The Hound of The Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles
By
Alonso del Arte
Faithfully based on the novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

OPENING CREDITS MONTAGE
INT. Engravers shop. An ENGRAVER is engraving the words "To
James Mortimer, M.R.C.S., from his friends of the C.C.H.
1884" on a broad silver band, which he then affixes to a
walking stick.
INT. Charing Cross Hospital conference room. DR. MORTIMER, a
young surgeon, and the future MRS. MORTIMER are surrounded
by his colleagues, who shake his hand, congratulate him, and
present him with a walking stick.
EXT. Charing Cross Hospital, main entrance. Dr. and Mrs.

Mortimer to-be leave, he has his new walking stick.
EXT. Night, Baskerville Hall. Dr. Mortimer is approaching
the mansion. The butler, BARRYMORE, with a grave expression
on his face, guides Dr. Mortimer.
INT. Baskerville Hall. Dr. Mortimer listens to the heartbeat
of SIR CHARLES with one of Leareds stethoscopes.
EXT. Moor, near the Grimpen Mire, daytime. Dr. Mortimer is
strolling, with his dog, a CURLY-HAIRED SPANIEL, a few steps
ahead of him. He runs into Sir Charles and they greet each
other with great friendliness.
INT. Dr. Mortimers house. Dr. and Mrs. Mortimer are having
a cup of tea.
EXT. Baskerville Hall, the Yew Alley. Dr. Mortimer finds Sir
Charles, laying on his face, his arms out, his fingers dug
into the ground, and his features convulsed with some strong
emotion. Dr. Mortimer, amazed, barely able to recognize his
patient and friend, lets go of his walking stick, which
falls to the ground.
INT. Coroners court. Dr. Mortimer is seen saying a few
words, then sits down. The CORONER writes the words "natural
causes" into a document.
EXT. Baker Street. Dr. Mortimer walks up to 221B, knocks on

the door, gets no response, he leaves, forgetting his
walking stick.
EXPOSITION OF THE CASE

INT. 221B Baker Street. Morning. SHERLOCK HOLMES is seated
at the breakfast table. DR. WATSON goes to the hearth rug
and picks up Dr. Mortimers walking stick.
2.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Well, Watson, what do you make of
it? Let me hear you reconstruct the
man by an examination of his
walking stick.
DR. WATSON
I think that Dr. Mortimer is a
successful, elderly medical man,
well-esteemed since those who know
him gave him this mark of his
appreciation.
(a beat)
I think also that the probability
is in favor of his being a country
practitioner who does a great deal
of his visiting on foot.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Why so?
DR. WATSON
Because this stick has been so
knocked about that I can hardly
imagine a town practitioner
carrying it.
(pointing to the ferrule)
The thick-iron ferrule is worn
down, so it is evident that he has
done a great amount of walking with
it.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Perfectly sound!
DR. WATSON
C.C.H. is probably the local hunt
to whose members he has possibly
given some surgical assistance, so
they made a small presentation in
return.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Really, Watson, you excel yourself.
Holmes goes from the table to a chair, sits down and lights
a cigarette.
DR. WATSON
Has anything escaped me?
3.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
A lot. You are correct that the man
is a country practitioner, and that
he walks a good deal.
DR. WATSON
Then I was right?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
To that extent.
DR. WATSON
But that was all.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
No, no, my Dear Watson, by no means
all. I would suggest, for example,
that a presentation to a doctor is
more likely to come from a hospital
than from a hunt, and that when the
initials C.C. are placed before
that hospital, the words Charing
Cross very naturally suggest
themselves.
DR. WATSON
You may be right. Supposing that
C.C.H. is indeed Charing Cross
Hospital, what further inferences
may we draw?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Do none others suggest themselves?
You know my methods, apply them!
DR. WATSON
I can only think of the obvious
conclusion that the man has
practiced in town before going to
the country.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I think we may go even further than
that. Your grave, middle-aged
family practitioner, my dear
Watson, is in fact a young fellow
under thirty, amiable, unambitious,
absent-minded, and the possessor of
a dog, larger than a terrier and
smaller than a mastiff.
Watson laughs incredulously, then goes to a bookshelf and

pulls out a book titled "Medical Directory."
4.
DR. WATSON
(reading)
Mortimer, James, M.R.C.S., 1882,
Grimpen, Dartmoor, Devon.
House-surgeon, from 1882 to 1884,
at Charing Cross Hospital. Winner
of the Jackson prize for
Comparative Pathology. Medical
Officer for the parishes of
Grimpen, Thorsley, and High Barrow.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
No mention of that local hunt,
Watson, but a country doctor as you
astutely observed. It is my
experience that it is only an
amiable man in this world who
receives testimonials, only an
unambitious one who abandons a
London career for the country, and
only an absent-minded one who
leaves his stick and not his
visiting-card after waiting an hour
in your room.
DR. WATSON
And the dog?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Has been in the habit of carrying
this stick behind his master. Being
a heavy stick the dog has held it
tightly by the middle, and the
marks of his teeth are very plainly
visible. The dogs jaw, as shown in
the space between these marks, is
too broad in my opinion for a
terrier and not broad enough for a
mastiff.
There is a KNOCK at the door. Holmes opens the door and in
comes DR. MORTIMER, a very tall, thin man, with a long nose
like a beak, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, his frock-coat
dingy and his trousers frayed, his long back already bowed,
walking with a forward thrust of his head and a general air
of peering benevolence. Dr. Mortimer is followed by a
CURLY-HAIRED SPANIEL. Dr. Mortimer notices his walking
stick.
DR. MORTIMER
I am so very glad. I thought I had
left it at the Shipping Office. I
would not lose that stick for the
world.
5.
Holmes hands Dr. Mortimer his stick.

SHERLOCK HOLMES
A presentation, I see.
DR. MORTIMER
Yes, from my friends at Charing
Cross on the occasion of my
marriage. And you are Mr. Holmes?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(pointing to Watson)
And this is my friend Dr. Watson.
DR. MORTIMER
Glad to meet you both. The reason I
am here today is that I am
confronted with a serious and
extraordinary problem. I have this
manuscript...
Dr. Mortimer pulls an old manuscript from his pocket.

SHERLOCK HOLMES
Early 18th Century, 1730 at the
earliest?
DR. MORTIMER
The exact date is 1742. This family
paper was committed to my care by
Sir Charles Baskerville, whose
sudden and tragic death some three
months ago created so much
excitement in Devonshire. I may say
that I was his personal friend as
well as his medical attendant. He
was a strong-minded man, sir,
shrewd, practical, and as
unimaginative as I am myself. Yet
he took this document very
seriously, and his mind was
prepared for just such an end as
did eventually overtake him.
DR. WATSON
A statement of some sort?
DR. MORTIMER
Yes, it is a statement of a certain
legend which runs in the
Baskerville family.
Dr. Mortimer adjusts his glasses on his nose.
6.
DR. MORTIMER
Baskerville Hall, 1742. Of the
origin of the Hound of the
Baskervilles there have been many
statements, yet as I come in a
direct line from Hugo Baskerville,
and as I had the story from my
father, who also had it from his, I
have set it down with all belief
that it occurred even as is here
set forth.
THE LEGEND OF SIR HUGO AND THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES

EXT. Baskerville Hall, 1742, late afternoon.
DR. MORTIMER
(voice-over)
In the time of the Great Rebellion,
the Manor of Baskerville was held
by Hugo of that name, a most wild,
profane and godless man.
SIR HUGO and 6 ROYSTERERS, all on HORSES, ride away from the
Hall.
EXT. The estate of a yeoman, twilight. His daughter LINDA is
picking up flowers when she hears hoof beats drawing near.
Then seven men on horseback show up. Sir Hugo grabs Linda
onto his horse. The men ride away with Linda SCREAMING.
EXT. Baskerville Hall, early night. The men on horseback
with Linda arrive.
INT. Baskerville Hall, an upper chamber. The door opens and

Linda is thrown in. Then the door is shut. Linda gets up and
tries to open the door, but is frustrated to see that it is
locked from the outside.
INT. Baskerville Hall, dining room. Sir Hugo and 13

ROYSTERERS are eating a banquet of goose and wine. MICHAEL,
one of the roysterers, puts down a goose leg.
MICHAEL
When do we get to shag her?
SIR HUGO
(sarcastically)
You will be the first.
7.
MICHAEL
Really?
SIR HUGO
(seriously)
No.
The Roysterers LAUGH. STUART, the butler, comes in with a

plate of food.
STUART
(to Sir Hugo)
Sir, are you sure you want to take
this food to the young lady
yourself? I can bring it up to her.
SIR HUGO
Yes, Im sure.
Sir Hugo takes the plate.
SIR HUGO
(with mock concern)
Besides, what would that frigid old
shrew of a wife of yours think?
The Roysterers laugh again.
INT. Baskerville Hall, a hallway in the second floor. Sir
Hugo is bringing up some food.
INT. Baskerville Hall, an upper chamber. Linda hears the
approaching footsteps and looks around desperately. She
opens the window and escapes thus. Sir Hugo comes in and is
surprised to see the room empty.
INT. Baskerville Hall, dining room. Sir Hugo comes down the
stairs like someone possessed by a demon. He flips the great
table, sending the flagons and trenchers flying in the air,
surprising the 13 Roysterers who sat around the table, who
then get off their seats.
SIR HUGO
(screaming)
Shes gone! I will give my body and
soul to the Powers of Evil if I can
overtake her!
One of the roysterers, XAVIER, stumbles about a little more
drunkenly than the others.
8.
XAVIER
(just barely coherent)
Maybe you should put the hounds on
her scent...
Sir Hugo puts his hands on Xaviers shoulders.

SIR HUGO
(seemingly sarcastic)
Thats a great flaming idea!
EXT. The moor, with the moon shining brightly. BLOODHOUNDS

are running towards Linda, followed by Sir Hugo and some of
the Roysterers on HORSES. Some SHEPHERDS look on in
surprise. Then a GIANT HOUND runs past the Shepherds. Soon
after, Sir Hugos Horse comes back, with trailing bridle and
empty saddle. Three of the Roysterers ride on to find a
broad space in which stood two great stones, and in the
center lay Linda where she had fallen, dead of fear and of
fatigue, and the body of Sir Hugo lying near her, and the
Giant Hound ripping out Sir Hugos throat. The three
Roysterers turn and ride in the opposite direction.
DR. MORTIMER
(voice-over)
One of them, it is said, died that
very night of what he had seen, and
the other twain were but broken men
for the rest of their days.
EXPOSITION OF THE CASE, CONTINUED

INT. 221B Baker Street. Dr. Mortimer has reached the last
paragraph of the legend.
DR. MORTIMER
(reading)
Many of the family have been
unhappy in their deaths, which have
been sudden, bloody, and
mysterious. Yet may we shelter
ourselves in the infinite goodness
of Providence, which would not
forever punish the innocent beyond
that third or fourth generation
which is threatened in Holy Writ.
To that Providence, my sons, I
hereby commend you, and I counsel
you by way of caution to forbear
from crossing the moor in those
dark hours when the powers of evil
are exalted.
9.
Dr. Mortimer puts down the document and resets his glasses.
DR. MORTIMER
Well? Do you find it interesting?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
To a collector of fairy tales.
DR. MORTIMER
Now, Mr. Holmes, something more
recent.
Dr. Mortimer drew a folded newspaper out of his pocket.
DR. MORTIMER
(reading)
The recent death of Sir Charles
Baskerville has cast great gloom
over the county. The circumstances
connected with the death of Sir
Charles cannot be said to have been
entirely cleared up by the inquest,
but at least enough has been done
to dispose of those rumors to which
local superstition has given rise.
Dr. Mortimer puts down the paper.
DR. MORTIMER
Those are the public facts.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Then let me have the private facts.
DR. MORTIMER
Within the last few months it
became increasingly plain to me
that Sir Charless nervous system
was strained to the breaking point.
He had taken this legend which I
have read you exceedingly to heart.
EXT. Baskerville Hall, a minute before sunset. Sir Charles
is running towards the front door, which is open.
DR. MORTIMER
(voice-over)
So much so that, although he would
walk in his own grounds, nothing
would induce him to go out upon the
moor at night.
Sir Charles runs in and a servant closes the door. The sun
sets.
10.
INT. 221B Baker Street.

DR. MORTIMER
The idea of some ghastly presence
constantly haunted him. It was at
my advice that Sir Charles was
about to go to London.
We hear a frantic HEARTBEAT through Leareds stethoscope.
DR. MORTIMER
His heart was, I knew, affected,
and the constant anxiety in which
he lived, however chimerical the
cause of it might be, was evidently
having a serious effect upon his
health. I thought that a few months
among the distractions of town
would send him back a new man. At
the last instant came this terrible
catastrophe. On the night of Sir
Charless death, Barrymore the
butler, who made the discovery,
sent Perkins the groom on horseback
to me, and as I was sitting up late
I was able to reach Baskerville
Hall within an hour of the event. I
followed the footsteps down the Yew
Alley, I saw the spot at the
moor-gate where he seemed to have
waited, I remarked the change in
the shape of the prints after that
point, I noted that there were no
other footsteps save those of
Barrymore on the soft gravel, and
finally I carefully examined the
body, which had not been touched
until my arrival. There was
certainly no physical injury of any
kind.
Dr. Watson seems a little puzzled.

DR. MORTIMER
But one false statement was made by
Barrymore at the inquest. He said
that there were no traces upon the
ground round the body. He did not
observe any. But I did, some little
distance off, but fresh and clear.
11.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Footprints?
DR. MORTIMER
Footprints.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
A man or a womans?
DR. MORTIMER
(almost whispering)
Mr. Holmes, they were the
footprints of a gigantic hound!
SHERLOCK HOLMES
You saw this?
EXT. Baskerville Hall, night. We see the body of Sir

Charles, and some twenty yards away, the footprints of the
Giant Hound.
DR. MORTIMER
As clearly as I see you.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
And you said nothing?
DR. MORTIMER
What was the use?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Did you see any other marks?
DR. MORTIMER
By the wicket gate, I saw the ash
had dropped twice from his cigar.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Any other marks at all?
DR. MORTIMER
None that I could discern.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
If only I had been there! That
gravel page upon which I could have
read so much has long since been
smudged by the rain and defaced by
the clogs of curious peasants. Oh,
Dr. Mortimer, to think that you
should not have called me in!
12.
DR. MORTIMER
I could not call you in, Mr.
Holmes, without disclosing these
facts to the world, besides...
(a beat)
There is a realm in which the most
acute and most experienced of
detectives is helpless.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
You mean the thing is supernatural?
DR. MORTIMER
I did not positively say so.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I have hitherto confined my
investigations to this world.
DR. MORTIMER
The original hound was material
enough to tug a mans throat out,
and yet he was diabolical as well.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Why have you come to consult me at
all? You tell me in the same breath
that it is useless to investigate
Sir Charless death, and that you
desire me to do it.
DR. MORTIMER
Thats not reason Ive come here. I
need you to advise me as to what I
should do with Sir Henry
Baskerville, who arrives at
Waterloo Station
(looking at his watch)
in exactly one hour and a quarter.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Hes the heir?
DR. MORTIMER
Yes. After Sir Charles died, we
inquired for this young man and
found that he had been farming in
Canada. I speak now as the executor
of Sir Charless will.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
There is no other claimant?
13.
DR. MORTIMER
None. Of three brothers, Sir
Charles was the elder. The second
brother, who died young, is the
father of this lad Henry. The
youngest brother, Rodger, was the
black sheep of the family. They
tell me he looked the spitting
image of old Hugo. He made England
too hot to hold him, he fled to
Central America, and died there in
1876 of yellow fever. So Henry is
the last of the Baskervilles. What
should I do with him?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Why should he not go to the home of
his fathers?
DR. MORTIMER
It seems natural, does it not? And
yet, every Baskerville who goes
there meets with an evil fate. But
the prosperity of the whole poor,
bleak countryside depends upon his
presence. All the good work done by
Sir Charles will crash to the
ground if there is no tenant of the
Hall.
Holmes mulls it over for a bit.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
In your opinion, there is a
diabolical agency which makes
Dartmoor an unsafe abode for a
Baskerville?
DR. MORTIMER
There is some evidence that may be
so.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
If your supernatural theory is
correct, it could work the young
man evil in London as easily as in
Devonshire. A devil with merely
local powers like a parish vestry
would be too inconceivable a thing.
DR. MORTIMER
You put the matter more flippantly,
Mr. Holmes, than you would probably
(MORE)
14.
DR. MORTIMER (contd)

do if you were brought into
personal contact with these things.
Your advice, then, as I understand
it, is that the young man will be
as safe in Devonshire as in London.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Bring him to me tomorrow at ten
oclock. Say nothing to him at all
for now. Tomorrow we will decide
what to do next.
Dr. Mortimer scribbles the appointment on his shirt cuff.
Then he absentmindedly gets up, about to leave. Holmes stops
him.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Just one more question. Before the
death of Sir Charles, several
people saw this apparition upon the
moor?
DR. MORTIMER
Three people did.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Did any see it after?
DR. MORTIMER
I have not heard of any.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Thank you.
Dr. Mortimer leaves. Holmes sits down. Watson grabs his hat.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Going out, Watson?
DR. WATSON
Unless I can help you.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Not at the moment. But when you
pass Bradleys, would you ask him
to send up a pound of the strongest
tobacco?
EXT. The moor, hazy and fuzzy, as if in a dream. Holmes,
like a ghost, walks upon the moor, as if having an
out-of-body experience.
15.
MEETING THE HEIR

EXT. Waterloo Station platform, day. Dr. Mortimer meets SIR
HENRY, a small, alert, dark-eyed man about thirty years of
age, very sturdily built, with thick black eyebrows and a
strong, pugnacious face, with the weather-beaten appearance
of one who has spent most of his time in the open air, and
yet something in his steady eye and the quiet assurance of
his bearing which indicated the gentleman. Sir Henry speaks
with a vaguely American accent.
EXT. Northumberland Hotel, day. Sir Henry and Dr. Mortimer

enter the hotel.
INT. Northumberland Hotel, Sir Henrys room. Sir Henry opens
a letter addressed to him. The letter was composed by
cutting words out of a newspaper, but the final word is
hand-written in ink, and it exhibits two ink splutters.
SIR HENRY
(reading)
As you value your life or your
reason, keep away from the moor.
INT. 221B Baker Street. The CLOCK STRIKES ten oclock. Sir
Henry and Dr. Mortimer come in. Sir Henry is wearing a
ruddy-tinted tweed suit.
DR. MORTIMER
(pointing to Sir Henry)
This is Sir Henry Baskerville.
SIR HENRY
The strange thing is, Mr. Sherlock
Holmes, that if my friend had not
proposed coming here, I would have
of my own accord.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Pray take a seat, Sir Henry.
They all sit down.

