Pity the Devil

EXT. SMALL RUSTIC MEXICAN CHAPEL - DAY

It is August, 1865 and the heat is omnipresent, and the dust; A rustic
Mexican church chapel, with 50 or so men and women seated, with some
children; the men are mostly in civilian clothes so as not to upset the
Mexican hosts/officials who have acceded to their presence for purposes
of passage to Brazil via Vera Cruz; the one exception is a Colonel of
63 years, standing astride the pulpit
COL. NORRIS

Friends and family all, please permit me to advise you of the latest
news from our friends in Brazil: I have received a telegram from his
majesty Emperor Dom Pedro's emissary to the Mexican government; he has
kindly translated it and it reads: 'My dear esteemed Colonel, I look
forward to your arrival in our land at the earliest date and will do my
utmost to personally welcome you and your compatriots here; be assured
that you are safe from the clutches of the mongrel immigrant Yankee
dogs who have stolen your homes and livelihoods; Brazil will now help
you keep alive their memory and, it is hoped, in time prove to be their
near equal; Long live the Confederacy and may God condemn those who
have so wronged you. Signed and sealed, this 4th day of August, 1865,
His Excellency, etc. &; etc."
Thanks to the good work of our own Frank McMillen, who has resided here
in Mexico for many years in great service to our Cause, we have the
temporary hospitality of the Mexican government in allowing our
transitory passage through their beautiful country; now, to business:
we embark by sail next week and will rendezvous with our other parties
leaving from Alabama and Texas in the great city of Sao Paolo;as some
of you know, the meetings in New Orleans with agents of the Brazilian
government as well as our brethren from all over Dixie have been
fruitful, and many hundreds if not thousands will be joining us soon in
our new home; be of good spirit and comport yourselves as sons and
daughters of our beloved South, which we hope to see liberated some
day; I will be available to you through my aide should you need
anything in the interim; Padre.......
Norris motions for the Mexican priest to lead the congregation in
prayer in Spanish-----he wants them to get used to a foreign tongue;
Norris leaves the church to meet/greet one of his men who has just
arrived from Alabama, Norris' adopted home state
SGT. MCALPINE
( walks toward the Colonel having dismounted his dusty horse)
Greetings, Colonel; Mobile is under martial law so ah had a Dickens of
a time getting through------goddam Yanks have all the breedin of wild
pigs, Suh; took a lot for me to keep my Colt in my belt; my Lord, the
way they treated President Davis back in Georgia-------the talk is all
over that he was wearing a dress, damn their eyes!
COL. NORRIS
Just remember old Abe is wearing a shroud. Now, look I don't want you
repeating any of what you have learned to the passengers----they have
been through enough, is that clear? [Sgt. McA. Just bows his head in
fatigue] What news of the others?"
SGT. MCALPINE
Some will make it, others, dunno; my spies are just too afraid to get
complete details, but best I can figure they's mostly coming after
things die down a spell. Expect funds are short-------and greenbacks
are in short supply even for the Yanks.
COL. NORRIS
We must expedite matters; for all I know, the Mexicans are preparing a
trap for us------ever since the French were thrown out with the corpse
of Maximilian and shipped back to Napoleon III, they trust no
foreigners, especially gringos who slaughtered their troops on their
own soil in the invasion in which I took all too conspicuous a part.
Till now, our choices have been few----now they are but one: flee with
haste from the pincers of Mexico and the U.S.A. They do, however,
welcome Yankee money.
SGT. MCALPINE
I sab`e that, Suh; hell, me, the Pyles, your sons and a mess of others
from South Carolina were either ole Jeff's bodyguards till the last or
fired many a bomb on Sumter, and on top of it all you serving with
Stonewall in more'n 50 pitched battles------we'd sure be prizes!
COL. NORRIS
In my hotel safe there are plenty of greenback dollars,compliments of
His Excellency Dom Pedro; what I do not have is time or trust in any
man but you and my sons-----meet me there tonight, after our brothers
and sisters are bedded down. Y'all must go North immediately bribing
every no account Yankee private farmboy you meet standing a post and
get those folks out. McMullen has obtained the services of a master
forger who has a brother at the Yankee consular office; he has
purloined the necessary official-style documents used by their martial
law provost-----these papers, especially when presented to
non-commissioned officers should aid you immensely. Remember, you are
Northern sympathizers from the border states of Tennessee and Kentucky.
At 9 o'clock, then.
(They part)
CUT TO 1932:
EXT. AERIAL SHOT OF SAO PAOLO BRAZIL - DAY

The camera pans via air the coastal metropolis of Sao Paolo, Brazil;
it is the scene of a preliminary conference between covert agents of
the German Gestapo and anti-Bolshevik Presidente Vargas' security
police; the Nazis have "invited" themselves, having had introductions
made, etc. via Franco in Spain; Hitler is planning way ahead, certainly
of the somnolent Americans; Brazil will make a fine base of Western
Hemispheric operations; first things first------the J(r)oosevelt
problem..........
Herr Fruehoffer, a Hindenberg star, pulls up in his staff car to a
relic of the Portuguese colonial period; he is greeted in the vestibule
by a functionary zealot of the Vargas government, sent to the meeting
for his German-speaking abilities, as a descendant of the Dannemann
family/ tobacco plantations
SEN~OR DANNEMANN
Ach, Herr Fruehoffer----greetings from his excellency El Presidente;
welcome to Brazil!
HERR FRUEHOFFER
I and my associates are deeply honored; allow me to present my
staff
They bow obsequiously, howsoever insincerely in the direction of this
little useful idiot "wog".
SEN~OR DANNEMANN
Gentlemen, please follow me; Sr. Mendes awaits you anxiously.
Mendes is the senior economics advisor to Vargas and heads two
Ministries, aware of the long-standing mutual relationship with
Germany; he has been unwittingly sent as cover for Vargas for
deniability purposes

(Dannemann translates )
SR. MENDES
Wilkkommen, mine Herren!
Mendes is of aristocratic Spanish stock, and knows the Nazis are
thugs--however, in Brazil, at the moment, he works for a thug, with
even less tact; Sr. Mendes is seated at a most ornate colonial period
hunt-style desk, in an equally Baroque throne-like chair
HERR FRUEHOFFER
( clicking his heels Prussian-style)
The future Fuerher salutes you, Sen~or.
(ubiquitous stiff arm is thrust before the poker-faced Mendes)
SR. MENDES
(turns to Danneman)
Your descended countryman will facilitate, with your permission
The pleasantries are over; with overrated Teutonic efficiency, Herr F.
snaps his fingers and a staff functionary materializes a box with
anciens regime marquetry
HERR FRUEHOFFER
May I present, with the compliments of the future saviour of the German
people, this token of his esteem to your government.
The box is opened by Herr F. as though it were Pandora's-----and
produces a baton in the fashion of a Fasces, the ancient Roman symbol
of Imperial power.
SR. MENDES
I shall humbly deliver it personally to El Presidente.
SR. MENDES (CONT'D)
(rivaling his guests' supposed efficiency)
And now to business; how may my government be of service?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Esteemed sir, I---we----admire your directness; if it is not too
unseemly, we will state our business, as you have put it; our
governments' loathing of the Jewish/Bolshevist movement afoot in the
suffering world is a common cause, so to say. We bring with us
irrefutable proof that the Yankee Imperialists to your North, in the
person of Roosevelt himself, are infected with a particularly virulent
strain of that vile system of exploitation of the gentile!
Herr F. has unmasked his street thug unblinking ardour in his first
substantive utterance
SR. MENDES
(seemingly unfazed)
Ah, yes,the socialist New Dealer; how appropriate his language, do you
not think, with all the d?class? of a casino gangster!
There is laughter upon translation
HERR FRUEHOFFER
May I say that your reputation for brilliant wit precedes you, Sr.
Mendes.
To this Mendes feigns humility with a Mona Lisa smile and short bowing
of his head, eyes closed
HERR FRUEHOFFER (CONT'D)
Our dossier tells me that I need not mince words; we are aware of a
village nearby
snapping his ever-crisply clicking fingers, an aide produces a thick
file with the swastika in red and black emblazoned thereupon
Vila Santa Barbara; there have dwelt, as you know, the descendants of a
worthy band of expatriates of some note for their commitment to a noble
Cause-----los Confederados.
Mendes is somewhat taken back at the depth of the Nazi's
knowledge
SR. MENDES

Si, Colonel Norris and his band of true believers.
He is unsure of the relevance to what he was lead to believe was a
trade mission
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Quite candidly, Sr. Mendes, we have a proposition which, may I say to
you comes directly from Herr Hitler: we wish to employ the services of
certain of this 'band', as you have put it, in a mission of the
greatest importance to your Hemisphere and the World. Further to this
mission, the Jew Roosevelt must be neutralized before he is
inaugurated; once accomplished, this singular deed------worthy of
Brutus himself---did you know that Shakepeare possessed German
blood?---will assure Brazil of her destiny: partner of the Third Reich
in your Hemisphere, ushering in a new world order!

Herr F. has not yet blinked and this is not unnoticed by Sr. M.
SR. MENDES
I shall have Presidente Vargas's relevant aides de camp contact you to
more fully explore this most interesting proposal under, shall we say,
more secure and confidential circumstances.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
As you wish, my friend------may I, WE, call you friend, Sr.
Mendes?
In keeping with the thuggish mindset of his visitors, Sr. Mendes knows
intuitively that he has been threatened already.
SR. MENDES
May I suggest, in my necessary absence on previously arranged business,
that you supply all details to Sr. Dannemann, who will brief me and El
Presidente later.
He is seeking to distance himself forthwith from this madness
HERR FRUEHOFFER
(motioning to Danneman)
As you wish, my good friend; may we consider such details entrusted to
as good a friend of Germany?
SR. MENDES
Is he not more Deutsche than I could ever hope to be?!

SEN~OR DANNEMANN
Mine Herren, our chief of security, Hernando Escalante, will return
from the United States on tomorrow; may I suggest that we convene here
then at 1 o'clock? My aide will see to your entertainment this
evening.
His guests agree, and they leave for their hotel; Dannemann closes the
door to the inner office and sits in the ornate chair vacacted by
Mendes, a bemused smile on his face;the German party is sauntering to
their car at the curb
CUT TO FEW MINUTES LATER:
EXT. OUTSIDE ORNATE GOVERNMENT BUILDING - DAY

HERR FRUEHOFFER
What do you think of this Mendes, he is important to us or but a
functionary giving Vargas protection?
UNIDENTIFIED AIDE
We expect our more complete dossier on him soon from our people in
Spain; regardless of his sympathies, he dares not defy Vargas or our
aim: Sr. Franco has assured us that his sizeable family there are quite
under wraps.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Goot; shall we sample the hors d'ouvres they have prepared for us,
comrades! I understand that the ladies of the house are personal
favorites of the Presidente himself! Should they prove satisfactory, on
close scrutiny, we shall present Vargas with the honorary title of Von
Stuppen, yes?
(the laughter of would-be conquerors)
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY HOME - DAY

