FOTR Movie Rewrite

[bacon]

This rewrite was made to make the movies closer to Tolkien's Vision. It also incorporates some lines from Bakshi's version that I liked. Many lines are from the actual movie. All material belongs to Tolkien.


The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

FADE IN

OPENING CREDITS

SILENCE

TITLE: THE LORD OF THE RINGS

INT. BAG END-STUDY

BILBO BAGGIN’S map of MIDDLE-EARTH is seen from the GREAT RIVER ANDUIN and flows to LORIEN and up to RIVENDELL going west to BREE and to the SHIRE.

BILBO (V.O.)
Middle-Earth. The Shire. Hobbiton. Bag End. My study.

BILBO chuckles and than smiles as he picks the map up.

BILBO
The third age of the world.

TITLE: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING

BILBO carries a red book and two maps as he sits down and dabs a feather in ink.

BILBO
What to do? What to do? Ahh! Yes! There and Back Again, A Hobbit’s Tale: By Bilbo Baggins.

BILBO writes the title down in his book as he says it and chuckles again.

BILBO
Yes! Yes! Perfect. But… wait. Where to begin? Ahh! Of course. Concerning Hobbits.

BILBO writes “Concerning Hobbits” in his book and several other things down.

EXT. BYWATER-GREEN DRAGON INN

BILBO (V.O.)
Hobbits are little people, smaller than even dwarves.

Several hobbits gossip and eat and smoke as a strange man hooded in blue rides on a small cart through BYWATER.

BILBO (V.O.)
Hobbits are very nimble but don’t like to hurry. Most are known to be fat, but (chuckles) that is a label on hobbits and not all are like that, but hobbits do have a passion for food. But, anyone who knows of hobbit’s existence knows that they only want peace and quiet and good tilled earth, for all hobbits share a love for things that grow. And hobbits inhabit a land called the Shire, which is me, the writer of this book’s home.

INT. BAG END-STUDY

BILBO smiles.

EXT. HOBBITON-ROAD

A mysterious figure rides through the woods leading to HOBBITON, singing a very old song. A small hobbit, still in his early tweens, with big eyes, and slightly curly black hair looks down to see the man riding past him.

FRODO
Gandalf…

The man looks up at the hobbit to reveal a wizened old man with a loose grayish/whitish beard and big eyebrows.

GANDALF
Frodo Baggins. What in all the Shire are you doing up there?

FRODO
Waiting for you, Gandalf.

GANDALF laughs.

GANDALF
When did Bilbo tell you I was coming?

FRODO
The day he got the news you were coming, of course.

GANDALF
Get down from there, Frodo! Let me give you a ride to Hobbiton.

FRODO
Are you sure?

GANDALF
Of course. Why not?

FRODO
Okay. I will.

GANDALF looks forward and waits. Suddenly, there is a scream, a fall, and a crash, and some coughing. GANDALF looks behind him and sees that FRODO has fallen into his cart full of fireworks. GANDALF shakes his head.

GANDALF
Goodness, Frodo. Let me help you up.

GANDALF picks FRODO up and puts him in the seat beside him. FRODO hugs GANDALF.

FRODO
It’s wonderful to see you, Gandalf!

GANDALF laughs as FRODO hugs him.

GANDALF
You don’t think I’d miss Bilbo’s birthday, do you?

GANDALF and FRODO ride through the SHIRE.

GANDALF
So how is that old man now? A hundred and twenty-one? A hundred and thirty-one? A hundred-

FRODO laughs.

FRODO
If Bilbo had heard that, he would’ve stolen all your fireworks, and use them to make Gandalf the Grey, Gandalf the Black.

GANDALF chuckles.

GANDALF
I hear it is a party of special magnificence. A long-expected party, this is. I’ve been making these fireworks for a while now.

FRODO
How long, Gandalf?

GANDALF
Six months, maybe, seven.

FRODO
I do hope they’ll be wonderful, Gandalf!

GANDALF
You won’t be disappointed, my dear friend.

FRODO gazes along the side of the dirt road, looking at the many fields and forests. Hobbits labor in the fields.

FRODO
Gandalf, Bilbo’s been acting… odd as of late.

GANDALF
What do you mean?

FRODO
He’s been sitting at his study for days now, looking at maps and writing in that book of his. He’s up to something. I will find out.

GANDALF continues to smoke, looking uninterested.

FRODO
I’m sure you know nothing about this, Gandalf.

GANDALF
What? If I did know something, I would surely tell you.

FRODO
Alright than, keep your secrets to yourself! But, I do know that you have played some part in this.

GANDALF
What do you mean?

FRODO
Before you practically kidnapped my uncle and took him on the adventure of a lifetime, we Bagginses were very well thought of. Never had any adventures or did ANYTHING unexpected.

GANDALF
I didn’t kidnap Bilbo, dear Frodo. I wasn’t involved much at all. All I did was send him on his way to fight that dragon.

FRODO
Whatever you did, you’ve been officially labeled the disturber of the peace.

GANDALF smiles as he sees that hobbits are staring at him as they enter the HOBBITON village.

FRODO
But what news of the outside world? What of the elves, and the dragons? And the-

GANDALF
Oh, you’re far too curious for a hobbit. Just like your uncle. Well, there’s nothing new from out of the Shire, nothing that you should know about anyway.

FRODO
I’m glad you’re back, Gandalf.

GANDALF nods.

GANDALF
So am I, Frodo.

GANDALF smiles. FRODO jumps off the cart and walks away.

GANDALF
So am I.

GANDALF rides up to BAG END as the sun begins to set in the east. Smiling, he departs his cart and looks behind him to see hobbit children playing with the fireworks. Frowning, he takes them up.

