My "The Hobbit" Script

[Moses]

Hi everyone,
Some of you may remember a while back that I started a thread asking telling people that I was going to write a script for the "The Hobbit"

I have now started and would like some feedback and suggestions about the scenes that I have done. Also if you have any suggestions for scenes that I have not yet done, fell free to make some. For all you fans of Tolkien and the Hobbit. Feast your eyes on this. (note: This script is subject to change and is copyrighted by BigFella Films. © BigFella Films 2001 - 2003. All Rights Reserved. Viwing this script is onl;y permitted. Copying and or subtracting this document is prohibited by Film and Television Laws. Vilators will be prosecuted.)


“THE HOBBIT”

FADE IN FROM BLACK:

MEDIUM CLOSE UP –OF A BOOK; THE TITLE READS “THE HOBBIT”

The page turns and we see a map of Middle – Earth. The page turns again and we see an illustration of the Shire. The picture dissolves into…
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. THE SHIRE - DAY

We see the same picture that we saw in the book but now in real life. We pan down and come to the gate outside BILBO BAGGINS hobbit hole.

OLD BILBO (NARRATOR) (O.S)
In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.

The gate opens as we pass through, up the steps and then through Bilbo's front door which also magically opens.

OLD BILBO (NARRATOR) (O.S)
Not a bare, sandy hole with nothing to sit on or
nowhere to eat, nor was it a smelly, dirty little hole
filled with the ends of worms and such...

INT. BAG END - DAY

As we enter the Hobbit hole we are greeted with Bilbo scurrying from one room down the hallway and into another room. We follow and are about to enter the room where Bilbo entered but he scurries back out muttering to himself and goes further up the hallway into another the kitchen. He rummages through a drawer for a second and then runs into the living room (the one with the fireplace). We enter the room.

OLD BILBO (NARRATOR) (O.S) (CON'T)
For this was a Hobbit Hole...and that means comfort.

Bilbo is on the far side of the room muttering to himself as he rummages through a chest.

BILBO
Where is it....were. Oh.
(Chuckles to himself)
Well now...here it is....

HOBBIT-POSTMAN (O.S)
(Yelling from outside)
Bilbo Baggins!

Bilbo looks up baffled and startled at the same time. Then a smile spreads across his face

BILBO
Oh.....the mail!

Bilbo jumps up and runs out the door and down to the front gate.

CUT TO:

EXT. BILBO’S FRONT GARDEN – DAY

He eagerly grabs the mail from the HOBBIT-Postman’s hand with a nod and a thank you and begins flipping through his mail. He opens an envelope and starts reading a letter. As he does so a shadow falls over him. Bilbo peers up and sees an OLD MAN in robes leaning on a staff.

BILBO
(rather annoyed yet in a friendly manner)
Good day

OLD MAN
Whatever do you mean? Do you mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not or whether it is a morning to be good on?

BILBO
Both and all the same. And a very good morning for a spot of tobacco.

OLD MAN
No thank you…I would very much like to join you though I’m rather doing a bit of…business

BILBO
(rather rude)
Business…No need for any business here, so good morning kind sir. You may try over the hill or under the hill.

Bilbo turns to leave as he meant that the conversation was over. The old man leans over and grabs Bilbo by the shoulder and spins him around as he leans in down to his face

OLD MAN
(rather angrily)
And to think I would be good morninged by Belladonna’s son as if I was selling buttons at the door.

Bilbo looks scared, confused and concerned at the mention of his mother’s name

OLD MAN (CON’T)
Yes Bilbo Baggins. I know you and even though you may not know it just yet…you know me

BILBO
(desperately trys to remember)
Uhh…?

OLD MAN
(rather annoyed)
Humph…I am Gandalf…and Gandalf means me

BILBO
(afraid of upsetting Gandalf) Good gracious me…Gandalf (laughs)
Well I never…come in please…

GANDALF
No thank you Mr. Baggins. The road is long and I have much to attend to…but I will stop by for tea tomorrow night. You will be home won’t you?

BILBO
Well yes…oh of course. Farewell Mr. Gandalf Sir. Well ahh…Tomorrow night then…goodbye

GANDALF
Goodbye Bilbo
(Gandalf eyes him curiously as if he is thinking of something, and then his eyes light up in success)

With a nod and a farewell Bilbo hurries back inside his hole anxious not to upset the Wizard again.

CUT TO:

INT.BAG END – MORNING

Bilbo hurriedly closes the door, turns around and slumps his head against the door

BILBO
Oh…why do I even bother?

He goes over to a desk and scribbles on a piece of paper
“Gandalf Tea Wednesday”

CUT TO:

EXT. BILBO’S FRONT GARDEN – DAY

Gandalf is still outside and walks up to Biblo’s front door and with the tip of his staff, scratches a queer sign on it. He then laughs to himself and leaves.

FADE TO BLACK:

INT. BAG END – AFTERNOON

Bilbo sits outside his hobbit hole smoking a pipe. He looks off down a road and sees off in the distant Gandalf on his cart trundling up towards him. Bilbo looks worried as he remembers that Gandalf was coming to tea. He jumps off his small bench and runs inside his hole, slamming the door. He scurries past a little table, doubles back and reads the note, “Gandalf Tea Wednesday”

BILBO
Oh no….stupid hobbit Bilbo

Bilbo runs into the kitchen and rummages through his pantry pulling out cakes and such; he hurriedly places the kettle over the fire and opens a cupboard as he takes out two cups and saucers. As he closes the cupboard he looks outside the window and can now clearly see Gandalf just outside the gate. He bungs the cups on the table just as his doorbell rings. Bilbo places more things on the table as the doorbell rings again and again, Gandalf is getting impatient.

BILBO
Just a second..!

He runs back to the door, but stops in front of a mirror and tidies his shirt up a bit. He slows in front of the door, pushes his hair out of his face, puts a big smile on his face and slowly opens the door

BILBO
Welcome Gandal….

Bilbo looks up in shock, Gandalf is at the front of the door smiling and next to him is a stout, yet old dwarf. His name is THORIN. Behind them, in a V method is 12 more dwarves, all proud and stern. The two dwarves behind Gandalf and Thorin, each hold in front of them a double bladed axe. These two dwarves are slightly younger than Thorin, yet older than the others. Their names are Balin and Dwalin.

GANDALF
Next time, I would not leave us waiting Bilbo Baggins. Dwarves can become mighty angry when they wish.

The dwarves and Gandalf smile. Bilbo still looks stunned. Gandalf pushes past Bilbo and indicates for the dwarves to come in.

THORIN
(bowing)
Thorin Oakenshield at your service

BILBO
Uh…Bilbo Baggins at yours

GANDALF
Never mind proper greetings Thorin…there is much to attend to while the night is young.

Thorin takes off his cloak and throws it at Bilbo. Bilbo catches it.

GANDALF
This Bilbo is…Dwalin, Balin, Ori, Nori, Dori, Óin, Glóin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Fíli and Kíli…

As the dwarves file through they throw they cloaks onto Bilbo’s outstretched hands with a smile.

GANDALF (CON’T)
I trust that you will remember their names…Oh (takes off his hat and places it on the rest of the cloaks covering Bilbo’s vision)
Why thank you.

Bilbo stumbles down the hallway and into a bedroom where he throws the cloaks and hat onto a bed.

BILBO
Gandalf never said anything about bringing friends…13 of all!

Bilbo makes his way back into the kitchen where the dwarves are taking the table and chairs out into the fireplace room,

BILBO
What are you doing!

DORI
Well now, you can’t expect us to all fit in that tiny kitchen now, do you?

Bilbo looks worried as they narrowly miss a vase with the table, plates slide on the table and Bilbo rushes to stop them falling off. He misses one and it falls and crashes on Bilbo’s floor. Bilbo winces at the sound.

[Moses]

Sorry that scene was a bit too long. I have more scenes though I will not post them untill I start getting feedback on this scene. Sorry bout the way the text is formatted. I might have to fix it up later if I know how.

Also I am changing this scene, by adding more to the front start (the bit with the book) and adding a prolougue.

out,

Jarryd

[Moses]

If you wish, you can copy the script and save it to your hard drive but please do not make changes in the script of your own as that is plagerism and it is illegal. And please use constructive criticism as this is the work of a Tolkien fan and fellow War of the Ring member.

Thankyou

[Lady Ashley]

hmm...very interesting! Many things from the book! I did like all the Dwarves coming together, as to save time, naturally.

However, the Gandalf-Bilbo intro...Gandalf seems a bit forceful to me, spinning him around and glaring at him and all. (And wasn't he too flustered to write down about Tea with Gandalf?)

But very fine so far! Keep it up, friend, and then you'll have ol' PJ beaten to the quick! If he did it, he'd probably do something like bring Dwarves along with Gandalf when he first greets Bilbo! Hmph!

But really, very good so far. I liked the postman thing.

[Moses]

Thanks Lady Ashley,

as soon as more people start replying to this thread I will post up more of the script.

In the book Bilbo wrote down Tea Wednesday Gandalf yet he forgot all about it untill the very next day (or was it week. Not sure, I'll have to consult the book)

But thanks for the reply and comments.

[Moses]

For those wondering. I am making it that Bilbo is the narrator. To continue continuity from LotR. If the script is sold, Ian Holm could reprise his role as Old Bilbo and tell the tale. What do you think?

[Lady Ashley]

Bilbo as the narrator is a very good idea. Especially with the 'narrated' lines from the book.

