Bala Labovid Vasilije Nikitovid

Scenario for a short feature film

Princip

Belgrade, December 2013.

1. EXT. ROAD KNIN GRAHOVO DAY Two vagabonds, a MAN ARTIST (33) and a WOMAN ARTIST (25) are moving by a small cart along the imperal road Knin Grahovo . The cart is being drawn by a miserable, poor and tired horse. There is an inscription on one side of the cart: The travelling theater Obilid. They are singing:

Artists: ...All the grace will be lost, They will abandon their homeland; They will become nothing but dust, Time will make them vanish. Be brave! Be a man! Let your actions speak for you, So even when your body is gone You will live forever.

Wheel of cart strikes into a rock on the road and falls off the vehicle. Artists stop, both get off a cart.

2. EXT. ROAD KNIN GRAHOVO DAY

A mailman Peter Princip (41), imperial clerk, rides his galloping horse along imperial road Knin - Grahovo .

3. EXT. ROAD KNIN GRAHOVO DAY

Artists are trying to put the wheel back on but they fail to lift the heavy cart. They notice Peter on the horse approaching, who walks up to them and stops to help. Peter: Do you need help, kind men?

Man Artist : Oh, sir These roads cannot put up with our cart. You cannot put a wheel and a rock together. Man artist throws a big rock which broke their wheel into a ditch near the road. Peter asks nothing else. He approaches.

Man Artist: This many rocks we havent even seen through entire Montenegro. Peter and the man artist lift the cart. Woman artist rolls up the wheel.

Woman Artist:

What else could happen to us, sir? We have broken the wheel twice since we entered Bosnia . All together: Ooooooruk! (sigh while lifting something heavy) A woman artist puts the wheel back on the axle of the cart.

Woman Artist: This cannot be good. They successfully put the wheel back on.

Peter: There you are! Weve made it ! Just like that. Man artist offers a hand to Peter.

Man Artist: God bless you sir for you have helped us in this trouble. Woman, give man the wine. Woman artist goes to bring the wine jug.

Peter: I appreciate it, I have to keep moving to Grahovo. My wife could give birth while Im away. Woman artist brings the wine. They drink a toast.

Woman Artist: God bless you , and your wife and child.

Peter crosses himself. Peter: Everything will be fine. Peter gives the jug of wine to the man artist. Peter: I have to go to work. I will be late. Peter mounts his horse.

Woman artist: Hear us before you go, sir. Just one poem Artists prepare their performance in a hurry. They recite. Artists: Your precious child sleeps so sweetWonderful bud; not yet a flower, Sleeps so sweet, rests so quite, A dream is a beautiful world to him Peter replies to their greeting with a smile and leaves on a galloping horse toward Grahovo. Artists continue with their song. Artists: And devoted mother dotes on that child, Sings him a song, cheers him up with it, You look at him too, and there is a tear That glistens in your eye

4. ENT. Imperial post office GRAHOVO - DAY

Peter is in the imperial post office. He enters the office of the main postoffice clerk. A picture of an Austro-Hungarian emperor Franc Jozef hangs above clerks table. Peter submits a report orally.

Peter: Mr. Chief, clerk Princip submitting report! Peter hands over documents and receipts from Knin where he delivered the mail.

Chief: Herr (ger/ Mr.) PrincipYou are late. Peter stands quite.

Chief. You know very well what Im talking about. Arbeit (ger/ working) for imperial office is a duty. A great honor.

Peter: Sir Chief: Nicht (ger/ do not) interrupt while I am speaking! I will not say that again! Can a clerk understand order? Low and order. His obligations! Imperial service? Peter: Mr. Chief, I had to stopto help people in trouble. Chief: In trouble? Is that so ? Peter: That is correct, sir. Chief: In big trouble ? Peter: In big trouble, sir. You see, their cart Chief: You are in trouble herr Princip. You work for this office, for country, for emperor. Your job must come first. Chief gets up from a chair. Chief: I will teach you order and low . Herr Princip, and do you know what grain is ?