GANDALF
No. Come on now. Go! You will get plenty when the time comes.

HOBBIT CHILDREN
Fireworks, Gandalf! Fireworks!

GANDALF turns and walks towards BAG END, passing a sign that reads ‘No Admittance Except On Party Business’. Suddenly, one of the fireworks explodes, revealing a great ring of smoke, and a smaller ship flies into it. The ship explodes and eagles fly into the west and explode. The hobbit children laugh and try to chase them as GANDALF comes up to the door of BAG END and knocks.

BILBO
Go away! I don’t want to see you, distant relatives or not! Or perhaps you’re a tax-

GANDALF (Joking)
And what about your friend of old? What about the fireworks?

There is silence in BAG END for a moment, until the round door opens to reveal BILBO BAGGINS, a hobbit younger than he looks.

BILBO
Gandalf?

GANDALF
Bilbo Baggins. You look the same as I last saw you.

BILBO
Gandalf!

They share a hug. GANDALF sees BILBO’s unaged face as he looks up.

GANDALF
Bilbo… you haven’t aged a day.

BILBO
It’s been so long, Gandalf! Come in! Come in!

INT. BAG END-FOYER

BILBO takes GANDALF’S tall, grey hat and places it on a small table.

BILBO
Ahh! Tonight will be very interesting! Tea, or maybe something a bit stronger? I’ve got some beer from the Green Dragon if you want any.

GANDALF
Tea will do.

BILBO nods.

BILBO
Ah, good, Gandalf.

INT. BAG END-KITCHEN

BILBO and GANDALF share a meal. GANDALF finds it hard to sit in BILBO’S very tiny home. He is taller than all hobbits, for he is not one. He is in the form of a man. GANDALF looks out to BILBO’S garden.

GANDALF
How bright your garden looks.

BILBO
Yes. It is very wonderful. All of the Shire is very wonderful. But, I can’t stay here, Gandalf. I want to see mountains again, Gandalf, mountains! And than find somewhere quiet where I will finish my book.

GANDALF
So you mean to go through with your plan, than?

BILBO
Yes, I made up my mind months ago, and I haven’t changed it.

GANDALF
Frodo knows something of it. Have you told him?

BILBO (distant)
No.

GANDALF
Bilbo... He needs to know. He’s very fond of you.

BILBO
I know, but it’s hard, Gandalf. I will tell him at the party tonight. He’s young, and it’s time he was his own master.

BILBO looks out the window of BAG END to see his garden.

BILBO
I’m old. I know I don’t look it, but I’m beginning to feel it in my heart.

GANDALF sees that BILBO is fiddling with something in his pocket.

BILBO
I feel thin, stretched, like ummm… butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday, a very long holiday. And I don’t expect I will ever return, nor do I mean to.

GANDALF
Veryy well… it is no good saying anymore. Stick to your plan, your whole plan, mind you… and I hope it will turn out for the best, for you, and for all of us.

BILBO
I hope so. Anyway I mean to enjoy myself tonight, and have my little joke.

GANDALF shakes his head.

GANDALF (sarcasticly)
Who will laugh, I wonder?

BILBO
We shall see.

BILBO bows his head and sits down. GANDALF takes a sip of tea.

EXT. VALLEY BELOW BAG END-NIGHT

A firework explodes over BAG END and settles down over the valley below. A banner saying, “Happy Birthday, Bilbo Baggins” is pulled up by a great tree. BILBO welcomes several Wanderers. SAMWISE GAMGEE watches ROSIE COTTON dance with fifty other hobbits. GANDALF lights several fireworks with his staff that explode into the air. FRODO sits and drinks when he sees SAM staring at ROSIE. He puts down the beer and walks towards SAM.

FRODO
Go on, Sam. Make your move on her.

SAM
I don’t think so, Frodo. Rosie Cotton’s never noticed me, and that’s all fine with me. I’m having another drink.

FRODO
She doesn’t notice you because you’ve never talked to her.

SAM
Yes, I have! When we were lads, we played hide and seek for a day. I’ll have another ale!

A bartender hands SAM a drink.

SAM
Thank you.

FRODO
Oh, no you don’t!

FRODO grabs SAM who tries to drink his ale, and pushes him into ROSIE’S path, but he doesn’t know that SAM still holds the ale, and watches in horror as he spills the drink all over ROSIE. She looks down at SAM in despise, as he looks back at her. He smiles at her, and she suddenly laughs.

ROSIE
Samwise Gamgee! Is that you?

SAM still lies on the floor and looks up at her.

SAM
Yes, it’s me.

ROSIE
Well, get up, you idiot! I haven’t talked to you in years!

SAM
I could use some help, Frodo.

FRODO looks at ROSIE who nods back at him. She helps SAM up.

ROSIE
Where have you bee, Sam?

SAM
Just down the street. Number 3 Bagshot Row, if you didn’t know.

ROSIE smiles.

ROSIE
It’s good to see you, Sam. Maybe we should catch up sometime.

SAM is a nervous wreck by now.

SAM (nervous)
Perhaps.

ROSIE
Would you want to dance?

SAM
Ah, um, no thanks. I have to go do something.

ROSIE
Well… alright. I’ve got to go clean up.

SAM
Sorry about that.

ROSIE nods and walks away.

FRODO
Well, that was odd. Wait! Why’d you let her go?

SAM
She had to clean up.

GANDALF takes out a firework shaped like a dragon and nods. Meanwhile, BILBO tells a story to some small hobbits.

BILBO
So there I was… trapped in the clutches of the nasty creature, Gollum in his dark cave. He would say, ‘my precious’ over and all the time, and GOLLUM would come out of his throat. That’s why he’s called, Gollum, you see. Now, at that time, we played a little game. A game that determined my survival. It was a riddle game. Perhaps you’d like to play the game?