As for Ian Holm, he wouldn't be playing young Bilbo, would he? Forgive me, but he would be a bit aged to fight goblins and float down rivers on barrels. lol But for narrator, excellent!

[Nessa the Dancer]

Very good!!
I loved the way it starts with the book opening and then going inside. I'm thinking the Shire picture is brown and white and then disolves into colour.

I agree with Lady Ashley that Gandalf is rather too forceful with Bilbo, but the rest of it is fine. I liked the postman bit, and all the dwarves arriving at once is good as well.
And Bilbo piled up with all the cloaks and hat is a great image as well.

[TheRingBearer]

Yes, very good. I have written a scrennplay myself and at times it may get hard but keep with it and it will come to you.

[Moses]

Thanks guys but sorry to say but I have to close this thread down. It will be open for another 2 weeks but I won't be posting any more of the script. Yes Nessa, the picture of the shire being brownish was what I was thinking and then dissolves into colour.

Anyway, if you would like to see more of the script I have moved to a new site. It is called "The Barrow-Downs" and the site is

http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002555#000005

if anyone is interested

[LadyKat]

I liked it alot! Sorry to see you go! :(

-LadyKatentdraught

[Moses]

Oh what the heck...since you guys at War of the Ring are much more friendly I'll close the other thread down and continue on this one. But I need some more people commenting or I'll have to close it down so tell all your friends. I will repost some more of the script tommorow with the new prolougue (which is still under revision) I will also be working on the three trolls scene soon and will have that up in a week or so.

If anyone knows how to organise this thread more that will be alot of help as it will soon get confusing as the script will be posted all over the place, but on the other hand if I can just have an attachment for people to download the whole script that would be easier. Anyone know how?

Anyway,
Cya

[Ithielnor]

very good mr underhill :thumbs: glad you're back. Thank you for saying we are more friendly, I'll take it as a compliment :grin: and i will try to give my input except I've never read the Hobbit :(

[Moses]

Thanks Ithielnor,
Please tell all your friends to come and post or I'll have to close this thread down, which I do not wish to do :(

Anyway,
Cya

[Nessa the Dancer]

I'll keep on commenting if you keep posting, this sort of thing really intrests me :grin:

[TheRingBearer]

Congratulations on deciding to keep with it. I will be very intrigued to see how you continue it.

[Moses]

I want to keep posting but don't want to post the whole script and not have anyone post....

[Moses]

I am trying to see if I can post attachments so it'll be easier for people to read the script though it may be some time. I just finished a scene with Gollum and think that it turned out really good (note: there are no riddles...sorry. I may put one in what do you think)

[Lady Ashley]

No riddles!? There have to be riddles! Songs ppl can kind of live without, but the riddles are like a must-need!

But what you could do is this: get Bilbo and Gollum started with a couple riddles and then have Bilbo in Over Voice saying something about how they played the riddle game, without actually saying ALL the riddles. (Even I know that would take far too much time.)

[Nessa the Dancer]

Yes, you could have perhaps have the first riddle and then have the voices kinda fading out while Bilbo Narrator telling what happened, and the fade back in just as young Bilbo asks 'what have I got in my pocket.
In a stage version that I went to see I think that Bilbo and Gollum just did one riddle each and then Bilbo did the 'What have I got in my pocket' line. So it can be worked around.

[Moses]

oh okay cool...that could work, I might have to work with it though. Try different things and so forth. At present attachments are not allowed in posts but I asked if I could for this occasion.

Another Idea I had with the gollum scene is that I've got it that gollum is sorta scared of Bilbo cause Bilbo unsheaths Sting onto him. I though of haveing Gollum call it Sting like "The ssting...it hursst usss it doess" or something similar. I know a lot of people will complain about this though but hey...this is my adaption of the book right. But it makes sense in a way. Talking Spiders in a film won't work unless your a potter fan but you have to look at it from a film perspective. It just won't work. The spiders will be there and will be attacking the dwarves though I'll have it that the elves save them and then take them prisinor.

Anyway,
Cya

[Moses]

Just making sure this thread isn't lost in the abyss of forums.
Anyway...there will be the well know riddle "What's in my pocket" with gollum but I think some people will be upset with the way that I portrayed Gollum. I made him at the start try to attack Bilbo and then after being intimidated by Sting backs off. Another idea i had was to make it that Gollum calls the sword sting like "The sting hurts us it doess" Then BIlbo gets the idea of Sting for the name.
New prologue made. Scene at RIvendell made. Will work on Troll scene tonight.

Awaiting approval to have the script as an attachment. Hopefully I will be allowed.

Anyway,
Cya

[Nessa the Dancer]

WHAT!!! No talking spiders? No 'old fat spider sitting in a tree?
Hehe! Here speaks a Harry Potter fan.

I think that, that would work to have Gollum name Sting. It would make it kinda significant, and as you say, it is your adaptation.

[Moses]

Ahh a potter fan eh.
Sorry but no talking spiders but I didn't mean to imply that I wont consider suggestions towards the script. I wont to make sure that everyone is happy with the overall product (moviegoers and bookgoers).

But thanks anyway Nes

[Moses]

waiting for one of the Boss's from WotR to give me permission to post attachments.

[Moses]

Ok here is some good news.
The good people at WotR have told me that they cannot let me post attchments in threads though they are probably going to put up a page for me where I can put the script and I can have the link to it in the thread...cool eh

[Nessa the Dancer]

Yea, that will be great, I sure hope they do that!!

That spider scene just happens to be one my favourite scenes in the book, but it is rather long and then they have to go and chase the Elves around and that takes up time as well. If the Elves come and 'rescue' the dwarves straight after, then it saves a lot of running around.
As long as you still have the barrel scene then I'll be happy.

And I DO think that it is a good idea to have Gollum name Sting.

[Moses]

Thanks Nes,
I have not yet been told the page where the script will be. Perhaps they are reading over it making sure it is worthy and allowed to post on the site.
Here's a question though...should the spiders talk?
Think about it.

Anyway,
Cya

[Nessa the Dancer]

Hmmm *Nessa is thinking* I think I will go and read that chapter and see what is done there.
I shall get back to you on that one.

[Moses]

Well,
waiting for WotR to confirm this page or whatever.
I need more people to post.

ATTENTION!!!!!!!
Please POST People. Or Get your friends to read and post!

[Moses]

Well,
I haven't been able to do any more of the script yet with the holiday season upon us though I may do some soon.
I have heard nothing more about the link to the page that WotR will be put up. Just bumping up this thread at the moment.
I got the "Tolkien Companion" today and it is very very good. I recommend everyone gets this book as it has everything.

Well cya

[Moses]

I am very confused at the moment. I was sent an e-mail from WotR telling me that someone posted called "Merry19" or something similar.
I can't see any other post so maybe there is something wrong with your posting Merry. Send me a private message if you wish.
Maybe it's my page that isn't working. Oh well,

cya

[Ronin]

Mr Underhill, hi. u wanted some comments on ur script, so here goes. To be honest mate, the script is not good. There is no visual emotion. I think u took way too much of a textual vantage point here...especially concerning the dialogue. A script must be very visual, u're putting down on paper what u want to see onscreen...u're not writing a book here. In a sense, u're writing a movie...in no way can u treat it like writing a few paragraphs. anyway, just some thoughts mate.

[Moses]

Thanks for the honesty but I'm not sure what you mean Ronin?
That is an old copy of the script and it has gone through many updates and changes. What I have shown on this thread is only like a quarter of a quarter of what I've done.
I'm still waiting for permission from WotR to post the whole script so....

Anyway,
Thanks and cya,

Jarryd

[Ronin]

Honesty is my middle name ;)

What I'm trying to say is...ur script, or the part u've posted is too textually-based, there's no visual medium. that's essentially it...does that make any sense?

[Moses]

Oh okay I get it.
But like I said that is an old script so...

[Ronin]

Well....just saying, old or new

[Galadriel]

I really think the script is really good so far. I really like the beginning part with the book and the picture of bagend fading into the movie. I think that having old Bilbo narroate it was a great idea considering it will help nonbook readers to understand the story more. I think Gandalf should be more friendly though. He seemed a little too forceful for my liking. The thing with the drawfs was really good also. I don't think the talking spiders would be a good idea. I would rather have them not talk. I guess it would remind me too much of Harry Potter. Hey don't get me wrong Harry Potter is a great movie but the talking spider fit much better in to that movie than they would into the Hobbit. Of course this is just my opinion but since you were taking suggestions I thought I would post.

[Moses]

Thanks Galadriel.
Some people have said that Gandalf is a bit too forcefull but I think viewers should think that Gandalf knows that THIS is the person who can help out the dwarves (UT gives a longer explanation). Plus you have to pretend Bilbo as being very haughty and rude. This would explain Gandalf's actions. I don't intend it to be as rude or forcing like Gandalf and Bilbo in BagEnd at the biggining of FotR (When Gandalf grows menacing and stuff) I want to make it feel as if Gandalf is too busy what with the Council to play games with a rude hobbit. Then after his outburst would resume to his old self...Maybe I should make him apologise?

What do you think?

[Galadriel]

Okay now I see more where your coming from. Yes i think that would work.

[HobbitFriend]

it's very nice :) but at the very beginning when Bilbo is looking for .. i think The Ring or so it sounds - i'm kinda confused. Is that "old Bilbo" talking and telling about hobbits? If it is, does it just suddenly switch over to the "young Bilbo" ?

