Judge Dredd

JUDGE DREDD

Written by

Steven E. de Souza

Story by

William Wisher & Walon Green

SECOND DRAFT March 17, 1994

JUDGE DREDD

FADE IN:

BLACK SCREEN.

NARRATOR In the third millennium, the world... changed.

1 MONTAGE (STOCK - IF DESIRED) 1 Vicious events, both natural and man-made. Earthquakes. Floods. Ice storms. War. Riots. Chaos and injustice.

NARRATOR(CONT'D)         Climate. Nations. Borders. All were in upheaval. Humanity itself turned as violent as the planet. Civilization threatened to collapse. And then... a solution was found. The crumbling, teetering legal system was merged with the overburdened police, creating a         powerful and efficient hybrid. Trained equally in jurisprudence and combat, these new guardians (X) of Society could dispense both justice and punishment. They were (X) police, jury and executioner, all in one. They were... The Judges.

2 2         thru OMITTED thru

4 4

5 EXT. WASTELAND - DAY 5

It looks like the beginning of time... or its end. Nothing grows here. Nothing could. This is the CURSED EARTH. With a         WHIRR, a SHUTTLE appears in the sky. We PAN it to a GIANT CITY WALL. A LOCK-LIKE GATE chugs open. The shuttle ENTERS.

6 INT. CITY LOCK - DAY 6

As the massive craft settles, it is sprayed down by HI-POWERED JETS. Brown dirt drips away to show eroding metal and the LOGO:

"MEGA-CITY JUDGE SYSTEM - ASPEN PRISON SHUTTLE #3."

P.A. SYSTEM

ASPEN PRISON SHUTTLE DOCKED. (X)

PAROLEES, PREPARE TO DISEMBARK. (X) The shuttle's air lock port whooses OPEN. A line of drably (X) dressed men and women exit, carrying their few possessions. (X)

JUDGE DREDD 2 Rev. #1: 16/4/94

7 THE CITY LOCK - INNER GATE TO CITY - DAY 7 One by one the parolees return to society. We follow the last: HERMAN FERGUSON ("FERGIE"). Fergie's a.genius - a genius without common sense, street smarts, or muscle tone. So his career as a master criminal has gone absolutely nowhere.

GATE GUARD

(SCANNING HIM) Ferguson, Herman. Six month sentence Aspen Prison served. Welcome back, Citizen. Your living _ assignment is Block Y, "Heavenly          Haven", Red Quad. Watch it or (X) your ass will be back in Aspen. (X) Fergie hurries through the gate. We follow him - as he stops in          his tracks. He's looking at

8 A MAGNIFICENT CITY 8 Giant towers reach miles into the sky. Elevated skyways are filled with traffic. Flying Barges and Shuttles service the highest levels. Dominating all is a building shaped like an          EAGLE: The Hall of Justice. Almost lost and forgotten among' (X) the towering buildings is a relic from our time: The Statue of (X) Liberty. Title Supered: (X)

MEGA-CITY ONE: 2539 (X) Fergie takes another look at the gleaming city, and then his (X) papers. (X)

FERGIE (X) Heavenly Haven. Sounds nice.

CUT TO:

9 EXT. HEAVENLY HAVEN BLOCK - DAY 9

And it is nice - a perfect Utopian future of happy families strolling through a green urban park. CAMERA WIDENS... and we         realize that the scene is a, "video poster" on a bleak and rubble-filled EMPTY LOT..Z

VIDEO POSTER (taped V.0.) --oming soon, the Heavenly Haven Pocket Park. Bringing fresh air and recreation to your lives. Another design for better living from the Mega-City Council. Coming soon, the Heavenly Haven Pocket Park. Bringing fresh air...

(CONTINUED)

3

9 CONTINUED: Surrounding the lot on all four sides are GIANT TENEMENTS. Weary, hungry and dirty RESIDENTS ("Rezzies") scurry by on (X;         errands both lldegaannot.

10 NEW ANGLE - THE EMPTY LOT 10 A MUNICIPAL VEHICLE pulls up. A bored CITY TECH gets out, goes to the Video Poster Standee and turns it OFF in mid-ilspe. The sudden silence attracts some attention. The TECH drops in a NEW VIDEO CART which begins to PLAY as he drives away. Rezzies gather around to watch the new video.

CLOSER - VIDEO) POSTER 11         Showing a monolithic BUILDING on the empty lot.

VIDEO POSTER V.O.         Coming soon, the Heavenly Haven Law Enforcement Barracks, bringing surveillance and security to your lives. Another design for better (X) living from the Mega City Council. lI REVERSE ANGLE 12 As this sinks in on the tenement residents.

FIRST RESIDENT Our Park! They stole our park!

SECOND RESIDENT Lying bastards!

FIRST RESIDENT Lying Judges! A ER::! gets tossed into the VIDEO SCREEN. As it SPARKS, the residents swarm, knocking it over - then the chain link fence around the lot starts to shake, heave and collapse -

WIDEN from a sign on the door: THIS LEVEL CONDEMNED. Nonetheless a group of SQUAT'T'ERS ;s living here. Several GIGGLE, ingesting some future narcotic through tubes they stuff in their noses. Suddenly, SHOUTS and BREAKING GLASS rouse them from their stupor. ZED, the meanest looking squatter, goes to the window, curious.

(CONTINUED)

4

3 CONTINUED: 13

ZED Hey, Homies. The rezzies are going mental.

(GIGGLING) Let's give 'em a hand. As the others start to take out weapons, we (X)

CUT TO:

4 14         _..ru OMITTED thru

16

17 INT. TAXI SHUTTLE - IN FLIGHT - DUSK 17

Fergie's jammed in with other lower economic PASSENGERS. He         sees a terrace pool where a number of girls are frolicking. He         waves at the girls, speaks to the Shuttle DRIVER.

FERGIE Right down there... I think that's         Heavenly Haven. NC such luck. The craft BANKS.

TAXI SHUTTLE - NIGHT 18 As :: descends, the structures it passes grow progressively -de:. Filth and grime cover everything. The shuttle lands z.. r.e street with a WHOOSH. (X)

19         he sets out the shuttle lifts off. Fergie looks signs.

FERGIE Still better than prison. BR.'.-TA':-TAT! Suddenly GUNFIRE erupts all around him. He looks

ASTONISHMENT AT         I'r SE ER.AL WINDOWS - HIS P. O. V. 20         As more and more frustrated residents OPEN FIRE at anything and everything.

VOICES

BLOCK WAR! BLOCK WAR! BLOCK WAR! Fergie runs into the building.

5

INT. HEAVENLY HAVEN TOWER - NIGHT

People run in panic as bullets shatter windows. A BATTERED ROBOT FOOD CART cruises the hallway, oblivious to the people darting around it.

ROBOT FOOD CART

(A RECORDING) Delicious and healthful ration packs, piping hot and ready to         eat..! Fergie darts around the robot, SEES a small MAINTENANCE HATCH in the wall and jumps inside. His long HOWL tells us he didn't (X) expect the long fall that results.

CUT TO:

22 EXT. HEAVENLY HAVEN BLOCK - STREET LEVEL 22

A resident breaks for cover, tries to run across thestreet. BHUDDA-BHUDDA-BHUDDA. He's cut down midway.

23 INT. HEAVENLY HAVEN TOWERS - THE SQUATTERS 23

Have spread out and are firing from the windows of several ac Joining rooms.

ZED Did you see that! What a fucking shot! What a fucking shot - ! Reggie h -fives him. Then an overhead THUD makes them look up          a- the HEATING VENT. Zed reaches up - yanks off the grate -

24 1 E'V: ANGLE 24 Fergie tumbles into the room. Zed puts one foot on him, points his gun right between his eyes.

ZED What do we have here? You a Judge, little man? The others laugh at the concept.

FERGIE Me, a Judge, no, no -

(SHOWING PAPERS) I live here, I mean, I'm gonna live (X) here - if - if I live -

(CONTINUED)

6

CONTINUED: 24

3RD SQUATTER (TWIST) If you're a rezzie, then why are you hiding? This is a block war, man! They grab him, playing roughly with him.

ZED You gonna stand up for your block, ain't ya?

FERGIE Look, I'm out on parole - If I get into any trouble my ass is right back in Aspen - CLICK. Zed's gun is in his face. FERGIE (cont' d)         (quickly, cheerleading) Let's go, Haven, Let's go Haven, Haven all the way - BANANA CLIPS are shoved into his hands along with boxes of         :artridaes.

REGGIE Reload, dipshit. BULLETS rip through the windows here. Fergie ducks, _er-_fied... drops the bullets.

CUT TO:

2= - â€¢ STREET LEVEL - NIGHT - CLOSE ON TWO FIGURES 25 wearinc armored uniforms, riding ARMORED MOTORCYCLES called LAWMASTERS. Both riders wear HELMETS that conceal most of their =aces. But we can see that the leader is a woman. Her badge reads "Hershey". Suddenly BULLETS ping around her. Several ricochet off the arm ored bike.

HERSHEY Take cover!

26 WIDER 26 As bullets seek them out, both riders dive off their bikes and roll into combat positions behind a low wall. Hershey's partner BRISCO is young and eager... too eager.

(CONTINUED)

7

CONTINUED:

BRISCO

(BEHIND BARRICADE) Just like an Academy Simulation, right down to the crossfire.

(RISING) I'll lead off, you follow.

HERSHEY (yanking him back) This isn't a Sim, Rookie! Stand down and wait for back up! (into helmet mike) In position outside Heavenly Haven. Pinned down by fire from upper floors.

CUT TO:

27 EXT. VIEW OVER MEGA - NIGHT 27

A figure close to CAMERA straddles an even bigger LAWMASTER CYCLE that makes a Harley look like a mo-ped. The rider's         GLOVED HAND activates the Lawmaster's CITY MAP.

HERSHEY(V.O.) Fire is coming from Level Y, repeat Y. Request back-up, nearest Judge! The map BEEPS, shows a route. The hand moves to the THROTTLE.

2E LAWMASTER - WIDER 28 -DA,RS away from the CAMERA, burning rubber.

CUT TO:

29 EXT. STREET - BLOCK WAR - NIGHT 29

Hershey and Brisco are pinned down under a barrage of fire. Smoke fills the street, the sounds of automatic weapons fire, exploding glass, and screams, fill the air. Hershey tries to         ae: a shot off - a bullet CRACKS her face plate -

CUT TO:

3C THAT ONCOMING LAWMASTER 30 Whips around a corner - dodges a burned out vehicle. The mighty bike VAULTS the barricades and lands. A MOLOTOV COCKTAIL sails in front of it,, EXPLODES. The rider'does a WHEELIE!

8

UP ANGLE The bike parts the flames like a curtain, SMASHES DOWN right in the middle of all the chaos. The Rider gets off.

32 HERSHEY AND BRISCO

32         huddle behind their bikes at the perimeter. They react to a         figure emerging from the smoke.

BRISCO That's our back-up? He's a sitting duck out there. You'd think he         wants them to see him. Hershey smiles ruefully.