The children cheer.

BILBO
Alright. This was one out of two that I remember clearly.

BILBO thinks.

BILBO
Thirty white horses on a red hill, First they clamp, Then they stamp, than they stand still. What are they?

The hobbit-children ponder for a moment.

CHILD
Is it a flag, Mr. Bilbo?

CHILD
No! It’s an odd-looking dragon, it is.

PIPPIN
Teeth.

BILBO looks at PEREGRIN TOOK, a child at this time, and smiles.

BILBO
Good, young Peregrin Took.

BILBO turns to the others.

BILBO
Alright, everyone. This is another one. It’s tougher. This thing all things devours; Birds, beasts, trees, flowers; Gnaws iron, bites steel, Grinds hard stones to meal; Slays king, ruins town, and beats high mountain down. What is it?

CHILD
It’s a ghost! It’s a ghost!

CHILD
It’s a flag!

CHILD
It’s an odd-looking dragon, it is.

MERRY
Time, Mr. Bilbo. It’s time.

BILBO eyes MERRY, who is older than PIPPIN, about thirteen.

BILBO
Meriadoc Brandybuck. You are bright, you young lad.

MERRY smiles.

BILBO
Now, to escape the clutches of Gollum, I had to answer more of these riddles, right, and if I didn’t, he would eat me!

The children gasp, but MERRY sits still.

BILBO
And I tricked him, but I didn’t cheat. It was a riddle. To escape his clutches, I asked him, “What have I got in my pocket?”

BILBO continues to meddle with something in his pocket. Suddenly, BILBO looks above him to see a dragon fly over him. Several hobbits scream as the dragon flies over them again and again until it explodes over BYWATER deafeningly. GANDALF smiles proudly, and FRODO claps, and BILBO cheers. MERRY and PIPPIN stare at it, and PIPPIN claps his hands looking at MERRY.

HOBBITS
Speech! Bilbo! Speech!

FRODO
Speech!

BILBO turns around and sees that all the hobbits are staring at him, shouting these words over and over again. Finally, BILBO gives in, and goes to the tree and stands on a stool.

BILBO
Very well! Very well! My dear Bagginses and Boffins, my dear Tooks and Brandybucks, Grubbs and Chubbs, Burrowses, Hornblowers, Bolgers, Bracegirdles, Goodbodies, Brockhouses, and Proudfoots!

As Bilbo says the hobbits’ names, they cheer.

BILBO
Today is my one hundred and eleventh birthday!

Everyone cheers.

BILBO
I have called you all together for one purpose. Wait! No, three purposes. The first to tell you that I am immensely fond of you all, and eleventy-one years is too short a time to live amongst such excellent and admirable hobbits.

The hobbits cheer.

BILBO
I don’t know half of you half as much as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

This is difficult to comprehend for the hobbits. There is a bit of clapping, but most are trying to figure out if it is coming to a compliment.

BILBO
Secondly, of course, to, umm… to celebrate my birthday, of course.

BILBO takes out something from his pocket and holds it behind his back. He looks at FRODO. All is quiet.

BILBO
Thirdly, and finally… I wish to make a sort of an announcement. I regret to announce that this is the end. I’m going now. I wish you all a fond farewell.

BILBO whispers to himself.

BILBO
Now.

All of the hobbits are confused and appalled by BILBO’S behavior. BILBO looks at FRODO.

BILBO (whispers)
Goodbye.

Suddenly, BILBO disappears. GANDALF looks upset and angry. FRODO is shocked, and everyone begins to gossip and shout amongst themselves.

EXT. BAG END-ENTRANCE

The round door of BAG END opens seemingly by itself and closes again. The sound of footsteps can be heard.

INT. BAG END-FOYER

BILBO takes off a ring, and holds it, chuckling to himself. Smiling, he puts it in his pocket. He takes his walking stick and walks into the living room, and is shocked to see GANDALF waiting for him. BILBO continues to pack.

GANDALF
I am glad to find you visible, Bilbo. I suppose you think that was terribly clever.

BILBO
It was just a bit of fun, Gandalf. But, I do suppose you know what’s best, as usual. I’m sorry.

GANDALF
Why didn’t you tell, Frodo, Bilbo?

BILBO
I couldn’t do it, Gandalf. I just couldn’t do it. I don’t suppose I’m going to see him again. You’ll keep an eye on him, won’t you?

GANDALF
Yes, two eyes, as often as I can spare them.

BILBO
I’m leaving everything to him.

GANDALF
What about this ring of yours? Is it staying to?

BILBO
Yes! Of course. It’s in an envelope, if you must know, over there on the mantelpiece.

GANDALF moves towards the mantelpiece, but BILBO feels the ring in his pocket.

BILBO
No. Wait… it’s here in my pocket.

BILBO takes it out. GANDALF turns around to see him fiddling with the ring, as if he is in a strange trance.

BILBO
Yes. Why not. Why shouldn’t I keep it? Why not?

GANDALF
I think you should leave it behind, Bilbo. Don’t you want to?

BILBO
Well, yes…… and no. Now, that it comes to it, I don’t feel like parting with it. It’s mine! It came to me!! Why do you want me to?! You are always badgering me about my ring!


GANDALF is shocked by BILBO’S behavior.

GANDALF
Well, there’s no need to be angry.

BILBO
Well, if I’m angry it’s your fault! It’s mine! My own. My precious…

GANDALF
Precious? It’s been called that before, but not by you.

BILBO growls.

BILBO
It’s mine! My own. My precious! It’s mine, and I shall keep it! I won’t give my precious away!

GANDALF
Bilbo. Put the Ring on the floor.

