BATMAN FEARLESS by Stephen Cooke WGAw# 622898
FADE IN:
EXT. GOTHAM CITY STREET - NIGHT
Run down and decrepit buildings CREAK in the harsh autumn
WIND. A part of town long left to crumble.
A strong gust sweeps garbage along, flies by a sign in neon
that reads:
"TERRORLAND FUNHOUSE," blinking on and off.
In the b.g. is the Funhouse, which looks anything but.
Itself, a relic of the city's past.
DR. CRANE (V.O.)
Welcome all to Terrorland Funhouse,
the most horrific experience of your
natural lives.
INT. TERRORLAND FUNHOUSE - NIGHT
The very essence of macabre. Horror props set the mood with
images of evil.
Slowly descending a staircase is DR. JONATHAN CRANE, 50ish, a
man with twigs for legs and a broomstick build.
DR. CRANE
But, please, those of weak heart turn
back now. That which waits beyond
the Terrorland Tunnel is not for the
meek mannered.
At the bottom of the staircase are three football heroes
wearing their matching team jackets. BIG L.T., CAP'N, and
SHORTY are each obnoxious and unruly, having just wandered in
from the local bar.
DR. CRANE
I am your host, Dr. Crane --
BIG L.T.
Oh, yeah? Doctor of what?
Crane throws out his arms dramatically, imitating the
scarecrow nailed to the wall in the b.g.
DR. CRANE
Of things that make blood curdle and
spines chill, my young friend.
(a beat)
Have you your tickets?
The Jocks hold them up, playing along with Crane.
DR. CRANE
Then, let the fear begin!
INT. TERRORLAND TUNNEL - NIGHT
The Jocks are seated in a rollercoaster car, waiting. They
LAUGH and clown around, mimicking Crane.
FOLLOW Dr. Crane as he steps behind...
CONTROL BOARD
DR. CRANE
Don't forget to scream.
He throws a lever to begin the ride.
TUNNEL
The car jerks forward down the tracks. The Jocks continue
clowning. LAUGHING.
Darkness replaces light. The car jerks to a halt just before
a glowing doorway carved into the features of a skull face.
BIG L.T.
Good job, ya dork. Ya broke it.
CAP'N
Chill out, it ain't broke. It's
part of the ride.
SHORTY
Oh, I'm really scared.
LAUGHS and JOKES from all three.
CONTROL BOARD
A peculiar smile broadens across Crane's face. His hand
sweeps over the controls and then stops at...
A switch labeled "PHOBIZAC." Crane pushes it.
TUNNEL
A red gas cloud sprays down over the Jocks in the car. This
mild shock only solicits more RIDICULING.
The skull door opens and the car proceeds inside.
Gradually, the Jocks' snickering faces fade, replaced by
dreadful concern. Sweat begins to break out. All of a
sudden, their eyes bulge out with uncontrollable horror.
CONTROL BOARD
Dr. Crane rests back against the wall where in letters above
his head read, "MASTER OF FEAR."
From the tunnel comes the most horrifying, blood curdling
SCREAMS.
Crane chuckles to himself. Suddenly, a yellow tint of light
falls across his shallow face. He takes a pair of glasses
from a pocket to see better.
Moving to the window, he stops in his tracks. His face curls
up with growing resentment.
THE BATSIGNAL stretches across the night sky over Gotham.
DR. CRANE
Oh...him again.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY STREET - NIGHT
Pulling out from behind of Terrorland Funhouse, a beat up
DUESENBERG turns onto the street.
Dr. Crane under top hat and overcoat sits behind the wheel.
The Duesenberg speeds away, heading in the direction of the
Batsignal that shines overhead.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY CLOCK TOWER - NIGHT
A classic monument from the old days. Chiming bells toll the
hours, drowned out tonight by...
GUNFIRE and SCREAMING citizens.
Positioned on the ledge below the clock face is FITZBY, small
time career criminal, waving an AK-47.
The Batsignal overhead makes him jumpy.
FITZBY
You shouldnÕt have done that,
Commissioner! I saw it! You
called him! You called the bat!
(to himself)
Well, if the bat's gonna show, then
the bat's gonna blow.
Fitzby steps away from the clock face, revealing a bomb
intricately bound to the hands of the Clock.
Citizens far below GASP in horror.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Crouched behind a patrol car is COMMISSIONER JAMES GORDON,
pushing 60, and certainly no stranger to these circumstances.
By his side is CAPTAIN SARAH ESSEN, sharp, professional. In-
your-face good looks.
JAMES
(into megaphone)
You've given us no choice, Mr.
Fitzby. Tell us what's on your
mind so we can all go home.
BULLETS rain down in reply.
SARAH
Commissioner, let me get up there,
see what I can do.
JAMES
Not with a man who has lost all
reason, you won't. Sorry, Captain,
it can't be done.
EXT. CLOCK TOWER - NIGHT
Fitzby pulls the AK-47 strap around his body and checks the
skyline of the city. He then resumes target shooting below.
HIGH ABOVE
As gunfire CRACKLES below, two FIGURES swing into view on
ropes. Flowing capes trail their descent.
LEDGE
As Fitzby fires off more rounds towards the street, the
larger of the two figures lands on the pointed rooftop above
the ledge.
Rising to full height with his cape extended is BATMAN, the
Dark Knight in black.
BATMAN
Rebel without a cause?
Fitzby whips around, shaking uncontrollably.
FITZBY
You s-stay away from me!
BATMAN
Let me guess. Advocate for the
right to bear arms?
FITZBY
G-guns are just my hobby...
He motions to the bomb, fights to steady himself.
FITZBY
This is professional.
Fitzby raises a hand-held trigger mechanism.
FITZBY
How about testing those wings of
yours?
In one move Fitzby tosses the trigger mechanism off the ledge
and turns on Batman with a burst of GUNFIRE.
TRIGGER MECHANISM
As it is falling towards the street the second figure on a
rope swings into view.
ROBIN drops form the sky, his arm outstretched, reaching.
STREET
The mechanism hits the ground, shattering into tiny pieces.
Robin lands on his feet just over the broken fragments. He
looks up to the Clock Tower face, then back to the crowds.
ROBIN
Everyone stay calm. This'll be a
piece of cake.
(a beat)
But, get down just in case.
EXT. CLOCK TOWER - CLOCK FACE - NIGHT
A batrope comes shooting upward, lodging into the granite of
the tower.
Robin rises up from below on the batrope. He takes position
on the ledge to study the bomb.
ROBIN
First time for everything.
ROOFTOP
Fitzby searches around frantically. Nothing.
A gust of wind sweeps in as Batman swings out from around the
corner on a rope. Fitzby FIRES in panic, hitting air.
Batman swings around, evading the bullets, and kicks Fitzby
in the chest, sending him CRASHING through a Tower window.
CLOCK FACE
Robin takes tools from his utility belt, maneuvers through
the wiring of the bomb with extreme delicacy.
The giant hand TICKS one minute closer to detonation.
ROBIN
Jeez, what's the rush?
INT. CLOCK TOWER - NIGHT
The inner workings of the clock. Hundreds of giant sized
mechanical gears turning round over a RACKET of noise.
Fitzby is nowhere to be seen as Batman flies down from the
broken window above.
BATMAN
Give it up, Fitzby. This isn't
going to happen. Not on my watch.
Batman jumps down onto a plank that crosses over the clock's
rotating engine.
Fitzby jumps out from behind a mechanism and SPRAYS bullets
in every direction.
Batman ducks, rolls under the line of gunfire, and then
springs back up with a mighty double-fisted punch to Fitzby's
jaw.
The gunman falls back against one of the giant turning gears.
The AK-47 strap catches on one of the gear's prongs.
The winding gear lifts Fitzby off his feet. His body rises
in circular motion and continues up with each turn of gear.
Batman leaps up on top of Fitzby, trying to free him from the
gear's grasp. He freezes all of a sudden.
BATMAN - POV. The winding gear is rotating directly towards
another winding gear. Anything in-between will be crushed.
END POV
Batman works frantically to loosen the gunstrap, but Fitzby
unknowingly fights back.
BATMAN
Fitzby, no --
Fitzby kicks the Dark Knight hard, sending him falling back.
By chance, Batman's cape catches onto another mechanical gear
that slings him up and away.
FITZBY (O.S.)
Heeelp!
Batman takes from his utility belt a batrope gun and shoots
it towards the ceiling. Instantly, the batrope pulls him to
safety, high above the turning gears.
A SCREAM gurgles from Fitzby.
Batman holds onto the batrope in mid-air, looks down.
BATMAN - POV. The winding gear that once held Fitzby turns
up to reveal a blood red smear dripping from its prongs.
END POV
Batman swings over to the opposite side of the clock face.
The bomb's wiring shows through here.
He raises up his wrist and speaks into a communicator.
BATMAN
How's business?
ROBINÕS VOICE
Not booming...yet. Can you help?
Batman quickly studies the wires, then overlooks the clock's
mechanical engine below.
BATMAN
Time will tell.
EXT. CLOCK TOWER - NIGHT
A violent rumble from inside begins to shake up the Tower.
CLOCK FACE
Robin holds on for life as the entire Tower seems to toss and
turn as metal GRINDS from within. With one final CRUNCH, the
hands of the clock fall limp, the bomb disarmed.
Robin sighs, turns to wave to the crowd below just as Batman
steps out onto the ledge to stand beside him.
The crowds CHEER.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Amidst the cheering crowds is Dr. Crane, hidden under coat
and hat. His eyes are filled with fear as he turns sharply
and breaks away from the crowds in a run.
James Gordon is all smiles. Another potential disaster
avoided. Sarah Essen, on the other hand, looks all around in
utter disbelief.
JAMES
I do believe this was your first
experience with the Dynamic Duo.
SARAH
Mmm.
JAMES
You're not impressed?
SARAH
Let's just say I'm a bit
uncomfortable with two vigilantes
doing the work of the law.
BATMAN (O.S.)
A badge is only a piece of metal.
Sarah and James turn to face Batman while Robin hangs back.
SARAH
Oh, but it isn't. It's a symbol.
BATMAN
So's my suit. And it works.
JAMES
A'hem...Batman and Robin, I'd like
you to meet the newest edition to
the Gotham Police force. Straight
from Chicago, Captain Sarah Essen.
BATMAN
(offers handshake)
Captain...
Sarah rejects him, standing silent. Gordon tries to make up.
JAMES
So, what's the story on this one?
Weather getting him down?
BATMAN
I wish it were that simple. Fact
is, our man Fitzby has never gone
to such drastic measures. Perhaps
notoriety was his motivation.
JAMES
Fame, for chrissakes...
BATMAN
What do you think, Captain?
SARAH
I think...you should leave the
detecting up to the detectives.
Jim turns to watch Sarah coldly remove herself.
JAMES
Sorry, Batman. Word from Chicago
is that she can be as hard on our
guys as she is with the scumbags.
But, she's the best. And they
were mighty sad to see her...
Gordon turns back to find no Dynamic Duo in sight.
JAMES
...go.
INT. TERRORLAND FUNHOUSE - NIGHT
Crane ENTERS, flings his coat and top hat aside.
BEDROOM
Not the picture of home. Dark and museum-like. Old books of
varying strangeness: psychology, chemistry, neurology,
occult. A cot in the corner looks barely wrinkled.
Dr. Crane approaches a metal cage that is covered by a sheet.
DR. CRANE
You cannot frighten me.
He whips off the sheet to reveal a barely menacing bat
flapping about behind the bars of the cage.
Crane winces at the sound of the bat SCREECHING and turns
away.
DR. CRANE
Damn.
Defeated, he sits down at his antique desk and opens up a
scrapbook.
The first pages contain newspaper clippings that contain
headlines like, "Killer stalks GCU professors" and "Death
toll stops at three as fourth murder averted."
The scrapbook then takes on a new direction, causing Crane to
tense up. Page after page of clippings and photographs. The
theme is "Batman," and it is clearly an obsession.
The bat SCREECHING in the b.g. combined with the contents of
the scrapbook drive Dr. Crane to slam the book shut and duck
into a corner. He clamps his hands over his ears.
Crane's eyes balloon, windows into a truly tortured soul.
The room begins to swirl into darkness. A shadow is falling
across the ceiling, coming closer. A black cape flaps like
leathery wings. The jaws of a beast open to a high pitched
SCREECH...and then a GUNSHOT freezes everything.
Slowly returning to reality, Crane risks a look.
On the floor are photographs from the scrapbook of past
Batman villains: Joker, Catwoman, Penguin, Two-Face, all of
them. Crane's shaky hand reaches for just one: the Riddler.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - DAY
Emerging from his study in picture-perfect form is BRUCE
WAYNE. Age has followed him well these years. His suit is
crisp, flowing.
INT. BATCAVE
The sense of unending with caverns built up by metal
platforms. High-tech equipment is lined from wall to wall.
Bruce descends the stairway.
BRUCE
How's it coming, Alfred?
Emerging from behind a drawn curtain is ALFRED, butler and so
much more to Wayne Manor. Here he looks like a grease monkey
than anything else.
ALFRED
The auto pilot program will require
further testing, but I'd say she's
ready to leave the nest.
BRUCE
Fantastic. Have you seen Dick?
A FIZZLE and then a faint POP echo throughout the cave.
ALFRED
He's been at that all morning.
FOLLOW Bruce and Alfred as they walk down the platform next
to the Computer Station.
DICK GRAYSON rises from behind a protective glass shield. On
the other side is a small explosive device for practice
drills of disarmament. He goes about setting his next test.