[Ronin]

it is "Old Bilbo" giving voice-over narration....something i feel really doesn't work at all. if u must have narration, give it an ethereal notion...perhaps as Galadriel began FOTR, so might Gandalf begin The Hobbit....a subtle hint to Tolkien's own narration.

[HobbitFriend]

okay, i thought so - and i like it :) but what i don't get is where does it change to "young" Bilbo? does it change times between when he finds what he's looking for (the Ring?) and when the "Post-hobbit" ( ;) ) answers the door?

BILBO
Where is it....were. Oh.
(Chuckles to himself)
Well now...here it is....

HOBBIT-POSTMAN (O.S)
(Yelling from outside)
Bilbo Baggins!

Bilbo looks up baffled and startled at the same time. Then a smile spreads across his face

BILBO
Oh.....the mail!

[Moses]

I wanted to make people think that what Bilbo is looking for is the ring but I should put in "finds map" as that is what he finds. Old Bilbo is narrating as it says (O.V)

[Gollum is no toad]

Tea at night? You're obviously an American, though I´m Swedish. ;)

Anyway, I´ve been trying to put together a script myself. I like yours very much, although the Gandalf/Bilbo intro was a little short and... with plenty o´rudeness. :)

Mine starts with Thorin speaking over a foggy picture of Lonely Mountain, though I did think of putting some of the Smaug attacks village scene in the beginning and then reveal a bit more when they talk about it at Bag-End. What do you think?

[HobbitFriend]

Originally posted by Mr Underhill
I wanted to make people think that what Bilbo is looking for is the ring but I should put in "finds map" as that is what he finds. Old Bilbo is narrating as it says (O.V)

oh i get it now :p lol and Gollum, yours sounds good too :)

[Moses]

yes, that sounds good.
Though I am an Australian. In the Hobbit, Tolkien also writes Tea though. I am not even gonna try and get this published, this was just a warm up so I can pratice screenplay writing. I have recently started my own original screenplay not long ago.
Even though I am not wishing to sell this script one must understand that this is MY script and should not be copied though I do give permission for people to take inspiration and ideas from it.

That is why I am now going to post the whole script (or all that I have completed)
If people think that I should cntinue with it please tell me as that would be good.

Well.....here it is

[Moses]

"THE HOBBIT"
Written by
J.R.R Tolkien

Adapted by

Jarryd W. O’Reilly



© BigFella Films 2000-2003. All rights reserved.

“THE HOBBIT”

FADE IN FROM BLACK:
MEDIUM CLOSE UP –OF A BOOK; THE TITLE READS “THE HOBBIT”

The page turns and we see a map of Middle – Earth.

OLD BILBO (NARRATOR) (O.V)
(In a story telling mode)
Past the Shire, far over the Misty Mountains and through the forest of Mirkwood lies The Lonely Mountain.

The map moves along as Bilbo speaks. We come to a rest at the Lonely Mountain. The picture dissolves into a real mountain.

OLD BILBO (NARRATOR) (O.V)
Here was of old the dwarf kingdom of Erebor. He called it a ‘kingdom under the mountain’ and it lived up to dwarf expectations. The dwarves of Erebor were known for their great wealth.

Teaser shot of mounds of gold and the dwarves making trade with MEN OF ESGAROTH and MEN OF DALE.

OLD BILBO (NARRATOR) (O.V)
And for their love of all things from the earth

Thráin holds up a great large jewel in triumph…it is the ARKENSTONE.

OLD BILBO (NARRATOR) (O.V)
But dwarves are not the only creatures that favor jewels and gold…

Shot of the GREY MOUNTAINS. Birds fly away in fear from a great disturbance.

OLD BILBO (NARRATOR) (O.V)
Smaug. The great worm from the north descended on the mountain in flame

Glimpse of a red dragon. Not to give away the full dragon. Only little shots of eyes, wings and so forth. POV of Smaug’s vision as he swoops over the mountain and down into the valley of Dale. Frightened men and women run for cover as fire breaths down around them.

INT. EREBOR TUNNELS – NIGHT
Dwarves run around in fear. Two large dwarves run down the halls. One holds the hand of a small dwarf child. More dwarves follow. They leave the main hallways and down a tunnel. One stops to look behind him anxiously. The roar of Smaug can be heard. He is now in the mountain!
A door opens in front of the dwarves and they exit. The eldest closes the door and with a key locks it. They flee into the night.

OLD BILBO (NARRATOR) (O.V)
The dwarves rebelled against the dragon though to no avail. Fortunately some dwarves managed to escape the dragon through the means of a secret door. Though without a home, they were now in exile.

Shot of Thrór leading a host of dwarves over the MISTY MOUNTAINS. He stops and looks back to EREBOR.
Night at EREBOR. We can hear Smaug’s roars in the night. All is silent.

OLD BILBO (NARRATOR) (O.V)
And with that the Mountain of Erebor became ownership to Smaug the dragon. That name was known and branded into the minds of all dwarves alike. For time would come for the dwarves of Erebor to reclaim their own…

We see a teasing shot of a tail slithering away into the darkness of the mountain and then the camera moves backward fast as if it is being pulled back, we zip through tunnels after tunnels and then break into daylight. We now see the mountain for what it looks like today. The tip is covered in clouds and it looks all run down at the bottom. The city of Dale is now a bunch of ruins. Birds fly out of the ruined city. The scene now turns into a picture in Bilbo’s book. The page turns again and we see an illustration of the Shire. The picture dissolves into…

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. THE SHIRE - DAY
We see the same picture that we saw in the book but now in real life. We pan down and come to the gate outside BILBO BAGGINS hobbit hole.

OLD BILBO (NARRATOR) (O.V)
In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.

The gate opens as we pass through, up the steps and then through Bilbo's front door which also magically opens.

OLD BILBO (NARRATOR) (O.V)
Not a bare, sandy hole with nothing to sit on or
nowhere to eat, nor was it a smelly, dirty little hole
filled with the ends of worms and such...

INT. BAG END - DAY
As we enter the Hobbit hole we are greeted with Bilbo scurrying from one room down the hallway and into another room. We follow and are about to enter the room where Bilbo entered but he scurries back out muttering to himself and goes further up the hallway into another the kitchen. He rummages through a drawer for a second and then runs into the living room (the one with the fireplace). We enter the room. Bilbo is smoking a short pipe. Smoke billows out of his mouth every time he speaks

OLD BILBO (NARRATOR) (O.V) (CON'T)
For this was a Hobbit Hole...and that means comfort.

Bilbo is on the far side of the room muttering to himself as he rummages through a chest.

BILBO
Where is it....were. Oh.
(Chuckles to himself)
Well now...here it is....

HOBBIT-POSTMAN (O.S)
(Yelling from outside)
Bilbo Baggins!

Bilbo looks up baffled and startled at the same time. Then a smile spreads across his face
BILBO
Oh.....the mail!

Bilbo jumps up and runs out the door and down to the front gate.

CUT TO:

[Moses]

EXT. BILBO’S FRONT GARDEN – DAY
He eagerly grabs the mail from the HOBBIT-Postman’s hand with a nod and a thank you and begins flipping through his mail. He opens an envelope and starts reading a letter. As he does so a shadow falls over him. Bilbo peers up and sees an OLD MAN in robes leaning on a staff.

BILBO
(rather annoyed yet in a friendly manner)
Good morning

OLD MAN
Whatever do you mean? Do you mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not or whether it is a morning to be good on?

BILBO
Both and all the same. And a very good morning for a spot of the old leaf. (blows a smoke ring towards the old man, it nearly hits him in the head but the old man drives it away with his hand)

OLD MAN
No thank you…I would very much like to join you, though I’m rather doing a bit of…business

BILBO
(rather rude)
Business…No need for any business here, so good morning kind sir. You may try over the hill or under the hill.

Bilbo turns to leave as he meant that the conversation was over. The old man leans over and grabs Bilbo by the shoulder and spins him around as he leans in down to his face

OLD MAN
(rather angrily)
And to think I would be good morninged by Belladonna’s son as if I was selling buttons at the door.

Bilbo looks scared, confused and concerned at the mention of his mother’s name

OLD MAN (CON’T)
Yes Bilbo Baggins. I know you and even though you may not know it just yet…you know me

BILBO
(desperately trys to remember)
Uhh…?

OLD MAN
(rather annoyed)
Humph…I am Gandalf…and Gandalf means me

BILBO
(afraid of upsetting Gandalf) Good gracious me…Gandalf (laughs)
Well I never…come in please…

GANDALF
No thank you Mr. Baggins. The road is long and I have much to attend to…but I will stop by for tea tomorrow night. You will be home won’t you?

BILBO
Well yes…oh of course. Farewell Mr. Gandalf Sir. Well ahh…Tomorrow night then…goodbye

GANDALF
Goodbye Bilbo
(Gandalf eyes him curiously as if he is thinking of something, and then his eyes light up in success)

With a nod and a farewell Bilbo hurries back inside his hole anxious not to upset the Wizard again.

CUT TO:

INT.BAG END – MORNING
Bilbo hurriedly closes the door, turns around and slumps his head against the door

BILBO
Oh…why do I even bother?

He goes over to a desk and scribbles on a piece of paper
“Gandalf Tea Wednesday”

CUT TO:

[Moses]

EXT. BILBO’S FRONT GARDEN – DAY
Gandalf is still outside and walks up to Biblo’s front door and with the tip of his staff, scratches a queer sign on it. He then laughs to himself and leaves.