BILBO
Well, if you want the precious-

GANDALF gets angry, and begins to grow larger, but it is hard to tell. The wood of BAG END begins to crack.

GANDALF
You will be a fool to say that word again, Bilbo.

BILBO is frightened.

GANDALF
I am not trying to rob you! I’m trying to help you.

GANDALF returns to normal size.

BILBO
Gandalf.

BILBO hugs GANDALF.

GANDALF
All your long years we’ve been friends. Trust me as you once did, and let it go to Frodo, and I will look after him.

BILBO
You’re right, Gandalf. The Ring must go to Frodo.

BILBO turns towards the door and walks.

BILBO
Yes, it is time now. Time to go.

GANDALF
Bilbo! The Ring is still in your pocket.

BILBO stops and smiles nervously at GANDALF.

BILBO
Ahh, yes.

BILBO slowly drops the ring onto the floor, and it does not bounce at all. It sticks to the floor, as if it is a magnet.

EXT. BAG END-ENTRANCE

BILBO moves out of BAG END and stares to the horizon.

BILBO
I’ve thought of an ending to my book. And he lived happily ever after, to the end of his days.

GANDALF smiles.

GANDALF
I hope he will. Farewell, my dear old Bilbo.

GANDALF puts his hand on BILBO’S shoulder.

BILBO
Goodbye, Gandalf.

BILBO smiles, and begins to hum, walking into the darkness.

GANDALF
Goodbye, until our next meeting.

INT. BAG END-FOYER

GANDALF opens the round door and looks at the ring on the floor. He tries to pick it up, but suddenly, an eye of flame fills the screen for a split-second. GANDALF turns and walks to the living room and sits down, smoking and stares into the flames.

BILBO (V.O.)
It’s mine. My precious!

GOLLUM (V.O.)
Precious!

FRODO suddenly bursts in through the door.

FRODO!
Bilbo!

FRODO looks down at the floor, and picks up the ring and walks towards GANDALF.

FRODO
Has he gone?

GANDALF continues to stare into the fire.

FRODO
I knew he was up to something. I just wish I had come earlier, to see him off.

GANDALF continues to stare into the fire, but talks to FRODO.

GANDALF
I think he preferred slipping off quietly in the end. Don’t be too troubled.

GANDALF turns around and sees FRODO holding the ring and is shocked but tries not to show it.

GANDALF
Bilbo’s ring. Put it somewhere out of sight and keep it secret, and keep it safe.

INT. BAG END-FOYER

GANDALF rushes towards the entrance to BAG END.

FRODO
But, wait, Gandalf! Wait!

EXT. BAG END-ENTRANCE

GANDALF walks out of BAG END and towards his cart.

FRODO
Where are you going?

GANDALF
Somewhere where I can find answers.

FRODO
But you have just now arrived. I don’t understand.

GANDALF
I don’t either. Keep it secret, keep it safe. Don’t put on that ring. Goodbye.

FRODO
Goodbye?

GANDALF jumps on his horse, and rides away into the darkness. FRODO looks at the ring.

FADE OUT TO BLACK

[bacon]

FADE IN TO WEST ROAD

GANDALF rides on his horse towards MINAS TIRITH. He looks out at the Mountains of Shadow, and sees a great storm in the land of MORDOR.

EXT. MORDOR

MOUNT DOOM erupts. The tower of BARAD-DUR is being rebuilt. A voice echoes from the towering inferno of a tower.

GOLLUM (V.O.)
Shire! Baggins!

EXT. MINAS MORGUL

PAN DOWN from black sky of MORDOR to the doors of MINAS MORGUL open and nine dark riders pour out and cross the bridge to the cross-roads.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH

GANDALF rides through MINAS TIRITH as civilians watch him.

INT. MINAS TIRITH-ANCIENT LIBRARY

GANDALF is led to a very small ancient library. He begins to pour over writings and maps until he comes to a certain parchment of writing.

GANDALF (V.O.)
Here follows the account of the finding of the Ring, and of Isildur of Gondor. It has come to me. The One Ring. It shall be an heirloom of my kingdom. All who follow in my bloodline shall be bound to its fate, for I will risk no hurt to it. It is precious to me, though I buy it with great pain. The writing which at first was as clear as red flame as all but disappeared. A secret that only fire can tell.

GANDALF looks up in shock.

EXT. BYWATER-NIGHT

All is silent in BYWATER as everyone is in the GREEN DRAGON.

INT. GREEN DRAGON INN-COMMON ROOM

MERRY and PIPPIN, now a lot older, stand on the tables of the GREEN DRAGON INN, singing and dancing. FRODO sings with them, but does not stand on the table. SAM gossips with several other hobbits.

FRODO
Sing, Merry! Sing, Pippin!

SAM
Strange things you do hear these days. Elves, wizards, dragons.

TED
There’s only one dragon in Bywater, Samwise Gamgee, and that’s the Green Dragon. The Green Dragon Inn.

The hobbits laugh with TED.

TED
But I can hear children’s tales at home, if I want to. I heard that you’ve the one that made all these things up, you and the rest of your family.

SAM
You shouldn’t listen to all you hear, Ted. Elves are sailing to the west, from the Grey Havens to the Undying Lands. War’s brewing in the east. The mountains are filled with orcs.

TED
Oh, you’re cracked. Just like the Bagginses. Bilbo left like a maniac.

SAM
Give it a rest, Ted. It’s been seventeen years.

TED
Leastways Bilbo was cracked, and Frodo’s cracking.

FRODO
And I’m proud of it. Cheers, Ted.

TED
Yeah, cheers.

MERRY and PIPPIN sit down beside FRODO.

TED
Ah, good evening, Merry Brandybuck.

MERRY
Good evening.

GAFFER
Look, it’s old Peregrin Took. Remember him. When’d he come back?

