Part One: The Shadow of Chertkov

.

The Tolstoy estate Yasnaya Polyana


FADE IN:


EXT. PARK IN YASNAYA POLYANA - DUSK (RUSSIA, 1910)

A steady rain drums on tree branches. The woods echo with NUMEROUS DISTANT CALLS.

RUSTLE OF TWIGS as someone approaches through the bushes.

DR. MAKOVITSKY (O.S.)
Sophia Andreyevna!

SASHA (O.S.)
Mama! -- Mama, answer me!

A MOAN, A SOB.

VARYA (O.S.)
I heard something. She is here
somewhere. -- There!

SASHA (26, a stout, homely girl), followed by VARYA (a pretty brunette, 30) and DR. MAKOVITSKY (a puny man, 55), bend over a prostrate form (SONYA, 67).

SASHA
Mama! What on earth are you
doing?

SONYA
I'm dying in the ditch
according to your father's
wishes.

SASHA
What nonsense. He never said such
a thing.

With Makovitsky's help, she pulls Sonya to her feet.

SONYA
Does he have to state the
obvious? He simply doesn't
care! Did he ever bother to
ask how I manage to keep
food on the table while he
is working for free? He will
not be content until the whole
family ends up begging by the
road!
(weeping)
I'm old and weary. I can no
longer take care of
everything!


PATH LEADING TO THE MANSION

Sasha and Makovitsky hustle Sonya along the path. Varya follows, balancing an umbrella over Sonya's head. They are nearing the back porch.

VOICE (O.S.)
They have found the countess!

Here and there, other SEARCHERS converge toward Sonya and her party.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
I beg you to control your-
self, Sophia Andreyevna!
Your tantrums undermine your
husband's health.

SONYA
Which husband are you talking
about, Doctor? The lord or the
peasant? The hunter or the
vegetarian? The atheist or the
God's messenger? Or do you
mean the advocate of celibacy,
who gave me thirteen children?

SASHA
You have no respect for his
greatness.

SONYA
I respect the novelist, not
the pamphleteer.
(noticing what
Makovitsky is doing)
Stop scribbling in your pocket!

Makovitsky guiltily removes his right hand from his pocket.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
Sophia Andreyevna, I assure
you--

Sonya quickly reaches into his pocket. She brandishes several 3x5 cards and a pencil stub under his nose.

SONYA
What's this then?

She flings the cards at him.

SASHA
Well, really, Doctor! You
know that father hates this.
Why can't we have a moment
of privacy?

The PORCH DOOR CREAKS and a white-bearded peasant steps out. It's LEO TOLSTOY (82).

Sonya rushes up the steps.

SONYA
(in tears)
Lyovochka, my love! Why are
you driving me mad?

Makovitsky, on his knees, is gathering the scattered cards.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
(mumbling)
History... Every word will be
history.


EXT. COURTYARD - DAY

An ox-drawn wagon rattles through the gate-posts of the mansion. Seated at the back, his legs dangling, is BULGAKOV (23).

The courtyard is populated with SERVANTS and ESTATE WORKERS. A GROUP OF PILGRIMS/BEGGARS rest under a tree.

In the background, Sonya is supervising A DOZEN TOURISTS. They pose in front of the house for a collective picture.

The wagon halts. Bulgakov jumps down and reaches for his suitcase.


SECRETARIAT

A TYPEWRITER CLATTERS as Sasha pounds at the keys. Varya bends her head over an account book. PHILICHKA (a grubby peasant) stuffs mail into a leather bag.

A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.

SASHA
(keeps typing)
Philichka!

Philichka shuffles to the door, opens it a crack. AN UNINTELLIGIBLE VERBAL EXCHANGE.

PHILICHKA
There's a man who says he
comes from Mr. Chertkov.

Sasha stops typing and gets up.

SASHA
By all means, let him in!
(to Bulgakov,
who enters)
You must be the new secretary.
Come in, come in!

BULGAKOV
Bulgakov, Valentin Fyodorovich.

SASHA
(shaking hands)
Alexandra Lvovna. You've
come just in time. We are
overwhelmed. This afternoon,
someone has to go to the
station and pick up a
delegation from the Tolstoyan
community in Caucasus and a
couple of Japanese journalists.

She notices that Philichka, a mail bag over his shoulder, is about to leave.

SASHA
Wait! I have one more.
(to Varya)
Varya, dear, show Valentin
Fyodorovich around.
(to Bulgakov)
Miss Feokritov is Countess
Tolstoy's secretary.

She returns to the typewriter and resumes her work.

VARYA
(shaking hands
with Bulgakov)
We are a bit stretched. Summer
is a busy time.

She motions toward a door.

VARYA
Leo Nikolayevich's study. No
one is allowed in while he
works. Alexandra Lvovna
copies everything he writes
and sends it to Mr. Chertkov,
who sees to the publishing and
translations. I work for the
countess, who owns the
copyright for anything written
before 1881. As for your work...

She leads him to a desk piled high with correspondence.

VOICE (O.S.)
Excuse me, I just...

A nervous FEMALE ADMIRER holding an artfully wrapped gift box, stands in the door.

SASHA
(angrily)
Who left the door open? Deal
with this, Varya!
(under her breath)
That's all we need.

VARYA
What can I do for you? Are you
lost?

FEMALE ADMIRER
Would it be possible to see
Count Tolstoy, just for a
minute? I'll not bother him
at all. I only mean to tell
him how much I admire him.

The study door opens and Leo enters, holding a few sheets of paper.

LEO
Sashenka, type these as well,
please.

At the sight of him, the FEMALE ADMIRER swoons. Bulgakov
catches her in his arms.

Startled, Leo hands the sheets to Philichka, who is the closest, backs up into the study, and silently closes the door.

VARYA
(to Bulgakov)
Thank God, you were here. Some
people think that he's a saint.


INT. LEO'S BEDROOM - DAY

Morning sun pours into the Spartan room containing a single iron cot with crocheted bedcover. Plain clothing hangs from hooks on the wall.

Leo pours sudsy water from his washbasin into a slops bucket.


CORRIDOR

The morning rush, as MAIDS carry hot water and towels for the household.

Leo, hauling the slops bucket, exits his room and blends in with the servants.


EXT. LAWN IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE - DAY

A radiant summer day. Chairs are distributed on the lawn where the Tolstoy clan enjoys a lazy afternoon. Present are Leo, HIS CHILDREN AND THEIR SPOUSES, THEIR CHILDREN, GUESTS, DOGS. VALETS in white gloves carry drinks and trays with snacks.

Leo, incongruous in his peasant garb amidst all this elegance, seems to enjoy himself. He is seated at a table with Sasha, Makovitsky, and TANYA (46). Sasha rubs her poodle's belly.

Bulgakov, carrying two glasses of lemonade, walks past Leo's table, where Makovitsky is examining a new dog leash.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
Oh, Alexandra Lvovna, aren't
you ashamed of yourself? Why
buy from the Jews? Why don't
you support your own?

LEO
Dushan, you are a saint. But
since there are no true saints,
God gave you one fault -- the
hatred of Jews.

He notices Goldenweiser (30, Jewish features) sauntering toward the table.

LEO
Ah, Goldenweiser. -- Come
and sit down, Alyosha!

Subdued, Makovitsky forces a smile.

GOLDENWEISER
There has been a conspiracy in
your house, Leo Nikolayevich.
But I'm bound by a promise of
silence.

Intrigued, all look up to see Sonya, followed by ANDREY (33). The latter is carrying a phonograph.

SONYA
Surprise, surprise! This came
in the mail yesterday.

Andrey sets the contraption on the table.

LEO
What is it?

ANDREY
A gift from Mr. Edison, the
inventor.

SONYA
It records music and voices.
Fortunately, Andreyusha had
seen one in Paris and knows
how to operate it.

ANDREY
(winding the spring)
It's very simple. All you have
to do is slip on a cylinder
and set the needle down.

MUSIC AND A DISTORTED SOPRANO VOICE SPLIT THE AIR to the ah's and ooh's of a collective marvel. More people cluster around the table.

Tanya seizes this opportunity to draw her father aside.

TANYA
Papushka, you must absolutely
come to Kotchety.

She whispers into his ear.

LEO
(greatly pleased)
Why didn't he write to me?

TANYA
He didn't know until the last
minute. His mother stirred up
the matter and succeeded in
bringing him back. Now he is
waiting for the permission to
settle at Telyatinki. He can't
wait to see you. He has found
lodgings near the border, only
two miles from our estate.
(winking)
Don't worry about mama. I'll
keep her busy.

LEO
Tanya, Tanyechka, this is good
news. Good news, indeed!


TENNIS COURT

Seated on a bench, Varya is watching a tennis game between LEO JR. (40) and a FEMALE ADVERSARY.

Bulgakov sits at her side and hands her one of the glasses.

BULGAKOV
Your lemonade.

VARYA
Thanks.

They watch the game.

BULGAKOV
I forgot. Which son is that?

VARYA
Leo Junior.

BULGAKOV
The one that published a book
on the evils of Tolstoyism?
The old man must have been
very annoyed with him.

VARYA
What annoyed him the most was
that he should do it with so
little talent and bear the
name of Tolstoy.

She stands up.

VARYA
I'm hungry.


LAWN IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE

Varya and Bulgakov each pick a cake from a tray.

LOUD SCREAMS AND SQUEALS as children spill out of the door, pursued by Sonya dressed as a witch.

Brandishing a broom, Sonya performs a little dance. The children are frantic with delight.

BULGAKOV
Mr. Chertkov told me such
terrible things about the
countess. She is actually a
very nice woman.

VARYA
Just wait.


LAWN IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE - LATER

Leo, his youngest grandson asleep on his knee, observes the children's antics.

Sonya, dressed in a tea gown, walks out of the house and sits next to him.

LEO
That was fun.

Sonya smiles and stretches her arm. Leo clasps her hand in his. They sit in silence, allowing contentment to wash over them.

SONYA
Tanya says we should come
over next week. If it is not
too much for you.

LEO
I'm not dead yet.

SONYA
We'll go then.

She contemplates her brood.

SONYA
Look at them. Aren't they
beautiful?

Leo nods.

SONYA
Your own flesh and blood. If
only you were reasonable!

Leo releases her hand.

LEO
Why do you have to spoil
everything?
(contemptuously)
Silverware and French
poodles! What am I doing
here?

He hands the child to her and angrily stomps away.


EXT. ESTABLISHING, KOTCHETY ESTATE - EARLY MORNING


COURTYARD

Leo mounts a saddle horse. Sonya, still in her nightshirt, leans out of a window.

SONYA
Lyovochka! Be careful with
that horse!-- Where are you
going?

Ignoring her, Leo nudges his horse forward.


DINING ROOM

Breakfast table. Sonya, Tanya, SUKHOTIN (45, Tanya's husband),
Dr. Makovitsky.

SONYA
He's gone riding, the old
fool. Alone. On that horse.

TANYA
He rides every day.

SONYA
That's at home. He doesn't
know this horse. What if it
throws him?


EXT. COUNTRY ROAD

Leo, reins in his horse to consult a PEASANT. The peasant points in a direction.


PEASANT HUT

Arriving at a gallop, Leo reins in.

LEO
Vladimir!

The door opens, letting out CHERTKOV (57). He is an imposing, handsome man, elegant even in his peasant blouse.

Leo dismounts. They clasp each other in a bear-like embrace.


PATH SKIRTING THE HUT

Leo and Chertkov saunter along the path, both energized by the pleasure of each other's company.

CHERTKOV
Mother applied pressure at the very top.
I'll be allowed to stay at Telyatinki for
the duration of her visit.

LEO
Will she stay for long?

CHERTKOV
(chuckles)
She has graciously agreed
to stay indefinitely.

Leo pats his shoulder. They both laugh.

LEO
(frowning)
Sonya has to be told.

CHERTKOV
Has she been difficult lately?

Leo sighs.

LEO
How I hate it all! Possessions,
servants, fine china. The guilt of
living in luxury, while millions
starve. Every time I look in the
mirror, I see a despicable man.