Hyde Park, NY; Roosevelt is huddled with close friends and campaign
allies, among them Joe P. Kennedy; it is early December, 1932 and FDR
has ascended to the Presidency, but for the formality of Inauguration
in March.
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY
Franklin, I hope I don't speak out of turn and spoil the cocktails by
mentioning my deep interest in The Court of St. James......
FDR
Why, Joe, you wouldn't be a true Irishman if you weren't thinking of
the Limeys, but you have to promise not to be armed when you present
yourself to the Queen. I may need you to clean up the Wall Street boys
first, though, Joe; any objections?
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY
Lord, no; I think I know most of the boys who didn't try to fly from
their office windows and I certainly am on to their more successful
tricks!
(Knowing laughter all around)
FDR
Ready for another, all? Say, speaking of foreigners, Eleanor keeps
talking about Germany and this radical socialist fellow name of Hitler;
any thoughts, gentlemen?
HARRY HOPKINS
The way I hear it, he is not even German, from Austria; served in the
War, failed artist, street philosopher-----of all things, a real
admirer of Henry Ford.
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY
My sources in the financial world tell me he is a breath of fresh air
compared to those financial fools in the Weimar; he seems to know what
the Brits have known forever: some people aren't meant for
self-government. He could be very good for business.
FDR
Fellows, let's not spoil our pre-Christmas gathering with all this talk
of business; besides, we've got our hands full with the Congress and
our hoped-for New Deal--- we've decided to call it---what do you boys
think of the name?
HAROLD ICKES
Damned chancey, you ask me; what we really ought to do is repeal goddam
Prohibition-----it would keep the radicals' pawns off the streets
sleeping it off in bed!
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY
Say, there's an idea; I hear that these bootleggers are having an easy
time of it anyway, so why not let the Government in on the revenue now
going to a handful of crooks. Hell, the producers just went up to
Canada anyway, taking their jobs with them. No sir, if I were running
booze it would cause me to get close to the politicos and keep it right
where it is.
HARRY HOPKINS
Hey Joe, is this a confessional?
FDR
Gentlemen, now, now, this is Mr. Wordsworth's Children's Hour so we
must thank Joe's pals for their munificence, mustn't we?
They all raise their glasses and toast an uncertain future, especially
in Europe especially Spain
FDR (CONT'D)
The international picture is far from joyous, boys, and I am quite
concerned about reports of German munitions going to this Franco
chap.
HARRY HOPKINS
You can forget Versailles if this yodeler gets into power peacefully,
which is how it looks.
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY
Let's not be so gloomy: my people in England tell me Herr Hitler is
someone we can do business with, stabilize the whole continent. They
say he actually admires the Brits, praising their shared Nordic roots
and so forth. Let's reserve judgment.
FDR
Joe, you clean up Wall Street for me lickety split and I'll send you
over there to keep an eye out for me, how's that?
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY
Splendid, Mr. President; you may depend upon me for discretion in all
respects.
FDR
Depend upon you I shall, but I shall also summon your innate distrust
of the English to cut through the stiff upper lip and give me the
straight stuff.
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY
Don't worry, Franklin, I'll remind them that Ireland was, is and always
will be what makes Great Britain "great".
FDR
You can tell them to kiss your Blarney Stone, for all I care, just keep
it confidential, we may end up needing each other more than we can know
as of now.
FLASHBACK TO 1861:
INT. U.S. SENATE CHAMBER PRE-CIVIL WAR - AFTERNOON
Scene opens in Washington, D.C., floor of the US Senate, and it is
prewar 1861; a portly brilliant Senator from Louisiana has come to the
floor to duel with Northern opponents of slavery; the debate is
pertinent to a bill to protect Ft. Sumter and other vulnerable federal
installations in the South
SEN. WADE
Ah, Mr. President, I see that my worthy adversary from the state of
Louisiana has entered the Chamber; perhaps he will set forth the basis
for his vehement obstructionism regarding the safety of our troops and
materiel in his native South, or perhaps he is but carrying water for
his enslaving confreres, masquerading, as it were, as an Israelite in
Egyptian clothing!
SEN. BENJAMIN
Sir, do you besmirch my honor as a Louisianan and an American for
defending an economic practice necessitated by the climate in my
homeplace and the lack of otherwise affordable labor to replace
it?
SEN. WADE
Surely my friend will allow that it is passing strange that he, a
Hebrew by blooded ancestry, should tolerate the treatment of humans as
chattel.
SEN. BENJAMIN
Yes, it is true that I am a Jew, and when my ancestors were receiving
the Ten Commandments from their immediate Deity, amidst the thunderings
and lightnings of Mt. Sinai, the ancestors of my opponent were herding
swine in the forests of Great Britain. Do not, therefore, deign to
engage in verbal chicanery, my dear Senator, for you know as well as I
that our sacred Constitution counts these chattel as mere 3/5ths our
counterparts, indeed, my friend should count himself blessed that his
people were not so accurately quantified!
SEN. PRES.
Order, order; Sgt. At arms, clear the gallery; this body stands in
recess.
CUT TO:
INT. WILLARD'S HOTEL BARROOM - EVENING

The scene turns to Willard's Hotel, the capital's haunt for political
eminences, spies and assorted characters prowling a southern town
inconveniently serving as the federal union's capital; intrigue is
palpable....
Jeff Davis approaches Sen. Benjamin, seated at a semi-private booth,
his back to the wall
JEFFERSON DAVIS

Ah, Judah, I've heard about that scoundrel Wade's intemperate remarks,
although ,as I also have learned of yours, I am pleased to say that if
debate were war, the white flag may be found above his head!
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Spoken like the perceptive Secretary of War that you are. What
news?
JEFFERSON DAVIS
I fear the worst; South Carolina is ripe for secession and my own
state, as yours, will soon follow suit. I have only recently visited
West Point and the Cadets are already at war, incivility is everywhere
between them.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Were it not Carolina 'twould be another: the dye is cast and
preparations must be made. My contacts in London have expressed great
sympathy for our plight......as well as for our cotton!
JEFFERSON DAVIS
When it does come, I shall need your allegiance as never before.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Sir, you may depend upon me to stand by your side until the last, no
matter the peril.
JEFFERSON DAVIS
That is of great comfort to me; we must summon the courage of those who
in the last century, Southerners foremost, pledged their sacred honor
as well as their lives.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
I shall use every resource at my disposal, including my birth on
British territory to serve the Cause. Let us view it as a matter of
timeless honor, in revenge for the shabby treatment given King George
III by the Yankees among those revolutionaries.
JEFFERSON DAVIS
So be it; Judah, I count it among our greatest treasure that the South
shall enjoy the loyalty and talents of such a son of the House of David
as you.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
We shall see how worthy are the words and deeds of the awkward Mr.
Lincoln when he is faced with a determined foe; Senator Douglas tells
me that he is most able, yet he has been smuggled into town incognito
so fearful is he of the civilian opposition to his seeming election. My
own estimate is that this first Republican may have no Republic over
which to preside, at least North of the Mason-Dixon.
JEFFERSON DAVIS
I wish to share your bravado, yet I am loathe to look upon it still.
Perhaps there is yet hope that cooler heads will prevail. It is well
that our Negroes are illiterate, for we cannot be forced to fight on
two fronts. You must importune your English friends to prevail upon
Lincoln to do as Pharoah: let the South go, if go it must. Kansas is
but a foretaste, though I fear those now in federal power know not the
horrors of war as I have beheld them in Mexico.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Nay, Lincoln would, in his own folksy way slyly retort that it is the
South which is Pharoah to the African; If it comes to that, I shall
accompany the British in their return to finish burning the Executive
Mansion, this time including its nefarious occupants. Do not forget
that the First Lady is a daughter of the South: she may yet do that of
which all women are capable, as my sweet David learned from
Bathsheba!
JEFFERSON DAVIS
Now that, my dear friend, is REAL power!

Scene closes with strong laughter erupting between the two
men....
FADE OUT.
INT. BRAZILIAN PRESIDENTIAL PALACE ANTEROOM - DAY

Scene opens on an ornate conference table surrounded by various
characters from the German Reich and their counterparts from the Vargas
government; they are in the anterooms of Presidente Vargas' palace
guest house, afforded them now that their business is better known; at
the head of the table is Hernando Escalante, married to one of the
oldest German ?migr? plantationers from last century; his aide is
Dannemann, his brother in law; Vargas has instructed them to play along
for now, with certain conditions.......
HERNANDO ESCALANTE
Gentlemen, salutations from my Government; I have been instructed to
remain at your disposal until some mutual understanding can be reached
as to your
(hesitates)
proposal. In this regard I wish to inform you that I have just returned
from the U.S. and can report to you that our neighbor to the North
sleeps the slumber of the na?ve. She is at war with herself and the
small clique of blooksuckers who run her affairs. I am told that there
is very little awareness of happenings on your continent-----something
we have grown accustomed to,as well, down here.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Ach, this is in keeping with our reports: even their great aviation
hero, Lindbergh, calls for isolation from foreign affairs and openly
praises the Fuehrer. We are very pleased.
HERNANDO ESCALANTE
El Presidente wishes you to know that he is sympathetic to what you are
planning at home, he has similar problems with communistas here and
intends to......deal with them; it is here that he requests your
assistance.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
You may depend upon our complete cooperation, along with men and
materiel; we have developed.... certain methods which we have found to
be especially effective with undesirables and racially inferior
breeds.
HERNANDO ESCALANTE
Very well; we wish to avail ourselves of this generous offer as soon as
practicable. I understand that you have brought with you personnel who
may be detailed to our central prison for..... demonstration
purposes?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Colonel Schindler of the SS has been assigned to you along with his
staff officers, present here.
( They spring to their feet, heels clicking)
HERNANDO ESCALANTE
Excellent; my attach? will escort them to their destination.
(They exit the premises, with translators)
I have made inquiries at the Campo community and we feel we have just
the right man, a 'true believer', as they say, directly descended from
Colonel Norris himself, no less. He even knows the words to 'Dixie' and
recites them every anniversary of Jeff Davis' birthday.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
(animated)
Splendide, when can we meet him?
HERNANDO ESCALANTE
Why, as soon as you like; you see, he is already in service to El
Presidente as a cultural advisor, fluent in five languages, including
German, I might add.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Wundebar! We must waste no time; may I suggest on tomorrow that we
visit him in his natural 'habitat', so to say; we are curious as to how
the old ways of the South are still with these people.
HERNANDO ESCALANTE
Certainly; his name is Jacobo Weingartner de Escalante.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
(smiling)
He is your very family? The Fuhrer will be very pleased.
HERNANDO ESCALANTE
My nephew, his father's family was of German extraction, in fact; May I
propose a toast
He motions to a servant to distribute schnapps already poured into
aperitif glassware
To the Nueva Ordera de la Munda!
The Germans spring to their feet, screaming
Heil Hitler y Viva Vargas!
FLASHBACK TO 1910:
EXT. VILA SANTA BARBARA - DAY