TED
A year ago, Ham Gamgee. You’re blind, you know that?

SAM laughs.

EXT. BYWATER-ROAD

SAM sees ROSIE.

ROSIE
Good night, love.

SAM
Good night, Rosie.

They walk away from ROSIE and into the BYWATER courtyard.

FRODO
I’m getting tired of this, Sam. It’s been seventeen years and you still haven’t got married to Rosie or even dated her, nor have you kissed her. Why don’t you just make a move, Sam?

SAM
I’m getting tired of it, to. But, I can’t ask her, Frodo.

FRODO
I’m not helping you with it anymore, Sam. It’s your problem, now.

SAM
I understand you. I just wish I had the nerve.

EXT. BAG END-ENTRANCE

FRODO
Good night, Sam.

SAM
Good night, Frodo.

INT. BAG END-FOYER

FRODO walks in to find everything scattered and gone through. Suddenly, from the living room a fire is lit and GANDALF appears.

GANDALF
Do you have it? Is it safe?

FRODO
Is what safe?

GANDALF
The ring. Where is the ring?

FRODO goes through a trunk and takes out the ring.

GANDALF
Can you see any markings on it?

FRODO
Well, no. It’s quite a plain ring, really.

GANDALF
Throw it into the fire, Frodo.

FRODO
Why?

GANDALF
Just do it, Frodo.

FRODO is a bit perplexed by GANDALF’s somewhat odd behavior, but complies.

FRODO
Alright.

FRODO throws the ring into the fire. For a few moments, they watch. GANDALF takes out the ring with some tongs.

GANDALF
It is quite cool, Frodo. Take it.

GANDALF drops the ring into FRODO’S hands.

GANDALF
Markings! Can you see any markings?

FRODO
No. There aren’t any.

GANDALF turns towards the window and bows his head.

GANDALF
It was a mistake then…

FRODO
No. There is. There are markings. Lines of fire. I cannot read them.

GANDALF
There are few who can. The language is that of Mordor, which I will not utter here.

FRODO
Mordor?!

GANDALF
But in the Common Tongue, it is said, “One Ring to Rule Them All, One Ring to Find Them, One Ring to Bring Them All, and in the darkness bind them!” This is the One Ring, made by the Dark Lord Sauron, in the fires of Mount Doom.

FRODO
But, I don’t understand. How did Bilbo get it?

GANDALF turns towards FRODO.

GANDALF
Must you know?

FRODO
Yes.

GANDALF
Very well… let us sit down.

All fades into black.

EXT. EREGION-SECOND AGE

GANDALF (V.O.)
It began with the forging of the great rings.

The Great Rings are forged.

GANDALF (V.O.)
Three were given to the elves; beautiful, never to die, and wisest of all creatures of Middle-Earth.

Three elves, including Galadriel, hold their Great Rings and ponder them.

GANDALF (V.O.)
Seven were given to the dwarf lords, great miners of the mountains.

Seven dwarves hold up their rings and try to see what they are made up.

GANDALF (V.O.)
And nine were given to the race of men who above everyone craved power and would do most of anything to seize it.

Nine men clutch their rings tightly, as if someone is trying to grab them.

INT. BAG END-LIVING ROOM

GANDALF and FRODO sit by the fire, GANDALF smoking pipe.

GANDALF (V.O.)
In these rings were given the power and will to govern all lands under its power. But, they were all deceived.

EXT. MORDOR-MOUNT DOOM

GANDALF (V.O.)
The dark lord Sauron tricked them into forging the rings so that he in the dark land of Mordor in the fires of Mount Doom could make the master Ring. The One Ring to Rule Them All.

MOUNT DOOM erupts.

INT. MOUNT DOOM-SAMMATH AMUR?

SAURON wears the ONE RING on his finger.

INT. BAG END-LIVING ROOM

FRODO is horrified.

GANDALF (V.O.)
With this Ring, Sauron poured all of his hatred and his evil to all of Middle-Earth and conquered many lands. But there were some who would not allow to give Middle-Earth to evil.

EXT. MORDOR-PLAINS OF GORGOROTH

The Last Alliance of Men and Elves march towards MORDOR and begin to fight against the orcs sheltered there.

GANDALF (V.O.)
The Last Alliance of Men and Elves marched against Mordor’s armies and on the plains of Dagorlad outside Mordor, they fought for the freedom of Middle-Earth.

The Last Alliance fights the orcs. ELROND and ELENDIL are two of them, as is ISILDUR. ELENDIL holds up NARSIL as they fight the orcs. They begin to drive them back, but suddenly, MOUNT DOOM erupts in the far distance.

GANDALF (V.O.)
But, just when victory was near, the Dark Lord appeared.

Out of the doorway of MOUNT DOOM comes SAURON, wielding the One Ring and a mace, and marches towards the Last Alliance slowly and slowly, and after a moment of tension lays waste to them, until finally ELENDIL can bare it no longer and lunges towards SAURON only to be flung away by the mace. ISILDUR rushes to his father’s side.

GANDALF(V.O.)
Isildur, son of the king of Gondor, took his father’s sword.

SAURON appears, and ISILDUR takes NARSIL from ELENDIL and chops off SAURON’S finger, holding the One Ring, which in turn cuts the sword into five pieces. SAURON screams and falls back. ISILDUR glances at the Ring, but back at SAURON who suddenly explodes. His armor falls to the ground.

GANDALF (V.O.)
Sauron was defeated, but this tale is not over, Frodo. Isildur could have destroyed all evil forever, but he kept it, for the hearts of men are easily seduced, and the Ring had its own will and desires.

EXT. GLADDEN FIELDS

ISILDUR rides with several men when suddenly one is shot. They look above them, and are attacked by orcs. ISILDUR slips on the Ring and disappears, and jumps in the river.