CHERTKOV
You of all people must be
allowed to live according to
your principles. Pardon my
frankness, Leo Nikolayevich,
but I cannot stand by and
watch Sophia Andreyevna
poisoning the last years of
your life. It's time to leave.

LEO
No, that would kill her.

CHERTKOV
In the meantime, she is killing you.

LEO
She is my wife.

CHERTKOV
God should have given you a
wife like mine. Devoted,
respectful, supportive. What
will happen to your spiritual
legacy when you return to the
Maker? You are over eighty,
Leo Nikolayevich! The more
you hesitate the greater the
danger of your work falling
victim to Sophia Andreyevna's
greed. The answer is a will.
A proper, unbreakable will.

Leo ponders this proposition.

CHERTKOV
Naturally, we must act in
secret. Should she find out
while you are alive, she
would spare you no peace.
Find any pretext and come to
Moscow. You and Alexandra
Lvovna.

LEO
Sasha?

CHERTKOV
I believe that you can trust her.
You need an ally.

LEO
(thoughtfully)
Sasha.


EXT. BALCONY AT KOTCHETY - DAY

Sonya, in conversation with Tanya, leans over the balustrade. She is observing Leo, who is returning at a leisurely canter.

TANYA
I know you mean well. You
suffer when he eats badly,
you try to save him from
boring visitors, you surround
him with every possible care.
At the same time you lose
sight of what he really needs.

SONYA
What do you want me to do?
Am I to move to a peasant hut
and scrub the floor just
to please him? What possible
good would that achieve? I'm
too old for such nonsense.
And you! You used to be besotted
with his ideas but I don't see
any calluses on your hands.


EXT. ESTABLISHING, YASNAYA POLYANA - DAY


INT. LEO'S STUDY

Leo and Sasha stare at each other.

SASHA
Have you thought it over?
That one-million rubles offer
for the rights to your
collected works - mama is
counting on it. She'd fight
such will tooth and claw.

LEO
I cannot back out. It's a gift
to the people, the fulfillment
of a sacred duty to God and man.
May I count on your support?

Sasha takes his hand in hers and gives it an affectionate squeeze.


INT. HALL - DAY

Sonya sullenly observes the rush of departure as servants carry luggage through the front door.

Sasha helps Leo with his overcoat. Dr. Makovitsky and Bulgakov button theirs.

SONYA
Wasting your time touring a
madhouse!

LEO
(patiently)
A progressive mental institution.

SONYA
Don't you get enough press
attention?

SASHA
Mama, we have been over this
a hundred times. Don't start
again!

SONYA
Oh, have your father to
yourself! Go! Go, both of you!
I know I'm no longer needed!

She turns on her heels, stomps through a door and slams it.

Leo shows concern.

SASHA
(soothingly)
Varya will take care of her.


INT. DINING ROOM - DAY

Seated at a breakfast table set for two, Sonya is buttering a slice of bread.

Varya enters in a hurry, almost colliding with a servant who is about to leave.

VARYA
I'm sorry. I was sorting the
mail.

SONYA
And a good morning to you.

VARYA
Sorry. Good morning.
(ingratiatingly)
A letter from Moscow.

Sonya brightens instantly. Varya sits down and proceeds to eat her breakfast while Sonya unfolds the letter and begins to read.
SONYA
Leo Nikolayevich is in good
health and sleeps well...
Ah! He has begun writing a
short story! This is a good
sign. Oh, Varya, could it be
true? Is he about to abandon
political pamphlets and
return to fiction?

She reaches for the next page. Reads a few words and suddenly gasps.

VARYA
What? What is it?

SONYA
The monster is back!

She leaps up and begins to pace the room. Varya stares at her, puzzled.

SONYA
Chertkov! Chertkov is back
from exile. He is returning to
the Telyatinki farm. We'll
have him on our doorstep
and it will start all over
again. The manipulating, the
plotting, the blackening of my
character! Varya, you cannot
understand. You were not here
when this was going on. The
man is pure evil! ... Lyova is
a coward! Instead of telling
me, face to face, he writes.
They are killing me, both of
them!... They are plotting as
we speak. I know it! I feel it
right here...
(beating her chest)
Varya, send a telegram!
'Sophia Andreyevna's nerves in
bad shape. Insomnia. Weeping.
Pulse one hundred and twenty.
Return home immediately.'...
Go, Varya, go at once!


INT. HALL - NIGHT

The house is enlivened with the return of the Moscow party (Leo, Sasha, Dr. Makovitsky, Bulgakov). Varya waits at the top of the staircase as luggage is being brought in and coats removed.

LEO
How is she?

Varya shakes her head.

SASHA
Papa, don't go up there! Let
Dr. Makovitsky deal with her
first. A few drops of laudanum...

DR. MAKOVITSKY
(fearful)
Last time she accused me of
poisoning her.

SASHA
Then I'll go.

LEO
That would make it even worse.

SASHA
Papushka, you are tired. Please
don't!

They watch with apprehension as Leo climbs the steps.


SONYA'S BEDROOM

Leo cautiously opens the door. A lamp casts a soft light over the comfortably furnished room decorated with icons and family photographs.

SOFT MOANS emanate from the bed, where Sonya buries her face in the pillows.

LEO
Sonya?

SONYA
Two days. It took you two days.

She turns to face Leo and brings her hand from beneath the pillow, brandishing a crumpled telegram.

SONYA
'More convenient to come
tomorrow'. This is not your
wording. It's Chertkov's.
Perhaps it would have been
more 'convenient' for him had
I imitated Anna Karenina and
thrown myself under the train
that was bringing you home.
I have thought of that! I
have! How easy it would be
to leave it all behind, all
this struggle for the future
of our children, all the
worries, everything... I have
a vial of opium. It's a very
agreeable death - it allows
one to leave this valley
of tears peacefully. First
sleepiness and then the end!

LEO
Oh, stop this nonsense!

SONYA
What happened to our love, Leo?
Your letters from Moscow, they
were all lies.
(shouting)
Don't imagine for one moment
that I don't see through you!
You pretend to be affectionate
to appease me while you revel
in a pitiful, senile love for
that cunning Jesuit!

Leo reacts by turning his back to her and heading for the door. Sonya jumps from the bed, runs after him, grabs his arm.

SONYA
You are a fool, Leo! Do you
thinks he loves you? He loves
only your glory. You are a
national monument and he the
self-appointed custodian. He
enjoys his power over you
and that's the whole truth!

LEO
I forbid you to speak of him
in such terms! The man gave
up everything for me. His
wealth, his position in
society, and even his freedom.
He lives for the Tolstoyan
cause body and soul, unlike
me. I wallow in luxury
because of you!


SALON

Varya minds the samovar and distributes cups of tea as Sasha, Makovitsky and Bulgakov listen gloomily to the escalating quarrel on the floor above. The men smoke nervously. Sasha paces the room.

A THUD OF AN OVERTURNED CHAIR.

SASHA
Enough! Enough! Enough!

She heads for the door, the others following her example.


STEPS AND CORRIDOR - SAME

LEO (O.S.)
Give me that! I say give it
to me!

Sonya, brandishing a vial, charges out of her room with Leo at her heels. They lock in a struggle for the vial. Leo succeeds in prying it out of her hand and throws it down the steps.

The vial is crushed under the feet of the rescue party.

Bulgakov and Makovitsky pounce on Sonya, subduing her. Sasha embraces her father.

SONYA
(to Sasha)
It's your fault, traitor! Why
did you sell Telyatinki to
Chertkov? Why? Why?

Giving up the struggle, she bursts into uncontrollable weeping. Uttering loud moans, she allows herself to be led back to her room.


INT. LEO'S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING

Dawn dims the light of a lamp. Leo is stretched out on the bed, while Makovitsky massages his foot.

LEO
That's enough, Dushan. I feel
the sleep coming. Go and get
some rest yourself. How quiet
the house is. Is she finally
asleep? Did you give her a
draft?

DR. MAKOVITSKY
She has exhausted herself with
weeping.

He covers Leo, tucking him in with tender care.

LEO
Dushan?

DR. MAKOVITSKY
(eagerly)
Yes?

LEO
I think I must leave here.
Would it be possible to
arrange for a passport without
anyone knowing?


CORRIDOR

Sonya stands flattened against the wall as Makovitsky leaves Leo's room.
She waits until the way is clear before approaching the door.

SONYA
(tenderly, guiltily)
Lyovochka?


INT. STUDY - DAY

Bulgakov stands at Leo's desk while the latter signs letters.

LEO
Is that all for today?

BULGAKOV
Yes, that's all.

LEO
Make a copy of each for
Vladimir Grigoriyevich's
archives.

He notices Bulgakov's drawn features.

LEO
Are you all right?

BULGAKOV
Yes. I only suffer for you,
Leo Nikolayevich.

LEO
No, today it's all right, it's
better. She said, 'You won't
forgive me for all the things
I have said about you', so she
is aware of this - of her
abnormality.
(a pause)
Today I feel like a seventy
year old.

BULGAKOV
What do you mean? Is that good?

LEO
No, on the contrary. I cannot
get used to the idea that I'm
an old man.


INT. LEO'S STUDY - LATER

Sonya inspects shelves and drawers. The search is becoming more and more frantic.


EXT. PARK

Leo is seated on a bench, surrounded by attentive listeners: a motley group of WORKERS and INTELLECTUALS.

In the background, Sonya exits the house and purposefully strides in their direction.

LEO
I strongly disagree with
mysticism. Whatever is unclear
is weak. It is the same in the
field of ethics. Only those
ethical truths that are clear
are firm.

SONYA
Leo Nikolayevich, where are
your diaries?


INT. LEO'S BEDROOM

Leo enters, followed by Sonya. He lifts the pillow on his bed.

LEO
Here it is. Are you content?

SONYA
Show me what you have written
about me!

Reluctantly, Leo hands her a notebook. Sonya leafs through the latest entries.

SONYA
(reading)
I must fight Sonya consciously,
with kindness and love. -- Why
do you say you have to fight
me? What have I done wrong?

LEO
Isn't it true that we disagree
on the most basic principles?

SONYA
That's only one notebook. Where
is the rest? Where are the
other forty-seven years of our
life?

LEO
(uneasy)
I don't know.

Sonya stares at him.

LEO
In a bank.

SONYA
You gave them to Chertkov!

Leo is silent.

Sonya squeezes her head and screams.


EXT. COURTYARD AT THE TELYATINKI FARM - DAY

Two moving wagons piled with furniture and crates are being unloaded. The HELPERS, plainly dressed men and women, exude the self-denial and discipline of spiritual dedication.

The elegance of CHERTKOV'S MOTHER (75) stands out in the drab company. She is supervising the unloading of her personal effects: a crystal chandelier, carved furniture, Persian rugs, and other paraphernalia of luxury living.

The other wagon contains prosaic items. A crate is being lowered to the ground with a thud.

Chertkov exits the house.

CHERTKOV
Careful with those typewriters!

GOLDENWEISER (O.S.)
Vladimir Grigorievich! Welcome!

CHERTKOV
Alyosha Goldenweiser! Good to
see you!

They shake hands and slap each other's backs.

CHERTKOV
So you have heard.

GOLDENWEISER
Everybody knows today is the
day. Even the countess. For
her, it was bad tidings.

CHERTKOV
(chuckles)
I should imagine.

GOLDENWEISER
The situation at Yasnaya
Polyana is rapidly deteriora-
ting. Sophia Andreyevna raves
about some diaries.

CHERTKOV
Now that I'm here I intend to
patch up things.
(sees a new
arrival)
And here is young Bulgakov.

Bulgakov, smiling, pats a briefcase he is holding against his chest.

BULGAKOV
First batch of documents
delivered in person. From now
on, no more postage expenses.
Welcome to Telyatinki, Vladimir
Grigorievich!

Chertkov accepts his hand without enthusiasm.

CHERTKOV
I need to talk to you.


CHERTKOV'S OFFICE

Chertkov, Goldenweiser, Bulgakov.