FADE TO BLACK:

INT. BAG END – AFTERNOON
Bilbo sits outside his hobbit hole smoking a pipe. He looks off down a road and sees off in the distant Gandalf on his cart trundling up towards him. Bilbo looks worried as he remembers that Gandalf was coming to tea. He jumps off his small bench and runs inside his hole, slamming the door. He scurries past a little table, doubles back and reads the note, “Gandalf Tea Wednesday”

BILBO
Oh no….stupid hobbit Bilbo

Bilbo runs into the kitchen and rummages through his pantry pulling out cakes and such; he hurriedly places the kettle over the fire and opens a cupboard as he takes out two cups and saucers. As he closes the cupboard he looks outside the window and can now clearly see Gandalf just outside the gate. He bungs the cups on the table just as his doorbell rings. Bilbo places more things on the table as the doorbell rings again and again, Gandalf is getting impatient.

BILBO
Just a second..!

He runs back to the door, but stops in front of a mirror and tidies his shirt up a bit. He slows in front of the door, pushes his hair out of his face, puts a big smile on his face and slowly opens the door

BILBO
Welcome Gandal….

Bilbo looks up in shock, Gandalf is at the front of the door smiling and next to him is a stout, yet old dwarf. His name is THORIN. Behind them, in a V method is 12 more dwarves, all proud and stern. The two dwarves behind Gandalf and Thorin, each hold in front of them a double bladed axe. These two dwarves are slightly younger than Thorin, yet older than the others. Their names are Balin and Dwalin.

GANDALF
Next time, I would not leave us waiting Bilbo Baggins. Dwarves can become mighty angry when they wish.

The dwarves and Gandalf smile. Bilbo still looks stunned. Gandalf pushes past Bilbo and indicates for the dwarves to come in.

THORIN
(bowing)
Thorin Oakenshield at your service

BILBO
Uh…Bilbo Baggins at yours

GANDALF
Never mind proper greetings Thorin…there is much to attend to while the night is young.
Thorin takes off his cloak and throws it at Bilbo. Bilbo catches it.

GANDALF
This Bilbo is…Dwalin, Balin, Ori, Nori, Dori, Óin, Glóin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Fíli and Kíli…
As the dwarves file through they throw they cloaks onto Bilbo’s outstretched hands with a smile.

GANDALF (CON’T)
I trust that you will remember their names…Oh (takes off his hat and places it on the rest of the cloaks covering Bilbo’s vision)
Why thank you.
Bilbo stumbles down the hallway and into a bedroom where he throws the cloaks and hat onto a bed.

BILBO
Gandalf never said anything about bringing friends…13 of all!
Bilbo makes his way back into the kitchen where the dwarves are taking the table and chairs out into the fireplace room,

BILBO
What are you doing!

DORI
Well now, you can’t expect us to all fit in that tiny kitchen now, do you?

Bilbo looks worried as they narrowly miss a vase with the table, plates slide on the table and Bilbo rushes to stop them falling off. He misses one and it falls and crashes on Bilbo’s floor. Bilbo winces at the sound.

EXT – THE WILD – NIGHT
Gandalf halts his horse and Thorin and the dwarves as well. Bilbo at the end stops his little pony by Gandalf’s big horse. Gandalf points down.

GANDALF
Down there Bilbo…near the waterfalls. Can you see it?
Bilbo peers down over a large valley, a large waterfall falls off in the distant and a large river flows between the two hills. He peers near the waterfall and sees lights twinkling.

BILBO
I see lights

More lights appear

BILBO (CON’T)
There’s lots of them

Gandalf smiles

GANDALF
The Last Homely House. Home to Lord Elrond Half-Elven. Evil will not find us here. Come.

Gandalf’s horse starts to trot down a small track down the hill. Soon fair singing can be heard. The dwarves and Bilbo listen in awe. Gandalf notices their faces and smiles

GANDALF
They have come to greet us…our presence is known

BILBO
Who have come?

Gandalf points down the track

GANDALF
Elves…

There are lights down the track and an important elf stands in front of a lot of other elves. They all sing apart from the one in front. His name is Elrohir, son of Elrond. Gandalf stops his horse and gets off; he takes off his hat and raises his hand to his breast.

GANDALF
Elen sila lumenn omentilmo. (A star shines on the hour of our meeting)

Elrohir repeats the same action that Gandalf performed

ELROHIR
(smiling)
Welcome to the valley Mithrandir, my father awaits you.

Long shots of the elves escorting Gandalf and company (who are walking their ponies)down the side of the hill. The elves still sing. They come to a small narrow stone bridge that crosses the river in front of the waterfall. The company crosses to the sound of the elves singing. Thorin stumbles and nearly falls off the bridge save for Dwalin steadying him.

ELF 1
Áva linquita fangalya fallessë, atar. Nás fárëa anda yé, ava nentië.
(Don’t dip your beard in the foam, father. It is quite long enough without watering it)

The elves all laugh gleefully as Elrohir just smiles, hands folded behind his back

GANDALF
(to the elves)
Hush-hush good people, and good night. Valleys have ears, and some elves have over merry tongues.

[Moses]

INT. RIVENDELL LIBRARY – NIGHT
Two large wooden doors are opened by two elves as Gandalf enters with Bilbo and Thorin at his side. The other dwarves follow. Elrond awaits them.

ELROND
Welcome to secret valley of Rivendell.

The dwarves take off their hoods and bow, so does Gandalf and Bilbo.

ELROND (CON’T)
(To the dwarves)
Dwarves are seldom seen in this region
(looks at Bilbo)
Nor are hobbits for that matter

The dwarves look upon Elrond in awe, Bilbo can’t take his eyes away from Elrond’s.

ELROND
Gandalf…we must talk, yet the rest of you may help yourself to food and wine.

The dwarves beam at each other before making their way to a table of food. Elrond motions for Gandalf to follow, where they walk down a hall. Bilbo stands by himself for a moment when he sees a table with maps all over it. He goes to investigate.

INT. RIVENDELL LIBRARY – NIGHT
Bilbo looks at the old dusty maps; he pulls one big one out and looks over it. A shaft of moonlight comes through an opening in the roof and lands on the table of maps. Thorin walks over studying the room around him. He eats a piece of cake

THORIN
You see Mr. Baggins. Elves and Dwarves are entirely different. Elves opt for being surrounded in gold and finely crafted things, though dwarves are fond of their craftsmanship and marvel at the beauty that the earth can bring. We are thankful for such pretty things like jewels…. (rambles on)

Bilbo is far more interested in the map that he is looking at. It is a large map of all of the middle-lands. His hands linger over the Shire before tracing the paths to Rivendell. Then his hand hastens over to Erebor, where they stop. Thorin behind him picks up a candle holder and throws it back on the table

THORIN
(to himself)
Bah! (shakes his head in shame) Waste of good metal.

Thorin comes up behind Bilbo and looks at the map.

THORIN
Erebor. My home…

Thorin pulls out his map and examines it with Elrond’s map.

THORIN (CON’T)
There is an Elven King in Mirkwood…and spiders too! We best take the long way round.

This is the first time Bilbo has seen Thorin’s map up close.

BILBO
It’s different.

THORIN
What?

BILBO
The map! It’s different. East is North and West is South.

Bilbo rotates Thorin’s map so that it is the same as Elrond’s.

THORIN
Of course it is! Quite common for Dwarven maps.

As Bilbo rotates the map, it crosses through the shaft of light and runes that were not present at the time shimmer into visibility. They shine like the moon. Bilbo and Thorin look dumbfounded.

THORIN
(in awe)
Moon-runes!

INT. RIVENDELL HALLWAY – NIGHT
Gandalf and Elrond talk, not really important. Glóin rushes up behind them.

GLOIN
Begging your pardon Mr. Gandalf…but come and look at this.
Elrond and Gandalf look at each other like “What now”

INT. RIVENDELL LIBRARY – NIGHT
An excited Glóin leads in Elrond and Gandalf. The dwarves and Bilbo are huddled around the map desperately trying to read the runes. Thorin holds out the map under the shaft. Elrond looks over his shoulder and sees the runes. He takes the map and walks out to a terrace which is bathed in moonlight.

ELROND
There are moon runes here next to the normal ones.

[Moses]

INT. GOLLUM’S CAVE - ?
Bilbo lays in the dark unconscious, he comes to and groans as he holds his head. He looks around…he can barely see as it is very dark.

BILBO
(panicky and whispering) Gandalf?...Thorin?

He stumbles forward feeling his way against the stony tunnels. A far off goblin shriek startles Bilbo and he stumbles down a side tunnel. He trips and rolls down the tunnel. He smacks into the bottom with a cry. His just lays there for a second and then he props himself up. His hand fumbles in the dark and his hands land on a small round ring.

BILBO
(to himself)
What’s this?
(surprised)
A Ring.

GOLLUM (O.S)
(ecstatic whisper)
My Preciousness…

Bilbo rises to his feet in fear and without knowing it pockets the Ring. He peers into the distant but he can’t really see anything. His hand grips the hilt of his sword.

BILBO
(shouting half in fear half with courage)
Who’s there?

We hear a rasp gasp in the distant and then splashing of water. Bilbo edges forward, knuckles white as they grip the sword hilt. His foot plunges into water and he jumps back from the cold of the water. A small figure can be seen on the subterranean lake.