HERSHEY If that's who I think it is... he         does.

33 THE FIGURE

33         Steps out of the flames. Six feet of armored justice, he was raised in a State Orphanage that taught him Duty and Honor. Now, he serves that State as Judge... Jury... and Executioner. ::is BADGE fills the frame: "DREDD".

CUT TO:

34 _N':. SQUATTER'S LEVEL - NIGHT

34         Tw:st stares down, scared.

TWIST Fuck. That's Judge Dredd. We gotta surrender while we can-- He starts to raise his gun over his head. Zed smacks him in the yaw with his own weapon.

ZED You chickenshit bowab! He's gonna surrender to us. And then we'll         blow his brains out. (shouting). Come and get us, Dredd! Zed FIRES out the window. Reggie happily joins, then the others. Finally Twist shrugs, FIRES too.

REGGIE' More ammo! A terrified Fergie hands him a clip.

9

,5 EXT. THE STREET - NIGHT

The stream of GUNFIRE chews up the pavement at Dredd's feet.

HERSHEY Down! You crazy futz - !

36 DREDD 36 strides calmly over to them.

DREDD He's firing a 64 laze pumper from six hundred feet. He couldn't hit me if I painted a bull's eye on my          ass.

(GLANCING UP) We'll keep it simple. Standard relay. Single file. I'm point. Hershey nods. Brisco, eager to prove himself, steps in front of Dredd at the Heavenly Block entrance.

DREDD(CONT'D)         You - last. Dredd pushes Brisco behind Hershey. Turns toward Heavenly as         re draws his massive LAWGIVER HANDGUN. Dredd speaks into the ::ny computer in the breech as he aims at the door.

DREDD(CONT'D)         Grenade. :'ï¿½BccM! The round knocks the steel door off its hinges. Dredd r:zxs :z aside and the Judges enter.

CUT TO:

37 IN:'. HEAVENLY TOWERS - WITH THE SQUATTERS - NIGHT 37 Feraie, terrified, passes loaded ammo clips to his "friends". The WHIRR of a motor outside the hallway attracts his attention.

38 HIS POV - THE FOOD ROBOT - ON ITS ROUNDS 38

FOOD ROBOT Delicious and healthful ration packs, piping hot and ready to         eat..!

39 FERGIE 39 Looks at his crazed "friends" and then backs up to the robot...

CUT TO:

10 -

INT. HEAVENLY HAVEN CORRIDOR - NIGHT

40         Dredd, Hershey, and Brisco stride forward. SOUND of GUNFIRE tells them they are close to their target.

HERSHEY

(TENTATIVELY POINTING) I think they're there - Dredd shakes his head... points. . .down.

DREDD No. There.

CUT TO:

40A INT. SQUATTER'S ROOMS - NIGHT

40A The squatters here are so busy FIRING their own guns out the window they don't SEE the CIRCLE OF BULLET HOLES that carve an         oper.;ng above their heads! With a CRASH, the section of ceiling FALLS IN - Dredd rides it          down, FIRING!

40E NEW ANGLE "

40B His shots catch most of the shooters by surprise. The few survivors throw down their weapons.

DREDD This room is pacified. mcves carefully through the smoke. Behind him, Hershey and

__:SCC -ump down to the floor, check the bodies. Hershey cuffs :-::se s=__: alive.

4- AT T E DOOR TO THE NEXT ROOM

41         Dreoc avcids the door, moves along the wall. Suddenly Brisco darts forward.

BRISCO This one's mine!

,HERSHEY No! Dredd moves to stop him but he's too far away. Brisco kicks the door open -

11 -

IN THE NEXT SQUATTER'S ROOM 4 He's face to face with Reggie, Zed, and Twist.

BRISCO This room is under-- BUDDA BUDDA BUDDA! Brisco is blown backwards off his feet.

43 DREDD 43 spins around. Sees Brisco dead in the doorway. Snarls, enraged. Hershey whirls, KICKS down one of the wounded who tries to escape in the confusion.

44 IN THE OTHER ROOM 44

TWIST

(SUDDENLY NOTICING) Hey. Where's the little ammo dude? As they all look for Fergie, the wall next to the door EXPLODES OPEN. Dredd enters through it.

DREDD You're all under arrest. Will you surrender, or would you like your trials now? 7ne', look at him for a moment - then BLAST away.

4 45          for cover, FIRES back - but one guy has a weapon as big as          a :.a_nsaw, and it's decimating Dredd's hiding place.

DREDD

(INTO LAWGIVER) Armor piercing! (X) I SEEP and LED change on the weapon. Dredd FIRES - (X) 4t H: S ENEMY 46 The bullet goes THROUGH his weapon, kills him! (X)

4- BACK TO SCENE 47 Dredd turns, sees Reggie and another squatter charging at him from both sides.

DREDD

(INTO LAWGIVER)

DOUBLE WHAMMYI

(CONTINUED)

12

AT-7 CONTINUED: 47 BEEP. He FIRES. Two bullets come out at once, each taking (X          out a man! But Reggae`s body rolls into Dre d, knocking him           off his feet!

48 CLOSE ON DREDD 48 He's lost his Lawgiver! He reaches out for it - and gets kicked in the head! CAMERA ADJUSTS to show Twist, sudd enly courageous with Dredd on the floor.

TWIST

(SEEING IT) Lawgiver! Awesome! And he snatches it up, and aims at Dredd's head!

49 WIDER 49

ZED

(SHOUTING) Don't touch it! They're booby trapped - ! Too late. A high pitched BEEP is the only warning before the Handgun EXPLODES, knocking Zed off his feet.

C NEW ANGLE 50 Zed starts to get up - sees Twist's ARM on his body! Screaming, flings it aside and jumps up - right into Dredd's KICK.

DREDD Mega-City Municipal Code 334.8. Willful destruction of property. That's two years. WHAR:. He hits Zed in the face. Zed rocks, but stays up. He         fries tc grab a nearby weapon, but Dredd kicks it away.

DREDD(CONT'D)         Code 11-5C. Illegal possession of         assault weapons. Five years. Zed blocks Dredd's next blow; pulls him into a brutal embrace, slams Dredd against the walf. Again!

DREDD(CONT'D)         Code 7034-A. Resisting arrest. Twenty years. Dredd breaks free! Slams Zed once, twice. Zed flies back against the wall.

13

FAVORING ZED

DREDD(CONT'D)         9804. Assault on a Judge with deadly intent.

ZED (tough, scornful) Don't tell me. Life. CAMERA REVEALS that Zed another weapon hidden behind his back. Now, he goes for it!

52 FAVORING DREDD 52 We weren't expecting Zed's move. Dredd was. While we were blinking, he kicked a fallen weapon up from the floor and caught

DREDD No... Death. He FIRES at the same moment as Zed! Zed's shot hits Dredd's         ARMOR, pings off. Dredd's shot hits Zed's heart.

DREDD(CONT'D)         Court is adjourned.

OX:TTED 5_

54 :NT. HEAVENLY HAVEN CORRIDOR - NIGHT 54 O: er Judges and paramedics have arrived. The Judges process arres:ees and the paramedics see to the wounded. ::ersnevâ€¢ rooks on beside Dredd as Brisco's body is zipped into a cac an, --4 away.

HERSHEY I was supposed to watch out for him.

DREDD He made the mistake. Not you. Dredd cocks his head, listening. Somehow in the din and confusion he has heard something. He turns.

The food robot is coming down the corridor, skittering around bodies and debris. Its actions are less smooth than before, and its voice seems off, too.

(CONTINUED)

14

55 CONTINUED: 55

FOOD ROBOT Ummm, umm, yumm! Healthful and nutritious food rations, ready to         eat! Dredd suddenly pushes forward in the crowd. Hershey follows. She watches, puzzled, as he steps in the automaton's path, takes an assault rifle from another Judge and AIMS it!

DREDD

(TO ROBOT) Halt! You have ten seconds to         surrender. Ten. Nine.

HERSHEY

(PUZZLED) Dredd, It's just a servo-droid -

DREDD (aside to Hershey) The guide wire in the floor isn't         working. (to the robot) Five! Four!

FOOD ROBOT Ah, just put your credit in your selection and - credit in the slot and-and - shit! The robot stops. The jumble of food in back spills out and Fergie uncoils from the cramped interior, still holding the scarK r.a wires he was using to manipulate the machine.

DREDD Mega-City Municipal Code 1286.4: Willful sabotage of a public servo-droid. That's six months, citizen. He grabs Fergie, pushes him against the wall.

DREDD(CONT'D)         (taking it)- Let's see your Unicard.

FERGIE Come on, give me a break, Judge uh-.

(SEEING NAMETAG) D-dredd? By now Dredd has run his scanner over Fergie's chip and Fergie's         dossier is zipping by.

(CONTINUED)

15

CONTINUED: ( 2)

DREDD FERGUSON, Herman. Forget six months: You've hacked into city droids, computers... (reading, interested) Cash machines, robot taxis... And you haven't even been out of jail for twenty four hours.

(TO HERSHEY) He's habitual, Hershey. Automatic (X) five year sentence.

FERGIE Five years? But - I - I had no         choice, judge - He sees Dredd's impassive face, turns to Hershey's more sympathetic one.

FERGIE(CONT'D)         They were killing each other up          there, I had to get out! I only hacked the droid to save my life! It was the only way!

DREDD Not at all. You could have climbed out a window, worked your way down. Or found a turboshaft and shimmied down the cable.

FERGIE Sixty stories? It woulda been suicide!

DREDD Maybe. But it would have been legal. I sentence you to five years in. Aspen Penitentiary. Case closed. Take him away. s-': protesting, Fergie is hauled away. Hershey looks at         Dredd.

HERSHEY He might have been telling the truth. Haven't you ever heard of         extenuating circumstances?

DREDD ' Yes. And cowardice isn't one of         them.

(CONTINUED)

16 -

5 CONTINUED: (3) 5- She looks at Dredd disappointingly and we (X;

CUT TO:

=5A EXT. HALL OF JUSTICE - NIGHT 55A

The gleaming civil and legal heart of Mega-City, shaped like (X) the symbol of the Judge System itself: An Eagle. (X)

VOICE (GRIFFIN) (X) My fellow Judges, have we forgotten (X) the lessons of History? (X)

=5B INT. HALL OF JUSTICE - COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT 55B

The CAMERA discovers the Mega-City Council of Judges, in mid- (X) session CHIEF JUST ICE FARGO, 70, sits at an elevated position (X) a: a great BLACK TAB LE. Other Judges sit on either side of him. (X) Arcng them are JUDGE MCGRUDER, a woman in her 60's, open minded (X) b:: with an ironill w ; JUDGE ESPOSITO, 50's, thoughtful, (X) accommodatin g; JUDG E YAMAMOTO, 50's, short-tempered, yet fair; (X) and JUDGE GRIFFIN, 6 0, with a mind and body as honed as men half (X) :,s agehis cl, ean f eatures can hide much. But now, they hide (X) `ng: His pass i on and sincerity make his words ring. (X) GRIFFIN(cont'd) (X) A R epublic is a body politic that (X) i s susceptible to many ills... from (X) eni nuto anarchy. And the block (X) wa r to d ay was a definite warning (X) s i gn of - (X) asser:bi\â€¢ REACTS as rowdily as the British Parliament. (X)

MCGRUDER (X) - of your misguided policies as (X) Urban Administrator! (X)

YAMAMOTO Hold on, Judge McGruder - let's not blame the messenger! Judge Griffin

HAS -

Ï¿½ESPOSITO - Griffin has been trying to get us to swallow his crime package (X) for two years now and I still have

INDIGESTION - UPROAR. We sense that the room is evenly divided. A GAVEL BANGS for order with a CRACK like thunder. Everyone quiets as         quickly as schoolchildren..