With a frown, Chertkov studies the contents of Bulgakov's briefcase.

CHERTKOV
Valentin Fyodorovich, you
have been provided with a
special carbon notebook for
your personal observations
of the Tolstoy household. We
had an understanding that
the copies of your diary
would be mailed to me each
week. You complied for a
while but then the reports
ceased coming. I expect an
explanation.

BULGAKOV
I consulted my conscience and
concluded that such activity
is in fact spying. I'm sorry
Vladimir Grigorievich, but
I cannot act unethically.

CHERTKOV
I see. Are you aware that you
are betraying our cause? The
Tolstoyan cause!

BULGAKOV
Not in the least. Leo
Nikolayevich himself would
not agree with such an
interpretation.

CHERTKOV
Very well. Far be it from me to
trample on your conscience.
... Well, this is a busy day
as you unquestionably know.
I'll see you tomorrow.

Bulgakov bows and exits.

CHERTKOV
The boy is a disappointment.
He is no longer to be trusted.
I'll replace him with
Strakhov.

GOLDENWEISER
That would be difficult if not
impossible. Leo Nikolayevich
has developed a fatherly
affection for Bulgakov.

CHERTKOV
Problems must be solved one by
one. The first obstacle is the wife.

(CONTINUED)

Part Two: The War of Diaries

.

Chertkov and Tolstoy


INT. SALON IN YASNAYA POLYANA - DAY

Sonya, Leo, Sasha.

LEO
He is coming in the spirit of
reconciliation. All I'm asking
of you is to be civil.

SONYA
And all I'm asking you, begging
you, is to reclaim the diaries.

SASHA
Do we have to go over it again?
Papa has made a promise, haven't
you, papushka?
(reacting to the
noise of arrival)
There he is!

She approaches the door and pauses, hand on the handle.

SASHA
Mama, please, try to be calm!
(opening the
door)
Vladimir Grigorievich,
welcome! Come in! Papa is
impatient to see you. And
mother too, I'm sure.

Sonya rolls her eyes and snorts.

Chertkov enters and plants a kiss on Sasha's hand.

CHERTKOV
Alexandra Lvovna, what a
pleasure!

Leo approaches him with an outstretched hand. A wordless emotional handshake followed by a hug.

CHERTKOV
Sophia Andreyevna, your
servant.

He bends over to kiss her hand.

CHERTKOV
I have heard that you have
recently been speaking of
me as your enemy. This feeling
must be attributed to some
misunderstanding that will
soon dissolve like a bad dream.

Sonya removes her hand from his and ostensibly rubs it against her skirt.

An awkward moment before Leo intervenes. He hooks his hand under Chertkov's arm.

LEO
Come, Volodya, let's talk
about old times.

He leads Chertkov to a sofa at the other side of the room.

SONYA
Ring for tea, Sasha!


SALON - LATER

Tea has been served. Sonya pretends to play solitaire while straining her ears and casting sly looks at the two men in intimate conversation.

Sasha enters, carrying a file.

SASHA
The newspaper clippings. You
will find them interesting,
Vladimir Grigorievich.

Sonya's gaze is fixed on Leo's and Chertkov's knees: they are touching.

She reaches for her teacup and deliberately drops it on the floor.

THE SOUND OF BREAKING CHINA interrupts the conversation. The air thickens as Leo and Sonya lock eyes.

LEO
There is so much more I want
to show you, Vladimir. Why don't
we come to my study? Come with
us, Sashenka, you know where
everything is.


LEO'S STUDY

Sasha, Leo, Chertkov.

CHERTKOV
Unfortunately, I was told that
the term 'the people' is not
legal. In order to make the
will valid, you must bequeath
your work to a specific person.

He reaches into his breast pocket and unfolds a document.

CHERTKOV
At my request the lawyer made
an alteration. I suggested
Alexandra Lvovna as the
beneficiary and myself as the
executor.

SASHA
No, not me!

CHERTKOV
Alexandra Lvovna, you alone
understand the moral importance
of your father's legacy.

LEO
Will you do it, Sashenka?

SASHA
Do you realize what you are
asking? The family will tear
me apart!

CHERTKOV
This from a woman whose
strong will and dedication
are admired by all who count
in this matter? Think of the
sacrifices your father has
been practicing all these
years! Has he not renounced
all worldly goods? Should he
go to his grave knowing that
his humanitarian ideas will
line the pockets of people
who scorn his moral values?


CORRIDOR

Sonya is creeping toward the door.


LEO'S STUDY

CHERTKOV
(to Sasha)
You, as the beneficiary, will
continue your father's work
by releasing it into the public
domain and I will be at your
side to guide you in the process.


CORRIDOR

Ear pressed to the door, Sonya listens. It is obvious that she cannot hear properly. As her frustration grows, she bursts into the room.


LEO'S STUDY

SONYA
What are you talking about?
Is this another plot against
me?

Frightened, Leo clutches at his chest. Sasha throws her arms around him.

SASHA
What are you doing? Do you
want to kill him?

SONYA
(indicating
Chertkov)
This is between me and this man.

Chertkov stands up, while Sasha whisks Leo out of the room.

CHERTKOV
Countess?

SONYA
Where are the diaries and what
right do you have to keep them?

CHERTKOV
And what right have you to
interfere between master and
disciple?

SONYA
I'm asking you to return the
diaries and to stop driving a
wedge between husband and wife.

CHERTKOV
What are you afraid of, Sophia
Andreyevna? That I shall use
the diaries to unmask you? Had
I wanted to, I could have
ruined you and your family too,
The only thing that has stopped
me is my affection for Leo
Nikolayevich. Really, if I had
a wife like you, I would have
blown my brains out long time
ago or gone to America!

He exits and slams the door behind him.


INT. SONYA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Sonya is awakened by MUFFLED MOANS. She sits up and listens. The moans continue.

She slips out of bed and lights a candle.


CORRIDOR

Carrying the candleholder, Sonya follows the noise to Leo's bedroom. She opens the door to reveal:


LEO'S BEDROOM

Kneeling on the bed, Chertkov is sodomizing Leo. Fixing his eyes on Sonya, he laughs provocatively.

Sonya screams...


SONYA'S BEDROOM

...THE SCREAM CARRIES ON as Sonya wakes up with a start. She sits up, panting, and listens to the silence.


LEO'S BEDROOM

A BEAM OF LIGHT UNDER THE DOOR.

The door opens revealing Sonya clutching a candleholder.

She stands on the threshold, inquisitively looking at her sleeping husband.

Silently, she closes the door. SOUND OF RETREATING STEPS.


EXT. COURTYARD - DAY

A carriage stops in front of the house, spilling out Leo Junior and his luggage.

Sonya exits the house and throws herself into her son's arms.


INT. SALON - NIGHT

Leisurely sipping tea are Leo, Leo. Jr., Sonya, Sasha, Varya, Dr. Makovitsky, Bulgakov and Goldenweiser.

LEO
I don't believe in madness
nor do I excuse it. At the
heart of every insane case
there is extreme egocentrism.
People who are considered
mad simply don't understand
the needs of anybody except
their own.

SONYA
Could we change the subject?

LEO
Why?

SONYA
Just change the subject, please.

LEO
We are just discussing my
article.

SONYA
It bothers me and you know it.

LEO
Perhaps you see an allusion to
yourself in it?

General tension. Leo Jr. questioningly looks from one parent to another.

LEO JR.
What is this?

SONYA
They all think I'm mad. And
it's true. Your father is
driving me mad. But before
I sink into madness for good,
I must tell the truth. Leo
Nikolayevich has an unnatural
relationship with Chertkov!
(to Leo)
Don't deny it! The tendency
has always been there. I
remember that passage in your
diary fifty years ago. Dyakov
was his name, wasn't it?

General consternation. Leo rises from his seat.

LEO
Get out! Get out of my house!

SONYA
It is my house now.

A pause.

Leo stomps out of the room, followed by Dr. Makovitsky and Sasha.

Just as she is about to leave the room, Sasha returns to the table and spits in her mother's face.


INT. LEO'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Leo is stretched out on the bed, while Dr. Makovitsky checks his pulse and Sasha wrings a cold compress into the washbasin.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
The pulse is very uneven.

LEO
Tell her that if she meant to
kill me, she is succeeding.
Sasha...

SASHA
Yes, papenka?

LEO
Everything... My writings,
personal papers, translations,
letters and diaries,
everything ever written by
me goes to you. And I mean
everything, including the
copyrights your mother has
been managing.

SASHA
I'll make myself worthy of it,
Papa.

LEO
And one more thing. Promise
me that after your mother's
death you will buy this house
and land from your siblings and
turn it over to the peasants.


INT. SONYA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Sonya, dressed in her nightshirt, eyes red from weeping, circles the room.

She kneels in front of an icon and prays.


LEO'S BEDROOM

Leo is staring at the ceiling.

CREAKING OF THE FLOOR PLANKS AS SOMEONE APPROACHES. A LIGHT KNOCK AT THE DOOR.

SONYA (O.S.)
Lyovochka? Are you asleep?

LEO
Go away!

The door handle CLICKS AND RATTLES. The room is locked.


SONYA (O.S.)
Lyovochka you must forgive me!

Leo pulls the bedcover over his head. Sonya keeps rattling the door handle.

SONYA (O.S.)
Lyovochka, my love, I did
not mean to anger you. But
what else can I think if
you behave like you do?
Open the door and tell me
none of what I said is true!
Return the diaries and I'll
believe you! -- Leo?
Lyovochka? Why don't you
speak to me?-- Leo? Speak to
me! I'm kneeling in front of
your door, Leo! Kneeling,
begging! Say that Chertkov
means nothing to you! Say
that the diaries belong with
your family!

MORE RATTLING OF THE DOOR.

LEO
You'll get nothing from me,
nothing! Go away, woman! Go!
Disappear!

SONYA (O.S.)
So you are driving me away?
Out of my home? I'm going then,
never to come back. I'll die
out there like a dog. Like
a dog!


INT. GUEST ROOM - NIGHT

The door is open. Standing at the threshold, Dr. Makovitsky is holding a lantern, while Leo is bending over his son's bed. Both are wearing their nightshirts.

LEO
Lyova! Lyova, wake up!

LEO JR.
Father? What is it?

LEO
Your mother has left the house.
It's been more than an hour now.

LEO JR.
Left? Why?

LEO
She is out there on the lawn.
I want you and Dushan to bring
her back.


EXT. AN OVERHEAD SHOT OF THE HOUSE - NIGHT

The windows project rectangles of light on the lawn, where Sonya, clad in a nightshirt, is stretched out on her stomach, her arms apart as if nailed to a cross.

A LIGHT MOVES ACROSS THE LAWN as Leo Jr. and Dr. Makovitsky approach the prostrate white form.

Leo Jr. squats at her side. A discussion follows. Both men clutch Sonya's arms and pull her up. She fights them off fiercely and stretches out on the grass again.

Leo Jr. reasons with her. Another attempt at pulling her to her feet, another fight with the same result.

The men retrace their steps.


LEO'S BEDROOM

LEO JR.
She is not coming back unless
you go out there and ask her
to return. She says you have
put her out like a dog.

LEO
No, you go back. Don't leave
her alone!

LEO JR.
She wants you to come. Damn
it, papa, how can you stay in
bed while your wife is out
there, shivering with cold on
the wet grass? Don't you think
it's time to admit some
responsibility for the state
she is in? You'll go to her
even if I have to drag you!


HALL

The household is watching as Sonya, wrapped in a blanket, is being led home by Leo, his arm around her shoulders. Despite her bedraggled state, she displays a victorious grin.


EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

Bulgakov, striding on the road with his briefcase is overtaken by a carriage.

The carriage stops. A smiling Sonya leans out.

SONYA
Valentin Fyodorovich, are
you going to Telyatinki?

BULGAKOV
Why, yes, Sophia Andreyevna.

SONYA
In that case, may I offer you
a ride?

BULGAKOV
(lack of enthusiasm)
I...that is...Yes, thank you.


