks down at him. He takes a deep breath. Then he turns. Batman is standing, legs shaking a little, looking pissed.

ROBINBatman?

Batman scowls.

BATMANYou're supposed to be at home.

Robin smiles.

ROBINYou're supposed to be on a date.

Batman scowls.

BATMANSee to the hostages.

Batman whirls and disappears into the shadows. Robin scowls.

CUT TO:


Robin walks toward the costume vaults. The pod that holds his vehicle sinks beneath the cave floor. Batman stands at the vaults, waiting.

BEAT

ROBINDon't give me a lecture.

Batman scowls.

BATMANYou could have been killed. Or worse, gotten a hostage killed.

Robin scowls.

ROBINYou needed help.

BATMANI had it under control.

81.

ROBINYeah.

BEAT

ROBINYou were doing a hell of a job.

Batman scowls.

BATMANThat's not the point.

Robin scowls.

ROBINThen what is the point, Bruce? For months now it's been like this! You've become obsessed!

BATMANWe've been over this. Over, and over, and over.

Robin gives up arguing.

ROBINI made a decision. Someone could have gotten hurt. That's what this is about, right? Protecting people?

Batman is silent.

ROBINOnce in a while heroes get to break the rules.

BEAT

BATMANNot on this team. You're suspended.

Robin stares at him.

ROBINWhat?

BATMANYou're suspended until further notice.

Robin scowls.

82.

ROBINYou can't do that.

Batman scowls.

BATMANWatch me.

Robin stands there, seething.

ROBINI'm not a kid, Bruce.

Batman scowls.

BATMANYou're right. You are impulsive. And reckless.

Robin stares at him.

ROBINBarbara was right.

BEAT

ROBINI can't do this.

BEAT

ROBINI can't work like this.

Robin scowls.

ROBINI don't need this.

BEAT

ROBINI quit.

Robin reaches up and tears his mask from his face. He drops it on the floor. Batman looks down. When he looks up, Dick is storming off into the darkness.

Batman scowls.

ALFRED (O.S.)Master Bruce?

83.

Alfred looks concerned.

ALFREDMaster Bruce?

Batman turns and walks off into the dark. Alfred looks worried.

FADE TO:

EXT. CLOCKTOWER-NIGHT

Gotham's version of Big Ben, a large clockface set into the side walls of a brownstone apartment building of more than 40 stories.

CUT TO:

INT. BARBARA'S APARTMENT-LIVING ROOM

Barbara is sitting on a couch, looking over some schoolbooks. She sighs. There is a knock on the door. Barbara stands, walks over to the door, unlocks three deadbolts, and opens it. Dick stands there, wearing a black leather jacket, looking forlorn.

BARBARADick? What's wrong?

Dick looks sad.

DICKI...quit.

Barbara looks at him for a second. Then she moves forward and hugs him. The two of them hold each other for long moments.

Dick sighs.

DICK(whispering)

What am I gonna do now, Barbara?

BARBARA(whispering)

You'll figure something out.

Dick smiles. He ends the hug.

DICKRobin was a kid. He's avenged his parents a hundred times over. Isn't that enough?

84.

Barbara nods. Dick looks at the floor.

DICKI don't want to be like him. I want a life, Barbara. I don't want to be like Bruce.

BEAT

Dick scowls.

DICKI won't be.

FADE TO:

INT. WAYNE MANOR-STUDY

Bruce enters the dark room. He looks up at a huge, framed oil painting of his parents and scowls. He lowers his head, his face in shadow.

ALFRED (O.S.)Master Bruce?

Bruce is silent.

ALFREDIs something wrong, sir?

BRUCENo.

Alfred scowls.

ALFREDYou haven't been in this room for a long time.

Bruce nods.

BRUCEI know.

Bruce looks up at the painting.

BRUCEI'd forgotten what it felt like.

ENTER FLASHBACK:

85.

INT. WAYNE STUDY-25 YEARS AGO

Bruce is sitting in an armchair, shrouded in shadow. His head is bowed. He looks up at the painting of his parents.

BRUCEMother. Father.

BEAT

BRUCEHow do I do it?

BEAT

BRUCEI've trained...for two decades.

BEAT

BRUCEI can't wait another minute.

Bruce lowers his head.

A pane in the huge window on the side of the room shatters, sending glass all over. Bruce rises from his chair as something flutters around the room. He approaches the mantle of the fireplace.

PAN AROUND

A bat has lighted on the mantle. Bruce stares at it, half his face in the light.

BRUCEYes...

BEAT

BRUCEI will become a bat.

FADE TO:

INT. WAYNE MANOR-STUDY

Bruce stands in the darkness.

FADE TO:

86.

INT. ALLEY-NIGHT

A MUGGER is accosting an OLD MAN.

MUGGEROk. Nice and slow. No surprises.

The old man holds out his wallet.

BATMAN (O.S.)Bad move.

The mugger looks up.

Batman stands on a catwalk across the street, scowling. The mugger stuttersteps backward, then pushes the old man to the ground and runs. Batman scowls, and whips his cape open, raising a Batpistol. He fires a piton into the air and swings down over the street, landing in front of the fleeing mugger, who looks shocked. Batman grabs the mugger and hauls him off the street.

BATMANScum.

The mugger stares at the face in front of him.

MUGGERP-Please...

Batman drags him over to the side of the street and slams him into a wall.

BATMANBeg harder.

MUGGERPlease!!!

Batman holds him against the wall, off the ground, glaring.

BATMANGet out of Gotham.

BEAT

BATMANYou have one hour.

Batman holds the man and lets the words sink in. Then he throws the mugger to the gravel.

87.

Batman raises a Batpistol into the air and fires it into the darkness. He is pulled out of frame. The mugger looks up, staring and shaking.

FADE TO:

INT. BARBARA'S APARTMENT-LIVING ROOM

The door opens and Barbara enters, holding shopping bags.

BARBARADick? You wanna come help me?

Barbara sets her bags down. She looks around.

BARBARADick?

FADE TO:

INT. BARBARA'S APARTMENT-KITCHEN

Barbara enters. There is an envelope on the table. She picks it up and opens it. She pulls out a letter, unfolds it, and starts to read. She finishes reading and sits down at the table, scowling.

FADE TO:


Bruce is sitting in front of the Batcomputer.

FADE TO:


Bruce is sitting in front of the Batcomputer.

PAN AROUND

He's staring at the screen.

Onscreen is a schematic with drug patterns.

BEAT

BRUCEAlfred?

BEAT

88.

BRUCEAlfred?

BEAT

Bruce stands and looks around the cave. His gaze rests on the costume vault. He walks across the Batmobile ramp and enters Dick's vault. Lights come on. Dick's Robin costume is still there. Beside it are Dick's BATMAN & ROBIN costume and the BATMAN FOREVER one. Bruce sighs.

FADE TO:


The grandfather clock whirrs and rotates open. Bruce exits and looks around. The clock rotates closed behind him. Bruce walks through the living room. There's no one there.

FADE TO:

INT. WAYNE MANOR-KITCHEN

Bruce peers in the door. The lights are off, and no one is there.