17         FAVORING FARGO c_

FARGO Order, order! As presiding Justice, I only vote to break a tie. But I wish to address the question of         Judge Griffin's crime package. Is         there any objection?

GRIFFIN This entire body owes its very existence to you, Chief Justice. (looking around) = (X ) I can ' t imagine anyone having an          objection. CAMERA sweeps towards Fargo, passing over the MAP of North (X) America etched on t h e great DAIS. Only a few lights stand out (X) on all the conti nent: MEGA-CITY ONE; MEGA-CITY TWO; TEXAS CITY; (X) and the ASPEN PENAL C OLONY. All the rest is labeled THE CURSED (X)

EARTH. (X) Fargo stands, eyes blazing with intelligence and intensity. (X) we sense t h at we are observing a Lion in Winter. And the lion can still roar.

FARGO This body is not the first assembly ('         to think that more laws and fewer          choices will bring peace and order. (X)          That delusion has been tried and          failed before. If the citizens of          Mega-City are demanding more control          of their lives, that's not a threat          - it's a signal! A signal to open          the windows of our society and let          it: breathe -          (a look to Griffin)          Not to bolt the door and throw away          the key! My fellow Judges, I was (X)          barely in my teens when I put on          this badge. When the time comes          for me to take it off... let me do          it. knowing that it stood for          Freedom... and not for Repression.          He sits down. Clearly he has changed the mood of the room.

JUDGE GRIFFIN Once again, Chief Justice,'you have served as a moral compass for all of us. I... withdraw my proposal.

(PAUSE) I hope ... for-good.

CUT TO:

18 -

INT. HALL OF JUSTICE - CORRIDOR

- NIGHT

56         Dredd is watching a MONITOR. VARDIS HAMMOND, grey-haired, commanding, is standing in front of Heavenly Haven Block while workers put things back in order. HAMMOND(on monitor) --fifty three people hospitalized.

(X) Five of them... children. Nine dead... four of them allegedly (X) killed by a gang of squatters... who were themselves killed in (X) summary executions by Judge Dredd. (x)

(X) CAMERA WIDENS as the Council Chamber doors OPEN. The Judges come out. Griffin comes over, watches with Dredd. Dredd stiffens at the approach of his superior. Griffin silently indicates for him to stand at ease.

HAMMOND(CONT'D)         Some people say that to be a Judge on these mean streets is bound to (X) have a certain dehumanizing effect, (X) and that we should sympathize with (X) the Judges. I agree. But the Mega- (X) City Council apparently doesn't. (X) To them, "dehumanization" isn't just (X) a buzz word (X) - it's a byword. And I'll show just how terrifyingly far (X) they've taken that thought... (X) tomorrow night. (X)

(X)

DREDD (turning, to Griffin) A rookie Judge died there, too. I guess he wasn't worth mentioning.

GRIFFIN

(WRYLY) No, that might confuse the viewers. We can't be victims, Dredd... we're         the villains!

(ANGUISHED) Don't they understand we need law and order? Housing car. wait... safe streets can;-.,

Dï¿½ï¿½DD Things will get better, sir.

GRIFFIN

(LEAVING) I pray you're right, Dredd.

19 -

WITH DREDD

S         Ch As Griffin leaves, Dredd turns. As he passes the Council (X) amber, Fargo beckons to him. Startled, Dredd joins him. (X)

DREDD (X) Chief Justice?

(X)

FARGO Four Summary Executions, Dredd. (X) Were they necessary?

(X)

DREDD (X) They were unavoidable, sir. Out (X) there... that's the reality. (X)

FARGO

W (X) e make our own reality, Dredd. (X) Maybe it ' s time for a new one. (X) Although I doubt Judge Griffin would (X) recognize a new reality if he (X) arrested it himself.

(X)

DREDD With all due respect, sir, how can you say that when you spend most of your time - D edd breaks off; he's said too much. But Fargo won't let him she hook.

FARGO Most of my time where?

DREDD At the Academy... Sir.

FARGO Don't you mean at the Academy wiping Cadet's Asses? That is what they say in the squad room, isn't it?

DREDD It.. doesn't matter what they say, Sir. You're the.Chief Justice of         Mega City. If rt weren't for you and the others like you, we wouldn't         have our justice system. There isn't a Judge in Mega-City who doesn't want to follow in your footsteps.

(CONTINUED)

20 -

7 CONTINUED: 57

FARGO I'm glad you feel that way, Dredd. Because starting tomorrow you're         going to spend one day a week at          the Academy... teaching. Dredd takes this in his stride.

DR,EDD I'd be honored. Unarmed combat, or marksmanship?

FARGO (exiting, with a grin) Ethics. And as Dredd reacts, we

CUT TO:

58 EXT. ASPEN PENAL COLONY - DAY 58

An ominous mountain fortress. GUARD TOWERS on every corner. WIND rattles the concertina wire on the walls. If the Cursed Earth is hell, this is hell's prison.

ASPEN PENAL COLONY - WARDENS OFFICE - DAY 59 Stark, spare on creature comforts. WARDEN JUDGE MILLER paces. =rorr. time to time he looks at a small PACKAGE on his desk.

CLOSE 60 sma:: SEALED BOX with a THUMBCODE LOCK.

3A0!< TO SCENE 61 looks at it, frustrated. Finally makes his decision. He          picks it up, leaves the room.

CUT TO:

62 INT- MAXIMUM SECURITY WING 62 Miller and two GUARDS stride through the old part of the complex. Everything gets progressively dirti er and dilapidated as they go. Finally, they reach a MASSIVE STE EL DOOR with.a         computer access screen. Miller puts his thumb in the lock.

MILLER' Miller. Warden.

(CONTINUED)

21 -

2 CONTINUED: 6

COMPUTER VOICE Voice sample and thumbscan recognized. The DOOR OPENS. Miller turns to the guards. MILLER (cont' d)         Wait here.

CUT .TO: c "3 INT. RICO'S CELL - DAY 63         Miller steps inside. AUTOGUNS swivel toward him. "Read" his          BADGE. BEEP. The autoguns swing away. The door CLOSES.

RICO'S VOICE Hello, Warden.

64 REVERSE ANGLE 64 We're in a large circular room. In the center is an isolated PLATFORM. A curtain of BLUE LIGHT surrounds it. Behind this, :GURE draws a bead of sweat from his forehead...         ansently flicks it at the energy curtain. It SIZZLES. The -icure moves CLOSER. This is RICO.

RICO(CONT'D)         Have you come for another... chat?

MILLER A short one, I'm afraid. Duty calls.

RI CO

(LAUGHS ) We're both prisoners here. You behind a desk... me behind.., this. Fargo's reward for our services.

MILLER When you killed innocent people you went far beyond-'service. Rico stands. Moves toward the energy curtain. Glares at         Miller.

(CONTINUED)

22 -

-,4 CONTINUED: 64

RICO "Innocent"? A meaningless word. The innocent exist only until they inevitably become perpetrators themselves. In the end, "Guilt" and "Innocence" are merely a matter of timing.

MILLER 'You're insane.

RICO Am I? When did you become a         perpetrator? Was it the time you found money mysteriously transferred into your account? Or the time I         was sentenced to death? You've been taking bribes for years, Warden. You're a criminal. And a stupid one: You don't even know who's         paying you.

MILLER I don't want to know.

RICO If ignorance is bliss, Warden, then (X) you must be very blissful.

(WEARY) Miller, why are you here?

MILLER Your mysterious benefactor has sent you a package. M:.. .er speaks into a console before Rico's laser-guarded "cell.

MILLER (CONT'D)         Deactivate Shield. ENERGY CURTAIN drops. The autoguns on the wall swivel toward Rico. Miller moves onto the platform, hands over the package. Rico places his thumb on the lock and it OPENS.

65 THE PACKAGE 65 Rico's JUDGE'S BADGE rests inside. Along with a PHOTOGRAPH...         of Hammond, the newscaster. And... what appears to be a         "Rubic's Cube" type TUBULAR PUZZLE.,

23 -

6 BACK TO SCENE

6         Rico begins to manipulate the puzzle.

MILLER

(CURIOUS) What is that?

RICO The Ancient Puzzle, Miller: The One about the Meaning of Life.

MILLER

(SARCASTIC) Really. And what is the meaning of Life?

RICO It's over. And he AIMS the "puzzle". BLAM!

67 MILLER

67         The SHOT from the tiny weapon hits him in the throat. Gasping, ne falls onto his knees. With one hand on his throat, he         staggers to the door while Rico descends from his platform.

MILLER

(COUGHING) Computer.. . .ac-active s-shield!

COMPUTER VOICE Voice not recognized. Security Breach. Autoguns targeting. panics. Scrambles for the door.

MILLER

NO! BOOM' BOOM! BOOM! He's cut down ten feet from the door.

6:; OUTSIDE THE DOOR - THE TWO GUARDS

68          Jack shells into their riot gins.Charge inside -

69 BACK IN THE CELL

69         The guards only see Miller's body. Then Rico swings down from his hiding place - the turret of an autogun! He KICKS out with both feet - drives both Guards nto'the Energy Curtain. ZAP! They're instantly FRIED.

24

0 WIDER 7C Rico dismounts like an acrobat, holds his badge up towards the autoQun scanner. BEEP. The autoguns pivots away. The DOOR OPENS. Rico snatches up a weapon - steps.outside -

CUT TO:

71 INT. ACADEMY -â€¢ INDOOR TRAINING RANGE - TIGHT ON DREDD 71

DREDD Kevlar nine helmet and body armor. WIDEN. Dredd is LECTURING to a group of CADETS who hang on his every word. We're in a TRAINING AREA like the one "Q" ran in         the Bond movies. Dredd turns. A TECH nods: Target ready. Dredd FIRES a barrage of bullets at a mannequin in Judge's gear. The bullets ricochet off. The class OOOHS and AHHS.

DREDD(CONT'D)         Yours, when you graduate.

(PAUSE) If you graduate.

2 NEW ANGLE 72 D edd moves to another training station. Another tech nods: Ready.

DREDD(CONT'D)         (holding it up) Lawgiver Two. Twenty five round sidearm with mission-variable voice programmed ammunition.