INSIDE THE CARRIAGE

Bulgakov wedges himself into the corner, the briefcase protectively locked in his arms.

BULGAKOV
Are you going to Telyatinki
as well?

SONYA
I'm taking tea with Mrs.
Chertkov.

BULGAKOV
She is a very gracious lady.
That is... as far as I know.

SONYA
She is my only hope.

Bulgakov watches with profound dismay as Sonya's carefully constructed façade crumbles: her shoulders sagging, tears rolling down her cheeks.

SONYA
Help me. Please, help me!


INT. SALON AT YASNAYA POLYANA

Tanya, Leo Jr. and SERGEY (47).

LEO JR.
Well, that's the situation in
a nutshell and now it's your
turn to take over. Try to
persuade father to give her the
diaries because that's the only
way to calm her. I'm not sure
how much abuse she can take
before her mind caves in.

TANYA
She needs to see a specialist.
This is more than a simple
case of weak nerves.

LEO JR.
Nonsense. Mama's health is
fine. It's father who has gone
into a second childhood. He is
completely under the influence
of Chertkov. That scoundrel
has built a royalty-free
publishing house on the old
fool's back.

SERGEY
Still, accusing father of
homosexuality!

LEO JR.
Right, that was over the top.
They are killing each other
with slow torture. I don't
know what to do except to
separate them for a while.

The door lets in a servant with Leo Jr.'s coat and hat.

LEO JR.
Is it time?

The servant nods.

LEO JR.
Got to catch the train.

He slips into his coat.

LEO JR.
Andrey received my telegram.
He is coming soon. So is Ilya.
As for Misha, don't count on
him. Too selfish to get
involved.
(to Tanya)
Well, good-bye, soldier!
I know you'll do your best.


INSIDE THE CARRIAGE

The briefcase is discarded on the floor.

Sonya leans against Bulgakov, clutching his hand.

SONYA
Thirteen children and only
seven left to me. The worst
was Vanyechka. Such a bright
boy, exactly like his father!
I was mad with grief. And, only
recently, Masha died. A short
illness and she was gone.
Gone forever.
(weeps)
We had a rich life. Rich in
sorrows, rich in work. Do
you know that I copied
seven versions of War and
Peace? Two million words! With
the children and the estate
to take care of all by myself!
You know Leo Nikolayevich.
He is brilliant but so
impractical! It was a great
shock for me when he turned
to sainthood. It's all
right for him to renounce his
wealth but he still comes
and says, give me money for
this and money for that. It
does not occur to him that
the money has to come from
somewhere. We had many
disagreements over it. It's
all in the diaries. Our
whole life with its ups and
downs. And a great love. Yes,
a great love!

She blows her nose and squeezes Bulgakov's hand. Bulgakov himself is on the verge of crying.

SONYA
You will not fail me, Valya,
will you?

BULGAKOV
Of course not, Sophia
Andreyevna.

SONYA
I used to be the person who
kept the diaries. Tell
Chertkov that if he gives
them back to me, I'll grow
calm again. I will like him
again and he can come to see
us as he used to and we will
work together to serve Leo
Nikolayevich. Will you tell
him? For the love of God,
will you tell him?

Bulgakov swallows tears and nods.

SONYA
Let him copy them all, every
word! But at least, let him
give back my husband's
original manuscripts to me.
Promise me you'll tell him!

BULGAKOV
I'll do the impossible, Sophia
Andreyevna.

Sonya takes his hands into hers and covers them with kisses. Bulgakov is now weeping openly.


EXT. TELYATINKY FARM

The carriage is turning into the courtyard.


INSIDE THE CARRIAGE

Sonya quickly puts on a brave face, drying her eyes, patting her clothes. She includes Bulgakov in the general clean up by wiping his wet cheeks. She squeezes his hands for courage.


INT. CHERTKOV'S OFFICE

Bulgakov, Chertkov.

CHERTKOV
I'm told that you have
hitch-hiked a ride with Sophia
Andreyevna.

BULGAKOV
She offered it to me. She also
entrusted me with a commission.
(passionately)
Vladimir Grigorievich, I
beseech you to give in to her
wishes. It is wrong to torture
an sick old woman. The return
of the diaries will bring peace
to Yasnaya Polyana. Think of
Leo Nikolayevich and the hassle
he is going through!

CHERTKOV
(fuming)
Do you mean to say that you
came straight out and told her
where the diaries were?

BULGAKOV
No, I couldn't tell her
anything because I don't know
where the diaries are.

CHERTKOV
(spitefully)
Oh, now that's wonderful!

He strides toward the door and opens it.

CHERTKOV
Please, go now!


EXT. VERANDA AT TELYATINKI

A formal tea is spread on a wicker table, where Mrs. Chertkov is pouring a cup for Sonya.

MRS. CHERTKOV
As far as I understand it,
your husband entrusted the
diaries to my son voluntarily.

She hands the cup to Sonya, who discards it on the table more from distraction than on purpose.

SONYA
My husband is an aged man. His
decisions are no longer wise.

MRS. CHERTKOV
It is not up to me to decide
who is wise and who is not.
The reason for my invitation
was to discuss a more pressing
point. It has been brought to
my attention that you are
spreading a most disgusting
rumor about my son and your
husband. Countess, my son is
a good man. He does not
deserve such acute hostility
from you. You understand that
under the circumstances, I
shall not consider helping
you in any matter whatsoever!


INT. LEO'S STUDY - NIGHT

Leo is in a hushed conversation with Goldenweiser.

LEO
I'm sorry. I'm very sorry, but
under the circumstances - with
Sonya on hunger strike and
the family milling around the
house - I can't have him here
and I don't dare to visit
Telyatinki. God knows what
would happen if she hears
about it.

GOLDENWEISER
Still, Vladimir Grigorievich
would prefer to settle the
problem as soon as possible.

LEO
What exactly is wrong with the
will?

GOLDENWEISER
Just a few words but they must
be written in your own hand.
In fact, there is no need for
you and Vladimir Grigorievich
to meet. I could bring two
reliable witnesses.

LEO
All right, but not here. Let's
keep it out of this house.


EXT. MEADOW NEAR A FOREST - DAY

SOUND OF A GALLOPING HORSE precedes Leo's appearance. He reins in and waits, his patriarchal beard flying in the strong breeze.

Three somber riders: Goldenweiser, SERGEYENKO (24), RADINSKY (20), approach from the opposite direction.

A short silence follows their meeting. Leo nervously scans the horizon.

LEO
Let's not stay here in the
open.


CLEARANCE IN THE FOREST

The cloak-and-dagger riding party reaches the clearance. They ride about in circles, indecisive.

GOLDENWEISER
That tree stump over there.
What do you say?

They dismount. Leo installs himself on the stump while Goldenberger unpacks a writing pad, an ink bottle and a pen.

LEO
Let's get this over.


INT. CORRIDOR - DAY

Leo, Tanya and Sergey are lingering in front of Sonya's bedroom. A maid carrying a tray exits the room.

LEO
Did she eat her breakfast?

The maid shakes her head and shows him the untouched food.

SERGEY
Third day without food. You
are going too far, Papa!

Leo's eyes seek Tanya. She shakes her head disapprovingly.

With a nod, Leo acknowledges his defeat.


INT. CHERTKOV'S OFFICE - DAY

A gloomy Sasha -- accompanied by Varya -- is handing a note to Chertkov.

SASHA
It has come to that!

As Chertkov scans the note, his face hardens.

He strides out, followed by the two women.


INT. THE TOLSTOY FACTORY

It is a large room with bookshelves containing files, publications and Tolstoy memorabilia. The walls are hung with photographs and multi-language posters picturing Leo in various poses: reading to peasant children, making shoes, building haystacks, harvesting wheat.

On a long table in the center, piles of pamphlets are awaiting expedition. Several typewriters are in action. STAFF, both male and female, are stuffing and addressing envelopes.

Chertkov enters, followed by Sasha and Varya. He unlocks a cupboard and retrieves a pile of notebooks.

CHERTKOV
Listen all! As you know,
there's been a controversy
concerning the custody of
Master's diaries. Unfortu-
nately, worn out as he is by
his wife's hysteria, he has
given in to her demands.
It means that should the
diaries fall into Countess
Tolstoy's hands, they would
be heavily edited to
safeguard her reputation.
It is our duty to future
generations to preserve
Master's thoughts intact.

He begins to distribute the notebooks.

CHERTKOV
Let's all sit down and sift
through the text. Any
complaints and derogatory
remarks involving the
countess must be copied and
archived. If we apply
ourselves, we will be done
by sundown.

A flurry of activity and scrapings of chairs as the staff
settle down to the task.

Chertkov indicates a chair to Sasha.

CHERTKOV
Won't you join us, Alexandra
Lvovna?

After a short hesitation, Sasha accepts the invitation. Both she and Varya join in the effort.


EXT. VERANDA AT YASNAYA POLYANA - SUNSET

Lounging at the table, are ILYA (44), Sergey, Tanya and Sukhotin.

SERGEY
Doctor Rossolino? Never heard
of him.

SUKHOTIN
Professor Rossolino. Moscow
Medical School. The best.

ILYA
Two specialists at the same
time! Don't you think you are
overdoing it? Mama is not that
ill.

TANYA
A second opinion is important.

Ilya consults his watch.

ILYA
What is taking the girls so
long? And where is mama?


EXT. ATTIC WINDOW

Sonya peers out through a pair of binoculars.


Sonya's POV: ROAD LEADING TO YASNAYA POLYANA

A carriage appears on the road and speeds toward the gate.


COURTYARD

Sasha and Varya are stepping out of the carriage. Both are carrying parcels wrapped in paper.

Sonya shoots through the door and grabs the packages.

SASHA
Mama, you have no right!


HALL

Clutching the parcels in her arms, Sonya begins mounting the steps with Sasha at her heels.

Sasha grabs hold of Sonya's skirt and pulls her back.

Sonya grabs at the rail to steady herself, dropping the parcels.

The notebooks spill out of the torn paper.

Two pairs of eager hands fight for the diaries.

SASHA
Mama, stop it this minute!

Sonya gives her a mighty push and gathers the diaries to her breast.

SASHA
(yelling)
Tanya! Sergey! Come quick!


SALON

Sergey is rewrapping the diaries, while the other children cluster around Sonya's chair.

Sonya is confused, appears not to understand.

TANYA
Mama, that was the deal! We
are supposed to take them to
the bank first thing in the
morning.

SONYA
And the strongbox key? You
must give me the key!

SASHA
For God sake, Mama! Don't
you understand? Papa has made
it clear enough. He will keep
the key. He, and he alone!

ILYA
Sasha, shut up! I won't have
you shouting at mother!

SONYA
Why can't I keep the key? I
want the key! What good is
there in having the diaries
if I cannot keep the key?

She looks beseechingly at her sons.

SONYA
Seryozha? Ilya?

The brothers sigh and shrug their shoulders.

Sonya slowly rises from her chair and wordlessly exits the room.

A long, guilty silence.


CORRIDOR

Leo emerges from his study with Sonya at his heels.

LEO
I can't. I can't. This is my
last sacrifice.

Sonya falls on her knees, her hands clutching Leo's legs.

SONYA
This is my last request!
Give me the key! Give me
the authorization to take
the diaries! I don't believe
that you won't return them
to Chertkov.

Leo succeeds in freeing himself and escapes downstairs. Sonya leans over the handrail.

SONYA
Why was I not allowed to see
the diaries? What plots
have you kept from me? Have
you written a secret will?
(to herself)
My God, that's it! That's
what it is about!


STAIRCASE

Leo is visibly shaking. As he nears the last steps, his legs give way. He lowers himself to sit.

SONYA (O.S.)
(screaming)
Leo!

Leo winces.

SONYA (O.S.)
Leo, I have drunk a whole
vial of opium!


CORRIDOR

Leo is rushing toward Sonya, who stands in the door of her bedroom.

SONYA
I said that to punish you.
I didn't drink it.