GANDALF (V.O.)
And the ring betrayed Isildur to his doom.

The Ring slips off ISILDUR’S finger and falls to the bottom of the river. ISILDUR is shot by the orcs, who can now see him, and dies, falling downstream.

INT. BAG END-LIVING ROOM

GANDALF turns to FRODO.

GANDALF
The rest is known to you. The creature Gollum found it, and fled into the mountains, and hid for 500 years. The Ring let him live on, but he did not obtain any more life. Than, Bilbo found it, on his great adventure.

FRODO
But, if you said Sauron was destroyed, than why does it matter?

A voice comes from the Ring. The voice of SAURON.

GANDALF
No, Frodo. Because Isildur did not destroy the Ring, his spirit lived on. They are one. The Ring and the Dark Lord. Sauron has returned. His orcs are multiplying day by day, and his fortress of Barad-dur is being rebuilt in Mordor. He needs only this Ring to cover all lands in darkness. He is seeking it, and all his thought is bent on it. Frodo, he must never find it.

FRODO is shocked.

FRODO
Let’s hide it. It’ll never be found. We’ll bury it, deep in Bag End. It’ll never be found. Nobody knows it’s here, do they, Gandalf? Gandalf?

GANDALF says nothing for a moment.

GANDALF
I have been gone for all these years to find the creature Gollum, who knew that Bilbo had the Ring, but the Enemy found him first. They tortured him endlessly, and now Sauron now knows of Baggins atlast and of the Shire.

FRODO
Because of Gollum. Such a pity that Bilbo had stabbed the vile creature when he had the chance!

GANDALF
Pity? It was pity that saved Bilbo’s hand. Many that live deserve death, and some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be so eager to deal out with death and judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. I personally believe Gollum will have some part to play in this chain of events, whether they be good or evil. The pity of Bilbo may be the rule of all.

FRODO
Yes… I suppose, but I wish this need not have happened in my time.

GANDALF
So do all who live to see such times but that is not for them to decide, Frodo. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

GANDALF places his hand on FRODO’s shoulder, giving an empathetic look. FRODO surpasses a smile for a moment.

GANDALF
But now the decision lies with you. What will you do with the One Ring?

FRODO looks at GANDALF, his smile fading.

FRODO
Take it, Gandalf. Take it!

GANDALF steps back.

GANDALF
No, Frodo.

FRODO
I do not want this ring.

GANDALF
You cannot give it to me!

FRODO
Take it!

GANDALF
No, Frodo! I dare not take it. Not even to keep it safe. If I took it, it would be out of a desire to do good, but through me it would wield a power to evil to imagine.

FRODO sits down and stares at the fire. He sighs.

FRODO
Well, I suppose that I must keep the Ring and guard it. And I should go off alone.

A tear rolls down his cheek as he turns from GANDALF.

FRODO
They won’t… they won’t bother the Shire if it isn’t here, will they?

GANDALF smiles.

GANDALF
My dear Frodo. Hobbits really are amazing creatures. You can learn all there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years they can still surprise you. I am afraid you are right. You must go, and leave the name of Baggins behind you, for that name is not safe outside the Shire. When you leave, go as Mr. Frodo Underhill. But you need not go alone. Not if you know of anyone you can trust.

Suddenly, GANDALF stops and listens. All is quiet, when suddenly a leaf snaps. GANDALF turns around, holding his staff towards the window and pulls in SAMWISE GAMGEE.

GANDALF
Samwise Gamgee! Of all the accursed nuisances! Have you been eavesdropping?

SAM
I’ve not been dropping any eaves, and that’s a fact.

GANDALF
Don’t be a fool! What have you heard?

SAM
Frodo! Don’t let him hurt me, Frodo.

FRODO
He won’t hurt you, Sam. Just answer his question.

SAM nods.

SAM
I haven’t heard anything important. Just about an enemy, and rings, the end of the world, a fiery mountain, and- and Elves, sir. I would like to see some Elves, Frodo, when you leave.

GANDALF smiles somewhat.

GANDALF
So you shall, Sam. You will go with Frodo, and you should get the Ring out of the Shire. Move to Rivendell as fast as possible. Move eastwards.

FRODO nods.

GANDALF
And make sure Samwise here doesn’t talk. Or I WILL turn him into a spotted toad.

SAM
I’m going to see Elves. That’s good. Yes, very good.

GANDALF
Leave quickly, and do not delay long. I will hopefully meet you at Crickhollow at the edge of the Shire. From there we will move together towards Rivendell.

FRODO
But, where are you going?

GANDALF
I must see the head of my order. He is both wise and powerful. Trust me. He’ll know what to do.

EXT. HOBBITON-EARLY MORNING

GANDALF prepares to leave, as FRODO and SAM watch. GANDALF turns to FRODO.

GANDALF
Is it safe, Frodo?

FRODO nods and puts his hand over his chest pocket.

GANDALF
Do not ever wear that on your fingers, Frodo, for the servants of the Enemy will see you. Always remember. The Ring has heard its master’s call. It wants to be found. Sauron has many spies in his service. Birds, beasts, and weather. Farewell. Keep it secret, and keep it safe.

GANDALF jumps on his horse and rides away. FRODO looks at SAM.

EXT. MIDDLE-EARTH-VARIOUS PLACES

GANDALF rides southwards and west of the MISTY MOUNTAINS towards ISENGARD.

EXT. ISENGARD

GANDALF rides towards ISENGARD at full speed, and passes the gate, revealing the tall, black tower. GANDALF walks up the steps of the tower of ORTHANC and sees SARUMAN waiting for him inside.

INT. ORTHANC-MAIN CHAMBER

GANDALF
Saruman the White.