(INTO GUN) Signal Flare. (X) He turns, FIRES. The FLARE explodes on the wall. Again -000HS (X) and AHHS.

DREDD(CONT'D)         Yours, when you graduate.

73 HERSHEY - AT SUPPLY ROOM - SAME TIME 73 She is exchanging her battered helmet. Now, she notices Dredd, lingers to watch, impressed witn his style.

74 RESUME DREDD'S CLASS 74 Now he moves to several Techs who are hurriedly tweaking the most awesome LAWMASTER CYCLE we've seen.

(CONTINUED)

25 -

CONTINUED:

7

DREDD(CONT'D)         Mark IV Lawmaster, improved model. With on-board cannon, vertical take off and landing,. flight capacity and 500 kilometer range. The head Tech gives thumbs up while the other techs step back. The class waits, expectant. The lead tech throws a REMOTE. SPARKS fly. The motor COUGHS, dies. The class GROANS. Dredd glares at the embarrassed technicians.

DREDD(CONT'D)         Yours... if they ever get it to         work. LAUGHTER. Dredd moves to a lectern. Faces the class.

DREDD(CONT'D)         All of these things are nothing (X) but toys. Bottom line, final word, (X) end of the day, when you're alone in the dark... all that counts...         is this. takes something from the lectern shelf, throws it down. It's         all-but holy book: THE LAW.

DREDD(CONT'D)         And you will be alone. Because when you swear to uphold these ideals, (X) you are sacrificing whatever chance (X) you have for a Life. (X) h T e': Frown; this is not what they expected to hear from a         legend. They become increasingly unnerved.



76         The talk upsets her, too, perhaps more than the others. DREDD'S VOICE(cont'd)         For most of us t'here is only lonely death on the streets... or, for those few of us who survive to old (X) age... the prouder loneliness of         the Long Walk.

26

,... 7 7 RESUME DREDD 77

DREDD (holding up the book) Life, Liberty, and the Pursuitof Happiness. Old and noble ideas. (X) But they are what we give to (Xi          others... not what we will ever           receive for ourselves. Class           dismissed.           The class breaks up on a definite low note.

CUT TO:

78 INT. ACADEMY LOCKER ROOM - DAY 78

Hershey is drying her hair with a towel. OLMEYER, a short, (X) earnest underclassman, approaches her. He's carrying a large (X)

BOOK. (X)

OLMEYER (X) Judge Hershey, the yearbook deadline (X) is only a week away. Have you (X) changed your mind? (X)

HERSHEY (X) Forget it, Olmeyer. I'm not gonna (X) be the yearbook Centerfold! (X)

OLMEYER (X) It's not a centerfold, it's a (X) calendar! And it won't be a tacky (X) 3-D hologram. The yearbook is all (X) classic print and 2-D. Here, let (X) me show you a dummy - (X) He s:ar::s to open the book. She slams it closed on his fingers. (X)

HERSHEY (X) No, let me show yoou a dummy. (X) She turns his head so he can SEE his reflection. When he turns (X) back - she's gone. (X)

78A WITH HERSHEY 78A She sees Dredd at an end locker. Decides. Approaches him. (X)

HERSHEY (X) Judge Dredd? (X) He looks at her, waiting. (X)

(CONTINUED)

27 -

ZA CONTINUED:

7R

HERSHEY(CONT'D)

(X;          I caught your lecture today. Do... (X)           do you really think that's what the (X)           cadets need to hear?

(X)

DREDD

(X) Yes. The least I can do is tell (X) them the truth.

(X)

HERSHEY Well, I think your truth is         relative. I have a personal life. I have lots-of friends.

DREDD Really. How long since you saw any of them?

HERSHEY

(DEFENSIVE) Well, my shifts have been changed a lot lately. Two, three months, (X) tops.

DREDD You've only been on the street a         year. You're still in denial.

HERSHEY It's not that bad.

DREDD How many married Judges do you know?

HERSHEY Uh, well, my class is young. None of them have found the right...         person. e lust looks at her.

HERSHEY(CONT'D)         Has it really been like that for (X) you? Haven't you ever been in -

(CHECKING HERSELF) Haven't you ever had a... friend?

DREDD Yes. Once.

HERSHEY What happened?

(CONTINUED)

28 -

'A CONTINUED: ( 2) 78A Dredd takes off his helmet. It's the first time we've seen his face, and it's filled with barely controlled emotion.

DREDD

(X) I judged him.

CUT TO:

79 EXT. MEGA-CITY LOCK - NIGHT 79

Another Aspen Shuttle is docked here, steam curling up from the (X) motors. (X)

8C EXT. DOCKED SHUTTLE - CLOSER - NIGHT 80

A GROUND CREW member couples fat conduits to the underbelly of (X) the docked aircraft. Suddenly an ARM wraps around his throat. (X) He struggles and we see his captor, hanging upside down in the (X) iand,ng gear: Rico. He drops to the ground like an acrobat, (X) '-,C-ding his victim all the way down. The man's neck SNAPS on (X) impact. Rico drags the body into the shadows. (X)

EX"'. MEGA CITY - NIGHT 81          Nc: a nice part of town. The FACES we SEE and the SOUNDS we (X)           -:AR are unnerving. This is not the shiny part of the future. (X)           W e HOLD on the scene, finally WIDEN to find Rico. Wearing the (X)           :::nes of the ground crewman he killed, he walks past rows of (X)           'â€¢'.=:: enraptured in violent/erotic VIDEO GAMES. He's searching (X)           something; And then he sees it: (X)

82          -â€¢- w.ï¿½` a busy ever-changing SIGN: GEIGER'S BAZAAR. - PAWN - FAX BOXES - VOUCHERS CASHED. He heads inside. -r..-. JE: ER' S NIGHT 83 isre squalid pawnshop. Surplus and funk hangs from the -=::_:ered walls. The rear is divided by- a ceiling-high locked -en:e that secures the better grade merchandise. GEIGER, 50's,         sccw.s as Rico enters. Puffs on a cigar.

,GEIGER We've closed for the night.

RICO You're holding a package for me. I'm. Rick.

GEIGER Oh, yeah... Gimme a second.

(CONTINUED)

29

3 CONTINUED: F         While Geiger gets it, Rico quickly scans the store. A simple security camera in the corner. A jumble of crates and large antique weapons... including a few things.that look like rusting metal warriors. Rico points to these.

RICO I thought they destroyed all the ABC Warbots?

GEIGER

(COMING BACK) You can collect 'em if you make 'em         non-functional. Like my wife. (hands him box) Here you go. Geiger pretends not to watch as Rico unlocks the box. Geiger (X) sneaks a look... sees a uniform... and a Judge's Lawgiver. Rico starts to reach inside. Geiger stops him.

GEIGER Whoa, friend, whoever sent you this is no friend at all.

RI CO         Oh? And why's that?

GEIGER That's a Lawgiver. It's programmed to only recognize a Judge's hand. You want a weapon, I can get you something nice. But if you touch that it'll take your arm off.

RICO Really? grabs it! Geiger flinches - then looks puzzled.

RICO (CONT'D)         How do you like that? He SHOOTS Geiger at point-blank range. Geiger hits the floor.

RICO(CONT'D)         I must be a Judge. Rico bends, takes Geiger's keys and his cigars... then goes to         the big cage.

30 -

ON THE ABC ROBOT 84 A huge, armored combat veteran. We HEAR the metal cage rattle open. Rico approaches, crouches down and pulls a panel off the robot's body. Inside, the circuit cards have all been pulled from their sockets. Rico begins whistling... reveille. He pushes the boards back in, hits the RESET button.

8E WIDER 85 The ROBOT starts to WHIR. A GUSH of steam rises from its powerful torso. The eyes glow RED. It stands to its eight foot height, slowly turning like an arthritic old man.

ROBOT Status. Commander. Mission. Rico strikes a match on the robot, lights a cigar.

RICO Status: Personal bodyguard. Commander: Rico. Mission: We're going to war.

(SMILES) Geronimo.

86         t.^.r;: 3I TTED thru

88 88

89 :NT. HAMMOND'S APT. - NIGHT 89 ::almond and his wife LILY are in their modest apartment. The ant=cues and decorations hint at a warmer era - our own. Both wear nightclothes. Hammond paces, edgy with dec ision. Lily weaves on a COMPUTERIZED LOOM.

LILY Vardis, if you're right, then this Judge Dredd isn't really part of         the conspiracy.

HAMMOND No, of course n9t. It began before he was born. It had to have.

LILY Then your report tomorrow _will destroy an innocent man. Doesn't         Dredd's future bother you?

(CONTINUED)

31 -

9 CONTINUED: E

HAMMOND Yes. But I'm more worried about all of our futures then about Judge...          The door THUDS open. Startled, they turn -

90 REVERSE ANGLE 90 Standing in the doorway is a JUDGE.

HAMMOND(CONT'D)         (finishing the thought) .Dredd...          ELAM BLAM BLAM! The Judge's gun FIRES and we

CUT TO:

EXT. MEGA-CITY STREET - DAY 91

Citizens and merchants go about their business. CAMERA CRANES down, finds Dredd on patrol. Something catches his eye. He         stops his Lawmaster, gets off. We FOLLOW him towards a slick we: dream of a FUTURE GULL-WINGED CAR... parked in a

2 edd takes out a BAR CODE READER, scans the license plate. As         -.e gizmo searches its data base, the FUPPIE (Future Yuppie) CAR :v.:; runs into view with a Cappuccino in a st yrofoam cup. He          "oeeos" the lock, but Dredd blocks his way to the car door.

DREDD Is this your car?

CAR OWNER Hey, come on... what are you gonna do, tow me?

DREDD Of course not. Towing is the penalty for the first offense. This is your second violation. (into Lawg;ever ) Grenade.

CAR OWNER

HEY!

92

92 WIDER Dredd aims, FIRES. The caz. EXPLODES! Dredd walks casually away while the car's owner stands slack-jawed with debris tinkling around him.

32

DREDD

93         The wreck burning behind him, Dredd head back towards his bike... suddenly STOPS. He sees TWO FIGURES in front of him. And, the moment he does, he knows without. looking that there are two identical ones behind him. They're garbed for combat, yet without even the trace of         humanity that seeps through a Street Judge's armor. These are the feared JUDGE HUNTERS. All have drawn weapons. The LEADER holds up a HOLO WARRANT with Dredd's PICTURE.

JUDGE HUNTER LEADER Judge Joseph Dredd. You are under arrest.

CUT TO:

94 INS. COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT

94         CAMERA finds a broken figure here: Fargo. Ashen, he sits in         the Chief Justice's seat, face in his hands.

FARGO Dredd. I... I can't believe it...

(LOOKING UP) Are you sure?

(X)



GRIFFIN I'm afraid the evidence is         conclusive. The trial will be just a formality. Fa:=c descends shakily from his seat. Moves to the window. :e =axes a pill from his pocket, tries to swallow it without ï¿½;_ _ f _ _r. seeing

FARGO Is it possible? Dredd, homicidal too? We went through.this nine years ago...