DICK
Almost had it that time.
ALFRED
Master Dick, you'll work yourself
to death.
DICK
Last night was a bit much in the
excitement department. I just wanna
be prepared next time.
ALFRED
Somehow I doubt you're referring to
any lady friend.
DICK
Unfortunately, Al, their wiring can
be just as complicated.
ALFRED
Your heroics will be the death of
romance yet. Just look at Master
Bruce. The gossip columnists have
even stopped calling.
Bruce shakes his head, walks over to the Computer Station.
Work is his life.
ALFRED
(to Dick)
And you see? With whom is he
spending his morning with today?
Bruce brings up on the monitors several images of Edward
Nygma, a.k.a., the Riddler.
ALFRED (O.S.)
A madman.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - DAY
Leaves blow through the gate, the sign overhead. Rising up
in the b.g. is the towering stone structure called home to
the criminally insane of Gotham City.
The gate opens allowing a 1954 Jaguar inside.
Waiting at the steps that lead into the asylum are James
Gordon and Sarah Essen. Bruce Wayne approaches them.
BRUCE
Hiya, Jim.
JAMES
Bruce, thanks for coming. I know
how rough these things can be.
BRUCE
Everybody deserves a second chance.
Even Edward Nygma.
SARAH
That's a very gracious attitude to
have towards a psychopath.
BRUCE
He was an employee of my company,
Miss...
SARAH
Essen. Captain Essen, actually.
You can call me Sarah.
This time, it is she who extends the handshake. He accepts.
BRUCE
Bruce Wayne. Tell me, Sarah...are you
very familiar with the Nygma casefile?
SARAH
The Riddler, yes, I've been briefed.
Why do you ask?
BRUCE
I was just curious as to what kind
of an impression someone like Nygma
can make on a newcomer here in town.
JAMES
He's a regular Gotham City special,
that's for sure. Let's get this
over with.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM LOBBY - DAY
A spansive entrance that speaks for the personality of evil
that lies within. Haunting.
Bruce, James, and Sarah wait. Nearby is a DESK CLERK,
himself, something like an Inmate.
JAMES
(to Sarah)
Everything you've heard about this
place is true. Hell under lock and
key, as they say.
A phone RINGS. The Desk Clerk answers and then turns to the
three of them waiting.
DESK CLERK
The doctor will see you now.
INT. ASYLUM CORRIDOR - DAY
Two staff GUARDS briskly walk the corridor. In-between them
is an INMATE bound in a straight jacket, chains wrapped
around the ankles. He is being half dragged down the hall.
EDWARD
I am normal. I am normal. I am...
DR. HOWARD, chief psychiatrist, waits for them in front of a
door.
The Guards stand him up straight, remove the chains. The
Inmate is EDWARD NYGMA. He is focused on something and
fights intensely to steady his ever-ecstatic behavior.
EDWARD
I am normal. I am --
DR. HOWARD
You are anything, but normal. Just
remember that little trick you played
on Dr. Burton last spring. Normal...
The door opens...
INT. ASYLUM CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Without a window, a single light bulb dangles from the
ceiling. A long table and some scattered chairs make up the
decor. There sits James and Sarah. Bruce is sitting back a
little, in shadow.
Dr. Howard ENTERS, followed by Edward who is led in by the
Guards.
DR. HOWARD
Here's your man, Commissioner.
JAMES
Thank you, Dr. Howard. And hello,
Mr. Nygma.
The Guards seat him, chaining his jacket to the chair. His
face is bright in attempting a happy disposition.
JAMES
Aren't you going to say hello?
EDWARD
I am normal.
JAMES
Well, that's what we're here to
find out. I'm sure you remember
Bruce Wayne there?
Edward's happiness loses out to paranoia as Bruce scoots his
chair up to the table, into the light.
BRUCE
How've you been, Ed?
EDWARD
Do...I...know you?
Bruce studies him with an eye trained for detecting dementia.
DR. HOWARD
Memory has always been shaky at best.
Comes and goes at random. Now he
seems to have blocked out that whole
incident.
Sarah leans into the conversation.
SARAH
Is that good or bad?
EDWARD
Bruce Wayne! Of course!
They all turn to Nygma who seems happy to have made this
connection.
EDWARD
You're the guy who signed all my
paychecks, right? Now I remember!
BRUCE
Yes, that was at Wayne Enterprises.
So, you remember. Can you recall in
your mind a man by the name of Fred
Stickley, your supervisor?
Nygma goes dark again. Confused. Bruce doesn't miss a beat
and rises from his chair to walk around behind Nygma.
BRUCE
He had a bit of an accident. You
might remember it differently. How
about Harvey Dent, also known as Two-
Face? Ring any bells, Edward?
Edward is sinking into some kind of funk, running further and
further away from the reality that Bruce is speaking of.
BRUCE
I remember you and he having quite
a time at my expense. Robbery.
Kidnapping. Murder. Am I getting
through to you? Edward?!?
DR. HOWARD
Mr. Wayne, please!
BRUCE
Sorry...am I asking too many
questions here?
At that, Edward Nygma breaks, barking up into a mad frenzy.
EDWARD
You don't know about questions! I
ask the questions here! I ask the
questions!!
BRUCE
Then ask me one. Give me a riddle.
Edward wants very badly to put a riddle to him, but falls
back in defeat. The two Guards remove him from the table.
INT. ASYLUM CORRIDOR - DAY
Edward is SHOUTING things unintelligible as he is dragged
away by the Guards.
Bruce, James, and Sarah step out of the conference room.
Dr. Howard storms by them, a cursory glance to Bruce.
JAMES
I think that's all we'll need to
form a decision about Nygma.
(a beat)
Thanks again, Bruce.
Bruce is silent as he watches on, the sounds of MADNESS
building up all around them.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - TWILIGHT
Night begins to creep in when the gates open, allowing the
old Duesenberg to drive on through.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - EDWARD'S CELL - TWILIGHT
In shadow with the first starlight beaming through the steel
bars of the window. Just enough illumination to see...
Edward Nygma, stuffed inside a straight jacket.
EDWARD
(imitating Bruce)
How've you been, Ed?
(brown noser)
Just fine, Mr. Wayne. Can I polish
your shoes? Wash your car?
(sinister)
Throw you off a bridge?
He stumbles to the window to look out. Lost.
EDWARD
They're right. I am nothing. If
only I could remember...
Somewhere in Arkham a metal door CLANKS shut.
INT. ASYLUM LOBBY - TWILIGHT
The Desk Clerk is waiting uncomfortably. Standing nearby is
Dr. Crane, under his coat and top hat.
They do not speak.
Dr. Howard ENTERS hurriedly with another GUARD.
DESK CLERK
Sorry, Dr. Howard. He demanded that
you see him.
DR. CRANE
You must understand my urgency. My
patient is unable to continue his
treatment under these conditions.
DR. HOWARD
Your patient? Says who?
DR. CRANE
The Mayor.
Crane hands over a signed document of which the forged
signature is not detected by Dr. Howard.
DR. HOWARD
This is entirely ludricous. You
must be out of your mind to think
that I would allow such a thing.
(a beat)
Edward Nygma has been found to be
too dangerous for society. As much
as I'd like you to take him off my
hands, I cannot allow this.
DR. CRANE
The devil in me was so hoping you
would say that.
Suddenly, Crane pulls from under his coat a gas gun. He
sprays Dr. Howard in the face and then moves to the Guard and
the Desk Clerk.
Dr. Howard falls back against the wall. Sweat pours from his
brow. His eyes bulge and glance about in panic.
DR. HOWARD
What are you doing? The walls! My
god, the walls are caving in! Stop!
Crane reaches under his hat and pulls a gas mask over his
face.
DR. CRANE
Claustrophobia got you?
Howard sinks into a corner to cower.
The Guard is backed up against the wall, holding the night-
stick away from him as if it were attacking him.
GUARD
Get this thing away from me!
Crane grabs the night-stick out of his hands and CRACKS him
over the head. He next turns to the Desk Clerk who swats his
hands at the air as if something were attacking him.
DR. CRANE
Here...try this.
Crane CRACKS the Desk Clerk on the head.
INT. ASYLUM CONTROL ROOM - TWILIGHT
A WATCHMAN hovers over the massive switch board that controls
all of the electronic functions of the asylum. A dozen video
screens switch from cell to cell, watching every inmate.
The door opens silently in the b.g. Dr. Crane ENTERS.
DR. CRANE
This nightmare's for you.
The gas shoots out from his gun to quickly overcome the
Watchman who then breaks out into mad fits.
DR. CRANE
Brought to you by...Phobizac. The
brand name people trust most when it
comes to sheer terror.
One hit and the Watchman falls to the floor unconscious.
Dr. Crane sits down at the controls. Too many to count.
DR. CRANE
Where are you, Mr. Nygma?
His patience wears out. Crane takes up the night-stick and
begins smashing the entire control board to pieces. Sparks
and fires SHOOT out all over the room.
The one last video screen left intact shows an image of a row
of cells within a corridor...opening automatically.
INT. ASYLUM CORRIDOR - TWILIGHT
An ALARM is blaring all throughout the asylum.
Every door to every cell is wide open and the INMATES are
taking full advantage of it.
The corridor is filled with Inmates on the loose. Running
around. Hanging from lights. Terrorizing the NIGHT STAFF.
Dr. Crane ENTERS spraying the Phobizac gas from the gun.
Each Inmate that attempts to charge up to him is overcome
with fear and retreats back.
Dr. Crane casually walks through the chaos, unharmed.
INT. EDWARD'S CELL - TWILIGHT
While COMMOTION can be heard outside, Nygma remains.
Dr. Crane ENTERS and stands in the doorway.
DR. CRANE
Edward Nygma, I presume.
Edward makes no move, yet remains by the window, looking out.
EDWARD
I am normal.
DR. CRANE
I'll certainly do my best to change
that. I'm Dr. Crane, your new
psychiatrist.
EXT. POLICE HEADQUARTERS - ROOFTOP - NIGHT
James Gordon is heading for the Batsignal, followed closely
by Sarah Essen.
SARAH
Commissioner, the police can handle
this matter. We don't need them.
JAMES
Batman and Robin are familiar with
Arkham. If there's a problem, they
can help.
SARAH
But, Commissioner --
JAMES
Captain, we're on a clock here.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Bruce Wayne sits in a high backed chair, reading. In the
b.g. is a large bay window, framing the darkness of night.
THE BATSIGNAL
Bruce looks up from his book. Even with his back to the
window, he knows.
He rises, CROSSES the room to enter...
HALLWAY
Bruce stands before the ordinary-looking closet door as Dick
Grayson joins him.
BRUCE
Are you ready?
DICK
Let's do it, chief.
The door opens. The interior of the closet swivels to reveal
a stairway leading down into...
INT. BATCAVE
Bruce and Dick rush down the stairway and into...
INT. COSTUME VAULT
They ENTER. Bruce walks to the left. Dick, to the right.
QUICK CUTS of pulling on gloves with fins, tightening utility
belts, donning capes.
INT. BATCAVE
Stepping out of the Costume Vault, Batman and Robin are
ready.
Alfred, in tuxedo, waits nearby as the Batmobile rises up
from a platform below.
The Dynamic Duo jump in.
ALFRED
Do try and avoid anymore speeding
tickets.
BATMAN
I'll keep it under ninety.
The jet engine IGNITES, shooting them forward down the long
tunnel.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - NIGHT
The gates are wide open.
INMATES are free to roam about. Some wander aimlessly while
others are making a run for it.
POLICE try to contain them. One JUNIOR DEPUTY is overcome by
a GRUESOME INMATE who seizes his shotgun.
Two SHOTS fire from behind. Gruesome Inmate turns to
Commissioner Gordon, pistol smoking.
JAMES
This charade is over. Give up the
gun, now.
Gruesome Inmate grins wide, showing off his rotten gums.
SARAH (O.S.)
The Commissioner gave you an order.
Gruesome Inmate turns the other way to see Sarah Essen with
her pistol trained on him.
SARAH
I suggest you follow it.
Gruesome Inmate smiles even wider, pumping the shotgun for
his next blast.
From the sound of a JET ENGINE approaching fast, everyone
freezes.
The Batmobile rockets towards them down the forest road.
EXT. BATMOBILE - MOVING
The rocket-ship-on-wheels races closer.
Robin is "surfing" on the hood, twirling a bola over his
head. He lets it go.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - NIGHT
The bola flies through the air and tags Gruesome Inmate on
the forehead knocking him to the ground.
Gordon and Essen round up the other Inmates as the Batmobile
roars through the gates.
Robin leaps off performing a flying jump kick to TARGET
INMATE.
As Robin lands, BEGGING INMATE falls to his knees.
BEGGING INMATE
Please, don't hurt me! Please!!
FOOTSTEPS grind over pavement from somewhere behind.
Begging Inmate gets up to turn and almost runs into Batman.
Begging Inmate faints out of fear.
James Gordon hurries over.
JAMES
We've got things out here pretty
much contained.
BATMAN
Then Robin and I will go in, do
some house cleaning.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM LOBBY - NIGHT
The Dynamic Duo ENTER.
Darkness surrounds them concealing SCAMPERING footsteps.
Batman takes out a flashlight, turns it on to see COWERING
INMATE huddled up in a corner. Nearby is Dr. Howard. Their
eyes are full of fright.
ROBIN
This is my kind of night.
BATMAN
Watch yourself. Not all may be so
tame.