SHERLOCK HOLMES
You have had some remarkable
experience since you arrived in
London?
SIR HENRY
Nothing of much importance, only a
joke. It was this letter.
16.
Sir Henry puts the letter on the table. The envelope is

addressed to Sir Henry at the Northumberland, with a Charing
Cross postmark.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Who knew you were going to the
Northumberland?
SIR HENRY
No one could have known. We only
decided after I met Dr. Mortimer.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
But Dr. Mortimer was already
stopping thre?
DR. MORTIMER
No, I had been staying with a
friend.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Someone seems to be very deeply
interested in your movements.
Holmes opens the envelope and takes out the letter.

SHERLOCK HOLMES
(reading)
As you value your life or your
reason, keep away from the moor.
SIR HENRY
Now, perhaps you will me, Mr.
Holmes, what in the thunder is the
meaning of that?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Watson, could you get me
yesterdays Times, the inside page,
please, with the leading articles?
Watson hands Holmes the requested newspaper. Holmes looks it

over quickly.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Capital article this on free trade.
Check out this quote:
(reading)
You may be cajoled into imagining
that your own special trade or your
own industry will be encouraged by
a protective tariff, but it stands
to reason that such legislation
(MORE)
17.
SHERLOCK HOLMES (contd)

must in the long run keep away
wealth from the country, diminish
the value of our imports, and lower
the general conditions of life in
this island.
SIR HENRY
I dont know much about the tariff
and things of that kind, but it
seems to me weve got a bit off the
trail so far as that note is
concerned.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
The connection is that that message
was composed by cutting words out
of that passage I just read.
Holmes hands Sir Henry both the newspaper and the letter,
and Sir Henry sees that the typefaces match.
SIR HENRY
Well, if that isnt smart!
SHERLOCK HOLMES
The address, you observe is printed
in rough characters. But the Times
is a paper which is seldom found in
any hands but those of the highly
educated. We may take it,
therefore, that the letter was
composed by an educated man who
wished to pose as an uneducated
one, and his effort to conceal his
own writing suggests that that
writing might be known, or come to
be known, by you. This address has
been written in a hotel.
DR. MORTIMER
How in the world can you say that?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
You will notice that the pen has
spluttered twice in a single word
and run dry three times in a short
address. Such is the kind of pen
and ink you will find in a hotel. I
have very little hesitation in
saying that could we examine the
waste-paper baskets of the hotels
around Charing Cross until we found
(MORE)
18.

the remains of the mutilated Times
leader we could lay our hands
straight upon the person who sent
this singular message. Now, Sir
Henry, has anything else of
interest happened to you since you
have been in London?
SIR HENRY
Why, no, Mr. Holmes. I think not.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
You have not observed anyone follow
you, or watch you?
SIR HENRY
No.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Anything else out of the ordinary?
SIR HENRY
I dont know much of British life
yet, but I hope that to lose one of
your boots is not part of the
ordinary routine of life over here.
DR. MORTIMER
(to Sir Henry)
Its just mislaid, you will find it
soon. Its not worth troubling Mr.
Holmes about it.
SIR HENRY
(to Dr. Mortimer)
Well, he asked me for anything out
of the ordinary.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Exactly, no matter how
insignificant the incident may
seem. So, what kind of boot did you
lose?
SIR HENRY
Well, mislaid, anyhow. It was from
a pair of new boots I bought in the
Strand last night. Ive never even
had them on.
19.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
If you have never worn them, why
did you put them out to be cleaned?
SIR HENRY
They were tan boots, I put them out
to be varnished.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
It seems a singularly useless thing
to steal. I think it wont be long
before it turns up as Dr. Mortimer
suggests.
SIR HENRY
(decisively)
Now, gentlemen, its time you gave
me a full account of what you are
all getting at.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Dr. Mortimer, please tell Sir Henry
the story as you told it to us.
Holmes goes to the window as Dr. Mortimer gets out the
manuscript of the legend.
DR. MORTIMER
(to Sir Henry)
In the last months of his life,
your uncle became very preoccupied
with this legend of Sir Hugo and
the Hound of the Baskervilles.
EXT. Baker Street, day, average traffic. Two cabs are parked
on the side of the street opposite 221B.
DR. MORTIMER
(voice-over, very faint)
Hugo ran from the house, crying to
his grooms that they should saddle
his mare and unkennel the pack, and
giving the hounds a kerchief of the
maids, he swung them to the line.
A couple of PASSENGERS board one of the two cabs, then that

cab starts off to its destination.
INT. 221B Baker Street. Holmes gets away from the window.
DR. MORTIMER
Then Holmes suggested I bring you
here today.
20.
SIR HENRY
Well, I seem to have come into an
inheritance with a vengeance.
(a beat)
Ive heard of the Hound ever since
I was in the nursery. Its the pet
story of the family, but Ive never
thought of taking it seriously
before. But as to my uncles death,
I cant get it clear yet.
(to Holmes)
You dont seem quite to have made
up your mind whether its a case
for a cop or a priest.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Precisely.
SIR HENRY
As for the letter, that fits into
place somehow.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
It could mean that someone is not
ill-disposed towards you, since
they warn you of danger.
SIR HENRY
Or it may be that they wish, for
their own purposes, to scare me
away.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Well, of course, that is possible
also. Now we must decide whether it
is advisable for you to go to
Baskerville Hall.
SIR HENRY
Why should I not go? Because of
danger from this family fiend or
danger from human beings?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Well, that is what we have to find
out.
SIR HENRY
Either way, my answer is the same.
There is no devil in hell, Mr.
Holmes, and there is no man upon
earth who can prevent me from going
to the home of my own people, and
(MORE)
21.
SIR HENRY (contd)

you may take that to be my final
answer.
Watson appears impressed by that answer.
SIR HENRY
(to Holmes)
I have to think about all this some
more. Perhaps you and your friend,
Dr. Watson, can join us for lunch
at the hotel at two?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(to Watson)
Is that convenient to you, Watson?
DR. WATSON
Perfectly.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Then you may expect us. Shall I
have a cab called?
SIR HENRY
Id prefer to walk.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Then we meet again at two oclock.
Sir Henry and Dr. Mortimer leave. We hear their FOOTSTEPS

down the stairs, then the BANG of a door.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Your hat and boots, Watson, quick!
Holmes and Watson get dressed to go outside quickly and then
leave.
CHASING THE SHADOW

EXT. Baker Street. Holmes and Watson spot Sir Henry and Dr.
Mortimer at about two hundred yards going towards Oxford
Street.
DR. WATSON
Shall I run and stop them?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
No, its a fine morning for a walk.
22.
Holmes increases his pace and Watson follows suit, but

without quite catching up to Sir Henry and Dr. Mortimer.
After some twists and turns, Sir Henry and Dr. Mortimer stop
to look at a shop window. Holmes spots a cab that is
following Sir Henry.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Theres our man, Watson!
Holmes and Watson approach the cab so as to see the

passenger. The passenger is STAPLETON, a somewhat short man
with a bushy, black beard, wearing a top hat.
STAPLETON
To Waterloo Station, fast!
The cab rushes down Regent Street.

WATSON
Did you get the number?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(panting)
Twenty-seven oh four.
Watson looks around for Sir Henry and Dr. Mortimer.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
There is no object in
our following them. The shadow has
departed and will not return.
Holmes and Watson go to a District Messenger Office.

INT. District Messenger Office. WILSON, the manager, notices
Holmes.
WILSON
(warmly)
Mr. Holmes, how are you?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Very well, Wilson. You have not
forgotten the little case in which
I helped you?
WILSON
You saved my good name, and perhaps
my life.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
You had among your boys a lad named
Cartwright, who showed some ability
during the investigation?
23.
WILSON
Yes, sir, he is still with us.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Could you ring him up?
WILSON
(to the back)
Cartwright!
CARTWRIGHT, a lad of fourteen, with a bright, keen face,
comes up.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
You will visit each of the hotels
in the neighborhood of Charing
Cross, saying that you are looking
for a misplaced telegram. But you
are really looking for a copy of
the Times with some words cut out
of it.
Holmes hands Cartwright a copy of the Times.
CARTWRIGHT
Yes, sir.
EXT. Regent Street. Holmes and Watson exit the District
Messenger Office.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
And now it only remains for us to
find out by wire the identity of
the cabman of number twenty-seven
oh four, and then we will drop into
one of the Bond Street galleries
and fill in the time until we are
due at the Hotel.
THE PUZZLE OF THE MISSING ODD BOOTS

EXT. Bond Street. Holmes and Watson leave an art gallery,
and start heading for the Northumberland Hotel.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
That last one, especially.
DR. WATSON
Really, Holmes, you have the
crudest ideas about art.
EXT. Northumberland Hotel. Holmes and Watson go in.

24.
INT. Northumberland Hotel lobby. The CLERK perks up on

seeing Holmes.
CLERK
Sir Henry Baskerville is expecting
you.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Have you any objection to my
looking at your register?
CLERK
Not in the least.
Holmes and Watson spot Sir Henrys name, followed by
Theophilus Johnson and family of Newcastle, and Mrs. Oldmore
and her maid, of High Lodge, Alton.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Thank you.
Holmes and Watson go up the stairs.

SHERLOCK HOLMES
(in a low voice)
The people who are so interested in
our friend have not settled down in
this hotel. They are very anxious
to watch him, but also equally
anxious not to be seen by him. This
suggests that--
Holmes and Watson have reached the top of the stairs. Sir
Henry is looking very angry, holding an old, dusty boot in
his hand.
SIR HENRY
Theyre playing me for a sucker in
this hotel! If they dont find my
missing boot, there will be
trouble!
Holmes and Watson are now face to face with Sir Henry.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
You said it was a new brown boot?
SIR HENRY
And now one of my old black boots
is gone missing, too. Now my only
complete pair is the patent
leathers Im wearing right now.
KLAUS, an agitated German waiter, shows up.
25.
SIR HENRY
Have you got it? Speak out man,
dont just stand there staring!
KLAUS
No, sir. I have all over the hotel
made inquiry, and I cant hear a
word about it.
SIR HENRY
Well, either that boot comes back
before sundown or Ill see the
manager and tell him that I go
right straight out of this hotel.
KLAUS
It will be found, sir, with a
little patience it will be found.
Klaus leaves, seeming even more worried.
INT. Northumberland Hotel, guest room. Sir Henry, Dr.
Mortimer, Holmes and Watson have just finished eating lunch,
and they go to the adjoining sitting room.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(to Sir Henry)
So what do you plan to do?
SIR HENRY
To go to Baskerville Hall.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
When?
SIR HENRY
At the end of the week.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
A wise decision. You are being
dogged here in London, and among
the millions of this great city it
will be difficult to find who these
people are or their motives. Did
you know, Dr. Mortimer, that you
were followed this morning from my
house?
DR. MORTIMER
(very surprised)
Followed! By whom?
26.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I dont know. Have you among your
neighbors or acquaintances on
Dartmoor any man with a black, full
beard?
DR. MORTIMER
No, wait... there is Barrymore, Sir
Charless butler.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Where is Barrymore?
DR. MORTIMER
He is in charge of the Hall.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
We had best ascertain if he is
really there, or if he might be in
London.
DR. MORTIMER
How?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
We will send a telegram to Mr.
Barrymore at Baskerville Hall. It
will say: Is all ready for Sir
Henry? Thats it.
We hear the SOUND of Morse code.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
What is the nearest telegraph
office?
DR. MORTIMER
Grimpen.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Then we will send a second wire to
the Postmaster of Grimpen, it will
say: Telegram to Mr. Barrymore to
be delivered into his own hand. If
absent, please return wire to Sir
Henry Baskerville, Northumberland
Hotel.
We again hear the sound of Morse code.
SIR HENRY
(to Dr. Mortimer)
Who is this Barrymore, anyhow?
27.
DR. MORTIMER
He is the son of the old caretaker,
who is dead. They have looked after
the Hall for four generations now.
So far as I know, he and his wife
are as respectable a couple as any
in the county.
SIR HENRY
So long as there are none of the
family at the Hall these people
have a mighty fine home and nothing
to do.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Did Barrymore profit at all by Sir
Charless will?
DR. MORTIMER
He and his wife had five hundred
pounds each.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Did they know they would receive
this?
DR. MORTIMER
Yes, Sir Charles was very fond of
talking about the provisions of his
will.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Very interesting.
DR. MORTIMER
I hope that you do not look with
suspicious eyes upon everyone who
received a legacy from Sir Charles,
for I also had a thousand pounds
left to me.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Anyone else?
DR. MORTIMER
There were many small sums to
individuals and various public
charities. The residue went to Sir
Henry.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
And how much was the residue?
28.
DR. MORTIMER
Seven hundred and forty thousand
pounds.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(somewhat surprised)
I had no idea that so gigantic a
sum was involved. Supposing that
anything happened to our young
friend here, you will forgive the
unpleasant hypothesis, who would
inherit the estate?
DR. MORTIMER
It would go to the Desmonds, who
are distant cousins. James Desmond
is an elderly clergyman in
Westmoreland.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Have you met him?
DR. MORTIMER
Yes, he once came down to visit Sir
Charles. I recall that he refused
to accept any money from Sir
Charles, though he pressed it upon
him.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
So this man of simple tastes would
be heir to Sir Charless thousands.
DR. MORTIMER
He would be heir to the estate, and
he would also be heir to the money,
unless it were willed otherwise by
the present owner, who can, of
course, do what he likes with it.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(to Sir Henry)
Have you made your will, Sir Henry?
SIR HENRY
No, Mr. Holmes, I have not. But in
any case I feel the money should go
with the title and estate. House,
land and dollars must go together.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Quite so. Well, Sir Henry, I think
you should go down to Devonshire
(MORE)
29.

without delay. There is only one
provision I must make: You must not
go alone.
SIR HENRY
Dr. Mortimer returns with me.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
But he has his patients to see, and
his house is far from the Hall. No,
Sir Henry, you must take with you a
trusty man who will always be by
your side. For now I cant go with
you, as I am occupied with a case
of blackmail.
SIR HENRY
Whom would you recommend, then?
Holmes puts his hand on Watsons shoulder.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
If my friend would undertake it
there is no man who is better worth
having at your side when you are in
a tight place. No one can say so
more confidently than I.
Watson appears surprised by this. Sir Henry shakes Watsons

hand.
SIR HENRY
That is very kind of you, Dr.
Watson!
DR. WATSON
I will come, with pleasure.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(to Watson)
And you will report very carefully
to me. When a crisis arises, I will
direct how you shall act. I suppose
that by Saturday all might be
ready?
SIR HENRY
(to Watson)
Would that suit Dr. Watson?
30.
DR. WATSON
Perfectly.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Then on Saturday, we shall meet at
the ten thirty train to Paddington,
and--
Sir Henry appears distracted. He crouches down to look under
a cabinet and retrieves a new brown boot from under it.
SIR HENRY
My missing boot!
Holmes realizes an important detail, but instead decides to
utter a platitude.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
May all our difficulties vanish as
easily!
SIR HENRY
But Im still missing an old black
boot...
THREE BROKEN THREADS
INT. 221B Baker Street. Two telegrams have arrived, Watson

picks them up.
DR. WATSON
(reading)
Visited hotels as directed. Stop.
Unable to trace cut sheet of Times.
Cartwright.
Watson moves on to the second telegram.
DR. WATSON
(reading)
Have just heard that Barrymore is
at Hall. Baskerville.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
There go two of my threads, Watson.
DR. WATSON
There is still the cabman who drove
the spy, perhaps the--
The DOORBELL RINGS. Holmes opens the door to admit CLAYTON,

a rough-looking fellow.
31.
CLAYTON
I got a message from the Head
Office that a gent at this address
had been inquiring for number
twenty-seven oh four. Ive driven
my cab this seven years and never a
word of complaint. I came here
striaght from the Yard to ask to
your face what you had against me.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I have nothing in the world against
you, my good man. On the contrary,
I have half a sovereign for you if
you will give me a clear answer to
my questions.
CLAYTON
(grinning)
Well, Ive had a good day and no
mistake. What was it you wanted to
ask, sir?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Tell me all about the fare who came
and watched this house at ten
oclock this morning and afterwards
followed the two gentlemen down
Regent Street.
CLAYTON
The gentleman told me that he was a
detective and that I was to say
nothing about him to anyone.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
My good fellow, this is a very
serious business, and you may find
yourself in a pretty bad position
if you try to hide anything from
me. When did your fare tell you
that he was a detective?
CLAYTON
When he left me.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Did he say anything more?
CLAYTON
He mentioned his name: Sherlock
Holmes.
32.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
A touch, Watson, an undeniable
touch! Tell me where you picked him
up and all that occurred.
CLAYTON
He hailed me at half-past nine in
Trafalgar Square.
EXT. Trafalgar Square. Stapleton, with a thick, bushy black
beard, gets on a cab.
STAPLETON
(with a fake low voice)
Do exactly as I say and dont ask
any questions, and Ill give you
two guineas.
CLAYTON
Very well.
STAPLETON
To the Northumberland Hotel.
The cab starts off.
CLAYTON
We waited in front of the
Northumberland for a couple of
hours until two gentlemen came out
and took a cab from the rank. We
followed their cab until it pulled
up somewhere near here.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
To this very door. You waited for
an hour and a half, and when those
two gentlemen came out and started
walking...
CLAYTON
We were down on Regent Street, he
said to go to Waterloo Station as
hard as I could go. I whipped up
the mare and we were there in ten
minutes.
EXT. Waterloo Station. Stapleton gets off, gives Clayton two
guineas, and starts walking away. He stops and turns around.
33.
STAPLETON
It might interest you to know that
you have been driving Mr. Sherlock
Holmes.
Stapleton goes into the station.