CORRIDOR - LATER

Sasha, seething with rage, strides toward Sonya's bedroom. She opens the door and shouts:

SASHA
He says that if you don't stop
tormenting him, he will leave.
Why him? Why not you? Why not?

She slams the door and returns.


EXT. RAILWAY STATION - DAY

Sonya nervously paces along the platform, unaware of the curious looks her vacant expression elicits from the waiting PASSENGERS.

A WHISTLE OF AN APPROACHING TRAIN.

Sonya's stare is fixed on the rails. She steps to the edge of the platform...

The locomotive enters the station...

With a SCREECH OF BRAKES, tons of metal are careening closer and closer...

The rails...

Sonya's tense face...

She jerks back as the iron mastodon lumbers past her.

Still under the shock of what could have been, she stands frozen while the train comes to a halt and the passengers begin to step down, Andrey among them.

ANDREY
Mama?
(noticing her
suitcase)
Are you going somewhere?
(suddenly uneasy)
Mama, what are you doing here?

SONYA
I don't know.

ANDREY
Oh, my God.
(solicitous)
Come! Come home!


(CONTINUED)

Part Three: The Descent to Hell

.

Yasnaya Polyana: Sonya's bedroom


INT. SONYA'S BEDROOM - DAY

Sonya is being probed by Dr. Nikitin and Dr. Rossolino.

DR. ROSSOLINO
How long have you suffered
from insomnia?

SONYA
Ever since Mr. Chertkov
moved to Telyatinki. Mr.
Chertkov has been the cause
of all my sufferings.

Dr. Rossolino scribbles in his notebook.

DR. NIKITIN
Sophia Andreyevna, would you
allow me to take your pulse?


SALON

The family (Leo, Sasha, Tanya, Sukhotin, Ilya, Andrey, Sergey) and Dr. Nikitin are listening to Dr. Rossolino's report.

DR. ROSSOLINO
The countess has a combination
of hysteria and paranoia. The
first shows itself in the
specially vivid coloring of
her experiences. The second
is indicated by excessive
suspicions and the forming
of incorrect conclusions about
her husband, his teachings
and his relationship with
Mr. Chertkov.

TANYA
What kind of treatment do you
recommend?


SALON - LATER

Same as before. Tanya brings in her mother.

TANYA
Come, mamushka, have a seat!

Sonya installs herself in an armchair.

TANYA
The doctors recommend that
you and papa should separate
for a while. What do you
think?

SONYA
No.
(weeping)
Where would I go? Where do you
want to send me?
(to Leo)
You planned it a long time ago,
didn't you? The trip to the
madhouse - was it to find out
where to lock up your wife?

LEO
Nonsense. Nonsense.

TANYA
Mama, nothing was planned. We
only think that you two need
a period of separation to
calm your nerves.

SONYA
Ilya? Andreyusha? Sergey?

SERGEY.
Mama, it will be for the best.
You must admit that things
are not working out here.

SONYA
All of you? ... Leo?

Leo makes an indecisive gesture.

SONYA
So I am to go to make way for
Chertkov? Is that it?
(to others)
Don't you see, you fools? The
moment I'm gone that scoundrel
will have him all to himself.
He'll have it all, including
what should come to you once
your father is dead. Ask him!
Ask him about the will! There
is a will, I know it!

Leo jumps from his seat and, hands behind his back, begins to pace the room.

LEO
This is going nowhere. See
what we are doing to her!
(to the doctors)
Is there another solution?

DR. NIKITIN
Sophia Andreyevna's nerves
could benefit from frequent
baths and long walks.

DR. ROSSOLINO
And a complete avoidance of
stressful situations.


EXT. COURTYARD

A carriage is waiting while Tanya is seeing out the two physicians.

Alone, in the door, Leo observes the scene.

LEO
(mumbling)
Idiots!


INT. STAIRCASE - DAY

Andrey and Ilya intercept Sasha.

ANDREY
Sasha!

SASHA
What?

ANDREY
A word with you in private!


SECRETARIAT

Sasha, Andrey and Ilya enter. Facing her brothers, Sasha folds her arms in defiance.

SASHA
All right, what do you want
to know?

ILYA
Just tell us, has father made
a will?

Sasha is silent.

ANDREY
Has he or hasn't he?

SASHA
I cannot and will not, during
father's lifetime, speak of
his death.


LEO'S STUDY

The old man is bent over his desk, writing, when Andrey bursts in.

ANDREY
Father, I must talk to you!
There is much turmoil in the
family and mother is very
upset. I want to ask you if
you have made any sort of will.

LEO
I do not consider myself
obliged to answer you.

ANDREY
Ah, ah, ah? So you don't want
to answer?

LEO
I do not.

He returns to his writing.


SECRETARIAT

Sasha and Ilya wait in front of the study.

Andrey exits and angrily shrugs his shoulders.


EXT. FOREST PATH - DAY

Leading their horses by the bridles, Leo and Chertkov stroll under the trees.

CHERTKOV
Surely, we could arrange
other meetings like this one.

LEO
No, this must be our last.
Things are calmer now that
I promised Sonya never to
see you again.

CHERTKOV
But surely, Leo Nikolayevich...

LEO
Posha Biryukov called on me
yesterday. I confided in him
and he correctly told me that
it was wrong of me to deceive
my family about the will. I
should have done it openly or
I should have left things as
they were and not done
anything.

CHERTKOV
(panicking)
Not so, Leo Nikolayevich,
not so! You have done nothing
wrong. You have simply obeyed
the will of God by resisting
your family's greed. ---
I am naturally concerned for
your peace and since Sonya
Andreyevna asks you not to see
me, I'll submit without a
murmur.

Leo gratefully squeezes Chertkov's arm.

LEO
Sonya, too, has made a sacri-
fice. She has agreed to a
separation. I'm going to live
with Tanya - at least for a
while.

Chertkov stops abruptly, forcing Leo to do the same. They stare at each other, both brimming with emotion.

Suddenly, they are in each other's arms, embracing.

Leo frees himself from Chertkov's squeeze and hastily mounts his horse.

LEO
I did not promise not to
write to you.

CHERTKOV
(smiling)
Every day!

He watches as Leo leaves, his smile quickly fading.


INT. HALL AT Y.P. - NIGHT

Two servants carry a trunk downstairs, where other pieces of luggage are piled up by the door.


SALON

Tanya, Sukhotin, Leo, Sonya.

SONYA
(weeping)
Please! I promise I'll behave!

LEO
I'm going to bed.

Wearily, he gets up and exits.

Sukhotin nods toward the weeping Sonya and signals to Tanya to soothe the situation.

SUKHOTIN
I'd better turn in as well.
We have an early start.

SONYA
Everybody is betraying me!

Sobbing, she runs out of the salon.

SOUND OF THE MAIN DOOR SLAMMING.

SUKHOTIN
Jesus, not another hide-and-
seek party tonight! I'm
weary of these games. Where
does she get the energy?


CORRIDOR

Holding her under the elbow, Tanya leads her mother upstairs.

TANYA
It's only for a week, mama.
You both need a rest.

Sonya wiggles out of Tanya's grip.

SONYA
A rest from what? A rest from
my love, is that what you mean?
What would you say if I took
your husband away from you?

TANYA
Mamushka, please, be reasonable!
You agreed that it would be for
the best.

SONYA
(weeping)
You are killing me, all of you!
How am I supposed to get
better if you keep wounding me
mortally from all sides? I
don't want to be left alone!
(loud moans)

Leo's bedroom door opens, revealing Leo in his nightshirt.

LEO
(exasperated)
Let her come with us!


EXT. KOTCHETY ESTATE, BALCONY - DAY

Sonya and her granddaughter TANYECHKA (10) are dressing a doll. Rummaging in her sewing basket, Sonya retrieves a ribbon and ties it around the doll's hair.

SONYA
There! Isn't that pretty?

After admiring the doll, Tanyechka hugs her grandmother.
Sonya's arms tighten around the child.

Close up at Sonya's moist eyes. She loves being loved.


EXT. KOTCHETY/GARDEN - DAY

A morning mist hangs over the garden. Clad in a dressing gown tied over her nightshirt, Sonya cuts flowers and gathers them into a bouquet.


LEO'S ROOM

Leo is asleep. Sonya enters carrying her bouquet. She sits on the edge of the bed and tickles Leo's face with the flowers.

SONYA
Lyovochka, my soul, wake up!

Leo sneezes and opens his eyes.

SONYA
Good morning, Lyova! Guess
what day is today? It's your
birthday! You are eighty-two!
I wish you all the best, dear.
Good health and long life to
you!
(primly)
I mean a long life without
deceptions, secrets or
obsessions. And I hope that
now that we are friends
again, you'll become truly
enlightened.

Leo is not pleased.


INT. DINING ROOM - EVENING

End of a celebratory meal. Seated around the table are Leo, Sonya, Sasha, Tanya, Sukhotin, Dr. Makovitsky, Bulgakov and Tanyechka. Maids are serving cake, tea, and liquor. Leo drinks water.

LEO
Chastity is the Christian
ideal and ought to be
practiced by all.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
Indeed, nothing is healthier
both physically and mentally.

SONYA
I would disagree with that,
Doctor. Why, Leo, when we were
younger -- not so long ago! --
you claimed that without
discharging your energy you
could not write well.

Leo scowls. Sonya is blissfully unaware of the embarrassment around the table.

SONYA
Besides, if we were all monks
or ascetics there would be no
children and without children
there would be no Kingdom of
God on earth.

LEO
(exploding)
What's the use of talking to
you? You don't want to
understand anything! You don't
even listen!

Sonya looks at the frowning faces around her and bites her lip. With tears in her eyes, she leaves the table.


INT. SONYA'S ROOM - NIGHT

Sonya sits at her dressing table, combing her hair. Leo enters and hovers at her side.

LEO
I came to say good night.

SONYA
(flatly)
Good night then.

A pause.

LEO
Why did you leave the table?

Sonya silently brushes her hair.

LEO
I did not mean to shout at you.

SONYA
Because of you, I became
pregnant sixteen times.
Thirteen children and three
miscarriages. And you talk of
chastity!

LEO
Sonya, I want peace.

SONYA
And what do you want me to do
so that we can live in peace?

LEO
Abandon the copyrights, give
the land away, and live in a
cottage.

SONYA
All right, I agree to our
going to live together in a
cottage.

Leo swallows this surprising declaration and it does not agree with him.

LEO
For God's sake, leave me
alone! I will go away! It is
impossible to be happy if,
like you, one hates one half
of the human race!

SONYA
But whom do I hate?

LEO
You hate Chertkov and me.

SONYA
Yes, I hate Chertkov, not you.
I'll keep you two apart even
if it means that I must kill
him! Then come what may! As it
is now, life is hell!

Leo backs up and saves himself.


EXT. GARDEN - DAY

Carrying a folded newspaper, Bulgakov strides toward Leo, Dr. Makovitsky and Sasha who are strolling along a path, enjoying the early fall sunshine.

Bulgakov rattles the newspaper to attract their attention.

They meet to peruse an article. Leo seems pleased.

In the background, Tanyechka skips out of the house, followed by Tanya and Sonya.

The group of readers splits apart instantly. Sasha snatches the newspaper, hides it in the folds of her skirt and heads for the house.

Leo pursues his morning stroll with a spring in his step.

Sonya's eagle eyes have not missed the scene. Furtively, she follows Sasha.


INT. STAIRCASE

Sonya stands at the foot of the staircase, listening to the SOUND OF FOOTSTEPS upstairs. Her head is tilting as she follows the progress of the noise.

CREAK OF AN OPENING DOOR. After a pause, THE DOOR CLOSES AND THE FOOTFALLS ARE HEARD AGAIN. Someone is returning to the staircase.

Sonya slips away as Sasha appears on the landing.


GARDEN

Leo and Dr. Makovitsky rest on a bench.

LEO
Yesterday, after reading a
Maupassant story, an idea
came to me to portray a
spiritually alive person in
the midst of vulgarity. It
could be either a man or a
woman. Oh, how great it could
be, and how it attracts me!
Maybe I shall do it.
(he sighs)
No, I think not. The struggle
with Sonya saps my energy.


