CHRISTMAS EVE

A Screenplayby

E.Ita Auringer

© 2000 E.Ita Auringer, 2004 Rattlesnake Dr.., Missoula, MT 59802

National Creative Registry/ProtectRite ™ # R692-5603

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Final DraftOctober 2000

FADE IN:

EXT. GERMAN VILLAGE (1934) -- CHRISTMAS EVE -- DARK

Heavy snow is falling out of a deep gray sky. The churchlooms high above the houses of Lüdenhausen on a rathersteep hill. The adjacent cemetery is old, the snow coveredhead stones are crooked with age.

The village itself looks rather desolate, the small timberframe houses mainly built in the 15 th and 16 th century, aresomewhat neglected. We see a poor area.

The village is quiet under the thick blanket of never-ending snow. We HEAR a thin metallic sound coming from thechurch's steeple, barely reaching the ground. It rings sixtimes. From within the church we HEAR muffled singing andorgan music.

BEGIN TITLES

EXT. IN FRONT OF CHURCH -- DARK

The heavy church door slowly opens and a flood of warmcandle light falls into the yard. Inside the organ isPLYING a Christmas song.

A group of worshippers starts filing out. We HEAR amultitude of voices AD LIB wishing each other MerryChristmas.

END TITLES

A family of four, father August, mother Minna and twodaughters, Selma and Anne, gathers outside. The other

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worshippers AD LIB about the early winter weather and thebiting cold.

WOMAN 1Merry Christmas, Minna, merryChristmas, August, and God bless.

MINNATo you too, Sabine.Merry Christmas, Hans.

WOMAN 2Merry Christmas! How’s it going,August? Any news?

AUGUST(grumbling)

News? What news? Jesus Christ!

MINNA(evasive)

He’s doing as good as he can,Marie. We all are, isn’t thatright, children? Huh? Isn’tthat right?

(upbeat)How’s your mother these days?Is she still running a fever?Huh? Still running a fever?

WOMAN 2I don’t know, we don’t havemuch hope. Wait up Peter, puton your gloves. Men!

PETERLet’s go, woman.

WOMAN 2What’s the rush?

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AUGUSTMerry Christmas. Peter, come onover soon.I need a talk with you, forcrying out loud.

PETERI be there. Take it easy, oldfriend. Take it easy.

AUGUSTYou got it. Hi there, Marlis.How's it all going?

WOMAN 3Merry Christmas, kids. Minna,I've some clothes from my Hannain the attic…

MINNAYeah?

WOMAN 3Yeah. I kept ‘em for my grandkids, but -- well, you know --

MINNAYeah. I know, huh? I know.

WOMAN 3(sighing)

No grand kids for me. I wonderif you can use ‘em.

MINNACan I use ‘em? You’re kidding,huh? Can I use ‘em?

WOMAN 3I bring ‘em by next week, O.K.?Time to go on, right?

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MINNAYou say it. And merry Christmas,Marlis, merry Christmas, huh?I see you. And thank you, huh?

WOMAN 3Merry Christmas to y' all.

POLICE MAN (teasingly)

How’s my favorite godchild?You been good this year?

ANNEUncle Gerd! Of course I been good.What do you think?

GERDJust kidding, kiddo.Merry Christmas to y'all.

SELMAYou coming with us?

GERDNo can do. Back to work.

AUGUSTMerry Christmas. How’s the dog?

GERDGetting old. Sad, but then --who doesn't.

AUGUST(nodding)

You say it, for crying out loud.

MINNAYou come on by for lunchtomorrow, huh? You come, huh?

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GERDYou got it. Gotta run.

AUGUSTYou working tonight? JesusChrist! Never a day off.

While the parents AD LIB EXCHANGE good wishes with everyonepassing by, Minna fusses over her two daughters who aregetting impatient.

Meanwhile the pastor steps out of the church, walksstraight up to the family of our and shakes their hands.

PASTORAugust, thanks for coming tonight.I know this wasn’t easy for you.Keep up your faith.God works in mysterious ways.

MINNA(sarcastically)

You know it, Pastor. Huh?Praise the Lord!

PASTORMerry Christmas, and God blessyou all. I come by next week.I want to talk with both of you.

MINNAYou know where to find us, huh?You know where. Huh?

AUGUSTYep. It's time for a talk.I need a talk with you alone,Pastor -- if you will. And soon --

PASTORWhy don’t you stop by tomorrow

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morning. I be here. Just me andthe Lord. Come on by, August,we talk.

MINNA(friendlier)

You are such a help, Pastor.Such a help. Come along nowfather. Come along now, huh?

AUGUSTI’m coming mother. See youtomorrow, Pastor.

SELMACan we go now? I’m freezing.What you looking at, stupid?

ANNENothing.

SELMAI give you nothing --

With the parents still turned towards the pastor, Selmakicks her younger sister. Anne MOANS and rubs her shin.

ANNEMother!?

MINNAMerry Christmas, Pastor, merryChristmas.

PASTORMerry Christmas.

(bending down) And you hang in there, young

ladies. You hear? God bless

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you all. I pray for you.

MINNAHallelujah!

WOMAN 4Can I have a word with you,Pastor --

ANNEMother!!

MINNAWhat?

ANNESelma kicked me.

SELMANuh uh. Liar!

ANNEIt’s true.

SELMA(low voice)

Shut up, stupid.

ANNEMother!?

SELMA(threatening)

Can it or else!

MINNAWhat does Pastor mean, he hasto speak with both of us? Huh?What does that mean?

(exasperated)Leave your sister be, Selma,leave her be. Huh?

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AUGUSTCome mother, Jesus Christ, letsget going. We talk later.

MINNALater, huh? Later.

AUGUSTLater, for crying out loud,mother. Come girls.

MINNAWhat a cold night this is, brrr.Let’s go. Huh? Come on, let’sget home before we all freezeto the ground. Huh?

ANNE(whining)

I’m so cold.

MINNAGrab my hand, Anne. Selma, takefather’s hand. Huh?Take father’s hand.

SELMAI don’t want to take father’shand, it’s cold. I want to takeyour hand. Why can’t Anne takefather’s hand?

ANNEMother, I’m cold.

SELMA (mockingly)

Mother, I’m cold!!!

AUGUST(exasperated)

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Jesus Christ, girls, be good.It's Christmas, for crying outloud.

MINNAStop fussing, let’s go. Huh?Come on, father, come on. GrabSelma’s hand, huh? Grab Selma’shand.

SELMAI don’t want to!

AUGUSTJesus Christ!

ANNEMother!! My feet are cold --can we go now?

AUGUSTCome on now. Jesus Christ, girls,behave. Lets go, mother.

MINNAPut your hat back on, Selma --what’s wrong with you? Huh?What's wrong with you.

SELMAIt’s scratchy.

MINNAPut that hat back on, now, huh?Put it back on or ...

AUGUSTCome on, come on, mother.Let’s go, girls.

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Minna takes both her girls’ hands and with some lastnodding and waving to the other families, off they go.

EXT. STEEP HILL IN FRONT OF CHURCH -- DARK

The family begins the treacherous descent, slipping andsliding on the icy ground covered already by almost twofeet of snow which continuously falls, heavy and wet.

The flakes are almost as big as birds’ eggs and Anne bendsback her head, opening her mouth wide, trying to catch themwith her tongue.

SELMAMother, Anne eats snow.

ANNENuh uh, I don’t.

SELMAUh huh, you do too.

MINNAThat won’t harm her. Come on,Move it, Anne. Huh? Move it.

SELMA(sotto)

That won’t harm her -- perhapsthere is rat poison in thereand you drop dead.

ANNAMother! Selma says --

SELMA (interrupting)

Shut up, stupid.

MINNABehave, huh? Behave!

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AUGUSTCome on. Be good. For crying --

MINNA(girlish)

I wonder, if Saint Nicholas lefta present for us. Huh? Wonder,if he could find our house withall this snow coming down sincedays.

AUGUSTMother, please.

MINNAWhat do you say, Anne, huh?,did Saint Nicholas bring you agift? Huh? What do you say? Huh?

SELMA(sotto)

Not a chance in hell.

ANNEMother, Selma says --

MINNAWhat? What is it now, huh?

SELMANothing.

ANNEYou said --

SELMACan it!

MINNASelma! Keep moving. Huh? Keepmoving.

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EXT. SNOW-COVERED UNPAVED ROAD -- DARK

The family, huddled closely together, struggles through theheavy snow. It is dark. There are no street lights in thevillage. Now and then a window throws a thin ray of lightinto the road.

ANNE(prattling)

I think Saint Nicholas brings mea doll -- or maybe a new hat --no, wait a coloring book. Justlike Carola has. With little anglesin it. No, no. Wait, maybe it’s --

SELMA (irritated)

Why don’t you shut up, stupid?

ANNEI'm not stupid. You are. Mother!

SELMAYou get nothing and you know why?Because you’re stupid.

ANNEMother, Selma says I'm stupid.

SELMALiar.

MINNA (pulling Selma’s arm)

Selma! Leave your sister alone.Huh? Leave her alone. Why can’tyou leave her alone? Huh?

ANNEYeah. Leave me alone.

SELMAYou leave me alone!

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ANNENuh uh, you leave me alone.Mother!? Selma doesn't leaveme alone.

AUGUSTGirls, do you need a fight allthe time? Hurry up, It's freezing,out here, for crying out loud.

MINNA(impatiently)

What's wrong with you? Huh?You’re nine years old -- oneshould expect a little moresense than that. A little moresense. Huh?

SELMA (sotto)

I get you for that.

ANNESelma says --

MINNAWhat did you say, girl? Huh?What did you say?

ANNEShe says --

SELMANothing. She says nothing.

(sotto)Just wait till later --

ANNESelma says --

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AUGUST (interrupting)

Jesus Christ, mother. Let’s gethome. The snow’s getting worseby the minute, for crying put loud.

MINNAWhat you Jesus-Christing me for?Is the weather now my fault too,huh? The weather too?

AUGUSTMother, take it easy, for cryingout loud.

MINNA(sighing)

A bad winter we have, huh? Abad winter. Too early, huh?Too early.

Minna holds tightly on to both girls, pulling Anne a bitwho lags behind.

MINNACome on, Anne, hurry up a bit.

ANNE(singing)

Hurry -- Hurry -- Hurry --Look at the snow flakes --Yummy.

SELMA(hissing)

Shut up!

EXT. SNOW-COVERED UNPAVED ROAD -- DARK

The family struggles on through the heavy snow. They walkthrough the main part of the village, past a large fenced-

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in farm house and the village inn and up again a smallerelevation towards their house.

All four people are involved in their own thoughts. Annehums little nonsense phrases M.O.S.. Selma now and thenpasses a menacing look at her little sister.

EXT. OUTSIDE OPEN WINDOW OF A LITTLE OLD HOUSE -- DARK

Minna stops to SPEAK a few words with an elderly womanSHOUTING out off her window.

OLD WOMANLina says that August took thetrain to Bielefeld last week tosee the cancer doctor. What didhe say?

MINNAMerry Christmas, huh?, merryChristmas. No good news, Helene,no good news.

OLD WOMANSo, is he getting any betterthen?