BILBO
Hullo…who’s there?

We can now see a figure on what seems to be a makeshift boat
gliding across the water. Big luminous eyes peer at Bilbo. Bilbo steps back. The figure gets off the boat and clambers onto a rock

GOLLUM
(to himself)
What iss it my precciouss hmmm? Tasty iss it?

BILBO
No. Not tasty. I’m a hobbit. Bilbo Baggins of the Shire…who are you?

Gollum looks at Bilbo as if he remembers something and then disappears behind the rock.

BILBO
Wait…wait!

Bilbo edges around the rock looking for the creature. It slinks away from him edging back towards the boat. Bilbo reaches out a hand to him

BILBO
Wait…please wait

Gollum lunges forward at Bilbo mouth open wide. Bilbo stumbles back falling over a rock. Gollum comes closer as Bilbo unsheathes his sword. He thrusts it at Gollum. Gollum rears back wary of the sword. He cowers back. The sword glows faintly blue. Bilbo now knowing that Gollum is afraid of the sword stands up with the sword pointed at Gollum.

BILBO
I don’t mean you no harm. I’m lost…can you show me the way out?

Gollum cowers back from the sword

GOLLUM
Hatess it we doesss preciousss. Show it the way outsss it wantss.

Gollum thinks about this for a second and then he looks up at Bilbo.

GOLLUM
We will we will won’ts we preciousss

Bilbo knows that although he does not like this creature he has to trust it.

BILBO
(curiously)
What is your name?

GOLLUM
Name? Gollum is ours name.
(makes the Gollum noise in his throat)

Gollum watches the sword carefully

GOLLUM
(to himself as he looks at Bilbo’s sword)
Carries a sting it doess precious

BILBO
And if you do not live up to your promise you shall feel the sting.
Now…show me the way out.

Gollum twitches nervously and then his eyes light up

GOLLUM
Praps we play game first. Riddles eh. Then we shows the hobbitsees out

BILBO
That wasn’t the deal!

GOLLUM
Then the hobbitses can show his own way out…or play with poor Gollum

BILBO
(thinking thoroughly)
Okay. But if I win than you must show me the way out.

Gollum bounces up and down in delight

GOLLUM
Yes. Yes…Gollum will show Bagginses way out yes

Bilbo starts to riddle and their voices fade out…

OLD BILBO (NARRATOR) (O.S)
And in the gloom I remembered all the riddles I had ever heard of and I had ever told. Though The creature Gollum knew everyone and soon became agitated. Then my hand strayed down to my pocket.

Bilbo pats his pocket and feels the ring.

BILBO
What’s in my pocket?

Gollum twitches nervously not knowing the answer

GOLLUM
Pocketses…? What’s in itss pocketses?

Gollum is now near anxious. He starts to get angry

GOLLUM
Riddles hobbit must ask

BILBO
That was a riddle and if you do not answer than you shall have to show me the way out.

Gollum doesn’t know the answer and becomes frantic

BILBO
Time Gollum. I win, now you must keep your promise

GOLLUM
(angrily)
More time hobbit must give. No. Gollum should win! We must win!

Bilbo thrusts the sword at Gollum’s neck. Gollum becomes calm.

BILBO
Now Gollum. Will you keep your promise or shall I be forced to sting you.

GOLLUM
(holding up hands in defiance) No, no…Gollum keep promise. Show Bagginses out yes. Must get something first yes.

BILBO
Okay. But if you run than I shall find you Gollum.

GOLLUM
Yes, yes. Gollum don’t run

Gollum scatters off to his little home in the lake.
When he gets there he mutters to himself about his precious and no more hobbit. He lifts up a small rag in a hole in a rock. There is nothing there. Gollum becomes frantic, throwing fish bones and other little trinkets he has gathered over the years (teeth, bones, string, rocks and so forth). He is now in such a state that he starts screeching.

Bilbo left alone waits while peering out into the gloom

GOLLUM (O.S)
Lost! Lost! My precious is lost!

Bilbo takes a step back frightened, his hand slips into his pocket without him knowing it.

Back at Gollum’s makeshift home…

GOLLUM
(a wash of curiosity crosses his face)
What’s in its pockets I wonder? My preciousness

He now becomes furious and scrambles back to Bilbo to kill him. Bilbo unaware what is wrong steps back as Gollum advances on him

GOLLUM
Its mine, its mine, give it back dirty Bagginses

He lunges for Bilbo who luckily had his hand in his pocket. The ring slips on Bilbo’s finger and he disappears. Gollum SHREIKS in rage and wrestles with an invisible Bilbo. Bilbo’s sword is knocked to the ground. Gollum is thrown off and not knowing what to do scurries down a tunnel muttering about “not letting him go…guard exit”.

(Shadow world) – Bilbo looks around in disbelief, all is wavy and stretched. He watches Gollum leaping off down the tunnel. He scrambles to his feet, sheaths his sword and races after Gollum. He rounds a corner to find a cave opening some ways down off the tunnel…about 10 meters in front of it crouches Gollum sniffing the floor muttering insane babble to himself. The tunnel is very narrow Gollum sits right in the middle. Bilbo creeps up and in anger his hand grips on his sword hilt ready to strike at the creature.
Now Gollum starts to whimper.

GOLLUM
(softly and nearly crying)
My preciousness…mine…
(his hand stretches out in a vain attempt of grabbing onto a long lost memory)
Déagol!

(shadow-world)- Then the moment passes and Gollum is back to his aggressive state. Bilbo pities the creature and his grip loosens from his sword hilt. He takes a deep breath and takes a running leap over Gollum.
Gollum smells the hobbit and grabs at the air catching onto Bilbo’s leg.

(Shadow world) – Bilbo hits the stony surface with a thud. Goblin shrieks can be heard getting closer and closer. Bilbo looks up and sees the entrance starting to close. It’s a door.

GOLLUM
Give it to me…

We hear a sickening crack as Bilbo’s foot connects with Gollum’s head. Gollum lets go of Bilbo’s foot dazed and stunned. Bilbo looks up, the door is nearly closed. He scrambles up and makes a run for the door. He manages to squeezes through on his side, though as he exits the door slams shut on his shirt, trapping him. Gollum’s shriek can still be heard

GOLLUM (O.S)
Thief! Baggins! We hates it forever!

[Moses]

EXT. GOBLIN-GATE – NOON
(Shadow world) - Bilbo desperately tries to free his shirt from between the closed door. He can hear the hoarse voices of the Goblins from inside and he tugs and pulls in fear. With one more pull his shirt rips and he falls on his back

We see lots of brass buttons fall to the ground and we can see a piece of Bilbo’s torn shirt still stuck between the doors.

(Shadow world) – Bilbo gets up and runs…he keeps looking back as he runs into a wooded area…more shots of Bilbo running…Bilbo turns round a large corner of rock and keeps running…he looks behind him and when he turns back round he runs straight into Dwalin who is on lookout.
Shots of Dwalin and an invisible Bilbo tumbling down a slope. They land in a clearing and Bilbo reappears as the Ring slips from his finger, rolls along the ground and rests in front of Gandalf’s feet. Pan up to Gandalf’s face as he cocks an eyebrow at Bilbo. The rest of the dwarves are bewildered.

EXT. CLEARING – NOON
The company sits on logs and listens to Bilbo tell his story. Dori brings Bilbo a drink of water. Gandalf smokes a pipe and casts an accusing glare at Dori, Dori looks sheepish

GANDALF
There is no use for buttering up poor old Bilbo Dori. He wouldn’t have been lost, and we wouldn’t have been wasting time sitting here wondering how we were going to find him, if you hadn’t of dropped him.
Dori looks even more guiltily

DORI
(muttering to himself)
You would have dropped him too…

Gandalf hears the comment and glares at him

THORIN
Bilbo…from where did you find your ring, which is what we all want the answer to.

BILBO
I found it…in the tunnels

GLOIN
In the tunnels? Goblins do not have need for such things.

BILBO
I didn’t get it from the Goblins…

NORI
Then from who?

Bilbo becomes agitated..

BILBO
A creature…deep down in the mountain. A vile, heartless creature named Gollum. I barely escaped with my life.

GANDALF
(to himself)
Gollum?

BILBO
(nervously. He fiddles with the ring)
Yes. He gave it to me

BIFUR
Why would a creature like that give a ring to you? A magic ring as well.

BILBO
(he starts to perspire as he feels pressured)
Well...uh yes, yes. But then again no. I won it

Gandalf leans in…

GANDALF
Won?…I think we’d better have the truth out of you Bilbo Baggins
Bilbo eyes Gandalf. Bilbo fiddles with the ring and then his hand closes on the ring and he tucks it in his pocket

BILBO
(quitely)
That is the truth

GANDALF
Hmm…

Gandalf leans back and continues smoking…everyone falls silent. Gandalf looks up at the sky

GANDALF
It is later than I thought. Hurry pack your things. We must be gone before nightfall. Up on your feet Bilbo.

As Dori puts his pack on he gives Bilbo a look of “forgive me”. Bilbo pats Dori on the back as they follow the others.