GRIFFIN We were able toâ€¢hide the facts then. This time, we may not be so lucky.

FARGO

(TURNING) What do you mean?

(CONTINUED)

33 -

CONTINUED:

9

GRIFFIN The victim was a reporter. The media is already sniffing around. Eventually... they'll get to the truth.

FARGO

(STRICKEN) About ... Janus?

(X)

GRIFFIN About Janus... and your part in it.

FARGO How... how long have you known?

GRIFFIN Does it matter?

(SOFTLY) Nine years ago, when we buried the truth along with the victims, the council ordered the termination of         Janus... the complete termination. You obviously a ie that order... otherwise this new disaster could never have happened.

FARGO

(A WHISPER) If the truth comes out, it could destroy everything we've built... we could go back to the Years of         Chaos! :r;cKen, he glances over at the great map ... remembering.

GRIFFIN There's a way out, Chief Justice.

(PAUSE) The Long Walk.

FARGO Into oblivion? You're suggesting I take it? You-fiust really want to destroy me -

GRIFFIN No. I want to save the Judge system. The media won't stop digging into Dredd's case. When they get to the bottom... they'll         find you.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

34 -

4 CONTINUED: (2) 94

GRIFFIN (CONT'D)         But if you take the Long Walk... they'll find nothing but your honored memory.

FARGO My Walk will give you the Chief Judgeship!

GRIFFIN It could also save Dredd's life.

CUT TO:

9 IIï¿½'T. JUDGE'S' COMPLEX - CORRIDOR - NIGHT 95 Hershey is being quickly escorted along a corridor by the four Judge Hunters. The place is dark and empty.

JUDGE HUNTER In here. The Judge Hunters open a HOLDING CELL. Hershey steps inside.

96 1N7. HOLDING CELL - NIGHT 96 ::ershey is surprised to see the inhabitant:

HERSHEY ( X ) Dredd? What's going on? And who (X) are those feebs? I've never seen (X)

(X) those uniforms before -

DREDD (X) They're Judge Hunters, Hershey. (X) They're the ones who come out when (X) a Judge has broken the Law. (X) Hershey reacts; she's heard of them. (X)

HERSHEY (X) Judge Hunters? Then it's a full (X) trial before the Council... that (X) only happens one in a generation... (X)

DREDD (X) Judge Hershey. I don't have anyone (X) else to ask... Will... will you (X) be my defense attorney? (X)

HERSHEY You're under.indictment? For what?

(CONTINUED)

35 -

5 CONTINUED:

C

DREDD Murder. (X

(X

CUT TO:

97 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY

97         EXPLOSION of GUNFIRE on the MAIN SCREEN. We WIDEN. We're         seeing the tail end of a SURVEILLANCE VIDEO of the murders of (X) Vardis and Lily Hammond, taken by a camera outside their apartment.

(X)

JUDGE MCGRUDER'S VOICE Stop Video.

98 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - WIDER - DAY

98         The place is absolutely packed. Every off-duty Judge in         Mega-City is here. So is every Cadet from the Academy, plus the entire media brigade. We note that two oddly reassuring dements from our era are still here: A COURTROOM ARTIST (with         a computer sketchpad and lightpen), and a COURTROOM STENOGR APHER with his hands stuffed into a FIST STENO KEYBOARD.) Make no         mistake about it: this is a real, fair trial. And we're g oing`          :., see It.

MCGRUDER(CONT'D)         Before we go on, I wish to make a          personal comment.

(TURNING) Judge Dredd. I have observed your career from its outset and I have the highest regard for you. Nevertheless, I must prosecute you to the best of my ability.

99 DR=D-- - AT THE DEFENDANT'S STATION

99

DREDD That is the Law, Judge McGruder. I would expect no less.

100 NEW ANGLE

- REVEALING THE HIGHEST SEAT 100 In Judge Fargo's place sits Judge Griffin. He is wearing the uniform of the Chief Justice.

GRIFFIN The Court shares in Judge McGruder's         sentiments. In a way I am glad that Judge Fargo is about to begin his Long Walk.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

36 _

â€¢ï¿½"` 0 0 CONTINUED : 10C

GRIFFIN (CONT'D)         He will be spared the pain of this trial. Proceed, Judge McGruder.

MCGRUDER The video you have just seen is         prima fascia evidence that the defendant is guilty as charged. Mark this video People's Exhibit

"A".

CLERK So marked. At the defendant's station, Hershey stands.

HERSHEY Objection, Your Honor. This video is inadmissible as evidence.

MCGRUDER Judge Hershey, are you serious? Both of them recognized Judge Dredd!

HERSHEY That is the State's interpretation. Replay dialogue. _ï¿½EC rewinds. Then:

LILY'S VOICE (X) .Doesn't Dredd's future-bother (X) you? (X)

HAMMOND'S VOICE (X) Yes. But I'm more worried about (X) all of our futures then about (X) Judge ...Dredd...? (X)

HERSHEY Stop video. Do you hear it? When Lily Hammond says "Dredd", it's (X) part of the conversation. And when Vardis Hammond,,sa s 'Dredd' it (X) could just as easily be the same. The suggestion that either has recognized their murderer is sheer supposition... or, in the case of         the prosecution, wishful-thinking! BIG REACTION from the packed room. Griffin bangs the gavel for silence.

37 -         THE DEFENSE TABLE 1r Hershey returns here to get another document. Dredd WHISPERS.

DREDD Judge Hershey. I'm really glad I         picked you to defend me.

HERSHEY You only picked me because you didn't have anyone else.

DREDD I'm still glad. (X) CAMERA FOLLOWS Hershey forward.

MCGRUDER

(TO HERSHEY) All right, counselor. Forget the the audio. What about the video? (X) It clearly shows -

HERSHEY It clearly shows nothing!

(TURNING) Your Honor, I have here an affidavit from Cadet Olmeyer, currently a         Junior at the Academy. Svc IN THE AUDIENCE 102 heads of the other cadets around him swivel to look at him .:_` new regard. He does his best to look cool.

1C- TR:AL 103

HERSHEY Cadet Olmeyer is acknowledged by (X) all his instructors to be an expert in the field of still and video graphics. His affidavit states that this surveillance video is of such low definition that even after all known enhancements are used, no         positive identification can be made of the killer. Since the uniform of a Judge could be counterfeit, I repeat my objection to this video being entered as evidence in this case. (turning to Griffin) I ask for a ruling.

(CONTINUED)

JUDGE DREDD 38 Rev. #2: 17/3/94

.03 CONTINUED: 103 You could hear a pin drop in the vast room. Everyone watching is sure they know what Griffin will say. They're all wrong.

GRIFFIN Objection... sustained. The video is inadmissib e.

104 ON OLMEYER - IN AUDIENCE 104

OLMEYER ( X ) Yessss! The rest of the courtroom goes nuts. Griffin bangs for order. The BAILIFFS call out.

BAILIFFS Order, order!

105 HERSHEY 105 returns to the defendant's table as the court quiets down. Olmeyer WHOOPS a second longer than everyone else. (X) Embarrassed, he quiets down, but not before Dredd notices him.,

DREDD That kid barely knows me and he         wants to save my ass.

HERSHEY Trust me. It's not your ass he's         interested in.

106 JUDGE MCGRUDER 106

MCGRUDER Your Honor. I am forced now to          enter certain technical evidence of a critical nature regarding (X) the Mega-City Legal system.â€¢I (X) will need the Court's permission. (X) I will also need permission to (X) access the Central Computer Bank. (X)

107' HERSHEY AND DREDD 107 They look at each other, as puzzled as everyone else. (X)

(CONTINUED)

JUDGE DREDD 39 Rev. #2: 17/3/94

J7 CONTINUED: 107 MCGRUDER (cont'd) (X) I can think of no evidence or issue (X) more critical than the murder trial of (X) a Judge. You may proceed. (X)

107A BACK TO SCENE 107A McGruder approaches a special CONSOLE. This is one of many in (X) Mega-City that permit access to "Central" - the Judge System's         main computer. Most of the consoles look alike, but this has the largest screen we will see.

MCGRUDER Central. I wish to access weapons schematics, Judges division. Describe the workings of the standard Judge's         sidearm, the Lawgiver Two, and especially its improvements over the earlier Lawgiver One. Central SPEAKS. Somehow its monotonous, sexless voice hints at an actual personality.

CENTRAL One moment.

'8 108         ,_u OMITTED thru

109 109

110 NEW ANGLE 110 COMPUTER GRAPHICS illustrating these words APPEARS on screen.

CENTRAL(CONT'D)         Nine years ago, the Lawgiver Model Two replaced the Lawgiver Model One. The difference lies in two areas: The computer chip and the ammunition coding. Like the Model one, the computer chip recognizes the thumbcode of all Judges. Judges may use each other's firearms; but a suspect dare not use a Judge's         .weapon against "a Judge.          ANIMATION reminds us of this in non-gory fashion.

CENTRAL(CONT'D)         However, the ammunition coding in          the Model Two is not cued to the (X) thumbcode recognition chip. Instead, it is coded to the personal DNA of the Judge using the weapon.

40 -

DREDD & HERSHEY

I-I Listening carefully, wondering where this is going.

CENTRALS VOICE This is obtained in a download from my medical files and upgraded automatically every time the weapon is reloaded. Each time a round is         chambered and fired, it is tagged with the relevant DNA.

NEW ANGLE

112         we slowly TIGHTEN on McGruder and her "witness".

MCGRUDER Central. Were the bullets recovered from the bodies of Vardis and Lily (X) Hammond so DNA coded?

CENTRAL Yes, Judge McGruder. It could not be otherwise.

MCGRUDER And what was the result of the computer check of the DNA coding on those bullets? :ould swear that the computer is going for drama.

CENTRAL The DNA is a perfect match for Judge Joseph--D-re--dd. _:iAMSER - WIDE SHOT

113         ?a-:der o. um. Griffin bangs for order.

(X)

..EENS_ STATION

114

HERSHEY (in shock, to Dredd) DNA evidence is irrefutable!

DREDD Do your job. She nods, stands.

HERSHEY Your Honor... the defense rests.

41 -

5 WIDER Griffin looks at McGruder.

MCGRUDER Your Honor, the Prosecution rests.

GRIFFIN The Jury may be sequestered. The Foreman, COUNCIL JUDGE ESPOSITO, stands.

ESPOSITO Your Honor, sequestering is not necessary. The evidence is         irrefutable.

(LOOKS AROUND) We have reached a verdict. In the (X) charge of Pre-meditated Murder, we         the Jury find Joseph Dredd GUILTY as charged. GASPS from the audience. It's the fall of a Legend.

ON GRIFFIN 116 GRIFFIN (cont' d)         The defendant will stand. :4e=ore Hershey can tell him to, Dredd obeys. Griffin looks him in the eye. Dredd looks back, unblinking.