ANNEWas Saint Nicholas at your house,Tante Helene?

MINNAGet back inside, it’s so cold,you catch your death. Huh? Youcatch your death. I come bytomorrow. Huh? Bring you somecookies. Huh?

OLD WOMANDid you bake Spekulatius?

MINNA

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(sotto)With what, huh? With what?

ANNEDid Tante Helene get a present?

MINNAGet back inside, now, get backinside. Huh? Merry Christmas,Helene, merry Christmas. Huh?

AUGUST(to himself)

Nope, he isn’t getting any better.

MINNAShush.

INTERCUT -- SELMA AND ANNE

Selma places a fast well directed kick at her littlesister’s calves. Anne knows better than to scream. SheMOANS, covers her mouth and bites her lower lip, swallowinghard. A few tears start running down her face.

BACK TO SCENE

ANNE(teary)

Father, can we go home?

August stands by, his shriveled face all dark and somber.He presses a fist into his stomach, GROANS and spits. Hisgloveless hands then shoved back deep into the pockets ofhis roomy military overcoat. He seems to be far away.

FLASHBACK -- INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE -- DAY

August sits in a chair in the consulting office while theDoctor leans over him.

DOCTOR

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I’m so very sorry Mr. Winter.There is nothing more I can dofor you. You should have comeearlier, much earlier.

AUGUST(somber)

How much longer, Doctor?DOCTOR

It’s time to bring your affairsin order. Three months, you havethree more months, the good Lordwilling -- I’m sorry.

END FLASHBACK

SELMAFather, are you getting sick?

OLD WOMANYou children come by next week.I've a little something for you.

AUGUST (muttering)

Much earlier, yeah. With what?There isn’t enough dough forfood in the house, for cryingout loud.

ANNEA present?

OLD WOMANGod bless you all. Merry Christmas.

(hesitant)August? -- Ah, run along you all.

AUGUSTMerry Christmas to you too.Keep warm.

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AUGUST(to Selma)

No, girl, I'm just fine.

MINNAGet moving. Huh? Get moving.

EXT. SNOW-COVERED ROAD -- DARK

Silently, the four people struggle on, up the road towardtheir house..

The silence is deafening. The snow is falling relentlessly.

EXT. FRAU MEIER’S HOUSE -- DARK -- ESTABLISHING

Frau Lina Meier’s house is a little bigger than those ofher neighbors. It is the only one with a small front yardenclosed by a white picket fence.

The dark green shutters and the front door with a cutglass window are freshly painted. August looks at themproudly. He nods to himself.

AUGUST(sotto)

Did a good job here, didn’t you,old pal?

MINNACome on. Let’s see if SaintNicholas left a little somethingfor you at Tante Lina’s. Huh?You don’t think he’s forgottenyou this year? Huh?You don’t think that, do you? Huh?

SELMAI don’t care. I don’t like TanteLina. She prefers Anne anyway.

ANNE

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That’s not true. Not true at all.She says she loves all childrenAnd --

SELMA (interrupting)Shut up.

ANNESelma doesn’t leave me alone.

MINNANow you know that isn’t true,Selma. Huh? She loves both ofyou. She’s your godmother. Huh?Your godmother.

(exasperated) Now you behave or --

AUGUSTCalm down, mother. Jesus Christ,why --

ANNE (interrupting)

There she is.(excited)

Tante Lina, open the door, we arehere. Was Saint Nicholas there?Fast, open up, open up.

EXT. FRAU MEIER’S FRONT DOOR -- DARK

The front door is now being opened by the Frau Lina Meier.She is a short, skinny woman in her early fifties. She isdressed in a dark gray woolen dress with white lace collar.Around her shoulders she holds a wide knitted scarf.

Frau Meier is all smiles and goodwill. August nods at her.

ANNE(agitated)

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Was Saint Nicholas here?

FRAU MEIERLook who’s here!

AUGUST(serious)

Merry Christmas, Lina.

FRAU MEIER(smiling)

Same to you. August

AUGUSTI gotta run girls, I gottause the john. Jesus Christ, Idon’t know, my stomach justdoesn’t feel right tonight.

MINNARun along. Huh? Run along.

ANNECome on. Let’s see if --

SELMA (interrupting)

You said you are fine.

AUGUSTJesus Christ. Gotta run now.

SELMA(reproachful)

You say that every year, father.Why don’t you come with us andsee if Saint Nicholas left a giftfor me? Please!

MINNAMerry Christmas, Lina, merry

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Christmas.

SELMACome on, father!

ANNEYes, father, come on.

FRAU MEIERLet your father run along,children. Merry Christmas, August.I see you later. I be over fordinner around eight.

AUGUSTSee you then, Lina. Behave girls,for crying out loud.Bye now mother.

FRAU MEIERCome inside children, it’s cold.Come on inside, Minna. We don’tneed all his cold air in thehouse.

August nods to them and slowly walks up the hill towardstheir own house. Minna and her daughters enter Frau Meier’shouse tightly closing the door behind them.

INT. FRAU MEIER’S FORMAL LIVING ROOM -- ESTABLISHING

Frau Meier has nicely wrapped the children’s presents andplaced them on a table right beside her old Lorenz radiowhich is PLYING Christmas songs.

Her furniture is pure Biedermeier and polished to a highshine. The walls are dressed up by two oil paintings and agilded mirror which reflects the candle light.

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Frau Meier does not have a tree but all four candles on herAdvent’s wreath are lit. The room looks warm and cozy, iflittle used.

ANNEHow come you don’t have aChristmas tree, Tante Lina?

FRAU MEIERTake off your boots and coats.You’re trotting all that snowonto my good carpet.

ANNEI’m stuck in my sleeve.

SELMAOh man, I can’t believe it.

ANNEI’m stuck, I’m stuck.

MINNANow, now. Behave. Huh? Behave

FRAU MEIERCome here, child.

Frau Meier helps the girls out of their boots and coats.She hands them to Minna who leaves the room to hang them upto dry.

ANNEHow come you have no Christmastree?

SELMADid Saint Nicholas leave a giftfor me?

FRAU MEIEROf course he was here, children.You were good, now weren’t you?

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ANNEWhere’s your tree?

FRAU MEIERNo, no, Anne, I don’t need atree all for myself.That’s frivolous!

ANNEWhat’s fribelous?

FRAU MEIERYes, when my Herman was stillalive -- you know child, beforehe was killed --

ANNEHe was killed?

FRAU MEIER-- was killed by that nasty horsethat tried to run through theschool yard -- ach, Herman --I miss him so.

Minna enters the room, smiling at the scene childishlyHUMMING "OH TANNENBAUM, OH TANNENBAUM" to herself.

FRAU MEIERWhat was I saying?

SELMATante Lina! The presents?

ANNEYes, the presents. What horse,Tante Lina?

MINNADon’t interrupt Tante Lina, huh?Don’t interrupt her. Go ahead,Lina, go ahead. Huh?

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FRAU MEIERAs I was saying -- ah yes, whenmy dear Herman was still with mewe had the most beautiful treeevery year. He was like a kid inthat regard -- he needed his tree.But since --

SELMA (impatiently)

Did Saint Nicholas leave apresent for me or not?

ANNEFor me also? Or not?

FRAU MEIER-- since he’s gone there is nojoy in my life anymore, no joy.So I just keep that old Advent’swreath. Don’t you think it’spretty? Ach, Herman --

ANNEHe was killed?

SELMADo we get a present?

ANNEYes, a present? What horse,mother?

MINNAShush.

FRAU MEIEROf course there are presents.Saint Nicholas came by and askedif you were good girls and --

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SELMA(interrupting)

Oh, not that again, pleeease.

FRAU MEIERAlright children, come along then.

Frau Meier walks across the room and picks up the parcels.

ANNEOh, look, mother.

FRAU MEIERThis one is for you, and thisone for you, Anne.

SELMA & ANNE(curtseying)

Thank you, Tante Lina.

FRAU MEIERUnwrap children. Let’s all seewhat’s inside.Come Minna, sit with me.

Frau Meier gestures Minna to sit down on her Biedermeiersofa. Absentmindedly, she strokes the gently curved woodand admiringly looks at the golden sofa and chair coversand the matching heavy curtains. A faint smile crosses herface.

FRAU MEIER(sighing)

Ach, Herman -- my Herman --

Minna nods a few times and lovingly pats her friend's hand.

INSERT -- WALL GRANDFATHER CLOCK CHIMING

Its face reads six o’clock

BACK TO SCENE

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Selma and Anne sit on the floor, excitedly unwrapping theirpresents. They carefully fold the familiar wrapping paperfor next year’s re-use.

They AD LIB SQUEAL with surprise when both of them find abeautifully crafted rag doll with their names embroideredon the white lace-trimmed aprons.

ANNELook, mother, look. I got a doll-- a doll. I got a doll --just as I wished for.

MINNAWhat a pretty thing, huh? What apretty thing.Say thank you to Tante Lina.Huh? Say thank you.

ANNEThank you, Tante Lina.

FRAU MEIERYou are very welcome, child.

MINNASelma!

SELMAThank you, Tante Lina.

FRAU MEIERYou are also very welcome, Selma.

MINNAYes, Lina, thank you, huh? You aresuch a good friend. Such a goodfriend. Huh?

ANNELook mother. My doll has a

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chocolate Santa in the pocket.And cookies! Yours also, Selma?

SELMATante Lina!?

FRAU MEIERWhat child?

SELMA

Why did Saint Nicholas bring adoll for Anne too?

MINNAShush, huh? Shush.

SELMAI’m your godchild, not Anne.Do you like her better than me?

FRAU MEIERHe wouldn’t forget about yourlittle sister. That wouldn’t beright, child, now would it?

ANNEIt says “Anne” on the apron.Just like me.

MINNACan’t you just be happy, huh?Just be happy, for once, Selma?

ANNELook Selma, it says “Selma” onthe apron. Just like you.

SELMAJust shut up, will you?

ANNEMother!

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MINNABe good, huh, be good.

ANNEYou got a chocolate Santa also.Shall we eat it now?

SELMASure, go ahead, eat it.

(mumbling)Then it’s gone and I still havemine and you don’t.

The two women are comfortably seated on the sofa, smilingat the children.

MINNADon’t eat that Santa yet, Anne.It’s so pretty. Huh? So pretty.

ANNESelma says --

SELMA(sotto)

Shut up, stupid.

ANNEMother?!

SELMADon't you dare.

MINNABe careful, Selma, don’t breakSanta’s head off, huh?

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Selma, casting an exploring look at her mother andgodmother, breaks the head of her Santa and stuffs thepieces back into the doll's apron.

FRAU MEIERNow, child, what did you do thatfor? Hmm?

MINNASelma! For God's sake, what is thematter with you, huh? What is thematter?

Selma doesn't answer or even bother to look up.

FRAU MEIERCalm down, Minna. Lets not getall aggravated.

MINNAYou're right, huh? You're right.Come here Anne, let me have alook at your doll. Let me havea look. Huh?

ANNEIt has my name on it. Just likeme.

MINNADon’t eat all the cookies atonce Selma, don’t eat ‘em all atonce. Huh?

SELMAI don't.