EXT. FOREST AREA – NIGHT
Gandalf and Thorin lead the way, Óin, Glóin and Nori talk about something not important. Bofur eats a piece of bread; Bifur hits him in the back of the head for eating. Fíli and Kíli at the back have picked up sticks and are using them for walking sticks. Balin and Dwalin are right behind Thorin. Bilbo offers to take some of Dori’s pack but Dori refuses. An owl HOOTS

BIFUR
(To Bofur whispering)
Don’t go eating all our food

BOFUR
(says something but we can’t understand him as there is a lot of food in his mouth)

DWALIN
(shouting)
Fíli, Kíli, keep up

We hear a dreadful, terrifying close HOWL. Fíli and Kíli hurry to the front of the group. We hear the noise again, a ferocious growl. The dwarves and Bilbo all exchange glances…they have never heard this noise before.

GANDALF
Hurry we must make haste.

The company runs.

[Moses]

EXT. FOREST AREA– NIGHT
Long-shot of the dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf hurrying down the mountain side. Gandalf is leading the way and stops to catch his breath; he casts anxious looks back up the hill. The
dwarves stop as well.

BILBO
(frightened)
What made that noise?

Gandalf continues looking up the hill as he answers. All is silent

GANDALF
(grimly)
A Wolf…from the edge of the Wild.

A distant howl interrupts the silence.

GANDALF (CON’T)
They are getting closer…

BALIN
(snorting)
A wolf would be no match for a dwarf wielding an axe Gandalf.

GANDALF
They are not normal wolves Balin…They are Wargs, and it is not them that I fear…

The howls get closer and closer and now we can hear the
SHRIEKING of goblins.

GLOIN
Goblins!

THORIN
Run!

The company begin to run, Gandalf in lead, they jump fallen logs and dodge trees. Bombur at the end turns his head to look behind and see Goblins on WARGS (huge wolf like creatures) bounding down over the lip of the mountain-side. He trips and falls

BOMBUR
Help!

Gandalf quickly spins round; Ori runs back and helps Bombur up. They begin running again

GANDALF
Quickly now…Thorin make for, the Carrock. I shall try to slow them down.

BILBO
Gandalf…no…

GANDALF
(interrupting Bilbo)
Go Bilbo Baggins! Magic Rings will not do any good here

BILBO
(confused)
But…

Óin picks Bilbo up and slings him on his shoulder, Bilbo tries to resist but to no avail.

BILBO
We cannot leave him!

OIN
He is a wizard…he knows what there is to do
The company, minus Gandalf, run for their lives.

GANDALF
(shouting with his hands outstretched into the sky)
Theryn i Chithaeglir, lasto nalladen. Tolo anim. Boe anim i dulu.
(Eagles of the Misty Mountains, hear my cry. Come to me. Help is needed.)

The Goblins and Wargs come closer and closer. Gandalf grips his staff and positions himself

GANDALF
Come, fell beasts…Arggh!

Gandalf thrusts the staff towards them and bright white light fills the area. Gandalf shields his eyes. Many goblins and Wargs fall dead yet more climb over the dead bodies and come running at Gandalf, amour glistens in the moonlight.

CLOSE-UP ON: Gandalf’s face. His expression shows anger and then his eyes glance up.

A large EAGLE SCREECHES as his mighty talons close on Gandalf’s shoulders. Gandalf is lifted up in the air. The Goblins SQUEAL in anger, the Wargs BARK ferociously.

Gandalf’s POV = Looking down from the night sky as more large EAGLES swoop down and pick up the dwarves and Bilbo.

GANDALF
(To the Eagle that carries him)
Hennaid… Gwaihir

Shots of the Eagles carrying the company into the night.

EXT. EAGLE EYRIE – NIGHT
The dwarves sit around a fire. A big roast lamb cooks above the fire. Gandalf is seen talking to Gwaihir, though we cannot hear the words. Gandalf pats him on the chest and the eagle flies off. Bilbo sits away over looking the land between the Misty Mountains and the forest of Mirkwood. Gwaihir flies very close to him and Bilbo feels the wind from him on his face, he looks at the eagle in awe. Gandalf comes to Bilbo and sits next to him. The dwarves laugh and talk of their share of treasure

BILBO
(to Gandalf)
How did you know of the eagles?

GANDALF
I once rendered a service to the eagles by healing their Lord from an arrow wound. They were in my debt.

BILBO
You sure have your tales Gandalf

BILBO
Nonsense. You will soon have a many tale to tell after this little
adventure.

BILBO
(quietly to himself)
Yes. But then again I would trade it all to see the Shire.

GANDALF
Come now Bilbo, you will see your homeland soon enough. Do not be so down hearted.

Bilbo looks out towards the forest, his hand fingers in his pocket. Gandalf notices.

GANDALF
Now…let me have a look at that ring of yours Bilbo. Rings…even magic rings should not be used lightly.

Bilbo slowly takes out the ring and slowly unclenches his hand. The ring shimmers in the moon light. His hand slowly edges toward Gandalf. Gandalf looks at Bilbo eyes curiously, they remain on the ring. Gandalf reaches out and as his hand nearly encloses on the ring Thorin shouts out

THORIN
Gandalf! (motions to Gwaihir’s return)

Gandalf turns his head to look and as he does so, Bilbo withdraws the ring and puts it back into his pocket. He avoids Gandalf’s eyes. Gandalf shrugs it off and gets up. He pats Bilbo on the shoulder as he walks towards Gwaihir.

EXT. BEORN’S LAND – NIGHT
A full moon rises over the mountains

INT. BEORN’S CANIN – NIGHT
Bilbo is asleep on a small makeshift bed, a loud bear growl is heard and Bilbo wakes scared and sits up. Gandalf is sitting in front of a fire smoking a pipe. It seems that he has not heard the growl.

BILBO
(scared and perplexed)
Gandalf! Did you hear that?

Gandalf turns around startled and looks at Bilbo, he gets up and walks to a window and looks out. He then pulls the curtains closed.

GANDALF
Get some sleep Bilbo…

Gandalf returns to the fire and ignores Bilbo. Bilbo lays back down and closes his eyes…we hear another growl, this time farther away. Bilbo eyes spring open. Gandalf looks up this time revealing that he had heard it though he quickly returns to smoking his pipe. All the other dwarves sleep blissfully.

FADE TO BLACK:

INT. BEORN’S CABIN - DAY
Bilbo now sleeps peacefully, two rough hands shake him. He wakes startled. Bofur stands over him.

BOFUR
Wake up Baggins, or there shan’t be any left

BILBO
(sleepily)
Any what left?...

BOMBUR
(enthusiastically)
Breakfast! Bread, honey and fresh fruit.

EXT. BEORN’S CABIN – VERANDA - MORNING
Bombur leads Bilbo out to the veranda where all the dwarves sit eating. On a large table is fruit, bread and jars of honey. Bombur grabs a chunk of bread and smears honey all over it. Ori hands Bilbo a large mug. Bofur returns to his seat where there is a plate of food already.

ORI
Mead! And a fine one at that. Drink up.

BILBO
(looking around)
Where’s Gandalf…and Beorn?

OIN
Gone. I saw Gandalf leaving early this morning…over that way

Óin points off into the distance back towards the Misty Mountains.

OIN (CON’T)
And when I came out to breakfast I saw these tracks. Bear tracks they was, bigger than my own two feet. It was Beorn I tell ya!

Some of the dwarves laugh at this

BIFUR
(laughing)
All that mead has gone to your head Óin. Beorn! A bear! (snorts)

OIN
(grumbles)

Bilbo drinks some of his mead and than looks at the others

BILBO
Did any of you hear the growling last night?

The dwarves shake their heads.

BILBO
Gandalf heard it…he knows what it was.

Óin mouths the word “Beorn” to the other dwarves. Comments by dwarves such as “Bahh”.

INT. THRANDUIL’S PALACE – THRONE ROOM – NIGHT
Two armed Elves lead in Thorin, two more are behind him. They stop in front of a throne where atop sits an Elf of great importance. Another elf stands next to him, hands folded in front of him. It is he’s son. The Elf that sits on the throne if THRANDUIL King of Mirkwood. A crown of leaves adorns his head and a great oak staff is in his hand. The Elves thrust Thorin upon his knees in front of the King. Thorin’s hands are bound.

THRANDUIL
Master Dwarf, you are very far from the mountains from which you dwell. And now you make a nuisance of yourself in the Forest of Mirkwood. Tell me, where are your companions, for where there is one dwarf there is many be found.

Thorin looks up but remains silent. Thranduil becomes angry.

THRANDUIL (CON’T)
(Angrily)
Speak!

THORIN
(Rudely)
I have nothing to say to an elf!

Thranduil grows impatient

THRANDUIL
(calmly and rudely)
Alae, in Noeg 'ern hirir ad erui ne phoer Edhil. Ú-annatham erwant. (So, the dwarves once again find themselves in the hands of the elves. We shall show no mercy)

The elves in the room smirk at the remark. Thorin although not knowing what was said becomes angry

THORIN
(angrily)
You O’ King should have the decency and respect to speak in the common tongue before a dwarf who does not use the foul language of the elves.

THRANDUIL
(sternly to the four elves leading Thorin)
Put him in the cells…
The elves pull Thorin to his feet the two at the front drag him out of the room as Thorin squirms and kicks

THORIN
(insert Dwarvish lines)

[Moses]

EXT. ESGAROTH – WATCH TOWER – NIGHT
The town of Esgaroth stretches out before us. Lights are turned on and the streets are nearly empty. We pan up to a watch tower, one man is sitting on a stool, two others are sitting on the floor. They are laughing, drinking and playing cards. The man on the stool (Faraim) looks back towards the mountain. He sees a redish light.