VILA SANTA BARBARA, IN THE YEAR 1910; CHILDREN PLAY REENACTING THEIR
FORBEARS' ACTIONS IN THE WAR OF THEIR GRANDFATHERS FROM THE
NORTH......they speak in Portuguese, then transition to quite good
English, especially Jacobo .........
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
(screaming, holding a mock sword)
Charge, let's go men, for Jeff Davis and the cause!
Swarms of boys, even some girls, clash in a motley display of bravado
and machismo; of all the children, two stand out: Jacobo Weingartner
and a smallish, chubby mulatto, Phillipe Benjamin; the two are fast
friends, always 'fighting' on the same side; today, like most, they
have defeated the Yanquis, and planted their omnipresent flag on a
small mound; it is the annual commemoration of the firing on Ft.
Sumter, S.C..........
MARY WEINGARTNER
They are so rough, Joseph, stop them!
JOSEPH
( her Brazilian husband)
Let them play, good for their souls, my dear; they must remember who
and where they came from, their history is unique and must be part of
who they will become.
A bugler, somewhat aged, in tattered Confederate uniform begins to blow
the call to retreat...
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
Hear that, they are on the run! Let's go, time to eat.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I'm not hungry, you go ahead; want to march with the men, then I am to
lead the invocation!.
BUGLER
Company, fall in! Right shoulder arms! Your left......
They are proceeding to the simple graveyard on the highest point of
Vila Santa Barbara D'Oeste, Col. Norris' settlement site.
CAPTAIN OF THE BAND
We few, we happy few.......men then abed in Dixie have since this day
counted themselves small that they were not there on this solemn
occasion of great and lasting glory. Raise the flag; gentlemen and
ladies, let us pray, Jacobo come forward and lead us.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Dear lord, keep us and preserve us as people of honor and loyalty above
all; today we ask that you smile upon our departed ancestors, who
brought us to this land where we have been welcome for many years. May
God Bless the land of Brazil, and the Confederacy forever!
CAPT.
Well done, lad, well done. And now, let the Festa Confederada
commence!
A Brazilian band begins to play Dixie, somewhat off key and rather
Latinized, but it is recognizable
PARENT 1
Oh, Mary, you must be so very pleased; your son is destined to lead
this colony, all the colonies to great success and fame.
MARY WEINGARTNER
Yes, he has shown great promise; there is talk of him attending a very
fine boarding school in Sao Paolo, part of the German enclave
there.
PARENT 2
Ay, Dios, I have heard that only the finest families from the German
tobacco planters are accepted there. What an honor.
JOSEPH ESCALANTE, JACOBO'S FATHER
Let us not rush things, he still is a boy of 12, there is yet another
year before he would be eligible; for now, let him enjoy his life here,
with his good friends and companions. The child is father to the man,
as the poet Wordsworth has written.
PARENT 3
( on Joseph's leaving to greet a friend)
I find it strange indeed that the little Benjamino is so close to your
Jacobo; I would have thought....
MARY WEINGARTNER
Are you so unaware that you do not know of his ancestry: my dear lady,
he is of the bastard, as you say, of the very Brains of the
Confederacy, Judah P.!
PARENT 4
I heard he was of the Hebrew tribe, very clever but cunning, as they
are reputed to be.
PARENT 5
Yes, and his bastardy brings shame to this colony; he has no kin, no
estate, yet I have learned that his putative grandfather lived like a
King in England. And the stories of how he abandoned Presidente Davis'
party in the last days.
MARY WEINGARTNER
Sad to say, this is very true; the times were so very chaotic, perhaps
he did not know of the child-----he narrowly escaped Florida with his
life.
PARENT 4
Only to take up with some lower native woman, it is all too
sordid.
MARY WEINGARTNER
Nevertheless, the child knew of his heritage, his father having
preserved a letter to his mother from England, a very beautiful apology
for Judah having had to flee to England from St. Croix, his birthplace
and that of his unknown son. It is because of young Philipe, his
grandfather's second name, that the German headmaster has taken notice
of Jacobo. The Benjamin boy has been a ward of the foreman at the
Plantation near the river.
PARENT 4
Well, in that case.....
MARY WEINGARTNER
Do not be so mercenary, my dear, it does not become a daughter of the
South!
(P4 walks off in a huff)
PARENT 2
You understand her feelings, don't you Maria, the boy is very dark
skinned.
MARY WEINGARTNER
And so are some of our best friends here in Brazil; no, I will not
interfere with a friendship so important to my son; my husband is very
wise indeed, the child, and his experiences taken together, especially
so young, IS the father to the man.
The scene fades with a shot of Jacobo and Philipe picknicking on the
cemetery grounds, near the old chapel, large pieces of cornbread lanced
on their wooden swords, laughing......
FADE TO:
EXT. PRESIDENTAL HEALTH RETREAT- DAY
WE SEE THE EXTERIOR, FROM AERIAL VANTAGE, THEN PROCEED INSIDE

A small compound, still under some final construction, at Warm Springs,
Ga., home to hotsprings long sought out by FDR for his amazingly
unknown polio; he is there inspecting the final touches, with his
private secretary, and close campaign veterans.....; he has just
finished his exercise regimen in the warm waters and is refreshed but
tired....
FDR
Well, Lucy, what have we got on the calendar, let's keep it short and
sweet today, a bit fatigued.
SECY
Mr. President.....that is President-elect, some correspondence from Mr.
Hoover, and a request from the Mayor of Chicago for you to join him in
Miami in February for a party meeting.
FDR
Can't refuse old Ferdinand, got me in as much as any man, gospel truth.
Make the arrangements for the special car, etc., all hush hush, would
you dear?
SECY
I'll have your sons on hand as per usual; in the meantime, your doctor
will be here tomorrow for the physical.
FDR
Damnable nuisance, that, fit as ever, save these dead sticks, really
interfere with my sailing, my second love, after you, of course! HaHa
Ha!
All in good fun, Lucy, dear.
SECY
We can arrange to have the Sequoia brought down to Savannah the White
House tells me, if you like.
FDR
Won't hear of it, we're in a Depression, really bad form that
Presidential yacht business; going to put it up for sale, maybe ole Joe
K. will buy it, rich man he.
SECY
Oh, yes, speaking of Mr. Kennedy.....
FDR
Put him off, too talky, damn near lost my ears to him before Christmas;
know what he wants, all in good time.
SECY
He sent a case of your favorite spirits.
FDR
Always the campaigner; maybe we'll put him in charge of my
therapies------not so sure he wouldn't have me dancing an Irish jig in
no time flat!
SECY
Mr. Roosevelt, would that that were so. Will there be anything
else?
FDR
Yes, your company will be required at the patio for afternoon
cocktails, compliments of Mr. Kennedy, that rascal. Thank you, dear,
just going to listen to some radio now, got some letters to compose. Ta
ta.
FADE OUT.
INT. BAROQUE RECEIVING ROOMS OF GERMAN PRESIDENT - DAY
Berlin; a staff meeting between the two 'governments', that of
President Von Hindenberg, aged and enfeebled, and Herr, soon to be
Chancellor, Hitler; a surly bunch, Hitler's, trying their best to look
statesmanlike, in jackboots; the transition is almost complete......the
standard Alphonse/Gastone routine, honeyed words masking intent from
Hitler &; Co., palsied resignation from the Weimar government.....a
message, encoded, has arrived from the boys in Brazil....it is early
January, 1933......
AIDE
(heels loudly click)
Mine Fueher, a dispatch from Herr Fruehoffer.

ADOLPH HITLER
Ah, goot; summarize it for me.
He is too busy surveying every move in the huge Baroque chamber
AIDE
Plan Diablo is well under way; ze perfect man has been identified, of
German heritage, in part, und fluent in English. He is to be
scrutinized tomorrow, report to follow. Zere is a request for
background on a Weingartner family of Stuttgart.
ADOLPH HITLER
Sounds Juden; I want a thorough check made immediately, do you
hear?
AIDE
I shall tend to it personally.
ADOLPH HITLER
No; put Himmler in charge, post haste. That's all, I must continue with
my Brahms lullabies.
(smiles)
Smiling the smile of a demon, turning now to greet Pres. VH
Paul, how joyous this occasion, is it not, old friend?

A QUICK VIGNETTE, SOMEHOW OVERLAID EPHEMERALLY, AS IF PEERING INTO
HITLER'S BRAIN, VISUALIZING HIS ORDER HAVING BEEN CARRIED OUT WITH
GREAT GUSTO, THE IMAGININGS----NOW ALL TOO REAL-----OF A HUNGRY JACKAL,
TO STUTTGART; A STIFF FELLOW HAS PARADED INTO THE CHURCH RECTORY,
DEMANDING TO SEE THE RECORDS OF BIRTH, MARRIAGE, RACE, ETC. GOING BACK
2OO YEARS; LACKEYS SCURRY IN AND OUT, USING THE RECTOR'S PRIVATE
OFFICE; SCENE FADES OUT, PANTOMIME WITHOUT ANY AUDIBLE DIALOGUE SAVE
BARKED ORDERS, SERVILE COMPLIANCE....
CUT TO NEXT DAY:
EXT. VILA SANTA BARBARA- DAY

Scene changes to Vila Santa Barbara D'Oeste, the hamlet founded by Col
Norris; the place has grown over the years, and is somewhat prosperous,
many of the confederados having married Brazilian planters and some
even German planter families; Mary W. Escalante has been widowed for
some time, and, at 52 is still a handsome woman; A Mercedes staff car
pulls up a long dirt road; the occupants spring from the car, dusting
their clothes, greeted by a servant who shows them to MW; English is
spoken, rather brokenly by the Germans, quite well by Mary....
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Ah, Madam, it is an honor to meet you; your place in history precedes
you, may I be permitted to say?
He kisses her outstretched hand, Prussian style; his heels, however,
will not click for the grass of the lawn, he is unfased
MARY WEINGARTNER
Gentlemen, welcome to you all to our humble campo. I have arranged a
light luncheon under our community canopy, this way please.

Col. Fruehoffer, a hero of Ludendorff's Russian campaigns in WWI,
extends his elbow to the dazzled Mary W.
The groups takes up seating under a large plain canvass awning, in an
isolated locale in the flatland of the village square; the Germans are
full of questions....
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Tell me, my dear madam, about your continuous ceremonies; we former
soldiers are keenly aware of the brilliance of your Stonewall Jackson,
a true military genius, may I say-----his tactics were employed in the
last war, did you know this?
MARY WEINGARTNER
I must say that that is high praise coming from such a storied military
as yours; our founder, Col. Norris, his gravestone is just there, you
see, fought in over fifty engagements under General Jackson.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
We are indeed in rarefied company; is English spoken here, may I ask,
as well as you know it?
MARY WEINGARTNER
Oh, yes, indeed; it is central to our traditions, you see; we have
always had early education of our children in it, although it is not
used that often; I find Portuguese so much more mellifluous.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
As you know, it is a Germanic language, and as such, is now
well-studied in Berlin in certain circles of authority; our Fuhrer is a
great admirer of The British crown, where a German faction has always
been strong by marriage. Tell me, is your son Jacob so skilled?
MARY WEINGARTNER
Most assuredly, he is highly fluent, having studied abroad in Atlanta
at the Georgia Institute of Technology; he was the guest there of Dr.
Gaston, one of the founders of a nearby colony, who returned there to
practice medicine.
HERR VON REICHRAT
Col., begging your pardon, shall we review the archives now or
later?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
You are quite right, Otto, we must to business; Madam, will you kindly
permit us to take our leave, please to begin your delectation, we will
rejoin you soon enough, my attach? and I must tend to some dusty
matters; my staff would seek to question you further, if
acceptable.
(He stands, bowing crisply)
MARY WEINGARTNER
Why of course; Jorge will show you to the records, such as they are,
many have been lost, sadly, the climate, you know.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Your servant!
MARY WEINGARTNER
Gentlemen, shall we lunch?
( all are smiling amiably.....)
CUT TO:
INT. JACOBO'S OFFICE IN RIO DE JANEIRO - DAY

Scene opens with Jacobo W. telephoning his boyhood friend, Philipe B.
in Sao Paolo to arrange a get together during his return to the Campo
of their youth; they are both in their mid-thirties, Jacobo is a tall
lithe but muscular man of impressive appearance, very disciplined;
Presidente Vargas has taken him into his confidences.

JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Phillipe, so wonderful to hear your voice, it has been too long, my
brother.
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
Jacobo! Where are you, I have not seen you in two years.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
My duties have kept me away for too long, but the news is good, I am on
my way down today by plane: you must meet me.
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
Of course; I am free this afternoon, with some adjustments, where and
when?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I will send a car for you as I must proceed directly to Vila Santa
Barbara to see a delegation of from the German government, and, of
course, mi mama. Shall we say you will be called upon at 1?
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
Called upon------my goodness, you have made me a VIP, very
diplomatico!
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Forgive me Phillipe, it has become second nature due to my official
protocol assignments; hey, not like the old days so much any more, when
we had to pretend?
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
I almost prefer them, so much politics now, not so simple I am
afraid.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
One must keep up with the times, especially when Brazil is poised to
emerge as the preeminent power in the Americas, Phillipe; enough of
this, until later today, mi hermano!
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
Adio, Jacobo.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLANATATION AIRSTRIP NEAR VILA SANTA BARBARA - DAY

A private airstrip near the plantations surrounding VSB; a government
chauffeur is waiting for the Presidential plane, and we find Jacobo in
the back seat with an aide from Sao Paolo.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
So, Manolo, que pasa?
AIDE
Sir, these guests are here as the personal representatives of Herr
Hitler, no less! Their leader, Col. Fruehoffer, was a favorite field
commander of President von Hindenburg himself, and his staff are
detailed from the newly formed SS, an elite.....
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Yes, I have heard of these crack troops; they all have taken an oath of
loyalty to Herr Hitler himself, quite unusual for Prussians, mostly
from Bavaria, as I take it. In view of the fact that Hitler was a draft
dodger in the War, it is all the more surprising, nevertheless it
commands respect for his organizational skills. What else do I need to
know?
AIDE
Only that they have spoken to your uncle about a diplomatic mission of
utmost seriousness for the future of the Hemisphere.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Mission? I was told by El Presidente that this was a diplomatic
meeting, but what sort of mission?
AIDE
They have been very circumspect, however, my sources in the Ministry of
Commerce, directly under Sr. Mendes himself, tell me that it involves
the American Administration incoming.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Roosevelt, mmmmm. I have heard many things about him, including that he
is not a well man.
AIDE
There is a cloud of mystery around him to be sure, his own press are
very quiet about any such matters.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Now that is discipline, something we are going to achieve here as well
with our press.
They have arrived at the VSB; they are led to JW's mother and her
guests, having caf? in the garden.....
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER (CONT'D)
Madre! Que Linda es!
MARY WEINGARTNER
Gentlemen, I have the honor to introduce my son, Jacobo, just arrived
especially to greet you from Rio.
GERMANS
(all clicking and stiffening, speaking in German)
We are honored Herr Weingartner.
Handshakes all around; just then, Col. Fruehoffer approaches....
GERMAN ATTACHE
Achtung; allow me the honor to present the Fuhrer's emissary, Col.
Heinrich Fruehoffer.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I bid you welcome; please, sit and let us visit on behalf of our two
governments.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Alas, we have not yet officially become a government, however.....A
genuine pleasure; may I say that you look like a German-American from
Milwaukee, Wisconsin!
(Polite laughter)
Truly, it is uncanny, like their Babe Ruth, but without the girth,und
far more handsome, ya?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Most kind; I am afraid I am not very good with a bat and ball, however,
I do enjoy a good bratwurst, eh?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
No matter, no matter; this game is very provincial, in any event;
soccer , or futball as you call it here, is the true sport of the
world, yes?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I agree; much more vigorous, good for the health. Presidente Vargas has
sent along some very fine schnapps
(motions to his aide, who has already prepared the glasses)
may I propose a toast: To the future!
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Well said; this is the very subject about which we wish to gain an
audience with you privately.
MARY WEINGARTNER
You gentlemen attend to just that; I must take my leave for some
business in Sao Paolo. Shall I see you for dinner, Jacobo?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Of course, mother; I have invited Phillipe here, he will join us as
well.
Just then Phillipe B. approaches from the distance
Here he comes now.
Both Mary and Jacobo beg their guests' pardon, and walk to greet
him
HERR FRUEHOFFER
This is a most interesting fellow; he is ideal, do you not agree?
AIDE DE CAMP
This man he greets appears like a servant; who is he?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
You will learn this immediately, along with full details on their
relationship; it is curious, such a gentleman, rushing to greet an
ordinary wog, most peculiar----they must have a history; learn it and
report.
Phillipe goes to the house with Mary, Jacobo returns to the
Germans
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
My greatest friend since boyhood; we fought many battles on this very
ground for Jeff Davis and the Cause!
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Yes, the Cause; I wonder, Herr...Sr. Weingartner de Escalante, are you
still as ardent for a worthy cause?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I believe very strongly in what El Presidente is attempting for Brazil,
particularly with the communistas, if that answers your query.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Indeed, we have had such difficulties with these Bolsheviks in our
country, really a malcontent lot, led by mostly Jewish self-styled
intellectual fools, who fail to understand that egalitarian dreams of
democracy cannot last, as they did not in zer cradle, Athens,
yes?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Discipline is the missing factor, the mob cannot, by its very nature,
comprehend how its lack ordains defeat.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Are you sure you have had no military training, Sr.; these are the
words of Herr von Hindenburg himself, our own Jackson, if you will
permit me to say so.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I fear not, though as a boy I knew this to be the hope of the South, a
place I have sadly only visited briefly; America made a grave mistake
in casting away her own: the bitterness still lives, I must say, I saw
it as a young boy and little has changed; that nation was and is
weakened by the fall of the Southern way of life.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
These are true words which you speak, mature perhaps beyond your years.
What would you say, Sr. Weingartner de Escalante, if I told you that
she, America has seen her better days, those when the South produced
the world's cotton and those of low origin knew their place; does this
shock you?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Not at all; I have lived there, as I said, and found it a dour place,
bludgeoned in spirit by Yankee mediocrity, the Irish drunkard,
especially has imposed his Know Nothing attitudes upon authority
there.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Well said, indeed; and now, they have their new leadership, so called,
a mongrelized breed of Dutch commercial ilk with, as you say, Yankee
sailors, a second-rate aggregation of skills, ripe for international
Bolshevism and Jewry's manipulation, yes; we have evidence of this,
that this new President is under their direct control, perhaps himself
possessing, through miscegenation, your South's very relevant racial
term, Jewish blood.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I was not aware of this, but I am not surprised; in Atlanta, where I
resided for awhile, a Jew was hanged several years ago for his
atrocities committed upon a small Christian girl, truly heinous, his
actions.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
This is not uncommon in Europe; there is ample evidence of their
parasitic intentions upon all Christian nations. I put it to you, sir,
we in the vanguard of the future, to which you so wisely toasted, are
persuaded that this problem must be rooted out before it may spread its
infectious turpitude.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
This evidence, does it concern the Western Hemisphere as well?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
We are convinced it does; as North America goes, so does your
continent, never more important to them really than as a source of
commercial exploitation, as you know. We are afraid that you require
liberation, much as your nations were thusly liberated from imperial
Spain and Portugal. This Roosevelt is very dangerous to our future. His
successor, on the other hand, is a country bumpkin, seeking only for
America to be left alone!
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
He has not even taken office; this does not happen until March,
correct?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
We are both correct: and, may I say in all confidence, to a friend of
the future Third Reich, he must not do so.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I do not understand; their election is over; it is but a
formality....
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Should he live.....
(searching Jacobo's face)
as you may know, he is not a well man, it is our understanding he is
unable to walk.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I have heard such rumors. Are you aware of some sort of civil
unrest?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Well, to be sure, there is economic depression there, marchers in the
streets, dissension is in the air; poverty is great everywhere, who can
say about such matters.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Do you have any precise intelligence of a plot of some kind, perhaps by
the Bolsheviks?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
In point of fact, we do, although the source may surprise you: I am
very possibly, along with yourself, in the midst of that plot.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Are you suggesting....
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Only speculating, hypothetically, that there are certain forces of that
same future of which we spoke, and, frankly, with which we are
sympathetic, which would be very much gratified if such a fate befell
this bloated nation of mediocre drunkards and elitists of low birth, if
that is not a contradiction.
(The tense laughter of a zealot)
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I now understand your visit much more fully; and your request that I
join you here, directly to Presidente Vargas.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
(cannot yet read him)
I assure you, we mean no.....
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
There is no need for that: all my life, I have dreamed of avenging my
forbears humiliation at the hands of the very Yankees from which this
mongrel, as you have said, descends. I am deeply honored!

Momentarily stunned by his failure to forsee this zealous reaction,
Col. F. is overjoyed

You, sir, are perhaps the ubermensch of whom Herr Nietzche
dreamed!
HERR FRUEHOFFER
And now, it is I who propose a toast: 'To the future of Brazil and
perhaps her future Presidente'!
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
You honor me far too much; I am a loyalist to order and its promise for
the future. As you might imagine, I am weary from my journey and the
depth of our portentous discussion; may I recommend that we continue
our vital dialogue in Sao Paolo, at Sr. Mendes' offices there on
tomorrow?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
But of course, we shall leave you to the succor of your lovely mother
and your friend, Sr. .....
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Benjamin, his grandfather was a great luminary of the South.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Ah, yes, just so. Until tomorrow at 2 then, auf wieder sein.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Auf weider sein.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
(En route to his staff car)
I found no record of this Benjamin in the sparse papers here; I want
full details from our operatives in Cuba and at the Embassy in
Washington, ya?, but that is for tomorrow.. Ach, so, gentlemen, a
celebration may be in order; I have my favorites at the house we
visited, as I am sure you do as well; perhaps we may teach these
Brazilian women what it means to be serviced by ze Master race, so as
to improve their razzer weak stock: ah, ze things we do for ze
Fazerland, eh?
(Ribald laughter)
CUT TO:
INT. THE WHITE HOUSE - DAY

We are in the White House cabinet room; senior FDR staff have been
given access by the outgoing Hoover people; they are discussing the
President-elect's itinerary in Florida next month, it is January; a
certain German housekeeper of long-standing service, whose family is
Prussian/Bavarian, very old-fashioned Brunehilda type; she has heard
rumors that frighten her, that FDR is a socialist, perhaps a communist,
is eavesdropping......
H HOPKINS
Alright, Franklin is determined to make this trip, so let's make the
best of it, dammit; don't like it, Miami may be good for his health,
but I don't like the whole business, tell ya that.
ASSISTANT IN CHARGE OF ACCOMMODATIONS, ADVANCE PLANNING
Booked the Bridal suite at the Everglades, best in town; we'll have
Pinkertons and Secret Service on duty as hotel staff; got quite a few
death threats from cranks and the like; lotta unemployed in the
streets.
SECRET SERVICE REP
We got it all worked out; no one gets near the hotel, no one.
HARRY HOPKINS
Look, Franklin won't stand for that; gotta have access, he's a public
person, needs that contact. Here's the plan......
Helga Landesmann writes down what she overhears and jots it down on
here apron in shorthand, she used to work in an office in Milwaukee;
she hurries home, later to share her newfound information with an
acquaintance from her German American social club, the military attache
at the German Embasy---unbeknownst to her, he is currying favor with
the new "Government"
OLD FASHIONED TELESCOPING DOWN SHOT
FADE OUT.
INT. GERMAN AMERICAN SOCIETY RURAL MARYLAND - NIGHT
HELGA LANDESMANN
Friedrich, my friend, may I have a word with you?
She has approached him at a weekend dance; Polka music is playing
loudly.
MAJOR FRIEDRICH SCHULER
(he is out of uniform)
Ya, Helga, what is it? Are you enjoying the get together?
HELGA LANDESMANN
You know zat I am a very patriotic woman, and as an American, very
concerned about what is happening to this country...
MAJOR FRIEDRICH SCHULER
What are you getting at, this is not like you?
HELGA LANDESMANN
I am very worried about the things I have been hearing about socialism,
even communism having crept into the counsels of the new President to
be; you are more worldly than I, perhaps you can make sense of this
business of he and this communist mayor of Chicago. I leave it all up
to you, I only want the best for my new country, that is all....
(she appears torn, confused)
MAJOR FRIEDRICH SCHULER
Of course,while I am simply a military attache, I will look into it, do
not worry about a thing
(he puts the envelope in his jacket, unopened)
Shall we get some punch, yes?
(they walk together to the refreshment stand)
CUT TO NEXT MORNING:

INT. NAZI PARTY HEADQUARTERS - DAY

Scene opens in Berlin; Hitler has assumed full power lawfully, getting
rave reviews in the British and American press; his operatives have
fanned this positive notice in the US and England; he is meeting with
his inner circle...; it is January 13, 1933, two months before FDR's
Inaugural.....
SHOT: INTEGRATE STOCK NEWSREEL FOOTAGE OF HITLER'S RISE TO POWER
FEACEFULLY, EMPHASIZING POSITIVE INITIAL PRESS IN ENGLAND AND
USA--
SS OFFICER
( on the Phone with Operative in the Foreign Affairs Ministry)
And you are certain of her background, there is no duplicity
here?
COUNTERPART AT MINISTRY
Quite sure;Major Shuler assures me her father served as a highly
decorated officer in the Prussian Army and she is very faithful; there
is no question, it is consistent with what we know about this man of
the people, a traitor to his class, this Roosevelt schweinhunt.
SS MAN
Very well, I will convey this intelligence to ze Fuhrer's staff. Heil
Hitler!
An aide carries in a cable from the Embassy in Brazil; it is a request
from Herr Fruehoffer's staff for expedited inquiry into a certain Judah
P. Benjamin, closet Jewish Confederate official, and later Barrister in
London; as this falls under Plan Diablo, all actions must be approved
by Himmler's SS.
There is a knock at the door of a high-ranking officer's
office.....
COL. MUNCHLER
Yes, yes, enter.
(very curt, cutting everyone off)
SS MAN
Heil......
(cut off)
COL. MUNCHLER
What is it, I am most preoccupied with the transitional matters
entrusted to me?
SS MAN
Ya vol, mine Colonel; zese matters are marked for your EYES ONLY
(hands them to Col.)
COL. MUNCHLER
(quickly peruses them, begins to smile arrogantly)
Take a dispatch....."To Col. Fruehoffer, c/o: German consular office,
Sao Paolo, Brazil: My Dear Col., you are to personally brief your
operative forthwith as to these details; as per plan, he is to be kept
under polite guard once so briefed. Await any further instructions.
HEIL HITLER!, Etc."
SS MAN
Sir, there is the other matter......
(cut off again)
COL. MUNCHLER
Am I to be the errand boy of this retired Colonel...it is a background
matter for ze Foreign Ministry and the London Embassy, now get
out!
Neither man sees the relevance of Benjamin to Plan Diablo as no one, as
when he was alive, is aware he was a Jew.
SS MAN
Ya, Vol,........
He slinks out the door, laying the Benjamin folder aside as the phone
rings; it is his wife.
Ahh, Madelena; I shall be home very soon, I promise; Auf weider sein,
liebchen.
Later that night, the elderly cleaning woman inadvertently knocks the
Benjamin file into a box of other older files; there are file boxes
everywhere, awaiting filing, due to the Nazi takeover's recency; she
does not hear it fall due to her poor hearing; more able workers have
been "drafted", against the Versailles Treaty, into the civilian
armaments buildup..
FADE TO BLACK:
INT. MODEST HOME OF MARY WEINGARTNER - EVENING
Reminiscing are Mary, Jacobo and Phillipe; they have just finished
dining and are in the sitting room; Mary has excused herself to visit
an ailing friend.
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
......and the time, I will never forget it, that you threatened that
playmate of ours, Pepe Johnson, I think, with your wooden sword for
calling me a Jew!
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
So long ago, Filipo, so wild were we; yes, I remember, and it wasn't
the last time I had to rescue your honor, my brother....
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
But, Jacobo, I am a Jew.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
That again; you know your grandmother was a St. Croix native girl---I
do not know of any Jewish girls there!
(laughing at obvious)
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
My grandfather, Jacobo, my grandfather, you know that he was very
esteemed, for that very reason by Jeff Davis and his wife, Varina; why
do you forget this?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Exactly, my dear friend, my brother, I know all about Mr.
Benjamin....sorry, your grandfather, but....see here, the world knows
that his only wife was a Catholic girl, and, perhaps you must know that
in order for you to be a Jew, no matter who was the father, your madre
must have possessed Jewish blood.
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
Nevertheless, I am of noble heritage, at least Southern nobility; I
consider myself a Jew and believe it is no coincidence that my
grandfather, born in St. Croix, lived in New Orleans before the
War-----look at my derivative name! NO, no, this was no accident of
birth!
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
As you wish, dear 'filipo', I surrender!
Just then, Mary returns, with a plate offered by her friend's
neighbo.r
MARY WEINGARTNER
Gentlemen, que pasa? Have some of these plantains, they are quite
good.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
No, no mama, I am surfeited! I must rise early for the government plane
to Sao Paolo; and you, filipo, will you return there with me to the
halls of power!?
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
I must attend to some business at the Plantation Villagros, from there
I will be provided transport; if your official car can deign to take me
there tomorrow.....I promise to bow to you in front of your assistant,
if you like!
(laughing in mock submission)
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
That is it! mama, where is my 'sword', I must teach this fellow a
lesson!
(they all laugh)
CUT TO:
EXT. PLANTATION VILLAGROS - NEXT DAY
Jacobo has insisted upon accompanying his assistant to Phillipe's
destination before proceeding to the airstrip; he has instructed the
plane to simply wait; this will mean he will arrive late for his
meeting but he is very loyal friend. HE has had his aide phone ahead to
Sr. Mendes' offices and thus learns that Mendes will not be in
attendance, that he has been diverted to other business.....
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Strange, Mendes not having been assigned to this meeting, after all it
does have trade and economic implications.
AIDE
Yes, I agree; still, I am sure he has a good reason.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Dannemann tells me that he was also rather quick to leave his prior
meeting with the German delegation----perhaps he is uncertain about
their objectives?
AIDE
I do know that that was due to prior business for President Vargas
himself. Perhaps this is of a similar nature, likely in Spain; I know
he has family there, near Guernica, and I believe that El Presidente
has had close recent dealings with the Franco people.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
In any event, I shall give him a complete report should any matters
which concern him arise, and there is always his assistant Dannemann.
Very well, have you notified them that we shall be late?
AIDE
Yes, they are aware and have adjusted their arrival as well.
FADE OUT.
INT. THE WHITE HOUSE - DAY
The President-Elect has just arrived from Warm Springs and is meeting
with his advisors, at the invitation of the outgoing President Hoover,
whose relevant staff is also present; they are discussing foreign
affairs, and an aide has delivered a secure cable from the Brazilian
Embassy in Spain.....

Reading from the cable, aloud at the request of FDR advisor; FDR is
absent from the room.
AIDE

'Request for private meeting with Secretary of State immediately from
Minister of Economics, Republic of Brazil----STOP---matter of grave
national/international importance----STOP.' That's it, nothing
more.
OUTGOING ASST. SEC. OF STATE
That's odd; what with all the nationalistic goings-on in both
countries, this sounds fishy to me; better get our Embassy people in
Spain onto this, get the lowdown on who had this sent, so forth.
Strange it was addressed here, breach of protocol, really.
AIDE
Very well, sir, would you like a follow up report?
OUTGOING ASST. SEC. OF STATE
No, just route it through channels; now where were we----oh, yes, this
German situation, who has the briefing?
(Aide leaves room)
DEPUTYU SEC. OF WAR
Gentlemen, here is what we know: Herr Hitler acceded to power as
Chancellor of Germany on the 13th...
HAROLD ICKES
Yes, General, we have that from the papers, all going on about the
stability he's bringing: tell us what our European people
have----agenda, his lieutenants, that sort of thing.
DEPUTYU SEC. OF WAR
As you wish; all we know at this point is that to a country, and
especially England, the word is wait and see, cautiously optimistic;
seems he's going forward with all kinds of public works programs, with
American financiers all aglow, might add; and, on the military side,
there seems to be some sort of informal, clandestine build up using the
unemployed civilian work force, judging by some of he orders these
financial people have cleared the way for.
HAROLD ICKES
Just what sort of build up? What about Versailles, anybody monitoring
compliance, reparations, and the like?
DEPUTYU SEC. OF WAR
That/s just it, Mr. Ickes, can't get any hard information. As you know,
the Young Plan setting up reparation schedules was promoted by the
business and financial communities and, well, they have made it known
that this fellow is 'good for business.
HAROLD ICKES
Yes, yes, been ge'tting all sorts of calls from their people, little
subtle reminders that what is good for business is good for depressed
America, and the political parties that acknowledge that. You'd think
we'd lost the election!
HOOVER REPRESENTATIVE
Now, see here, Harry, just because they're Republicans does not make
them wrong, regardless of the man on the street.
HAROLD ICKES
Now, it's that kind of thinking that has us sitting here, about to take
charge and clean up this mess and, yes, get that man literally off the
street!
(just then FDR is wheeled in)
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Now, now, boys, let's leave the electioneering until '36, shall we?
Good Lord, can hear you all the way into the water closet. Anything for
me, on my way to visit the people's august representatives, courtesy
calls really, putting on some sort of meet and greet, duty calls!
HAROLD ICKES
Franklin, we'll behave, just don't let them preach to you on the Hill;
there is one thing: this trip to Miami, that really necessary?
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Got to get out among the people---besides, as our dear colleague has
aptly pointed out, albeit for other reasons I am sure
(FDR both smiles and glares at his Republican detractor)
The streets are, sadly, where all too many of them are to be found
these trying days, intend to get out there with them, try and dispel
their fear with liberal---hope our friends will pardon the
expression---doses of hope, best thing for the soul, really, maybe the
best of things. TA, TA!
(wheeled out)
FADE TO WHITE:
EXT. BRAZILIAN EMBASSY IN SPAIN - NIGHT
Sr. Mendes, on "business" in Madrid, has been approached by two leather
trench-coated types, showing Nationalist party credentials, escorting
him to a waiting car...
SR. MENDES
What is the meaning of this; do you know who I am, perhaps a mistake
has been made.
OFFICIAL #1
No mistake, senor; we have our orders, just as you, although, perhaps
you were not exactly following yours, eh.
(knowing laughter between the two Spaniards)
OFFICIAL #2
If you wish to see your family here, and for them to see you as
planned, please, cooperate, alright?
SR. MENDES
As you wish, but I will demand to speak to the Embassy shortly; they
are expecting me later tonight as an overnight guest.
CUT TO FEW MINUTES LATER:
INT. NONDESCRIPT GOVERNMENT BUILDING WINDOWLESS ROOM - NIGHT
The two officials have delivered Mendes to a Foreign Ministry official
who is seated behind an expansive desk in a dimly lit large
room....
SENIOR MINISTRY OFFICIAL
May I offer you some refreshment, Sr. Mendes?
(he motions the two delivery boys to leave)
SR. MENDES
I demand to know the precise basis for your actions, at once, do you
hear!
SENIOR MINISTRY OFFICIAL
There is no need for anger; surely as a high government official in
your own country you know that we have a job to do as well; now, shall
we conduct our business in a civil manner?
SR. MENDES
It would appear that I am to be killed......with kindness; very well,
kindly advise me of the nature of your business.
SENIOR MINISTRY OFFICIAL
As you know, locals of most countries where an Embassy sits are widely
employed in various capacities; one such Spaniard, acquainted with our
office, has brought to our attention a most provocative piece of
information, quite disturbing, actually. It seems that you have earlier
today dispatched a classified cable to a most unusual destination----do
you deny this, Sr. Mendes?
SR. MENDES
I do not deny it, sir; I send many cables to many places, some of them
most unusual to those who have neither knowledge of their contents nor
the generally rather ordinary purpose served.
SENIOR MINISTRY OFFICIAL
I see; however, what I do not see is the possible "ordinary" purpose of
your having communicated directly with the White House, Washington,
D.C., mmmmmmmmmmm?
SR. MENDES
(thinking very quickly)
My dear fellow, has it not come to your attention that power in America
has undergone a quite radical shift, peacefully, of course, but
nevertheless radical. In terms of economics, my country has great
interest in these coming changes, and, as perhaps you do not know, the
normal channels are rather ineffectual inasmuch as the officials
remaining in office have no power, they are, as the Americanos say,
"lame ducks".
SENIOR MINISTRY OFFICIAL
Taken back by this unexpectedly facile reply, still suspicious.
Well spoken--- and yet....many lies are also well said. Our friends the
Germans also have had a radical change in government, peaceful as well;
they do not perhaps share your affinity for the Americans and their
failed economy, responsible for much suffering in the world, including
Germany and Spain.
SR. MENDES
While what you say is true, Brazil cannot, should even your great
nations wish it so, remove herself from the Western Hemisphere, now can
she, Senor....I did not get your name....civil though our dialogue may
be.
SENIOR MINISTRY OFFICIAL
So sorry, I thought you might have known from the newspapers, I am Sr.
Guillermo Pisarro, Deputy Minister to Sr. Franco himself. In point of
fact, my family quite ancient in Spain as my ancestors were
conquistadores, eh.
SR. MENDES
Very distinguished, I am sure, unless, of course, one happened to have
been a native person. And one must be mindful that despite all the
glorious achievements and conquests your ancestors were certainly
responsible for, they never conquered Brazil; no, for 500 years she has
stood as the crowning imperial achievement of your rival, the
Portuguese, no?
SR. PISARRO
Odd outlook for someone of Spanish descent himself; in fact, you still
have much family here, in Castilla.
SR. MENDES
Yes Castilians, unlike many of the conquistadores themselves, a mixed
group, sadly.
SR. PISARRO
Enough of this by-play! You force me to breach civility with this
implication of roguish lineage: nevertheless, it is we who control
Spain and expect to do so with the aid of our German friends. Let us
agree on at least one thing----the continued safety and well being of
your family. This I can insure, provided.....
SR. MENDES
I believe that even you are capable of a far more subtle form of
persuasion, but, as I have done nothing wrong, unlike you and your
minions, I will simply say to you that I shall protest this treatment
as a diplomatic official and demand an apology from your
superiors.
He knew that this false bravado would get him only so far with this
brute.
SR. PISARRO
Have it your own way, se?or, but I caution you that greater discretion
is important to the future of all who would abuse those diplomatic
privileges, do we understand each other, then?
SR. MENDES
I understand you all too well; am I free to go?
SR. PISARRO
Se?or, we are not police authorities, merely servants of the interests
of our county and its friends.
(buzzes for his escorts to return)
Gentlemen, take Sr. Mendes where he wishes to go. Adios, senor.
SR. MENDES
I wish to return to the soil of Brazil here in Spain, from which I was
unlawfully taken; I wish you all the luck and good fortune you may
need, quite a lot from where I stand.
He walks out, the escorts fearing to put their hands on him; as he
does, Pisarro picks up the phone....
FADE TO BLACK:
INT. SAO PAOLO OFFICES OF GOVERNMENT MINISTRY OF FINANCE -
AFTERNOON
The meeting awaited by the Gestapo is about to begin; the Germans have
arrived ahead of Jacobo and have requested complete privacy; Jacobo
enters the room, the Germans spring to their feet like predatory
creatures sighting their vulnerable prey.....
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Gentlemen, so sorry to have kept you waiting....
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Not at all, we received your message and have acted accordingly; we
trust you had a pleasant stay in Vila Santa Barbara with your mother
and your friend, errrr......
The Germans have sought information on him to no avail, hoping to do so
at this meeting.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Phillipe; yes, it was wonderful, on many accounts. I trust that you
also are aware of the absence of Sr. Mendes?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Ach, yes, in Spain as we understand it; well, no matter, economics will
certainly wait upon the matters we are now to discuss, although,
interestingly, we expect that these extant matters will have much to do
with our mutual economic future, if you take my meaning. In any event,
we shall prepare a complete report for him to review at an appropriate
future date. We have received very interesting details as to our
project, Plan Diablo.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Despite the melodramatic name,I am most anxious to learn them, please
proceed.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Excellent.
(he motions to staff to assume guard outside the conference room)
You shall travel to Miami, Florida on a date to be revealed later once
confirmed by our sources; once there, you will establish contact with a
local Cuban emigre, an operative of ours, who has arranged your
quarters, equipment, etc. It is of utmost importance that you remain
incognito while there, venturing out only on direct instructions from
me through the Cuban man.
We are contemplating that your friend Phillipe might serve in that
courier capacity, with your consent; we have learned from the
plantation that he often travels to the U.S. to conduct ordinary
business with the cigar manufacturers there, in Florida.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Is there danger for him?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
To be sure, these are dangerous times, precisely why we believe that
his existing cover and your complete trust in him, he in you, will
serve the interests of all concerned, ya? Moreover, for your
protection, as well as his, we plan not to inform him of the nature of
your mission, only that it is important to Brazil. May we have your
impressions?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I must deal with him directly, I am afraid he trusts very few but me;
he must not know of your involvement else he might become....
unreliable; how will the messages be passed to him as courier?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
These will be unassuming diplomatic pouches ostensibly from your
Ministry in Rio, yes; you must be very persuasive with him about the
importance for Brazil, etc., deputizing him, as far as he knows, and so
forth; is this a problem?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I shall need a week or so to consider this.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
You are reticent for what reason?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I can assure you that I am undaunted by the mission, only unsure of the
procedures;I will meet with Phillipe in a few days at my mother's
birthday celebration, and will broach the subject with him then, any
objections?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Certainly not; I must travel to Berlin in the interim; let us say, we
communicate via encrypted cable in two weeks time, which will contain
detailed instructions for both of you; here is the decoder
(he hands him a small box, pocket size)
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Splendid, ample time for me to make proper arrangements; may I toast
our success?
He calls for a valet from the adjoining room, with fine schnapps.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
(they drink)
I really must have the name of your procurer of this excellent
libation; who is it?

JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Do you truly wish to know.....a German American Jew in Florida sends
this back with Phillipe on a regular basis!
All in attendance immediately break into uproarious laughter, as heard
perhaps in a madhouse of the damned.
FLASHBACK TO 1865:
EXT. OUTSIDE OLD PLANTATION HOUSE/TAMPA BAY - NIGHT
June 1865; daring escape by Judah P. Benjamin, 'brains of the
Confederacy'; he has been hiding on a plantation but Union troops are
closing in.
BENJAMIN IS SEEN MAKING HIS WAY TO A BOAT IN THE GULF OF MEXICO.

CUT TO TEN DAYS LATER:
EXT. BEACH ON VIRGIN ISLANDS - DAY

NATIVE FISHERMAN
Oye, come, there is a derelict boat adrift!
He has shouted in Creole to his fellows.
Yes, yes, help me, careful.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Ah, thank you my friends; the captain, I'm afraid, abandoned me some
days ago, in a dinghy, headed for Key West; left me his chart, but only
the Lord of Jerusalem has preserved me!
(he collapses)
NATIVE FISHERMAN
Help me boys, gunna get beeg re-war far sooch a gentle-mon, sure!
They get him ashore, securing his sloop; take him to a native
shaman/healer.
SHAMAN
Wut hove we here, very sickly, needin me ministrations, cun tell ye
thot! Poot im ere un de couch, das ride! NOw leave oos! BE gone!
Performs various incantations over him for most of the night; in the
morning shaman's daughter brings him food.
CUT TO NEXT MORNING:
INT. WELL-APPOINTED SHACK NEAR BEACH - MORNING
Two native girls speculate on whether this portly white man is alive or
dead; they soon learn his status....
ANGELINE
E's he breadin, girl?
YOUNGER GIRL
Dunno, but his belly be heavin some!
ANGELINE
Cun ye ear me, then? Doan be gettin up or ye might fall out, ye
hear?
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Are you an angel?
ANGELINE
Will, me nom Angeline, troot be toll.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Why, you are indeed a minion of the Lord of hosts, a vision to be
sure.
ANGELINE
Sha, now, u weery; still, now, comes water.
(she gives him water, sparingly)
No gude to gulp eet; slow, then.
CUT TO NEXT MORNING:
INT. SECOND STORY OF PLAIN ROOM IN VILLAGE INN - MORNING
The innkeeper, a Scotsman, knows he has a refined customer on hand, and
is insuring his gratitude upon recovery; Angeline, chastened by her
shaman father, has disappeared, leaving Judah B. to the care of the
husband and wife proprietors.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Refreshed from almost 24 hours rest, is up, wincing from sunburn,
otherwise ambulatory; he finds simple but clean clothes laid out for
him; speaking to himself.
What's this, then; my new wardrobe, that of a merchant, albeit clean
and fresh.
He puts them on, they fit well; he is bemused by memory of his last
disguise as Monsieur Bonfals, "good false".
ANGUS CAMPBELL
Noticing Judah at the door of the dining area.
There, ye be, then; we was frightfully concerned, we was; wasn't we,
Martha?
MARTHA CAMPBELL
That we was, can tell yous. Saints preserve ye, then, get some eats in
yer belly now.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
I am greatly in your debt, to be sure; have you seen my satchel?
ANGUS CAMPBELL
Nary a belonging, save yer skin, I be beggin yer pardon for any
insolence, sir.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Not to worry, no formalities please, although allow me to assure you
that I was a U.S. Senator before the War, and close advisor to......you
have kin in the U.S., perchance?
MARTHA CAMPBELL
Me cousin, rest is soul, fought fer de South, died in Atlanta.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
I am deeply sorry, for I too 'fought', after a fashion, for that same
Cause. My deep sympathies, dear lady. Could you please tell me of the
whereabouts of a certain Angeline and the Governor of the island.
ANGUS CAMPBELL
Aye, she be a sorcerer, um told; down by the ocean, rare beauty
she!
MARTHA CAMPBELL
Angus! She be heathen, she; her father be keeper of the spells, can
tell ya that.
ANGUS CAMPBELL
The governor has been informed of your arrival and has sent word that
he requests your company as soon as you are able to attend to
him.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Grateful am I to be alive, thanks to you and this Angeline.
He begins to pray in muttered Hebrew, then take food served him by the
Campbells, who dream obviously of their reward.
CUT TO:
INT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE COLONIAL MANSE - AFTERNOON
Judah Benjamin has recovered sufficiently to have audience with Her
Majesty Queen Victoria's Governor, Sir Thomas Newman; he has become
aware of Judah's former status, and is most accomodating....
GOVERNOR NEWMAN
Welcome, Mr. Secretary, or Senator....what title is it you
prefer?
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Subject, if permissible. You see, I was born on this beautiful
paradise. My parents were making for New Orleans during the 1812 War
and were chased aground by a British warship, ironically.
GOVERNOR NEWMAN
Indeed, how fortuitous for you, notwithstanding your obvious
difficulties, then and now. I have made inquiries of the Crown and they
are quite solicitous of your prior relations during the War. How may I
be of service, if I may inquire?
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Your Excellency, I am honored and indeed flattered by your reception;
truthfully, I seek passage to Britain should she accept me. I Was,
before the War, a quite accomplished solicitor in the American courts
and hope to resume that craft should England permit it.
GOVERNOR NEWMAN
Well, your birhtright is surely that of an Englishman; I shall make
appropriate inquiries; is there anything else I may facilitate?
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Not to impose upon your generosity, I should like to locate a young
woman who ministered to me ashore; her name is Angeline.
GOVERNOR NEWMAN
I shall have my servant James lead you to her; contact me in a week's
time and we shall have had word from mother England; in the interim, I
have compensated the Campbells for your comfort. Good day to you sir
until next week.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Your servant, Governor.
(James escorts him to Angeline)
CUT TO NEXT WEEK:
INT. OF ANGELINE'S HUT - MORNING
Judah has wasted no time in charming Angeline; they have 'shacked up'
for almost a week, and they are both sated, in love, after the fashion
of those who know they have but little time together, in a paradise
which cannot last.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Alas, my love, I sail in but three hours; how can I provide for
you?
ANGELINE
Take me to England.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
I cannot, and have explained to you that my own status as a subject of
the Crown is in question by some there; I must make haste to plead my
cause, and only then will I be able to perhaps send for you and,
failing that, return as a English gentleman barrister.
ANGELINE
You speak foolishness, even I know that this is a fanciful dream even
if you meant it to be so. Don't bother to deny it; write to me, and I
shall do same to you; promise me on your life, which was mine to help
save.
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Tis more a solemn oath, I swear it by the Host of Jerusalem.
ANGELINE
What does this mean, this Jerusalem?
JUDAH P. BENJAMIN
Why it is the holiest place on Earth; my people the Jews once ruled in
wisdom from that place. And it is to that place that I pray you
peace.
ANGELINE
I will pray to that place for your safe journey and return to me as
well.
(they embrace)
CUT TO PRESENT DAY:
INT. ABOARD A GERMAN EXPERIMENTAL ZEPPELIN - DAY
Herr Fruehoffer and his entourage have tested the American awareness by
travelling under false papers from the Weimar government via Lakehurst,
New Jersey, without incident; they are quite self-satisfied that
America sleeps while Germany reaps.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Were you not dumbfounded by the somnolence of these Americans; not so
much as a raised eyebrow; I suppose that the drunken Irish have so
successfully interbred with her other mongrel breeds as to render her
numb!
MAJOR STRAUSS
Ya, it was most enlightening; perhaps, the demise of their
new....
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Silence! I am told that several of their newspapermen are aboard; one
cannot be too careful.
MAJOR STRAUSS
Ya vol; I must say, however, that the way they are consuming alcohol on
this trip they would find it difficult to recognize ze truth,
especially a truth so unpredictable; I toast your brilliant plan, Herr
Fruehoffer.
(his adjoining staff join in the praise)
HERR FRUEHOFFER
My dear fellows, we have ample time for toasts once the deed is done;
for now, let us trust that the homefires have been burning half as
brightly.
CAPTAIN SCHUSTER
Sir, they are all the best of the SS.....
(he is cut off)
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Nevertheless, they are new to power, not of the officer class I have
known... having always been in the wings; we shall see what we shall
see, ya? IN the interim, good Weimar officials that you are, be sure
and mingle with these stray American dogs, giving them plenty of bones
to chew on in praise of the incoming administration of the great Herr
Hitler: do not speak of him as der Fuhrer but as Paul von Hindenburg's
hand-picked successor; we must, as they say, 'let sleeping dogs lie.'
HAaaaHaaaaHaaa!