MINNALeave some room for dinner, huh?What a pretty doll that is. Whata pretty doll. Huh, girls?

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FRAU MEIERI still can’t believe that youmanaged to get that goose. Inthese times! How did you do that?

MINNA(laughing)

That’s my little secret, huh?That’s my own little secret.

FRAU MEIERMm-hmm. You know, I sure missmy ham, though. Bad times, this,bad times. Not even one pig inthe stall.

MINNANot a one in the whole village.Huh? Not a one.

FRAU MEIER(shaking her head)

Bad times this. I can feel it.

MINNAWe won’t just eat goose, Lina,Huh? I put some nice potatoesand carrots around the bird,put'em all around the bird. Huh?

FRAU MEIERMmmm, that sounds good.

MINNAThey are slow cooking in the ovensince this morning already.

FRAU MEIERMm-hmm.

MINNAThere’s nothing better that a

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slow-cooked goose with potatoes,nothing better. Don’t you think?Huh? Don’t you think, Lina?

FRAU MEIERMm-hmm. Do we have red cabbagewith it? Did you use the juniperberries I gave you?

MINNA(nodding)

And for dessert we have cannedplums, the big juicy ones, huh?

FRAU MEIERMm-hmm

MINNAI picked'em on that piece ofland that the old Schafer boughtfrom the village last summer --

FRAU MEIERYou didn’t.

MINNAHa, ha, I betcha he’s wonderingwhy that old tree had no fruitthis year, huh? Still wondering.

FRAU MEIERHe probably tries to get his moneyback from the village.

MINNAYou say it, huh? Probably, ha, ha.

FRAU MEIER (slowly nodding)

I baked a whole bunch of cookies --I bring’em with me.

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MINNANot with real butter? Huh?

FRAU MEIERMm-hmm. With real butter. Andreal eggs and all.

MINNABut where, how ...

FRAU MEIER(mischievously)

You have your little secrets andI have mine, right?

MINNAWe eat’em afterwards, huh? Ihave some coffee. I saved itall year long. All year long.Just for Christmas, huh?Real coffee.

FRAU MEIERYou mean: real coffee beans?

MINNAYep, real coffee, huh?Real coffee.

FRAU MEIERIt truly is Christmas, isn’t it?

MINNATruly is, huh? Truly is.

FRAU MEIERWilli sent a bottle of wine again.Wonder, if he thinks that makesup for all the grief he gives me.

.MINNA

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What’s your brother up to thesedays? What’s he up to, huh?

FRAU MEIERLast I know he joined the Nazisand is some kind of big shot now.Wants nothing to do with his oldsister any more.

MINNAWell, at least he didn’t forgetto send the wine. Huh?

FRAU MEIERWe have a glass tonight.

MINNAWine and real butter cookiesand real coffee --Heaven on earth. Huh? HeavenOn earth.

FRAU MEIERMm-hmm. You say it, Minna.

MINNADid Willi write a letter with it,huh? What he say? Huh? What hesay?

FRAU MEIERNot a word. He never writes a word.Makes you wonder what he’s up to.

MINNANot a word, huh? Not a word.

FRAU MEIERNot a word.

Minna slowly nods her head a couple more times.

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INTERCUT -- SELMA AND ANNE

The children separately plying with their dolls, now andthen looking longingly at the two women conversing sointimately.

BACK TO SCENE

The two woman watch the children play. Anne cuddles herdoll while Selma looks at hers almost with suspicion.

FRAU MEIERWhat’s wrong, Selma? Anythingwrong with the doll? What’s withthat face, child?

SELMAWhy did Anne get the same dolllike I?

MINNASelma!

ANNEIt's because Saint Nicholasloves all children, right,Tante Lina?

SELMABlah, blah, blah.

FRAU MEIERNow, now child. Why don’t yoube nice to your little sister?After all, it’s Christmas and weare supposed to be happy and loveeach other.

ANNESee.

SELMA

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Shut up.

MINNA(flaring up)

Selma, behave, huh? Behave.

FRAU MEIERAch, if only my Herman could behere with us today.

MINNAYou know that he’s right here withus. You know that, now don’t you?Huh? You know that.

FRAU MEIEROf course, you are right.

ANNE(inquisitively)

He’s here? Where is he?

SELMA(teasing)

Right there, behind you, stupid.

ANNE(afraid)

Tante Lina, Selma says ...

FRAU MEIERGo play, child.

INTERCUT -- INT. SMALL ROOM -- AUGUST AND MINNA’S PLACE

August is bend in front of the tile-covered, ceiling-highstove, poking the wood and briquette he has added a fewminutes earlier. Little sparks are flying.

We HEAR Christmas music coming from a small old-fashionedradio. August HUMS along with the familiar tunes.

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BACK TO SCENE

The girls are getting restless. Casting imploring lookstowards her mother who is still in conversation with herfriend Frau Meier.

FRAU MEIERDid you hear about Kolling’sdaughter?

MINNAWhich one?

FRAU MEIER

The oldest, Ingrid. The one whowas running around with that nogood feller she met at theSingers’ Fest.

MINNAThat old guy --

SELMA (interrupting)

Can we go home now?

ANNEYes, can we go now and see ifSanta was at our house also?

FRAU MEIERThat’s the one.

MINNATell, tell, huh? Tell!

FRAU MEIERThey say that he got her pregnantand then she tried to run away.Her old man caught her and gave

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it to her good.

MINNAThe old Kolling? Not the oldKolling, huh? He can’t harm afly. Can’t harm a fly. Huh?

FRAU MEIERListen up.

MINNAWhat?

FRAU MEIERThat girl, Ingrid, she tried toset the house on fire. But herold man found out from her sisterand beat the living crap out of her.

MINNANooo.

SELMA(yelling)

I want to go home now!(sotto)

Set the house on fire -- cool.

FRAU MEIERYou know what next?

MINNAWhat?

ANNE(urgently)

Mother, can we go now?

FRAU MEIERJust a minute, children. Well,she did run away and now allhell is lose. The police and --

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ANNEMother!?

MINNAWe better get going now. Betterget going. Huh? Tell the restlater, huh? Tell it later.

INSERT -- GRANDFATHER CLOCK

It is a quarter to seven.

BACK TO SCENE

Minna looks at Frau Meier, shakes her head a couple moretimes in disbelief, SIGHS heavily, gets up to fetch theircoats. Even though they live next door, she bundles themall up tightly.

The girls grab their gifts, and after thanking Frau Meierwith a deep curtsy and some expected words M.O.S., theyfinally get ready to leave.

MINNABe over in an hour, Lina, huh?Don’t forget the wine --

FRAU MEIERNot a chance.

MINNA What a feast we have, what a

feast, huh? And I not a wordabout war and bad times. Not aword, huh?

FRAU MEIERMm-hmm. You say it. Not a word.

MINNAWe have us a nice Christmas,

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the five of us. A nice Christmas,huh, Lina? Huh, children?

FRAU MEIERMm-hmm. The best. You say it,Minna. Run along now, children.

EXT. SNOW-COVERED ROAD -- DARK

Minna, Selma and Anne scramble up the hill towards theirown house. The snow is still falling heavily. All is veryquite. They HEAR the faint sound of the church’s bell.

INTERCUT -- INT. AUGUST AND MINNA’S LIVING ROOM

August dressed in his Sunday's best hangs several chocolateornaments into the beautifully decorated Christmas tree.Then he places a small wooden rocking horse amidst severalwrapped packages in front of it.

AUGUST’S POV -- HORSE

August stands back, admiring it with a sparkling eye,smiling.

DISSOLVE TO:

FLASHBACK -- INT. LOW CELLAR

August is bend over in the low cellar finishing up thelittle wooden horse. A small shelf with canned fruit andvegetables sits along one side.

On the other side there is a little heap of dirt, almosttotally covering potatoes, carrots and beets.

His few tools are strewn all over the mud floor. Leaningagainst the outside wall we see the beginnings of a dollhouse. August looks weak, he wipes his brow, COUGHS andspits. Shaking his head, he leaves the cellar with one lastlook at the unfinished doll house.

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END FLASHBACK

CUT TO:

INT. AUGUST AND MINNA’S LIVING ROOM -- DIMLY LIT

Apples are baking behind the upper opened iron doors of thestove and August deeply inhales the warming scent. There isa bowl with hazel and walnuts on the table joined by aplate of nicely decorated sugar cookies.

August surveys his little living room appreciatively. Heproudly smiles again.

AUGUST(muttering)

Look at you, little horse. Thegirl will be so happy.You’re not all useless, yet,old pal, not yet.

(pensive)Three months tops, the Doctorsays, three more months. JesusChrist --

(alert)Wonder if I should writeSelma an IOU note from Santa.Poor girl.

(wondering)Wonder where she gotthat violent streak of hers from.Not from my side of the family,that’s for sure.Sometimes I wonder -- I've aSpeak with Minna. After Christmas.Plenty of time --

He goes back to HUMMING along with the song in the radio.It's his favorite: "OH HOLY NIGHT.." Arranging andrearranging the presents he looks at his pocket watch.

FADE TO:

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INSERT -- POCKET WATCH

It shows three minutes to seven.

CUT TO:

BACK TO SCENE

AUGUSTThey be here any minute now.

(agitated)Our last Christmas together.Jesus Christ, our last Christmas.Jesus Christ!

EXT. SNOW-COVERED ROAD -- DARK

By now the three people outside reach the house and Minnaslightly taps at the living room window. The children arerunning ahead in excitement.

In the background we HEAR the tiny metallic sound of thechurch bell tolling seven times.

MINNAWait for me, huh? You hear? Waitup!

(to herself)It’s already seven o’clock.Time to get home, huh? Time toget home.

SELMAHurry up, mother!

MINNAOld woman is no freight train,huh?

SELMA

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I’m so excited.(to her mother)

Do you think I get a doll house?I know I get a doll house.

ANNEDo I get a doll house also?

SELMAYou? Come along, mother!Hurry up.

MINNAYeah, yeah.

SELMA(singing)

I get a doll house, I get a dollHouse --

ANNEYes, come mother, hurry up.

MINNAComing, I’m coming, huh?

INT. LIVING ROOM -- CANDLE LIT

When HEARING the slight tap, August hurries to light thecandles on the tree. He’s so excited that the first threematches break before he finally manages to light onecandle, then uses it to light the rest of them

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. AUGUST AND MINNA’S HOUSE -- DARK -- ESTABLISHING

The house is located on the Western outskirts of thevillage in a rather narrow triangle between the road and apath.

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It has an enchanting mood to it, timber framed, so smalland triangular, not a straight wall. Its longest side isflash with the street, its narrow front has barely room forthe entrance door and the small kitchen window.

CUT TO:

EXT. FRONT OF SMALL HOUSE -- DARK

Minna and the children stomp on the ground outside the doorto rid their shoes and coats of the wet snow that coversthem completely.

ANNEHurry up, mother. Mother! Selmapushed me.

SELMANuh uh. Not true.

ANNEUh huh. It's true.

MINNANow, now. Behave, huh? Behave.

Selma casts a quick glance towards Anne. Minna opens thedoor and they step inside.

