Sense & Sensibility

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.