GARDEN - LATER

Sukhotin, returning from a ride, is approaching the house.

On the lawn, Tanyechka skips a rope while Tanya
and Sasha chat. Leo and Dr. Makovitsky are still seated on the bench.

SONYA (O.S.)
No!!! No!!! No!!!

Sukhotin reins in his horse and hastily dismounts.

Sonya, clutching the newspaper, bursts out of the house.

SONYA
This is my death sentence!
I will not stand for it!
I'll kill him! I'll pay
someone to poison him!

Frightened, Tanyechka drops the rope and runs for the shelter of her mother arms.

SONYA
Do you hear me, Leo! I'll kill
him and then I kill myself!

She collapses on the ground, moaning and convulsing.

SUKHOTIN
What is this? What's
happening?

SASHA
Chertkov. There's a government
notice that the ban has been
lifted. He can remain at
Telyatinki. -- For God's sake,
do something about her!

Sukhotin seizes Sonya and drags her into the house.


SALON

Sukhotin hauls Sonya into the room and forces her into an armchair.

SUKHOTIN
(shouting)
Enough!

Startled, Sonya clams up.

SUKHOTIN
This must stop! Bear in mind,
that if you go on destroying
your husband, he will leave you.
Your glory as Tolstoy's wife
will collapse.

SONYA
I will write to the papers.
I will justify myself.

SUKHOTIN
That's where you are wrong.
Rumors are already circulating
about the shrew of Yasnaya
Polyana. Too late to justify
yourself. A man in his eighties
does not leave his wife for
nothing!

A pause as Sonya digests this fact.

SUKHOTIN
What's more, I suspect that you
are faking your mental illness.

SONYA
No, I'm really ill.

SUKHOTIN
If you are, then follow the
doctors' advice. Part with Leo
Nikolayevich. Otherwise, he
will be forced to leave you.

SONYA
If he does, I'll print a death
letter in the papers about all
he did, and then I'll poison
myself and disgrace him all
over Russia.

SUKHOTIN
But nobody will believe you.
Nobody!


EXT. COURTYARD - DAY

Sonya's luggage is being loaded into a waiting droshky.

Sonya, at her meekest, is taking leave of her family. One by one, she embraces them, squeezing their hands, kissing the somewhat reluctant Tanyechka.

SONYA
(tearful)
Forgive me... please forgive
me... forgive me...

Addressing a group of servants:

SONYA
Forgive me. Goodbye, goodbye
all of you!

LEO
Are you sure you want to
travel alone? Sasha is willing
to accompany you.

SONYA
No, alone. I must be alone.


EXT. YASNAYA POLYANA - DAY


GARDEN SKIRTING THE HOUSE

Varya is startled as an object flies out of a window and crashes at her feet. She bends over to inspect it. It is a shattered framed photograph of Leo and Chertkov shaking hands.

Varya dodges two more projectiles: portraits of Chertkov and Sasha.

Sonya appears at the window and spies Varya gathering the debris.

SONYA
Leave that!


INT. LEO'S BEDROOM - DAY

A cloud of smoke wafts from Leo's study, mingling with the SOUND OF A RELIGIOUS CHANT.

AN ORTHODOX PRIEST appears in the door frame, followed by AN ACOLYTE swinging an incenser. Chanting, the priest begins sprinkling holy water over the room.

Sonya stands in the doorframe, head bent over her joined hands.


INT. CHERTKOV'S OFFICE - DAY

Chertkov listens to Varya.

VARYA
She had the house exorcised
to get rid of your evil spirit.
She is plotting not only to
inherit the early Tolstoy
copyrights but to get hold
of all Master's writings. She
told me that everybody
will believe her if I she
says they were written
before eighty-one. And, if
there is a will in your
benefit, she and her sons
will break it on the
grounds of her husband's
senility. She said that no
man of sound mind would
disinherit his family.

CHERTKOV
Hah! Leo Nikolayevich must
be made aware of this. I'll
write to him immediately.



EXT. ESTABLISHING, YASNAYA POLYANA - DAY

The trees are shedding their leaves.


HALL

Bulgakov's suitcase rests under the coat hanger.


SALON

Bulgakov sits across from Sonya, sipping his tea.

SONYA
Eat the pirogy, they are
freshly baked. You must be
starved.

Bulgakov gratefully reaches towards the serving plate.

SONYA
Am I to believe that he is
truly returning home? His
silence is hurtful. For weeks
I have received not a single
word from him.

BULGAKOV
Tomorrow for sure.

SONYA
It will be a sad wedding
anniversary. There is no joy
left in this marriage. When
I think back, when I remember
the eighteen-year old
Sonyechka Behrs to whom he
said: 'If you don't accept my
offer of marriage, I'll shoot
myself', when I remember that,
I want to weep. To tell you
the truth, I don't love him
anymore. I think I don't.
Before Chertkov appeared, we
were man and wife. What are
we now?

BULGAKOV
(timidly)
In truth, Sophia Andreyevna,
I think that, should you
accept the fact that Master
will never forget Mr. Chertkov,
there could be hope for a
reconciliation.

SONYA
You naïve boy! I know you mean
well but such an idea is simply
unconceivable.


INT. CARRIAGE - NIGHT

Leo is huddled in a corner, sharing the seat with Sasha. Dr. Makovitsky sits opposite. A gloomy silence accompanies the rattle of the carriage.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
Are you feeling well?

LEO
No, I cannot say that I am.
I feel uncomfortable with the
idea of what awaits me at
home. It is impossible to talk
to her. She is not bound
by either logic or conscience
or truth. Not to speak of any
love for me - she does not
even need my love. She only
needs that people should think
that I love her. And that's
terrible.


INT. HALL - NIGHT

The three travelers have entered the hall and are divesting themselves of their coats.

Sonya, wrapped in her dressing gown, slowly descends the steps.

She and Leo look at each other in silence.

SONYA
Why did you not come sooner?

LEO
Because I didn't want to.

Sonya turns her back to him and returns upstairs.


INT. LEO'S STUDY - DAY

Hands behind his back, Leo contemptuously stares at the wall where photographs of Chertkov and Sasha had hung. They are now replaced by Sonya's portrait.


EXT. GARDEN

Sonya drags Leo toward Bulgakov who stands behind a camera.

SONYA
What do you mean by no? Are
you refusing me what you
accorded to your fancy friend?
For him and his cronies you
posed like an old coquette.
It's our forty-eighth
anniversary. Surely, I am
entitled to a record of this
day!

She aligns her surly husband in front of the camera and clutching his arm, sticks to his side.

SONYA
Take the picture, Valya!

While Bulgakov focuses the lens, Sonya notices that Leo has turned his head away from her.

SONYA
Leo, look at me and smile!

Thumbs tucked in his belt, Leo scowls and pulls away. Sonya jerks him back. She forces a smile and holds, while Leo doggedly maintains his surly expression.

THE CAMERA CLICKS.

Standing in the shadow of the house, Sasha observes her parents with an angry frown.


INT. SECRETARIAT - DAY

Varya works on some paperwork. Sasha sits in front of her typewriter, arms folded, brooding.

A BELL RINGS in Leo's study. Nobody moves.

VARYA
He wants you.

Sasha tightens the fold of her arms.

VARYA
Are you not going to answer?

Sasha shrugs.

The study door opens and Leo pokes his head out.

LEO
Sashenka? I need you to
take a dictation.

No reaction from Sasha.

VARYA
I'll do it, Leo Nikolayevich.

Sasha stands up.

SASHA
No! It's all right.

She gathers a pencil and a notebook.


LEO'S STUDY

Stone-faced, Sasha enters.

LEO
Sasha, what's wrong with you?
Are you not feeling well?

SASHA
(exploding)
I'm sick to my stomach, papa,
and that's the truth! I'm
sick of watching you obeying
her like a dog!

She points at Sonya's portrait.

SASHA
Look at that! Are you going
to leave it there? My God,
father, have you no will of
your own?

LEO
You are so much like her,
Sasha.

Sasha gasps, startled by the truth of Leo's remark. She falls on her knees and wraps her arms around her father's legs.

SASHA
Forgive me, papa! Please
forgive me! I love you so much!
She is not worthy of you.
I can do so much better!
Papushka, please, lets get out
of here, just the two of us!
Let's live in a hut, let's
live a simple life, the way
you always wanted to! I'll
wash your shirts, I'll scrub
the floor, I'll take care of
everything!

Leo gathers her in his arms and strokes her back.

LEO
Sasha, Sashenka... This is a
beautiful dream. A dream! In
reality, within days, mama
would move next door with her
servants and fine china and
the situation would be much
the same.
(in tears)
All I need is your love,
daughter, just your love!


INT. LEO'S STUDY - DAY

Close up of Sonya clutching her throat.

She is staring at a portrait of Chertkov that has replaced her own.

She pounces on it and yanks it off the wall.

THE GLASS BREAKS as she smashes the frame against Leo's desk.


SECRETARIAT

Varya and Bulgakov, both frozen with apprehension, watch as Sonya exits from Leo's study clutching Chertkov's
portrait.

SONYA
(brandishing
the photograph)
He has re-hung it! You see?
You see?

She tears the photograph to bits.

Looking at the scattered paper, she reconsiders, drops on her knees and gathers the shreds.
.
SONYA
No ... I must burn it. He
must burn!


SONYA'S BEDROOM

A small heap of ashes is smoldering in the fireplace.

Sonya, brooding, sits on her bed, playing with a revolver.
She aims at the fireplace and shoots.


EXT. COURTYARD - DAY

Leo and Dr. Makovitsky are dismounting from their horses. A crowd (Varya, Bulgakov, servants) gather around them. A discussion follows, during which Bulgakov mimics shooting.

At Bulgakov...

BULGAKOV
She said she was practicing.


LEO'S ROOM

Leo reclines on the bed while Dr. Makovitsky removes his boots and massages his ankles.

A BLAST OF ANOTHER SHOT.

Leo and Makovitsky exchange looks. Leo wearily shakes his head, lays down to rest and closes his eyes.


HALL

Coming from outside, Sasha and Varya begin to ascend the stairs. Sonya looms at the top of the staircase.

SONYA
Get out of my house, you two
vipers!

SASHA
Mama?

SONYA
Pack up and get out!


INT. LEO'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

(Sasha, Leo.)

LEO
Where are you going?

SASHA
To Telyatinki. There's a
cottage to let.

LEO
That's good. That way, you
can still come every morning.

SASHA
But papa...

LEO
(exhausted)
It's good, it's good.


INT. DINING ROOM - EVENING

Dinner is being served. Seated around the table are Sonya, Tanya, Bulgakov and Dr. Makovitsky. Leo's chair is empty although his place is set.

TANYA
You fired Varya? Why?

SONYA
I suspect that the woman is in
collusion with Chertkov. I'm
not taking any more risks. As
for Sasha, that, too, has been
long coming. I cleansed out
the vipers' nest. Now we have
a true home.

She notices that Leo is absent.

SONYA
What takes father so long?
Someone please call him! The
soup will get cold!

Bulgakov gets up.


STAIRCASE

Bulgakov races down the stairs.

BULGAKOV
Doctor! Doctor!


LEO'S BEDROOM

Leo is convulsing on the bed - face twisted, legs trashing. Makovitsky and Bulgakov hold him down with Tanya's assistance. Sonya is frozen with horror.

Another fit follows. Sonya falls on her knees.

SONYA
Not this time, O Lord! Not
this time! Please spare him!


INT. STAIRCASE - NIGHT

Breathless, Sasha is rushing upstairs.


LEO'S BEDROOM

Leo, undressed and tucked in, lays motionless. Dr. Makovitsky, Tanya and Bulgakov keep watch over him. Sonya is praying on her knees.

Sasha bursts in.

She stops by the bed and looks at her father.

SASHA
How many convulsions so far?

TANYA
Five.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
He is better now. He sleeps.

SONYA
I didn't want that. I didn't
want that!