FADE TO:

INT. WAYNE MANOR-BRUCE'S BEDROOM

Bruce sits down on the bed, staring at the wall. He sighs. Then he reaches for the telephone on his bedside table. He picks up the receiver and dials in a number. He puts the phone to his ear.

FEMALE VOICEHello?

BEAT

BRUCEIt's me.

FEMALE VOICEBruce? It's been so long...

BRUCEIt has. I apologize.

FEMALE VOICEIt's ok.

Silence.

89.

FEMALESo...

Bruce sighs.

BRUCEDick and I had a fight. I don't know if he's coming back. And I'm...I'm seeing things.

FEMALE VOICESeeing things?

BRUCEVisions. Not like the ones I had before. These are different. More like...nightmares.

FEMALE VOICENightmares?

Bruce is silent for a moment.

BRUCEI keep seeing them die. Like I'm there. I could reach out and touch them.

FEMALE VOICEReach out and...

BRUCESomething's affected me. I'm seeing old friends...and enemies. I think it could be chemical. But the scope. The effect it's having on me is...frightening.

BEAT

BRUCEWhat's happening to me?

The woman sighs.

FEMALE VOICEI don't know. What I do know is this. You don't need a shrink, Bruce. You need a friend.

Silence.

90.

BRUCEThose are few and far between.

He smiles.

BRUCEThanks for listening, Chase.

FEMALE VOICEYou're welcome, Bruce.

Bruce hangs up. He sighs.

FADE TO:

INT. WAYNE MANOR-KITCHEN

Alfred is washing dishes. Bruce enters. He stands there for a moment, watching.

BRUCEAlfred?

Alfred turns.

ALFREDYes, sir?

BRUCEHas Dick called?

ALFREDNo, sir.

Bruce nods. Alfred picks up a dishcloth and wipes his hands.

ALFREDIs something wrong, sir?

Bruce nods.

BRUCEI was too hard on him.

Alfred smiles, folding the dishtowel.

ALFREDYou've had disagreements before, Master Bruce. Master Dick needs some time alone.

91.

Bruce nods. He leaves the kitchen. Alfred follows.

FADE TO:


Bruce and Alfred enter. Bruce sits down on his couch. He sighs.

BRUCEI didn't think it was possible.

Alfred looks concerned.

ALFREDWhat, sir?

Bruce looks off into space.

BRUCEI miss him.

Bruce sighs.

BRUCEHe saved Batman's life. And the lives of all those hostages. And all I could think about...was that he endangered his own. I thought he was being reckless.

BEAT

BRUCEHe was being a hero.

Alfred nods. He looks pleased. Bruce looks off into space.

BRUCEI treat him like an asset.


BRUCEWhen he's a friend.

Alfred nods.

ALFREDNot just a friend.

Bruce looks up. He nods.

92.

BRUCEDick is his own man. He has been for a long time. I can't choose his path for him.

Alfred nods.

ALFREDPerhaps not. But Bruce might be able to make amends for Batman's mistakes.

Bruce nods.

FADE TO:

INT. BARBARA'S APARTMENT-KITCHEN

Barbara is standing in front of a stove, making something.

There are three short, sharp raps on the door.

Barbara looks at the pan below her. She pulls off her kitchen gloves. She walks through her apartment, toward the door.

BARBARAComing!

Barbara reaches the door. She unlocks three deadbolts and opens it. She looks shocked.

PAN AROUNDBruce stands there, wearing a black trenchcoat. He looks sheepish.

BRUCEBarbara.

Barbara nods.

BARBARABruce.

Bruce looks past her.

BRUCEI was hoping to catch Dick between classes. Is he here?

Barbara shakes her head.

BARBARANo.

93.

Bruce nods.

BRUCEWhen will he be back?

Barbara scowls.

BARBARAI don't know.

Bruce nods.

BRUCEI see. Where did he-

BARBARAHe's gone, Bruce.

Bruce looks confused.

BRUCEGone? Where?

BARBARAI don't know. He left last night.

BRUCEOh.

Bruce looks at her for a minute.

BRUCEWell...if he makes contact...I'd like to talk to him.

Barbara scowls.

BARBARASo would I.

She closes the door in his face.

CUT TO:

INT. CLOCKTOWER-HALLWAY

Bruce looks at the door for a minute, then walks off.

FADE TO:

94.

GOTHAM CITY-NIGHT

Batman stands on a rooftop, looking out over the streets below.

He reaches up and taps the side of his cowl.

A series of reports fills the air, muggings, spousal abuse, ect.

BEAT

BEAT

BEAT

POLICE SCANNER(over commlink)

Break in at Axis Chemical. All units proceed there at once. Consider suspect armed and dangerous.

Batman snaps to attention.

BATMANAxis Chemical...

He pauses, thinking. Then he walks to the edge of the roof and drops into the darkness below.

FADE TO:

EXT. AXIS CHEMICAL-NIGHT

A long low building. The old Axis Chemicals building was demolished, and a new one stands in it's place.

Batman swings into frame on a silver cable. He lands on a catwalk and enters the chemical plant through a door in the side.

CUT TO:

INT. AXIS CHEMICAL

Three SECURITY GUARDS are writhing on the floor, in Fear Gas-induced visions. The Scarecrow is walking through the plant, stopping to pause and check the labels on various canisters of chemicals.

There is the flutter of wings and Batman drops to the floor in front of The Scarecrow, snapping his cape down.

95.

The Scarecrow steps back.

THE SCARECROWBatman.

The Scarecrow hurls a steel canister at him. Batman holds up an armored gauntlet, and the canister bangs off it and clatters to the floor. Batman starts toward The Scarecrow. The Scarecrow lashes out with a wild kick. Batman parries his blow with a gauntlet, grabs the Scarecrow's leg and twists. The Scarecrow loses his balance and lands on the floor in a heap. He reaches into his rags and pulls out a gun.

Batman freezes.

CUT TO:

CRIME ALLEY-NIGHT

Batman stands there. In front of him, his parents and himself as a child are walking along. A man steps from the shadows and raises a pistol.

BATMANNo...

The man fires twice. His parents fall. Then again. And again. And again.

BATMANNo!

CUT TO:

INT. AXIS CHEMICAL

The Scarecrow watches as Batman kneels, clutching his head.

THE SCARECROWInteresting. It appears Fear Gas has longer-lasting effects on the mind.

BEAT

THE SCARECROWHave another dose.

The Scarecrow reaches into his rags and removes the skull bulb. He lowers it at Batman and squeezes. Gas fills the air around The Dark Knight.

96.

The Scarecrow backs up, out of the cloud of reddish vapor. He stands there and watches with glee as Batman fights for control.

CUT TO:

CRIME ALLEY-NIGHT

Batman, kneeling, looks up. His parent's faces have become horrible skulls. He shakes his head.

BATMANNo...not real.

CUT TO:

INT. AXIS CHEMICAL

The Scarecrow nods.

THE SCARECROWOh, it's real. As real as it gets.