CLAYTON
Thats how I came to know the name.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
How would you describe Mr. Sherlock
Holmes?
CLAYTON
Id put him at forty years of age,
and he was of a middle height, two
or three inches shorter than you,
sir. He was dressed like a toff,
and he had a black beard, cut
square at the end, and a pale face.
I dont know as I could say more
than that.
Holmes gives Clayton a half-sovereign.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Theres another one waiting for you
if you can bring any more
information.
CLAYTON
Good night, sir, and thank you!
Clayton leaves, chuckling. Holmes closes the door and shrugs
his shoulders.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(to Watson)
Snap goes our third thread, and we
end where we began. The cunning
rascal! This time we have got a
foeman who is worthy of our steel.
34.
EN ROUTE TO DARTMOOR
EXT. Train platform at Paddington Station. Sir Henry and Dr.
Mortimer patiently wait for the train. Holmes and Watson
show up and start walking towards Sir Henry and Dr.
Mortimer.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I will not bias your mind by
suggesting theories or suspicions,
Watson, I wish you simply to report
facts in the fullest possible
manner to me, and you can leave me
to do the theorizing.
DR. WATSON
What sort of facts?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Anything which may seem to have a
bearing, however indirect, upon the
case, and especially the relations
between young Baskerville and his
neighbors, or any fresh particulars
concerning the death of Sir
Charles.
DR. WATSON
I will do my best. Do you think
perhaps Sir Henry should get rid of
this Barrymore couple?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
By no means. If they are innocent
it would be a cruel injustice, and
if they are guilty its all the
more reason to keep them close
where you can observe them.
Now they are getting closer to earshot of Sir Henry and Dr.
Mortimer.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
You have arms, I suppose?
DR. WATSON
Yes, I thought it as well to take
them.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Most certainly. Keep your revolver
near you night and day, and never
relax your precautions.
35.
Holmes and Watson reach Sir Henry and Dr. Mortimer on the
platform, next to a first-class carriage.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Have you had any news?
DR. MORTIMER
No. I can swear to one thing, and
that is that we have not been
shadowed during the last two days.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(to Sir Henry)
Bear in mind, Sir Henry, one of the
phrases in that strange old legend
which Dr. Mortimer read to us, and
avoid the moor in those hours of
darkness when the powers of evil
are exalted.
Holmes looks at everyone.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Well, good-bye.
Sir Henry, Dr. Mortimer and Dr. Watson board the train.
Watson notices Holmes stays for a few minutes as the train
leaves the station.
EXT. Devon, day. A train makes its way through.

INT. Train cabin.
SIR HENRY
Ive been over a good part of the
world since I left here, Dr.
Watson, but I have never seen a
place to compare with it.
DR. WATSON
I never saw a Devonshire man who
did not swear by his county.
EXT. Devon, late afternoon, wayside station. The train pulls
up, Sir Henry, Dr. Mortimer and Dr. Watson debark. The
STATION MASTER and several PORTERS load the luggage of these
passengers unto a wagonette. By the gate there are two
WARDERS with the bearing of soldiers, holding short rifles.
PERKINS, a hard-faced, gnarled little fellow, is the driver
of the wagonette. Sir Henry, Dr. Mortimer and Dr. Watson
board the wagonette, which is then soon on the road.
36.
EXT. Devon, early evening. After passing a lane carpeted by

yellow leaves, the wagonette approaches a spot where a
WARDER on HORSEBACK stands guard. The passengers of the
wagonette all notice the warder.
DR. MORTIMER
Halloa! What is this?
PERKINS
(half turning back to address
Dr. Mortimer)
Theres a convict escaped from
Princetown, sir. Hes been out
three days now, and the warders
watch every road and every station,
but theyve had no sight of him
yet. The farmers about here dont
like it, sir, and thats a fact.
(once again facing forward)
Theres a reward of five pounds for
information, but that chance is a
poor thing compared to the chance
of having your throat cut. This is
no ordinary convict.
DR. WATSON
Who is he, then?
PERKINS
Selden, the Notting Hill murderer.
DR. WATSON
I remember the case, Holmes took an
interest on account of the peculiar
ferocity of the crime and the
wanton brutality which had marked
all the actions of the assassin.
SIR HENRY
Doesnt England have the death
penalty, by hanging?
DR. WATSON
His death sentence was commuted
because there were some doubts
about his sanity.
The lushness of the countryside has now given way to vast

barrenness of the moor. A COLD WIND blows fiercely. Sir
Henry pulls his overcoat more closely around him.
37.
FIRST NIGHT AT BASKERVILLE HALL

EXT. Baskerville Hall, twilight. The wagonette goes up to
the lodge-gates, a maze of fantastic tracery in wrought
iron, with weather-bitten pillars on either side, blotched
with lichens, and surmounted by the boars heads of the
Baskervilles.
PERKINS
Baskerville Hall.
The wagonette goes past the gate. The lodge is a ruin of

black granite and bared ribs of rafters, but facing it is a
new building, half constructed. Through the gateway, the
wagonette passes into the avenue. Sir Henry shudders as he
looks up the long, dark drive to where the house glimmers
like a ghost at the farther end.
SIR HENRY
(almost whispering)
Was it here?
PERKINS
No, sir, the Yew Alley is on the
other side.
Sir Henry looks around sadly.
SIR HENRY
No wonder my uncle felt as if
trouble was coming to him in this
place.
(more exuberantly)
Ill have a row of electric lamps
up here inside of six months, and
you wont know it again, with a
thousand candle-power Swan and
Edison right here in front of the
hall door.
The avenue opens into a broad expanse of turf, and the house
lays before them. In the fading light we see that the center
is a heavy block of building from which a porch projected.
The whole front is draped in ivy, with a patch clipped bare
here and there where a window or a coat of arms breaks
through the dark veil. From this central block rises the
twin towers, ancient, crenelated, and pierced with many
loopholes. To the right and left of the turrets there are
more modern wings of black granite. A dull light shines
through heavy mullioned windows, and from the high chimneys
which rise from the steep, high-angled roof there springs a
single black column of smoke.
38.
BARRYMORE, the butler, a tall man with a black beard,

approaches the now parked wagonette. His wife, MRS.
BARRYMORE, follows soon after to help with the luggage.
BARRYMORE
Welcome, Sir Henry! Welcome to
Baskerville Hall!
DR. MORTIMER
You dont mind my driving straight
home, Sir Henry? My wife is
expecting me.
SIR HENRY
Why dont you stay for dinner?
DR. MORTIMER
No, I must go, Ill probably find
some work waiting for me. Id like
to show you the house but Barrymore
here will be a better guide. Dont
hesitate to call for me night or
day.
Dr. Mortimer leaves. Sir Henry, Dr. Watson and the

Barrymores go into the house.
INT. Baskerville Hall. A fireplace is crackling with a warm
fire, Sir Henry and Dr. Watson warm their hands on it.
SIR HENRY
Its just as I imagined it, the
very picture of an old family home.
BARRYMORE
Dinner will be ready in a few
minutes, sir. You will find hot
water in your rooms.
SIR HENRY
Excellent.
BARRYMORE
My wife and I will be happy, Sir
Henry, to stay with you until you
have made your fresh arrangements,
but I imagine that as you might
want to have more company here than
Sir Charles, this house will
require a considerable staff.
Watson looks at Barrymore with renewed suspicion.
39.
SIR HENRY
You and your wife want to leave?
BARRYMORE
Only when it is quite convenient to
you, sir.
SIR HENRY
Your family has been with mine for
a few generations now. Id hate to
start my life here breaking an old
family tradition.
BARRYMORE
I feel that also, sir, and so does
my wife. But to tell the truth,
sir, we were both very much
attached to Sir Charles, and his
death gave us a shock and made
these surroundings very painful to
us. I fear that we shall never
again be easy in our minds at
Baskerville Hall.
SIR HENRY
What will you do?
BARRYMORE
Thanks to Sir Charless generosity,
my wife and I shall succeed in
establishing ourselves in some
small business. And now, sir,
perhaps I had best show you to your
rooms.
Barrymore leads Sir Henry and Dr. Watson up the stairs to

the bedrooms, which appear somewhat more modern than the
rest of the house.
Later, Sir Henry and Dr. Watson eat dinner in an
uncomfortable silence.
INT. Baskerville Hall, guest quarters. Dr. Watson is in bed,
but he tosses and turns, trying to sleep. Then we hear Mrs.
Barrymore SOBBING. Dr. Watson sits up and listens intently.
A CLOCK STRIKES three oclock.
40.
FIRST MORNING AT BASKERVILLE HALL

EXT. Baskerville Hall, a beautiful morning.
INT. Baskerville Hall, dining room. Sir Henry and Dr. Watson
are eating breakfast.
SIR HENRY
I guess it is ourselves and not the
house that we have to blame! We
were tired with our journey and
chilled by our drive, so we took a
gray view of the place. Now we are
fresh and well, so it is all
cheerful once more.
DR. WATSON
It was not entirely our
imagination. Did you hear a woman
sobbing last night?
SIR HENRY
I thought I did, but then I thought
it was just a dream.
DR. WATSON
I heard it very distinctly.
Sir Henry rings for Barrymore, who shows up promptly.

SIR HENRY
Barrymore, did you hear a woman
sobbing last night?
Barrymore hesitates a little bit before answering.
BARRYMORE
There are only two women in the
house, Sir Henry. One is the
scullery maid, who sleeps in the
other wing. The other is my wife,
and I can answer for it that the
sound could not have come from her.
Watson regards Barrymore with suspicion. We see in the eye

of Watsons mind an overlay of Stapleton with his disguise,
but it is obvious that Barrymore is too tall to be the man
who followed Sir Henry in London.
Watson has one last bite of breakfast and leaves the table.
INT. Baskerville Hall, a long corridor, with sunlight

streaming through. Watson passes Mrs. Barrymore in silence
and notices her eyes are red and her lids swollen.
41.
INT. Baskerville Hall, Sir Henrys study. Sir Henry is in

front of a desk littered with several documents. Dr. Watson
comes in.
DR. WATSON
If its alright with you, Im going
to take a little tour of the moor.
SIR HENRY
Dont worry about me, Ill be here.
Im not going anywhere, with all
these papers to go through.
DR. WATSON
If I can be of any help...
SIR HENRY
Do you know much about bookkeeping?
DR. WATSON
Im afraid not.
DR. WATSONS TOUR OF THE MOOR

EXT. The moor. Watson is walking along the edge. Hes going
towards a small gray hamlet, in which two larger
buildings, one of which is the inn and the house of Dr.
Mortimer, stands high above the rest. Then there is the Post
Office, Watson goes towards it.
INT. Grimpen Post Office. Watson walks in, talks to the
POSTMASTER.
DR. WATSON
Do you remember the telegram from
Sir Henry Baskerville to his
butler, Mr. Barrymore?
POSTMASTER
Yes, sir, I had it delivered to Mr.
Barrymore exactly as directed.
DR. WATSON
Who delivered it?
POSTMASTER
My boy here, James.
JAMES, a young boy, walks in from the back.
42.
POSTMASTER
(to James)
You delivered that telegram to Mr.
Barrymore at the Hall last week?
JAMES
Yes, father, I delivered it.
DR. WATSON
(to James)
Into his own hands?
JAMES
Well, he was up in the loft at the
time, so that I could put it into
his own hands, but I gave it to
Mrs. Barrymore, and she promised to
deliver it at once.
DR. WATSON
Did you see Mr. Barrymore?
JAMES
No, sir, I tell you he was in the
loft.
DR. WATSON
If you didnt see him, how do you
know he was in the loft?
POSTMASTER
(testily)
Surely his own wife ought to know
where he is. Didnt he get the
telegram? If there is any mistake,
it is for Mr. Barrymore to
complain.
DR. WATSON
(frustrated)
Alright, thank you.
Dr. Watson leaves.
EXT. The moor, around noon. Dr. Watson is walking back

towards Baskerville Hall, lost in thought. STAPLETON, a
small, slim, clean-shaven, prim-faced man, flaxen-haired and
leanjawed, between thirty and forty years of age, dressed in
a gray suit and wearing a straw hat, approaches Dr. Watson.
Stapleton looks like he could be the son of Sir Hugo, were
it not for the generations separating them. A tin box for
botanical specimens hangs over his shoulder and he carries a
green butterfly-net in one of his hands.
43.
STAPLETON
Dr. Watson!
Dr. Watson stops and turns around. Stapleton runs up to Dr.
Watson.
STAPLETON
You will, I am sure, excuse my
presumption, Dr. Watson. Here on
the moor we are homely folk and do
not wait for formal introductions.
You may possibly have heard my name
from our mutual friend, Mortimer. I
am Stapleton, of Merripit House.
DR. WATSON
How did you know me?
STAPLETON
Dr. Mortimer pointed you to me from
the window of his surgery as you
passed. I trust Sir Henry is none
the worse for his journey?
DR. WATSON
He is very well, thank you.
Dr. Watson and Mr. Stapleton start walking in the same
direction.
STAPLETON
We were all rather afraid that
after the sad death of Sir Charles
the new baronet might refuse to
live here. It is asking much of a
wealthy man to come down and bury
himself in a place of this kind,
but I need not tell you that it
means a very great deal to the
countryside. Sir Henry has, I
suppose, no superstitious fears in
the matter?
DR. WATSON
I dont think so.
STAPLETON
You know the legend of the fiend
dog which haunts the family?
DR. WATSON
Ive heard of it.
44.
STAPLETON
Has Mr. Sherlock Holmes come to any
conclusion?
Watson stops walking and so does Stapleton.
DR. WATSON
Im afraid I cant answer that
question.
STAPLETON
Is he going to honor us with a
visit himself?
DR. WATSON
(standoffishly)
He cant leave town at present. He
has other cases which engage his
attention.
STAPLETON
You are perfectly right to be wary
and discreet. I am justly reproved
for an unjustifiable intrusion.
They resume walking, getting to a point where a narrow
grassy path strikes off from the road and winds away across
the moor. A steep, boulder-sprinkled hill lays upon the
right which had in bygone days been cut into a granite
quarry. The face which is turned towards them forms a dark
cliff, with ferns and brambles growing in its niches. From
over a distant rise there floated a gray plume of smoke.
STAPLETON
A moderate walk along this
moor-path brings us to Merripit
House. Perhaps you will spare an
hour that I may have the pleasure
to introduce you to my sister.
Watson thinks it over a little bit.