INT. DINING ROOM - DAWN

The evening meal is still on the table, untouched.

Sasha enters and approaches the samovar. She pours tea and drinks thirstily.

Sonya steps in.

SONYA
The tea is cold.

SASHA
I know.

SONYA
Sasha?

SASHA
Yes, mama?

SONYA
I know I was wrong.

SASHA
(sarcastic)
Were you, mama?

SONYA
I shouldn't have thrown you
out. Please forgive me and
come back!

SASHA
No, thank you. We are very
well, Varya and I.

SONYA
She can come too. She can have
her job back. I'll do anything
to make father better. Anything!
Let's unite to make his last
days peaceful! Even Chertkov
can visit him.


INT. LEO'S BEDROOM - DAY

Leo sits in the bed, his back propped against several pillows. Sonya puts a tray with food on his lap.

SONYA
You really don't remember?

LEO
No. I felt a little tired, so
I took a nap. When I woke up
there were a number of anxious
people around the bed.

Sonya sits on the edge, takes his hand and kisses it tenderly.

SONYA
Are you well enough? If you
wish to see him tonight,
I'll send an invitation to
Telyatinki.

Leo grins happily.


INT. SONYA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Sonya sits in an armchair, hands in her lap, waiting.

GALLOP OF AN ARRIVING HORSE.

Sonya's back begins to bend. She clasps her hands over her head, becoming a motionless knot.


INT. HALL - DAY

Bulgakov, carrying his briefcase, is intercepted by Sonya.

SONYA
Are you going to Telyatinki?

BULGAKOV
Yes, Sophia Andreyevna.

SONYA
(uneasy)
Last night I really tried to
reconcile myself with the
idea of accepting Vladimir
Grigorievich under my roof.
Believe me, I tried! But I
simply cannot endure his
presence. When he was here,
I felt I was dying. Please,
tell him that he must come no
more.


INT. SONYA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Sonya is undressing when Leo enters. He takes a determined stance.

LEO
Wife, I want to talk to you
and I beg you to listen to me
without interruption.


CORRIDOR

RAISED VOICES from Sonya's bedroom.

SONYA (O.S.)
Don't try to hoodwink me into
thinking that he is no closer
to you than your own family!
I will not have him here -
not ever! - and if you want
peace at home, you'll stop
seeing him. Do you hear me?

The door lets out an escaping Leo, followed by a half-dressed Sonya.

SONYA
I will not sleep until I find
the truth about you two!


EXT. COURTYARD - DAY

A stable hand brings Leo's horse.

As Leo is about to mount, Sonya exits the house.

SONYA
Where are you going?

LEO
For a ride.

SONYA
You are going to see Chertkov.

LEO
No, I'm simply going for a
ride.

SONYA
That's a lie! I know you are
going to see him.

Leo shrugs and swings his leg over the horse's back.

LEO
Believe what you want!


COUNTRY ROAD

It’s a cold, gloomy day. A blustery wind agitates Leo's beard as his horse trots along the road.

A RATTLE OF WHEELS.

Leo turns to see Sonya driving a dog cart. Having not wasted time to fetch a coat, she is wearing only her house dress.

Leo reins in his horse. Sonya does the same.

They stare at each other defiantly, before Leo nudges his horse forward. Sonya follows, maintaining the same distance.

Periodically turning his head to see what his wife is up to, Leo leaves the road and urges his horse across the fields.

With grim determination, Sonya keeps following him over the uneven ground.


COURTYARD

Leo reins in his horse in front of the stable and dismounts. He starts toward the house as Sonya's dogcart
arrives.

Stiff with cold, she alights with great difficulty. Leo walks home without sparing her a glance.


INT. HALL - DAY

Leo is staring through the open door into the salon.


SALON

Sneezing and coughing, Sonya sits on a sofa, wrapped in a blanket. She is warming her hands around a steaming glass of tea.

Leo comes in and selects a pear from a fruit basket. He cuts it in half and arranges it on a dessert plate. He carries the offering to Sonya.

Sonya accepts one half and hands him the other one. Sitting side by side, they munch on their fruit.


INT. LEO'S BEDROOM - EVENING

Leo enters and wearily sits on his bed. After a pause, he moves to the table and lifts the lid of the inkstand. He reaches into a pair of old boots under the table. His arm stiffens.

Turning the boots upside down, he shakes them but nothing comes out.


LEO'S STUDY

Leo rummages in the drawers.


SECRETARIAT

Bulgakov, seated at the desk, lifts his head as Leo comes in.

LEO
Have you, by any chance, seen
a red notebook anywhere?

BULGAKOV
No, I haven't. Do you want me
to look for it?

Leo is silent. Bulgakov acknowledges the air of tension.

BULGAKOV
What was it, Leo Nikolayevich?

LEO
A diary. A diary for myself
alone.

At Bulgakov...

... whose face registers the gravity of the situation.


INT. LEO'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Leo, stretched out in his bed, stares at the ceiling.

A NOISE OF DOOR OPENING AND THE CREAK OF THE FLOOR in the adjoining study.

A BEAM OF LIGHT appears under the door. FURTIVE STEPS MOVE AROUND THE ROOM, DRAWERS ARE BEING OPENED AND CLOSED. A RUSTLE OF PAPER, A CREAK OF A CABINET DOOR.

THE STEPS APPROACH THE DOOR OF LEO'S ROOM.

Leo falls back in his bed, pretending to be asleep.

The door opens. Holding a lamp, Sonya stands on the threshold and observes her sleeping husband. Satisfied, she gently closes the door.

Leo listens to her RETREATING STEPS.

In the ensuing silence, he throws off the cover and steps into his slippers.


SASHA'S ROOM

Leo's hand gently grips Sasha's shoulder. She wakes up with a start.

SASHA
What...? Papa? Papa, what's
wrong?

LEO
Shhh... Don't make noise!
Sashenka, I'm leaving here.
I'm leaving Yasnaya Polyana.

(CONTINUED)

Part Four: The Flight

.


EXT. THE MANSION

In the dark and silent house lights come up: one window, two, three.


INT. LEO'S ROOM

A feverish packing is in progress. Varya and Sasha, both extremely nervous, struggle with the lids of over-packed suitcases. Varya's finger gets caught in the lid. She lets out a yelp of pain.

SASHA
Shhh! Quiet, for God's sake!

Leo, outwardly calm, stacks manuscripts into a case. Dr. Makovitsky, watch in hand, tries to get hold of Leo's wrist.

LEO
There's no time for this.

Makovitsky succeeds in taking his pulse.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
One hundred. I'm not sure this
is a good idea.

Leo shrugs him off.

A suitcase slides from the bed with a LOUD THUMP. All activity stops. A moment of tension as they listen for any sound in the house.



EXT. STABLES

In the feeble moonlight, Varya, THE COACHMAN and Dr, Makovitsky haul luggage onto a waiting droshky.

Sasha stumbles into her father who, down on his knees, is frantically searching along the path.

LEO
My cap, the woolen one...I have
lost it.

SASHA
Leave it! I'll get you another.



EXT. RAILWAY STATION - DAYBREAK

The platform is deserted except for Leo, Dr. Makovitsky and the coachman, who placidly waits by the luggage. Wringing his hands, Leo paces back and forth.

LEO
I wonder which will come first.
The locomotive or Sonya?



INT. STAIRCASE - DAY

Sonya calmly descends the steps.

Sasha, holding an envelope, appears at the foot of the staircase.

SASHA
Good morning, mama.


EXT. COURTYARD

Bulgakov is approaching the front door when it flies open and a wild-eyed Sonya bursts out.

Sasha appears in the doorframe. Hopping on one foot and pulling a galosh on the other, she notices the startled Bulgakov.

SASHA
Go after her!
(screaming over
her shoulder)
Help! Help!


EXT. GARDEN

Bulgakov sprints along a path. Behind him, Sasha and TWO MALE SERVANTS have joined the chase.

A flash of gray dress between the bushes.

BULGAKOV
She is going to the pond!


EXT. POND

Sonya, running, has reached the jetty with Bulgakov not far behind.

Sonya scurries along the plank...

....slips on the wet surface and falls.

Seeing Bulgakov coming at her, she does not waste time to get up. Instead, she crawls toward the edge...

...and clutching at the plank, she rolls into the water.

Bulgakov dives in.

Grabbing Sonya by the shoulders...

...he drags her toward the shore.

Sasha and the two men splash waist-deep in water...

...reach for Sonya...

....and hoist her up.

A group of spectators has formed around the rescuers as they half-drag, half-carry Sonya toward the house.


EXT. OPEN PLATFORM OF A RAILWAY CARRIAGE - DAY

Clutching the handrail, Leo is happily exposing his face to the wind as the countryside runs past him.

Makovitsky joins him.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
Leo Nikolayevich, I must
insist. Come inside at once
or you'll catch your death!

Leo grins at him.

LEO
(ecstatic)
Freedom, Dushan! Freedom!


INT. CHERTKOV'S OFFICE - DAY

Bulgakov, Chertkov. The latter is beaming.

CHERTKOV
Yes! Yes! At last! Well done!
How soon can I join him? Where
has he gone?

BULGAKOV
Only Alexandra Lvovna knows.
You can contact him through
her.

CHERTKOV
And the countess?

BULGAKOV
Four attempts at suicide. But
we watched her closely. Now
there are a doctor and a nurse
keeping an eye on her around
the clock. -- It's a tragic
situation. So sad, so sad.
(handing over
a letter)
She begs you to come. She wants
reconciliation.

CHERTKOV
(smugly)
Does she now? I don't think
I will oblige.


INT. LEO'S BEDROOM - DAY


A NURSE holding a tray with food hovers over Sonya. The latter, draped in a dressing gown, her hair in disarray, is stretched on Leo's bed, hugging an embroidered pillow.

SONYA
Lyovochka, where are you? Are
you well? Where are you laying
your head tonight? Speak to
me, my love! Distance means
nothing between us.

NURSE
Sophia Andreyevna, if you
don't eat this time, the
family is considering force-
feeding.

SONYA
Why has he done this to me?
Isn't it written in the
gospels that a man should
never abandon his wife?
... He is a brute! He could
not have acted with more
cruelty! He meant to kill me!


INT. HALL - NIGHT

The coat rack is weighted down with numerous coats and hats.

A servant is carrying suitcases upstairs.


SALON

An emergency family reunion. Present are Sasha, Tanya, Sergey, Ilya, Andrey, MICHAIL (30).

Michail is seated at the piano, performing a light-hearted waltz.

ILYA
And Lyova? Is he going to show
up?

SASHA
He is still in Paris. He must
have received my telegram by
now.

ILYA
Well, what do you expect us
to do?

SASHA
Why, support papa's decision,
of course.

ILYA
I suppose we should admire
him for trying to kill mother.
This situation is the result of
your machinations, Sasha. You
and mama have been at odds ever
since Vanya died. You just
couldn't forgive a grief-
stricken woman, could you?

SERGEY
Forgive for what?

ANDREY
Don't you know? The day Vanya
died, mother supposedly cried
'Why Vanyechka? Why not
Sasha?' The servants talked.
Maybe it's true, maybe not.
The fact is that Sasha has
carried the grudge too far.

SASHA
That's not true! How dare you
accuse me of plotting against
mother? My only concern was
for papa. Before you criticize
me, have a good look at
yourself! You broke your
parents' hearts when you ran
away with the governor's wife.
Papa left only because he
could no longer endure this
kind of life.

ANDREY
Oh yes, his eternal complaints
against a life of luxury! I
say that if he could endure it
until now, he could have gone
on for the last few years as
well. What about mama? Hasn't
she suffered enough?

ILYA
Absolutely! She'd never think
of deserting him. She'd bear
her cross to the very end. He
is a selfish man. Very selfish.
Can you imagine how this will
play in the press? All that
bad publicity for our family
and for mother in particular!

TANYA
He did what he had to do. I'll
never condemn him. How about
you, Seryozha?

SERGEY
I cannot begrudge him the
desire to conserve his sanity.
The fact is that mama is ill
and in many ways irresponsible.
I wish she could change but
she never will.