He puts his foot on Batman's chest and shoves. Batman topples, till he lies on the ground, curled into a ball.

THE SCARECROWAnd soon...all of Gotham will know true fear.

CUT TO:

CRIME ALLEY-NIGHT

Batman watches Thomas and Martha fall. Over and over and over.

THE SCARECROW'S VOICE (DISTANT)All of Gotham will know true fear...

CUT TO:

INT. AXIS CHEMICAL

The Scarecrow moves off, laughing.

CUT TO:

97.

CRIME ALLEY-NIGHT

The vision intensifies. The world around Batman swirls, blurred.

CUT TO:

INT. AXIS CHEMICAL

Batman reaches up with a supreme effort and taps the side of his cowl.

BATMANBatman to Robin.

BEAT

BATMANRobin...

Batman lowers his head.

Gunshots echo over and over.

BATMANDick...

CUT TO:

CRIME ALLEY-NIGHT

The world swirls around him. Batman looks up. His parents are gone. Now he watches as Robin is blown backward with in a hail of bullets. His partner falls into nothingness. Then reappears.

BATMANDick?

The vision blurs again. Batman tries to stand, tries to help.

BATMANNot again...won't lose him again.

Batman lunges for Robin. Robin dissipates into nothing.

BATMANNo!

The vision swirls again. Batman turns. There are several figures in shadow. One is a squat figure with blurred, grotesque features. The figure levels some kind of umbrella weapon at him.

98.

A second figure, in a garish half-and-half suit, lowers dual pistols. A third figure is in deep shadow, but we can make out a dark purple suit.

Batman looks shocked.

BATMANNo...isn't real...can't be real.

Batman scowls. His face strains with effort. Hand shaking, Batman reaches beneath his cape and wrenches his Batpistol free. He points his Batpistol toward dark skies. He fires. The grapple lances upward. Batman presses the retract button and rises into the air, out of his vision. He takes deep breaths as he does so. When he looks down, he's dangling over a cloud of red gases, in the Axis Chemical warehouse. Batman lowers his head as sirens wail in the distance. He's breathing hard, and there is sweat running down his face.

FADE TO:


Batman staggers across the deserted parking lot. He makes it to the Batmobile. The cockpit slides open and Batman climbs in with effort. The cockpit slides closed.

CUT TO:

INT. BATMOBILE

Batman is still breathing hard and sweating.

CUT TO:


The Batmobile roars to life and peels off.

FADE TO:

A CORNFIELD-NIGHT

The Scarecrow strides across a cornfield in the dark, a sack full of stolen canisters over his back. He walks toward a dark barn.

CUT TO:

INT. BARN

The door slides open and the silhouette of The Scarecrow enters.

99.

BEAT

THE SCARECROWI'm home!

PAN OVER

A huge black crow sits on a beam over the barn. The Scarecrow looks at it.

THE SCARECROWMiss me, Craw?

The crow glares at him. The Scarecrow walks past it, into a dark corner of the barn. There is a table there, filled with various vials, test tubes, ect. The Scarecrow has put together a makeshift workshop.

THE SCARECROWYou should have seen what the Fear Gas did to Batman.

BEAT

THE SCARECROWTo Batman.

He starts laughing.

THE SCARECROWIt works better than I ever expected!

The Scarecrow drops his bag on the table and turns. He picks up an old SCYTHE that is leaning against the wall and looks at it. He takes a few practice swipes. Then he looks up.

THE SCARECROWIt's time, Craw. Time our enemies find out what it means to be scared.

The Scarecrow starts to laugh. His laughter echoes forever.

FADE TO:

THE ROOF OF GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS-NIGHT

The Bat-Signal floats on the dark skies above.

Commissioner Gordon and Batman stand on the roof.

100.

GORDONThe Scarecrow made off with two hundred thousand dollars worth of hard-to-find chemical compounds. What would he need more chemicals for?

Batman scowls.

BATMANHe's planning to use them.

GORDONOn what?

Batman looks out over Gotham. Gordon looks shocked.

GORDONGotham?

BEAT

GORDONYou think Crane has something big planned?

Batman is thinking.

BATMANI don't know. He could.

Batman looks out over Gotham.

BATMANImagine. All of Gotham. Scared to death.

GORDONI'd rather not.

BEAT

BATMANI'm going to find him.

FADE TO:

GOTHAM CITY-NIGHT

Batman swings into frame and lands on a roof. He looks out over the streets below.

CUT TO:

101.

GOTHAM EAST SIDE-NIGHT

A row of bars, crackhouses and adult bookstores.

One stands out. A neon sign blinks on and off, with the words:

MCSURLEY'S

CUT TO:

INT. BAR

The inside of the bar is loud and smoke-filled. It's not high-class. HOOKERS solicit MEN at the bar, and there are the usual card games and such going on at the tables behind them. Through the thickness of the crowd, we hear a series of crashes and grunts. The sound of a fight that is soon over.

PULL BACK

The crowd parts, revealing Batman, holding a TERRIFIED MAN off the floor with one hand. The BARTENDER, a fat man with thinning black hair and a huge cigar between his lips, looks shocked. He tries to hide his obvious fear.

BARTENDERBatman. Been a long time.

Batman scowls.

BARTENDERWhatcha...Whatcha need?

Batman drops the man he's holding and starts to walk toward the bartender.

BATMANI want the members of The Scarecrow's gang. The ones that helped him rob The First National Bank.

The bartender frowns.

BARTENDERWho's The Scarecrow?

Batman pulls the owner close.

BATMANI don't ask twice.

102.

BARTENDERUhh...

A FOOLISH MAN is creeping up behind Batman, a poolcue raised over his head, preparing to bash Batman over the back of the head with it.

BEAT

BATMANDon't.

The man freezes. He lowers the poolcue.

FADE TO:

A SIDE STREET-NIGHT

Batman bursts from the bar and into a side-street. He looks up and down the street. Nothing. He starts to walk down the street.

FADE TO:

INT. ANOTHER BAR

Batman stands on a table, holding a PUNK at arm's length.

FADE TO:

THE SIDEWALK-NIGHT

A WELL-DRESSED MAN is walking along. A lasso of sorts drops about his shoulders and he finds himself being hauled up into the dark.

FADE TO:

INT. CASINO

Batman is being attacked. Four MEN in black business suits with various weapons charge him. Batman grabs one, slams him down on a gaming table, whirls, kicks another one in the stomach, grabs a third, then grabs a fourth, and slams the two men's heads together. The men collapse. Batman reaches down and hauls the man on the table to his feet. He picks him up off the floor and glares at him. He whispers something. The man shakes his head. Batman throws him to the floor.

FADE TO:

103.

EXT. BLACKGATE PRISON-NIGHT

Set high on an island in Gotham Harbor, Blackgate Prison is a huge stone structure, built to house the worst criminals Gotham has to offer.

CUT TO:

INT. BLACKGATE PRISON-CELL BLOCK

A number of ARMED GUARDS are walking up and down.

CUT TO:

INT. CELL

A large man with a shaved head is asleep on a cot.

