Apocalypse Now

Willard, years later, dressed as a civilian, proceeds past the lawn to the attractive home, carrying a packet under his arm. He passes a lanky, young teen-aged boy working on a motor-scooter. Willard looks at him. The boy looks back.

WILLARD

Hi.

Then the door opens, and KURTZ'S WIFE is standing at the door. She is still beautiful, blonde, and dressed in mourning even though she doesn't wear black. There is a sense of purity about her, though she is not young.

KURTZ'S WIFE

Come in, Captain Willard.

He enters.

INT. KURTZ'S HOME – DAY

Everything good and secure and desirable about America.

She stands in the center of the room, a little nervous.

KURTZ'S WIFE

Can I get anything for you?

There are pictures of Kurtz, not too many... but he is there in the various stages of his career.

Then she sits suddenly, and Willard sits by her.

KURTZ'S WIFE

(continuing)

Did you know him very well?

WILLARD

You get to know each other pretty well out there.

KURTZ'S WIFE

And you admired him?

WILLARD

He was a remarkable man. It was impossible not to –

KURTZ'S WIFE

Love him... Yes, it is true. That's the hard part for me... I knew him better than anyone... I knew him best.

WILLARD

You knew him best.

KURTZ'S WIFE

You were his friend... You must have been, if he had given you this...

(the packet)

If he sent you to his home. He was the best this country had – he was –

WILLARD

Yes, I know...

KURTZ'S WIFE

I'll never get over it – But I'll always remember him...

WILLARD

Both of us...

KURTZ'S WIFE

Men looked up to him...

(she loses herself in a thought)

He died as he lived...

WILLARD

His death was – yes, he died as he lived.

KURTZ'S WIFE

Were you with him, when...

WILLARD

Yes I was... He said his last words to me.

Pause.

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT ON WILLARD

A little of the madness is still with him. He knows what she will ask.

KURTZ'S WIFE

What were they?

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT ON KURTZ'S WIFE

KURTZ'S WIFE

Tell me.

MEDIUM CLOSE ON WILLARD

Remembering that incredible day moving down the river.

Our VIEW LOOSENS

KURTZ'S WIFE

Tell me what he said.

KURTZ (V.O.)

The horror! The horror!

WILLARD

He spoke of you, ma'am.

He sits there looking at her.

EXT. TIGHT HIGH ANGLE ON THE MARINA DEL REY BOAT

The cocktail party is breaking up. Willard is one of the few guests left.

We MOVE FROM Willard standing alone on the deck of the boat. Moving back through the departing guests. Charlie is getting ready to leave himself. We MOVE CLOSER to Willard.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. THE RIVER – P.B.R. – DAY

The boat floating down the river. Kurtz's body; an exhausted, half-dead Colby. And HOLDING Kurtz, Willard. We HEAR the Doors' "The End" as we present the END TITLES.

FADE OUT
THE  END