Screenplay by Emma Thompson
Based on the novel by Jane Austen
EXT. OPEN ROADS - NIGHT - TITLE SEQUENCE A series of traveling shots. A well-dressed, pompous-looking individual (JOHN DASHWOOD, 35) is making an urgent journey on horseback. He looks anxious. EXT. NORLAND PARK - ENGLAND - MARCH 1800 - NIGHT Silence. Norland Park, a large country house built in the early part of the eighteenth century, lies in the moonlit parkland. INT. NORLAND PARK - MR DASHWOOD'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
In the dim light shed by candles we see a bed in which a MAN (MR DASHWOOD, 52) lies his skin waxy, his breathing laboured. Around him two silhouettes move and murmur, their clothing susurrating in the deathly hush. DOCTORS. A WOMAN (MRS DASHWOOD, 50) sits by his side, holding his hand, her eyes never leaving his face.MR DASHWOOD
(urgent)
Is John not yet arrived?
MRS DASHWOOD
We expect him at any moment, dearest.
MR DASHWOOD looks anguished.
MR DASHWOOD
The girls--I have left so little.
MRS DASHWOOD
Shh, hush, Henry.
MR DASHWOOD
Elinor will try to look after you all, but make sure she finds a good husband. The men are such noodles hereabouts, little wonder none has pleased her.
(They smile at each other. MRS DASHWOOD is just managing to conceal her fear and grief)
MRS DASHWOOD
But Marianne is sure to find her storybook hero.
MR DASHWOOD
A romantic poet with flashing eyes and empty pockets?
MRS DASHWOOD
As long as she loves him, whoever he is.
MR DASHWOOD
Margaret will go to sea and become a pirate so we need not concern ourselves with her.
(MRS DASHWOOD tries to laugh but it emerges as a sob. An older MANSERVANT (THOMAS) now enters, anxiety written on every feature.)
THOMAS
Your son is arrived from London, sir.
(MR DASHWOOD squeezes his wife's hand.)
MR DASHWOOD
Let me speak to John alone.
(She nods quickly and he smiles at her with infinite tenderness.)
MR DASHWOOD
Ah, my dear. How happy you have made me.
(MRS DASHWOOD makes a superhuman effort and smiles back. She allows THOMAS to help her out. She passes JOHN DASHWOOD as he enters, presses his hand, but cannot speak. JOHN takes her place by the bed.)
JOHN
Father...