Peter is confused. Chief looks him in the face. Do you know what grain is, herr Princip? Peter: I know what grain is, sir. Chief: And what isa cockle? Peter: Sorry, sirOh, yes, a cockle! Chief: Cockle ! Chief: Sehr gut (ger/ very well) herr Princip, cockle. Sehr gut. An interesting word. Listen to me, herr Princip. Your job is grain, herr Princip. Is that clear ? Peter: Yes, sir. Chief: Everything else iswhat, herr Princip? Peter: Cockle, herr chief Chief: Sehr gut, very well , cockle.

Chief laughs. He continues.

Chief: To separate grain from cockle Chief walks back to his work- table. He sits down. He does not look at Peter. Chief: You will not be paid for one whole month herr Princip. Peter: Please,sir Chief: There is no pay Petar, no, nooooopay ! Peter: Sir, I have told you about my wife. She might be giving birth right now. How are we supposed to live, sir? Chief looks at his pocket watch and then at the wall clock. Peter: This is our ninth child, six of our children have not survived. I beg for your mercy, sir. Chief: Time is up. I have work to do Peter. Go now Peter, go. Your wife will give birth. Go! Peter: But sir, my salary Chief: You will be paid Peter, there is no fine. Monarchy will have mercy in this case. Go now. Next time no mercy. Remember that. Verstehen ?! (ger / understand ?) her Princip!

Peter: I understand sir, and thank you. Goodbye. Peter leaves post office, mounts his horse and goes toward the village Gornji Obljaj, toward his house.

5. Ent. Town square- DAY

It is a market day on the stony town square in Grahovo. There are counters where salesmen sale various goods. Restless children are running around counters. Puppet theatrical performance by travelling theater Obilic which is performed in the very center of the town square becomes the main event. People are gathering and watching. Man artist moves the king and queen puppets. While king and queen puppets are walking, woman artist moves the puppet of a poor man with a gun in his hand. Peter passes through the town square on his horse, he stops and watches performance. The poor man with a gun approaches, fires at king who falls down. The poor man puts his hands up in a victorious way, the sad queen dies next to her king. People laugh. They are full of enthusiasm. Princip applauds. The Austro-Hungarian soldiers appear on their horses, there is an uproar. Soldiers brutally disperse people gathered around theatrical performance, they arrest artists, seize the audience. A man from the crowd has a showdown with an armed soldier.In attempt to defend himself he grabs soldiers rifle. Then begins struggle begins. Rifle shoots into the air. Rifle- shot scares Peters horse which reared so much that it threw Peter off. Peter falls off the horse. He is unconscious.

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6. Ent. Prison DAY

Peter becomes conscious. The first he sees are artists of travelling theater. They shake him to wake him up. It is crowdy in the prison cell. The arrested audience is there. They all shout and protest. The two of them are arguing. One of them asks for water persistently.

Man Artist. Sirsir!

Woman Artist: Are you alright ? My friend ! Peter gets on his feet slowly with help of artists. He looks around himself.

Peter: Whats going on ? Upset woman artist tries to conjure up what happened.

Woman Artist:

Soldiers came. They firedThen people started to run away. And the whole performance was stopped. Man artist interrupts.

Man Artist : You fell off the horse . We were all arrested Peter gets sight of a young soldier through the prison bars.

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Peter: Guard! I am a clerk of imperial post office, Peter Princip. Call chief of the police. Quickly! Verstehen?! (ger/ understand?!) Man artist approaches and explains to guard through the prison bars.

Man Artist: We are artists. Let us go, for Gods sake.

Woman Artist: These prison bars are chain of our wings. She turns toward the audience in prison cell and seeks support.

Woman Artist: Isnt that true?? Audience laughs to her.