GANDALF bows his head before him.

SARUMAN
So you have come, Gandalf the Grey. You’ve come to Isengard, to the tower of Orthanc, to seek my counsel.

He sits up and smiles at GANDALF.

SARUMAN
My old friend. What brings you from the Halflings’ Leaf? What brings you from the Shire?

GANDALF
For your aid.

SARUMAN
It has seldom been heard that Gandalf the Grey has sought for aid, one so cunning, and wise.

GANDALF
But, if I am not mistaken, we both know that things are unfolding which require both of our strength.

SARUMAN
Do you know what is happening in Mordor, Gandalf? I do. Inside the mountainous walls of Mordor, his armies take shape. His gaze pierces anything from cloud to flesh. He is gathering all evil from Middle-Earth to him. Soon, he will have gathered the strength to launch an assault on all of us.

GANDALF
How do you know this, Saruman?

SARUMAN
He has told me.

GANDALF’S eyes widen. SARUMAN leads GANDALF to the middle of the room, where he reveals a glass ball.

SARUMAN
The Palantir.

GANDALF
They have not all been found, the Palantiri. We do not know who may be watching.

SARUMAN
The hour is later than you know, Gandalf. The Nine have crossed the mountains, and are heading north as we speak.

GANDALF
They’ve reached the Shire!

SARUMAN
They will find the Ring, and the one who carries it.

GANDALF (To Himself)
Frodo…

SARUMAN
A new Age is upon us, Gandalf. A new power is rising. Nothing that elves, men, or dwarves will avail against it. It’s enemies are utterly destroyed. But, it’s friends will be protected. We must join with him, Gandalf. We must join with Sauron. It would be very wise, my friend.

GANDALF nods in silence and turns around in anger.

SARUMAN
Does that displease you? Where is the Ring, Gandalf? Why do the Nazgul search for it in the Shire? Have you hidden in there? Would you rather see the Dark Lord have it, or Saruman the White?

SARUMAN looks down. Suddenly, GANDALF’S staff flies towards SARUMAN and he grabs it.

GANDALF
Neither of you will have it.

SARUMAN
There is a third choice. To wait here until you tell me where the Ring may be found.

GANDALF
Saruman! If you do this, if you delay me here, Sauron will surely get it than!

SARUMAN laughs.

SARUMAN
Why did you have to choose the path of pain?

SARUMAN throws GANDALF into the air with both of his staffs. He flies towards the ceiling.

BLACK

EXT. SHIRE-OUTSKIRTS OF HOBBITON

FRODO and SAM leave HOBBITON for the last time. SAM looks back down at the small village.

SAM
This is it, Mr. Frodo.

FRODO
What?

SAM
I’m leaving Hobbiton for the last time, aren’t I, Mr. Frodo?

FRODO turns back to SAM.

FRODO
No. We’re going There and Back Again, just like Bilbo. Come on, Sam.

SAM turns and follows FRODO.

FRODO
Remember that song Bilbo used to sing? “The Road goes every on and on, Down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, And I must follow if I can.”

As he says this, FRODO and SAM journey through the SHIRE, through fields and waterfalls, and over a log which stands as a bridge for the river below.

SAM
How far is Crickhollow?

FRODO
We should be there in two days, Sam.

EXT. SHIRE-ROAD

FRODO and SAM walk along the road.

SAM
Why’d we have to leave without Gandalf, Mr. Frodo? I wish we’d have waited for him.

FRODO
He said he’d meet us at Crickhollow. That’s why we’re heading there. If not, we’d be heading straight for Rivendell, right now.

SAM suddenly stops.

FRODO
What, Sam?

SAM
I hear something. A horse coming up ahead of us.

FRODO suddenly looks ahead, hearing the sound of clip-clop of a horse, which fades into the beat of a heart.

FRODO
I think we should get off the road. Now!

SAM
What?

FRODO hears a NAZGUL scream.

FRODO
Get off the road! Quick!

FRODO and SAM jump off the road and dive into a hollow tree trunk, which is right off the road. They are fortunate, for just as they settle, a black horse comes around the corner of the road, carrying a strange creature clad in black, with no face, as all of it is darkness. It stops as it reaches the hollow tree, and begins to sniff for some reason.

SAM
Well that’s an eye-opener and no mistake. That was strange and disturbing. He seemed to be sniffing for something, Mr. Frodo. What do you think it is?

FRODO says nothing, and only opens his hand to reveal the ring.

EXT. SHIRE-FOREST-NIGHT

A rider rides through the SHIRE at night. SAM and FRODO find their way through a forest, but hear the scream of the riders and jump down. They hide behind a tree, as it departs from its horse from the road above them and comes down. FRODO and SAM hide desperately, but it finds its way towards them. At the last second, they can hear the sound of singing. The creature screams and jumps on its horse and rides away into the darkness. FRODO is gratified, as he turns towards the road and sees a chorus of elves finding their way through the SHIRE in a melancholy way. Suddenly, an elf in front orders the others to stop as they reach FRODO and SAM.

GILDOR
Hail, Frodo of the Shire! Are you lost?

ELF
Three hobbits in a wood at night! We’ve not seen such a thing since Bilbo went away.

FRODO
How do you know my name?

GILDOR
We know many things of you. Bilbo has told us much.

SAM
Who are you?

GILDOR
I am Gildor of the Elves, and this is my company.

SAM
O wise people! Tell us about the Dark Riders!

GILDOR
Why do you speak of them?

FRODO
We’ve ran into two of them today. We- I think they’re after us.

GILDOR nods.

EXT. SHIRE-CAMPFIRE-NIGHT

FRODO sits with GILDOR as everyone else has gone to sleep.