Suddenly, AIRBORN INMATE drops from the giant chandelier
above and lands on Robin.
LOONY INMATE lunges at Batman from behind with a knife.
Batman jerks his elbow back hard into Loony Inmate's sternum.
Next, Batman snaps his fist upward, breaking the nose and
will of Loony Inmate.
Robin, with Airborn Inmate still on his back, charges
backwards until smashing Airborn Inmate into the wall. The
Boy Wonder throws him off and then karate chops down over the
Inmate's neck.
INT. ASYLUM CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Some INMATES cower. Other INMATES bounce off the walls.
Batman and Robin walk through ready for a fight. No one
attacks.
ROBIN
I dontt get it. Why isn't anyone
jumping for our throats?
BATMAN
I'm not sure. Could be that someone
already came through here.
ROBIN
Whoever it is deserves a big pat
on the back.
EXT. TERRORLAND FUNHOUSE - NIGHT
All is quiet and normal outside.
INT. TERRORLAND FUNHOUSE - NIGHT
A laboratory. Shelf upon shelf of chemical beakers and odd
scientific aparatus. Jar after jar of brain samples.
Dr. Crane is mixing chemicals. Creating Phobizac.
In the b.g. is Edward Nygma, sitting in a chair, still a
prisoner to the straight jacket.
Slowly, Edward contorts his body with amazing flexibility,
slipping his arms free of the straight jacket.
DR. CRANE
Get a whiff of this stuff.
(silence)
A little humor, Edward, would do
well to break the ice.
(still silence)
You do speak, don't you, Edward?
EDWARD
I was once a god, y'know.
DR. CRANE
Yes, a genius in the making. I've
read all about your exploits. You
were quite a hit. That's why I've
taken you in.
EDWARD
It's all gone. Bye-bye. I'm nothing.
DR. CRANE
Nonsense! It's all there. It's
just a matter of how you see
yourself.
Crane CROSSES to a closet as Edward watches on, curious.
DR. CRANE
Maybe your problem is with Edward
Nygma, Mr. Fifteen Seconds of Fame.
A nobody. A loser.
You can see each remark cutting into Edward.
DR. CRANE
So what, I say! Ed is dead. It's
time you start looking like...the
Riddler!
The closet door comes open to reveal the familiar lime green
costume covered in question marks.
Edward's eyes sparkle. The first shred of happiness the guy
has had in years.
MINUTES LATER
Dr. Crane stands facing the empty closet, waiting.
DR. CRANE
Well?
EDWARD (O.S.)
Just a sec...I'm missing something.
Crane reaches into the closet and pulls out the signature
question mark cane. He tosses it to...
THE RIDDLER, who catches and kisses it.
RIDDLER
I must say, Jonny-boy, your therapy
works wonders. Better than my
psychic friends, anyway.
FOLLOW Riddler around the lab, spinning his cane.
RIDDLER
I feel great! Stupendous! Like a
prince --
DR. CRANE
Of puzzles!
RIDDLER
A king --
DR. CRANE
Of conundrums! My boy, welcome back
to the land of the stable psyche.
Riddler stops short, wary of a deal about to be made.
RIDDLER
What's it going to cost me?
DR. CRANE
My, you are a keen one.
RIDDLER
I may have lost my memory, but I'm
not exactly riding the little yellow
school bus here.
Crane CROSSES to the black cage, now sitting on a table. He
throws the sheet off to reveal the SCREECHING bat.
DR. CRANE
Now, you're going to help me with
my therapy.
RIDDLER
A master of fear afraid of a little
winged rat?
Crane grimaces. Blushes.
DR. CRANE
It's not the rodent variety so much
as the one in black rubber, I'm
afraid. I need you to get him.
RIDDLER
Kill the bat? Huh! Step in line.
DR. CRANE
Not kill. Not before I've had my
fun with him. I am a scientist after
all. There must be tests. Formal
study. And after I have peeled away
any and all inner defenses and broken
his will...you may have him.
Crane moves in close to gain his sympathies.
DR. CRANE
But, as I said, I need you Riddler.
RIDDLER
I need you, Riddler! I need you,
Riddler! Please...my sophomore
effort must have much more flair
than that.
DR. CRANE
Wait and see what I've cooked up
for the big event. It's a scream.
Riddler is already heading for the stairs.
DR. CRANE
Where do you think you're going?
RIDDLER
Leave the questions to me, doc.
DR. CRANE
But, your therapy!
Crane grabs a syringe of Phobizac and moves toward him.
DR. CRANE
It mustn't stop now. You've come
so far. Without it, your chances
of successful re-assimilation into
society are slim at best. You're
going to need medication.
Crane holds up the hypo.
RIDDLER
Are you sure? I mean, isn't there
like a pill I could swallow instead?
Riddler backs away as Crane moves closer, hypo ready.
RIDDLER
Whatever happened to talking our
feelings out? Y'know, something
intimate? Did I ever tell you
about the time my fourth grade
teacher made me --
DR. CRANE
Sorry, Ed.
RIDDLER
(suddenly hostile)
Hey! Ed's dead, remember?
Riddler swings out the cane to knock the hypo from Crane's
hand and then swats him over the head. He's out cold.
RIDDLER
But his smarter, better looking,
evil twin brother is back in town,
so MAKE WAY!
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - NIGHT
Inmates are all rounded up by Police and escorted back
inside.
Dr. Howard is being wheeled out on a stretcher.
DR. HOWARD
The sky is falling! The sky is...
James Gordon and Sarah Essen watch him get shut up inside the
Ambulance.
Batman and Robin approach, handing over a videotape.
BATMAN
Commissioner, you better have a
look. Video footage from the
surveillance cameras.
SARAH
We have people who collect evidence,
thank you.
BATMAN
The control room had been pretty
much destroyed. We pieced together
what was left.
SARAH
And I'm sure you took the liberty
to make a copy for yourselves.
Robin holds up their videotape.
ROBIN
Who would consider us detectives
if we hadn't?
JAMES
If you three are finished --
BATMAN
Yes, what we have here is definitely
a calculated breakout.
JAMES
Any idea who?
BATMAN
The answer will soon be known...
ROBIN
Whoever is left unaccounted for.
INT. TERRORLAND FUNHOUSE - NIGHT
Dr. Crane's eyes flutter open as he slowly comes to.
He is in the straight jacket and strapped inside the Funhouse
car, sitting on the tracks.
The dark tunnel is up ahead.
DR. CRANE
What the devil?!?
RIDDLER
Flattery will get you nowhere, my
good doctor.
Riddler is kicking back behind the Control Board, reading
from Dr. Crane's personal journal.
DR. CRANE
Put that down!
Riddler tosses the book aside, holds up the broken hypo of
Crane's.
RIDDLER
Very interesting stuff. What did
you call it? Phobizac? What is
that, like Prozac for overly happy
people?
Crane writhes in the straight jacket.
DR. CRANE
It is...experimental.
RIDDLER
Make that, just plain mental.
DR. CRANE
It is completely within the
professional regime of my field.
Fear is an emotion, like any other,
that can be controlled...treated
with chemicals.
Riddler licks the end of the needle.
RIDDLER
Well, it sure ain't a new formula
for Coke. Only one way to find out...
Riddler looks over the Control Board switches.
RIDDLER
Taste test!
He yanks the lever to begin the ride.
The Funhouse car jerks forward.
TUNNEL
Dr. Crane fights with the straight jacket, trying desperately
to get free.
Darkness. The car stops before the skull-face door. Crane
winces in anticipation before the Phobizac gas finally comes
spraying out, consuming him.
The skull door opens and the car continues in...
Dr. Crane begins breaking out in a downpour of sweat. His
eyes begin to bulge larger and larger, almost bursting as he
SCREAMS in terror.
TERRORLAND
In reality, just a long, dark tunnel. But, under the
influence of Phobizac, riders experience their most inner
fears under the guise of an amusement park.
Dr. Crane SCREAMS as images flash hauntingly all around him.
The SCREECHING bat's cry multiplied in the hundreds.
The bat CRIES fade to leather wings FLAPPING in the wind.
DR. CRANE
No! Stay away!!
A shadowy figure is falling towards him. Closer and closer.
The shadowy figure is almost upon him when we realize it is
actually a BATMAN from many years ago. Monstruous and
horrific. A black leathery cape and dual-pointed cowl over a
gray costume. The all black bat symbol. The ensemble comes
together in a beast-like quality.
Crane's inhibitions are swallowed whole by the fear that has
now spread its cape out above him.
Strengthened through terror, the doctor breaks free of the
straps and jumps from the car as it moves down the tracks.
DR. CRANE
Get away from me! Get away!!
He runs down the dark tunnel, the bat CRY in pursuit, the
flapping WINGS.
FOLLOW Crane as he jumps headlong, crashing through the wall
of the tunnel, falling clear onto the other side.
OTHER SIDE
The entrance to Terrorland with all the macabre decor.
Dr. Crane is huddled on the floor. Shaking. Quivering.
As the bat CRIES fade away, Crane risks a look.
DR. CRANE - POV. The ominous Scarecrow hangs on the wall
overhead, staring down at him.
END POV
DR. CRANE
Scared...scared away. The bat was
scared away...by a scarecrow.
TUNNEL
Riddler makes his way down the dark tunnel. He stops at the
large hole in the wall and peers through.
RIDDLER
Jonny-boy, I've had a change of
heart. This fear stuff could be
the next big trend in Gotham.
He steps through the hole.
OTHER SIDE
Riddler ENTERS.
RIDDLER
I'd like to consider a truce...
He steps passed the Scarecrow on the wall.
HOLD on the Scarecrow as white slits for eyes suddenly blink.
A grin then stretches wide behind the mask. It raises in the
air the reaper blade fastened in its grip and slices it into
the wall a hair above Riddler's head.
Riddler freezes in his tracks, not wanting to turn and face
what is immediately behind him.
SCARECROW removes himself from the wall.
SCARECROW
(casually)
Boo.
Riddler SCREAMS and starts to run until Scarecrow throws a
hangman's noose around Riddler's neck. With the rope wound
over a ceiling beam and down the other side, Scarecrow gives
a pull and lifts Riddler up in the air.
Riddler kicks his feet, GAGGING for breath.
Scarecrow kicks the prop-coffin down in place on the floor
and then releases his hold on the rope.
Riddler falls down into the coffin and takes a breath for his
next scream.
SCARECROW
Shhhh...don't be such a scaredy
cat. This isn't for you.
Scarecrow uses the reaper blade to carve into the lid of the
coffin, out of sight.
Riddler rises up, straightens himself to regain some dignity.
RIDDLER
I knew that.
(a beat)
So...neat costume. Does it itch?
Scarecrow ignores him and continues to carve.
RIDDLER
Alrighty, then...do you mind if I ask
what the occasion is? I haven't
been keeping up with the holidays.
SCARECROW
Do you know what a scarecrow does
all day and all night?
RIDDLER
I'd guess...scares crows?
SCARECROW
You jest, but really...He wards off
pests through the use of fear.
Consider me Gotham City's own
personal Scarecrow, master of fear!
(a beat)
The pest in this case just so
happens to have an eight foot
wingspan.
Scarecrow turns the coffin lid around so that his carving
comes into view.
COFFIN LID. "Batman R.I.P."
Riddler jumps out of the coffin, rejuvenated.
RIDDLER
Riddle me this, then, oh master.
What is to one a thorn and to
another, a splinter?
SCARECROW
A common enemy. Batman, our foe.
RIDDLER
A dead foe.
SCARECROW
A frightened foe first. And a city
left shaking in its foundation.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - DAY
Glorious morning sunshine hits the Wayne residence.
A Jeep pulls up the drive towards the mansion.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - DAY
Dick comes trampeling down the staircase, backpack around his
shoulders.
Alfred is at the landing.
ALFRED
Running late this morning, Master
Dick?
DICK
These nights are killing me.
ALFRED
They can be taxing on the system,
I know. It took Master Bruce many
years before giving up on sleep
altogether. I don't recommend it.
From the door, the DOORBELL rings. Dick opens it to...
Sarah Essen, looking somewhat lost.
SARAH
Hi! You must be --
DICK
Going. Sorry, lady. See ya, Al.
Dick dodges passed her and out the door.
SARAH
Well, I don't suppose Mr. Wayne
is around? It's police business.
ALFRED
He had gone riding this morning,
but I'm sure...you could catch him.
EXT. WAYNE STABLES - DAY
Alfred steadies a gray Arabian mare while Sarah awkwardly
climbs into the saddle.
Alfred slaps the mare to get her going. Nothing happens.
ALFRED
Come now, girl, don't be so stubborn.
SARAH
Here, let me try.
She pulls from a holster her revolver and FIRES a shot at the
sky. The mare immediately races off in a gallop leaving
Alfred behind.
EXT. WAYNE ESTATE - DAY
Breathtaking countryside rolling up and down over endless
hills.
Bruce Wayne charges across the landscape riding atop a black
Thoroughbred.
Coming up fast in the b.g. is Sarah on the Arabian mare.
Bruce finally notices.
BRUCE
I'm sorry, officer, was I speeding?
SARAH
Failure to signal a lane change.
BRUCE
You mean like this?
Bruce puts his hand out and leads his horse off into another
direction, galloping away faster. Sarah bears down and
charges after him.
After some distance, she catches up. Bruce eases the
Thoroughbred up next to her mare. Sarah has already become
the expert rider.
BRUCE
I didn't know Chicago PD had a
cavalry unit.