DR. WATSON
Sure.
STAPLETON
It is a wonderful place, this moor.
So vast, so barren, so mysterious.
DR. WATSON
You know it well?
45.
STAPLETON
I have only been here two years.
The residents would call me a
newcomer. We came shortly after Sir
Charles settled. But my tastes led
me to explore every part of the
country round, and I should think
that there are few men who know it
better than I do.
Dr. Watson points to some bright green spots on the moor.
DR. WATSON
Those seem more fertile than the
rest.
Stapleton laughs.
STAPLETON
That is the great Grimpen Mire. A
false step yonder means death to
man or beast. Only yesterday I saw
one of the moor ponies wander into
it. He never came out. I saw his
head for quite a long time craning
out of the bog-hole, but it sucked
him down at last. On any season it
is a danger to cross it. But I can
find my way to the very heart of it
and return alive. By George, there
is another of those miserable
ponies!
We see a PONY struggling valiantly but pointlessly to escape
the grip of the Grimpen Mire. Now up to his neck, the pony
CRIES loudly, very agonized. Watson recoils in horror, then
looks to Stapleton, who seems almost unaffected. The pony
disappears.
DR. WATSON
Youve been to the middle of that?
STAPLETON
Yes, there are one or two paths
which a very active man can take. I
have found them out.
DR. WATSON
But why would you wish to go into
so horrible a place?
46.
STAPLETON
Well, you see the hills beyond?
They are really islands cut off on
all sides by the impassable mire,
which has crawled round them in the
course of years. That is where the
rare plants and the butterflies
are, if you have the wit to reach
them.
DR. WATSON
Ill try my luck one of these days.
STAPLETON
For Gods sake put such an idea out
of your mind. Your blood would be
upon my head. I assure you that
there would not be the least chance
of your coming back alive. It is
only by remembering certain complex
landmarks that I am able to do it.
A long, low MOAN, indescribably sad, sweeps over the moor.
It fills the whole air, and yet it is impossible to say
whence it came. From a dull murmur it swells into a deep
roar, and then sinks back into a melancholy, throbbing
murmur once again.
DR. WATSON
What was that!?
STAPLETON
The peasants say it is the Hound of
the Baskervilles calling for its
prey. Ive heard it once or twice
before, but never quite so loud.
Watson looks around, somewhat afraid. All is now very quiet,
except for a couple of RAVENS CROAKING.
DR. WATSON
You dont believe such nonsense?
What do you think is the cause of
that strange sound?
STAPLETON
Bogs make weird noises sometimes.
Its the mud settling, or the water
rising, or something.
DR. WATSON
That was a living voice.
47.
STAPLETON
Maybe. Have you ever heard a
bittern booming?
DR. WATSON
No.
STAPLETON
Very rare bird, practically
extinct. I would not be surprised
if what we heard is the cry of the
last of the bitterns.
Watson and Stapleton continue their walk towards Merripit
House. Watson notices a steep slope covered with gray
circular rings of stone, a score of them at least.
DR. WATSON
(pointing)
What are those? Sheep pens?
STAPLETON
No, they are the homes of our
worthy ancestors. Prehistoric man
lived thickly on the moor, and as
no one in particular has lived
there since, we find all his little
arrangements exactly as he left
them. These are his wigwams with
the roofs off.
We see the ghost of a hairy, skin-clad PREHISTORIC MAN walk
out one of the stone huts, fitting a flint-tipped arrow on
to the string of his bow.
STAPLETON
You can even see his hearth and his
couch if you have the curiosity to
go inside. You will find some very
singular points about the moor, Dr.
Watson. Oh, excuse me an instant!
A MOTH flutters across their path, and Stapleton chases
after it into the Grimpen Mire, bounding from tuft to tuft
behind it, his green net waving in the air.
As Watson observes Stapleton, he hears FOOTSTEPS. He turns

around and sees the beautiful MISS STAPLETON, who at this
point in the story is said to be Stapletons sister even
though she looks somewhat different from what wed expect of
his sister, something tropical about her features: darker
than any brunette in England, slim, elegant, and tall, with
a proud, finely cut face, so regular that it might have
48.
seemed impassive were it not for the sensitive mouth and the
beautiful dark, eager eyes. (In the character tags she will
be referred to as "MISS STAPLETON" throughout this script,
even after her true relationship to Stapleton is revealed,
though the dialogue will occasionally read "Mrs.
Stapleton"). With her perfect figure and elegant dress she
is a strange apparition upon a lonely moorland path. Watson
takes off his hat and is about to greet her.
MISS STAPLETON
Go back! Go straight back to
London, instantly.
Watson looks at her dumbfounded for a beat.
DR. WATSON
Why should I go back?
MISS STAPLETON
(more intensely)
I cant explain. But for Gods sake
do what I ask you. Go back and
never set foot upon the moor again.
Can you not tell when a warning is
for your own good? Go back to
London! Start tonight! Get away
from this place at all costs!
Stapleton has stopped chasing the moth and is heading back
towards Watson.
MISS STAPLETON
(feigning)
Would you mind getting that orchid
for me among the mares-tails
yonder? We are very rich in orchids
on the moor, though, of course, you
are rather late to see the beauties
of the place.
Stapleton has now caught up to them, he is a little winded.
STAPLETON
(with a tinge of hostility)
Hey, Beryl!
MISS STAPLETON
Jack, you are very hot.
STAPLETON
(looking at both Watson and
Miss Stapleton)
Yes, I was chasing a Cyclopides.
Very rare and seldom found in the
(MORE)
49.
STAPLETON (contd)
late autumn. What a pity that I
should have missed it! You have
introduced yourselves?
MISS STAPLETON
Yes, I was telling Sir Henry that
it is rather late for him to see
the true beauties of the moor.
STAPLETON
Who do you think this is?
MISS STAPLETON
Sir Henry Baskerville?
DR. WATSON
No, only a humble commoner. Im Dr.
Watson.
MISS STAPLETON
(flushed)
We have been talking at cross
purposes.
STAPLETON
(to Miss Stapleton)
You have not had much time for a
talk.
MISS STAPLETON
I talked as if Dr. Watson were a
resident instead of being merely a
visitor. It cannot much matter to
him whether it is early or late for
the orchids. But you will come on,
will you not, and see Merripit
House?
A short walk brings the Stapletons and Dr. Watson to
Merripit House, a bleak moorland house, once the farm of
some grazier in the old prosperous days, but now put into
repair and turned into a modern dwelling. An orchard
surrounds it, but the trees, as is usual upon the moor, were
stunted and nipped.
INT. Merripit House. ANTHONY, a strange, wizened,

rusty-coated old manservant, lets the Stapletons and Dr.
Watson into the house. Inside, there are large, elegantly
furnished rooms.
50.
STAPLETON
Were quite happy here, are we not,
Beryl?
MISS STAPLETON
(without conviction)
Quite happy.
STAPLETON
I had a school in the north
country. The privilege of living
with youth, of helping to mould
those young minds, and of
impressing them with ones own
character and ideals was very dear
to me. However, a serious epidemic
broke out in the school and three
of the boys died. It never
recovered from the blow, and much
of my capital was irretrievably
swallowed up. And yet, if it were
not for that tragedy, I could
rejoice over my own misfortune,
for, with my strong tastes for
botany and zoology, I find an
unlimited field of work here, and
my sister is as devoted to Nature
as I am.
For a moment Stapleton looks like he regrets saying what he

just said. He glances over to Watson, who seems more
interested in his sister than in him.
STAPLETON
Do you think that I should intrude
if I were to call this afternoon
and make the acquaintance of Sir
Henry?
DR. WATSON
I think he would be delighted.
Speaking of which, I should be
getting back.
EXT. The moor. Dr. Watson is walking back towards
Baskerville Hall. Watson is surprised to see Miss Stapleton
sitting upon a rock by the side of the track, without her
hat.
MISS STAPLETON
I wanted to say to you how sorry I
am about the stupid mistake I made
in thinking that you were Sir
(MORE)
51.
MISS STAPLETON (contd)

Henry. Please forget the words I
said, which have no application
whatever to you.
DR. WATSON
But I cant forget them, Miss
Stapleton. Tell me why it was that
you were so eager that Sir Henry
should return to London.
MISS STAPLETON
A womans intuition. My brother and
I were very much shocked by the
death of Sir Charles. I was
distressed when another member of
the family came down to live here,
and I felt that he should be warned
of the danger which he will run.
That was all which I intended to
convey.
DR. WATSON
But what is the danger?
MISS STAPLETON
You know the story of the Hound?
DR. WATSON
I dont believe in such nonsense.
MISS STAPLETON
But I do. If you have any influence
with Sir Henry, take him away from
a place which has always been fatal
to his family.
DR. WATSON
I cant convince Sir Henry without
anything more definite than that.
Miss Stapleton looks frustrated.

DR. WATSON
One more question. If you meant no
more than this when you first spoke
to me, why should you not wish your
brother to overhear what you said?
There is nothing to which he, or
anyone else, could object.
52.
MISS STAPLETON
My brother is very anxious to have
the Hall inhabited, for he thinks
it is for the good of the poor folk
upon the moor. He would be very
angry if he knew that I have said
anything which might induce Sir
Henry to go away. But I have done
my duty now and I will say no more.
I must go back, or he will miss me
and suspect that I have seen you.
Good-bye!
Miss Stapleton leaves.
FIRST REPORT OF DR. WATSON
INT. Baskerville Hall, the guest quarters for Dr. Watson,

who is writing a letter. He has so far written "Baskerville
Hall, October 13th. My dear Holmes."
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
Baskerville Hall, October
thirteenth. My dear Holmes, we
havent heard anything about the
convict in the past fortnight, we
believe hes gone now. We are four
able-bodied men in this Hall. But I
worry about the Stapletons.
INT. Merripit House. A ROBBER is strangling Stapleton.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
They live miles from any help. They
would be helpless in the hands of a
desperate fellow like this Notting
Hill criminal.
EXT. Baskerville Hall. Sir Henry, Dr. Watson and Stapleton

have just come out of the Hall.
SIR HENRY
Maybe Perkins could sleep over at
Merripit. Dr. Watson and I would be
less worried about you and your
sister if--
STAPLETON
No, really, Sir Henry, Im fine.
53.
INT. Merripit House. Stapleton has just introduced Sir Henry

to his sister. Sir Henry kisses Miss Stapletons hand, she
smiles but her brother looks a little annoyed.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
From the first moment he met her,
Sir Henry was attraced to Miss
Stapleton, and the feeling appeared
to be mutual.
INT. Baskerville Hall, dining room. Dr. and Mrs. Mortimer

are in the dining room, Dr. Mortimer pulls out a chair for
Mrs. Mortimer, as Sir Henry, Dr. Watson and the Stapletons
walk into the dining room.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
Since then hardly a day has passed
that we have not seen something of
the brother and sister. They dine
here tonight, and there is some
talk of our going to them next
week.
EXT. Long Down. Dr. Mortimer is dusting off a prehistoric
skull next to an excavation.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
The other day, Thursday, to be more
exact, Dr. Mortimer lunched with
us. He has been excavating a barrow
at Long Down and has got a
prehistoric skull which fills him
with great joy. Never was there
such a single-minded enthusiast as
he!
EXT. A road to Fernworthy. FRANKLAND, an elderly man,
red-faced, white-haired, and choleric, has just put up a
wooden blockade on the road.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
One other neighbour I have met
since I wrote last. This is Mr.
Frankland, of Lafter Hall, who
lives some four miles to the south
of us. His passion is for the
British law, and he has spent a
large fortune in litigation. He
fights for the mere pleasure of
(MORE)
54.
DR. WATSON (contd)

fighting and is equally ready to
take up either side of a question,
so that it is no wonder that he has
found it a costly amusement.
Sometimes he will shut up a right
of way and defy the parish to make
him open it.
EXT. Another road to Fernworthy. Frankland is tearing down a
gate.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
At others he will with his own
hands tear down some other mans
gate and declare that a path has
existed there from time immemorial,
defying the owner to prosecute him
for trespass. He is said to have
about seven lawsuits upon his hands
at present, which will probably
swallow up the remainder of his
fortune and so draw his sting and
leave him harmless for the future.
Apart from the law he seems a
kindly, good-natured person, and I
only mention him because you were
particular that I should send some
description of the people who
surround us.
EXT. Lafter Hall, roof. Frankland is peering out over the
moor through a telescope.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
He is curiously employed at
present, for, being an amateur
astronomer, he has an excellent
telescope, with which he lies upon
the roof of his own house and
sweeps the moor all day in the hope
of catching a glimpse of the
escaped convict.
INT. Dr. Mortimers house. Dr. Mortimer is showing Frankland

the prehistoric skull he dug up.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
If he would confine his energies to
this all would be well, but there
(MORE)
55.
DR. WATSON (contd)

are rumours that he intends to
prosecute Dr. Mortimer.
FRANKLAND
Did you have the consent of the
next of kin to open that grave?
DR. MORTIMER
(baffled)
But this is from the Neolithic--
FRANKLAND
Ill teach you to go around
desecrating the dead!
INT. Baskerville Hall, guest quarters. Dr. Watson continues
writing the letter to Holmes.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
Let me end on that which is most
important and tell you more about
the Barrymores, and especially
about the surprising development of
last night. But first of all, about
the test telegram.
INT. Baskerville Hall, Sir Henrys study. Sir Henry is
talking to Dr. Watson when Barrymore comes in.
BARRYMORE
Sir, I just wanted to let you know
that your London outfit has now all
arrived.
SIR HENRY
Excellent, thank you.
Barrymore leaves.
DR. WATSON
So the telegram only proved that
Mrs. Barrymore was here. Her
husband could have been in London.
SIR HENRY
(shouting)
Barrymore!
Barrymore comes back in.
56.
SIR HENRY
Did you get my telegram in your own
hands?
Barrymore seems a little confused by the question.

BARRYMORE
No, I was in the box-room at the
time time, and my wife brought it
up to me.
SIR HENRY
Did you answer it yourself?
BARRYMORE
No, I told my wife what to answer
and she went down to write it.
have finished eating dinner.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
In the evening, he recurred to the
subject of his own accord.
Barrymore comes in.
BARRYMORE
I could not quite understand the
object of your questions this
morning, Sir Henry. I trust that
they do not mean that I have done
anything to forfeit your
confidence?
SIR HENRY
No, not at all, dont worry about
it. I was just following up on Dr.
Watsons question, he figures Mr.
Holmes will want to know about it.
INT. Baskerville Hall, Sir Henrys room. Sir Henry and
Barrymore are by the closet, Barrymore already has a couple
of suits on his arm. Sir Henry grabs the ruddy-tinted tweed
suit he wore when he visited Holmes and Watson with Dr.
Mortimer in London.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
Sir Henry had to assure him, and
pacify him by giving him a
considerable part of his old
wardrobe.
57.
INT. Baskerville Hall, servant quarters. Mrs. Barrymore

walks in and sits down.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
Mrs. Barrymore is of interest to
me. She is a heavy, solid person,
very limited, intensely
respectable, and inclined to be
puritanical. But some deep sorrow
gnaws ever at her heart. Sometimes
I wonder if she has a guilty memory
which haunts her.
Barrymore comes in and raises a fist in the air
threateningly, Mrs. Barrymore cowers.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
And sometimes I suspect Barrymore
of being a domestic tyrant. I have
always felt that there was
something singular and questionable
in this mans character, but the
adventure of last night brings all
my suspicions to a head.
INT. Baskerville Hall, a hallway, dark at night. Barrymore,
wearing shirt and trousers but barefoot, slowly walks by the
guest quarters with a lit candle, his appearance is guilty
and furtive. Watson follows him at a distance.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
You know Im not a very sound
sleeper, and my slumbers here have
been lighter than ever. Last night,
about two in the morning, I was
woken up by a stealthy step passing
my room.
Barrymore enters one of the unoccupied rooms. Watson

carefully goes to the door. Barrymore is crouching at the
window with the candle held against the glass. His profile
is half turned towards Watson, and his face is rigid with
expectation as he stares out into the blackness of the moor.
After a while, he groans, and with an impatient gesture he
puts out the light. Quickly Watson makes his way back to his
room, and very shortly come the stealthy FOOTSTEPS passing
once more upon their return journey. Watson gets back into
bed and seems to fall asleep, but then he wakes up again. He
hears a KEY TURN IN A LOCK.
58.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
There is some secret business going
on in this house of gloom which
sooner or later we shall get to the
bottom of. I have had a long talk
with Sir Henry this morning, and we
have made a plan of campaign
founded upon my observations of
last night. I will not speak about
it just now, but it should make my
next report interesting reading.
INT. Baskerville Hall, guest quarters. Watson signs the
letter.
SECOND REPORT OF DR. WATSON

INT. Baskerville Hall, guest quarters. Watson is writing
another letter.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
Baskerville Hall, October
fifteenth. My dear Holmes, if I was
compelled to leave you without much
news during the early days of my
mission you must acknowledge that I
am making up for lost time, and
that events are now crowding thick
and fast upon us.
INT. Baskerville Hall, an unoccupied room. Dr. Watson walks
in.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
The morning after Barrymores first
night-time walk, I looked at the
room he had gone into and noticed
that it commands the nearest
outlook on the moor.
There is an opening between two trees which enables one from
this point of view to look right down upon it. Watson
examines the window.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
From all the other windows it is
only a distant glimpse which can be
obtained.
59.
EXT. Baskerville estate, summer house, night. Barrymore

stands waiting by the front door.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
It had struck me that it was
possible that some love intrigue
was on foot. That would have
accounted for his stealthy
movements and also for the
uneasiness of his wife.
A COUNTRY GIRL appears almost out of nowhere and rushes to

kiss Barrymore.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
The man is a striking-looking
fellow, very well equipped to steal
the heart of a country girl, so
that this theory seemed to have
something to support it. So I
reasoned with myself in the
morning, and I tell you the
direction of my suspicions, however
much the result may have shown that
they were unfounded.
The Country Girl vanishes as if she wasnt even there in the
first place.
INT. Baskerville Hall, Sir Henrys study. Sir Henry and Dr.
Watson are talking.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
But whatever the true explanation
of Barrymores movements might be,
I felt I had to talk about them
with Sir Henry. I told him all that
I had seen.
SIR HENRY
(not surprised)
I knew he walked about nights, and
I had a mind to speak to him about
it. Twice or thrice I have heard
his steps in the passage, coming
and going at that hour. Perhaps we
should shadow him tonight. What
would Holmes tell us to do if he
were here?
60.
DR. WATSON
I believe he would do exactly what
you now suggest.
SIR HENRY
Then we shall do it together.
EXT. Baskerville Hall. Furnishers and decorators are coming
into the Hall.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
Sir Henry has been in communication
with the architect who prepared the
plans for Sir Charles, and with a
contractor from London, so that we
may expect great changes to begin
here soon. There have been
decorators and furnishers up from
Plymouth, and it is evident that
our friend has large ideas and
means to spare no pains or expense
to restore the grandeur of his
family. When the house is renovated
and refurnished, all that he will
need will be a wife to make it
complete.
INT. Baskerville Hall, Sir Henrys study. Sir Henry puts on

his hat and gets up. Dr. Watson does the same.
SIR HENRY
What, are you coming, Watson?
DR. WATSON
Are you going on the moor?
SIR HENRY
Yes, I am.
DR. WATSON
You know what my instructions are.
Sir Henry puts his hands upon Dr. Watsons shoulder with a
pleasant smile.
SIR HENRY
My dear fellow, Holmes, with all
his wisdom, did not foresee some
things which have happened since I
have been on the moor. You
understand me? I am sure that you
are the last man in the world who
(MORE)
61.
SIR HENRY (contd)

would wish to be a spoil-sport. I
must go out alone. Besides, Im
going out in broad daylight.
Sir Henry leaves and Dr. Watson stays in the study for a
little bit.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
He put me in a very awkward
position.
Then Watson decides to follow Sir Henry.