INT. TINY HALL LEADING TO SMALL LIVING ROOM -- DARK

The girls SCREAM with excitement and pleasure. The entirehouse is dark except for a kitchen light and the glow ofthe Christmas tree candles shining through a crack in theclosed living room door.

A big rush of warmth greets them. They HEAR Christmas musicplying behind the closed door.

INTERCUT -- MINNA AND AUGUST

Minna and August, who is peaking around the kitchen door,exchange a warm smile and a knowing nod.

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BACK TO SCENE

Minna turns on the hall light and helps the squigglinggirls out of their wet boots and garments which she hangson wooden pegs to dry.

ANNEMother, hurry up, mother.

SELMAI'm so excited!

MINNAWait, Anne. Huh? We all go intogether. Selma, give me thatglove. Huh?

SELMAWhat glove?

MINNAFrom the floor. Give me the glove.Put your boots away, Anne. Huh?

SELMAIt’s not mine, it’s Anne’s.

MINNAGive me that glove. Now, huh?You hear? Huh? Do you hear?

ANNEI can see the Christmas tree.Hurry up --

August joins his family in the tiny hallway.

ANNE(excited)

Where’ve you been father? Did yousee Saint Nicholas? Did he leave a

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present for us? Did you see him?

SELMA(interrupting)

Was he here, father? Did he bringme a doll house?Did he? Did you talk with him?

AUGUST (opening the living room)

Well, let’s see if he was here.Come along, mother.

MINNALet’s go, huh, let’s all go intogether. Oh, that lovely music.

INT. LIVING ROOM -- ESTABLISHING

The narrow room measuring about three by four meters, isfurnished with a worn sofa strewn with knitted and crochetpillows and three wooden chairs surrounding an old woodendining table covered by a crochet ivory lace cloth. A stoolwhich holds the radio and the sideboard topped with amatching runner complete the furnishings.

Over the sofa hangs an oil painting. It’s theme: swans on alake in a heath landscape. A few framed cross-stitchedpictures complete the decoration.

The towering ceiling-high, stove, covered with light greentiles reigns over the room. The entire space looks cozy andtidy.

SELMAOh, look.

ANNEOh, look father, look -- mother,look --

MINNA

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(dreamily)Look at that tree, huh? Look howpretty that tree is.

ANNESo pretty.

SELMAPresents!

AUGUSTThey did such a great job with itthis afternoon, don’t you think,mother? Good job, girls.

INT. CHILDREN’S POV -- CHRISTMAS TREE AND PRESENTS

Selma and Anne are rushing towards the tree, then stop,eyes wide and shiny. They look at the gifts.

Selma’s eyes suddenly focus on the small wooden horse, shetenses and on her expression of disbelief and totaldisgust, we:

FREEZE FRAME.

FADE TO:

FLASHBACK -- ROAD -- DARK

Selma repeatedly singing: I get a doll house -- I get adoll house -- I get a doll house --

END FLASHBACK

END FREEZE FRAME

INT. LIVING ROOM -- CANDLE LIT

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Selma, pushing Anne out of her way into the wall, jumpingtowards the toy horse.

DISSOLVE TO:

Close up of Anne’s white tear stained face.

DISSOLVE TO:

Minna rushing towards Anne, picking her up and hugging herconsolingly M.O.S..

DISSOLVE TO:

Selma taking the horse and throwing it towards her motherand sister.

DISSOLVE TO:

The horse hitting Minna and Anne.

DISSOLVE TO:

August speeding towards Selma, slapping her in the face.

DISSOLVE TO:

Selma heartily kicking Anne.

DISSOLVE TO:

Selma running out of the room into the adjacent bedroom,CRYING and SCREAMING at the top of her lungs.

CUT TO:

INT. LIVING ROOM -- CANDLE LIT

AUGUSTJesus Christ Almighty!

ANNE

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My leg hurts. My head hurts.Mother --

MINNAHere, take her. Huh? Take her.

Minna hands the CRYING Anne to August and resolutely walksup the few steps following the SCREAMING Selma. She closesthe bedroom door behind her.

INT. THE COUPLES BEDROOM -- ESTABLISHING -- DARK

This room, up a few steps from the living room, is barelybig enough for the double bed pushed against one wall, anightstand and on a wall by itself the large armoire.

Through its wide opened doors we see clothes, the family’sgood dishes, wraps and boxes.

MINNA’S POV -- BED

Selma is lying on her back on her parents’ bed sobbing andMUTTERING to herself.

SELMAI hate’em -- I hate’em all --I run away and freeze and bedead and then they be sorry ...

MINNA(exasperated)

Selma, Selma, girl. What next --Huh? What next?

SELMA(screaming)

Leave me alone. I hate you. I hateyou all.

MINNASelma, Selma, what’s happening

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with you, huh? What’s happening?

SELMAGo away. I hate you.

MINNA(in denial)

It’s Christmas, huh? We all makeus a nice Christmas, a niceChristmas. Huh?

SELMA(sobbing)

Nobody likes me. I hate you all.I hate you. Leave me alone.

MINNANonsense. Come on. We go back inand have us a nice Christmas,huh? A real nice Christmas. Huh?Come on, girl, come on.

SELMA(crying)

Why didn’t I get a doll house?Why did Anne get a horse?

MINNACome on, child, huh? Come on now.

INT. BEDROOM -- DARK

Minna pulls Selma of the bed, wipes off her tears andwithout saying another word pushes her back into the livingroom.

INT. LIVING ROOM -- CANDLE LIT

Everybody pretends that nothing happened.

MINNAIt’s time for the presents, huh?Time for the presents.

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ANNEFather, come, presents.

AUGUSTIt's about time, for crying outloud.

ANNEFor crying out loud.

They all gather around the Christmas tree and Minna hands aparcel to everyone.

MINNAThis is for you, Selma. And thishere for you, Anne.

SELMA & ANNEThank you, mother.

MINNAHere, father. Looks like SaintNicholas left a little somethingfor you too.

AUGUSTThank you, mother. You're toogood. Let’s all unwrap.

(eagerly)Now look at this -- Here’sanother gift hidden way behindthe tree. Wonder who’s it for.Why, look at this -- it’s formother, for crying out loud.

MINNAWhy, thank you, huh? Thank you.Wonder what it is, huh? Wonderwhat it is.

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Silently they unwrap, careful not to rip the paper. Theyfold it meticulously and roll up the satin band.

Only after putting it all aside, they appreciatively assesstheir respective presents.

SELMAOh -- look at this, mother.Father, look a dress. It is sobeautiful. Thank you, thank yousoo much! It is soo beautiful.Just what I wanted.

MINNAThere you are. Huh? There youare. Good girl.

SELMA(animated)

And I got a Sleeping Beauty bookand coloring pencils.

Selma is stunned by the red and blue plaid dress withlace trimmed cuffs and hem, as well as by a small boxof colored pencils and a coloring book of SleepingBeauty. She is happy and content. No one mentions theterrible scene from before.

ANNEA dress, a new dress also. Justlike Selma’s. Look Selma, it’sjust like yours.

SELMAJust like yours -- It’s always“just like yours”.

ANNEI am soo happy. A new dress anda doll and a -- horse.

SELMA

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(muttering)A new dress. Just what I needfor school.

Anne’s face is still dewy from the tears she shed but awide smile crosses her face when she unwraps the dress.

Instead of the pencils and book her father hands her thesmall horse.

AUGUSTI fix that for you, girl. Nobodyever knows that this little fellerhad a broken leg.How do you like your gifts, Selma?

A deep SOB escapes Anne’s little chest but her sunny naturegets the upper hand, she smiles and deep dimples appear inboth her cheeks. Selma stares at her father.

SELMAI like the dress and the bookand the pencils. Thank you, father.

ANNEI like the dress also. Thank youfather. Mother, can father fixthe horse?

MINNAOf course, he can, of course.Saint Nicholas won’t mind alittle extra help, huh? He won’tmind. Huh? Won’t mind at all.

AUGUSTOf course he won't for cryingout loud. I fix it first thingtomorrow morning - deal?

ANNE(smiling widely)

Deal!

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Selma, without as much as another word, returns to lookingthrough her coloring book.

MINNA(consolingly)

I know you wanted a doll house,Selma. Saint Nicholas told meyesterday that one of his elvesgot sick and couldn’t finish thehouse. Huh?

AUGUSTYou hear that, girl? He hadnobody left a finish it up.

MINNAHe promised that he gives it tothe Easter Bunny to finish it up.Huh? He promised me that.

ANNEDid you really see Saint Nicholas?

AUGUSTWhat do you think? Of course sheDid, for crying out loud.

SELMABut why did Anne get the horse?Does Saint Nicholas like hermore than me?

MINNAOf course not, nonsense. He lovesall children just the same, huh?Just the same.

ANNETante Lina says so also.

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SELMA(aggravated)

You!! Just shut up.

AUGUSTDon’t be silly. You get yourdoll house, I promise. Jesus Christ.And if I myself have a go to theEaster Bunny and get it for you.You get it, I promise you that girl.

SELMAIf you say so.

August receives a pair of brown mittens and brown and graystriped ear muffs. Minna discovers a pair of sewingsheers, the good kind that she has admired at the generalstore for quite some time.

MINNAWonder how Saint Nicholas knewthat my old sewing sheers justdidn’t cut it any more? Huh?Wonder how he knew.

AUGUSTWonder when Saint Nicholas hadthe time to knit these mittensand ear muffs for me?

(smiling at Minna)Must have been while “he” satwith Lina all these evenings,gossiping. What do you think,mother?

SELMASaint Nicholas doesn’t sit withTante Lina and knits. You'resilly, father.

ANNEYeah. You're silly, father!

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August laughs out loud. He is truly happy at this moment,truly enjoying himself. All thoughts of pending death haveleft his mind for now.

MINNA(teasingly)

Yes, father, you are silly, huh?,real silly.

(upbeat)This is a good Christmas, isn’tit? A good Christmas. Huh?I better go check on dinner.Huh? Better go check on dinner.You hungry, huh?

` ANNEYes, silly, Saint Nicholas doesn’tgossip with Tante Lina. He’s busymaking presents.

AUGUST(smiling)

Well, I still think he spends anawful lot of time at Tante Lina’s.

ANNEDid you see him there?

SELMAStupid, you can’t see him otherthan on Christmas Eve.

AUGUSTBe good, girls. I’m just feelinga little silly tonight.

ANNE(mimicking)

For crying out loud!

AUGUST

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Must be the candles and the musicand all these presents, for cryingout loud. Think we deserve all this?

SELMAI didn’t get a doll house.

AUGUSTYou get your doll house, girl,Jesus Christ, I promise.

ANNEI also promise. I pray for itvery hard, every night. Untilit’s here.

MINNAThat will surely help, Anne,surely help. Huh? Selma, huh?

SELMA(sarcastically)

Sure. Sure, that’ll help.

They all smile - the happy family Minna wants them to be.Minna gets up and leaves for the kitchen, HUMMING aChristmas tune.

The children and August admire the Christmas tree.

AUGUSTThis is the prettiest Christmastree in the whole world. Whatdo you say? Jesus Christ. Haveyou ever seen such a nice tree?