SARAH
I never mentioned Chicago to you...
BRUCE
Must be the wind in your hair, I
guess. What brings you out here?
SARAH
I wish I could pretend it was for
a good reason.
BRUCE
Don't sweat it. It's not often I
have a riding partner. Dick won't
ride anything without wheels.
(a beat)
I take it you're here to inform me
that Edward Nygma has escaped from
Arkham?
SARAH
You're very well informed, I have
to say.
BRUCE
And also that my life may be in
danger?
SARAH
Listen, Mr. Wayne --
BRUCE
Bruce.
His gaze captures her, if only for a brief moment.
SARAH
Bruce...the Commissioner doesn't
want to take any chances on this.
He wants you under police protection.
BRUCE
Way out here?
SARAH
Here and in town. Wayne Enterprises.
There's no telling where Nygma may
strike.
BRUCE
Now just hold on a second --
SARAH
He insists.
BRUCE
I run a pretty fast paced lifestyle.
You know a cop who can keep up?
SARAH
Try me.
Bruce is speechless as Sarah's mare trots away.
FOLLOW Bruce as his horse trots up to Sarah's. The two head
back to the stables.
SARAH
It's a favor for Jim, so don't get
all heady on me.
BRUCE
Of course not.
They exchange quick sideway glances.
BRUCE
I'll be attending the Mayoral
Banquet this evening, so I guess
that means you'll be joining me?
SARAH
Just about the whole police force is
scheduled a night off to be there, so
yes, I guess I'll be joining you.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - LATER
Bruce stands at the window, looking out as she drives away.
Alfred passes by in the b.g.
ALFRED
Sounds like a pleasant evening.
BRUCE
(dreadfully)
Yeah, I got a date.
ALFRED
A change in evening wear will be
most welcome. Is there a problem?
BRUCE
My date hates me. She just doesn't
know it yet.
EXT. TERRORLAND FUNHOUSE - DAY
A gathering of crows have perched around an upstairs window
until a man's hideous GAWKING scares them away.
INT. TERRORLAND FUNHOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY
Bathed in yellows from the sun. Scarecrow throws a curtain
closed to darken the room.
SCARECROW
Wretched beasts.
RIDDLER
I need some light here!
Riddler is croutched over a desk. After Scarecrow reopens
the curtains, the light shines upon the desk where a riddle
is being pasted together.
SCARECROW
God only knows why you insist on
forewarning the police of our crime.
RIDDLER
Back off. We need the publicity.
SCARECROW
Have you called together your goon
squad yet?
RIDDLER
In time, my straw-brained friend --
Scarecrow gets in RiddlerÕs face.
RIDDLER
You like to scare people, right?
Then trust me. After tonight, the
people of Gotham will be without
their beloved Commissioner.
SCARECROW
No police. Next, no Batman. Then
darkness will replace daylight and
fear will be as plentiful as the
air we breathe!
RIDDLER
It's nice to see a man who really
cares about his work.
SCARECROW
Hey, I'd do it for free.
INT. BATCAVE
Bruce in tuxedo, sitting at the Computer Station, watching
video footage salvaged from Arkham Asylum. Dick watches over
his shoulder.
INSERT MONITOR
The footage shows Dr. Crane, but unrecognizable under his
coat and hat.
DICK
Someone from the outside, but who?
Bruce pauses the video on Crane's likeness and rises.
BRUCE
Perhaps an acquaintance Edward Nygma
made while inside Arkham. Otherwise,
why wait so long to spring free?
DICK
Well, who among the rogues gallery
are listed active duty?
Alfred ENTERS, interrupting their brainstorm.
ALFRED
Sir, the young lady has arrived. And
if I may say, is looking quite --
BRUCE
I'm sure she is, Alfred. Thanks.
(a beat)
Alright, you two. Remember, no
parties and no strangers in the
house.
ALFRED
Must you always bring that up?
DICK
(to Bruce)
What about you and the Captain?
She doesnÕt hold too rosy of an
opinion for your alter ego.
Bruce heads up the stairs.
BRUCE
I'm leaving him at home tonight.
EXT. BANQUET HALL - TWILIGHT
High class up and down the steps.
VALETS anxiously await the next knock-out ride, that is,
until Sarah's Jeep pulls up. She steps out with not a trace
of her day job in such a stunning dress. Bruce Wayne takes
her by the arm.
INT. BANQUET HALL - TWILIGHT
The wait to get inside.
Bruce and Sarah walk past a sign that reads, "DEPOSIT
FIREARMS HERE."
Sarah removes her revolver from someplace unimaginable, hands
it to the SECURITY GUY.
BRUCE
What's going on?
SARAH
All part of the Mayor's fear of the
radical fringe and the black tie
affairs they attract. Feel safe?
BRUCE
You may be unarmed, Miss Essen, but
that dress is just as effective.
The smile that melts.
SARAH
Ah, that Wayne charm I have been
warned about. A bit over-rated if
you ask me.
BRUCE
For you, I'll double my efforts.
Bruce and Sarah emerge from the entrance into the...
DINING HALL
Table to table of police, politicians, and people.
Jim Gordon and his wife, BARBARA GORDON, wave them over to
their table.
BRUCE
Jim...Barbara, nice to see you.
BARBARA
Hello, Bruce --
MAYOR (O.S.)
Well, Gotham's finest are all here!
MAYOR RICHGIN gives Bruce a slap on the back. The
billionaire playboy regards him with a hint of disdain.
BRUCE
Mayor Richgin...
MAYOR
Bruce Wayne, you cannot leave
tonight without a photo op. The
last one in the papers we had
together shot my poll numbers
through the roof.
BRUCE
Well, I --
SARAH
Go ahead, I'll cover you from here.
Bruce gives her the evil eye before being led away.
INT. BANQUET HALL - UPPER FLOOR - NIGHT
A lone NIGHT WATCHMAN patrols the floor, WHISTLING a tune.
A shadow passes by in the b.g. The Watchman is oblivious.
Scarecrow leaps out, startling the Watchman. Before he can
get to his gun, Scarecrow holds his fist out.
A skull-faced ring on Scarecrow's finger shoots red gas into
the Watchman's face: Phobizac gas.
The toxen begins its routine. The Watchman breaks out in mad
fits of paranoia and he immediately SCREAMS in fear.
SCARECROW
Now, that's my kind of tune.
WATCHMAN'S FEAR
Hundreds of creepy, crawly spiders are covering him from head
to toe.
WATCHMAN
Get 'em off! Get 'em off!!
REALITY
He SCREAMS, scratching and swatting at his uniform. He spins
round and round in panic, perilously close to the window.
The Watchman crashes through the glass and plunges to his
death on the street far below.
Scarecrow walks to the window to look upon the body.
SCARECROW
No fear of falling for this one.
INT. BANQUET HALL - NIGHT
The photo op between Mayor Richgin and Bruce Wayne is growing
tiresome for the billionaire playboy.
MAYOR
Just one more.
They pose for the picture just as something catches Bruce's
eye.
A MESSENGER delivers an envelope to Commissioner Gordon.
ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
Ladies and gentlemen, if I could
have your attention please.
The photo snaps, the flash blinding Bruce for an instant.
MAYOR
Sorry, Bruce. That's my cue.
Mayor Richgin heads up to the stage to take the microphone.
MAYOR
Thank you one and all. Thank you.
Gordon turns his attention from the envelope to the Mayor.
MAYOR
I gotta tell you...being Mayor of
Gotham City would be an impossible
task if it were not for the work of
one man...
Bruce is fixated on that envelope. He half pushes his way
back to the table.
MAYOR
One man who has given twenty-five
years of impeccable service to this
city.
Bruce makes it to the table. Eyes the envelope.
MAYOR
Commissioner James Gordon, get on
up here!
The crowd CHEERS and CLAPS. All rise as Gordon reluctantly
makes his way up to the stage.
All rise except Bruce. He snatches the envelope and opens
it. Slowly, he pulls out what he had expected:
A RIDDLE (#1 to be inserted later).
Bruce reads it carefully, then looks up at Gordon on stage.
JAMES
It's hard for me to believe that I
was a rookie cop that long ago. These
days, I look in the mirror and
think closer to forty or fifty years ago.
LAUGHS from the crowd. Gordon continues.
Sarah picks up on Bruce's discomfort.
SARAH
What's the matter?
BRUCE
This came for Jim. Guess who...
THE DOORS
Open. The Riddler ENTERS, dressed in a green and purple
three piece suit covered with black question marks, the derby
on top. He spins his cane, closing the door behind him.
RIDDLER
Consider this my RSVP!
The crowd GASPS, turning around in their seats to see him.
All of a sudden, Riddler's equally color-schemed GOON SQUAD
bust in to seal off all exits.
RIDDLER
Please continue, Mr. Commissioner.
I believe the next part of your
speech was about the falling crime
rate in Gotham City.
Bruce gets to his feet as Riddler is passing his table.
BRUCE
Don't start this again, Edward --
RIDDLER
I'm sorry? Who?
BRUCE
C'mon, the mask hides nothing. We
know who you are...what you are...
Riddler whacks Bruce over the head with his cane. He falls
to Sarah's feet, unconscious.
RIDDLER
What do you know about masks? You
can get back to me on that one.
JAMES
Alright, Riddler, you have our
attention. What do you want?
RIDDLER
All good things come to those who
wait, percent of sale makes good
bait.
Riddler opens the head of his cane, presses a button that
triggers PHOBIZAC GAS to shoot out of the air vents,
circulating throughout the dining hall.
CHAOS ensues.
Gordon steps back to draw his pistol, but he too was unarmed.
Scarecrow drops from the rafters above, armed with a pistol
of his own. Holding Gordon hostage, he takes the microphone.
SCARECROW
Citizens of Gotham, you have nothing
to fear,...but fear itself!
He forces Gordon out through the back of the stage.
Meanwhile, Riddler and the Goons are now wearing gas masks,
going about the hall looting pockets and purses from helpless
victims of Phobizac.
Bruce finally comes to on the floor. Sarah is down with him,
as is Mayor Richgin.
SARAH
Are you alright?
BRUCE
I'm breathing.
SARAH
Well, don't. The air is filling with
some kind of toxen. I'm getting the
Mayor out of here.
She pulls up her dress and takes a small pistol hidden under
a garter belt.
BRUCE
That'll keep a date in line.
SARAH
You stay out of sight. I'll be back.
She kisses him hard on the lips, then grabs the Mayor and
they make a run for it, pistol BLAZING.
Bruce crawls under the table where he is unseen and activates
the communicator on his watch.
Alfred's face appears on the watchface.
ALFRED
I do hope this means you'll be
staying out past curfew.
BRUCE
Sorry to let you down, Alfred.
We've got trouble.
INT. BANQUET HALL - STAIRWAY - NIGHT
Scarecrow leads Gordon up towards the roof.
JAMES
You're all alike. What is it with you
crazy bastards? Batman --
Scarecrow pistol-whips Gordon across the face .
SCARECROW
Don't!...call me crazy.
INT. BANQUET HALL - DINING HALL - NIGHT
The gas has disappeared leaving shear PANDEMONIUM in its
place. The crowds under the influence either thrash about in
panic or cower in fear.
Riddler and the Goons unmask, go about collecting their loot.
Bruce Wayne emerges from under the table, makes a run for an
exit.
Goon PUZZLED jumps out and grabs him. Bruce drives his knee
so far up into Puzzled's gut, the breaking bone echoes.
Goon twins, PING and PONG take hold of Bruce and hold him up
as Riddler appears.
RIDDLER
Bruce Wayne, leaving without his
woman? What will people think?
BRUCE
You're sick, Edward.
RIDDLER
I guess this means I won't be
getting my old job back.
BRUCE
Consider yourself a victim of
corporate downsizing.
RIDDLER
Always the victim. Now, it's your
turn. Have a taste of the scarey
stuff.
Ping and Pong hold tight to Bruce as Riddler brandishes a
hypo of Phobizac.
BRUCE
Looks like a bad trip to me.
RIDDLER
C'mon, Brucie. Everybody's doing
it.
As Riddler moves closer, Bruce uses Ping and PongÕs hold for
momentum to rise up and kick Riddler hard in the face.
Bruce drops to the floor with his legs out in the splits.
Sweeping them back, Ping and Pong are toppled.
EXT. BANQUET HALL - NIGHT
Bruce Wayne hurries down the steps to the street where a
Rolls Royce is speeding by with the back door wide open.
Bruce dives inside and the Rolls rounds a corner and pulls
into an empty alley behind the Banquet Hall.
INT. ROLLS - NIGHT
Alfred is in the front keeping watch out the window as Bruce
changes in the back.
BRUCE
Where's Robin?
ALFRED
Coming along shortly.
Something is driving towards them. They look out...
The Batmobile roars up towards the Banquet Hall. The canopy
opens and Robin emerges giving them a "thumbs up."
EXT. BANQUET HALL - ROOFTOP - NIGHT
Perched on a ledge high above the alley is Scarecrow, holding
James Gordon hostage very near the edge.
Batman and Robin swing onto the roof.
BATMAN
Watch your step, stranger. One
slip and I might not catch the
both of you. Would you like to
guess which one I miss?
SCARECROW
Don't play me like your average
criminal card, Batman. I'm in a
deck all my own.
ROBIN
Hate to spoil your fun, but you
don't have much of an escape route.
SCARECROW
Then step aside, Boy Wonder. Your
mind is of no interest to me.
(to Batman)
But, yours, on the other hand.