EXT. The moor, day. Watson is running. He reaches a point
where the moor path branches off and stops to look around.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
I feared I had come in the wrong
direction.
Watson goes to a hill cut out of dark quarry to command a
view, he soon spots Sir Henry, though very distant. Sir
Henry is with Miss Stapleton, they are walking slowly and
seem to be deep in conversation. Watson runs to get a closer
look, but he still cant hear anything they are saying.
Watson can now notice that Miss Stapleton is gesticulating
with her hands, and at one point shakes her head
disapprovingly. Watson stops on some rocks.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
I stood among the rocks watching
them, very much puzzled as to what
I should do next. To follow them
and break into their intimate
conversation seemed to be an
outrage, and yet my clear duty was
never for an instant to let him out
of my sight.
Sir Henry and Miss Stapleton stop walking. We see Mr.
Stapleton show up, with his butterfly net.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
I was suddenly aware that I was not
the only witness.
62.
Stapleton is moving towards Miss Stapleton and Sir Henry.

Sir Henry suddenly draws Miss Stapleton to his side, his arm
is round her, but she is straining away from him with her
face averted. He stoops his head to hers, and she raises one
hand as if in protest. Mr. Stapleton is now very near them,
gesticulating wildly. Sir Henry responds but Stapleton is
still angry, while Miss Stapleton stands by in haughty
silence. Finally Stapleton turns upon his heel and beckons
in a peremptory way to his sister, who, after an irresolute
glance at Sir Henry, walks off by the side of her brother.
Sir Henry stands for a minute looking after them, and then
he walks slowly back the way that he had come, his head
hanging. Watson runs down the hill and meets Sir Henry, who
is looking very angry.
SIR HENRY
(now noticing Watson)
Where did you come out of? Why did
you come after me in spite of all?
DR. WATSON
I couldnt stay behind, so I
followed you and I witnessed that
confrontation with Stapleton.
Sir Henry looks like he might hit Watson, but then breaks
into a rueful laugh. They continue walking back towards
Baskerville Hall.
SIR HENRY
You would have thought the middle
of that prairie a fairly safe place
for a man to be private, but, by
thunder, the whole countryside
seems to have been out to see me do
my wooing, and a mighty poor wooing
at that! Tell me straight, now! Is
there anything that would prevent
me from making a good husband to a
woman that I loved?
DR. WATSON
I should say not.
SIR HENRY
He cant object to my worldly
position, so it must be me that he
has this down on. What has he
against me? I never hurt man or
woman in my life that I know of.
And yet he would not so much as let
me touch the tips of her fingers.
63.
DR. WATSON
Is that what he said?
SIR HENRY
That, and a deal more. I tell you,
Watson, Ive only known her these
few weeks, but from the first I
just felt that she was made for me,
and she was happy when she was with
me, and that Ill swear. But he has
never let us get together and it
was only today for the first time
that I saw a chance of having a few
words with her alone. She was glad
to meet me, but then all she would
say is that this is a place of
danger, and that she would never be
happy until I had left it. I
told if she really wanted me to
go, she would leave with me. But
then down came this brother of
hers, running at us with a face on
him like a madman. He was just
white with rage. What was I doing
with the lady? Did I think that
because I am a baronet I could do
what I liked? If he had not been
her brother I should have known
better how to answer him. I told
him that my feelings towards his
sister were such as I was not
ashamed of, and that I hoped that
she might honor me by becoming my
wife. That seemed to make the
matter no better, so then I lost my
temper too, and I answered him
rather more hotly than I should
perhaps, considering that she was
standing by. So it ended by his
going off with her, as you saw, and
here am I as badly puzzled a man as
any in this county. Just tell me
what it all means, Watson, and Ill
owe you more than ever I can hope
to pay.
DR. WATSON
It could be that... or maybe... Im
puzzled, too. Your title, your
fortune, your age, your character,
your appearance are all in your
favor. The only thing against you
that I can think of is the curse of
(MORE)
64.
DR. WATSON (contd)

the Hound, but Stapleton says he
doesnt believe in it.
INT. Baskerville Hall, just outside Sir Henrys study.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
Our conjectures were set at rest by
a visit from Stapleton himself that
very afternoon. He had come to
offer apologies for his rudeness of
the morning, and after a long
private interview with Sir Henry in
his study, the upshot of their
conversation was that the breach is
quite healed.
Stapleton and Sir Henry exit the study, Watson is nearby.

STAPLETON
Again, Im sorry about this
morning.
SIR HENRY
I accept your apology.
STAPLETON
Well be expecting you at Merripit
for dinner.
SIR HENRY
Friday, right?
STAPLETON
Yes.
They shake hands. Stapleton leaves.

SIR HENRY
(to Watson)
No man could make a better apology
than he has done.
DR. WATSON
Did he give any explanation of his
conduct?
SIR HENRY
His sister is everything in his
life, he says. They have always
been together, and he has been a
very lonely man with only her as a
(MORE)
65.
SIR HENRY (contd)

companion, so that the thought of
losing her was really terrible to
him. He was very sorry for all that
had passed, and he recognized how
foolish and how selfish it was that
he should imagine that he could
hold a beautiful woman like his
sister to himself for her whole
life. If she had to leave him he
had rather it was to a neighbor
like me than anyone else. He will
withdraw all opposition upon his
part if I promise to take it slow
with his sister. This I promised,
and so the matter rests.
INT. Baskerville Hall, Sir Henrys room, very late night.
Sir Henry and Dr. Watson sit in chairs, waiting. The clock
strikes two oclock.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
That night we were determined to
catch the secret journey of the
butler to the western lattice
window.
The clock strikes three oclock. Sir Henry and Dr. Watson
fall asleep. The morning sun shines through the curtains.
Sir Henry and Dr. Watson look at each other, puzzled.
DR. WATSON
Fortunately we were not
discouraged, and we determined to
try again.
It is night again. Sir Henry and Dr. Watson light
cigarettes, then sit in their chairs in the darkness,
smoking without making the least sound. The clock strikes
two oclock. Sir Henry opens his mouth as if about to say
something, but then they hear FOOTSTEPS in the hallway. Sir
Henry and Dr. Watson put out their cigarettes, then they
quickly but quietly leave the room. In the hallway, they see
that Barrymore had already gone round the gallery. Barrymore
enters the same room as before, and we can see one single
yellow beam across the corridor. Sir Henry and Dr. Watson
carefully tiptoe as they get close to the room, trying every
plank before they dare put their whole weight on it, we see
they are not wearing shoes, but the old boards still SNAP
and CREAK under their tread. Sir Henry and Dr. Watson are at
the door to the room. Barrymore is crouching at the window,
candle in hand, face pressed against the pane.
66.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
Sir Henry is a man to whom the most
direct way is always the most
natural.
Sir Henry barges into the room, and Barrymore turns around
and springs up, livid and trembling, the shadows from his
candle are shaky.
SIR HENRY
What are you doing here, Barrymore?
BARRYMORE
(agitated)
Nothing, sir. I go round at night
to make sure the windows are
fastened.
SIR HENRY
(skpetically)
On the second floor?
BARRYMORE
Yes, sir, all the windows.
SIR HENRY
(sternly)
Tell us the truth! What were you
doing at that window?
BARRYMORE
I was doing no harm, sir. I was
holding a candle to the window.
SIR HENRY
And why were you holding a candle
to the window?
BARRYMORE
Dont ask me, Sir Henry, dont ask
me! I give you my word, sir, that
it is not my secret, and that I
cannot tell it. If it concerned no
one but myself I would not try to
keep it from you.
Watson grabs the candle from Barrymore.

DR. WATSON
It must be a signal.
67.
Watson holds the candle as Barrymore had done, and stares

out into the darkness of the night. Vaguely he can discern
the black bank of the trees and the lighter expanse of the
moor, with the moon was behind the clouds. And then he sees
a tiny pinpoint of yellow light has suddenly transfixed the
dark veil, and glows steadily in the center of the black
square framed by the window.
DR. WATSON
There it is!
BARRYMORE
No, no, sir, its nothing, nothing
at all, I assure you, sir--
SIR HENRY
(to Watson)
Move your light across the window,
Watson!
Watson does so, and the other light moves accordingly.
SIR HENRY
(to Barrymore)
Now, you rascal, do you deny that
it is a signal? Who is your
confederate out yonder, and what is
this conspiracy that is going on?
BARRYMORE
(now defiantly)
It is my business, and not yours. I
will not tell.
SIR HENRY
Then you are fired!
BARRYMORE
So be it.
SIR HENRY
Your family has lived with mine for
over a hundred years under this
roof, and here I find you deep in
some dark plot against me.
Mrs. Barrymore has come into the room without being noticed
by any of the men.
MRS. BARRYMORE
No, no, sir, not against you!
68.
BARRYMORE
(to his wife)
We have to go, Eliza. You can pack
our things.
MRS. BARRYMORE
(to her husband)
Oh, John, John, have I brought you
to this?
(to Sir Henry)
It is my doing, Sir Henry, all
mine. He has done nothing except
for my sake and because I asked
him. My unhappy brother is starving
on the moor. We cannot let him
perish at our very gates. The light
is a signal to him that food is
ready for him, and his light out
yonder is to show the spot to which
to bring it.
DR. WATSON
(to Mrs. Barrymore)
Then your brother is Selden, the
escaped convict?
BARRYMORE
Thats the truth, sir. I said that
it was not my secret and that I
could not tell it to you. But now
you have heard it, and you will see
that if there was a plot it was not
against you.
SIR HENRY
Well, I cannot blame you for
standing by your own wife. Consider
yourself still employed here. Go to
your room, you two, and we shall
talk further about this matter in
the morning.
The Barrymores leave. Sir Henry flings the window open,
Seldens signal is still up.
SIR HENRY
How far do you think it is?
DR. WATSON
Not more than a mile or two off.
69.
SIR HENRY
Cant be far if thats where
Barrymore brought him food. I am
going to take out that man!
Back in Sir Henrys room, Sir Henry and Dr. Watson put on
their boots. Watson checks the chambers in his revolver.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
The same thought had crossed my own
mind. It was not as if the
Barrymores had taken us into their
confidence, their secret had been
forced from them. The man was a
danger to the community, an
unmitigated scoundrel.
EXT. The moor, beyond the gates of the Baskerville estate.

Sir Henry and Dr. Watson hurry through the dark shrubbery,
amid the dull moaning of the autumn wind and the rustle of
the falling leaves. The moon peeks out through the clouds
every now and then. Suddenly we hear a loud HOWLING. Sir
Henry and Dr. Watson stop in their tracks, afraid, but
trying to determine where it came from.
SIR HENRY
My God, Watson, what was that?
DR. WATSON
(dismissively)
Its a sound they have on the moor.
SIR HENRY
What do the folk on the countryside
call it?
Watson hesitates.
DR. WATSON
They say it is the cry of the Hound
of the Baskervilles.
Sir Henry groans.
DR. WATSON
Stapleton was with me when I heard
it last. He said that it might be
the calling of a strange bird.
SIR HENRY
No way that was a bird, no, it was
a hound. It was one thing to laugh
(MORE)
70.
SIR HENRY (contd)

about it in London, and it is
another to stand out here and hear
that. That sound froze my blood.
DR. WATSON
Shall we turn back?
SIR HENRY
No, by thunder, we will go after
the convict even if the hell-hound
is after us.
Sir Henry and Dr. Watson resume their journey towards the
candle signal.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
There is nothing so deceptive as
the distance of a light upon a
pitch-dark night, and sometimes the
glimmer seemed to be far away upon
the horizon and sometimes it might
have been within a few yards of us.
But at last we could see whence it
came.
A guttering candle is stuck in a crevice of the rocks which

flanked it on each side so as to keep the wind from it and
also to prevent it from being visible, save in the direction
of Baskerville Hall. A boulder of granite conceals the
approach of Sir Henry and Dr. Watson, and crouching behind
it they gaze over it at the signal light.
SIR HENRY
What do we do now?
DR. WATSON
Wait here. He must be near his
light. Let us see if we can get a
glimpse of him.
Over the rocks, in the crevice of which the candle burns,
there was thrust out the evil yellow face of SELDEN, the
desperate convict, foul with mire, with a bristling beard,
and hung with matted hair. The light beneath him is
reflected in his small, cunning eyes which peer fiercely to
the right and to the left through the darkness like a crafty
and savage animal who has heard the steps of the hunters.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
It may have been that Barrymore had
some private signal which we had
(MORE)
71.
DR. WATSON (contd)

neglected to give, or the fellow
may have had some other reason for
thinking that all was not well, but
I could read his fears upon his
wicked face.
Dr. Watson springs forward, and Sir Henry then does the
same.
SELDEN
(screaming)
Damn you to hell!
Selden hurls a rock which splinters up against the boulder
which had sheltered Sir Henry and Dr. Watson. Selden springs
to his feet and turns to run. At the same moment the moon
breaks through the clouds. Sir Henry and Dr. Watson rush
over the brow of the hill, and there they see Selden running
with great speed down the other side, springing over the
stones in his way with the activity of a mountain goat.
Watson aims his revolver, and we see that the sight of the
gun keeps up with Seldens movements, yet Watson does not
take the shot. Instead, he puts down the revolver and
engages the safety.
DR. WATSON
I brought it only to defend myself
if attacked, and not to shoot an
unarmed man who is running away.
Sir Henry and Dr. Watson try to run after Selden, but soon
it becomes clear they have no chance of overtaking him.
Selden becomes a very tiny dot in the distance.
SIR HENRY
(panting)
Its no use, hes gone.
Sir Henry and Dr. Watson turn back towards Baskerville Hall.
The moon is low upon the right, and the jagged pinnacle of a
granite tor is up against the lower curve of its silver
disc. They see the silhouette of Sherlock Holmes upon the
tor, but they dont know its him.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
I assure you, Holmes, that I have
never in my life seen anything more
clearly. As far as I could judge,
the figure was that of a tall, thin
man. He stood with his legs a
little separated, his arms folded,
(MORE)
72.
DR. WATSON (contd)

his head bowed, as if he were
brooding over that enormous
wilderness of peat and granite
which lay before him.
Watson points to the tor.