ANNEWho put the chocolate bells on it?And look, candy also.

SELMA

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We didn’t do that this afternoon.

AUGUSTMust have been Santa then. Whoelse has chocolate bells andcandy, for crying out loud?

ANNECan we eat one?

AUGUSTNope. Not before we strip theTree. In a week. After New Years.

Minna returns, smiles at her little happy family and walksstraight into the bedroom.

MINNATime for the good dishes.

AUGUSTYou know it’s Christmas whenmother gets out the good dishes.

INSERT -- CLOCK ON SIDEBOARD

It is CHIMING eight o’clock, PLYING a little melody.

BACK TO SCENE

The girls are dancing around the small room, holding theirnew dresses in front of them. August, all benevolentlysmiling, sits down on the sofa, trying on his mittens.

SELMACan we put the dresses on,father?

ANNEYes, father, can we?

AUGUST

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Go ahead. Jesus Christ -- it’sonly Christmas once a year.

The girls eagerly climb into their new outfits and admiretheir reflections in the window.

ANNELook, father, look, we look likeprincesses, don’t you think, Selma?Like the one on your book.

SELMAYou look like a gnome in a dressand I look like Sleeping Beauty.

ANNEFather, Selma says --

SELMA(sotto)

Shut up, don’t you dare!

AUGUSTJesus Christ, girls, can’t youever get along? Not even onChristmas?

ANNEWe get along, father. Don'tworry. Right, Selma?

AUGUST(muttering)

She’s a hell of a woman. Oh,mother, what will happen to youand the girls once I’m gone?

SELMA(perking up)

What did you say?

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AUGUSTJust how much I love thesemittens. They come in handy.I lost one a while ago. Now youtwo look like little queens.

SELMAI look like Sleeping Beauty.

ANNEI also.

AUGUSTYou sure do -- my own littleprincesses.

ANNEDon’t loose these mittens, father.It’s a long time till nextChristmas.I look like Sleeping Beauty also,right, Selma?

SELMASleeping Beauty gnome.

AUGUSTYou say it, girl. A long longtime, for crying out loud. Now,why don’t you two set the table?Help your mother out?

INT. BEDROOM -- DIMLY LIT BY BEDSIDE LAMP

Minna steps into the room and takes the good dishes out ofthe armoire. She carefully wipes each piece with a softcloth and sets each piece down on top of the couple's bed.She HEARS the knock at the front door.

MINNA(calling)

Don’t get up, father, Lina letsherself in. Huh? Send her in here,

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will you? Send her in here.

INTERCUT -- FRAU MEIER ENTERING THE LIVING ROOM

Frau Meier is carrying a covered plate heaped high withcookies and the bottle of wine which she hands to August.

FRAU MEIERMerry Christmas, August. Here,take this. Be careful with thebottle. It’s the best.

AUGUSTThe best, you know it. Long liveWilli.

FRAU MEIERMm-hmm, you say it. I see ifMinna needs some help.

AUGUSTGo ahead, she’s in the bedroom,getting out the good dished.

MINNA(calling)

Come on in, Lina. Huh? Come on in.Lina Meier peels herself out of her heavy overcoat, glovesand hat and holding them over her arm, walks into thecouple’s bedroom.

BACK TO SCENE

Upon entering, Minna looks up, smiling at her friend.

MINNAHang your coat on the ladder,huh? Hang it on the ladder.

FRAU MEIERCan I put my overshoes here

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also?

MINNASure, need slippers, huh? Needslippers?

FRAU MEIERNo, no. I brought my own.

Minna beckons to hang the wet overcoat onto a nail in theladder which is hidden from sight in the far corner behindthe armoire. She continues her task, admiringly looking atthe shiny plates and cups with their thin gold trims.

MINNAIsn’t life funny, Lina. How I’veturned into my mother, huh? Fiveyears, since she’s gone, fiveyears --

FRAU MEIERIs it five years already? How timeflies by when you get older.

MINNAAnd here I am, living in herhouse, sleeping in her bed,polishing her dishes, huh?

FRAU MEIERMm-hmm.

MINNA(proudly)

These dishes are my pride andjoy -- my pride and joy.

FRAU MEIERYou say it.

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MINNADo you know, that my mothergot’em as a wedding gift fromher parents?

FRAU MEIERMm-hmm.

MINNAFrom her parents. Did you knowthat? Huh? Did you know that?

FRAU MEIERYes, yes, that’s how life goes.Today you’re polishing dishes andtomorrow you’re in a cold graveand your daughter does thepolishing.

MINNAThat’s so right, huh, so right.

FRAU MEIERI brought the wine. How’s thegoose coming?

MINNAPerfect, just perfect. What awonderful Christmas, huh? Whata wonderful Christmas.

FRAU MEIERMm-hmm. And not a word about warand bad times tonight.

MINNANot a word, huh? Not a word.

FRAU MEIERNot a one.

The women nod pensively, smiling at each other. Then FrauMeier turns serious.

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FRAU MEIERDid August tell you what thecancer doctor says?

MINNAHe’s not talking much, huh?Not talking much. Sometimes Iwonder if he just doesn’t want toscare me. I don’t know, huh? Ijust don’t know.

FRAU MEIERHe has to tell you. You haveto prepare.

MINNAWhat am I to do, huh? What amI to do, Lina?

FRAU MEIERI don’t know Minna, It’s noteasy. The children --

MINNALet’s not talk about it tonight,huh? Not tonight. It’s Christmasand we make it a good one, huh?A good one.

FRAU MEIERMm-hmm. You’re right, Minna. Iwas just wondering --

INT. LIVING ROOM -- CANDLE LIT

The girls have taken napkins and flatware out of thesideboard drawer and start setting the table.

August is watching them from the sofa. Slowly a tear makesits way down his skinny cheek. He hastily wipes it off whenthe women enter with the dishes.

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FRAU MEIERNow look at the table. Did yourfather do that, children?

ANNEWe did it, Tante Lina.

SELMASure.

FRAU MEIERNo?!

MINNASelma, take Anne to the kitchen,Huh? And help her wash up beforedinner. Hot water's on the stove.

SELMACome on.

ANNECan I take my horse?

MINNANo, it waits here for you. Itwaits. Huh? Run along now. Huh?

ANNEFather, can I take my horse,pleeease?

AUGUSTYou heard your mother. Now runalong, girls. I’m getting realhungry here, for crying out loud.

SELMACome on, stupid.

ANNEMother, Selma says --

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AUGUST(angrily)

Selma!! Jesus Christ. I'll neverhear that word again. You hear me,girl?

MINNAYou hear what your father says?Did you hear, huh? Did you hear?

SELMAYes, mother.

MINNASay what?

SELMAI’m sorry father.

AUGUSTAll right. Now run along. Mystomach growls like a wolf.

ANNELike a wolf! My stomach growlslike a wolf also.

SELMA(subdued)

Come on now.

The girls leave the living room for the kitchen.

FRAU MEIERThey’re good children.

MINNAYes they are, they are. If onlySelma wouldn’t be acting up allthe time, huh?

FRAU MEIER

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Mm-hmm. She seems to be so angry.

MINNAWonder, where she gets that from,wonder where she gets that from.Not from my side of the family,huh? Not from my side.

AUGUSTShe grows out of it, mother.

FRAU MEIERShe just needs a little help.Her teacher says so also.

MINNAYour word in God’s ear. But enough.let’s finish up the table, huh,Lina? Let’s finish it up.

FRAU MEIERMm-hmm. I hear the goose calling.

MINNAI could eat a bite myself. Whattime is it?

August takes a silver pocket watch out of his coat pocket.

AUGUSTJesus Christ! It’s almost eightthirty. Way past our usual dinnertime.

MINNAIt's Christmas, father, it’sChristmas, huh?

INT. KITCHEN -- ESTABLISHING

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This is the smallest of all rooms, barely two by two and ahalf meters. Along the inner wall there is an old-fashionedceramic wood stove with many doors.

Beside it we see a washstand with a white metal bowl andsoap dish, topped by a small dull mirror with a littleglass shelf underneath it. Here we find the family’s comb,some shaving utensils and toothbrushes leaning in a waterglass.

Along the opposite wall stands a table with a chair at eachof its narrow sides. A light blue glass lamp hanging fromthe low ceiling illuminates the scene.

The rings of the iron stove top are red with heat. A darkiron pot is steaming and so is the small bronze kettle. Thebiggest stove door is leaning open, revealing a cast ironbaking dish containing the goose and vegetables.

ANNEMmmm. Hurry up, I’m hungry. Areyou hungry also?

SELMAStep back. The kettle is hot.

ANNEI could eat that whole goose bymyself.

Selma takes a knitted pot holder and grabs hold of thewater kettle. She pulls it of the stove and starts pouringwater into the wash basin. The hot steam envelopes her handand arm.

With a SCREAM Selma jumps back letting go off the kettle.With Anne’s horrendous SCREAM and look of pure agony we:

FREEZE FRAME.

FADE TO:

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SAME SCENE REPEATING ITSELF -- DREAMLIKE

Selma taking the knitted pot holder, grabbing hold of thesteaming hot water kettle, pulling it of the stove andstarting to pour water into the wash basin. The hot steamenveloping her hand and arm, her jumping back and lettinggo off the kettle.

END FREEZE FRAME

BACK TO SCENE

Minna, August and Frau Meier come running into the kitchen.Selma is standing pressed into the far wall, her facedeadly white, her eyes wide open, both hands pressedagainst her mouth.

Anne is standing, frozen in time, in the middle of theroom, starring at her legs, burned, bright red, starting tobuild big watery blisters. She starts to WHIMPER now.

MINNAOh, my god, oh my dear god. Notthis, not tonight. What am Igoing to do? Oh my god!!!!!

August grabs hold of Anne who slowly sinks towards thefloor. Minna seems unable to comprehend what has happened.

AUGUSTMother, get a hold of yourself.We need to get her to the doctor.

MINNAGod, oh God --

AUGUSTGet me the blanket from ourbed. I carry her there. Get me --

FRAU MEIER (interrupting)

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Give me the flour, Minna, weneed to put some flour on theburns to keep the skin frombursting open.

MINNAI do it. Huh? I do it. Hold still,Anne, hold still.

AUGUSTShe isn’t moving. Jesus Christ,she isn’t moving.

FRAU MEIERHurry up, Minna. We need to gether to the doctor.

Minna grabs the flour canister and sprinkles flour ontoAnne’s legs. Then runs out of the room to return withAugust's coat and a woolen blanket which she tightly wrapsaround Anne, who is WHIMPERING lowly.

August puts on his old big roomy military coat, picks Anneup and pulls her close to his emaciated body. Frau Meiertightly wraps the coat around the two of them.

FRAU MEIER(sotto)

I hope the doctor’s in town. Iheard that he's --

AUGUSTJesus Christ. Hurry up. Hurry up,mother.

MINNALet’s go, let’s go. Huh?

INT. TINY HALL -- DIMLY LIT

Both women muttering to themselves M.O.S., throw on coats,hats and gloves and the troop leaves the house.

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MINNACan you carry her, father? ShallI take her legs? Huh? Shall Itake her legs?

FRAU MEIERI take her.