Batman's eyes narrow. Something familiar here.
BATMAN
I'm here now.
SCARECROW
But, what would our show be without
a cliffhanger? Tune in later. Same
bat-time. Same bat-channel.
BATMAN
Who are you?
SCARECROW
I am the Scarecrow...fear me and fly!
He aims his pistol at them and FIRES off several shots,
forcing them to scatter.
SCARECROW
Fly! Fly away!
He sets Gordon off balance and disappears by taking hold of a
drain pipe and sliding down.
Gordon teeters on the edge for a moment until falling over
the side.
Batman rushes to the edge, his reach just missing him.
As Gordon falls towards certain doom...
Batman speaks into his communicator.
BATMAN
Batmobile...air bag!
STREET
On command, a compartment on the Batmobile's roof explodes
and a gigantic air-bag cushion in the shape of the batsymbol
inflates over the car.
Gordon lands perfectly and safely on the air-bag.
INT. BANQUET HALL - NIGHT
The chaos is reaching its boiling point.
Goon HANGMAN is chasing a SCREAMING WOMAN across the room.
A rope drops from above, wrapping around Hangman's body. He
is yanked up in the air to swing back and forth as a punching
bag in a gym.
Robin swings down from above to kick Hangman with enough
force to send him swinging in another direction.
Batman swings down next to kick Hangman. The rope gives and
the goon falls to the floor like a rock.
The Dynamic Duo stand their ground before more goons.
Robin pulls from his belt a twelve inch rod. Goon TETRIS
steps up to him with a chair in his hands as a weapon.
TETRIS
You better run on home, kiddie. I
think I hear mommy calling.
Robin smiles cocky, twists the rod until it telescopes out
into a four foot long fighting staff.
ROBIN
Yeah, and she's also always telling
me not to use violence to solve my
problems.
Robin attacks with his staff, wailing away at the chair until
nothing is left in Tetris's hands but a stick.
ROBIN
I never listen.
Robin spins the staff forward, cracking Tetris over the head.
Goon GRAMARYE is running for the door to make an escape only
to have it blocked by Batman.
Gramarye throws one punch, a mild stun if that. The next
second, Batman open-palms the goon up the nose, sending him
down for the night.
A FRANTIC SOCIALITE running out collides with Batman.
SOCIALITE
The fire's raging! So hot! Got
to get out!
BATMAN
There's no fire! Listen, there is no --
The Frantic Socialite passes out anyway.
Robin rejoins Batman.
ROBIN
Riddler's not here.
BATMAN
We have to find him. He's our only
connection to this Scarecrow and
the mayhem they've created.
EXT. BANQUET HALL - ALLEY - NIGHT
An E.M.T. sees to James Gordon being taken up into an
Ambulance on a stretcher.
FOLLOW the E.M.T. around to the door of the driver side.
Sitting behind the wheel is Riddler and by his side is
Scarecrow.
RIDDLER
I promise I'll only take it around
the block!
The Ambulance speeds out of the alley and down the street.
INT. BANQUET HALL - NIGHT
The crowds are being tended to by other POLICE that have
arrived. Apprehended Goons are taken into custody.
Batman emerges behind Sarah Essen who is now fully in-charge.
BATMAN
Colorful characters we have in
Gotham. Wouldn't you say, Captain?
SARAH
If you're waiting around for a medal
of honor you can forget it.
OFFICER (O.S.)
Captain Essen!
An out of breath OFFICER rushes up to her.
OFFICER
They got away with Gordon!
Batman's cape flies up as he rushes off.
INT. TERRORLAND FUNHOUSE - NIGHT
Darkness. Blurred vision begins to focus.
JAMES GORDON - POV. Riddler and Scarecrow stare down at him.
SCARECROW
Wake up like a good boy. That's it.
END POV
Gordon is wearing a straight jacket, strapped into the
Funhouse car sitting on the tracks.
JAMES
What the hell is going on?
SCARECROW
And ruin the surprise? The rush
that comes at the moment of first
fright? Sorry, old chap. Cheerio.
Gordon wrestles in his bindings unsuccessfully as Scarecrow
steps behind the Control Board. Starts the ride.
Riddler stands by the tracks as Gordon heads down the tunnel.
RIDDLER
We certainly hope you'll enjoy your
ride on the Terrorland Express.
All passengers will receive
complimentary thrills and chills
provided by the master of fear
himself, Mr. Crow.
SCARECROW
That's SCARE-crow.
Gordon can be heard SCREAMING.
RIDDLER
I think he figured that part out.
Scarecrow jumps about in delight.
SCARECROW
I want more.
RIDDLER
More?
SCARECROW
Yes, more. More fear spread
throughout the populace. Citizens
cowering in helplessness. Law
enforcement too scared to help.
(a beat)
Let's really give it to them first.
Then...trap the bat and destroy
the man.
LAUGHS diabolical mix with SCREAMS of terror.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY STREET - NIGHT
The Batmobile SCREECHES to a stop.
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
BATMAN
Anything on the scanners?
Robin's eyes remained glued to the monitor as he shakes his
head "no."
Batman slams his fist down on the steering wheel.
ROBIN
Who is this Scarecrow?
BATMAN
I don't know. But, he's not going to
enjoy being among my rogues gallery.
EXT. POLICE HEADQUARTERS - DAY
Crowds of REPORTERS armed with cameras and microphones.
Mayor Richgin and Sarah Essen step up to a podium.
MAYOR
Good morning. I'm assuming most
everyone had a sleepless night, so
I'll make this brief.
Reporters lean in closer to get this.
MAYOR
Following last evening's kidnapping
of Commissioner James Gordon, it is
my duty to appoint a temporary
replacement to see to his safe return.
I can think of no one more capable
of stepping in than Captain Sarah
Essen.
A rush of picture snaps and INQUERIES.
MAYOR
Let me present Commissioner Sarah
Essen.
Sarah steps up to the podium to field questions.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - DAY
Dick sits glumly watching the television. The scene from
Police Headquarters as Sarah addresses the crowds.
REPORTER
As Commissioner of Police, what
tactics will you employ that might
differ from those of James Gordon?
SARAH
You can expect some changes --
Dick clicks the remote control.
INT. BATCAVE
Dick ENTERS from the stairway, across the platform to...
COMPUTER STATION
Bruce sits before multiple video monitors, each displaying
the morning's newscast.
DICK
Then I take it you've heard the
news?
Bruce only nods "yes."
ALFRED
Might this spell trouble?
BRUCE
It could. We'll have to side-step
the police...despite the fact we're
all working towards the same end.
DICK
Somebody tell that to Miss Third
Reich.
(a beat)
Any leads on Scarecrow?
Bruce hits some buttons. The monitors switch to images taken
from the Arkham Asylum breakout.
BRUCE
This man.
Dick looks closely at the images of Dr. Jon Crane, hidden
under coat and hat.
DICK
How can you tell?
BRUCE
Judging from this video of the
subject, I can estimate height,
weight, and body frame.
Bruce hits some more buttons, changing half of the monitors
to images of Scarecrow taken from surveillance cameras at the
Banquet Hall.
BRUCE
My estimates match those of
Scarecrow, a fairly unique build
for a man.
(a beat)
Those two together with a potent
weapon like the fear toxen and now
no one in Gotham is safe. Least of
all, Jim Gordon.
DICK
Okay, but where does that lead us?
ALFRED
The identity of Scarecrow?
Bruce rises from the chair, complete concentration.
DICK
That's quite a long shot, Bruce.
BRUCE
That's what I thought. But, last
night on the rooftop...hearing
Scarecrow's voice triggered
something in me.
DICK
Gave me nightmares...
Bruce crosses to a cabinet, unlocks and opens it to dust
flying up everywhere.
DICK
What're you looking for?
BRUCE
A mystery. These are the files
from unsolved cases, stuff I've
collected through the years.
He pulls out a plastic bag and sets it on the table. Inside
is a well-worn brown top hat, identical to the one worn by
Dr. Crane in the Arkham video.
DICK
(to the video)
They're the same hat. Identical.
BRUCE
Ready for your history lesson?
DICK
I skipped my classes for the day, so
why not.
Bruce begins typing at the Computer, the main monitor pulls
up screens and screens of data.
BRUCE
This hat was recovered from a case
I was on back in 1988.
Alfred studies the hat and triggers a memory.
ALFRED
Batman's first case.
Bruce nods "yes" while scanning the data.
BRUCE
Before anyone in Gotham had even
heard of a Batman. I myself
wasn't sure of what I was doing.
And I made mistakes.
Dick looks up at his mentor with unbelieving naivete.
BRUCE
Well, I never solved the case, did
I?
(pause)
Here it is.
The three of them read off the monitor. Images of news
clippings and photographs.
BRUCE
Three professors at GCU were
murdered in one week's time. All
were thought to be suicides until
further investigation. As Batman,
I anticipated the next target and
confronted the killer.
ALFRED
I remember. This was also your
first bullet wound. Ah, the good
old days...
BRUCE
He got me good alright. But, not
before I put the fear of god into
him, as I recall.
DICK
Then you saw him?
BRUCE
No, but I heard his voice. And
his scream. After the shot, he
escaped, leaving the hat behind.
DICK
So, if we can solve that case, then
we might just have something on
Scarecrow?
BRUCE
Exactly.
INT. COSTUME VAULT - LATER
Dick stands before a glass case. Inside, the first batsuit
of cloth, colored gray and black. Simple and streamlined,
yet somehow, more frightening.
Bruce ENTERS.
DICK
This was the beginning for you.
BRUCE
Back when fear was my only weapon,
criminals being a cowardly and
superstitious lot. That night,
for the first time...I felt like
Batman.
INT. POLICE HEADQUARTERS - TWILIGHT
A briefing for the night's patrols, wrapping up. Sarah Essen
is at the head of the room.
SARAH
So, lets get out there and find our
man.
The room becomes a buzz of energy. Sarah disappears into her
office.
INT. COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE - TWILIGHT
Sarah shuts the door behind her, enclosed in darkness. A
window is open, the wind blowing the shades around.
She sits at her desk and turns on a small lamp. There on her
desktop is the latest RIDDLE (#2 to be inserted later).
A word-search puzzle she has been trying to crack for hours.
SARAH
I'm going to beat you, Riddler.
BATMAN (O.S.)
Like some help?
She jumps up from her seat as Batman emerges from a shadow.
BATMAN
I only came to --
SARAH
Save it! I've just added breaking
and entering to a very long list of
charges.
BATMAN
Commissioner, Gotham City hasn't
the time for us to do battle over
ethics.
SARAH
You want ethics? Do society a favor
and turn yourself in. It's obvious
that all the Riddler or Scarecrow
want is you.
BATMAN
He sent another riddle, didn't he?
SARAH
And as Commissioner of Police, I
intend to beat him at his own game.
BATMAN
Good intentions won't save lives.
I know the Riddler. Let me help.
SARAH
You want to help? Fine...
Sarah turns away and pretends to reach for the word-search
puzzle, but instead, grabs her revolver.
Spinning around, her pistol cocked back...
Batman is gone. Only the shades blowing around in the wind.
SARAH
Damn.
She crosses to the window to look out.
SARAH
Why does Gordon put up with you?
EXT. ROOFTOP - TWILIGHT
Overlooking the city. Not far off, Police Headquarters.
Robin sits hunched over a small portable computer monitor.
The screen displays an image of the word-search puzzle from
the Commissioner's office.
Robin uses a lightpen to circle the words.
A shadow swings across the b.g. Batman lands on the roof.
BATMAN
Did you get it?
ROBIN
Yeah, nice shot.
BATMAN
And the puzzle?
Robin circles the final words. The riddle comes together.
ROBIN
Bingo.
INT. MAYOR'S HOUSE - NIGHT
The front door kicks in and Batman ENTERS, followed by Robin.
BATMAN
Mr. Mayor?
They walk through carefully.
MAYOR (O.S.)
Up here, B-Batman.
The Dynamic Duo race up the staircase.
INT. MAYOR'S STUDY - NIGHT
The den. Two chairs face each other before a CRACKLING fire.
Seated in one is Mayor Richgin, seemingly calm, but hiding an
inner sense of urgency.
Batman and Robin ENTER.
ROBIN
Looks like we beat the Riddler here.
They move closer to the Mayor.
RIDDLER (O.S.)
Y'know, Batman...
They walk around to see that seated in the chair opposite
Mayor Richgin is the Riddler, armed with a pistol.
RIDDLER
...you really outta have the kid's
head examined. He's none too bright.
Robin is about to charge when Batman puts a steady hand on
his shoulder.
BATMAN
That's what he wants you to do,
Robin. Isn't that right?
RIDDLER
Right or wrong, left or right, who's
to say in the dead of night?
All eyes fall on Mayor Richgin, who can no longer hold in his
fear as sweat gleams in the glow of the fire.
MAYOR
D-don't come any closer! He's not
fooling around any.
RIDDLER
Wise words, Batman. One step
further and the mayor's campaign
seat is gonna get hot.
Riddler rises from the chair and heads toward an open window.
RIDDLER
Here's a little something to occupy
your time. Play nice!
He tosses an object which Robin catches and then is out the
window.
EXT. MAYOR'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Riddler jumps from the roof to land on a trampoline on the
ground, which sends him flying up and over a stone wall
fence.
INT. MAYOR'S STUDY - NIGHT
Robin holds in his hands a Rubik's Cube, the colored squares
mixed and matched.
Batman drops down to inspect under the Mayor's chair.