CUT TO SAME DAY:
EXT. BRIGHT MIAMI SUNSHINE - DAY
The advance team has arrived for FDR; they stand outside the Everglades
Hotel....
SECRET SERVICE REP
Don't like it one damn bit, tell ya that, Jake. You got unlimited
access just by fading into the street riffraff; don't like it
t'all.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY OFFICIAL
See here, it's already decided so let's just make the best of a bad
situation, ok? Now hold onto your hat, I hear the President wants a
convertible ride down Biscayne Blvd.!
SECRET SERVICE REP
Well, ain't that just dandy, now; why don't we empty out San Quentin
while we're at it, for Pete's sake; gonna have to convert us into
Supermen while he's busy convertin that there sedan.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY OFFICIAL
Can't help it, you fellas are gonna have ta earn ya pay all's I can
say. Let's gwan inside, heat's roastin me.
CUT TO FEW MINUTES LATER:
INT. BRIDAL SUITE - DAY
The avant garde for FDR is not happy with the hotel room either, but
these security guys never are.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY OFFICIAL
You know I'm gonna want every inch of these walls checked for
peepholes, microphones, etc......
SECRET SERVICE REP
That will take a week or longer, just can't do it. Gonna have to go
with armed men every twenty feet or so, that's all. Sides, Prez is a
low target.
(his joke is not successful and he knows it)
DEMOCRATIC PARTY OFFICIAL
Advise you keep that sorta talk under wraps, public ain't even aware a
his condition and we aim to keep it that way, is that clear?
SECRET SERVICE REP
Hey, my lips are sealed; been with him since the campaign, never had a
leak yet. Just don't want any leaks in HIM, get me?
DEMOCRATIC PARTY OFFICIAL
Look, let's phone the White House and tell um it's ok here; want the
car here by train early so we can do a dry run next week; let's call it
a day, head for the airport.
SECRET SERVICE REP
Decided to stay another couple a days----it's my funeral as well as his
if things go hooey down here; got a meeting with the Chief a Police
tomorrow, keep you posted.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY OFFICIAL
Fair enough; try to get him to lock up as many as possible on alcohol
charges; just distribute the hootch.....
(smiling as he drives away)
CUT TO TEN DAYS LATER:
INT. FESTIVE PARTY IN SAO PAOLO AT VILLAGROS PLANTATION - EVENING
It is the birthday of Mary Weingartner, planned largely by Phillipe
Benjamin out of respect for his dear friend; Jacobo is late arriving
from his borrowed office in Sao Paolo due to regular courier with a
letter sealed for him. JAcobo pauses outside, recalling.......
FLASHBACK TO LETTER OPENING:
SHOT: WE SEE THE DELIVERY AT THE OFFICE &; THE OPENED LETTER IS
EITHER ON SCREEN OR SIMPLY READ "IN JACOBO'S HEAD":
SR. MENDES (O.S.)
"We need not dwell upon the obvious----our families have been on the
very worst terms possible since I interfered with your involvement with
my niece in Spain; no matter, both of you, at the very least, are in
mortal danger far worse than any harm I may have caused. What I am
about to relate to you---and your reaction to it--- may control the
very life of both your mother and all those you may still hold dear:
last week while in Spain I was accosted by ruffians on behalf of your
new German acquaintances: there is no need to deny your agreement to
their plan, as you and I are the only others privy to it.
As you may know, you may not have been their first choice, despite all
their flattery and promises of future glories----I know, as I pray you
will, that you are merely being used to divert any attention from
them---the zealous Confederado, avenging his ancestors! Once you have
been used up, should you somehow live, they would forever control your
life, not unlike the Yankees once sought to do to the lives of those
very ancestors-----NO, MY DEAR JACOBO, IT IS OPPRESSION ITSELF, IN ALL
ITS FORMS, NAMES &;, YES, 'CAUSES',and not the inheritors of the
power of your oppressors--- WHICH IS YOUR ETERNAL ENEMY! You must not,
therefore, be an ally to THAT enemy of all we value.

You have gone too far to stop them yourself: your only real hope lies
with your dear friend Phillipe. You must see to it that he is the only
courier you will permit between you and they once you are in place,
wherever that may be. While I do not know the details of their plan,
you do.
As they now believe me to be compliant with their methods of
persuasion, I can offer you this further hope: if he is their chosen
courier, I shall insure that his Jewish roots are well-known to them
once he is safely on his way to you with evidence, unbeknownst to him,
of their plan. This will force their hand as a result of the
irrational, deep paranoia they harbor at the very mention of this. Be
thereafter on guard, as they will surely try and kill you both and
anyone who attempts to stop them. You must play along for the safety of
all, including myself, something I may have earned in taking this
risk.
You now hold in your hands what amounts to my death warrant: I implore
you, do not ignore it, for such action would be tantamount to that same
fate for those whom you hold dear----even if you care not for your own
life------think of theirs and, yes, the countless tens of thousands
whose lives you may also save in the end.
Yours for Brazil and freedom, Sr. Arturo Mendes."
CUT TO FEW MINUTES LATER:
INT. VILLAGROS PLANTATION - NIGHT
Jacobo is back consciously in the present moment.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Filipo, a word in private, please.
He motions for them to use the Manager's dark office.

My deep thanks, you clearly went to much trouble in securing the
ballroom and the band, my dear brother; I must ask yet another great
favor of you: I leave for Miami on tomorrow on state business, very
hush, hush; will need for you to deliver a diplomatic pouch for me on
your trip there next week.
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
So mysterious, this puts me in mind of our boyhood games; what is this
all about?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
All I may say is that it is most important to the future of Brazil, to
the Americas----I am certain you understand this cloak and dagger
business: these are very controversial times, my friend.
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
Well, since you ask, I will of course do as I am asked to do; tell me,
though, does this pertain to those foreigners you hosted recently at
Santa Barbara?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
(self-conscious)
Why would you assume that? Those men were on a trade mission, an
exploratory one, so to say, seeking our attitudes about international
affairs and the like because of our size and so forth, with no
particular objective----why do you ask?
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
It's just that your mama was contacted by them in your absence
inquiring about me, you know, us.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
(pensive, recovering quickly)
I can only assume that they were curious about my background, friends,
and so forth---you know the Germans are very thorough by reputation;
you certainly know this from their plantation operations!
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
(ostensibly distracted from his original curiosity)
You can say that again, regular slave drivers, I can tell you that; I
have twice the work when on their meticulous business at the Dannemann
plantation as their intermediary with buyers in the States.
(he seems satisfied now about the inquiries)
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
It's settled, then; my assistant, Jose, will tender the package to you
prior to your departure; you know, of course, that it will be locked as
a precaution against industrial spies.
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
Don't worry, my brother, no one gets inside that pouch but you.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Come, let's rejoin the festivities, you know how mama can
be.......
They walk out hands over each other's shoulder, Jacobo is feeling
further nonplussed by what he has learned from Filipo, but also now
more determined to do what he must.
FADE TO BLACK:
INT. NAZI PARTY HEADQUARTERS - DAY
Herr Fruehoffer has arrived from America some days ago and is in the
final stages of receiving---and sending to Brazil---the portentous
instructions for Jacobo in Miami; he is calling upon Col. Munchler
alone for final clearances from Himmler himself, he
believes......
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Entering the inner office in dress uniform, albeit from the last
war.
Heil, Hitler!
(moderately stiff salute)
COL. MUNCHLER
Heil, Hitler!!
(intentionally outshining his guest )
Mission well done, thus far, that is.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
How do you mean, are there any complications and, if so, why was I not
informed!?
COL. MUNCHLER
Why should there be, you have done a thoroughgoing job in the
provinces---of course, I mean Brazil, our latest colony, unofficially
that is. NO, No problems, although this fellow Benjamin is
obscure.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Obscure; my staff sent inquiries about his putative grandfather weeks
ago, do you not have the necessary background?
COL. MUNCHLER
Now, now, I ordered that matter sent on to London, with instructions
that it be seen to in due course; there has been no word from them,
which means there is no information of any significance or relevance to
our objective; please, be assured, we are most thorough in these racial
matters----and besides, your inquiry specified that this Phillipe as a
Negroid, obviously instructive as to whoever his ancestor may have
been: I have yet to hear of such a lowly being not aspiring to higher
heritage.
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Apparently satisfied, knowing Himmler's trust in Munchler.
Zen I shall proceed with the instructions to our man already in Miami,
with your consent.
COL. MUNCHLER
By all means, it will be a pleasure to read the headlines: "Roosevelt
shot dead by impoverished radical"; I shall enjoy the tropical climate
of Florida, when we occupy it, along with Brazil!
(laughter)
HERR FRUEHOFFER
Put off by this new brand of German.
I will simply require your signature to proceed
Hands him the order en blanc for Plan Diablo.
FADE TO BLACK:
EXT. BRIGHTLY LIT TARMAC OF MIAMI MUNICIPAL AIRPORT - DAY
FDR and entourage have arrived......
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Well, hallo boys, glad to be here with my good friend Ferdinand of the
Windy City and other honored guests; we surely do appreciate the
glorious weather, do we not
(nodding to companions)
Now, if you'll be good enough to hold your questions till later, we'll
be sure and accomodate you just after we have been refreshed
Knowing laughter from admiring press corps, as this is code for
cocktails.
CUT TO FEW MINUTES LATER:
INT. LOBBY OF THE EVERGLADES HOTEL - DAY
Jacobo and his handler are observing from a safe distance the fuss over
FDR; they are expecting Phillipe that evening.
CUBAN OPERATIVE HERNANDEZ
It grows unsafe now that he is arrived; let us wait until the furor
dies down, shall we.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
In a few moments, my friend; I am curious about this fellow; he seems
so amiable, so at ease with the crowd.
CUBAN OPERATIVE HERNANDEZ
All to the good of our task, senor; security does not seem too
problematic, after all he is not even El Presidente as yet.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I have never seen such demeanor---he is of the upper class, do you
know?
CUBAN OPERATIVE HERNANDEZ
And as such he is a smiling viper, is this not so?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Perhaps, perhaps. Let's go, I need to be prepared for Phillipe's
arrival; you know when to meet him, yes?
CUBAN OPERATIVE HERNANDEZ
Si, si, all is planned; his plane left Brazil an hour ago.
CUT TO NEXT MORNING:
INT. NAZI PARTY HEADQUARTERS - DAY
The staff of Col. Munchler has been handed a cable from Sr.
Mendes....in Brazil, true to his word to Jacobo.
SGT. SCHULTZ
What on Earth is this about
Leafing through a file marked 'EYES ONLY---Col.Munchler.'
My Gott in himmen!
He is apoplectic.
Schindler!
CORPORAL SCHINDLER
Yes, Sergeant, what is it?
(handed the folder)
I have had no responsibility for this; this would have been the
province of the Colonel's direct adjutant, Capt. Maher!
(flummoxed)
SGT. SCHULTZ
You had better summon him here; I can tell you, I KNOW NOTHING!
Moments later the Captain has appeared, fresh from the officer's mess,
dinner napkin still tucked under his collar.
CAPT. MAHER
Well, what is so important to interrupt my victuals?
Handed the file; he goes limp.
What is this doing here? I was ordered to send it to L.....
SGT. SCHULTZ
London?! Then why is it here, hmmmmmm? I will have no accountability
for this mess, sir; shall I call Col. Munchler?
CUT TO FEW MINUTES LATER:
INT. COL. MUNCHLER'S OFFICE - DAY
COL. MUNCHLER
(to Capt. Maher)
Vell, what is the meaning of this?