DR. WATSON
Who is that?
SIR HENRY
A warder, no doubt. The moor has
been thick with them since this
fellow escaped.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
Well, perhaps his explanation may
be the right one, but I should like
to have some further proof of it.
Such are the adventures of last
night, and you must acknowledge, my
dear Holmes, that I have done you
very well in the matter of a
report.
Sir Henry and Dr. Watson continue walking home.
INT. Baskerville Hall, guest quarters. Watson is finishing

up writing the report.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
Perhaps in my next I may be able to
throw some light upon this also.
Best of all would it be if you
could come down to us. In any case
you will hear from me again in the
course of the next few days.
Watson puts down the pen.
EXTRACT FROM THE DIARY OF DR. WATSON
INT. Baskerville Hall, guest quarters. Watson opens his

Diary to October 15 and then turns a few pages to the next
blank spot, and there writes "October 16th."
EXT. Baskerville Hall, a gray, rainy morning, with fog.
73.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
October sixteenth. A dull and foggy
day with a drizzle of rain.
are having breakfast. Sir Henry looks like he hasnt slept
at all, he takes a sip of coffee and puts the cup down with
a nervous CLANK.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
The baronet is in a black reaction
after the excitements of the night.
Barrymore comes in.
BARRYMORE
Sir, may I have a word with you?
SIR HENRY
Go right ahead.
BARRYMORE
(holding back on anger)
I was very much surprised when I
heard you two gentlemen come back
this morning and learned that you
had been chasing Selden. The poor
fellow has enough to fight against
without my putting more upon his
track.
SIR HENRY
The man is a public danger. What if
he attacked the Stapletons?
BARRYMORE
Hell break into no house, sir. I
give you my solemn word upon that.
I assure you, Sir Henry, that in a
very few days the necessary
arrangements will have been made
and he will be on his way to South
America. I beg you, sir, to say
nothing to the police.
SIR HENRY
(to Watson)
What do you say, Watson?
Watson shrugs his shoulders.
74.
DR. WATSON
It would relieve the taxpayers of a
burden.
SIR HENRY
(to Barrymore)
Alright, but he better be gone in a
few days.
BARRYMORE
God bless you, sir, and thank you
from my heart! It would have killed
my poor wife had he been taken
again.
Barrymore leaves.
SIR HENRY
(to Watson)
I guess we are aiding and abetting
a felon, Watson?
Barrymore comes back in.
BARRYMORE
I know something, Sir Henry, and
perhaps I should have said it
before, but it was long after the
inquest that I found it out. Ive
never breathed a word about it yet
to mortal man. Its about poor Sir
Charless death.
Sir Henry and Dr. Watson get up from their seats.
SIR HENRY
Do you know how he died?
BARRYMORE
No, sir, I dont know that. But I
know why he was at the gate at that
hour. It was to meet a woman. My
wife was cleaning out Sir Charless
study, when she found a letter.
INT. Sir Charless study. Barrymore is about to carry out a
heavy looking box when Mrs. Barrymore notices a charred
fragment of a burnt letter. She picks it up.
MRS. BARRYMORE
(trying to read)
Are a gentle... man. Barn, burn
this let, burn this letter, beat
(MORE)
75.
MRS. BARRYMORE (contd)

the, be at the gate at ten oh. L.
L.
Barrymore puts down the box and approaches Mrs. Barrymore,

who turns to allow him to look at the fragment, but it
disintegrates further.
MRS. BARRYMORE
A woman wrote this.
INT. Baskerville Hall, dining room.
SIR HENRY
Why did you conceal this important
information?
BARRYMORE
Well, sir, it was immediately after
that our own trouble came to us.
And then again, sir, we were both
of us very fond of Sir Charles, and
we thought that to rake this up
couldnt help our poor masters
reputation. But I thought you
should know.
SIR HENRY
Very good, Barrymore, you can go.
Barrymore leaves.
SIR HENRY
(to Watson)
Any idea who L. L. might be?
DR. WATSON
No.
SIR HENRY
Let Holmes know all about it at
once. Maybe this is the clue that
will convince him to come down.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
No doubt the blackmailing case is
absorbing all his faculties. And
yet this new factor must surely
arrest his attention and renew his
interest. I wish that he were here.
EXT. The moor, evening, very rainy. Watson, wearing a
waterproof coat, is walking.
76.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
October seventeenth. All day today
the rain poured down. In the
evening I put on my waterproof and
I walked far upon the sodden moor.
God help those who wander into the
great mire now, for even the firm
uplands are becoming a morass.
Watson has come to take a closer look at the tor where he
saw the mysterious stranger two nights ago. Then Dr.
Mortimer shows up in a dog-cart.
DR. MORTIMER
How are you, Dr. Watson?
DR. WATSON
Fine. And you, Dr. Mortimer?
DR. MORTIMER
Id be fine, except I cant find my
little spaniel. He wandered out...
DR. WATSON
Im sure hell turn up.
We see a split-second flashback of the pony struggling in
the Grimpen Mire when Watson was talking to Stapleton.
DR. WATSON
(trying to sound convinced)
Yes, hell turn up.
DR. MORTIMER
Give you a lift back to Baskerville
Hall?
Watson gets on the cart, Mortimer resumes the drive along
the bumpy, muddy road.
DR. WATSON
By the way, Mortimer, I suppose
there are few people living within
driving distance of this whom you
do not know?
DR. MORTIMER
Hardly any.
DR. WATSON
Do you know a woman whose initials
are L. L.?
77.
Mortimer thinks it over for a little bit.

DR. MORTIMER
There is Laura Lyons, but she lives
in Coombe Tracey.
DR. WATSON
Who is she?
DR. MORTIMER
She is Franklands daughter.
DR. WATSON
(surprised)
What!? Old Frankland, the crank?
DR. MORTIMER
Exactly. She married an artist
named Lyons, who came sketching on
the moor. He proved to be no good
to her and deserted her. Her father
refused to have anything to do with
her because she had married without
his consent. So, between the old
sinner and the young one the girl
has had a pretty bad time.
DR. WATSON
How does she live? I surmise
Franklands costly amusement
doesnt leave him much to give her.
DR. MORTIMER
A pittance if anything. Her story
got about, and several of the
people here did something to enable
her to earn an honest living.
Stapleton did for one, and Sir
Charles for another. I gave a
trifle myself. It was to set her up
in a typewriting business.
They arrive at the gates of the Baskerville estate.
DR. MORTIMER
Why do you ask?
DR. WATSON
Holmes wants me to report to him
about everyone around here. Will
you stay for dinner?
Mortimer seems unsatisfied by that response but decides to
leave it alone.
78.
DR. MORTIMER
Yes.
INT. Baskerville Hall, billiards room. Sir Henry and Dr.
Mortimer are playing cart, a card game played with a
standard deck from which some cards have been removed.
Dealing has finished and they examine their hands.
SIR HENRY
I stand.
INT. Baskerville Hall, library. Watson is seated, reading a

book. Barrymore brings him coffee.
DR. WATSON
Thank you.
Watson takes a sip.

DR. WATSON
Well, has this precious relation of
yours departed, or is he still
lurking out yonder?
BARRYMORE
I dont know, sir. I hope to Heaven
that he has gone, for he has
brought nothing but trouble here!
Ive not heard of him since I left
out food for him last, and that was
three days ago.
DR. WATSON
Did you see him then?
BARRYMORE
No, sir, but the food was gone when
next I went that way.
DR. WATSON
Then he was certainly there?
BARRYMORE
Unless it was the other man who
took it.
Watson is about to take another sip of coffee. We see a

split-second flashback of Holmes on the tor. Watson puts
down the cup.
DR. WATSON
How do you know of the other man?
79.
BARRYMORE
Selden told me of him, sir, a week
ago or more. Hes in hiding, too,
but hes not a convict as far as I
can make out. I dont like it, Dr.
Watson, I tell you straight, sir,
that I dont like it.
DR. WATSON
Can you tell me anything else about
this stranger? What did Selden say?
Did he find out where he hid, or
what he was doing?
BARRYMORE
He saw him once or twice. Hes not
police. A kind of gentleman he was,
but what he was doing Selden could
not make out.
DR. WATSON
And where did he say that he lived?
BARRYMORE
Among the old houses on the
hillside, the old stone huts where
the ancient folk used to live.
DR. WATSON
But how about his food?
BARRYMORE
Selden found out that he has got a
lad who works for him and brings
all he needs. I dare say he goes to
Coombe Tracey for what he wants.
DR. WATSON
Very good, Barrymore. We may talk
further of this some other time.
Barrymore leaves.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
So I have made some progress on the
matter of the lady L. L. and the
man on the tor, but the matter
remains shrouded in mystery.
INT. Baskerville Hall, billiards room. Sir Henry and Dr.
Mortimer are still playing cards.
80.
DR. WATSON
(voice-over)
I wanted to tell Sir Henry about L.
L., but I did not also want to tell
Dr. Mortimer, who stayed very late,
at cards.
SIR HENRY
I propose.
DR. MORTIMER
How many?
SIR HENRY
Three.
Mortimer exchanges three cards.

INT. Baskerville Hall, guest quarters. Watson is wrapping up
his diary entry. Watson closes the book.
INT. Baskerville Hall, dining room, morning. Sir Henry and

Dr. Watson are eating breakfast. Sir Henry is wearing a dark
blue suit.
DR. WATSON
And Dr. Mortimer also contributed.
Would you like to go with me to
Coombe Tracey to meet her?
SIR HENRY
Absolutely.
Sir Henry takes another bite.

SIR HENRY
On second thought, maybe I
shouldnt.
DR. WATSON
Yes, the more formal we make the
visit the less information we might
obtain.
FIRST INTERVIEW WITH LAURA LYONS

EXT. Coombe Tracey, morning, on a sunny day. Watson arrives,
driven by Perkins.
DR. WATSON
Put up the horses.
Watson gets off.
81.
PERKINS
Yes, sir.
Watson walks towards a building.

INT. Mrs. Lyonss sitting room. Watson comes in, and is
impressed by the woman sitting at a Remington typewriter,
LAURA LYONS, her eyes and hair of the same rich hazel color,
and her cheeks, though considerably freckled, were flushed
with the exquisite bloom of the brunette, the dainty pink
which lurks at the heart of the sulphur rose but there is
something subtly wrong with the face, some coarseness of
expression, some hardness, perhaps, of eye, some looseness
of lip which marred her beauty. She does a carriage return
and gets up.
LAURA LYONS
(very cordially)
Good morning!
But then she seems disappointed to see Watson.
DR. WATSON
Good morning. I have the pleasure
of knowing your father.
LAURA LYONS
(somewhat abrasively)
There is nothing in common between
my father and me. I owe him
nothing, and his friends are not
mine. If it were not for the late
Sir Charles Baskerville and some
other kind hearts I might have
starved for all that my father
cared.
DR. WATSON
It was about Sir Charles that I
have come here to see you.
The freckles start out on the ladys face, and she plays her
fingers nervously over the stops of her typewriter.
LAURA LYONS
What can I tell you about him?
DR. WATSON
Did you correspond with him?
LAURA LYONS
(sharply)
Waht is the object of these
questions?
82.
DR. WATSON
The object is to avoid a public
scandal. It is better that I should
ask them here than that the matter
should pass outside our control.
Laura Lyons turns very pale.

DR. WATSON
Did you correspond with Sir
Charles?
LAURA LYONS
Once or twice to acknowledge his
generosity.
DR. WATSON
Did you ever write to Sir Charles
asking him to meet you?
LAURA LYONS
(angrier)
Really, sir, this is a very
extraordinary question!
DR. WATSON
Did you?
LAURA LYONS
No, never.
DR. WATSON
Not on the very day of his death?
LAURA LYONS
(barely audible)
No.
DR. WATSON
Your memory deceives you.
(quoting, though inexactly)
As you are a gentleman, please burn
this letter, and meet me at the
gate by ten oclock.
Laura Lyons almost faints.
LAURA LYONS
Is there no such thing as a
gentleman?
83.
DR. WATSON
He did burn the letter like you
asked. But some of it was still
legible. You acknowledge now that
you wrote it?
Laura Lyons sits down, about to burst into tears.

LAURA LYONS
Yes, I did write it. I did write
it. Why should I deny it? I have no
reason to be ashamed of it. I
wished him to help me. I believed
that if I had an interview I could
gain his help, so I asked him to
meet me.
Watson sits down, too.

DR. WATSON
But why at such an hour?
LAURA LYONS
Because I had only just learned
that he was going to London the
next day.
DR. WATSON
But why in the garden and not the
house?
LAURA LYONS
Do you think a woman could go alone
at that hour to a bachelors house?
DR. WATSON
So what happened when you did get
there?
LAURA LYONS
I never went.
DR. WATSON
(surprised)
What!? Why not?
LAURA LYONS
That is a private matter.
DR. WATSON
You want me to believe that you
made an appointment to meet with
Sir Charles at the very hour and
(MORE)
84.
DR. WATSON (contd)

place at which he met his death,
but you deny that you kept the
appointment?
LAURA LYONS
That is the truth.
DR. WATSON
And you cant tell me why is it
that you didnt go?
LAURA LYONS
I cant.
Watson gets up.
DR. WATSON
Mrs. Lyons, you are putting
yourself in a very false position
not telling everything that you
know. If I have to call in the aid
of the police you will find how
seriously you are compromised.
Watson makes a movement as if he is about to leave.
LAURA LYONS
I will tell you, then. You know
that I made a rash marriage and had
reason to regret it. My life has
been one incessant persecution from
a husband whom I abhor. The law is
upon his side, and every day I am
faced by the possibility that he
may force me to live with him. At
the time that I wrote this letter
to Sir Charles I had learned that
there was a prospect of my
regaining my freedom if certain
expenses could be met. I knew Sir
Charless generosity, and I thought
that if he heard the story from my
own lips he would help me.
Watson sits back down.

DR. WATSON
Then how is it that you did not go?
LAURA LYONS
I received help in the interval
from another source.
85.
DR. WATSON
From whom?
LAURA LYONS
I cant tell.
DR. WATSON
Didnt Sir Charles deserve some
explanation as to why you did not
show up?
LAURA LYONS
I started to write a letter
explaining that, but then I saw his
obituary.
EXT. Coombe Tracey, noon. Perkins has the cart and horses
ready. Watson looks frustrated as he boards.
DR. WATSON
Lets go to Black Tor now.
PERKINS
I hope you have better luck there.
The cart gets under way.
IN PURSUIT OF THE MAN ON THE TOR

EXT. The moor, close to Lafter Hall. Perkins and Watson are
driving by when they are spotted by Frankland.
FRANKLAND
(in a very good mood)
Good day, Dr. Watson! You must
really give your horses a rest and
come in to have a glass of wine and
to congratulate me.
Perkins stops the wagonette and waits for instructions.
Watson seems indecisive.
INT. Lafter Hall, a somewhat distorted image of it from Dr.
Watsons memory. Laura Lyons is in her wedding dress, and
Frankland is yelling at her, though we dont hear what hes
saying.
EXT. The moor, close to Lafter Hall.
DR. WATSON
(indecisively)
I dont know, Sir Henry is
expecting me back. Although...
86.
(decisively, to Perkins)
Tell Sir Henry Ill walk over in
time for dinner.
Watson gets off and Perkins drives off.

INT. Lafter Hall, the real one. Frankland and Watson come
in.
FRANKLAND
Its a great day for me, one of the
red letter days of my life.
They sit down at a table and Frankland pours Watson and
himself some wine.
FRANKLAND
I have brought off a double event.
I mean to teach them in these parts
that law is law, and that there is
a man here who does not fear to
invoke it. I have established a
right of way through the centre of
old Middletons park, slap across
it, sir, within a hundred yards of
his own front door. Well teach
these magnates that they cannot
ride roughshod over the rights of
the commoners! And Ive closed the
wood where the Fernworthy folk used
to picnic. These infernal people
seem to think that there are no
rights of property, and that they
can swarm where they like with
their papers and their bottles.
Both cases decided, Dr. Watson, and
both in my favour.
DR. WATSON
(feigning disinterest)
The people of Fernworthy will burn
you in effigy tonight.
FRANKLAND
I told the police last time they
did it that they should stop these
disgraceful exhibitions. The County
Constabulary is in a scandalous
state, and it has not afforded me
the protection to which I am
entitled. The case of Frankland v.
Regina will bring the matter before
the attention of the public.
87.
DR. WATSON
I think the escaped convict has
brought attention to that.
Frankland takes a little sip of wine.

FRANKLAND
Yes, they still havent caught him,
but if they listened to me, they
would nab him.
DR. WATSON
But you dont know where he is.
FRANKLAND
I may not know exactly where he is,
but, has it never struck you that
the way to catch that man was to
find out where he got his food and
so trace it to him?
DR. WATSON
No doubt, but how do you know that
he is anywhere upon the moor?
FRANKLAND
I know it because I have seen with
my own eyes the messenger who takes
him his food.
An expression of mild worry flashes across Watsons face.
EXT. The moor, day. Barrymore is carrying a basket towards a

stone hut.
INT. Lafter Hall.
FRANKLAND
Youll be surprised to hear that
his food is taken to him by a
child.
EXT. The moor, day. A young boy who looks nothing like
Cartwright is carrying a basket towards a stone hut.
INT. Lafter Hall. Watson looks relieved.

FRANKLAND
I see him every day through my
telescope upon the roof. He passes
along the same path at the same
hour, and to whom should he be
going except to the convict?
88.
DR. WATSON
(feigning incredulity)
I should say that it was much more
likely that it was the son of one
of the moorland shepherds taking
out his fathers dinner.
FRANKLAND
(annoyed)
A shepherd at Black Tor, the
stoniest part of the moor!? Thats
an absurd suggestion!
DR. WATSON
Im sorry, I dont know all the
facts.
FRANKLAND
(pleased by Watsons
admission)
I have seen the boy again and again
with his bundle. Every day, and
sometimes twice a day, I have been
able--
Frankland notices something out the window.
FRANKLAND
But wait a moment, Dr. Watson. Do
my eyes deceive me, or is there at
the present moment something moving
upon that hillside?
Watson strains to see anything through the window.
FRANKLAND
(gesturing upstairs)
You will see with your own eyes and
judge for yourself!
INT. Lafter Hall, second floor room. A telescope is ready by

the windown. Frankland and Watson come in. Frankland goes to
the telescope and looks around until he spots Cartwright.
Frankland takes his eye off the eyepiece but holds the tube
in place.
FRANKLAND
There! Quick, before he passes over
the hill!
Watson puts his eye to the eyepiece. We see Cartwright with
a bundle, walking towards the stone huts, with a little
bundle upon his shoulder, toiling slowly up the hill.
89.
Cartwright reaches the crest, and then we see Holmes

outlined for an instant against the cold blue sky. Holmes
looks round him with a furtive and stealthy air, as one who
dreads pursuit, then vanishes over the hill. Watson does not
recognize Cartwright or Holmes. Watson takes his eye off the
eyepiece.
FRANKLAND
Well, am I right?
DR. WATSON
(coolly)
Certainly, there is a boy who seems
to have some secret errand.
FRANKLAND
And what the errand is even a
county constable could guess. But
not one word shall they have from
me, and I bind you to secrecy also,
Dr. Watson. Not a word! You
understand!
DR. WATSON
Just as you wish. Oh, but look at
the time, I must start for
Baskerville Hall now if Im to get
there in time for dinner.
FRANKLAND
I could walk with you.
DR. WATSON
Thanks, but no... I feel like
taking a leisurely, but, um, brisk
walk.
FRANKLAND
Suit yourself.
EXT. The moor, late afternoon, a short distance from Lafter

Hall. Watson turns back quickly to confirm Frankland could
still have a line of sight on him. Watson takes out a
cigarette and lights it as he walks. Once Lafter Hall is out
of sight, Watson turns towards the stony hill. Watson gets
to a point where he can see the stone huts on the valley. He
spots one that still has enough of a roof to be somewhat
habitable. Convinced that is the hut the stranger has been
using, Watson heads towards it. Once close to it, Watson
imprudently throws away his cigarette.
INT. A stone hut. Watson comes in, with revolver drawn.
There are some blankets rolled in a waterproof which lay
90.
upon a stone slab. The ashes of a fire are heaped in a rude

grate. Beside it lays some cooking utensils and a bucket
half-full of water. There is a litter of empty tins showing
that the place has been occupied for some time, as well as a
pannikin and a half-full bottle of spirits standing in the
corner. In the middle of the hut a flat stone serves the
purpose of a table, and upon this stands a small cloth
bundle, containing a loaf of bread, a tinned tongue, and two
tins of preserved peaches, and a sheet of paper with writing
upon it. Watson examines these items, ending with the sheet
of paper.
DR. WATSON
(reading)
Dr. Watson has gone to Coombe
Tracey.
EXT. Just outside the stone hut, the sun is setting.