ROBIN
Aren't we gonna go after him?
BATMAN - POV. Under the chair, a bomb has been wired, set to
the springs so as to go off should any movement in the chair
be detected. To speed things along, a detonator ticks down.
BATMAN
No, I think he really wants us to
play.
END POV
Batman rises up, looking at the Rubik's Cube in Robin's hand.
MAYOR
He was m-messing with that thing
while I sat in the chair.
ROBIN
A Rubik's Cube?
BATMAN
A remote deactivation device for
the bomb the Mayor is now sitting
on. Can you beat it?
Robin starts twisting and turning the cube, trying to line up
the six sides into their respective colors.
ROBIN
I hate politics.
Batman heads for the window.
BATMAN
Don't wander off, Robin. There's
a perimeter sensor on the bomb to
make sure you stay close.
ROBIN
Oh, thatÕll build the confidence.
Batman leaps out the window.
EXT. MAYOR'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Batman drops out of the window and down. He lands on the
trampoline and springs up and over the fence.
INT. MAYOR'S STUDY - NIGHT
Robin is hard at work, twisting the Rubik's Cube. Mayor
Richgin is on edge, looking to take his mind off the danger.
MAYOR
S-so, are you old enough to vote?
Robin ignores him and keeps at it on the puzzle toy.
EXT. WOODED LOT - NIGHT
A heavy fog amidst the trees bare of leaves.
Batman glides through like a phantom, stopping every so often
to stay on the trail.
From behind a tree, goon PACMAN lashes out with an axe. His
heavy swing is slow enough for Batman to duck under.
The Dark Knight thrusts his fist into Pacman's gut and then
takes hold of the goon's arm and spins him into a tree.
Batman moves on.
EXT. CEMETERY - NIGHT
Rolling hills covered in fog are pierced by hundreds of
tombstones rising up.
Batman makes his way around. Searching.
Goon JACK OF SPADES sprints from one tombstone to another.
To hunt him down, Batman leaps up on top of an angel of mercy
statue that stands over a recently dug up grave. Suddenly,
the statue begins to teeter-totter.
Before Batman can jump free, Goon ACE OF CLUBS topples the
angel statue, sending it and Batman down into the open grave.
GRAVE
The angel statue shatters the coffin and Batman falls down
inside to lie next to a ROTTING CORPSE.
CEMETERY
Jack of Spades and Ace of Clubs stand over the open grave,
quickly dousing it with gasoline. A match is lit and
dropped.
Just as a giant fireball erupts, a batrope comes shooting out
and lassos around a tree branch hovering overhead.
Batman comes jumping up, kicking out both goons at the same
time. Jack of Spades and Ace of Clubs fall to the ground as
Batman jumps free from the raging pit of fire.
Stepping out into the open, Batman is startled by headlight
beams that fall upon him as a speeding Hearse is CHARGING
towards him.
Batman leaps to the other side of the path, ducking behind
two tombstones erected together.
BULLETS come shooting after him, richocheting off the granite
that shields him. The Hearse roars passed with the MAD
LAUGHING of Scarecrow and the Riddler fading with it.
When it is safe, Batman emerges.
He steps around to the front of the tombstone that saved his
life. By the light of the moon, the names inscribed can be
read: "THOMAS WAYNE AND MARTHA WAYNE."
Batman lowers his head for a moment, his fingers touching the
names, and is then off again into the night.
INT. MAYOR'S STUDY - NIGHT
Seconds ticking down. The Mayor is almost crying.
Robin is frantically twisting the pieces of the Rubik's Cube
to match up. He is close now.
A COMMOTION is coming up the stairs. POLICE burst into the
study, led by Sarah Essen.
ROBIN
It's about time you showed up.
SARAH
Step away from the Mayor!
He continues working the Cube.
ROBIN
'Fraid I can't do that.
Sarah unholsters her revolver.
SARAH
Apprehend him.
Three Police run at and tackle Robin to the floor. The Cube
falls from his hands and rolls across the floor out of the
perimeter sensor's range.
ROBIN
Head for cover!
The bomb POPS first and then FIZZES. The Mayor freezes in
his chair as Phobizac gas shoots up from underneath.
Robin breaks free from the Police and removes his cape.
He tackles Mayor Richgin off the chair, wrapping his face
inside the cape to protect him from the gas.
Sarah heads for safety as some Police are hit by the gas and
break out in paranoia.
She covers her face and runs through the gas to where Robin
had Mayor Richgin. The Boy Wonder is nowhere to be found.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - BRUCE'S BEDROOM - DAY
Bruce stares out a window, not appearing well today.
The NEWS blares out from a t.v. set in the b.g.
ANCHORWOMAN
Medical officials have been working
around the clock in an effort to
reverse the effects of the fear
toxen unleashed upon Gothamites
in recent nights.
(a beat)
Meanwhile, Police Departments have
yet to give up hope on the return
of James Gordon. Last night --
Alfred switches the t.v. set off.
BRUCE
No ransom.
ALFRED
I beg your pardon, sir?
BRUCE
There was no ransom demand on
Gordon. They're waiting for me,
Alfred. Sarah Essen was right.
(a beat)
Did Dick go to class?
EXT. GOTHAM CITY UNIVERSITY - DAY
A sprawling campus within the city, the sign in the f.g.
INT. GCU LIBRARY - DAY
Dick Grayson sits down at a microfiche projector. He begins
feeding film into the machine that brings up images of past
issues of the Gotham Globe newspaper.
He stops at a headline: "Killer Stalks GCU Professors."
DICK
Alright, let's earn some brownie
points.
MONTAGE
Dick studying frame after frame of film with news items,
writing down notes of names, dates, and places.
He stops to look over all that he has copied down.
DICK
Murders made to look like suicides.
All were professors of psychology.
INT. GCU PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT - DAY
An office of PROFESSOR HOWE. Shelves of books, stacks of
papers. Wall to wall with photos and degrees.
PROF. HOWE
So, you're with the student paper?
Dick sits on the other side of Howe's desk.
DICK
That's right. But, if I'm lucky, this
could get picked up by the Globe.
PROF. HOWE
Oh! Well, what can I do for you?
DICK
I'm doing a follow-up story on the
psychology department. Says here you
went through a major faculty change
back in '88, '89...Anything you can
comment on about the progress today?
PROF. HOWE
Let's see now...
The Professor reaches back to take a photograph off the wall.
INSERT PHOTOGRAPH. A group shot of the entire psychology
department from 1988.
PROF. HOWE
Always helps me remember stuff. Gotta
see all who was there.
(a beat)
Oh, yes. Now I --
Strain begins to show around Professor Howe's eyes. He hands
the photo to Dick.
PROF. HOWE
I can't believe I had forgotten. You
see, there are four faces missing
from that picture...
He pauses awhile to remember. Dick secretly pulls out the
list of names he had written.
DICK
(innocently)
Why's that?
PROF. HOWE
If you weren't a student here then,
you probably wouldn't remember...the
murder spree...Jesus, kid, nothing
like a trip down memory lane...
The Professor reaches back for another photograph and hands
it to Dick.
INSERT OLDER PHOTOGRAPH. Another group shot, this one more
crowded. The year reads 1987.
PROF. HOWE
Three from our department...Litman,
Larose, and Muth. They were all
murdered. Very carefully done, too.
It about closed us down.
DICK
And the fourth?
Howe looks up in odd bewilderment.
DICK
You said there were four faces
missing from the picture?
PROF. HOWE
Oh, yeah...
He leans over his desk to point out a face from the 1987
group photo.
PROF. HOWE
Jon Crane. But, he wasn't murdered...
the quack...He was fired.
INT. GORDON'S HOUSE - DAY
DOORBELL ring.
Barbara Gordon opens the front door where Bruce is standing.
BRUCE
Hi, Barbara.
BARBARA
Bruce...oh, please, come in.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
Barbara sits looking out the window while Bruce sips tea.
BARBARA
I just don't know anymore. Jim's
too old to go through an ordeal
like this...
Bruce sets his cup down and takes her hand.
BRUCE
He's a good man. There are people
out there who will not stop until
he comes home safely.
BARBARA
Not with the way police are handling
things.
BRUCE
Oh?
BARBARA
Don't get me wrong. She's a fine
Commissioner. I know Jim would
want her to take over like this.
She turns back to look Bruce straight in the face.
BARBARA
But, it's like he always says...
they don't play by the rules, so
how can we? What this city needs --
She can't go on, stirring up the emotions of the Dark Knight.
BRUCE
(close to Batman voice)
He'll be home soon.
EXT. GORDON'S HOUSE - DAY
Bruce walks back to his Jaguar just as a Jeep drives up
behind. Sarah gets out, yet Bruce stays by his car.
SARAH
I know what you're thinking. Gotham
PD can't seem to keep up with you...
BRUCE
I understand things are busy. You
don't need this right now.
(a beat)
Any news on Gordon?
She shakes her head "no."
BRUCE
What are you doing here, then?
SARAH
I thought I'd check up on Barbara.
BRUCE
Can I offer some advice? Stay away?
SARAH
Well, thank you Mr. Humanitarian,
but I can handle my own social calls.
BRUCE
Sarah, you have to understand, your
position is getting less and less
temporary with each day that passes.
To her, you're just another reminder
that he might not be coming home.
SARAH
Right now, I am the only thing that
can bring him home.
BRUCE
From what I hear you have other
options to explore.
SARAH
I think I know where this is going.
You, this town, and the whole good
ol' boy club of a police department
that can't make a move unless it's
behind some psychologically disturbed
masked avenger. Y'know, Bruce...you
are right. I don't need this.
Sarah stomps back to her Jeep, drives off, leaving Bruce
alone beside his Jaguar.
BRUCE
She didn't seemed to mind me being
a psychologically disturbed billionaire.
He slumps down into the driver seat, adjusts the rearview
mirror so that only his eyes are visible. He is disturbed.
INT. TERRORLAND FUNHOUSE - DAY
The bat cage is empty, the door to it, wide open.
RIDDLER (O.S.)
This...is...delicious!
Riddler and Scarecrow sit at a table. Fine dining.
RIDDLER
Absolutely scrumptious. You must
tell me the recipe.
SCARECROW
Nothing secret in the sauce. Just
a nice, plump bat fully cooked to
perfection.
RIDDLER
And not many calories, either.
Riddler crosses to the steel bars that enclose James Gordon
in his cell. A man utterly defeated, left cowering in the
darkest corner.
RIDDLER
Would you like a wing or a leg?
What, lost your appetite?
(a beat)
Hey, Scarecrow, let's juice him up
with some more Freud-roids. He's
starting to regain his color.
SCARECROW
I'm afraid his ticker might not be
up for it. And god, how I hate the
smell!
RIDDLER
So, we sit and wait. Wonderful!
I should probably tell you my
criminalogical clock is ticking.
SCARECROW
Patience, my friend. Time is not
our enemy. Tonight, we strike.
INT. BATCAVE
Bruce is hunched over a microscope, adjusting the power.
BRUCE
Put it up Alfred. I think I have it.
Alfred fires up the monitor over the Computer Station. It
lights up displaying the microscopic images of blood cells.
ALFRED
Not quite there, I'm afraid.
Bruce backs away discouraged.
BRUCE
Whatever toxen Scarecrow has utilized
for his fear drug is untraceable.
None of these blood samples can
support it for longer than a few hours.
ALFRED
Perhaps an anti-toxen can be made
from a direct sample of the fear drug?
BRUCE
Over-the-counter Phobizac? Who's
your pharmacist?
DICK (O.S.)
Wrong field.
Bruce and Alfred turn to see Dick hurrying down the stairs.
He throws his backpack down.
DICK
Try academia.
Dick pulls out the group photo from 1987, points to the man
who is Dr. Crane.
DICK
His name is Dr. Jonathan Crane. Used
to be a professor at GCU awhile back.
Bruce studies the picture close. The man's build. His face.
He looks up at Dick with pride.
BRUCE
What's his story?
DICK
Only the University resident expert
on fear back in the eighties. Until
he was fired for...questionable
teaching methods.
BRUCE
I bet he didn't like that.
DICK
Extremely disgruntled. Not long
thereafter, the murders began, no
one ever having made the connection
with their own ex-colleage.
BRUCE
Nice work, detective.
DICK
There's more. Who's up on their
foreign languages?
Dick takes out photocopies of newspaper from Brazil.
ALFRED
Reports from Brazil. Sudden fear
breaks out in outlying villages.
DICK
Guess where the good doctor found
work after getting the axe?
(a beat)
Crane must have been testing his
new drug on the villagers. All of
the symptoms found in the attacks
in Gotham are identical to those
reported cases in Brazil.
BRUCE
(reading)
Unprovoked irrational hysteria.
Some marked by cowering, others
by extreme violence.
DICK
We've got our Scarecrow.
Bruce sits down at the Computer Station, begins typing.
BRUCE
All we need now is to find Dr. Crane.
Suddenly, a telephone RINGS. The bat-phone lights up.
Bruce stops working.
ALFRED
Commissioner Gordon's private line,
sir.
Bruce picks up the receiver.
BRUCE
(as Batman)
Go ahead.
INT. POLICE HEADQUARTERS - TWILIGHT
Amidst the usual hustle, a DEPUTY is tucked away in a corner,
hiding a telephone.
DEPUTY
The commish would have my butt on
a hot iron if she found out what I'm
doing.
(a beat)
We got another riddle today.
EXT. GOTHAM INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY - NIGHT
Racing fans flood the gates, entering the stadium.