GRIFFIN(CANT'D)         Joseph Dredd, for this crime the (X) Law allows only one punishment:

DEATH. S:OCR: rebounds from every wall. As the gasps fade away, Griffin taxes out a sealed document.

GRIFFIN(CONT'D)         However: I have here the last order of Judge Fargo, written this morning before he prepared for the Long Walk.

(OPENING ITCH         He orders that this Court be lenient          with Judge Dredd, in gratitude for          his years of service.          (setting this down)          It has always been our-custom to          carry out the last order of a          Walking Judge. We will so honor          this one.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

42 -

CONTINUED:

LIB

GRIFFIN(CONT'D)

(NEW TONE) The sentence is Life Imprisonment - to be carried out immediately. As it is Written: Griffin picks up the book of the Law, kisses it. Opens it. And reads.

' 117 DEFENSE STATION

117

GRIFFIN'S VOICE "Let the Betrayer of the Law be         taken from our Courts;" Already the Judge Hunters are coming for him.

HERSHEY Dredd. I... I'm sorry.

DREDD You did your best, Judge Hershey. He stands, takes her hand.

DREDD(CONT'D)         Thank you.

GRIFFIN'S VOICE "Let the Freedom he stole from          others be stolen from himself;"

H T         pan. e Judge Hunters pull at him. Hershey hangs on as long as she

HERSHEY Dredd..!

ON GRIFFIN - RAKED CAMERA

118

GRIFFIN "Let his armor be taken from him,         and all his garb of Justice..."

!IQ

DREDD - SOMEWHERE

119          wrists manacled, head down. The Judge Hunters pull off his (X) armor, then literally rip away his uniform. He's naked, helpless. Chained.

120 (X)

THRU OMITTED 120

THRU

123

43 -

EXT. GATES OF MEGA CITY - SUNSET 12'

It is the ceremony of The Long Walk. Judge Fargo stands alone, wearing a LONG DUSTER COAT and a wide brimmed HAT. Before him he holds his uniform, Lawgiver, and badge in a ceremonial bundle. A young FEMALE CADET in an sweet Contralo that contrasts with Griffin's bass READS from a different part of The Law:

FEMALE CADET

(READING) "Let his name be recorded in every         place of Honor. Let him take the          Law he served so well to those who          have it not." The great city gate begins to OPEN. Under a fading SUNSET we         SEE the forbidden land beyond: THE CURSED EARTH. We TIGHTEN on         Fargo, grizzled, weary; the girl, fresh, tearful. Like so many, she reveres this man and what he represents.

FEMALE CADET "Let him be written in our hearts         and our memories." She hands him the Book. Receives his bundle of worldly h=_ongings in return. A young MALE CADET steps forward, hands Fargo an ancient REMINGTON.

Ï¿½2Z 125 _= shoved into a jammed PRISON SHUTTLE. GUARDS fling.him in (X) s=a=. The shuttle door closes, locks.

GRIFFIN'S VOICE "Let him be stricken from our hearts          and our memories."

_2= CAR'3C 126

FEMALE CADET "Forever." A line of CADETS raises Lawgivers overhead. They FIRE a 21 GUN SALUTE. Fargo walks out. TYye gate CLOSES. (X)

CITY LOCK - DUSK 127

The prison shuttle FIRES its engines. (X)

GRIFFIN'S VOICE "Forever."

44 -

28 EXT. MEGA-CITY ONE - LONG SHOT - DUSK 128

Dredd's shuttle THUNDERS overhead. Far below in the poisoned sand, Fargo looks up at it.

CUT TO:

129 EXT. JUDGE'S COMPLEX - NIGHT 129

Lightning crackles around the Eagle's head. A floating TANKER refuels at a nearby roof top.

130 INT. GRIFFIN'S OFFICE - NIGHT 130

Griffin comes inside. His chair turns around. Rico is sitting (X) in it. Griffin looks at him in shock for a moment. (X)

GRIFFIN Are you out of your mind, coming here? Griffin angrily starts forward... stops when the ABC robot moves to block his path.

GRIFFIN(CONT'D)         And you brought this, too? Griffin waves his hand over desk controls. The lights DIM. S:i TTERS block the windows.

RICO I like to do things my way. (X)

GRIFFIN Yes, I know. Like framing Dredd for Hammond's murder.

RICO

(SMILING) I thought that was a nice creative touch. Sort of two birds with one stone.

GRIFFIN Hammond had to be silenced when he found out abut Janus! But I         could have used Dredd! He         practically worshiped the ground I walked on-

(CONTINUED)

JUDGE DREDD 45 Rev. #1: 16/4/94 t30 CONTINUED: 130.

RICO Dredd only worships the Law. And he'd blow you away the minute he         found out just how much you're          pissing on it. Trust me: It's         better this way. Let him see what it's like to freeze his ass off in         Aspen. Let him see what it's like I to be me! After all...         He moves closer to Griffin, smiles.

RICO(CONT'D)         .Dredd and I have so much in          common. Why not this? Griffin looks at him, decides to drop the subject.

GRIFFIN There's a lot of work to be done.

RICO Yes. The Janus lab -

GRIFFIN You'll see it soon enough. In the meantime... I want chaos, Rico. That block war was just the beginning. Now I want fear racing through every street... terror in         every quad... panic in every block. Until those miserable rezzies think even their Judges can't save them. That's when the Council will turn to me... and to Janus. Rico moves towards the door. Pauses.

RICO Fear, Terror, Panic. I think I can handle that. After all... (slight.smile) Look how quickly I brought fear in         here. His smile fades and he exits.

131 OMITTED 131

132 EXT. CURSED EARTH - NIGHT 132

110-1         A HOWLING WIND blows dust across the dead landscape. The ASPEN PRISON SHUTTLE appears over the horizon.

46 -

/ ' 33 INT. ASPEN SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS 133

A wide body with the amenities of a galley. Armed JUDGES (X) patrol outside a long CAGE enclosing the rows of prisoners. (X) GUARDS inside the cage are armed with STUN CLUBS. (X) CAMERA roams the ranks of hardened, brutal prisoners. Gradually (X) we realize that something is being whispered up and down the (X) rows... a slow humm that rises in level buzz and then a (X) whisper. Gradually we discern it: "dddrd...dddrdd... Dredd." (X) we reach Dredd the same time the whispers reach him. Manacled (X) I like the others, he shows no reaction to the hateful. glances (X) aimed in his direction. (X)

PILOT'S VOICE (X) Attention, crew. We're changing (X) course to avoid some chop. ETA (X) Aspen Prison 11 hundred twenty two. (X) The craft BANKS, the prisoners chains clanking as they sway. A (X) mean looking PRISONER behind Dredd leans over, hisses: (X)

PRISONER BEHIND HIM (X) I want a piece of you, scumbag. (X)

DREDD (X) Okay. (X) W::.h a SNAP and without looking, Dredd jerks his elbow (X) ba_xwards. The prisoner is knocked unconscious. As he sags in (X) .is :hains, CAMERA ADJUSTS. The prisoner on the side of Dredd (X) we haven't seen is Fergie. Now, he stares at Dredd. Then (X) pins his hands over Dredd's.face, leaving Dre 's jaw =xï¿½cs and parting his fingers at Dredd's eyes, like the visor in she Judge's helmet. Fergie's eyes go wide.

FERGIE Dredd? What are you doing here?

DREDD I was convicted of a crime.

(PAUSE) Wrongly convicted.

FERGIE That makes two Â©f us.

DREDD No. You got the sentence the Law required. The Proper sentence.

FERGIE Proper? Five years just for saving my own ass? .It was a mistake!

(CONTINUED)

47 -

-1 3 CONTINUED:

DREDD The Law does not make mistakes.

FERGIE Yeah? Then how do you explain what happened to you?

DREDD

(PAUSE) I. I can't.

FERGIE (X)

(SARCASTIC) (X) Oh, you can't. But the "Law doesn't (X)          make mistakes"? So what's this, (X) then? A bug? A glitch? Typo? (X) Fumble? Screw-up? Or maybe... (X)

POETIC FUCKING JUSTICE? (X)

VOICE (X) You're wasting your breath, brother (X) man... (X)

133A NEW ANGLE 133A The speaker is a menacing MAN of fifty or so, with gaunt hard muscles, the eyes of a mad prophet, and eerie religious TATTOOS. (X.          Three YOUNGER MEN flanking him have similar decorations. This (X)           is REVEREND ANGEL and his SONS. (X)           REVEREND ANGEL(cont'd) (X)           Dredd's a machine. See, any man (X)           - even a Lawman - has a heart. But (X)           not Dredd. He's frozen inside. (X)           That's how he could make this man (X)           (he indicates himself) (X)           and these boys - watch while like (X)           the Grim Reaper himself, he coldly (X)           cut down the youngest fruit of our (X)           tree. (X)

ANGEL SONS (X) Amen. (X)

DREDD (X ) Angel: Maybe if your youngest fruit (X) hadn't taken those hostages he could (X) be here for the family reunion. (X) As one, all the Angels lunge forward as much as their short (X) chains will allow. Fergie recoils; Dredd doesn't. But two (X) GUARDS turn at the commotion. (X'

(CONTINUED)

48 -

CONTINUED:

.33A

GUARD

(X`         Problem here?

(X)

DREDD (X) No.

(X)

FERGIE Actually, (X)

(X)

(POINTING)

(X) could I sit over there--

(X)

GUARD (X)

(MENACING)

(X)

SHUT UP !

(X) The guard moves away. The Angel family stares hatred in (X) Dredd's direction.

(X)

FERGIE (X) (sotto, to Dredd)

(X) You'd better not be my roommate. (X)

CUT TO:

=ï¿½4 IN':. DREDD'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

134         narrow window lets in the thinnest sliver of moonlight. Two armchairs, worn leather, from our era. A couple of exotic -ants, now wilted. An antique bookcase of burnished wood -a rare material in Mega-City. zcmeethinc rattles at the door. The lock GLOWS briefly...         scmetr.inc SNAPS. The door opens.

COMPUTER VOICE Zone A open. Please reset alarm. Hershey steps in, putting a small tool away in a belt pouch. She closes the door. Takes in the monastic feel of the place. She moves to the bookcase: A small collection of leather-bound books, maybe a dozen in all. Plato, More, Jefferson, Paine. Hershey runs her fingers over the well-worn titles.

=3ï¿½ DREDD'S BEDROOM

135          Narrow bed. A small dresser and chair... no windows.

COMPUTER VOICE If Alarm is not reset, .system will signal armed response in 20 seconds. Hershey opens a drawer. A.few clothes. She slips her hands underneath, feels around, finds nothing. Opens the next drawer.

(CONTINUED)

49 -

-^ 35 CONTINUED: Searches. Finds a framed "viewie" on the nightstand. It shows a COUPLE in their 30's with a BABY.

HERSHEY (off viewie, amused) Well. Baby Dredd.