BATMAN (O.S.)(whispering)

Duncan.

DUNCAN wakes with a start.

DUNCANWho?

BATMAN (O.S.)(whispering)

The window.

Duncan turns. Batman is perched on the ledge outside his window.

BATMAN(whispering)

The Scarecrow. Where is he?

Duncan looks down at the floor. He rubs his forehead.

DUNCANI dunno, man. He was weird. Never took the mask off. Never told us his real name. He picked us up. Paid us. That was it.

Duncan turns toward the window. Batman is gone.

FADE TO:

104.

A ROOFTOP-NIGHT

Batman stands, silent, looking out over Gotham. He looks pissed.

FADE TO:

CRIME ALLEY-NIGHT

A single lamp casts an eerie glow on the sidwalk. Batman swings down and lands on the sidewalk. He stands there for a moment, just looking at a section of sidewalk, head down. There is a reverence to these actions that few have seen. Batman raises his head, looking off into space for a moment. Then he turns and walks off into the darkness.

FADE TO:


Bruce is sitting on the couch, brooding. Alfred enters.

BRUCEHe's gone.

Alfred doesn't look surprised.

ALFREDWho, sir?

BRUCEThe Scarecrow.

ALFREDAnd Batman has given up the search?

BRUCEHe's vanished without a trace, Alfred. And he's brilliant. He left no trails to follow. No leads.

BEAT

BRUCEGordon and his men have all the potential victims in safehouses. Batman can't do a damn thing until he moves.

Bruce reaches for a remote control and turns on the tv. Alfred looks at him. A news program is on. The ever-popular Gossip Gerty is co-hosting the 10 O'Clock News. Her co-host, a man in a blue suit with blonde hair, starts to speak.

105.

BENNIESilver St. Cloud is back in town, Gerty! And she's hosting another fabulous shindig for the Children's Charities Fund!

GERTYThat's correct, Bennie! And Bruce Wayne himself will be onhand to hand out the...

BRUCEI loathe that woman.

Alfred smiles.

ALFREDDon't we all, sir?

Bruce nods.

GERTYTickets are available from...

A strange look crosses her face.

GERTYAha...heh.

GERTYHeh. Heh. Heh.

Gerty dissolves into maniacal laughter, then keels over, her head landing on the news counter, still laughing.

BENNIEWhat the hell? Gerty? Gerty?

Gerty has stopped laughing. Her hair blocks her face. The feed cuts out.

PAN AROUND

Bruce is watching, shocked. He stares at the screen.

BRUCEAlfred.

ALFREDYes, sir?

106.

BRUCEDid...

ALFREDYes, sir.


BRUCE(whispering)

It's the gas...it has to be.


ALFREDI'm afraid not, sir.

Bruce looks like he's about to lose it.

BRUCEThis isn't possible.

FADE TO:

INT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS-PARKING GARAGE

A worried Commissioner Gordon is walking through the parking garage. Detective Bullock walks with him.

BULLOCKYou're going to the crime scene?

GORDONGossip Gertie just died. Died laughing. We're going to get to the bottom of this as fast as we can. This is something we don't need to spread.

BULLOCKYeah.

GORDONNo statements, Bullock. Our official position...is that this is an isolated incident. Got it?

BULLOCKSure thing.

Gordon climbs into the police cruiser.

107.

GORDONLet's go.

The cruiser leaves the parking garage.

FADE TO:


Bruce hurries down the stairs, walks over, and sits down at the Batcomputer. Bruce presses a sequence of buttons.

Onscreen, a frozen image of Gossip Gertie appears.

Bruce presses a button.

ONSCREEN GERTIEThat's CORRECT, Bennie!

ANGLE ON:

Bruce.

He watches again.

GERTIEAhah. Heh. Heh. Heh. (Dissolves into maniacal laughter)

Bruce's face darkens. He presses a button. He stands.

FADE TO:

THE STREETS-NIGHT

The police cruiser speeds along, bubble blazing.

CUT TO:

INT. POLICE CRUISER

Gordon is riding in the passenger seat of the cruiser. A black-haired officer of about 30 is driving. He smiles.

COPSo Gertie bit the big one, huh? Dunno if she'll be missed much.

GORDONA woman is dead, officer. Show some respect.

108.

COPYes, sir.

CUT TO:

THE STREET-NIGHT

The police cruiser speeds along, bubble blazing.

CUT TO:

INT. POLICE CRUISER

Through the windshield, we watch as the street bows, then begins to sink in on itself.

COPOmigod! The street! The friggin' street is melting!

The cop slams on the breaks.

CUT TO:

THE STREET-NIGHT

The police cruiser swerves and slams into a wall. Gordon, dazed, looks around. The driver's head is resting on the wheel, but he's alive.

GORDONOfficer? Officer?

BEAT

GORDON

DAMN!

Gordon wrenches open the door and climbs out onto the sidewalk.

FADE TO:

THE SIDEWALK-NIGHT

Gordon looks around.

SILENCE

THE SCARECROW(hissing whisper)

Gordon...

109.

Commissioner Gordon whirls. The Scarecrow is emerging from the darkness, a gun aimed at his chest.

THE SCARECROWWe can't keep our audience waiting, Commissioner.

A dart shoots from the gun and lodges in Gordon's chest. Gordon looks surprised an instant before the drugs kick in and he collapses.

The Scarecrow smiles beneath his mask.

FADE TO:

INT. SAFEHOUSE

WIDE SHOT

In a corner, several cops are talking to two of Gotham State's administrators. Bullock stands near the door, smoking.

Bullock looks at a ROOKIE COP.

BULLOCKGlad to have something to do?

ROOKIE COPOf course. How are things in Major Crimes?

BULLOCKWeird. Things are...weird.

COPIt's Gotham, Bullock.

BULLOCKYeah. I guess. But times like this I miss Homicide.

There is a hissing sound.

All the COPS in the room turn and look at the vents. A red gas is wafting into the room.

COPWhat the hell is that?

COP #2Don't breathe it in!

110.

BULLOCKClose the vents!

Bullock covers his mouth with a handkerchief and moves toward the vent. There, he slams the vent switch down. The vents slam shut.

Most of the rest of the cops in the room are standing there, as if frozen. Some of them are sweating.

ROOKIE COPN-No!

Bullock turns. The rookie cop is aiming a gun at him.

ROOKIE COPL-Leave me alone!

Bullock jerks to his left as the cop fires. The bullet slams into the wall behind him.

BULLOCKWhat the hell? Stop!

The rookie cop fires again. Bullock dives under a table.

All of the cops pull their weapons. Panicked, terror-stricken, the cops start firing like mad. One of the admistrators falls backward, dead.

BULLOCKNo! Stop!

Bullock pulls his own gun. The rookie cop aims at another administrator. Bullock leaps to his feet and tackles him. The cop goes down, Bullock on top of him. Bullock punches him in the face.

The door opens, and The Scarecrow enters the room. He looks around, admiring his handiwork. Most of the cops are cowering on the floor, hands covering their ears, or curled into little balls. Bullock levels his weapon at The Scarecrow, hands trembling.