High above the bright lights of the stadium is the GOTHAMYEAR
BLIMP, circling.
EXT. STADIUM - NIGHT
Open air bleachers surround an asphalt race track. In the
stands, hundreds of RACING FANS await the starting flag.
SERVICE AREA
Stock cars are getting last minute tune-ups.
CAR #23 sits unattended, the driver's helmet resting on the
hood. From below the car, Scarecrow rises up and looks
around to see that no one is around.
He drops a vile of Phobizac into the helmet and disappears.
A moment later, RODDY MCCLURE, driver of Car #23, enters to
take up his helmet and climb inside his stock car.
RACE TRACK
Car #23 pulls into position with the other cars. The line up
of racers REVVING their engines. Waiting.
INT. CAR #23 - NIGHT
Roddy fastens the final strap of the helmet under his chin,
ignorant of the red mist that is seeping down over his face.
He shakes his head to clear things up.
EXT. STADIUM PRESSBOX - NIGHT
Two ANNOUNCERS sit before their micropohones, doing the pre-
race hype.
Positioned on the rooftop of the Press Box, high above the
crowds is Scarecrow. He waits, delighting in the moment that
is about to come.
RACETRACK
The green flag flies and the race begins with each stock car
speeding off.
ANNOUNCERÕS VOICE
They're off, ladies and gentlemen,
and by the looks of it, we're gonna
have one heck of a race tonight.
The swarm of cars has dispersed as they jockey for the front
position.
Car #23 is really moving fast, sliding in and out of lanes.
INT. CAR #23 - MOVING
Roddy looks all around him, jerking at the wheel. Through
the face mask, sweat drips from his brow. His eyes are
unblinking, locked on the track.
EXT. RACE TRACK - NIGHT
Stock cars round a corner.
Roddy's Car #23 SLAMS into another car causing it to veer
off, CRASHING into the wall.
Crowds GASP yet are dazzled at the same time.
INT. CAR #23 - MOVING
Roddy's eyes are wide with terror, experiencing full blown
panic here.
RODDY
I can't get away! They're all over!
EXT. RACETRACK - NIGHT
Roddy's car swirves across three lanes, edging another car
into the wall to CRASH.
ANNOUNCERÕS VOICE
Is that Roddy McClure in Car #23
causing a bit of trouble? I'm
afraid so, folks. Frankly, we're a
bit surprised. His track record is
spotless...up until now.
EXT. PRESSBOX ROOFTOP - NIGHT
Scarecrow watches in delight at the mayhem below.
The Gothamyear Blimp makes another pass overhead. Scarecrow
looks up at it and gives a "thumbs up."
ANNOUNCER'S VOICE
Wait a second, racing fans...
EXT. RACE TRACK - NIGHT
Roddy's Car #23 jerks across a lane, causing two other cars
to SKID OUT across the tracks, smoke billowing up.
ANNOUNCER'S VOICE
Who's this joining the competition?
The Batmobile breaks through the smoke and speeds down the
track.
ANNOUNCER'S VOICE
While Roddy McClure retains the lead,
racing newcomer Batman is gaining
fast.
Loud CHEERS breakout from the crowd.
EXT. PRESSBOX ROOFTOP - NIGHT
Scarecrow's eyes are locked on the race, though unimpressed.
SCARECROW
What a guy.
INT. BATMOBILE - MOVING
Batman is behind the wheel while Robin monitors the computer.
ROBIN
Car twenty-three is up ahead. Watch
it, Batman, he's all over the place.
EXT. RACETRACK - NIGHT
The Batmobile FIRES up the jet engine, shooting it down the
track. As it reaches Car #23, it slows to match its speed.
ANNOUNCER'S VOICE
It's neck and neck now...
Car #23 rounds a corner, just missing a pit crew.
INT. BATMOBILE - MOVING
BATMAN
Take the wheel.
Batman hits a button that rotates the dashboard so that Robin
now has the steering wheel.
BATMAN
Get in close and keep it tight.
EXT. BATMOBILE - MOVING
The canopy slides open.
Batman climbs out and reaches over towards Car #23
RACETRACK
FOLLOW the Batmobile as it inches closer to Car #23.
Car #23 RAMS into the side of the Batmobile. At this very
moment, Batman pulls himself over into the speeding stock
car.
As the Batmobile pulls away and SCREECHES to a halt, Car #23
hits an embankment and flips several times until CRASHING
into an empty section of bleachers. Flames shoot up from the
engine.
Robin jumps out of the Batmobile and runs towards the burning
wreckage.
ROBIN
Batman!
WRECKAGE
Enshrouded in cape, Batman emerges carrying an unconscious
Roddy McClure.
RESCUE TEAMS hose them down, take McClure to a stretcher.
Batman and Robin meet up.
ROBIN
And you get on my case for taking
chances! We need to talk, buddy!
BATMAN
Later. First, we've got to --
SCARECROWÕS VOICE
Let's hear a big round of applause
for that Dynamic of Duos, Batman
and Robin.
They turn to look.
Scarecrow has the microphone from the Press Box up on the
rooftop.
SCARECROW
Never have there been two braver
fellows. Until tonight I'm afraid...
Scarecrow tosses a Phobizac gas bomb into the crowds below.
In the b.g., swooping down towards him is...
The Blimp.
INT. BLIMP COCKPIT - NIGHT
Crowded into the cockpit is the Riddler with Goon triplets,
TIC, TAC, and TOE and THREE NAMELESS GOONS all standing ready
with machine guns shaped like question marks.
RIDDLER
We've got room for one more!
EXT. BLIMP - MOVING
Swoops low enough for Scarecrow to grab onto a rope-ladder
hanging from the bottom.
The Goons lean out of the Blimp Cockpit and OPEN FIRE.
EXT. RACETRACK - NIGHT
Batman and Robin jump clear of the gunshots that grind up
pavement.
The Blimp passes by overhead and heads away from the stadium.
ROBIN
Batman, look!
Robin points upward to the stadium's giant electronic
billboard which displays a RIDDLE (#3, to be inserted later).
ROBIN
A diversion. This wasn't their
real target after all. But --
BATMAN
(realization)
My god...it's in the Blimp. The
fear gas is in the blimp. They're
going to unleash it on the city.
ROBIN
Friday nights are pretty packed.
If that gas is let out...
BATMAN
We won't let it happen.
In the b.g., the Phobizac gas bomb has spread the toxen
throughout the stadium. SCREAMS of panic and irrational fear
breaks out among the racing fans.
ROBIN
This is getting ugly.
BATMAN
Alright, partner, take the Batmobile
and follow that Blimp. Hold off on the
action until I arrive. In the meantime,
I'll control the crowds here.
ROBIN
But, how will you catch up?
BATMAN
Bats are born to fly, remember?
Batman activates the communicator. BEEPS.
ALFRED'S VOICE
Reading you loud and clear, sir.
BATMAN
How's about giving the Batcopter a
test run?
EXT. GOTHAM CITY SKYLINE - NIGHT
The bright lights of Gotham City.
Crossing in the f.g. is the runaway Gothamyear Blimp.
SCARECROW (V.O.)
I am too happy.
INT. BLIMP COCKPIT - MOVING
Scarecrow is with his cohorts now. Riddler and the Goons.
SCARECROW
Too happy for my own good.
RIDDLER
You think you're smiling now, wait
until the big unveiling...
Riddler unveils what is under a blanket in the rear of the
cockpit: an intricate explosive device wired to a mainframe
computer. The monitor displays a question mark, just a
button away from a riddle that, if solved, will disarm the
explosive.
RIDDLER
My latest creation!
Scarecrow inspects it, his temper starting to rise.
SCARECROW
You fool! Batman can't survive
this. There'll be nothing left of
him for me to destroy.
RIDDLER
A little soft on the outside, yes,
but think of the rewards of a world
where men are men and bats are for
scaring women and children. And don't
forget about our little airy cargo.
It'll be Gotham's greatest gas attack!
Scarecrow gets close into Riddler's space.
SCARECROW
The deal was for you to --
TIC
Bat on four wheels, down below!
RIDDLER
Ya gotta love the guy's persistence.
Marching to the beat of his own
death.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
With the Blimp cruising overhead, the Batmobile races through
the streets, tracking its flight.
INT. BATMOBILE - MOVING
Robin is behind the wheel. He checks the tracking computer.
Suddenly, a WARNING SIGNAL begins to sound.
ROBIN
Uh-oh.
He jerks the wheel hard to the right just as a bomb hits the
street outside, EXPLODING close to the Batmobile.
Another WARNING SIGNAL.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Another bomb EXPLODES on contact with the street, this one on
the other side of the Batmobile.
INT. BLIMP COCKPIT - MOVING
Riddler leans out of the cockpit holding out a "bag of toys."
RIDDLER
Mr.E shoots yet another air-ball.
Wait a second...he's on the rebound.
INT. BATMOBILE - MOVING
Another WARNING SIGNAL is followed by a bomb EXPLODING even
closer, rocking the speeding Batmobile. Pavement chunks come
bouncing off the canopy.
Robin grabs the communicator.
ROBIN
Batman, come in.
BATMAN'S VOICE
Go ahead, Robin.
ROBIN
Request permission to blow these
creeps out of the sky.
BATMAN'S VOICE
Denied. Maintain course.
The WARNING SIGNAL sounds again...
The bomb EXPLODES directly within the Batmobile's path.
Chunks of pavement fly up as the Batmobile plunges into the
bomb's crater and crashes to a halt.
EXT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
Sitting broken in the crater, the canopy opens. Smoke pours
out. Robin emerges, COUGHING his way out. He grabs the
communicator, looking up at the escaping Blimp.
ROBIN
Un, Robin to Batman...Course is
presently un-maintainable.
INT. BLIMP COCKPIT - MOVING
Riddler does a celebration dance.
RIDDLER
Slammm dunk for two!
SCARECROW
Make that one.
Riddler joins Scarecrow at the window, looking back at the
Batmobile crash site.
RIDDLER
Boy Wonder has lost his thunder.
SCARECROW
And Batman can't be far behind.
EXT. STADIUM - NIGHT
A frenzy of RACING FANS under the influence of Phobizac.
A CRAZED MAN is about to attack a WOMAN, his eyes dripping
with paranoid delusions, until a hand comes out of nowhere
and grabs him by the collar.
Batman holds him up.
BATMAN
You'll understand in the morning.
He punches the Man out.
SARAH (O.S.)
This is the police! Everybody freeze!
Commissioner Essen and several POLICE in riot gear approach.
SARAH
(points to Batman)
Stay where you are!
Sarah pushes her way up the stadium. When she reaches
Batman's position, he is gone.
DEPUTY HAWK-EYE points upward.
DEPUTY HAWK-EYE
There, Commissioner!
EXT. PRESSBOX ROOFTOP - NIGHT
Batman waits as the wind begins to whip about.
From above, the BATCOPTER lowers, its blades, silent in
motion. Batman climbs in from the underside.
INT. BATCOPTER
The systems cast a glow upon Batman's black suit. He buckles
in and adjusts the controls.
A video monitor shows Alfred with the Batcave in the b.g.
BATMAN
I have it now, Alfred. Thanks.
ALFRED
Happy flying, sir.
EXT. STREETSIDE - NIGHT
A Taxicab sits idle at the curb. Through the windshield can
be seen the TAXI DRIVER, about to take a bite out of dinner.
A pair of legs land on the hood. The Taxi Driver freezes,
food half hanging out of his mouth.
The legs belong to Robin, standing on the hood.
ROBIN
I need a lift.
INT. TAXICAB - NIGHT
The food is still hanging over the Taxi Driver's chin when
Robin gets into the back.
ROBIN
Follow that blimp.
The Taxi Driver just sets down his dinner and throws up his
hands in a surrendering "what the heck."
He puts it in gear and PEELS away.
INT. BLIMP COCKPIT - MOVING
Riddler is checking over his riddle-bomb while Scarecrow
keeps one eye on the Blimp's course and one eye on his
partner-in-crime.
SCARECROW
Leave it alone. We're approaching
our destination.
Riddler gets up, his cane in Scarecrow's face.
RIDDLER
Chill out, hay-brain. You're worse
than my mother.
Scarecrow whips up his pistol.
SCARECROW
You could use a good spanking!
RIDDLER
(coy)
Tease.
Just before an eruption of temper, something catches their
eyes outside the Blimp.
Through the cockpit windows can be seen the Batcopter, flying
alongside and maintaining its speed with them. Batman smiles
at them from the Batcopter cockpit.
Scarecrow turns to the window and begins SHOOTING, bullets
punching through the glass.
RIDDLER
Now that you're seeing things my
way...
(to Goons)
Clip that bird's wings!
Tic remains at the controls as Tac, Toe, and the others move
to the windows and OPEN FIRE.
EXT. SKY OVER GOTHAM - NIGHT
While the Blimp continues its flight, the Batcopter maneuvers
around to the other side.
GUNFIRE shoots out from all sides of the Blimp cockpit,
forcing the Batcopter to continue circling around. A few
bullets pierce the metal side of the Batcopter.
INT. BLIMP COCKPIT - MOVING
Tic, the Blimp pilot, turns to Scarecrow.
TIC
Target destination up ahead.
SCARECROW
And down below.
Scarecrow hits Tic's hand on the control to direct the Blimp
downward.
EXT. DOWNTOWN DISTRICT - NIGHT
The busy nightlife. CROWDS of Gothamites stop to marvel at
the Gothamyear Blimp which slowly descends toward them.