Guard: Ruhe! (ger/peace!) A man from audience approaches to the man artist and punches him in the head. He turns to him and to the woman artist. A man from the audience: We are here because of you! Peter approaches and steps between the quarreling parties trying to calm the situation. Peter:

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People, stop..We are all brothers A man from the audience: What do you want, imperial clerk? Do you want to get hurt? He moves toward Peter. Fight starts. People are stirred up. Women are screaming. Guards come running. They enter the prison cell , beat those who quarrel with rifle butts. Peter falls on the floor. He writhes in pain. Chief of the police comes. Guards leave the prison cell quickly. People are wailing. Guard: Ruhe! (piece) Prisoners form a rank. Chief of the police is watching prisoners. He notices Peter in the mailmans uniform. He points with his arm to guards to take Peter out of prison cell. Guards enter the prison cell, take him out. Chief of the police approaches him.

Chief of the police: Who are you?

Peter: I am a clerk of imperial post office in town Grahovo, Peter Princip ! Chief of the police gives sign for guards to dismiss.

Chief of the police: You! Follow me.

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7. Ent. Office of chief of the police- DAY

Peter stands quite in the office while chief of post office and chief of police are sitting.

Chief of the post office: Peter, Peter, what are we supposed to do with you? You made problems again. Twice in one day. Zwei ! (ger/two). Chief raises two fingers nervously.

Chief of the post office: Zwei! Twice! Peter stands quite. Chief continues.

Chief of the post office: Didnt you go home to your wife? Didnt you say so?

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Peter: I went home Chief of the post office: And then what Peter? Peter shrugs his shoulders. He points on his bloody forehead with one hand. Peter: I dont remember. Chief of the post office: Peter doesnt rememberAnd do you remember where your horse is, Peter? Peter shakes his head (in disagreement) and drops his glance. Chief of the post office: Nicht gut (ger/not good) Peter. So, Peter, you went to watch a theatrical performance against our emperorIt is not good to be against the emperor. Peter looks up.

Peter: I didnt, Mr. chief. I only set off for my home in Obljaj. My wife is giving birth, sir.

Chief of the post office: Horse is hurt, Peter. It is an imperial horse. You didnt even know how to take care of your own horse Peter! And now this! Peter looks at chief of police.

Peter:

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I was passing throughand suddenly I heard a shootand horse got scared sir Chief of the police: Now you remember Peter You remember well

Peter: It is not my fault. Chief of post office looks at him with contempt. Chief of the post office: It is not your faultIt is not your fault...Whose fault is it Peter? Mine! It is emperors fault! Is it emperors fault Peter? He stands up nervously. He walks around the office.

Peter: It is not his fault, sirIt is my fault. Chief of the post office: You made me a problem. Mr. Chief called and said my clerk was arrestedMy clerk of imperial officearrested! He walks around the office.

Chief of the post office: Grosse scham ! (ger/ great shame!) Peter tries to calm the situation.

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Peter: Excuse me, sir Chief still walks around for a while, and then sits back on the chair. He is thinking. Peter looks at chief of police.

Chief of the police: What are we going to do with him? He looks at Peter, then again looks at chief of post office who just shakes his head. Chief of the post office: I dont knowlet him stay in prison. I dont know Chief of police looks at Peter. Chief of the police: I leave him to you. You decide what to do with Peter. Come onAs far as Im concerned he is free to go. Chief of post office looks at Peter, he doesnt know what to do with him.

Chief of the post office: Come on He stands up.

Chief of the post office: Lets go Peter Peter follows him. He turns to chief of police.

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Peter: Thank you, sir.

Chief of the police: Go away, come on. I have work to do. I am a very busy man, even without you.

The two of them leave.

8. Ext. In front of the police station- DAY

Peter and chief of post office leave the police station. Peter offers a hand to his chief who didnt even look at him, but just went toward the post office.

Chief of the post office: Follow me Peter Peter follows him closely.