136 CLOSER 136 At her touch, the viewie becomes briefly ANIMATED.

137 BACK TO SCENE 137 She's about to put it down - when something about its weight makes her suspicious. She turns it over, examines it - finds a          HIDDEN SEAL. The frame OPENS. Inside is a second viewie. It          shows Dredd, mid-twenties - and Rico, the same age. Bot are grinning: Graduation dav at the Academy.

138 CLOSE ON HERSHEY 138 She's puzzled - quite clearly, she has no idea who Rico is.

COMPUTER VOICE Ten. Nine. Eight...         Hershey folds the frame back up.. .slips out the door with it.

COMPUTER VOICE Cancel. Thank you for your cooperation. (X)

CUT TO:

139 0!.IT_._.. 139

139A EX". ASPEN SHUTTLE - IN FLIGHT - NIGHT 139A

1398 INT. ASPEN SHUTTLE - COCKPIT - NIGHT 139B

The PILOT speaks into his throat mike. (X)

PILOT (X) Aspen Prison, phis is Prisoner (X) Shuttle 5A. Request landing Vector. (X) The VIDSCREEN on the console flutters into life. A harried (X) ASPEN GUARD appears there. There's NOISE AND CONFUSION in the (X) b.g. behind him. (X)

ASPEN GUARD(ON SCREEN) (X) Negative, Shuttle. We have a riot (XI          in progress. 'Request denied. (-

(CONTINUED)

50 -

,-- 9B CONTINUED: 139E

PILOT (X          Say again, Aspen? ( X;

ASPEN GUARD (X,          Repeat, riot in the Maximum Security (X; cellblock. Do not land. (XJ

140 INT. SHUTTLE - THE CAGE 140

Fergie is still tormenting Dredd, enjoying his fallen status. (X) He waits until a guard passes, then hisses: (X)

FERGIE (X) Let's try it again, Dredd. You're (X) in chains. You're going to prison. (X) But you're innocent, and I'm guilty. (X) But it's still not a mistake? (X)

PILOT ON P.A. (X)

ATTENTION, GUARDS. LANDING HAS BEEN (X)

CANCELED. REPEAT, LANDING HAS BEEN (X)

CANCELED. SECURE PRISONERS FOR NEW (X)

(X)

FLIGHT PLAN. And that's when it happens. In that split-second of distraction (X) when the guards look up to listen, Pa Angel begins to reach for (X)

(X) a guard's Stun Club!

ï¿½4_ FAVORING DREDD 141 invciuntarily, he lunges forward - (X)

DREDD (X) Look out - (X) Misunderstanding his intentions, the nearest guardZAPS him with (X) his Stun Club! At the same moment, Pa Angel getsthe other (X) guard's weapon, turns it on him! The guard DROPS.One of the (X)

(X) Angel boys grabs the key card!

42 GUARD WITH DREDD 142 turns, charges forward - but two Angels have already whisked the (X) key card over their cuff's ,canners! They tackle the guard! (X)

143 SHUTTLE JUDGES - AT CAGE ENDS 143 they rush to open the cage and run inside! (X)

144 IN THE CAGE 144 A PRISONER TRIPS a Judge!..,The Judge's gun MISFIRES! (X)

JUDGE DREDD 51 Rev. #1: 16/4/94

.45 THE SHUTTLE PILOT - FORWARD 145 the bullet goes through his seat! He slumps! (X)

146 RESUME CAGE 146 The entire aircraft TILTS. The Judges are swarmed by the (X) prisoners! The card keys are passed around and the overhead (X) chain RATTLES as it is pulled hand over hand, freeing the (X) manacled prisoners one by one! And all the while a BUZZ like (X) the one we heard before grows and grows: (X)

CONVICTS (X) .llldrrrd...LLLDRDDD... KILL (X)

DREDD! KILL DREDD! (X)

146A DREDD - ON THE FLOOR 146A punching, twisting, fighting the hands reaching for his throat. (X) As the aircraft banks steeply, he slides alon the floor with (X) his enemies. SEES a Judge's LAWGI trampled under the (X) scrambling feet. Reaches for it - reaches - reaches - (X)

146B WIDER 146B Dredd stands, FIRES! Everyone ducks! Dredd grabs Fergie from (X) the floor, hauls him forward! Dredd smashes his way to the (X) forward cage door, throws Fergie through it! Pa Angel grabs (X) Dredd by the throat and wrist - the gun falls outside the cage (X) -Dredd SMASHES the door on Pa Angel's head, locks it! (X)

DREDD (X) (to Fergie) (X) Hack the Shuttle! (X)

FERGIE (X) W-wha - (X)

DREDD (X) Hack the shuttle, now! (X) Fergie pushes the pilot's body aside, hits controls. Meanwhile (X) the convicts are swarming against the cage door. (X)

147 THE SHUTTLE - LONG SHOT --RIGHT 147 It spirals through the air, out of control.

148 INT. SHUTTLE - NIGHT 148

Dredd jams the cage door shut, struggles forward. (X)

DREDD What the hell's wrong? (X)

(CONTINUED)

JUDGE DREDD 52 Rev. #1: 16/4/94

R^

148 CONTINUED: 148

FERGIE The stabilizers controls! They got hit, toot (X) CAMERA RAKES to the control panel... and a SMOKING, SIZZLING section. The craft tilts alarmingly. Dredd grabs the stick, helps Fergie try and pull up. It's useless.

149 EXT. CURSED EARTH - NIGHT 149

The shuttle spirals towards the earth.

150 INT. SHUTTLE 150

The ground rushes up - fills the main viewport -

151 EXT. CURSED EARTH - NIGHT 151

The shuttle CRASHES, skids across the ground, smashing through rocks and cacti. Stabilizer fins SNAP off. WINDOWS shatter. The fuselage breaks in two. The rear half with the engines EXPLODES while the forward cabin keeps rolling.

152 NEW ANGLE - NIGHT 152 The forward half of the shuttle comes to rest. There's one last groan of metal from the cabin, and then... silence.

CUT TO:

153 EXT. MEGA-CITY RED LIGHT DISTRICT - FOLLOWING RICO - NIGHT 153

Crowded. Dangerous. In shadowy corners and dark alleys, bodies and souls are being bought and sold. Strange sounds of pain and pleasure assault our ears. Somehow even these twisted and dangerous people know not to fuck with Rico. They move out of his way almost instinctively.

154 A SCUZZY BIKER TYPE 154 suddenly flies out of a doorway, SMACKS into a pole near Rico. He shakes off the blow, wipes blood from his mouth... howls with animal fury. Charges back towards the doorway.

155 NEW ANGLE 155 His adversary appears, a whirling, lean muscular figure in         leather - a woman named ILSA. Now, with four spectacular karate moves, she hits him high, low, middle - and -the coup de grace - right in the balls!

53 -

S CLOSER ON THE BIKER

1 =         His eyes glaze. He drops like a stone.

ILSA Pathetic. She turns to leave... stops when she sees the amused eyes of         the man watching her from four feet away: Rico.

RICO Hello, Professor.

' 57 CLOSE ON ILSA

157          ILSA (cont ' d)

(DISBELIEVING) R.. .Rico?

RICO (off the environment) I see you're still researching the dark night of the soul.

ILSA The research ended when they condemned you. I live here, now. You showed me that facing death was the only way to live. Her eyes glisten as she moves towards Rico, touches his arm.

ILSA(CONT'D)         They... they told me you were dead. ?_cc reaches out gently. . .wipes a tear from her cheek.

RICO Don't go woosy on me, Professor. We got work to do. He puts his arm around her. They step over her victim on their way out.

CUT TO:

1S8 EXT. CURSED EARTH - DAWN

158         MOVEMENT inside the smashed aircraft.

158A INT. WRECKED SHUTTLE - DAY

158A Helmeted JUDGE HUNTERS move through the dim wreck, using BAR CODE READERS to scan the .ID tags of the dead. SCANNERS attached to their weapons show readings.

(CONTINUED)

54 -

9A CONTINUED:

158A Another Hunter steps inside through a jagged hole in the (X) fuselage.

SECOND HUNTER Sir.We found tracks leading away (X) fromthe wreck. At least half a (X) dozenpeople.

(X) The HUNTER SQUAD LEADER taps his helmet mike.

HUNTER SQUAD LEADER This is Capture Team. No sign of         Dredd. He appears to have survived the crash. Repeat, he appears to         have survived.

CUT TO:

1588 INT. GRIFFIN'S OFFICE - MEGA-CITY - INTERCUT

- DAY 158E

GRIFFIN

(INTO INTERCOM)

(X) You are in error, Capture Team. Dredd did not survive the shuttle wreck. No one survived the shuttle wreck. Do I make myself clear?

SQUAD LEADER'S VOICE (X) Yessir. Quite Clear.

158 INT. WRECKED SHUTTLE - RESUME - DAY

158C

ANOTHER HUNTER Sir! We found someone. We follow them forward. Their flashlights converge on one of         the WOUNDED GUARDS.

WOUNDED GUARD Thank God... thank - His eyes widen as their LASER GUNSIGHTS moves to his chest.

1581 EXT. WRECKED SHUTTLE - DAY

158D GUNFIRE erupts within and we

CUT TO:

159 INT. HERSHEY'S APARTMENT - MORNING 159

Enough personal things to ;ell us she's both a danger-crazed athlete... and a romantic.

(CONTINUED)

55 -

' 9 CONTINUED: She's still in sleepware, her uniform for today already laid out. She sips coffee from an Academy mug. Sits down at her apartment's Central Station.

HERSHEY Central, I need to access the graphics database.

CENTRAL That could take several days, Judge Hershey. The Graphic Database covers all known graphics, from the Paleoithic Era to today. Hershey opens the framed viewies she took from Dredd's         apartment, slides out the one with the adult Dredd.

HERSHEY (X) This should be a little faster: (X) (showing it) (X) I want you to ID this man. (X)

CENTRAL (X) Even from here, I can see it's Judge (X) Dredd. (X)

HERSHEY

(EXASPERATED) The other man! S slides the viewie into the scanning aperture.

CENTRAL (X) (all business now) (X) Scanning for identity, unknown male, approximately 200 Cm. tall, weighing 95 kilos, Skin Tone Three. Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six - Suddenly the CONSOLE GOES DEAD with a BEEP.

HERSHEY Central? Central? Hello?

A CANNED VOICE

(NOT CENTRAL) This terminal has been disconnected from the main system for a system check. You no longer .have access to the system. Thank you. The viewie pops out of the-..slot with a thunk. Hershey looks at         the computer suspiciously.

56 -

160 16C 'ru OMITTED thru

63 163

164 INT. JANUS LAB - DAY 164

After all the talk about this place, we probably expected more Sure, it's bi ; but half the hi-tech gear is under dusty plastic, andhe rest is under repair. Rico sweats over a         power module, straining with a wrench.

RICO Come on, you piece of junk... (aside to his robot) No offense. The bolt loosens. Rico can open the panel. RICO (cont' d)          Let there be Light. He flips a switch. The OVERHEAD LIGHTS come on. (Perhaps we          notice that the Lab seems to be retro-fitted into a n older,           metal structure with oddly irregular walls; perhap s not.)