AUGUSTNo. no. I got her, run along.

MINNAMy God, how could this happen,huh? How could this happen?God in heaven --

EXT. SNOW-COVERED ROAD -- DARK

The group runs as fast as the heavy snow allows down theroad. It is still falling without mercy.

FRAU MEIERMinna, wait up. Where is Selma?Dear God, we forgot the childat home.

MINNA(angrily)

She’s alright, huh? She’s alright.

FRAU MEIERLet’s hope the doctor is in.

MINNAMy God, what have I done wrong,what have I done wrong? Why doesthis happen to us -- why, huh?

FRAU MEIER

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(interrupting)Get a grip of yourself Minna, youhear.

(to herself)God help us all.

August is running ahead, his breath is LABORING, he’stumbling under Anne’s weight who is eerily still.

They run through the village, pass the church and into asmall gate that SQUEAKS when August pushes it open with hisfoot. He kicks at the front door with all he has left ofhis limited strength and tries to yell. His voice is gone.

EXT. DOCTOR’S HOUSE -- DARK

The heavy front door opens almost immediately and a tallyoung woman in a big navy sweater and white woolen pantslooks at them attentively. Without a word she motions theminside.

FRAU MEIERWhere’s the Doctor? We need tosee the Doctor. The child --

AUGUST(interrupting)

Please, we need to see the Doctor.

FRAU DOCTORMy husband left last week -- he’sbeen called into the Army. He’s --

FRAU MEIER(muttering)

That's what I heard.

MINNAWhat have I done, my God -- whathave I done? Why Anne --

FRAU MEIER

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(interrupting)The child burned her legs. Withboiling water. We need help.

AUGUSTPlease, help.

FRAU DOCTORCome on in, come into the examinationroom. Close the door, Frau Meier.

INT. EXAMINATION ROOM -- ESTABLISHING

The white room is small, brightly lit by a white porcelainlamp hanging over the examination table and a bronze desklamp with a green shade that sits on an old mahogany desk.The chair is of the same material and upholstered in green.

There are cupboards along one wall and a picture of plyingchildren on the opposite. A scale, a measuring device andthree stools complete the furnishing. A brown leatherdoctor’s bag sits on one of them.

FRAU DOCTORI’ll examine the child, put heron the table, please Mr. Winter.And sit down yourself. I’ll see --

MINNA(interrupting)

We need to see the Doctor. Huh?The doctor. My girl is burned,Anne is --

FRAU DOCTOR (loudly)

Calm down, Frau Winter. I’m adoctor myself. I haven’t practicedsince I married but still, I’ma doctor and I’m going to helpthe child.

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(with authority)Frau Meier, please take the blanket.Herr Winter, hand me that bag, ifyou will. Frau Winter, calm down.

ANNE(awakening)

It hurts, it hurts so bad.

MINNAAnne, what have I done, huh?,what have I done -- Selma! DidSelma do it, Anne, did Selma doit? She did it, huh? She did it.

FRAU DOCTORI know, Anne, I know. Hold onto you mother’s hand real tight,while I take a look at your legs.

AUGUSTGive me your hand, girl

FRAU DOCTORFrau Meier, hand me those scissors.And give me some room, please.

MINNAHold on to my hand, Anne, hold onto my hand. Squeeze real tide,huh? Real tide. Huh?

ANNEIt hurts, it hurts so bad --

August is sitting on one of the stools, his head is down,he weeps quietly, his meager shoulders shaking. Lina Meierputs her arm around his shoulders and holds him tight,while silent prayers escape her moving lips M.O.S..

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The Doctor works in deep concentration. Minna’s lips movein silent prayer while holding on to Anne’s hand who nowonly MOANS from time to time. Nobody speaks for a very longtime.

INSERT - DESK CLOCK

The face of the clock on the Doctor’s desk shows eightfifty.

BACK TO SCENE

FRAU DOCTORAnne! Anne, how are you feeling?Does it still hurt? You are a bravelittle girl.

MINNADoes it still hurt, huh? Does itstill hurt? Oh, my God -- how couldthis happen? How? Did Selma --

FRAU DOCTORFrau Winter, please, you mustcalm down. It doesn’t do the childany good when you’re so upset.

ANNENo, it’s better. I’m so tired.Can we go home? Father, don’tcry -- I’m not hurting anymore.Please -- please --

FRAU MEIERYou hear, she is not in painanymore. Thank you, God.

AUGUSTThank you, Frau Doctor. Thank youfor everything.

MINNA

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Can we take her home, huh? Canwe take her home?

FRAU DOCTORIt’s all right. You can take herhome with you now. Put her to bed,keep her warm. She’ll sleep throughthe night. I’ve given her somethingto make her feel better. I’ll be atyour house by 8:30 tomorrow morningto check on her.

AUGUSTIs there anything we can do forher over night?

FRAU DOCTORNo, just let her sleep. Sleep isthe best healer.

MINNAThank you, thank you, huh?Thank you.

FRAU DOCTORWe have to very careful to keepthe wounds clean so that theydon’t infect. The burns aredeep.

MINNAOh, God --

FRAU MEIERPoor child.

FRAU DOCTORI’ll give her something for thepain for as long as it’s needed.Now, wrap her up warmly and runalong.

(compassionately)Herr Winter, is there anything I

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can do for you? Anything?

AUGUSTNo. no. But thank you for allyou have done for the girl.God bless you, Frau Doctor.

FRAU MEIERGod bless you. Come, Minna.

MINNAThank you, thank you thank you.Come on father, come on. Huh? Canyou carry her? Do you want me totake her? Huh? I can take her.

FRAU MEIERI help. Here is the blanket. Wrapher up tightly, August.It’s so bitter cold tonight.

(sotto)What a night -- it’s the times.Bad times are coming for us.I can feel it --

AUGUSTNo. No. I take her. Good night,Frau Doctor, and --

FRAU DOCTOR(interrupting)

Run along now, I’ll see you alltomorrow. If there’s anythingyou need, Herr Winter -- justlet me know.

ALLGood night. Good night, FrauDoctor. And God bless you.

EXT. SNOW-COVERED ROAD -- DARK

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The small party makes its way back through the heavy snow.August is swaying slightly under the weight of the child.From time to time a deep SIGH escapes his mouth.

Minna walks beside her husband, holding his left elbow forsupport. She WEEPS.

Frau Meier walks a few steps behind the group, her lips aremoving in silent prayer. Anne MOANS now and then. Theysilently cross the village and walk up the road to theirhouse. The village is quiet and dark.

INSERT -- CHURCH CLOCK

The hands show ten twenty-eight.

BACK TO SCENE

The small group finally reaches the Winter’s house.

EXT. MINNA’S HOUSE -- FRONT DOOR -- DARK

Minna opens the unlocked door for August and Anne and turnsto Frau Meier.

MINNAAre you coming in, Lina? Youcoming in, huh?

FRAU MEIERYes. Mm-hmm. I’m coming.

INT. LIVING ROOM -- DARK

The room is crowded with carefully folded wrapping paperand the gifts the children had unpacked. The table is setin a festive way. The Christmas tree candles have burnedthemselves out.

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The radio is still PLYING Christmas songs. Minna turns onthe ceiling lamp, walks to the radio, turns it off andwordlessly begins to stack the unused plates and glasses.

AUGUSTHelp me with the girl, will you?Where do I put her down?

MINNAPut her on our bed. I won’tclose an eye this night anyway,not an eye. Huh? Lina, can you --

FRAU MEIER(interrupting)

Where is Selma? Selma! Selma!Minna, where's the child?SELMA! Minna, the child --Where’s Selma?

AUGUST(urgently)

Mother! Help me with the girl.Should we undress her or justleave her be?

MINNALeave her be, leave her be. Justput her down, huh? She’s fastasleep anyway. Fast asleep. Huh?

August leaves for the couple’s bedroom carefully carryingthe sleeping Anne. At the small steps leading to thebedroom he staggers and stumbles into the Christmas tree.The tree tips towards the wall.

Moving back, Anne’s legs sweep the stack of Minna’s goodplates off the table.

DISSOLVE TO:

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Close up of Minna's face: freezing, turning deadly white,her lips a thin line, her eyes ice cold.

CUT TO:

BACK TO SCENE

MINNA(hysterically)

My dishes -- my good dishes!This is the worst, huh?, theworst. Mother will turn in hergrave. This is the worst. Thisis the end, huh? The end.

FRAU MEIERGet a hold of yourself, Minna.It’s only dishes after all.

MINNA(yelling)

Only dishes you say, only dishes?Huh? Do you know what these meanto me, do you know, huh?

FRAU MEIER(sighing)

I know. Mm-hmm, I know.

AUGUSTIt'll be all right, mother.Calm down. I put the girl down.Jesus Christ, I need a put herdown. Now.

August manages the few steps up to the bedroom and heavilywalks in. Minna straightens up the tree then bends to pickup the broken plates and throws them into the ash canbeside the stove.

FRAU MEIERSELMA! Where are you, child?

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Minna, I think Selma’s gone.

MINNA(shrilly)

Gone...nonsense, gone! I tellyou where she is -- in the cellar.

FRAU MEIERWhere?

MINNAIn the back, where she always hideswhen she’s in trouble. Huh? SELMA!

FRAU MEIERMinna, please.

MINNACome on up. Now! Or do I have tocome down there, huh? Do I haveto come down?

FRAU MEIERMinna, you have to calm down. It’snot her fault. It was an accident.

MINNAAn accident, huh, an accident.

FRAU MEIER(sternly)

Yes, Minna, an accident!

MINNA(wailing)

Why, why us, huh? My good dishes.An accident. All that ever meanta thing to me, gone, my good dishes,huh? My good dishes.

FRAU MEIERMinna, Minna, don’t talk likethat, it’s sinful.

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AUGUST(calling)

Mother! I need your help in here,for crying out loud.

Minna walks up to the couple’s bedroom. She firmly closesthe door behind her, leaving Frau Meier standing in themiddle of the living room, still wearing her overcoat andboots. Frau Meier leaves the room through the other door.

MINNA’S POV -- COUPLE’S BED

Anne is lying on the bed, covered with the woolen blanket,sleeping. Her face looks pale and shrunken. She MUMBLES inher sleep.

August sits beside his daughter, holding her hand. Hesilently weeps, shaking his head over and over. His streetclothes are carelessly flung over the foot end of the bed.

INT. BEDROOM -- DIMLY LIT BY BEDSIDE LAMP

Minna takes off her wet boots and throws her coat on thefloor with them. She casts and angry look towards herhusband, then walks over to Anne and covers her with thegoose down cover. Anne doesn’t move.

AUGUST (mumbling)

Three more months he says. JesusChrist! What is happening to allof us?

MINNA(agitated)

What are you saying? What do youmean, three more months? Huh? Whatdo you mean? Huh?

AUGUSTJesus Christ, mother, calm down,

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everything will work out. Thegirl will be getting well. TheDoctor says so herself, nowdoesn’t she? All will be well.

MINNA(sneering)

The doctor, huh? What doctor?

AUGUSTA fine job she did with Anne.