BULLOCKD-Don't move.

THE SCARECROWBut Detective Bullock. You're afraid of guns.

111.

Bullock looks down at the gun in his hand. He screams and drops it, then backs up against the wall. The Scarecrow smiles.

THE SCARECROWI won't be long. I'm here to collect someone.

The Scarecrow walks across the room, and grabs the administrator's collar. He hauls him to his feet. The man starts to shriek. The Scarecrow pulls out a needle and plunges it into the man's neck. The man goes limp. The Scarecrow looks around the room. He smiles.

The Scarecrow starts for the door, dragging the man's limp form with him.

BULLOCKNo. Can't let this...

Bullock tries to get to his feet. He reaches for The Scarecrow.

The Scarecrow kicks Bullock in the face. Bullock falls to the floor, out cold. The Scarecrow drags the unconscious man from the room, closing the door behind him. Bullock stirs. He sits up, shaking. The room is filled with the red gas. Bullock reaches up and snatches a phone off the hook. He dials a number, hands trembling.

BULLOCKC-Central...

He drops the phone and falls back to the floor, shaking.

FADE TO:

INT. AUDITORIUM

Commissioner Gordon is tied to a steel pole in the center of a dark auditorium. On either side, there are other men tied as well. The Scarecrow walks across the stage and holds his gloved hand in front of Gordon's face.

THE SCARECROWRise and shine, Commissioner.

A harried Commissioner Gordon looks up. He scowls.

GORDONCrane.

The Scarecrow smiles beneath his mask. Gordon looks around.

112.

GORDONWhere are we?

The Scarecrow spreads his arms wide, smiling beneath his mask.

THE SCARECROWIsn't it obvious?

One of the other hostages looks at Gordon.

ADMINISTRATORWe're in the auditorium at Gotham State.

The Scarecrow whirls, steps across the stage and BACKHANDS the man.

THE SCARECROWYou'll speak when spoken to!

Gordon scowls. He glares at The Scarecrow.

GORDONWhat...what's it all about?

THE SCARECROWOh. Is this is where I explain the master plan, so that Batman can find out and foil it when he arrives? Not this time, Commissioner.

The Scarecrow turns and walks across the stage. He busies himself at a shelf full of vials of multi-colored liquids.

GORDONWhat's this all about?

THE SCARECROWYou...wouldn't understand.

BEATTHE SCARECROW

You will, though. Soon.

The Scarecrow gestures toward the shelf in front of him.

THE SCARECROWWe're going to have some fun before Batman shows up. And he will show...

113.

The Scarecrow scans the contents of the shelf. Each vial has it's own label.

THE SCARECROWWhat'll it be, Commissioner? Rats? Snakes? Spiders? The death of a loved one?

BEAT

THE SCARECROWThat's a personal favorite of mine.

The Scarecrow extracts a vial full of green liquid. He pops it into a needle of sorts.

THE SCARECROWOf course the exact toxin is hard to pinpoint. All of them have...varied effects.

The Scarecrow moves toward Gordon. Gordon strains at his bonds. The Scarecrow grabs his shoulder and plunges the needle into Gordon's bicep, pressing the plunger. Gordon screams as the green liquid drains into his bloodstream.

BEAT

The Scarecrow steps back to watch.

BEAT

Gordon screams into his gag as evil-looking scorpions materialize, and start to walk up his legs, over his arms, and crawl around on his stomach. He thrashes, in a vain attempt to shake them free. The Scorpions plunge their stingers into his flesh, making his screams louder.

The Scarecrow laughs. He looks at the members of the Board Of Directors. He holds up the gun.

THE SCARECROWNext?

The board members look terrified. The Scarecrow smiles.

The Scarecrow walks across the stage, and looks at the remaining board members. His gaze falls on one of them. He raises the needle into the air.

BOARD MEMBERPlease! Please, oh God!

114.

The Scarecrow plunges the needle into the man's arm. The red liquid drains from the reservoir.

BOARD MEMBERAhhh!

BEAT

THE SCARECROWOh, dear. I chose the wrong toxin.

BEAT

The man screams as flames leap up all over him.

MANAhhh! Ahhh! Someone, please!

The remaining board members look horrified. There are no flames on the man. It's all in his head. Still, the man continues to shriek. The Scarecrow walks over to the shelving unit and scans the shelves for a suitable toxin for his next victim.

THE SCARECROWAll I've ever wanted to do was observe. And when this is over, I can. I can observe Gotham, even perform experiments.

Gordon is doing his best to fight the effects of the Fear Gas.

GORDONB-Batman will...

THE SCARECROWStop me? Right now, Batman can't even look at a gun, much less dodge bullets. He's coming, of course. You were chosen for a reason.

BEAT

THE SCARECROWAnother dose, Commissioner?


Alfred enters. He freezes. He walks into the room. Bruce is dozing in an armchair. Bruce starts as Alfred approaches. He looks up.

115.

ALFREDMaster Bruce?

BRUCEI'm fine, Alfred. Just tired.

Alfred nods.

ALFREDIt's to be expected. You haven't slept for 72 hours, sir.

Bruce sighs.

BRUCEYou're right. I'm no good exhausted.

He looks at Alfred.

BRUCEI'll get some rest.

Alfred smiles.

ALFREDI'll prepare a sedative, sir.

Bruce turns and heads down the hall.

FADE TO:


Bruce is in bed. Alfred stands beside him.

ALFREDSleep well, sir.

Bruce nods.

BRUCEThanks, Alfred.

Alfred leaves the room. Bruce lies back on the pillows, staring at the ceiling.

CUT TO:

116.


A bat glides through the darkness, flitting here and there, and settles on a tree near Bruce's window. The Bat-Signal shines on the Gotham skies.

CUT TO:


A light falls over Bruce. He wakes with a start.

CUT TO:


Alfred steps out of a door. Bruce walks right past him.

ALFREDMaster Bruce?

BRUCEHas to be done.

ALFREDThe sedatives...

BRUCEWill have to wait.

CUT TO:


Bruce hurries through the living room and walks toward the grandfather clock. He turns the hands of the clock to 10:45. There is a click, a machine-like whirring, and the clock rotates outward. Bruce walks into the darkness.

FADE TO:

THE ROOF OF POLICE HEADQUARTERS-NIGHT

The Bat-Signal floats on the clouds overhead.

Bullock is standing on the roof near the lit Bat-Signal. He sighs.

BULLOCKCome on, Bats.

BATMAN (O.S.)Detective Bullock.

117.

Bullock turns. Batman is standing in the shadows on the edge of the roof.

BULLOCKOh.

BATMANWhere's the Commissioner?

Bullock scowls.

BULLOCKHe's been kidnapped. Along with the rest of the Gotham State Board of Directors. The Scarecrow used Fear Gas, got into the protected dwelling. I was there. There were cops shooting other cops, even one of the members of the Board of Directors.

Batman scowls.

BULLOCKThe freak sent us this.

Bullock reaches under his trenchcoat and produces a videotape. He hands it to Batman.