Peter: Let me explain you, sir Chief quickens his pace. Peter keeps going behind him.

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9. Ent. Imperial post office KNIN DAY They enter chiefs office. Chief sits on his chair.

Chief: Peter, we will finish in a moment

Peter: Mr. Chief ?

Chief takes the fascicle out of the drawer in his worktable. He opens it precisely and takes couple of papers out of it. He takes a fountain pen and start signing papers one by one.

Chief: We will finish with papers first, Peter. Be patient. He points with his index finger to Peter to approach the table.

Chief: Sign Peter. Wherever you see the line, verstehen? (ger/ understand?) Peter reads the first document. It says Discharge regulations from imperial service .

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Chief: Peteryou make me a lot of problems, you cost me a lot of effort. And time passes. System is created to respect it, not to cause it to regress. Not to waste time to other people. Not to ask other for help. Sign Peter. Once again chief points him where to sign.

Peter: Please, sir, it was a mistake. I found myself thereand they arrested us all

Chief: When you finish signing wherever you see the empty line, give back uniform and bagHurry up, I dont have all day. Time Peter, time is running outMonarchy does not have time to wait for Peter Princip. Peter approaches, takes the fountain pen and start signing papers.

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10. Ext. In front of imperial post office- day

Peter goes to the yard of imperial post office where two horses are tied. One of them is Peters horse. He rode that horse and delivered mail . He fondles horse over its head. He whispers something to horse and leaves.

11. Ext/ent. Village Obljaj near Grahovo Peters house night

Peter is in front of his house. He fires a rifle into the air. Three times, thats a custom. He goes back to the house. He comes to a small room. His wife is in there, lying on the bad, holding a newborn baby boy on her chest. A woman and her daughter from the next house are standing besides the bed. The two of them were assisting in giving birth. Ljubo, their first neighbor enters the house ( a husband of a woman who helped Maria to deliver), together with neighbors Meho and Stipe. They all carry gifts. Ljubo has brought cheese and smoked ham, Meho has brought a sack of corn and Stipe has brought wine and flour. They all congratulate Peter.

Ljubo: A baby boy again?

Peter: A baby boy!

Stipe: God bless him!

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Meho: Oh, dear Petercongratulations!

Peter: Thank God..kind men, sit down. Neighbors sit around the hearth. Peter brings glasses and jug of a brandy. They drink a toast.

LJubo: How is Marija feeling?

Peter: She is fine, thank God.

Stipe: And a baby boy?

Baby is crying loudly in the room.

Meho: But he is fine, cant you hear? He is very loud. He will become a brave man one day. They touch glasses and drink a toast.

Ljubo: He really looks like Princip!

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Peter: Thank you peoplereallythank you for all the gifts. You shouldnt have bothered.

LJubo: Dont worry about that. We heard about your trouble.

Stipe:

I saw Mirko who works in post officeI met him today, in Grahovo. He told me what happened to you. Was it really like that?

Peter: Ohit was. I dont blame them.

Meho:

Dont you worry, my dear Peter. Its a new day, new luckLife must go on. We will help you. They touch glasses and drink a toast. A priest, Ilija Bilbija enters the house.

Priest: God bless you, my brothers!

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All together: God bless you too!

Priest congratulates head of a household, Peter. He greets others. He sits at the hearthside.

Priest: My dear Peter, I would like a glass of wine.

Peter: Of course, of courseYou just sit, Ill get the wine right away.

Priest: What do I hear about your job Peter? Jozo told me today.

Peter: Oh, my dear priestThats what happened, its trueTake a glass of wine. We should celebrate. They touch glasses and drink a toast for a newborn baby.

Priest: How are your wife and child?

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Peter: They are fine.

Priest: I wanted to say to youabout the job. Let it go. Dont blame them. It would be a shame even if you were guilty. And not like this, when you are completely innocent. God will help us. We are safe and sound. Sun will rise and shine again tomorrow, for everyone. There is no difference. Let it go

Peter: I know. They touch glasses and drink a toast. Baby cries in room.