EXT. SKY OVER GOTHAM - NIGHT
As the Blimp descends into the city, its size allows just
enough room to squeeze in-between the skyscrapers, forcing
the Batcopter to maneuver up above the Blimp.
INT. BLIMP COCKPIT - MOVING
Having lost sight of the Batcopter, Riddler points to the
three Nameless Goons.
RIDDLER
I've just named you the welcoming
committee. Roll out the red carpet
and show the man down. All the way
down.
The Nameless Goons climb from the windows and grab hold of
loose cables where they quickly climb upward.
INT. BATCOPTER - HOVERING
Batman brings the Batcopter to hover directly over the Blimp.
He engages the "Auto Pilot" systems and removes the seat
straps.
EXT. BLIMP - MOVING
Batman hangs from the underside of the Batcopter above and
then drops down on top of the Blimp. He steadies himself as
it descends.
Appearing from three different directions are the three
Nameless Goons. Hand-to-hand combat ensues as Batman takes
them all on.
One by one, they are kicked, punched, thrown, and finally
defeated.
INT. BLIMP COCKPIT - MOVING
The remaining villains are preparing to jump ship, opening a
hatchway in the floor that leads to a rope-ladder which will
reach the street below.
Riddler runs his hands over the bomb, beginning its count-
down to detonation.
Handcuffs spring around his wrist, lock tightly, and then the
other end locks onto the bomb.
Scarecrow smiles wide before Riddler.
RIDDLER
What are you doing?
SCARECROW
You want to see Batman blown to bits?
I'm giving you the best seat in the
house.
RIDDLER
You can't!!
Riddler fights at the cuffs, his face alive with real terror.
Scarecrow uses his pistol to ward off the Goons. He steps to
the hatchway and looks back at Riddler.
SCARECROW
Death isn't so bad. Some say it can
even be...therapeutic. Cheerio!
Scarecrow drops through the hatchway to disappear out of the
cockpit just as...
The three Nameless Goons fall outside like bungee jumpers,
their feet wrapped tightly by the ends of the cables. They
dangle before the windows and then...
A dark figure SHATTERS through one of the cockpit windows.
Batman rises up as Tac attacks. A powerful kick and the
villain falls across the floor, dropping through the
hatchway.
EXT. ROPELADDER - NIGHT
Goon Tac falls from the blimp, SCREAMING. He knocks
Scarecrow's balance from the ropeladder.
Scarecrow hangs on tight as the goon falls to his death on
the street below.
Regaining his foothold, Scarecrow continues climbing down.
INT. BLIMP COCKPIT - MOVING
A machine-gun toting Toe OPENS FIRE.
Batman drops to the floor as bullets whiz overhead to shoot
up the Blimp's controls, EXPLODING in an array of sparks, and
electrocuting goon brother Tic with it.
The Blimp dips forward making Toe fall forward through the
cockpit.
Batman jumps up, thrusting his arm out sideways to "clothes-
line" the goon across the neck.
Riddler fights with the handcuffs while the bomb detonator is
ticking down to seconds.
BATMAN
Looks like we're all that's left of
the party, Riddler.
RIDDLER
Please! You've gotta get me out of
these cuffs!
BATMAN
Not until you deactivate the bomb.
Riddler looks to the computer monitor, pressing the button.
INSERT MONITOR
The question mark gives way to a RIDDLE (#4). It reads:
"A NECESSARY END."
BATMAN
If the bomb can be deactivated by
solving the riddle, then give me
the answer.
RIDDLER
(torn)
I can't! You have to solve it.
BATMAN
Edward...no jokes. The answer, now!
Riddler sinks to his knees, as far down as the cuffs allow.
RIDDLER
Riddle me this, Batman...
The clock is seconds away from exploding...
RIDDLER
What is...a necessary end?
Batman jumps in front of the bomb's computer, mind racing.
He looks down at Riddler, who now has tears streaming down
his cheeks.
BATMAN
Death is a necessary end.
He quickly types in the letters and the computer monitor
blinks on and off as the bomb's detonator ceases at :02.
Riddler SIGHS as Batman removes a laser-torch from his
utility belt and cuts through the handcuffs.
BATMAN
Now, help me stop this thing.
Riddler gets to his feet, like he is going for the Blimp's
controls, but instead grabs his question mark cane. Spinning
around, he CLOBBERS Batman over the head.
The Dark Knight falls to one side of the cockpit.
RIDDLER
Death is a necessary end, Batman.
But, it's not mine. It's yours.
A click of a button on the cane and a ten-inch blade appears
in the end. He maneuvers to make another attack.
Batman rises up as Riddler charges forward with the dagger-
cane. Batman steps out of the way at the last possible
moment and Riddler lunges on.
Not stopping, Riddler unknowingly thrusts the dagger-cane
into the bomb's computer, restarting the detonator to
continue with :02 remaining.
Batman runs and dives through the cockpit window.
RIDDLER
Et tu, Batman?
EXPLOSION
EXT. BLIMP - NIGHT
A giant FIREBALL.
Batman is thrown through the air from the force.
INT. SKYSCRAPER - NIGHT
The fireball outside SHATTERS every window.
Batman is blown inside and across the floor.
EXT. DOWNTOWN DISTRICT - NIGHT
The crowds are far enough away with the firey explosion of
the Blimp in the b.g.
A moment later...
Red gas, Phobizac, billows out of the explosion, carried down
the street towards the crowds.
The Taxicab SKIDS to a stop.
INT. TAXICAB - NIGHT
Robin and the Taxi Driver hold still as they watch the
Phobizac gas sweeping through the street.
ROBIN
Get down!
They duck for cover.
EXT. DOWNTOWN DISTRICT - NIGHT
The Phobizac gas spreads up and down the street catching all
the nighttime Gothamites.
Scarecrow escapes down a manhole just before the gas gets to
him, LAUGHING wickedly as the terror commences.
INT. TAXICAB - NIGHT
The red gas fills the cab.
Robin emerges from the floor of the backseat, a gas mask
strapped around his face. He reaches forward to shake the
Taxi Driver, who goes into a SCREAMING FRENZY.
Robin is forced to leave him in the cab.
EXT. DOWNTOWN DISTRICT - NIGHT
The crowds react in all their own ways to the Phobizac.
SCREAMS, COWERING, PANIC, VIOLENCE. Inner fears come alive.
Robin breaks through the red mist, searching. He activates
the communicator, all the while looking to the sky.
ROBIN
Batman, come in!
INT. SKYSCRAPER - NIGHT
From underneath wreckage, a bruised and battered Batman
emerges. His wrist communicator BEEPS.
ROBIN'S VOICE
Batman, respond please!
BATMAN
I'm okay, Robin. I'm alive.
ROBIN'S VOICE
Good, because we have one hell of
a crowd control problem down here.
BATMAN
I'm on it.
Another BEEP comes from the communicator.
BATMAN
Go ahead.
INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
Alfred sits before the computer monitor. Blinking on the
screen is an address:
"TERRORLAND FUNHOUSE...731 LOVECRAFT STREET."
ALFRED
Sir, I've been doing a little
checking up on our Dr. Crane.
BATMAN'S VOICE
I'm listening.
ALFRED
It's an address. Seven thirty-one
Lovecraft Street. It seems to be
the location of an amusement park
of some kind.
INT. SKYSCRAPER - NIGHT
Batman clicks on the communicator.
BATMAN
Robin...change in plans. You're
on crowd control duty.
ROBIN'S VOICE
Swell.
EXT. SKY OVER GOTHAM - NIGHT
The Batcopter hovering. The cockpit, empty. A single rope
hangs down, whipping about in the wind.
Below is...
EXT. TERRORLAND FUNHOUSE - NIGHT
Batman emerges on the rooftop where the blinking neon sign
allows enough light to make him visible. He takes out a
batarang and whips it through the air.
CRACK. The neon sign blinks off permanently.
INT. TERRORLAND FUNHOUSE - NIGHT
Batman ENTERS through a window to total darkness.
He switches on a flashlight.
BEDROOM
All of Crane's photos and drawings of Batman and his villains
are strewn about.
BATMAN
My fan club.
HALLWAY
Better lit. Horror props adorn the walls.
Batman walks through carefully. Attentive. The wind outside
makes the whole house CREAK.
He disappears down a staircase.
DOWNSTAIRS
More horror props. Batman stops all of a sudden at the sound
of WHIMPERING.
He turns to face the cell that holds James Gordon, alone and
shivering in a dark corner of the cell.
BATMAN
Jim, hang on. I'll get you out.
Batman takes out the laser-torch to slice the lock.
CELL
Gordon inches back as Batman moves closer.
BATMAN
It's okay...it's me, Jim.
A low, barely audible CHUCKLE echoes under their feet.
Gordon scrambles like a frightened rabbit.
The entire cell shakes violently, begins to descend through
the floor.
An escape becomes futile. The cell is lowered down into...
INT. TERRORLAND TUNNEL - NIGHT
The car is waiting on the tracks for the next rider.
Scarecrow stands behind the Control Board.
SCARECROW
Don't be embarrassed. There's
nothing wrong with two men sharing
their most intimate feelings with
each other.
(a beat)
Gordon shared his with me.
Batman jumps out of the cell to face Scarecrow, who has a
pistol in hand.
SCARECROW
I can tell you he admires you very
much and even wants to be more like
you, lord knows why.
BATMAN
That's because James Gordon stands
for the principles of justice that
uphold this very society.
SCARECROW
You mean, the same society that
condones a winged vigilante?
BATMAN
Jealous?
SCARECROW
Professional admiration. You see,
Batman, I have been waiting for this
moment for a very long time.
BATMAN
I'd say twelve years is a long wait.
Silence.
BATMAN
That's right, Dr. Crane. I too
have been waiting for this moment.
Your killing spree ends tonight.
Case closed.
SCARECROW
A detective's intellect. Very good.
I shall enjoy picking through that
mind of yours. I can only imagine
the secrets that it possesses.
BATMAN
You want to know my secrets? Is
this man's life worth all that?
Batman puts his hands up to remove his cowl.
BATMAN
Here, let me make this easy.
SCARECROW
Stop!
Scarecrow motions towards the car on the tracks.
SCARECROW
Allow me.
INT. TERRORLAND TUNNEL - LATER
Scarecrow lurks up to the car, dangling Batman's utility belt
two feet away from him.
SCARECROW
Comfy?
Batman is strapped inside the car, a straight jacket wrapped
tightly over every muscle in his arm and body.
BATMAN
So, this is how the great Dr.Crane
deals with his fears.
SCARECROW
That and other reasons...for you,
who keeps to the shadows, stalking.
Waiting. Your entire presence sends
chills up the spine.
(a beat)
I want that. As Master of Fear, I
think I deserve that.
BATMAN
Criminals use fear to paralyze the
helpless. I use fear to strike back.
SCARECROW
Yes, how entirely uncreative.
Scarecrow is about to turn when Batman tightens up his face,
his eyes like bullets aimed at Scarecrow.
BATMAN
Have your fun then, Professor. And
make it last. In Hell, fear will be
all you can cling to. I'll be waiting.
SCARECROW
See you on the other side.
Scarecrow steps back behind the Control Board, throws the
lever forward.
Batman starts down the tracks, entering the darkness.
TUNNEL
The car stops before the skull door.
Batman looks around. Waits. Suddenly, the Phobizac gas
comes shooting down, enshrouding him in red mist.
The MAD LAUGHTER of Scarecrow echoes throughout.
The skull doors open and the car enters...
TERRORLAND
Batman's eyes race around in their sockets. He shakes his
head in hopes of clearing it.
The skull doors close behind him.
BATMAN
Got to fight! Got to --
A twisted IMAGE of Poison Ivy rises up out of the mouth of a
Venus flytrap, her lips puckered and dripping with blood.
POISON IVY
One kiss, Batman...and I'm yours.
A flash of white, rushing snow blankets everything, blowing
in Batman's face. Cold air rises bringing with it a twisted
IMAGE of Mr. Freeze, smiling menace, before the car.
Mr. Freeze turns to ice and then SHATTERS upon impact with
the car.
Batman twists about as the car continues on where the ride is
split by two color schemes, juxtaposed straight down the
middle of the tracks.
Standing where the opposites meet is an IMAGE of Harvey Two-
Face standing where the ride ahead is split.
BATMAN
Harvey?
TWO-FACE
Yes, yes, my pointy-eared friend.
With no second chance at life, your
death brings true peace of minds.
Another twisted IMAGE lowers from above, blocking out Two-
Face. Catwoman slinks down to hoist herself up on top of
Batman.
CATWOMAN
O Batman, Batman. Wherefore art
thou Batman?
(a beat)
Too bad, but...who needs another Mr.
Nice Guy?
She reaches forth with razor-sharp claws and scratches at
Batman's face, forcing him to close his eyes.
When he opens them, a twisted IMAGE of Penguin waddles up to
the side of the car, his umbrella-gun in hand.
PENGUIN
What's the matter? Brain-freeze?
Let me give you something for the
pain!
A burst of GUNFIRE explodes and clouds the tracks with gray
smoke...that changes to purple.
JOKER (V.O.)
Tell me my friend...
Batman shakes his head from side to side. His eyes wide.
BATMAN
No! It can't be...
An IMAGE OF Joker emerges from the purple smoke, standing on
the tracks, and pointing a pistol right at him.
JOKER
Have you ever danced with the devil
in the pale moonlight? Eh, Batsy?
BAM! The gun goes off sending the car into what seems to be
a wild roll