BATMANMind if I take this?

Bullock nods.

BULLOCKGo right ahead.

Batman tucks the tape under his cape, turns, and heads for the edge of the roof.

BULLOCKThere's a-

Batman drops off the edge.

BULLOCK...ledge there.

FADE TO:

118.


The Batmobile pulls into the cave. The cockpit slides open. Batman vaults out and strides toward the Batcomputer. He pulls the tape from beneath his cape and slides the cassette into a deck under the computer. An image comes onscreen. It's The Scarecrow, shrouded in darkness.

THE SCARECROWGood evening. This is The Master of Fear, with a message for Batman. I've got Gordon, Batman. And the rest of the Gotham State Board of Directors. You know where to find us. Come alone. If the police show up, all of them die.

Batman scowls.

BATMANI'm going.

ALFREDWhere, sir?

Batman strides across the Batmobile ramp and into his costume chamber. A light clicks on inside as he enters.

CUT TO:

INT. BATCAVE-ARMORY

Batman walks past the regular costume vault and stops in front of a long recess at the end of his vault. A panel slides open, and he looks at a row of Batsuits, among them the Ice Suit from BATMAN & ROBIN, the Sonar Suit from BATMAN FOREVER, and the ones from BATMAN and BATMAN RETURNS.

Batman looks down. A new cowl sits on a shelf beside several others. It has a different facial structure. An elongated nose feature, and some kind of mechanism.

CUT TO:


Batman emerges, wearing the new cowl.

ALFREDA new cowl, sir?

119.

BATMANIt's equipped with nose filters. The Scarecrow's Fear Gas won't affect me.

Alfred scowls.

ALFREDBe careful, sir.

Batman heads for The Batmobile. He vaults in, and the cockpit slides shut.

BEAT

Turbines scream and The Batmobile rockets into the access tunnel, flame spewing from twin exhaust ports on it's rear. Alfred watches until it's glow disappears.

FADE TO:


Barbara walks up the steps. She rings the doorbell. The door opens. Alfred looks out at Barbara.

ALFREDBarbara! What a pleasant surprise.

BARBARAHi, Alfred. Is Bruce home?

ALFREDI'm afraid not. He's...out.

BARBARAI saw the signal. What's going on?

ALFREDI'm not sure.

Barbara scowls.

BARBARAIf he needs help...I'm here.

ALFREDYou don't want to come in?

Barbara scowls.

BARBARANo. I've got...things to do.

120.

She turns and walks down the stairs toward her car.

CUT TO:


Batman swings through the air on a silver cable. He detaches the Batgrapple and drops to a roof below, snapping his cape down. He walks over to a roof window. Batman looks down through the dust-covered glass, then hauls back and smashes the glass with his gauntlet. Glass falls to the floor below. Batman reaches through the broken glass and unlocks the window from the inside. Batman pulls the window open.

BATGIRL (O.S.)Batman!

Batman whirls. Batgirl stands on the roof behind him.

BATMANHow-

BATGIRLDick was investigating Crane, too. The rest wasn't hard to piece together.

BATMANYou're in no condition to take on The Scarecrow.

BATGIRLAnd you are?

Batgirl sighs.

BATGIRLI know this is personal.

BEAT

BATGIRLBut right now...

She scowls.

BATGIRLYou need help.

Batman looks at her. He scowls.

121.

BATMANYou're in no condition to face him again.

BEAT

BATMANI can handle this.

Batman scowls.

BATMANGo home, Barbara.

Batgirl looks at him for a moment. Then Batman turns, spreads his cape, and drops into the darkness. Batgirl stands there for a moment, looking at the window. Her jaw quivers, and a drop of moisture runs down from inside her cowl. Her expression changes from concern to anger, and she looks down. Then back up. Then she reaches beneath her cape, pulls a Batgrapple and turns. Batgirl fires the grapple into the night and leaps off the roof, swinging into the darkness.

CUT TO:

INT. GOTHAM STATE-HALLWAY

Batman is standing in the hall, casing the area. He looks around. When he's satisfied, he continues down the hall he's landed in.

FADE TO:


Batman rounds a corner and enters another hall.

THE SCARECROW(over loudspeaker)

Good evening, Batman.

Batman looks up. There are loudspeakers at intervals down the hall. A soft hissing fills the air, and red gas starts to fill the hall from the vents in the ceiling.


You'll notice the halls are filling with Fear Gas. Don't be alarmed. It's all part of the game.

122.

Batman keeps walking. He reaches the end of the hall and turns a corner. The next hall is dark. Batman slows his pace and walks down it, scanning for danger.

BEAT

A Halloween skeleton drops from the ceiling.


Boo!

Batman looks at the skeleton. He grabs it's legs, wrenches it from the ceiling, drops it on the floor, and continues down the hall.


You must have been wondering...what all the chemicals I stole were for.

Batman keeps walking.


The gas I'm feeding through the vents is a wonderful combination of chemicals. Designed to produce all the varieties of fear. I've even managed to pinpoint some of the more specific phobias.

BEAT


Such as agoraphobia. Fear of open spaces.

Batman turns another corner. He's entered a wide hall. The hall has filled with Fear Gas. He looks around. Then he continues down the hall, wading through the red gasses. He nears the end of the hall, and the elevator there.


Then there's claustrophobia. Fear of closed spaces.

123.

The elevator's doors are open. Batman walks toward at the elevator. Then he enters. Batman presses the button for the ground floor. The doors slide closed.

CUT TO:

INT. GOTHAM STATE-ELEVATOR

Batman stands, gathering himself.


You're getting closer now.

CUT TO:


The elevator opens. Batman exits, and heads down the hall, which is filled with the Fear Gas.


And who can forget...arachnophobia?

Batman scowls.

PAN AROUND

The hall is filled with spider-webs and dangling plastic spiders.

Batman stands there for a moment, then starts wading through them.

FADE TO:

INT. GOTHAM STATE-AUDITORIUM

Commissioner Gordon is tied with rope to a pole onstage. His head is down, and he's breathing hard, and sweating. The rest of the Board of Directors are in the same predicament. The Scarecrow is nowhere to be seen.

FADE TO:


Batman nears a set of double doors, pulling strands of web off his cape and cowl. He quickens his pace.

CUT TO:

124.

INT. GOTHAM STATE-AUDITORIUM

The doors burst open.

Batman enters, taking deep breaths, looking pissed. He looks up.

BATMAN(enraged)

Crane!

PAN AROUND

The Scarecrow stands onstage, holding a small walkie talkie-like device. He turns toward Batman.

THE SCARECROWYou made it. Alive.

The Scarecrow smiles beneath his mask.

THE SCARECROWIt doesn't matter, though. You're all going to die.

Batman scowls. He takes a step forward.

BATMANWhat's this about?

THE SCARECROWAbout? I want revenge. For what the world did to me. For all the teasing and suffering I've been through.

Batman takes another step forward.

BATMANThousands of people are teased. Not all of them become murderers.


BATMANYou're nothing special.


BATMANYou're just sick.

125.


BATMANAnd weak.