TANYA
I propose that each of us
write papa a letter expressing
our feelings.
(to Michail)
Misha?

Michail, still playing, simply shrugs his shoulders. Sasha approaches the piano and slams the cover on Michail's hands. He yelps with pain.

TANYA
Now that we have your
attention, will you write to
papa?

MICHAIL
Why should I write to him? He
knows I don't like to write.


ESTABLISHING - CONVENT OF SHAMARDINO - DAY


CORRIDOR IN THE CONVENT

Leo strolls in company of SISTER MARYA (80).

LEO
I couldn't go any farther
without saying good-bye to you.
And now that I'm here, I feel
I have arrived. I spent the
night at the monastery and
enjoyed the profound peace.
There was cabbage soup for
dinner. What else do I need?
If the brothers will allow an
old apostate like me among
them, I'll stay. After
all, are we not all truth-
seekers each in his own way?
Does it matter if we take a
different path to God?

He gently strokes the old nun's shriveled hand.

LEO
You don't condemn me, Marya,
do you? Please say you don't!

MARYA
I never stood in judgment of
you. You know that, Leo.

LEO
Being here with you is like
going back in time - like
drinking from the fountain of
our happy childhood.

Marya smiles at him.


INT. LEO'S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

Sitting on the bed, Leo struggles with his boots. Dr. Makovitsky makes a move to help him.

LEO
Don't! I can take care of
myself.

He makes another ineffective attempt at removing his boots and finally surrenders to Makovitsky's care.

The door opens to admit Sasha and Varya with their luggage.
Both are bundled up against the cold.

SASHA
Papa! Thank God! What weather!

LEO
(apprehensively)
What's going on down there?

SASHA
I have letters for you. Papa,
you cannot stay here. Mama has
figured out you'd stop at
the convent to see Aunt Marya.
We must move on.

LEO
But I don't want to move on.
I don't want to think of it
now.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
He is tired, Alexandra Lvovna.
He needs rest. Why don't we
leave him to his letters?

Reluctantly, Sasha hands over a bundle of envelopes.

SASHA
Please papa, be strong! Don't
give in! Do you know what mama
said? She said that as soon as
she gets you back, she'll never
let you out of her sight.

MAKOVITSKY'S HOTEL ROOM

Sasha, Varya and Makovitsky bend over a map stretched on the table.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
If we go, we must know where
we are going.

SASHA
That depends on whether we'd
be able to obtain passports.
I have been thinking of
Bulgaria or Turkey. If not,
then there is the Caucasus.
It has a healthy climate.


LEO'S HOTEL ROOM

A pile of opened letters.

Leo sits hunched over with one of the letters hanging from his hand. Misery keeps him company.


MAKOVITSKY'S HOTEL ROOM

The trio now study the railway timetable.

VARYA
There is a train going south
at seven forty in the morning.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
How do you expect to pull it
off? We are looking at some
thirty hours on the road with
the most famous man in Russia.
He did not pass unnoticed on
his way here.

SASHA
I have thought of that. The
best way to cover our tracks
is to buy tickets in
succession along the way.

Leo enters, letters in hand.

SASHA
Papa! How would you like to
visit Cousin Maria in
Novocherkask? We'll stay for
a few days and take our
bearings.

LEO
(distraught)
Only Tanya and Sergey are
giving me their blessings.

SASHA
Papushka, you are not giving
up, are you? If we stay here,
they'll hunt you down, you
know! They'll set the police
on you. They'll say that you
act erratically because you
are senile or some nonsense
of the sort.

LEO
I must send my thanks to
Sergey and Tanya. And I must
answer your mother's letter.

Sasha looks at him questioningly.

LEO
No, I'm not going home.
(to himself)
Not yet.


INT. TRAIN CARRIAGE - DAY

The carriage is packed with passengers, many of them reading newspapers. As Sasha passes by, a pair of middle-class men cannot contain their amusement.

FIRST PASSENGER
A neat trick the old boy
played on his wife! Packed
up in the night and ran away.

SECOND PASSENGER
And after she had taken care
of him all her life. I'd say
he didn't care for her care!

At Sasha...

... who takes it in with a mixture of dismay and bitterness.


COMPARTMENT

Leo, coughing and fighting for breath, is stretched out on the bench, while Varya and Dr. Makovitsky tuck a blanket around him.

The door opens brusquely and Sasha enters.

SASHA
Everything is known! The
papers are full of it!

DR. MAKOVITSKY
Alexandra Lvovna, I'm afraid
your father is not doing well.


EXT. RAIL TRACKS - SUNSET

The train is chugging through the vast isolation of the flat landscape.


INT. TRAIN CORRIDOR

An assembly of curious passengers is staring through the glass door of a compartment.

A SOLDIER is elbowing his way through.

SOLDIER
(curious)
What's going on?

A PASSENGER
It's Tolstoy. Tolstoy is on
the train!

Standing on his toes to gain a better view, the soldier joins the gaping group.


EXT. ASTAPOVO STATION - DUSK

The train comes to a halt. A large number of passengers step down, many leaving their luggage behind. Among them is an anxious Sasha.

Leading the crowd, she accosts the STATIONMASTER. Pointing toward the village, she asks him a question. The stationmaster shakes his head. He waves his arm, indicating that the refuge she is seeking is far away along the line. Sasha is on the verge of crying.

Several bystanders join in, gesturing toward the train and imparting The Information.

The station master's countenance changes abruptly. With subservient diligence, he points to a small house nearby.

The crowd returns to the train, forming a human hedge at a door.

Helpful hands stretch up as Leo, supported by Varya and Dr. Makovitsky, appears in the door frame.

A blanket around his shoulders, his head lolling, he is handed down and slowly led toward the house.

Hats and caps are lowered as he passes through the solemn, silent crowd.

An onlooker (ORLOV)...
...is watching with great interest. He detaches himself from the spectacle and heads for the telegraph office.


EXT. ASTAPOVO STATION - SUNRISE

An overhead shot of the station where a motley crowd of laborers, peasants and reporters, besiege the station master's little
house.

The window of the telegraph office...
... where the lone employee deals with customers clamoring for his services.

DISSOLVE TO:


ASTAPOVO STATION - DUSK

The same overhead shot of the station reveals a train stationed by the platform, the locomotive steaming. Spilling out of the wagons is a Pathé Cinematograph team with their equipment, several doctors, a gaggle of nurses, a group of church dignitaries and more reporters.

An oxygen canister and a hospital bed are handed down from the baggage wagon and carried toward the little house.

The small station is bursting at the seams. Numerous tents have been erected on both sides of the platform. Visitors without the protection of the tents rest around makeshift fires.

Seen through the window....
...the telegraph office is now equipped with additional apparatus manned by four employees.


STREET ENTRANCE TO THE STATION

Orlov, a pencil behind his ear, stands in the entrance. His attention has been caught by something in the street. He is joined by A REPORTER waving a telegraph strip.

REPORTER
Orlov, this Tolstoy business
is getting out of hand!
The emperor has curtailed
his holiday in Germany and
returns home. The government
smells a revolution. I bet
they are shitting in their
pants.

Orlov smiles and motions toward the street.

A DETACHMENT OF CAVALRY is quietly surrounding the station.

REPORTER
(awed)
Oh, shit!

ORLOV
Russia has two tsars and one
of them is here.
(he chuckles)
The clergy are circling around
the old apostate's death bed
like vultures, hoping for a
moment of weakness. So far,
they have been shown the door.
Now enters the army. One key
element is missing though.

REPORTER
What?

ORLOV
Countess Tolstoy, of course.
I wonder why? Without her the
drama is not complete. Could
it be that she alone doesn't
know the whereabouts of her
husband? Dear colleague, we
must remedy the situation.
Let's send the good woman a
telegram!


EXT. RAIL TRACKS - NIGHT

A locomotive pulling a lone Pullman car is speeding along the tracks.


INT. CARRIAGE

Sonya, surrounded by her children (Andrey, Ilya, Sergey, Michael and Tanya) hugs Leo's embroidered pillow.

TANYA
It's not too far now.

SONYA
Five hundred rubles for a
special train! When this is
over, I'll make sure it never
happens again. In the future,
where he goes, I'll go.
(to Andrey)
Read that again!

Andrey unfolds a newspaper.

ANDREY
Temperature 104, inflammation
of the left lung confirmed.
A persistent attack of hiccups
has been treated with a
solution of sugared milk and
soda.

SONYA
They should have spread hot
goose fat on his chest. I'll
see to that.

SCREECH OF BRAKES.

SONYA
Have we arrived?

As the train is coming to a stop, hundreds of flaming torches pass in front of the window.

SONYA
What is this? What is this?


EXT. PLATFORM / ASTAPOVO STATION

A SEA OF TORCHES. A CROWD OF THOUSANDS, mostly workers and peasants, fill the station with prayers and chanting.

At the Pullman car window...
... where Sonya watches this multitude with horror.


INT. CARRIAGE

The Tolstoy family is getting ready for the ordeal. The bewildered Sonya makes the sign of the cross and clutches the pillow to her chest.

The door swings open and A TUMULT OF VOICES assaults the party.


PLATFORM

Helped by her sons, Sonya descends the steps fearfully eyeing the pack of REPORTERS that have surrounded the wagon.

REPORTERS
Countess Tolstoy! Is it true
that you have attempted a
suicide?... Are you hoping to
reconcile with Leo Nikolayevich?
...Countess Tolstoy, what is
your side of the story?

SONYA
I...

ILYA
No, mama, not a word!
(to the reporters)
No comment! No comment! Let
us pass!

With the help of the police, a path is cleared for Sonya and her family.

Sonya's POV:

A hedge of grim faces, accusing stares, an atmosphere of silent hostility.


EXT. STATION MASTER'S HOUSE

The entrance is guarded by two faithful Tolstoyans: Sergeyenko and Goldenweiser.

At the approach of the Tolstoy family, Goldenweiser disappears into the house. Sergeyenko blocks the door.

ANDREY
What is this? Are you denying
us the access to husband and
father?

SERGEYENKO
Just obeying doctor's orders,
sir. He will be with you
shortly.

ANDREY
We will not stand for it. Step
aside!

Dr. Makovitsky and Sasha fill the entrance.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
Please, please! No raised
voices, I beg you! Leo
Nikolayevich is unaware that
his refuge is known to you.
We'll have to break the news
to him gently.

The door closes and Sergeyenko resumes his vigil. Condemned to cool their heels outside, the Tolstoys are uneasily aware of the silent crowd behind them.

At the door...

... as it opens and Dr. Makovitsky steps outside.

DR. MAKOVITSKY
It's all right. He will see
the children.

ILYA
And mother?

DR. MAKOVITSKY
I'm sorry, Sophia Andreyevna,
but not you.

ANDREY
What are you saying?

DR. MAKOVITSKY
Andrey Lvovich, I beg you again
not to raise your voice! The
sight of her would send your
father into shock.
(in tears)
He is so fragile, so fragile...

At Sonya...
...who begins to understand the gravity of the situation.

Tanya is first to break the silence.

TANYA
Mama, I'm sorry but you should
wait here.

She kisses her mother and enters the house.

ANDREY
(ashamed)
So sorry, mama.

ILYA
(hugging Sonya)
We won't be long.

One by one, her children abandon Sonya. The door shuts.

The crowd returns to chanting and prayers.

Alone with the grim-faced Sergeyenko, Sonya approaches the window. Raising herself on her toes, she peers inside.

Sonya's POV:

The room is full of people she detests: the Tolstoyans. As her children enter, the occupants step aside to let them pass.

A path opens to Leo's bed.

Sitting by her husband, holding his hand, is Chertkov.

Close up at Sonya's devastated face.

Back at the window...

... where Sasha appears. She looks coldly at her mother and mercilessly draws the curtains.


TITLE:

Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy died at 6:05 in the morning of Sunday, November 7, 1910. His wife was not allowed to see him until after he had lapsed into a final coma.


FADE OUT


THE END