MINNA(crying violently)

Why, father, why us, huh? AndMy good plates, gone, all gone.What did we do wrong. It’s Selma,

(MORE)MINNA (CONT'D)

isn’t it, huh? it’s Selma, huh?Where did we go wrong with her?Why is she such a burden, huh?,such a burden. Huh? -- my dishes-- my good dishes.

FADE TO:

INTERCUT -- CELLAR -- DARK

Selma is crouching in the dark room, between the heap ofdirt, covering the potatoes and carrots and the beginningsof the doll house. She is pale, her face is closed. Shestrains to listen to what’s happening upstairs.

BACK TO SCENE

AUGUST (very calm)

Mother! Don’t talk in sin. Selma’sa good child. A little difficultat times. But not a bad child.

(more excited)

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I don’t understand you, for cryingout loud. What is it -- Why areyou always so bitter with her?What did she ever do to you?

MINNA(hysterically)

You don’t understand, you don’tunderstand, huh? Just take herside. That is typical -- typical.You always take her side. Huh? Nowonder she’s so difficult. Difficult?Ha, she’s a devil, a devil that’swhat she is, huh? A devil. Huh?It’s God’s punishment.God is punishing me.

AUGUSTJesus Christ, mother, what areyou talking about?

MINNA(at the top of her lungs)

What am I talking about, huh?What am I talking about? You’vealways been suspicious about herbeing yours, always, huh? Justhow you look at Bruno every timeyou see him. Huh? Just as you --

AUGUST(exhausted)

Mother, let’s not fight. Nottonight. Not about the children.Not about anything. I’m tired,so tired, for crying out loud.

MINNA(hysterically)

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You are tired? What am I, huh?What am I? I’m laboring all day,all day and never a thank you?

AUGUSTJesus Christ. Mother, please, calmdown.

MINNANever a thank you. You are tired?Look at me, just look! Huh? Whatdo I look like? Huh? You tired?Ha, that I don’t laugh. Ha!

AUGUSTMother, please. Jesus ChristAlmighty.

INT. CELLAR -- DARK

Frau Meier is descending the few steps into the darkcellar, holding a candle. She’s still in her streetclothes.

FRAU MEIER ‘S -- POV CELLAR

Selma is huddled at the far side, wearing her new dress andclutching her coloring book. Her stare is blank. She doesnot react to Frau Meier’s approach.

BACK TO SCENEFrau Meier slowly approaches Selma, shielding her candlefrom the draft, carefully stepping on the damp dirt floor.

FRAU MEIERSelma, child. Come here, cometo me, child. Selma, come to me.

Selma shows no sign of hearing Frau Meier.

FRAU MEIERSelma, please. Come, I take you

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home with me. You stay with metonight. Come, child, come with me.Brrr. It’s freezing down here.

SELMA(sobbing)

I didn’t do it on purpose, thekettle was so hot. It fell.

FRAU MEIER(consolingly)

I know that child.

SELMAI don’t know. I didn’t do it onpurpose, Tante Lina. I didn't

FRAU MEIERI know that, child. It was anaccident, a terrible accident.

SELMA(sobbing)

I didn't do it on purpose.

FRAU MEIERAnne will be all right. Thedoctor took care of her.

SELMAShe is not dead? I didn't --

FRAU MEIERShe'll be fine. It’s freezingdown here. Come with me, child --let’s go upstairs where it’s warm.

SELMA(crying)

I can’t. They hate me. They thinkI did it on purpose. They hate me.

FRAU MEIER

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Nobody hates you. It was anaccident, a terrible accident.Come on up. Give me your hand.My God, you’re ice cold! Come on,child, let’s go upstairs.

SELMAWhere's Anne now? I didn’t doit on purpose -- I didn’t --

FRAU MEIERShe’s sleeping. She’ll be allright.

SELMAIs she still hurting?

FRAU MEIERNo, no. The doctor gave hersomething for the pain. She getsmore when she needs it.

SELMAI didn’t do it on purpose. Theyall think I did it on purpose.I don’t hate her. I don’t.

FRAU MEIERI know that child, we all knowthat. Come on, now.

Frau Meier grabs Selma’s hand and pulls her up the smallladder.

INT. LIVING ROOM -- LIT BY CEILING LAMP

The room is empty and cold. Frau Meier sits Selma down onthe sofa. She throws a blanket over the child and puts apillow under her head.

The bed room door opens and Minna enters, pale anddistraught.

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MINNA’S POV -- CLOCK ON SIDEBOARD

It is five past eleven o’clock

BACK TO SCENE

Frau Meier pats the sofa seat beside her.

FRAU MEIERMinna, come sit with us. Youmust be deadly tired. Sit herebeside us. It’s so cold in here.Should I put some wood on thefire? I go make us some hot tea.

Without as much as a word, Minna sits down heavily andcovers her face with both hands. Selma, beside her, watchesher with fear.

MINNA(calm and mean)

Why did you do it, girl, huh?Why did you do it?

FRAU MEIERDon’t talk like this, Minna.It was a terrible accident. Youhear me, an accident.It’s nobody’s fault.

SELMAI didn't do it on purpose --I don't hate her.

MINNA(exasperated)

Nobody’s fault, huh? Nobody’s fault?

SELMAI didn't.

FRAU MEIER

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No, Minna, it’s not the child’sfault. You know that, now do you?

Minna covers her face with both hands again. Frau Meiergets up to leave the room. At the door she turns around andlooks at her friend and the child. With a deep SIGH sheturns the light off and closes the door behind her.

INT. KITCHEN -- LIT BY CEILING LAMP

Frau Meier picks the kettle of the ground, refills it andplaces it on the stove top. She strokes the remaining coalsand adds some wood to get the fire going again.

She sadly looks at the goose and, shaking her head, pushesthe pot back into the oven, closing the door on it. Shethen sits down on the far chair, puts her head onto herarms resting on the table top.

FRAU MEIER(muttering to herself)

How can all this be happening --it’s Christmas - nothing likethis should be happening. Herman,ach, Herman -- August with hiscancer -- and Selma, getting sobad lately. Perhaps rumors aretrue and she’s not August’s childafter all. Bruno? Nah! We all pay-- all pay for our sins.

INTERCUT BEDROOM -- DARK

Anne is sleeping, barely visible under the down cover inthe couple’s bed. August is stretched out beside her on topof the covers. He has thrown his big heavy coat overhimself, a light SNORE escapes his open mouth.

INTERCUT LIVING ROOM -- DARK

Selma is deep asleep, huddled at her mother’s side who isrestlessly sleeping herself.

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BACK TO SCENE

The water kettle starts WHISTLING, increasing in volume.Frau Meier lifts her tired head from the table top andbarely getting up, pushes the kettle to the rear of thestove top.

Her head falls back onto her arms. She is fast asleepwithin seconds.

INSERT -- CLOCK ON SIDEBOARD

The time is twenty-three minutes after eleven

INT. LIVING ROOM -- DARK

A small flame is visible behind the Christmas tree lickingup the wall. Within seconds the entire tree is in flames.Then the drapes, the walls, the ceiling and all of the oldfurniture is burning brightly in no time at all.

FADE TO:

EXT. AUGUST AND MINNA’S HOUSE -- DARK

The snow is still falling. High flames are shooting out offthe downstairs windows. Within minutes the entire small oldhouse is in engulfed in flames shooting in the dark sky.

EXT. NEIGHBORING HOUSES -- DARK

Doors and windows in neighboring houses are being openedand people in night wear are CALLING out to each otherM.O.S..

EXT. CHURCH STEEPLE -- DARK

The church bell is frantically RINGING through the night.

DISSOLVE TO:

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Close up of the church's clock. The hands are slowly movingtowards midnight.

EXT. AUGUST AND MINNA’S HOUSE -- DARK

Much of the village’s population is at the scene of thefire. Everybody is carrying some bucket or pot or can -anything that can be used to throw water at the burninginferno.

Desperately, some people throw handfuls of snow at theflames. SHOUTS are being exchanged AD LIB.

Mothers hug their WEEPING children and men and women standhelplessly by while within minutes the small house burns tothe ground M.O.S..

EXT. SNOW-COVERED STREET IN FRONT OF BURNING HOUSE -- DARK

Finally, the small red old fire truck arrives with its bellRINGING shrilly. Too late. There is nothing to be saved anymore. The three century old house is gone, only a pile ofsmoldering rubble is left.

POLICE MAN - GERDMake room for the truck, people-- let the truck through! Move back,people! Make room for the truck!

FIRE MAN - JOSEPHIs everybody safe? Where areAugust and Minna and the kids?

POLICE MAN - GERDGet out of the way, people.

NEIGHBOR 1 - FRITZHow could this happen?

NEIGHBOR 2 - HERMANThey must all be in there. Augustand Minna and the children.

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They’re all dead --

FIRE MAN - JOSEPHStep back, folks. Get away fromthe fire. Has anybody seen Augustand Minna and the kids?

POLICE MAN - GERDNobody has seen them. There mustbe all in there. Oh, my God!

NEIGHBOR 1 - FRITZI just spoke with August in church.How could this happen?

NEIGHBOR 2 - HermanHelp us God. They’re all dead ...

NEIGHBOR 3 - PAULAOnly this morning I say to Minnathat I come and help with the kidsif August gets worse.

NEIGHBOR 4 - HEDWIGThis is too much to bear. You know,too much.

FIRE MAN - JOSEPHFolks! Listen now, get away fromthat fire. Has anybody seen Lina?

NEIGHBOR 3 - PAULAIsn’t she here, Joseph?

NEIGHBOR 2 - HERMANShe can’t be sleeping with allthis commotion.Oh God, they’re all dead --

FRAU DOCTORI saw them all tonight. Frau Meiersaid that she was staying with

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the Winters for Christmas Eve.

FIRE MAN - JOSEPHThat can’t be -- Lina! My God,Lina! My sister! Gone? I don’tbelieve this. My only sister.

NEIGHBOR 1 - FRITZGone, they’re all gone ... howcould this happen?

NEIGHBOR 3 - PAULAWas August getting worse?

FRAU DOCTORNo. no. It was the child. Thesmall one, Anne. She had herlegs burned with boiling water.

NEIGHBOR 1 - FRITZHer legs burned?

FIRE MAN - JOSEPHCan anybody run to Lina’s houseand see if she’s there?

NEIGHBOR 6 - GISELAShe would be here by now if shewas home, right?

NEIGHBOR 1 - FRITZJoseph, you aren’t saying ...

NEIGHBOR 2 - HERMANHow could this happen, Pastor --and on Christmas Eve? All dead,all of’em.

PASTORI don’t know, Herman, I reallydon’t know. God works in mysteriousways. We have to accept.

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NEIGHBOR 3 - PAULAWhere's Lina?

NEIGHBOR 1 - FRITZLina’s not at home. Peter checkedon her. She must’ve been withMinna.

NEIGHBOR 7 - ARNOLDFive people dead, five of ourfriends dead -- on Christmas Eve.

NEIGHBOR 2 - HERMANHow can we accept. Pastor, tellme; how can we accept this -- dead,all dead.

NEIGHBOR 3 - PAULAAnd Anne had her legs burned withboiling water.

NEIGHBOR 4 - HEDWIGThat can’t set a house on fire.