You have just invited court martial at best---what have you to
say?
CAPT. MAHER
Sir, I cannot imagine......
Cut off, as usual, which set this whole matter in motion.
COL. MUNCHLER
Silence!! You vill pay dearly for zis incompetence, I promise you zat;
now get out!
(buzzes)
Get in here, Schultz!
SGT. SCHULTZ
Ya vol, Colonel! Reporting as ordered.
COL. MUNCHLER
You will escort the Captain to the Foreign Ministry where he will
contact London, immediately, do you hear!
(look dismisses them)
Before you go, Schultz, get me Herr Fruehoffer, at once!
COL. MUNCHLER (CONT'D)
(answering the phone)
Hallo, yes Col....it seems there has been a mishap concerning Plan
Diablo.....
His face registers the displeasure he is auditing.
CUT TO:
EXT. REMOTE RANCH CABIN NEAR EVERGLADES - EVENING
Phillipe has just driven up with Hernandez; he is carrying his valise
and of course the diplomatic pouch; they embrace....
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Filipo, welcome, although to where exactly I am unsure!
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
You were not joking about cloak and dagger, were you----this looks like
the cane fields back home: is that what this is about, sugar
imports?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Well, let's just say that sweetness is in the mind of the
experiencer!
(nervous laughter)
Come in, come in; Mr. Hernandez, would you excuse two old friends for a
few moments?
Hernandez nods yes, walks around the vacant land to smoke a Cuban
cigar.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. NAZI PARTY HEADQUARTERS - EVENING
The top brass are busy covering their tracks over this potential
deathblow to their carefully crafted snow job of the American and
European press.....
COL. MUNCHLER
Gentlemen, I do not have to tell you what this blunder, by my inferior
staff, may have done to the Party's image abroad at a most delicate
juncture. THe Anglo-Americans have been financing our armament and
other industries' build up turning a blind eye to seemingly minor
Treaty violations; this Plan Diablo must now be terminated! We have
learned, Col.Fruehoffer, that your hand-picked courier is in fact of
Jewish heritage, or at least believes that he is, perhaps even more
dangerous....
HERR FRUEHOFFER
This is preposterous; you were asked weeks ago to inquire about this
Benjamin of the Confederacy, no minor official I am informed; now you
tell us that because your file was mislaid we must forgo our boldest
venture, approved by this very office!!
Himmler has marched in none too happy; he is seeking scapegoats, as
Munchler is his brother in law, they must be others.....
COL. MUNCHLER
Ach, welcome, your excellency
Himmler fancies himself a descendant of some Nordic king.
We have been discussing damage control.........
(for once he is cut off)
HEINRICH HIMMLER
There is but one thing to do prior to having certain members of this
staff shot-----the Plan must be aborted, all operatives recalled or
shot. What means of communicating have you with this Weingartner save
the Jew courier?!
COL. MUNCHLER
I am afraid the only means is fatal: we must get word to Hernandez to
eliminate them both, otherwise they would be capable of blackmailing us
with the decryption device and of course the orders signed by me
personally from this office.
HEINRICH HIMMLER
Very well, I want our best commandos put ashore off southern Florida;
they will proceed with this at once, do you hear; when can the
assassins depart?
HERR FRUEHOFFER
We have a U-Boat standing by now off Havana; time is of the essence, as
we have but 36 hours, this would be too close; no, aircraft from Cuba
must be employed with operatives being parachuted in under cover of
darkness.
COL. MUNCHLER
Your excellency, this was part of our plan in any event, so the men are
fully aware of their mission, we have simply moved up the timetable
slightly.
(dwelling on his own safety)
Perhaps, if I may suggest, the Fuhrer may be told simply that it went
awry due to soft mercernaries....
HEINRICH HIMMLER
No such lie shall be told; the cleaning up of this matter will not be
so simple...someone will have to pay, leave it to me just how and when,
clear?!
(they all affirm his authority)
I want to be kept fully informed of progress, do you hear! That will be
all for now. Oh, yes, no one is to leave Berlin!
(he storms out with aides)
FADE TO BLACK:
EXT. BRIGHT MIAMI SUNSHINE - DAY
It is 48 hours later; a parade-style procession is planned with FDR in
a convertible......all has gone well during his visit and the Secret
Service has begun to relax a bit.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Hernandez, do you have the weapon, cleaned and loaded?
CUBAN OPERATIVE HERNANDEZ
Yes, yes, at the right moment I will pass it to you in this folded
newspaper, as we have rehearsed it many times; are you nervous?
He has been told to watch Jacobo closely for any signs of
weakness.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Only anxious to do that which my ancestors will 'watch' with glee; tell
me, are you a citizen?
CUBAN OPERATIVE HERNANDEZ
Yes, I was born here; I too have ancestors used by these Yankee dogs
when they blew up their own ship in Havana harbor just for an excuse to
invade Cuba with their Rough Riders, his goddam family, this
Roosevelt....so much lies!
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Why then did the Germans not come to you with this task?
CUBAN OPERATIVE HERNANDEZ
They did, I said no; I must live here now, my family, my property; you
have no roots here.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
And why then do they trust you with such information as you have? You
could go to the authorities with what you know, be a hero.
CUBAN OPERATIVE HERNANDEZ
Senor, they would kill my family still in Cuba; besides, I have nothing
in writing such as you possessed, until last night, for them to worry
about. I would be laughed at.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Let's go, I see the car approaching, I must get into position, help
clear the way for me.
They get into position on the sidewalk with a clear view of
FDR.....seconds from range.
FLASHBACK TO LAST NIGHT:
INT. CABIN NEAR THE EVERGLADES - EVENING
Jacobo has taken advantage of Hernandez's momentary trust and absence
to open the diplomatic pouch.
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Quickly, filipo, open the pouch and hand me the papers....
Jacobo has a diplomatic key &; small Leika camera he uses for
business, snapping several shots.
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
What is happening, why ......
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Please, filipo, trust me, there is no time, just help me
(hears Hernandez approaching)
You must meet me at the city library downtown, ask directions,
tomorrow; wait for me until I arrive in the history stacks, Germany
section...
(Hernandez enters)
CUBAN OPERATIVE HERNANDEZ
I must take your friend to his hotel, these are my instructions from my
company, they fear industrial espionage, yes.
(he laughs to dispel any fear)
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Yes, sugar is a big, big secret, eh, Phillipe?
(playing along with the cover story)
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
I am happy to go, I am quite weary from my travels as a diplomat,
eh.
He embraces Jacobo, and Jacobo slips the camera and the tiny encryption
device into Phillipe's jacket pocket.
Perhaps we may lunch tomorrow, should you be free?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
You mean "should I be alive"....this heat, worse than back home!
(covering joke)
Until tomorrow, I shall call you if possible. Adios, Phillipe.
Filipo leaves with Hernandez, the Cuban taking the diplomatic pouch
with him for safekeeping from industrial espionage he has explained to
Phillipe.
CUT TO ONE HOUR LATER:
INT. CABIN NEAR THE EVERGLADES - NIGHT
Hernandez returns from driving Phillipe and shows Jacobo the original
orders from Berlin.
CUBAN OPERATIVE HERNANDEZ
You see, my friend, we are to go ahead as planned
(pulls out lighter)
And now, we commit it to ashes, according to instructions!

JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Perhaps you have a Haitian voodoo doll of Roosevelt which we can also
punish from here----save me the dirtywork!
He is testing to see if Hernandez suspects anything.
CUBAN OPERATIVE HERNANDEZ
(pregnant pause, then)
HaaaaHaaaaHaaaaa! Very good my friend, I see you have finally relaxed;
this is good, you will do well tomorrow.... for both of our
ancestors!
CUT BACK TO PRESENT:
EXT. A DOWNTOWN MIAMI STREETCORNER - DAY
Just then, a man rushes up to the car firing point blank at the
President; FDR is wounded slightly and the Mayor of Chicago is mortally
wounded. Chaos. Jacobo ditches the gun in an alley, disappears to the
library...
SHOT: POSSIBLE STOCK FOOTAGE OF THIS TRUE INCIDENT, INCORPORATING
STILLS TO MAKE AUDIENCE AWARE OF REALITY OF EVENT A LA ROMA A
CLEF.
CUT TO FEW MINUTES LATER:
INT. LIBRARY STACKS - DAY
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
Did you hear, the President has been shot by a madman!
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Yes, yes; terrible thing.
(hastily)
Do you still have the Leika miniature I gave you?
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
Of course, but why?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I will explain later, my friend; for now, we must develop this
film---can we go to the warehouse offices of your customer?
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
Yes, I suppose they have the right chemicals.....
They proceed to a downtown cigar distributor's warehouse; everyone is
out to see FDR, except an old man rolling a cigar; he ignores them, and
they go into the offices where a makeshift darkroom exists for record
storage purposes....
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
He is setting up what has "happened" for Phillipe.
......and so, when I spoke with Hernandez the sugar merchant last
night, before your arrival, he was a bit tipsy, boasting of how he was
to kill Roosevelt, whose family , Teddy Roosevelt &; his Rough
Riders, had pillaged his homeland, crazy things. Then, he seemed to
slip up and tell me that his written orders would arrive soon enough. I
immediately dismissed it as talk, but when I decided to open the pouch,
and saw the swastika, I knew what I had to do.
He is scanning Phillipe's face to see if he has been seen as credible;
just then, the image on the photo paper emerges..
There, you see, it does not name him, but it is clearly from the SS in
Berlin!
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
This is incredible, Jacobo; do you think they found out about my being
Jewish...my grandfather, do you think?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
(relieved laughter)
Why....yes, filipo, you have been a true hero....like in the old days
for the Confederacy!
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
What did I do?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
You...survived, along with your wonderful old grandfather.....you are
the real brains of this little confederacy, eh?
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
Why then do I not know our next move...?
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
Why, we simply put it in this US Government envelope I have had from my
American counterpart--
(he reads aloud)
"Official Use Only/ $100 Penalty for Misuse"----I think we'll have to
take that risk, don't you?--- along with this decoding device I
relieved Hernandez of, and mail it to the White House, Washington, DC.
(spying a drop box)
What could be simpler!
He is amazed and exhausted by his own presence of mind, the nightmare
may be over.
SHOT: CUT TO RADIO, OVER OLD MAN'S HEAD, WHO JUST KEEPS ROLLING
CIGARS.
RADIO ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
I have just been handed a bulletin....."Two German nationals have been
arrested near Key Biscayne; they were carrying Luger pistols and
explosives and may have been involved with the assassination attempt on
the President this afternoon; the President is alright, slight
superficial wound, but the Mayor of Chicago is near death in
hospital...more details as available."
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
You see Phillipe, it appears that your crafty old grandfather, the
Honorable Judah Phillipe Benjamin, Brains of the Confederacy---and his
equally stealthy grandson--- so skilled in effecting their own freedom
has helped to insure it for us and countless thousands of others, in
many countries. That which he once tried to forever divide he may just
have had a big hand in saving......
He lights a match and burns the film as it is perhaps traceable to his
camera.
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
What are you talking about? I don't think I understand......
JACOBO DE ESCALANTE WEINGARTNER
I promise to give you all the fine points in a few days.....over a
kosher dinner at my mother's house, then its off to Spain for me and
Sr. Mendes: we have some very special persons, waiting at the Brazilian
Embassy, to escort to their new home in Brazil, where we, the grandsons
of 'Rebels', have much to do....
(exhaustedly embracing)
PHILLIPE BENJAMIN DO ORLEAN
Si, my brother: the world will soon learn why it is called 'South'
America!
FADE OUT.
Roll credits, perhaps with 'Dixie' playing, Latinized