Priest: Oh, this baby whimpers as a squeaker. Everyone laughs.

Ljubo: Let us see that hero! Peter goes to bring the baby. He brings diapered baby. Baby cries. Everybody approach and put a golden coin for baby.

Priest: Do you know his name ?

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Peter: Gavrilo.

Priest: Born on St Arhangels day!

Ljubo: Gavrilo Princip.

12. Ent. Community Grahovo- DAY

Peter takes Gavrilo to record his birth. Office of chief of community Grahovo. There is a picture of an Austro-Hungarian emperor Franc Jozef on the wall. There is a picture of a heir to the trone Ferdinand on his horse.

Peter: Good afternoon chief.

Chief of community: Oh, Peter Princip, guten tag! (ger/ good afternoon) How are you her Princip?

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Peter: Good, thank God. How are you, sir?

Chief of community: Im working, Peter, working. Time is running fast. Work created a man, isnt that right?

Peter: It is, sir.

Chief: And you ? What are you doing Peter?

Peter: Im working. What I can and what I mustI work as a day laborer with my neighbors.

Chief:

Wonderful. Wonderful, Peter. A man should workhe shouldhe must Let me ask you Peter: Do you miss working for imperial service? Do you?

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Peter: I do chief. I miss that. But its a higher force. There is nothing you can do when life makes it that way.

Chief: Life? What life?

Peter: Life, sir. Ways of our God

Chief: No, Peter. No. You havent learned anything. That is what monarchy wants to uproot from youon the field

Peter: Sir, Im here to record

Chief: Monarchy will teach you what life is. There is no excuse, there is no destiny. Life is what you make. And there is nothing beyond that. Null! (ger/nothing) Peter. Null!

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Peter: I agree sir.

Chief: You are lying! You lie again Peter. That is why service dismissed you. That is why you cut wood now Peter. That is why you are working as a day laborer. Peter nicht (ger/no) gentleman.

Peter: I dont complain. I respect monarchy and emperor. And I blame no one. I know what is order and low, sir.

Chief: How do you live? Du und deine familien (ger/ you and your family?)

Peter: We live of kindness of our neighbors. We have always lived that wayWe helped each other and shared the good and badThats how we have to live.

Chief: What is the bad you are talking about? Oh mein Got! (ger/ oh my God) Admit Peter.

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Peter: Mr. ChiefI am here to record birth of my son.

Chief: Peter is here to record a birthWell, yes Peter Peter stands with baby in his hands. He is waiting.

Chief: So, Peterwhat did you want?

Peter: To record birth of my son Chief puts the registration form out of his drawer.

Chief: Alright PeterAlrightHe takes a fountain pen, starts to write.

Chief: Last name? Asked question astonishes Peter.

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Peter: Well, Princip chiefthe same last name as mine Chief looks up.

Chief: Princip, of course her Princip. .. He writes penmanship precisely letter by letter saying to himself what he is writing. Peter is standing with a child in his hands and watching. Chief finishes the last letter. He looks up. Chief: Princip is a nice nameLatin name Peter tries to explain politely. Peter: The last nameit is like grandfathersHe was a merchantItalians loved him Chief: Well, yes..Well, yesIt is a nice last name Princip Chief continues. Chief: Name?! Peter: His name will be Gavrilo her chiefGavrilo Princip. Chief stops for a while, puts aside his fountain pen and almost friendly looks at Peter. Chief: Listen her Princip It is my duty to point out that you could look for a job in imperial service again after a certain period

