電影劇本：SHANGHAI JEWS（23）

(23)

 

INT. YARD -- SYNAGOGUE -- FRENCH CONCESSION -- DAY

Carrying his pretty but fragile daughter Catalina, Jacob approaches his circle of acquaintances including Hans, Anna, Mark, Emilia, Rose, Petr, Dr. Behr and his pregnant Chinese wife Mina. 

Suddenly, Catalina starts to scream and hit anyone who tries to get near her. Jocob is embarrassed by his daughter's fit of temper. Rose gently caresses Catalina's hair to soothe her. Catalina stares at Rose, becomes quiet, and then puts her arms around Rose's waist. Catalina bursts into tears.

CATALINA

(crying)

Mama, Mama, don't leave me. You stay, stay, please. Don't go. Don't go away any more.

Jacob holds his daughter and apologizes to Rose.

JACOB

I'm so sorry. My daughter has suffered a sort of mental disorder. She doesn't know what she's doing.

ROSE

That's okay. I can understand.

JACOB

She used to be so happy, so polite and, and so normal. But after she witnessed her mother bloodily murdered by Nazis...

Jacob is too distraught to continue. Hans pats Jacob on the shoulder to console him. Dr. Behr and Mina come up to help.

MINA

My husband and I are doctors. Perhaps we can be of help.

JACOB

Thank you. My daughter has been in and out of hospitals for years. We've already seen many physicians, psychiatrists and psychologists. Nothing took effect. It seems no more hope.

Dr. Behr looks at Catalina, who continues grasping Rose's waist.

DR. BEHR

What did the doctors say?

JACOB

A psychological specialist told me that Catalina would have recovered only once she'd seen her mother alive.

DR. BEHR

So, it's a psychological problem. She's been distracted by extreme grief. I believe there's hope.

ANNA

How about sending her to my art class? Let me cheer her up by painting.

HANS

It's a good idea, Jocob, think about it.

JACOB

Okay, let's try our best. Thank you. Thanks to all of you.  

INT. CLASSROOM -- JEWISH SCHOOL -- DAY

When Anna enters the classroom, the children scoot into their seats and become quiet. Catalina sits in the front row, next to a boy named ANDY.

ANNA

Hello, Andy, what's our yesterday's assignment?

ANDY

Draw a portrait of a person I love best.

ANNA

Good. Well, have you got fun?

CHILDREN

Yeah, a lot of fun. We love drawing.

ANNA

Okay, so, has everyone finished working on it?

CHILDREN

Yes.

ANNA

Great. Now, please, hand them in.

Children stand up and hand in their drawings one by one. Catalina hands hers to Anna. Anna looks at the drawing: Catalina's MOTHER lies on the floor, DEAD.

Anna pulls Catalina into her arms and feels sad. 

INT. BALLET STUDIO -- NATASHA'S HOUSE -- DAY

Ivan plays the Nutcracker on the piano. Rose supervises a dozen little girls in ballet training. The girls spread out around the barre, put their legs on the barre, bend their bodies forward and try to touch their toes with their hands in such suppleness and flexibility.

Anna brings Catalina along and whispers to Rose. Rose nods and looks at Catalina with a radiant smile. Rose guides Catalina to listen to pleasant music and pose basic ballet.  Catalina gradually turns out to be relaxed.

INT. AUDITORIUM -- DAY

At a fund-raising party, Hans, Anna, Emilia, Mark, Jacob, Dr. Behr and many wealthy Jewish people put cash or checks into a box on the podium. The HOST makes a speech to the ATTENDEES.

HOST

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your philanthropic efforts to set up relief organizations, such as the refuge camps, shelters, basic food and supply booths to support the newcomers and the poor refugee families living in Hongkow. Your generous donations and contributions will not only provide shelters, food and clothes, but also send children to school and help make their lives as normal as possible...

INT. STAGE -- AUDITORIUM -- DAY

A ballet performance is in progress. Catalina plays LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD, who is pursued by a vicious WOLF. The wolf puts on a MASK portrayed of Hitler's cartoon features. The wolf is shot by the HUNTER and dies at last.

Little Red Riding Hood smiles and curtsies for the audience, who give her a standing ovation. WHISTLING cheers are heard from rear seats.

INT. AUDITORIUM -- DAY

Jacob is relieved to finally see Catalina dancing as a normal girl. He wipes his tears while looking at Rose with gratitude.

(CONTINUING)