NEIGHBOR 1 - ARNOLDWe have to do something - savesomething. Five of our friends,gone.

NEIGHBOR 7 - FRITZWhat can we do? Tell me, what?

NEIGHBOR 6 - GISELADo? What can we do you ask? Pray,I say, pray.

(yelling)Bruno, where are you? What onearth are you doing there?

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Bruno, his hands on his back, slowly walks around thesmoldering house. He seems to be looking for something. Theheat is too intense to get close.

NEIGHBOR 1 - FRITZGone, they’re all gone ... how cansomething like this happen?

NEIGHBOR 5 - BRUNO(sotto)

It just doesn’t seem right, Isay. How can the house burn tothe ground with all of’em in there.One should’ve woken up, I say.

FIRE MAN - JOSEPHAnd Lina wouldn't have slept atMinna's --

NEIGHBOR 8 - HANSPerhaps they were drunk.

NEIGHBOR 4 - HEDWIGLook who’s talking. Drunk? Withwhat - apple juice? In thesetimes! Drunk.

NEIGHBOR 8 - HANSI heard that Willie has sent wineagain. Who knows --

NEIGHBOR 4 - HEDWIGShame on you. Both. How can youeven think a thing like this?

POLICE MAN - GERDThere’s nothing to save anymore-- nothing we can do. My God!

NEIGHBOR 2 - HERMANMinna, the kids -- August --They’re all gone. All dead.

FIRE MAN - JOSEPH

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No, that won’t set a house onfire, Paula. A Christmas tree can,though, or a stove if the doorisn’t closed tightly.

(yelling)Bruno, get away from there.

NEIGHBOR 6 - GISELAWhat on earth does he think he’sdoing there -- poking around theashes like a madman.

NEIGHBOR 5 - BRUNO (mumbling)

It just doesn’t seem right, I say.

PASTOR(slowly nodding his head)

We must. We must accept and pray.And go on with our life. It’s God’swill. We have to accept.

NEIGHBOR 5 - BRUNOWe’ll never know what happened,I say. Nobody knows.

NEIGHBOR 6 - GISELAWhat are you babbling about,old one?

NEIGHBOR 1- FRITZYou say it, Bruno, no, nobody'llever know.

POLICE MAN - GERD(forceful though in tears)

Go home, people. There is nothingwe can do here anymore. Go homenow. Nothing left to do here.

FRAU DOCTORIs there anything I can help with?

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PASTORNo, Frau Doctor, this here is mybusiness now. And, God, what a sadbusiness it is.

NEIGHBOR 5 - BRUNONope, no witnesses. Nobody’llever know, I say.

POLICE MAN - GERDYou might want to look in atpeople’s houses tomorrow, FrauDoctor. Everybody will have avery hard time. (authoritative)Go home people, go, go home.

FRAU DOCTORAnything I can do for you, Gerd?

POLICE MAN - GERDNo. No.

FRAU DOCTORHow are you holding up? It'syour family. Always thinking ofothers first.

POLICE MAN - GERDJust doing my job. People, go,Go home now.

PASTORYes, friends, go home and pray.

NEIGHBOR 9 - PETERPray for all of us.

PASTORBe in church tomorrow. God helpus all. God be with us.

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Everybody is in deep shock. Not much is spoken. Quietly theneighbors start walking back to their houses.

NEIGHBOR 5 - BRUNO(agitated)

Wait!! There is something. I seesomething.

NEIGHBOR 4 - HEDWIGWhat? What is it?

NEIGHBOR - 8 HANSI don't see a thing.

NEIGHBOR 5 - BRUNO(pointing)

Over there. There.

NEIGHBOR 2 - HERMANBruno is right - there is somebody.Look, Hans, look. Gerd, over there.

POLICE MAN - GERDI be damned!

NEIGHBOR 1 - FRITZWhere?

NEIGHBOR 8 - HANSYou’re right. He’s right!

NEIGHBOR 5 - BRUNOThere, there, behind the tree,I say.

NEIGHBOR 8 - HANSBruno’s right. There, look ...

POLICE MAN - GERDIt’s a child.

PASTOR

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God help us -- it’s Selma.Selma?! Selma!

FRAU DOCTORQuick, somebody, get the child.

NEIGHBOR 9 - PETERI got her.

FRAU DOCTORLet me have a look at her.

Peter carries the shaking Selma on his arms. She is stillwearing her new dress now all charred and blackened. Herlittle face is deadly white, she is in deep shock. FrauDoctor rushes towards her and gives her a fast look over.

SELMAI didn’t do it, I didn’t do it --

FRAU DOCTORStill, Selma.

POLICE MAN - GERDHold still, Selma. Let Frau Doctorhave a look at you.

SELMAIt’s not my fault, I didn’t doit on purpose. It was an accident.Tante Lina says so --

PASTORHush now, girl. Be quite. Keepstill.

FRAU DOCTORShe seems to be alright. In shockand a little frost bitten butotherwise alright. Can someonecarry her to my office?

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NEIGHBOR 9 - PETERI take her.

POLICE MAN - GERDGo ahead, Peter. Do you need anyhelp?

FIRE MAN - JOSEPH(in shock)

I’d take y' all in the truckbut I think it’s safer for meto stay and make sure that noflames flare up again.

POLICE MAN - GERDMove on now people. Time to go.

NEIGHBOR 9 - PETER(to Gerd)

No. No. I'm fine.

SELMA(whining)

I didn’t do it on purpose. Idon’t hate her. Tante Lina saysso too. Where’s Anne?

NEIGHBOR 4 - HEDWIGWhat’s she talking about? Shedidn’t do it?

SELMAMother! Father!

FRAU DOCTORShe’s in shock. She doesn’t knowwhat she’s saying.

SELMAWhere’s mother? Father!

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NEIGHBOR 3 - PAULAI carry her to your house, FrauDoctor. She’s shaking.

NEIGHBOR 8 - HANSIt’s alright, Paula, Peter gother.

FIRE MAN - JOSEPHHere, Peter, take the blanket frommy truck. Wrap the kid up.

SELMAWhere's mother? Mother! Mother!

PASTORIt's alright, Selma. Hush now.

FRAU DOCTORThank you. I will do a thoroughexamination and then let hersleep in my daughter’s old room.

POLICE MAN - GERDThat’ll be the best. I come byfirst thing in the morning totalk with her. Seems like she hassomething to say.

PASTORI’ll meet you there.

FRAU DOCTORLet’s go then. Good night all.Come along, Peter.

POLICE MAN - GERDStep back, people, Let the manthrough.

NEIGHBOR 9 - PETERThanks, Gerd.

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POLICE MAN - GERDNow you all go home, people.Joseph and I stay here to makesure all is safe.

NEIGHBOR 5 - BRUNOI stay here with you -- just incase.

NEIGHBOR 6 – GISELAIn case of what. What? In casethe dead come back to haunt you?

PASTORYes, neighbors, do as Gerd says,go home. Go home and pray. Godbless you my friends.

NEIGHBOR 6 - GISELA(sarcastically)

Come along, old one. Don't makea fool of yourself.

NEIGHBOR 3 - PAULA(muttering)

I knew it, I knew it all along.

NEIGHBOR 1 - FRITZShush, woman. Not know.

(to Gerd)Suspicious witches!

POLICE MAN - GERDRumors die hard, as we all know.

NEIGHBOR - 5 BRUNOYou go on home woman, I stay herewith Joseph and Gerd -- just incase.

NEIGHBOR 3 - PAULACome on, Gisela, I walk with you.

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NEIGHBOR 6 - GISELAComing.

(to Bruno)Suit yourself. Fool.

Gisela, shaking her head at her husband, follows herneighbors who reluctantly walk back to their houses.

INT. FRAU DOCTOR’S LIVING ROOM -- DAY

The Pastor and Frau Doctor are sitting in two overstuffedchairs. Both are distraught. Pastor is still dressed in hisoutdoor clothes. Frau Doctor looking pretty in gray woolpants and a big black sweater.

PASTOR (dumbfounded)

I don't believe -- when did youfirst notice that she was gone?

FRAU DOCTOR(calm and reserved)

I went in to check on her aboutthirty minutes ago.

PASTOR(yelling)

Thirty minutes!

FRAU DOCTORThe bed was empty, the closetdoors wide open and no Selma insight.

PASTOR(highly exited)

Are you sure that you lookedeverywhere?

FRAU DOCTOR

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There are tracks in the snow inthe back of the house. She leftthrough the back door.

PASTOR(agitated)

We have to notify the police andthe neighbors. We must form asearch party. We --

FRAU DOCTOR(calm)

No. No. --

PASTOR(interrupting)

She’ll freeze to death outthere in no time --

FRAU DOCTOR(interrupting)

No, no. Calm down, Pastor.Just listen --

PASTOR(almost hysterical)

Calm down? God in Heaven!

FRAU DOCTORJust listen, Pastor! Selma hastaken quite a few of mydaughter’s clothes. They’llkeep her warm enough.

(pensive)-- for a while at least --

PASTORThank God in Heaven!

(reflectively)She is wise beyond her years.Scares me at times.

(jumping up)

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I run and get everybody together.We need a search party.

FRAU DOCTOR(grabbing his arm)

No need, Pastor. Gerd has takencharge already.

PASTORGerd? But how -- ??

FRAU DOCTORHe was here already - wanted totalk with Selma.

PASTORHe’s not only a good police manbut also Minna’s cousin andAnne’s god father.

FRAU DOCTORHe’ll find her.

PASTORIs he alone out there?

FRAU DOCTORNo, no. Joseph and Bruno arewith him.

PASTORBruno, hm? Did Selma talk to youlast night? Did she say anythingabout the fire?

FRAU DOCTORNo, she didn’t say much at all,the shock, you know. I gave hera sleeping pill.

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PASTORThat was a good idea. That childis through more than one canimagine.

FRAU DOCTORThey’ll find her, Pastor. Howfar can a girl that age get?

PASTORYou are right.

(reassuringly)If anybody can find her it’sGerd and his men.

FRAU DOCTOR(looking out the window)

The snow is almost three feethigh and she’s so small, barelynine years old.

PASTORThank God it stopped snowingearly this morning.

FRAU DOCTORThey can follow her tracks.

PASTORLet’s pray, Frau Doctor, let’s prayfor her safe return. And for allof us.

FRAU DOCTORYes, Pastor, let’s pray for allof us. Let’s pray for the child.For all of us.

PASTOR"OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN,

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HALLOWED BE THY NAME --"

FADE TO:

EXT. SNOW COVERED NARROW ROAD LEADING INTO THE DEEP FORESTSSURROUNDING THE VILLAGE -- DAY

Selma is all bundled up in warm too big clothes, a hoodcovering her head. She is wearing high leather boots withextra woolen socks which she folded over the tops.

Her gloved hands are shoved deep into the pockets of thefur-lined long overcoat. This, as well as all the otheritems she has piled on, belongs to Frau Doctor’s daughter.

Selma walks as fast as the high snow allows into theforest. A small stuffed knapsack hovers on her back.Selma turns around, darkly stares back at the village, thenturns back and swiftly walks off into the woods.

FADE OUT.

THE END