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Peter: Thank you, sir. Chief: You know that? Her Princip Peter: YesThank you sir. I know Chief leanes toward him a little, In confidence. Chief: Sehr gut (ger/very well) . Therefore, I feel free to give you a friendly advice mr Peter Peter: I am listening sirThank you Chief: I say I feel free to give you a friendly advice He looks at him significantly. Peter Is waiting Chief: I suggest you a name Franc as a nice and high-sounding mail name. Franc Princip! Peter looks at him astonished. Chief: That name, as the whole Euorpe knows, has our most honored emperor and our heir to the trone. Peter stands quite. Chief: I cannot explain you clear enough what that could mean for your position in some future work of our imperial service. And let me emphasize that it would be a great advantage for your child. And for you and your family Understand! Peter understands. Chief: Her Franc Princip! He persuades Peter with his eyes. Chief: Melodious, isnt it ? He moves his arm as if he is listening a melody. Peter has already had enough. Yet, he is polite.

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Peter: I dont mean to impose but your duty prescribes that you register the name chosen by father by parent. Chief takes a fountain pen and very slowly starts registering letter by letter. Chief: You are right her PrincipDuty prescribes so He registers the name Gavrilo, Peter follows every move of his hand. Chief looks up. Chief: Sex? Peter is confused. Peter: Gavrilo. A boy. Chief officially, in line of duty. Chief: Please, present the evidence! Peter confused by this formality, puts the baby on the desk slowly. He unwraps the diaper. Gavrilo smiles to the chief of community. Peter: You seea boy. Chief nods his head (in agreement), continues to fill out the registration forms, saying to himself a letter by letter that he is writing. Peter diapers Gavrilo. Child pushes accidentally chiefs inkwell with his small leg and it spills over chiefs papers and documents. Chief jumps backwards instinctively, then in attempt to stop ink from running he accidentally pushes the picture of heir to the throne Ferdinand with his arm. Picture was framed in glass. It falls off the desk. The glass frame smashes on the floor.

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13. Ext. Palace Hofburg- Vienna- Day

Terrace. Breakfast. Skinny butler Hajnrih and fat servant Berta are standing next to the breakfast table. Emperor Franc Jozaf and his nephew, heir to the throne Franc Ferdinand are sitting at the table. They touch glasses of wine. Glass in Ferdinands hand breaks and it cuts his finger. Wine spilled over his shirt like blood. Fat servant screamed frightened. Servant: Oh mein Got! (ger/oh my God)

Franc Ferdinand: Scheize ! (ger/shit)

Franc Jozef: Heinrich, sofort ! (ger/ quickly) Franc Ferdinand gets up nervously, butler Hajnrih runs up with clean white napkin. Butler cleans his shirt petting him clumsy over his chest. Ferdinand takes the napkin from his hand, pushes butler away and wraps his bloody finger with groan. Franc Ferdinand: Scheise! (ger/shit !)

14.Ext. Road Knin Grahovo Day Travelling theater Obilic is moving slowly along the country road. Artists are singing.

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Artists: We know our destiny and what is about to happen But fear will not freeze our chest, You can put a yoke on oxen but not on man

15.Ext. Apels quay- Sarajevo day

Ceremonial car convoy is passing slowly through the streets of Sarajevo. Archduke Ferdinand and his fianc are greeting the gathered crowd from the back seat. Gathered people are pushing all over street to see them.

Artists: (OFF) God gave man freedom Our strength is a mountain river, And it cannot be stopped This nation is used to death, Is used to find salvation in blood

Car turns left and slowly enters the street where Gavrilo is waiting.

Artists: (OFF) And when you take our lives Our graves will fight you !

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Gavrilo caught sight of the car. Suddenly, he makes a step toward the street, runs up, takes out his gun, aims at Ferdinand and fires.

16. Ext. Road Knin- Grahovo Day

Travelling theater is moving away slowly along the dusty road. They continue singing:

Artists: Our shadows shall walk through Vienna, Wondering through the palace and scaring nobles !

Words show on the screen : Our shadows shall walk through Vienna, Wondering through the palace and scaring nobles !

Gavrilo Princip 1894-1918.

THE END

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