FARAIM
Look! The lights. The watchman saw them last night. Something is going on up there…

The other two man laugh

FARAIM
Laugh all you will. It has been many a day since the dwarves left our company. (wistfully) Maybe the legends are true. Maybe the King has returned.

The other men rise to their feet and look out towards the mountain. The light glows brighter and redder.

2ND MAN
(with anticipation)
Perhaps the King is forging gold in the mountain.

The 3rd man BARD looks at the light, suspicion and fear grows in his mind.

BARD
(grimly)
There is only one true King that we have ever come to known…

The other men laugh at him.

FARAIM
You are a fool Bard. The King beneath the mountain has returned! (He grabs a large bell and begins ringing it; the other man joins in, laughing merrily. They grab their mugs of beer and begin a song)

FARAIM AND 2ND MAN
(singing)
The King beneath the mountains,
The king of carven stone,
The lord of silver fountains,
Shall come into his own!

People begin looking out their windows. They file out onto the road and begin cheering and clapping.

Shot of Bard still looking out towards the mountain. The light glows brighter and brighter. A flag on the outside of the tower moves in the wind. Bard looks at it. The flag starts to move again. The wind now picks up and the flag wafts to and fro. Bard looks out and sees a large black shadow moving towards him.

BARD
(urgently)
Get off the Tower!

Bard scoops down and picks up his bow and quiver from the floor and begins climbing down the ladder.

BARD
Quick! Get down!

The two men just laugh and sing (obviously drunk)
Shot of Bard looking between the rungs of the ladder. His eyes widen in fear. He hurries down. Shot of the two men, their hair blows violently. They stop singing and turn around. The people on the street fall silent. All is silent now. Faraim moves closer to the front of the tower mystified at what he is seeing. The flap of wings deafens the town. The 2nd Man starts to sweat and is now totally afraid. Bard stops halfway down the ladder.

BARD
(shouting)
Faraim!

Faraim’s POV: Out through the cloud bursts Smaug and fire spills from his mouth.

Faraim screams, fire consumes the tower and a second later Smaug smashes right into it before sweeping over the crowd and into the air. Bard is knocked from the ladder and hits the ground hard, he rolls to the side as a large wooden beam comes crashing down. The crowd screams in terror. Babies cry and men rush to their stations, grabbing bows and such. Smaug circles back down and lights some houses on fire. People rush to put it out, yet to no avail. Bard pushes through the crowd, dodging falling beams alit with fire. He rushes past a dock where a man is putting people in boats. He doubles back.

BARD
What are you doing!

The man helps more people in boats

MAN
Women and children first (he shoves Bard back) Wait your turn!

Bard knocks the man back and blocks a lady from getting in the boat, he pulls a little boy from out of the boat and chucks him to his mother, which she thankfully catches him.

MAN
OI! Are you crazy?

BARD
You want Smaug to pick them off one by one. They won’t last a second on shore. It’s safer for them to be here. (beat) Call them back!

The man hesitates, and then grabs a large bell and rings three times.

MAN
(To the people rowing the boats)
Bring them back in! Hurry up there, bring the boats in!

Bard garbs a bucket from the floor and shoves it into the arms of another lady

BARD
Put out these fires.

INT. EREBOR - NIGHT
Bilbo edges along the cave tunnel. Gold and jewels glitter from the glow of his torch. Bilbo looks upon the cave in awe. Shields and spears line the walls. Trinkets and coins litter the floor. Bilbo explores the cave.
The dwarves venture to the edge of the tunnel and look out. All they can see is a faint outline of Bilbo in the darkness behind a large mound of gold. Suddenly Bilbo stoops down.
At Bilbo’s feet is a large gem…the ARKENSTONE. Bilbo looks at his reflection in the large jewel in admiration.

BILBO
Why not? I am entitled to a share of the fortune. Why can’t I choose my own…and this would look grand upon the mantelpiece back at home.

At the tunnel the dwarves look part confused and part in fear

FILI
(whispering)
What is he doing?

DWALIN
(shouting)
Oi there Bilbo! What is wrong?

Bilbo quickly scoops up the jewel and puts it in his coat.

BILBO
Nothing! Come and look…the dragon has fled his little nasty hole, but for how long I wonder?
The dwarves step out into the gloom. At once torches are lit.

THORIN
(snorting)
This is no nasty hole Baggins. It is the great hall of Thor and once again it will be magnificent and grand.
He places his torch into a bracket on the wall…the other dwarves with torches follow suite. The dwarves look at all the gold in awe. Thorin stands proud. Some of the dwarves snatch up coins and such and start stuffing their pockets.

THORIN
There now…there will be time for that later. But now we must eat to our health and good fortune.

[Moses]

There!!!!!!!

That is all that I have done.
Please tell all your friends to read it and I will get back to you all as soon as I can (I am going on holidays for a week on sunday....2 days away)

Sorry for it being so long

[Moses]

I know that some scenes are missing but people should be able to pick up where everything goes and all

[Gollum is no toad]

Nice adaption with Gollum, I must say. Although, that would be very short on film. If you were writing a movie for production, fans would be furious. More precious, more of Gollum slowly sneaking over beside Bilbo during the riddles! =)

I just ran through it, but I don't really get - where did the trolls go?? etc

[Gollum is no toad]

Okay. Never mind. got it now.

[HobbitFriend]

*Generally: instead of double-posting, you can click on the "edit" button - just thought i'd let you know ;)*

Mr Underhill - i loved your script! I know you're not planning on getting it published or whatever, but i still have a few suggestions. This is just my opinion, but i think instead of Bilbo narrating at the beginning, it may be a bit more interresting if Gandalf did (about the Lonely Mountain etc..) then, when it fades to the Shire, have Bilbo narrate that part and on like you have it. I also think you should have stayed a bit closer to the book during the "Gollum" part. A few riddles and have them make a bet - like in the book. I think it would be a little bit more clearer that way. :huh: but anyways, it was really good :thumbs:

[Moses]

Yeah well...
That's just a rough draft

[HobbitFriend]

:) well, you have to start somewhere ;) it's still really good though :thumbs:

[Ronin]

To be honest mate, and just that, i would seriously rethink ur ideas to write a script. adaptation is a hard thing to do, so perhaps something original would rid the obvious setbacks when having another source besides ur own imagination.

think...visually

[Gollum is no toad]

But mate, he's already written most part.

Then, Author, I see you are not using the custom ways of writing a script. Are you familiar with them?

Coming up with original ideas can be the hardest, although I acually have a great one. *secret* ;)

[Ronin]

Ok then, to be honest....it SUCKS. I couldn't care less whether or not he's written most, none, or all of it. it would be thrown out of a 30 story window or tossed into a bonfire before anyone would ever consider reading it.

it....._ _ _ _ _ _ _ SUCKS!!!!

good idea eh? do share ;) lol

[Ilmarë]

No, really hon... say what u mean!;)

[Ronin]

well, apologize for being so harsh....but, really.

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Too late to apologize now, isn't it? I haven't even read the script, and I have no knowledge of adaption, or writing for that matter, so even if I had read it my opinion wouldn't be worth a damn thing...and allthough I favour being honest, it isn't synonymous with slaughter. All that work deserves some respect, even if its not good. Saying that this sucks just doesn't cut it, are you going to let us know exactly what's wrong, and perhaps what would make it better?

[Ronin]

I'm hardly sorry for expressing my opinion...admittedly i was overly harsh. Must truth not be slaughter? And i have described some of my qualms earlier...if u wish tho, i'll gladly elaborate. but honestly, what more can one say than..."u can't write" ?

[Cuiel Rilwen]

I'll certainly look for your other comments on the issue. I think one should not critize if not constructive, see?

[Ronin]

At times, and i tried to do that. but what can one construct when the foundation cannot even be laid correctly?

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Thanks for pointing me to the right page!

You mean there's no other way of telling someone that their work isn't good enough? What I mean by constructive is, if one isn't allowed to make mistakes and have them corrected...how can one learn to do it right? Maybe one has to go back to square one and learn about this foundation. But at least I think the joy of writing shouldn't be taken away before a serious attempt at learning this has been made. Not that I know anything about mr. Underhills training whatsoever.

My point is that slaughter, no matter how truthful, will be a good beating on most people. And if that is a good thing, it must be that they by it find a better direction. Allthough if let down a little easier, they would come to the same understanding of their skills..or lacking of such...and give it up with more ease, moving on.

I used to think that honesty was the only way, allthough I've learned that some people don't need that to be happy...and sometimes one can get further by beeing a little gentler. Not by beeing dishonest, but by taking my time in considering other peoples feelings...that aren't necessarily the same as mine!

See, I'm really critizising my younger self!lol

[Ronin]

lol...now, now...we should embrace our younger selves! after all..u knew everything then, as do i now ;) :rolleyes:

Of course, there are other ways of telling someone that their work lacks certain things. Such as how to handle conversation, plot, and the like. And above all, i will support anyone's right to enjoy writing...goodness knows i do it for myself.

But my question is this. What good is it to tell someone gently and with instruction how bad they write? Is it not better to let the "killing blow" be quick and painless? i honestly cannot conceive of how anyone could possibly think this guy can even write...he has not even the slightest modicum of ability.

Now, i do agree that honesty should be taken in degrees in order to be more helpful to the person in question. but then, i also believe honesty should be quick and brutal at times.