The Scarecrow glares at Batman.

THE SCARECROWDon't ever call me weak!

BEATTHE SCARECROW

I've been through Hell and back!

Batman glares at The Scarecrow. He steps forward.

BATMANTry me.

The Scarecrow stares at him. His mask hides the hatred he feels.

THE SCARECROWFor that...

BEAT

THE SCARECROWYou'll watch them all die.

The Scarecrow reaches into his costume.

BATMANNo.

Batman snaps a batarang open. He whips it at The Scarecrow, who ducks it with surprising speed. The Batarang imbeds itself into the wall behind him.

Batman starts to head for the stage. The Scarecrow pulls a knife and raises it into the air. He tries to choose a victim. His gaze settles on Commissioner Gordon.

Batman grits his teeth and breaks into a sprint. He leaps off the first row of seats and lands onstage, gloved hands grabbing The Scarecrow's wrist and twisting. BONE CRACKS. The Scarecrow screams and drops the knife.

Batman blocks a wild kick from The Scarecrow. The Scarecrow whirls reaching down, sweeps the knife from the floor, and comes back toward Batman with it.

126.

Batman steps back as The Scarecrow swings the knife in a wide arc, just missing his chest armor. Batman uses his left arm to block The Scarecrow from making another swipe and drives his right hand into The Scarecrow's chin in a paw knuckle strike. The Scarecrow staggers backward, into the back of the stage. The Scarecrow steps forward, into one of Batman's backhands. The Scarecrow staggers into the wall again. Batman whirls and drives a booted foot into his midsection. The Scarecrow slumps against the wall. He looks up as Batman approaches, pissed.

THE SCARECROWIt can't end like this.

Batman UPPERCUTS him. The Scarecrow staggers backward, his hand going to his mouth. He leans on the wall, glaring at Batman from beneath his mask. Batman steps forward, grabs The Scarecrow's mask with one hand and rips it off. Jonathan Crane glares at Batman with pure hatred. His hand goes into his rags. He brings out a small black remote. He presses the button. Red gas starts to filter onstage from vents in the wall. Crane looks at Batman.

CRANEYou're the hero, Batman. Save them.

Batman turns toward the hostages and sees the gas. Crane whirls and kicks him in the head. Batman drops to one knee, stunned. Crane leaps off the stage and races out of the auditorium. The hostages scream into their gags. Batman rises. His hand goes to his belt.

BATMANDon't breathe in!

The hostages aren't. Batman snaps a small black casing free. It's a blade. Batman brings the blade down on the first rope. The rope snaps. Batman whirls and does the same to another man's bonds. Then another. Then he turns and grabs Gordon's. He slashes Gordon free. The hostages stagger forward from their bonds. A few of them collapse.

Batman watches as the hostages kneel, gasping for air.

BATMANJim.

Gordon looks at Batman, shocked.

BATMANGet them off the stage.

Batman drops off the stage.

127.

GORDONWait...Batman?

Batman turns toward Gordon.

BATMANI'm going after Crane.

Batman turns and sprints out of the auditorium. Gordon turns the other men.

GORDONCome on. Let's get out of here.

Gordon helps one of the men off the stage.

FADE TO:


Clouds of red gas have filled the halls. Jonathan Crane is wandering through them, lost, disoriented. Sweat pours down his face. Crane looks around.

CRANEThe halls...so big. Can't hide!

Crane scowls.

CRANEThis isn't right.

BEAT

CRANEHeart racing...

BEAT

CRANESweating...

Crane makes a realization.

CRANEOh, no.

BEAT

Crane races down the hall. He skids around a corner. He freezes.

128.

PAN AROUND

Batman stands in his path, glaring from beneath his cowl.

CRANENo...

BEAT

CRANEThat's impossible.

Batman starts toward him. Crane backs up.

CRANEThis isn't right at all! You're supposed to be afraid!

Batman raises his cape like giant wings.

BATMANI'm Batman, Crane.

Batman snaps his cape down and steps forward.

BATMANI am fear.

Crane looks up with dawning horror as Batman reaches him. With a supreme effort, he reaches into his rags and pulls a gun.

But a gloved hand takes it from him and flings it back down the hall. Crane throws up his arms as Batman shoves him. Batman's face is filled with rage.

BATMANYou made it happen.

Batman punches Crane. Crane staggers backward.

BATMANYou made me see them!

Batman punches Crane again, sending the madman spinning into a wall. He grabs Crane and hauls him off the floor. Batman shakes with pure rage.

BATMANYou made me watch them being murdered!

129.

Batman HEAD BUTTS Crane. Crane falls backward, landing in a heap on the floor. Batman strides after him. He reaches down and hauls Crane to his feet. Batman backhands Crane, and the other man staggers into a wall. Crane puts his hands in front of his face. He sinks to his knees.

CRANENo more! Please!

Gloved hands reach down and haul him from the floor. Batman HEAD BUTTS him again. Crane loses his balance and slumps against a wall. Batman steps toward him. Crane throws up his arms in a futile gesture. Batman wrenches his arms apart and punches Crane in the stomach. Crane collapses on the wall, whimpering.

Batman grabs him with one hand and hauls him off the floor. Batman's jaw is trembling. Crane looks up, waiting for the killing blow. Batman raises his fist.

BATGIRL (O.S.)No!

PAN AROUND

Batgirl stands in the hall behind them, shaking with the effort of warding off the effects of The Scarecrow's Fear Gas. Batman stares at her. Batgirl starts to walk down the hall toward them.

BATGIRLStop...

BATMANBatgirl. The gas.

BATGIRLDoesn't matter. Had to...get Gordon and the others outside.

Batman stares at her.

BATGIRLThe hall is...getting wider.

Barbara leans against a wall for support.

BATMANGet out. Fast.

BATGIRLNo. You can't do this.

130.

Batman glares at her.

BATMANHe made me see them.

Batgirl looks sad.

BATGIRLI know. But there's been enough pain.

Batman looks at her, then at the bruised and battered man in front of him, then down at his gloved fists, trembling with rage.

BEAT

Batman lowers his fists.

BATMAN(to crane)

You need help.

Crane nods. He lowers his arms and starts to sob. Batman watches as the former professor collapses into a pile on the floor, and curls into a whimpering ball. Batman stands over the fallen maniac. Batgirl looks worried. Then she looks at Batman.

BATGIRLThe halls are...

BATMANI know.

Batman reaches down and palms his belt. He snaps a rebreather free and hands it to her.

BATMANHere. Take deep breaths.

BATGIRLI...think it's too late.

Batman looks at Crane. Then at Batgirl. He scowls.

FADE TO:

THE ROOF OF GOTHAM STATE-NIGHT

An access door bursts open. Batman emerges, Batgirl in his arms. He walks out onto the roof. Batman sets her down on the roof, being as gentle as he can.

131.

BATMAN(whispering)

Barbara...

Batgirl looks up.

BATGIRLIt's all so big...can't hide.

BATMANIt's all right. It's going to be all right.

The lights of police cruisers fill dark streets below.