Holmess hand picks up a cigarette.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Bradleys.
INT. Stone hut. Watson hears FOOTSTEPS, takes the safety off
his revolver.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(from outside)
It is a lovely evening, my dear
Watson. I really think that you
will be more comfortable outside
than in.
REUNION WITH SHERLOCK HOLMES

EXT. Outside the stone huts, twilight. Holmes is standing,
hes wearing a cloth cap.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Come out, and please be careful
with the revolver.
Watson comes out, looking astonished, while Holmes is
amused. They shake hands.
DR. WATSON
I never was more glad to see anyone
in my life!
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Or more astonished, eh?
91.
DR. WATSON
Well, I must confess to it.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
The surprise was not one-sided, I
assure you. I had no idea you found
my occasional retreat until I was
within twenty paces of the door.
DR. WATSON
My footprint?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
No, to throw me off youll have to
change your tobacconist, Bradley
from Oxford Street, or give up the
habit altogether. And how did you
find me?
DR. WATSON
Frankland observed your boy, and
that gave me a guide where to look.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Ah yes, I noticed the light
flashing on the lens of his
telescope as Cartwright brought my
bundle.
DR. WATSON
So you resolved the blackmail case?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
That was what I wished you to
think.
DR. WATSON
(surprised, bitter)
Then you use me and yet you do not
trust me!
SHERLOCK HOLMES
My dear fellow, you have been
invaluable to me, and I am sorry I
played a trick upon you. Had I been
with Sir Henry and you, my presence
would have warned our very
formidable opponents to be on their
guard. This way, I remain an
unknown factor in this business,
ready to throw in all my weight at
a critical moment.
92.
DR. WATSON
But why keep me in the dark?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
For you to know could not have
helped us and might possibly have
led to my discovery. You would have
wished to tell me something, or in
your kindness you would have
brought me out some modern comfort
or other, and so an unnecessary
risk would be run.
DR. WATSON
And my reports have all been
wasted, after all the pains and
prides with which I composed them!
Holmes takes out a bundle of papers from his pocket.

SHERLOCK HOLMES
Not at all. They are very well
thumbed, I assure you. They were
only delayed one day upon their
way. I must compliment you upon the
zeal and intelligence you have
shown on this difficult case.
Watson looks appeased.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Now tell me the result of your
visit to Mrs. Laura Lyons in Coombe
Tracey.
Holmes and Watson go into the stone hut.

INT. Stone hut.
DR. WATSON
Well... she did admit she wrote a
letter to Sir Charles asking him to
meet her on the day of his death,
but she claims she did not keep the
appointment. She said she wanted to
ask him to help her with the
expenses of her divorce, but
someone else helped her.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Shes divorcing?
93.
DR. WATSON
Shes been wanting to. But she
would not tell me who helped her
instead of Sir Charles.
Holmes starts a fire for warmth.

SHERLOCK HOLMES
This projected divorce is an
important clue in this most complex
affair. You are aware, perhaps,
that a close intimacy exists
between this lady and the man
Stapleton?
DR. WATSON
I did not know of a close intimacy.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
They meet, they write, there is a
complete understanding between
them.
INT. Mrs. Lyonss sitting room. Stapleton and Laura Lyons

face each other, Stapleton is about to kiss her when she
backs away.
LAURA LYONS
Not yet.
STAPLETON
I know.
INT. Stone hut.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
She intends to become his wife once
her divorce from Lyons is final.
But the upshot is that hes also
married.
DR. WATSON
(very surprised)
Stapleton, married?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
The lady who has passed here as
Miss Stapleton is in reality his
wife.
DR. WATSON
Good heavens, Holmes! Are you sure
of what you say? How could he have
(MORE)
94.
DR. WATSON (contd)

permitted Sir Henry to fall in love
with her?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Sir Henrys falling in love could
do no harm to anyone except Sir
Henry. He took particular care that
Sir Henry did not make love to her,
as you have yourself observed.
DR. WATSON
But why this elaborate deception?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Because he foresaw that she would
be very much more useful to him in
the character of a free woman.
Watson takes a minute to process this. He sees an image of
Stapleton, smiling, holding a dagger.
DR. WATSON
Hes our enemy, hes the one who
dogged us in London?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
So I read the riddle.
DR. WATSON
(coming to a realization)
And the warning... it must have
come from her!
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Exactly.
DR. WATSON
What will happen when Mrs. Lyons
finds out the truth about
Stapleton?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Why, then we may find the lady of
service. It must be our first duty
to see her, both of us tomorrow. We
will go to Coombe Tracey and in
the--
A terrible, prolonged SCREAM, full of horror and anguish,
interrupts the conversation. Holmes and Watson get out of
the hut.
95.
DEATH ON THE MOOR

EXT. The moor, by the stone hut, night.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Where is it, Watson?
DR. WATSON
(pointing in one direction)
There, I think.
The SCREAM is heard again.

SHERLOCK HOLMES
(pointing in the other
direction)
No, there!
Holmes and Watson start running. Blindly they run through

the boulders, forcing their way through gorse bushes,
panting up hills and rushing down slopes, heading always in
the direction whence those dreadful sounds had come. Then
there is a low MOAN, and finally Holmes and Watson spot
Seldens corpse, prostrate, face downwards on the ground,
but they think its Sir Henry because Selden is wearing Sir
Henrys old ruddy-tinted tweed suit. Watson clenches his
hands.
DR. WATSON
The brute! The brute! Oh, Holmes, I
shall never forgive himself for
having left him to his fate!
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I am more to blame than you,
Watson. In order to have my case
well rounded and complete, I have
thrown away the life of my client.
It is the greatest blow which has
befallen me in my career.
DR. WATSON
Where is Stapleton? He shall answer
for this deed!
SHERLOCK HOLMES
He shall, he shall.
Holmes and Watson survey the vicinity.
DR. WATSON
Why should we not seize him at
once?
96.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Our case is not complete. The
fellow is wary and cunning to the
last degree. The villain may escape
us yet.
Watson looks at Seldens contorted limbs and tears well up
in his eyes.
DR. WATSON
We must send for help, Holmes! We
cant carry him all the way to the
Hall!
Holmes starts laughing.
DR. WATSON
Good heavens, are you mad?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
A beard! The man has a beard!
Watson turns the corpse over.

DR. WATSON
Selden!
(looking at Holmes)
But why is he wearing Sir Henrys
clothes?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
In one of your reports you wrote
that Sir Henry gave Barrymore some
of his old clothes.
DR. WATSON
(understanding)
Then Barrymore must have given
these to Selden.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
The clothes have been the poor
devils death. It is clear enough
that the Hound has been laid on
from some article of Sir Henrys,
and so ran this man down.
They notice Stapleton drawing near, cigar in his mouth.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(whispering)
Not a word to show your suspicions.
Watson nods in agreement.
97.
STAPLETON
Dear me, whats this? Somebody
hurt? Dont tell me that it is our
friend Sir Henry!
Watson looks at Stapleton with great suspicion, Holmes has

on a poker face. Stapleton looks at the convict with
disappointment.
STAPLETON
(stammering)
Who--whos this?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Selden, the man escaped from
Princetown.
Stapleton changes his facial expression to a more

appropriate one.
STAPLETON
What a very shocking affair! How
did he die?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
He appears to have broken his neck
by falling over these rocks. My
friend and I were strolling on the
moor when we heard a cry.
STAPLETON
I heard it, too. That was what
brought me out. I was uneasy about
Sir Henry.
DR. WATSON
(pointedly)
Why about Sir Henry in particular?
STAPLETON
Because I had suggested that he
should come over. When he did not
come I was surprised, and I
naturally became alarmed for his
safety when I heard cries upon the
moor.
(looking at Selden)
You have come in time to see a
tragedy, Mr. Holmes.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Yes, indeed. I have no doubt that
my friends explanation will cover
(MORE)
98.

the facts. I will take an
unpleasant remembrance back to
London with me tomorrow.
STAPLETON
I hope your visit has cast some
light upon those occurrences which
have puzzled us?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(frankly)
One cannot always have the success
for which one hopes. An
investigator needs facts and not
legends or rumors. It has not been
a satisfactory case.
STAPLETON
I would suggest carrying this poor
fellow to my house, but it would
give my sister such a fright. I
think that if we put something over
his face he will be safe until
morning.
They put a jacket over Seldens face.
HOLMES ARRIVES AT BASKERVILLE HALL

EXT. The moor, close to the Baskerville estate. Holmes and
Watson are walking towards Baskerville Hall.
DR. WATSON
What effect do you think it will
have upon his plans now that he
knows you are here?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
It may cause him to be more
cautious, or it may drive him to
desperate measures at once. Like
most clever criminals, he may be
too confident in his own cleverness
and imagine that he has completely
deceived us.
DR. WATSON
Why should we not arrest him
tonight?
99.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Our case is still not complete. We
know what he did, but how are we to
get twelve stolid jurymen to know
it?
They arrive at the gate.
DR. WATSON
Are you coming up?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Yes. But say nothing of the Hound
to Sir Henry. He will have a better
nerve for the ordeal which he will
have to undergo tomorrow.
INT. Baskerville Hall, lobby. Sir Henry is very surprised to
see Watson come in with Holmes.
SIR HENRY
Mr. Holmes, so good to see you! I
expected the recent happenings
would bring you down here.
(to Barrymore)
Barrymore, get his bags.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I havent any bags.
Sir Henry looks very surprised but decides not to comment
further on that.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Dr. Watson has some sad news for
Mrs. Barrymore.
INT. Baskerville Hall, kitchen. Dr. Watson hesitates for an
instant before the Barrymores.
DR. WATSON
(to Mrs. Barrymore, extremely
tactfully)
Your brother, suffering from
anxiety and exposure, rushed about
the moor and fell and broke his
neck. He did not survive the fall.
Mrs. Barrymore turns to cry on her husbands shoulder. Mr.
Barrymore is on the one hand relieved, but on the other hand
he shares his wifes grief.
INT. Baskerville Hall, lobby.
100.
SIR HENRY
If I hadnt sworn not to go out
alone, I would have accepted
Stapletons invitation.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
But you are going tomorrow?
SIR HENRY
Yes. So, have you made anything of
the tangle?
Watson comes in.

SHERLOCK HOLMES
It is a complex case, but I am sure
that soon
(trailing off)
we will solve...
Holmes is distracted by the portraits on the wall.
DR. WATSON
What is it?
Holmes gets close to the portraits.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Watson wont allow that I know
anything about art, but these are a
really fine series of portraits.
Family portraits?
SIR HENRY
Every one.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Do you know the names?
SIR HENRY
Barrymore has been coaching me, and
I think I know all of them.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(pointing to one of the
portraits)
Who is the gentleman with the
telescope?
SIR HENRY
That is Rear Admiral Baskerville,
who served under Rodney in the West
Indies.
101.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(pointing to another one)
This one must be among Knellers
best work. Who is the subject?
SIR HENRY
Sir William Baskerville, he was
Chairman of Committees of the House
of Commons under Pitt.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
And this Reynolds?
SIR HENRY
Ah, you have a right to know about
him. That is the cause of all the
mischief, the wicked Hugo, who
started the Hound of the
Baskervilles. Were not likely to
forget him.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
He seems a quiet, meek-mannered man
enough, but I dare say that there
was a lurking devil in his eyes. I
had pictured him as a more robust
and ruffianly person.
SIR HENRY
Theres no doubt about the
authenticity, for the name and the
date, 1647, are on the back of the
canvas.
The portrait of Sir Hugo fascinates Holmes the most.

INT. Baskerville Hall, Sir Henrys room. Sir Henry is going
to sleep.
INT. Baskerville Hall, lobby. Holmes and Watson are going
over to the portraits. The only illumination comes from
Holmess candle.
DR. WATSON
What is your fascination with that
portrait of the old roysterer?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(pointing to Sir Hugos
portrait)
Look like anyone you know?
102.
DR. WATSON
There is something of Sir Henry
about the jaw.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Just a suggestion, perhaps. But
wait an instant!
Holmes stands upon a chair, and holding up the light in his
left hand, he curves his right arm over the broad hat and
round the long ringlets. The face of Stapleton briefly
flashes over the portrait.
DR. WATSON
Good heavens! This might be his
portrait.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Yes, an interesting instance of a
throwback, both physical and
spiritual. The fellow is a
Baskerville, that is evident.
DR. WATSON
With designs upon the succssion.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Exactly. This picture has supplied
us with one of our most obvious
missing links. We have him, Watson!
EXT. The moor, by the stone huts, morning. Holmes tells
Cartwright something which we dont hear, then they head off
in different directions.
EXT. The moor, where Selden died. The warders load Seldens
body onto a cart as Holmes passes by.
INT. Baskerville Hall. Sir Henry and Dr. Watson are eating
breakfast as Holmes comes in.
SIR HENRY
Good morning, Holmes. You look like
a general who is planning a battle
with his chief of the staff.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
That is the exact situation. Watson
was asking for orders.
SIR HENRY
And so do I.
103.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Very good. You are dining with the
Stapletons tonight?
Holmes sits down.
SIR HENRY
Yes, and I hope you will come also.
They are very hospitable people,
and I am sure that they would be
very glad to see you.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Watson and I must go to London.
SIR HENRY
(disappointed)
I hoped that you were going to see
me through this business. The Hall
and the moor are not very pleasant
places when one is alone.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
My dear fellow, you must trust me
implicitly and do exactly what I
tell you. You can tell your friends
that we should have been happy to
have come with you, but that urgent
business required us to be in town.
We hope very soon to return to
Devonshire. Will you remember to
give them that message?
SIR HENRY
If you insist upon it.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
There is no alternative, I assure
you.
SIR HENRY
(coldly)
When will you go?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Immediately after breakfast. We
will drive in to Coombe Tracey, but
Watson will leave his things as a
pledge that he will come back to
you.
104.
SIR HENRY
I have a good mind to go to London
with you. Why should I stay here
alone?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Because it is your post of duty.
Because you gave me your word that
you would do as you were told, and
I tell you to stay.
SIR HENRY
Alright then, Ill stay.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
One more direction!
EXT. Merripit House, night. Perkins has just driven Sir

Henry there. Sir Henry gets off.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(voice-over)
I wish you to drive to Merripit
House. Send back your trap,
however, and let them know that you
intend to walk home.
Sir Henry signals to Perkins, who then drives off. Sir Henry
goes into the house.
Later, Sir Henry leaves the house and starts walking home.
SIR HENRY
(voice-over)
To walk across the moor?
Sir Henry looks worried.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(voice-over)
Yes.
SIR HENRY
(voice-over)
But that is the very thing you have
warned me against doing.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(voice-over)
This time you may do it with
safety. If I had not every
confidence in your nerve and
courage I would not suggest it, but
(MORE)
105.

it is essential that you should do
it.
Sir Henry relaxes and continues walking.
INT. Baskerville Hall, morning.