GILDOR
Has Gandalf told you anything of these creatures?

FRODO
Nothing.

GILDOR
Than it is not for me to say more, except that you should be very careful and reach Crickhollow by nightfall tomorrow. There is evil in the Shire, and you should leave as soon as possible, for if I am right, I know your duty. What is your plan?

FRODO
Once I leave Crickhollow if Gandalf shows up, we’ll follow the road to Rivendell. Should I wait for him?

GILDOR
I do not like this news. But, it is said: Do not meddle in the affairs of Wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger. The choice is yours: to go or to wait.

FRODO
And it is also sad: Go not to the Elves for advice, for they will say both no and yes.

GILDOR laughs.

GILDOR
Advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise. But if you demand it, I will for friendship’s sake give it. I think you should go at once, and if Gandalf does not come before you set out, than I also advise this: go not alone. Be grateful, for I rarely give this counsel gladly.

FRODO
I am grateful. But, what are-

GILDOR
They are servants of the Enemy. That is all that I will say. You will need courage before the end, Frodo of the Shire.

FRODO
But where will I find it?

GILDOR smiles.

GILDOR
Courage is found in the unlikeliest of places. Have hope, and sleep now, for in the morning, you will have much to do.

FRODO nods, as the fire dims.

INT. ORTHANC-MAIN CHAMBER

SARUMAN communicates with SAURON via the PALANTIR.

SARUMAN
The armies of Isengard are at your command, Sauron of Mordor! We will do whatever you like.

SAURON (V.O.)
Build me an army worthy of the name Mordor.

SARUMAN smiles as he communicates.

INT. ORTHANC-STUDY

SARUMAN stands before several small orcs.

ORC
What does the Dark Lord command?

ORC
What news from Mordor?

SARUMAN smiles.

SARUMAN
You have plenty of work to do as of late. The trees will fall.

EXT. ISENGARD-TOP OF TOWER

GANDALF wakes up and looks below.

GANDALF
What in Middle-Earth are you doing, Saruman?

SARUMAN talks with several orcs below.

ORCS
All of them?

SARUMAN
Kill them all! The circle of Isengard will be a circle of smoke by morning.

ORC
Yes!

GANDALF watches with sadness as the trees of ISENGARD are cut down.

EXT. SHIRE-FOREST-MORNING

FRODO wakes up slowly and sees that it is daylight. A small fire is lit by SAM as he makes sausages for breakfast.

SAM
The elves left before I woke up, Mr. Frodo. They’ve left us breakfast.

FRODO
That is good, I suppose.

SAM
What’s the plan for today?

FRODO
We have to get to Crickhollow as fast as possible.

SAM
Do you think we’ll see more of those Dark Riders?

FRODO
Probably. I hope to get across the river before they see us, though. Well, Sam. What about it? I’m leaving the Shire as soon as I can.

SAM
Very good, Frodo.

FRODO
You still mean to come with me?

SAM
I do.

FRODO
It will be very dangerous, Sam. It already is. Rivendell is far away from here.

EXT. SHIRE-FOREST

SAM and FRODO walk through the SHIRE once more, though staying off the road as much as possible. They walk over hills and through forests and across a small creek. The journey continues on, till they come to the edge of FARMER MAGGOT’S land.

SAM
I know this land, Mr. Frodo. This is old Farmer Maggot’s land. That’s his farm way down yonder.

FRODO
One trouble after another!

SAM
What’s wrong with Old Maggot! He’s a good friend to all the Brandybucks. He’s a terror to trespassers and keeps ferocious dogs, but this is the edge of the Shire and folks have to be on their guard.

FRODO
All the same, I am terrified of his dogs. I have avoided this spot for years. Before I lived with Bilbo, I lived near here, and he would always catch me stealing mushrooms. Once he sent his dogs chasing me through the fields.

SAM
Well, I think it’s time you made it up. Old Maggot really is a stout fellow, if you leave his mushrooms alone. Come. We’ll take a short-cut through the fields, to get to his land. I’ll do the talking, if we meet him.

FRODO
Alright.

FRODO and SAM venture into the cornfields, which is twice as tall as they are.

SAM
His cornstalks are taller than Gandalf!

FRODO laughs. Suddenly, out of nowhere PIPPIN appears, carrying loads of mushrooms. He falls on FRODO.

PIPPIN
Frodo! What are you doing here?

FRODO
What is the meaning of this?

SAM
Get off him!

SAM throws PIPPIN off of him.

SAM
Trust a Took!

PIPPIN
Hey!

Suddenly, a hobbit’s voice can be heard.

PIPPIN
Run, run!

They try to run, but FARMER MAGGOT grabs PIPPIN and FRODO.

FARMER MAGGOT
Well, if it isn’t Peregrin Took! And is this-

PIPPIN
That’s-

FARMER MAGGOT
Frodo Baggins. Come inside. All of you. We need to talk.

FRODO is frightened. PIPPIN smiles shamefacedly.

INT. FARMER MAGGOT’S HOME-DINING ROOM

FRODO, SAM, PIPPIN, and FARMER MAGGOT sit at the dining room of FARMER MAGGOT’S home.

FARMER MAGGOT
He came riding up all clad in black, with a face as empty as an apple barrel after a feast. And he asked for Baggins. I told him to head for Hobbiton, and off he went. After old Bilbo’s gold, I reckon. You should never have moved to Hobbiton. Folk are strange up there. What do you think of that?

FRODO
I don’t know what to think, really.

PIPPIN watches FARMER MAGGOT and FRODO converse, as SAM eats a carrot and listens.

FARMER MAGGOT
Maybe you’re thinking that you won’t be able to get to Crickhollow without being caught?

FRODO looks up at FARMER MAGGOT with a hopeful eye.