FADE TO:


Ambulances and police cruisers have surrounded the campus. A team of firemen and paramedic helps Gordon and the rest of the hostages from a greenhouse area behind the building, gas masks over their faces. Bullock pushes past a paramedic and walks toward Gordon.

BULLOCKCommish! You ok?

Gordon nods. He reaches up and pulls the gas mask of his face.

GORDONI'm fine, Bullock.

Gordon looks around.

GORDONWhere are Batman and Batgirl?

Bullock shrugs.

BULLOCKThey split. Figures.

FADE TO:


A SWAT TEAM moves down the hall, gas masks on, guns up. The SWAT team turns and corner. All freeze as scattered moaning fills the halls. Jonathan Crane is half-sitting on the floor, cuffed to a pipe.

132.

CRANEDon't let him get me...please.

SWAT MEMBERIs that him?

SWAT MEMBER #2That's him.

The SWAT members level their weapons, but Crane is long gone. The gas has gotten to him.

FADE TO:


Gordon looks around. Two PARAMEDICS exit the building, holding a stretcher with Crane's prone form on it. Crane is shaking, and his expression one of pure terror. Gordon scowls. The paramedics load Crane into an ambulance and shut the doors.

The ambulance pulls into the street. Gordon watches as several SWAT team members enter the building, wearing gas masks of their own. Gordon looks up. A black shadow disappears over the roof. Gordon smiles.

Bullock looks around. Then at Commissioner Gordon. He scowls.

BULLOCKSo now what?

Gordon looks around. His gaze falls on the hostages. He smiles.

GORDONWe take care of these men.

BEAT

GORDONAnd Crane goes to Arhkam.

Bullock nods.

BULLOCKAnd all is right with the world, huh?

Gordon looks at him.

GORDONThis is Gotham, Bullock.

133.

Gordon starts across the campus lawn. Bullock follows him.

BULLOCKHere comes the press.

Several REPORTERS and CAMERAMEN are rushing up the lawn toward the two cops. Gordon scowls.

REPORTERCommissioner Gordon!

REPORTER #2Can we get an exclusive?

REPORTER #3Can we have a comment on Batman's involvement?

Gordon holds up a hand.

GORDONI'll issue an official statement tomorrow. Right now...all Gotham needs to know is that the murders of college officials have ended. Excuse me.

Gordon and Bullock fight through the throng of reporters.

FADE TO:

EXT. ARHKAM ASYLUM-NIGHT

A huge stone building. The windows are barred and darkened.

A sign on the wall reads:

ARHKAM ASYLUM FOR THE CRIMINALLY INSANE

CUT TO:

INT. ARHKAM ASYLUM-HALLWAY

Inside, it looks like a cross between a hospital and some kind of medieval dungeon. Commissioner Gordon and Bullock walk down the hall behind a DOCTOR with long black hair and glasses in a white lab coat.

GORDONWhere is he?

The doctor smiles.

134.

DR. BURTONDown the hall. He's quite secure.

The strange procession passes the following cells:

INMATE #1Foolish mortals! You do not kneel before the King of the Gods?

INMATE #2What date is it? Dr. Burton? What is the date? Please? What month is it?

Gordon, Bullock and the Doctor reach a thick steel door labeled:

CRANE, JONATHAN

The doctor slides a viewing portal open. The room inside is padded, save for a cot on the back of the wall. Jonathan Crane sits inside the cell, wearing a padded straightjacket.

CUT TO:


DR. BURTONHe's been sedated.

BULLOCKDrugged?

DR. BURTONSedated.

Dr. Burton peers into the cell.

DR. BURTONMr. Crane?

CUT TO:

INT. CRANE'S CELL

Crane looks up. He scoots back on his cot.

CRANEN-No! L-Leave me alone!

CUT TO:

135.


The doctor scowls.

DR. BURTONIt's Dr. Burton, Jonathan. This is a routine check.

SILENCE

The doctor closes the viewing portal. Gordon looks at him.

GORDONIs he a threat?

Dr. Burton shakes his head.

DR. BURTONI don't think we need be worried for some time.

Gordon nods.

GORDON(under his breathe)

About Crane.

The doctor looks at Gordon.

DR. BURTONPardon?

Gordon shakes his head.

GORDONNothing. Thank you for your time, Doctor.

Dr. Burton nods. Commissioner Gordon and Bullock turn and go back down the hall.

FADE TO:



FADE TO:

136.


Barbara is asleep, tossing and turning in the throes of a private nightmare. Alfred watches her for a moment, a sad expression on his face, then turns and leaves the room, closing the door behind.

FADE TO:


Bruce is coming down the hall.

BRUCEAlfred.

ALFREDMaster Bruce?

BRUCEHow's Barbara?

ALFREDAsleep, sir.

Bruce nods.

BRUCEDon't wake her. I'm going out.

ALFREDYes, sir.

Alfred turns to go down another hall.

BRUCEAlfred...

Alfred turns toward Bruce.

BRUCEShe saved Gordon and the others. And she might have saved Crane's life.

Alfred nods.

BRUCEI have to admit.

Bruce smiles.

137.

BRUCEYou know how to raise them.

Bruce turns and hurries down a dark hall. Alfred smiles.

BEAT

BEAT

BEAT

BARBARA (O.S.)Uncle Alfred?

Alfred turns.

ALFREDBarbara?

Barbara nods.

BARBARAI had a nightmare.

ALFREDAll right, dear. Tell me all about it.

Alfred and Barbara turn and start to walk down the hall toward the guest room.

BARBARAI don't remember most of it now. It was about Dick.

ALFREDIt was?

BARBARAYeah. And Bruce.

ALFREDI see.

Barbara sighs.

BARBARAWhere's Bruce going?

Alfred frowns.

ALFREDOut.

138.

Barbara nods.

BARBARAIs he all right?

Alfred sighs.

ALFREDIt's difficult to tell. There's this business with The Scarecrow, and I believe he still feels responsible for Master Dick's disappearance.

Barbara nods.

ALFREDYou're worried about Master Dick as well?

Barbara shakes her head.

BARBARADick can take care of himself.

BEAT

BARBARAI'm worried about Bruce.

Alfred looks at her. He nods.

FADE TO:

GOTHAM CITY-NIGHT

Rain falls in sheets through the dark skies. PAN OVER past Gotham Cathedral, The Twin Towers, The Wayne Enterprises building, Gotham Stadium.

PAN UP

Batman stands on a roof, alone. He looks down over Gotham like some dark angel, his cape whipping in the wind. The rain hammers at him, sliding off the Batsuit.

BEAT

BEAT

BEAT

139.

A gunshot echoes in the night.

Batman turns his head, following the last echoes of the shot. Then he turns, races to the ledge, and dives headfirst off the roof.

The rain and darkness swallow him.

FADE TO BLACK

140.

Documents

BATMAN TRIUMPHANT by “The Guard” 2003 Batman created by … · BATCAVE-BATGIRL'S ARMORY A black gloved hand selects a BATPISTOL. CUT TO: INT. BATCAVE-MAIN CHAMBER Steam rises