SHERLOCK HOLMES
But do not go in any direction save
along the straight path which leads
from Merripit House to the Grimpen
Road, and is your natural way home.
SIR HENRY
I will do as you say.
Watson has on his face an expression of astonishment, but

when Sir Henry glances his way, he tries to put on a more
reassuring expression. Holmes finishes a cup of coffee.
THE PRETENDED TRIP TO LONDON
EXT. Train platform at Coombe Tracey station. A train is

boarding. Holmes and Watson spot Cartwright.
CARTWRIGHT
Any orders, sir?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
You will take this train to town,
Cartwright. The moment you arrive
you will send a wire to Sir Henry
Baskerville, in my name, to say
that if he finds the pocketbook
which I have dropped he is to send
it by registered post to Baker
Street.
CARTWRIGHT
Yes, sir.
Cartwright gets on the train.
DR. WATSON
Youre using Sir Henry as bait?
Were not really going to London?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
In fact Lestrade is coming here
from London, we may need his
assistance. Now, Watson, I think
(MORE)
106.

that we cannot employ our time
better than by calling upon your
acquaintance, Mrs. Laura Lyons.
SECOND INTERVIEW WITH LAURA LYONS

INT. Mrs. Lyonss sitting room, early afternoon. Laura Lyons
types the last line of a document and then removes the paper
from the typewriter. Holmes barges in, followed by Watson.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I am investigating the death of Sir
Charles Baskerville. My friend
here, Dr. Watson, has informed me
of what you have communicated, and
also of what you have withheld in
connection with that matter.
Laura Lyons is amazed, and for a brief moment, silent.
LAURA LYONS
(defiantly)
What have I withheld?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
The connection between your asking
Sir Charles to be at the gate at
ten oclock and that being the
place and hour of his death.
LAURA LYONS
There is no connection.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I wish to be perfectly frank with
you, Mrs. Lyons. We regard this
case as one of murder, and the
evidence may implicate not only
your friend Mr. Stapleton but his
wife as well.
Laura Lyons springs from her seat.
LAURA LYONS
His wife!?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
The woman who has passed for his
sister is really his wife.
Laura Lyons sits back down and angrily grips the armrests of
the chair.
107.
LAURA LYONS
His wife! Prove it to me!
Holmes draws from his pocket a photograph of Stapleton and
Miss Stapleton, embracing like a married couple, and gives
it to Laura Lyons, who looks at it and then turns it over
and sees something scribbled on the back.
LAURA LYONS
(reading)
Mr. and Mrs. Vandeleur?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
That was in York, four years ago.
He was schoolmaster at St. Olivers
private school.
LAURA LYONS
This man had offered me marriage on
condition that I could get a
divorce from my husband. He has
lied to me, the villain, in every
conceivable way. I was never
anything but a tool in his hands.
Why should I try to shield him from
the consequences of his own wicked
acts? Ask me what you like, and
there is nothing which I shall hold
back. One thing I swear to you, and
that is that when I wrote the
letter I never dreamed of any harm
to Sir Charles, he had been my
kindest friend.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I entirely believe you, madam. To
make it easier for you, I will tell
you what occurred, and you can
check me if I make any material
mistake. The sending of this letter
was suggested to you by Stapleton?
LAURA LYONS
He dictated it.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
The reason he gave was that you
would receive help from Sir Charles
for the legal expenses connected
with your divorce?
108.
LAURA LYONS
Yes.
Laura Lyons looks a little more relaxed now.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
And then after you had sent the
letter he dissuaded you from
keeping the appointment?
LAURA LYONS
He told me that it would hurt his
self-respect that any other man
should find the money for such an
object, and that though he was a
poor man himself he would devote
his last penny to removing the
obstacles which divided us.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
And he made you swear to say
nothing about your appointment with
Sir Charles?
LAURA LYONS
He did. He said that the death was
a very mysterious one, and that I
should certainly be suspected if
the facts came out. He frightened
me into remaining silent.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I think that on the whole you have
had a fortunate escape. You have
had him in your power and he knew
it, and yet you are alive.
Holmes leaves as brusquely as he came in, followed by
Watson.
CONFRONTATION WITH THE HOUND

EXT. Train platform at Coombe Tracey station, late
afternoon. Holmes and Watson wait. The train comes in.
Lestrade gets off, recognizes Holmes and Watson, the three
shake hands.
EXT. The moor, early evening. A hired wagonette carrying
Holmes, Watson and Lestrade is on the way to Merripit House.
Watson and Lestrade want to talk about the case but
understand they should not do so within earshot of the
driver.
109.
LESTRADE
Chilly weather tonight, huh?
DR. WATSON
Yes, quite.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
We will take the London fog out of
your throat, Lestrade.
The wagonette stops far short of Merripit House. Holmes pays
off the driver, who then goes back in the direction he came.
Holmes, Watson and Lestrade tiptoe a little closer to the
house. They hide behind some rocks.
LESTRADE
(whispering)
We are to wait here?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(whispering)
Yes.
(to Watson)
What are those latticed windows at
the end?
DR. WATSON
(whispering)
The kitchen windows.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(whispering)
And the one beyond?
DR. WATSON
(whispering)
The dining room.
Watson creeps towards the house for a closer look. He sees
through the window that Stapleton and Sir Henry are smoking
cigars, and that Stapleton is talking a lot while Sir Henry
looks distraught. Stapleton excuses himself, goes outside.
Watson hears the SOUND of a key turning in a lock, then some
SCUFFLING NOISES. Watson sees Stapleton rejoin Sir Henry in
the dining room. Watson creeps back towards Holmes and
Lestrade.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(whispering)
Is the lady there?
110.
DR. WATSON
(whispering)
No.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(whispering)
Where could she be?
A look at the house confirms that only the kitchen and the
dining room have lights on. A dense white fog is moving
towards the house.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(whispering)
Its moving towards us.
DR. WATSON
(whispering)
Is that serious?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(whispering)
Our success and even his life may
depend upon his coming out before
the fog is over the path.
The fog starts to envelop the house. They faintly see Sir
Henry leaving the house. Sir Henry gets closer until they
can see him. Sir Henry is constantly looking over his
shoulder yet fails to notice Holmes, Watson or Lestrade. Sir
Henry goes past the three of them.
LESTRADE
(yelling)
Oh my God!
Lestrade throws himself face downward upon the ground.
Holmes and Watson spring up from behind the rocks. Through
the fog, they see the HOUND coming towards them, an enormous
coal-black animal, with fire bursting from his open mouth,
his eyes glowing with a smouldering glare, his muzzle and
hackles and dewlap outlined in flickering flame.
The Hound passes by Holmes and Watson, who stand amazed.
Then Holmes fires one bullet at the Hound, but misses.
Watson fires another bullet, and the Hound lets out a
hideous HOWL but continues on track for Sir Henry.
Holmes runs frantically towards the Hound, and then Watson
starts running in the same direction, followed by Lestrade.
The Hound hurls Sir Henry to the ground. Holmes fires five
bullets at the Hound. With a last HOWL OF AGONY and a
vicious snap in the air, the Hound rolls upon his back, four
feet pawing furiously, and then falls limp upon his side.
111.
Watson, now caught up, stoops, panting, and presses his

pistol to the dreadful, shimmering head, but does not press
the trigger, realizing that the giant Hound is dead. Holmes
tears away the collar of Sir Henrys shirt. Sir Henry gasps
for air.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Are you alright?
SIR HENRY
(barely able to talk)
What was that?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Its dead, whatever it is. Weve
laid the family ghost once and
forever.
Watson places his hand upon the Hounds glowing muzzle, then
holds up his fingers to see that they smoulder and gleam in
the darkness.
DR. WATSON
A phosphorescent.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Quite a cunning preparation of it.
(to Sir Henry)
We owe you a deep apology, Sir
Henry, for having exposed you to
this fright. I was prepared for a
hound, but not for such a creature
as this.
SIR HENRY
You saved my life.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Having first endangered it. Are you
strong enough to stand?
Watson gives Sir Henry a sip of brandy. Sir Henry staggers

to his feet, and with Holmes and Watsons help, sits down on
a rock.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Watson, take him back to the Hall.
Lestrade and I will go after
Stapleton.
INT. Merripit House, night. Holmes and Lestrade clear each
room until finding one that is locked. Lestrade kicks down
the door. The rooms walls are covered with preserved
112.
butterflies. In the middle of the room, there is a post,

with a woman tied to it and covered. Holmes and Lestrade
untie her and ungag her, revealing Miss Stapleton, with the
red weal of a whiplash across her neck. Holmes and Lestrade
get her on a chair, Lestrade gives her a bit of brandy.
MISS STAPLETON
(struggling to speak)
Is he safe? Has he escaped?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
He cant escape us, madam.
MISS STAPLETON
I meant Sir Henry. Is he safe?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Yes.
MISS STAPLETON
(genuinely relieved)
Thank God.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Where can we find your husband?
MISS STAPLETON
(with a little more strength)
There is but one place where he can
have fled. There is an old tin mine
on an island in the heart of the
Mire. It was there that he kept his
Hound and there also he had made
preparations so that he might have
a refuge. That is where he would
fly.
Lestrade goes look out the window.
LESTRADE
There is no way to chase him in
that fog.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Well have to wait till morning.
INT. Baskerville Hall, Sir Henrys bedroom, night. Sir Henry

is in bed, delirious with fever. Dr. Mortimer is listening
to Sir Henrys heartbeat through a stethoscope. Holmes comes
in.
113.
SIR HENRY
What about Beryl?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Shes alright, but there is
something you must know. She is
Stapletons wife, not his sister.
But she refused to help him in his
scheme against you, and for that he
beat her.
Sir Henry tries to sit up.

DR. MORTIMER
You should rest, Sir Henry.
SIR HENRY
Tell her that--
Sir Henry passes out.
THE MORNING AFTER
INT. Baskerville Hall, Sir Henrys room, morning. Sir Henry

is sitting up in bed. Barrymore brings breakfast in bed.
SIR HENRY
Thank you, Barrymore.
DR. MORTIMER
A weeks bed rest and you will be
good as new.
SIR HENRY
A whole week?
DR. MORTIMER
Doctors orders.
Sir Henry bites a muffin.

SIR HENRY
Where are Holmes and Dr. Watson?
DR. MORTIMER
They went with Miss Staple, I mean,
Mrs. Stapleton, to the Grimpen
Mire, where her husband might have
fled.
114.
SIR HENRY
(almost a question)
She tried to warn me.
DR. MORTIMER
Yes, she did.
EXT. The Grimpen Mire, morning. Miss Stapleton guides Holmes
and Watson, as they go through the bog ankle-deep in the
mud.
MISS STAPLETON
We planted the guiding wands
together, he and I, to mark the
pathway through the Mire. Oh, if I
could only have plucked them out
yesterday.
She points to a wand and goes towards it, followed by Holmes

and Watson. Then she stops and looks around puzzled.
MISS STAPLETON
There should be another one right
about here.
From amid a tuft of cotton grass, there is a black boot
projecting up out of the slime. Holmes sinks to his waist as
he steps from the path to seize it, and Watson and Miss
Stapleton drag him out before he can sink. Holmes holds the
old black boot in the air.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Meyers, Toronto. It was worth the
mud bath.
A little further away than where the boot was, they notice
Stapletons hat.
DR. WATSON
He got at least this far.
Holmes, Watson and Miss Stapleton walk back to firmer

ground. Watson takes a last look at the Grimpen Mire.
DR. WATSON
Somewhere in the heart of that
great mire, that cold and
cruel-hearted man is forever
buried.
115.
A RETROSPECTION
EXT. Baker Street, a raw and foggy night in November.
INT. 221B Baker Street. The fireplace blazes brightly,
Holmes sits to one side of it and Watson to the other.
DR. WATSON
There are some details of the
Baskerville case that are still
unclear to me.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Such as?
DR. WATSON
There is no doubt in my mind that
Stapleton was a Baskerville, and
yet, Im not sure how he fits into
the family treee.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
As you remember, Dr. Mortimer said
that Sir Charless youngest
brother, Rodger, fled to South
America, and everyone assumed he
died there unmarried and childless.
But he did in fact have a son, also
called Rodger. The young Rodger
married Beryl Garcia, one of the
beauties of Costa Rica, and after
embezzling a considerable sum of
public money, came to England under
the name of Vandeleur, and started
a school in Yorkshire.
DR. WATSON
So Sir Henry and Stapleton were
cousins?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Yes. When you first met Stapleton,
as I will continue to call him, he
let it slip that he had been a
schoolmaster. Once I read that in
your report, I was able to trace
his progress from South America to
Dartmoor.
DR. WATSON
When did you first realize that a
real flesh and blood, natural hound
was involved?
116.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Oh, thats an easy one, Watson!
When Sir Henrys new boot was
returned and his old boot stolen.
INT. Northumberland Hotel, Sir Henrys room, view from the

floor, under the bed. We see two pairs of boots, one new,
one old. A THIEF with a stump leg comes into the room and
puts one of the new boots on his good leg.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(voice-over)
To wear it, a thief would of course
prefer the new boot.
With the boot securely on his good foot, the thief leaves
the room.
EXT. By the Northumberland Hotel, night. Stapleton puts the

new boot the nose of an ordinary BLOODHOUND.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(voice-over)
But to give Sir Henrys scent to a
hound, the new boot was of course
useless.
Stapleton takes the new boot away, but the Bloodhound,
instead of giving chase, lies down like hes going to go to
sleep.
INT. Northumberland Hotel, staff office. Stapleton, with his
fake black beard, is holding the new boot in his hands as he
talks to the SHOESHINER.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(voice-over)
This also demonstrates that
Stapleton had the boots or
chamber-maid of the hotel well
bribed to help him in his design.
Stapleton angrily tosses the new boot in the air, the
Shoeshiner catches it.
DR. WATSON
And what of the Hound when his
master was here in London, dogging
Sir Henry?
117.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I believe he was cared for by
Stapletons servant Anthony, who
knew the Stapletons from his
school-mastering days.
DR. WATSON
Ive also wondered about how you
lived in that inhospitable stone
hut upon the moor.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
My hardships were not so great as
you imagined, though such trifling
details must never interfere with
the investigation of a case. I
stayed for the most part at Coombe
Tracey, and only used the hut when
it was necessary to be near the
scene of action.
DR. WATSON
There only remains one difficulty.
If Stapleton came into the
succession, how could he explain
the fact that he, the heir, had
been living unannounced under
another name so close to the
property? How could he claim it
without causing suspicion and
inquiry?
SHERLOCK HOLMES
From my conversations with Mrs.
Stapleton, it appears that her
husband had considered three
possible ways to go about it.
EXT. The British Embassy in Panama. Stapleton is walking
towards the gate.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(voice-over)
He might claim the property from
South America, establish his
identity before the British
authorities there and so obtain the
fortune without ever coming to
England at all.
EXT. A tailors shop in London. Stapleton walks out, with a
fake limp, wearing glasses and a mustache.
118.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(voice-over)
Or he might adopt an elaborate
disguise during the short time that
he need be in London.
INT. A room at the Northumberland Hotel. Stapleton is

reviewing some documents with an ACCOMPLICE.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
(voice-over)
Or, again, he might furnish an
accomplice with the proofs and
papers, putting him in as heir, and
retaining a claim upon some
proportion of his income.

SHERLOCK HOLMES
We cannot doubt from what we know
of him that he would have found
some way out of the difficulty.
DR. WATSON
Well, I think that explains
everything.
The fire in the fireplace has dwindled and Watson makes a
move towards stoking it.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I have a box for "Les Huguenots".
Might I trouble you then to be
ready in half an hour, and we can
stop at Marcinis for a little
dinner on the way?
We hear the Overture to "Les Huguenots".
FADE OUT.

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The Hound of the Baskervilles

Faithfully based on the novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

EXT. Charing Cross Hospital, main entrance. Dr. and Mrs.

EXT. Baker Street. Dr. Mortimer walks up to 221B, knocks on

EXPOSITION OF THE CASE

Watson laughs incredulously, then goes to a bookshelf and

Holmes hands Dr. Mortimer his stick.

Dr. Mortimer pulls an old manuscript from his pocket.

THE LEGEND OF SIR HUGO AND THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES

INT. Baskerville Hall, an upper chamber. The door opens and

INT. Baskerville Hall, dining room. Sir Hugo and 13

The Roysterers LAUGH. STUART, the butler, comes in with a

Sir Hugo puts his hands on Xaviers shoulders.

EXT. The moor, with the moon shining brightly. BLOODHOUNDS

EXPOSITION OF THE CASE, CONTINUED

INT. 221B Baker Street.

Dr. Watson seems a little puzzled.

EXT. Baskerville Hall, night. We see the body of Sir

DR. MORTIMER (contd)

MEETING THE HEIR

EXT. Northumberland Hotel, day. Sir Henry and Dr. Mortimer

They all sit down.

Sir Henry puts the letter on the table. The envelope is

Holmes opens the envelope and takes out the letter.

Watson hands Holmes the requested newspaper. Holmes looks it

SHERLOCK HOLMES (contd)

SHERLOCK HOLMES (contd)

A couple of PASSENGERS board one of the two cabs, then that

SIR HENRY (contd)

Sir Henry and Dr. Mortimer leave. We hear their FOOTSTEPS

CHASING THE SHADOW

Holmes increases his pace and Watson follows suit, but

Holmes and Watson approach the cab so as to see the

The cab rushes down Regent Street.

Holmes and Watson go to a District Messenger Office.

THE PUZZLE OF THE MISSING ODD BOOTS

EXT. Northumberland Hotel. Holmes and Watson go in.

INT. Northumberland Hotel lobby. The CLERK perks up on

Holmes and Watson go up the stairs.

SHERLOCK HOLMES (contd)

Watson appears surprised by this. Sir Henry shakes Watsons

THREE BROKEN THREADS

INT. 221B Baker Street. Two telegrams have arrived, Watson

The DOORBELL RINGS. Holmes opens the door to admit CLAYTON,

Stapleton goes into the station.

EXT. Devon, day. A train makes its way through.

EXT. Devon, early evening. After passing a lane carpeted by

The lushness of the countryside has now given way to vast

FIRST NIGHT AT BASKERVILLE HALL

The wagonette goes past the gate. The lodge is a ruin of

BARRYMORE, the butler, a tall man with a black beard,

Dr. Mortimer leaves. Sir Henry, Dr. Watson and the

Barrymore leads Sir Henry and Dr. Watson up the stairs to

FIRST MORNING AT BASKERVILLE HALL

Sir Henry rings for Barrymore, who shows up promptly.

Watson regards Barrymore with suspicion. We see in the eye

INT. Baskerville Hall, a long corridor, with sunlight

INT. Baskerville Hall, Sir Henrys study. Sir Henry is in