At times when the guy's "script" calls for voice-overs and nice lil' scenes of pages turning...effectively denying any credibility and originality he might have had. i mean, the whole script was taken as inspiration from LOTR: FOTR. AND he can't write. AND he has created nothing visually expressive. Thus in my mind, he doesn't deserve any kind of gentle treatment, which i did try to do.

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Some will take a killing blow and manage to stand straight again, some won't. Then you may say, they shouldn't expose their neck to it. I suppose you think that people who don't have the gift shouldn't try. I'm lucky enough to understand my limitations, and there's sure enough of those that don't. But I can't see the harm in trying, and some will not understand what they lack until they've tried and failed.

I don't think anyone who posts their work here wants to be beheaded, and anybody who puts a lot of time into something at least deserves respect for that, even if it doesn't live up to the standard we set for good quality. Its got nothing to do with quality, its peoples feelings about something they've created we're talking about,(or alt least I am!), no matter what your feelings are about the standard of the work itself. And I actually believe that if you think something isn't good enough, or even bad, most people are bright enough to read between the lines when your reactions aren't standing ovations.

We're all different, and what might be right for one, may not be right for another. We all leave tracks on the web which are only a part of us, and we don't know eachother well enough to know if the person in aim can take the blow. Why then take the swing?

I suppose mr. Underhill is wondering what became of this thread now? That is, if he's still around...

[Ronin]

Of course, what we can all take and absorb is vastly different from one to the other. Perhaps one, meaning I, should not make such blanket statements without having some regard to what people can take and cannot. But none of us are in pre-school or junior high, must we splinter our words in order to save feelings and emotions?

Thats just it, all that we imagine or feel is art. It is the risk we take when we "publish" that art. the risk that those who view that art do not feel the same as the one who created that...poem, prose or other form of art. I personally don't see the harm in trying something either - especially if one knows or doesn't know they even have the gift. nor is there harm in giving that up for public inspection. but there is something infinitely wrong when someone comments, criticizes that art...and a response is made..."too harsh"..."inconsiderate". it is ALL about the quality...has NOTHING to do with personal feelings or emotions.

and i'm sorry...i can't believe that most people are smart enough to read between the lines. most need to be slapped upside the head and told whats really going on.

If u can't handle the swing, why stretch out ur neck?

[Moses]

Mr Underhill is around and he has read your posts Ronin.
Now If I am right I am felling just a hint of jealousy from your direction Rone.
Now I'm guessing your probably in your 20's right...done a little learning in the art of film and script writing...
Well.....I'm 16...no expierience whatsoever...no teacher apart from myself.
And If I'm mistaken, but the best way to learn the ropes of Script writing is to write something you know...like an adaptation..or a sequel to a movie..or an episode from your fav tv program.

I taught myself to write and tommorow I will be starting year 11 at High School and hopefully the school keep the Film and Television class up and running (It is only open to year 11 and 12 and numbers of students from the class have dropped).
Then I will be taught by a teacher and not have to guess and read and read scripts to understand the lingo.

Anyway as I said...I am not trying to make this into a movie. I have just started on my own script about 2 weeks ago and I will write that over this year and forever how long it takes.

Shame on you Ronin....

[Cuiel Rilwen]

So I gather then that you think all art, no matter what purpose it has or was intended to have, should be critized in the same way? And I have to point out I'm not specifically talking about mr. Underhills script now, so should a young persons first try be slaughtered in the same manner as a grown mind?

If you think it should, then go ahead and swing at the necks available, who's work don't live up to your standards. I'm kind of saddened by this, cuz I've seen in life what difference words can make. Splintered? Maybe, but often much more effective than blunt truths. And tell me, is your work utterly about quality and not emotions? I hardly think so.

Mr Underhill, I have to point out again that I haven't read your script, nor do I intend to. And I honestly don't think Ronin feels the least bit of jealousy over your script. He may be painfully honest, but in my short experience also a person who's opinions are well worth listening to. This discussion has not been over your script, but over how one should approach eachother. I hope you continue writing, and if this is what you really want to do, get some real training!

[Ronin]

no, shame on u Mr. Underhill. i couldn't care less whether or not this was some experiment or what not....it is a travesty to what writing should and could be....and i absolutely detest the fact that i read something as horrible as what u composed. every moment in life is an opportunity...every second...try and use those seconds for something actually worthwhile....not something that would find more use by being thrown into the fire.

Mr. Underhill...I am in my teens. I have only my love of reading, my absolute love for movies and for the intermingling between the two to guide and direct me. i have little study in the two things which i would very much like to "control" my life....i'm only now branching off into such studies. my dear Underhill, i am not jealous....i...could not be.

i think writing is a window into the soul...any writing. and u are indeed mistaken, for the best writing is ORIGINAL writing. this is from my own personal beliefs, but writing that is simply a copy or a continuation is something that can never be ur own....something that u can never call ur own. u cannot follow ur own voice, FIND ur own voice by immursing urself in the work of others. i have tried...there is no end in that journey.

honestly? i wish u well...i hope u find success...some happiness in ur own journey. but let it be just that...urs...not anyone elses.

Cuiel, i am truly humbled by ur words...my entangler ;) but yes, art is indeed art...be it of the young or the old, i would only hope that critics would judge the same...and not hold any biases. "utterly about quality and not emotions"? i'm sorry...i don't find any difference or discrepancy between the two. quality, true quality in art cannot be without that emotion....be it light....or so guttural....so basic. i could never separate the two...but that is how i write, how i do anything...i know not everyone can do that, but must i judge based on others?

and ur last four words cuiel? truer words could not be said.

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Well finally something constructive. Allthough I don't think I brought that forth!

Humbled? Well I see that you still haven't understood the core of what I've been saying. My english must be bad. Or...entangled!lol

You don't have to hurt someone even if they've asked your opinion. I refuse to accept that a person of your intelligence can't think of another way to express this.

If you hurt someone you appologise- not for your opinions, but for your behaviour. Without ifs or buts or causes...do what you want with them, swallow them...they don't belong in it. The reason for being blunt has nothing to do with the appologise itself.

I know you can do this.

[Alatar]

cool script

[Ronin]

No, Cuiel, I understand completely what u're saying. u're not hearing what i'm saying tho. I did not attack Mr. Underhill personally...i attacked his work. I realize that such may be the circumstance that a writer will be so closely linked with his work that any criticism will be an attack on his person...but if so...what are we left to do? Dance around the subject instead of actually saying something?

Now, I admitted that i acted and spoke harshly. I apologized for it. What more do u want?

cool script indeed

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Nothing...as I'm not getting it. I hear you loud and clear, and you don't see what I mean, so I won't be bugging you about this anymore! :dragon: I'll rather devour some...thing else!lol

[Ronin]

Now, now...don't bite off more than u can chew. Learn from the past ;) lol

[Ilmarë]

lol children, children... play nice now!!;) lol

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Just you watch me..I'll take an even bigger bite, and chew it veeery slowly! Didn't I mention my alzheimer light?

[Ronin]

*laughs loudly*....hmmmmm.....lets prove u can chew, then u can take a bite! lol ;)

ok...even i don't know what i'm talking about :grin:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Me neither...unless you picture me as an old dame with false teeth that will stick in whatever I bite!:nono:

[Ronin]

LOL....so, u're saying this would be a wrong interpretation??

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Let me check the mirror....all teeth in place, none loose...hair sticks to scalp as well....no beard....if it weren't for the teflonmind, I could pass as 28. I think. Well not quite, but far from the first suggested alternative!

[Catz]

ok.......not only does he not know what hes on about neither do i.........either of you:rolleyes: lol roflmao lol
you can go down to the pony to discuss your mastication apparatus people ;) lol
thanks
:catz:

[Ilmarë]

Ach Ro.... i understand!!!! The Pony might be preferable...or not!!;) lol
See ya there!!

[Cuiel Rilwen]

Mastication aparatus...gee...had to look that up! Learned a new word today!lol

Riding into the sunset, aparatus and all!

[Ronin]

*sighs*...no more fun to be had eh? ;) lol

[Cuiel Rilwen]

...not in here or so it seems!:( lol

[Ronin]

btw...just to revist...nice added icon, cute and pretty...in a rugged way ;) lol

[Cuiel Rilwen]

why thank you...I kinda liked the rugged stuff...might change it later tho...:)

[Ilmarë]

Not at all rugged in real life, Cuiel. I think its lovely!

[Cuiel Rilwen]

aaw, what a sweet thing to say, thanx, Ilm! Just being curious...which one do you like better...this one or the redhead?

[Ronin]

i like redheads :grin:

[Ilmarë]

I assume you were talking to me, Cuiel? I like this one best!

[Cuiel Rilwen]

...I certainly was adressing you, Ilm! :grin: I'm a little indesisive on the two...and I suppose someones gonna kick us out of here real soon! Wonder what became of mr. Underhill...too bad about my red hair tho

[Ilmarë]

lol .. You're ok.. I'm a Super Mod... i think i can allow one or two posts more... seeing as there seems to be no discussion on Mr Underhill's script any more.
Its not that i don't like the red head... sheesh, most of the important people in my life are red heads...;) lol .... its just that i like the artwork better in this one:grin:

[Cuiel Rilwen]

That's exactly it...this one is kinda :cool:, but the redhead is a fungirl...with the hair in the air...wish I could have a mix...no not really...I'll stick with this one for now!lol