165 LAB - NEW ANGLE 165 A PNEUMATIC DOOR OPENS. Griffin enters. He looks around, ï¿½ieased.

GRIFFIN You've made a lot of progress. Good.

ILSA'S VOICE Lights! About time - eyes narrow as Ilsa comes in from another area with a         ï¿½oboard.

RICO

(TO GRIFFIN) Griffin, I think you know Professor Haydyn?

GRIFFIN

(CAREFULLY) Yes. I haven't,-seen her since your trail. When she testified that you were insane... and therefore...         innocent. She looks at Rico with an expression worthy of a Manson follower.

(CONTINUED)

JUDGE DREDD 57 Rev. #1: 16/4/94

165 CONTINUED: 165

ILSA Since then I've learned innocence is just another lie. And that the best truths come only with pain. (back to reality) And... speaking of painful truths...         Here's our shopping list. She hands Griffin the digital notepad.

GRIFFIN

(READING) Inducers, nitrogen coils, nano- pumps... I can pull all this from Mega-City hospital. They won't even know it's gone. When can you be         on-line?

RICO Tomorrow. But it won't mean a thing if you can't get into Central's         Janus files. They're still security locked.

GRIFFIN Leave that to me. Meanwhile you have work to do... on the streets.

RICO "Fear, Terror, Panic." Yes. My         favorite emotions.

ILSA Mine too. Rico turns, whistles at the robot like it's a dog.

RICO C'mon, Fido. Walkies. The robot follows Rico and Ilsa out the door. Griffin watches

(X) them go, slightly unnerved.

11

CUT TO:

165A

165A EXT. CURSED EARTH - DAY

(X) The SUN sizzles into the LENS -

JUDGE DREDD 58 Rev. #1: 16/4/94

55B EXT. RUINED COURTHOUSE - DAY 165B

Fergie and Dredd are hanging by their handcuffs from a pole (X) which in turn has been set on the crossbeams of this ruined (X) building. Fergie is unconscious. Dredd, awakened by the crawl (X) of a SUNBEAM over his face, stirs, looks around. (X)

165C TWO OF THE ANGELS - NEARBY - HIS POV 165C They're going through gear and equipment scavenged from the (X) shuttle wreck. We have a sense of the other Angels just O.S., (X) where we HEAR VOICES and sounds of PAIN. But these.two here (X) attract our interest... especially now, when their fumbling with (X) the BLACK BOX RECORDER from the shuttle CLICKS IT ON. (X)

SHUTTLE RECORDING (full of STATIC) -- is Aspen Prison. Repeat do not land... riot in...gress... Warden dead... special prisoner...

PILOT'S VOICE (X) Special prisoner? Say again, Aspen. (X) You're breaking up... (X)

ASPEN VOICE .didn't even know he was here. Records showed execution... Rico, Samuel Rico... killed Warden...         sabotaged security system...           STATIC and GUNSHOTS end the tape. (X)

165D DREDD 165D CAMERA PUSHES IN on him. (X)

DREDD (X) (sotto, to himself) Rico? That's impossible... (g) O.S. SCREAM. Fergie wakes with a start, REACTS to the dramatic (X) shafts of sunlight raking the cathedral ceiling. (X)

FERGIE (X) Ohmigod, I'm dead. I'm dead! (X)

(SEEING DREDD) And in hell. (g)

165E NEW ANGLE 165E Reverend Angel and his sons come forward, throw down the BODY of         the Shuttle Guard they have just killed. (X)

(CONTINUED)'

JUDGE DREDD 59 Rev. #1: 16/4/94

55E CONTINUED: 165E

REVEREND ANGEL (X) Awake. Good. (X) (off the body) (X) We're running out of sinners. (X)

DREDD (X) You have just committed murder. (X) The penalty isdeath. (X) Reverend Angel HITS Dredd. (X)

REVEREND ANGEL (X) Silence, blasphemer! You still put your faith in a false Law, instead (X) of the one True Law! (X)

FERGIE (X)

(HOPEFUL) (X) Hallejuah, brother! (X) Dredd looks at Fergie suspiciously... Pa Angel looks at him with (X) odd interest. (X)

REVEREND ANGEL (X) Can it be? Can it be, that from (X) the City of the Fallen, there is (X) one of the Faithful? (X)

FERGIE (X) Amen, brother! Say it! (X)

DREDD (X) Ah... Fergie... (X)

REVEREND ANGEL (X) Boys, I believe we have a Believer (X) in the gallery. Cut him down! (X)

FERGIE (X) Go tell it on the Mountain! (X)

165F FAVORING FERGIE 165F He smiles as the Angels start to release him. (X)

FERGIE (X) Well, Dredd. The Law doesn't make mistakes, but I'm in like a disk, (X) and you're toast. (X)

DREDD (X) Actually, youre toast: I arrested (X) the Angels oar Cannibalism. (X)

(CONTINUED)

JUDGE DREDD 60 Rev. #1: 16/4/94

55F CONTINUED: 165F As Fergie's expression changes, they CUT HIM DOWN. CAMERA RAKES (X) to the Angel's campfire - and human parts roasting over it! (X)

REVEREND ANGEL (X) Prepare the Supplicant for (X) Sacrifice! (X)

FERGIE (X) I'm not succulent! I'm not (X) succulent, look, I'm skin and - (X) CRACK! Dredd has swung his legs up, wrapped them around the (X) pole, and SNAPPED it! He and the pole fall on top of Fergie (X) and the leadmost Angels! (X)

165G FERGIE 165G Falls, dodging feet - (X)

165H WIDER 165H the Angels still standing ignore Fergie, rush Dredd! Dredd (X) doesn't wait for them to reach him - he charges! He feints to (X) Pa Angel, takes out one of the boys! Two other Angels get in (X) blows - but then Dredd snatches up Fergie's half of the pole, (X) uses it like a Kendo Master! He knocks two Angels unconscious, (X) then a third - then - WHAM! He gets knocked down himself by (X)

1651 REVEREND ANGEL 1651 who raises the metal shaft he has used over his head - turns (X) it point downwards like a spear - and then - SLAM! He's SHOT. (X)

165J NEW ANGLE 165J Fergie, beside the dazed Dredd, looks up. A JUDGE HUNTER is (X) a short distance away, SUNLIGHT gleaming off his badge. (X) Relieved, Fergie jumps to his feet. (X)

FERGIE (X) I surrender! I surrender! (X)

THIRD JUDGE HUNTER (X) You can't. (X) He aims at Fergie! (X)

165K DREDD - ON THE GROUND 165K seeing this, he jumps up. (X)

DREDD (X)

NOT (X)

(CONTINUED)

61 -

IK CONTINUED: 16"          Another Hunter appears behind Dredd! Dredd whirls, grabs at the           man's gun barrel. SLAM SLAM! The shots go SKYWARD!

165L JUDGE HUNTER #3 - BELOW 165L ignoring the unarmed Fergie, he spins, FIRES -

1E5M DREDD 165M pulls the guy he's struggling with in front of him! The BULLETS hit him! Dredd wrenches the weapon from the man's dying fingers - SHOOTS the Hunter beside Fergie!

1E5N FERGIE 165N reacts as the Hunter falls beside him, the SCANNER landing right front of his face. Dredd grabs Fergie's elbow to pull him up - but Fergie resists - points to the SCANNER -

165C SQUAD LEADER AND COMPANION - ELSEWHERE IN RUINS 1650 Hearing the SHOTS, they race in that direction.

- - NT. COURTHOUSE - DAY 16E ^e last two Judge Hunters run towards the continuing SHOTS and S FX of a STRUGGLE. They climb a rubble wall, aim down at the s:,:,^ï¿½DS - stop, confused.

ANGLE - THEIR POV 165Q cf :::e.r own fallen men - and his SCANNER, its back panel __f and-wires hanging out. The scanner is replaying a          video/audio LOOP of the previous struggle with Dre ! That's          :ne "gunshots"!

1658 BA`K TO SCENE 16SR Too late, they realize they've been had. Dredd swings in on         a beam, KICKS one Hunter into a wall! We HEAR the man's neck crack! Dredd struggles hand-to-hand with the second one. They FALL to the Courtroom floor!-' Fergie appears with a piece of timber, tries to hit the Judge Hunter with it. The gun Dredd and the Hunter are both struggling for GOES OFF. The piece of WOOD EXPLODES in Fergie's hands! Dredd forces the gun barrel towards the Hunter - SLAM! He's dead. Sudden SILENCE.'

(CONTINUED)

62 -

CONTINUED:

165R

FERGIE We did it! We got them all! A SHAPE lunges up, close to CAMERA. It's one of the Hunters Dredd took out earlier, still alive enough to aim his weapon! Dredd aims his stolen one his trigger - CLICK! Empty! The Hunter squeezes Hunter turns - SLAM! The Hunter himself is hit! Shocked, the - gets off one last SHOT -

.165S REVERSE ANGLE

165S A FIGURE silhouetted in the Courtroom door FIRES at the same moment. The last Hunter falls, dead. Dredd looks at the new arrival... his hat... his long duster coat...

DREDD Fargo? BLOOD wells on Fargo's coat. e's been hit. As he sags, Dredd and Fergie rush towards him.H

CUT TO:

166 INT. ACADEMY DORM - STUDENT DATA PODS - DAY

166          Through the window blinds we can see the distant Hall of           Justice. We're in the Multi-media study cubicles used b Y t h e          undergraduates. Olme er is at a p

(X) roughs of his yearbook tacked all g over 1 thewwalls. The with WorKStation PURRS while Hershey glares at him.

HERSHEY The Dance? You want me to go to (X) the Go amn Junior Dance? (X)

OLMEYER (X) I've given up on the centerfold. I'll settle for a date. (X)

HERSHEY We're trying to save Judge Dredd, and you're using the situation to         blackmail me. That's disgraceful!

OLMEYER (X) I know. But I'll never get another chance like this. (X)

(POINTING) It's almost through processing the viewie. Do we have a deal?

(CONTINUED)

63 -

S CONTINUED:

IF

HERSHEY (through her teeth) Yes!

OLMEYER

(X) Low cut dress?

HERSHEY Yes! Just do'it!

OLMEYER (X)

(COCKY) Graphics Analysis coming up... now. He hits a control dramatically. The screen comes up... shows :he PICTURE OF BABY DREDD AND PARENTS. Hershey stares at it in disbelief.

HERSHEY Olmeyer, you stupid futz! You (X) analyzed the wrong picture!

OLMEYER I did? (X) She gropes around on the desk, finds the viewie frame with the s:o: of Dredd and Rico.

HERSHEY You were supposed to do this one! You just wasted three hours! c-_rrputer BEEPS. MESSAGES run by the bottom of the screen.

OLMEYER (X) If this is the wrong picture, why is it full of anomalies?

HERSHEY What?

OLMEYER (X) Slick ones, too..-. somebody must have used a CGI-'terminal and a scan quadrupler to make this. He looks at the image, uses the mouse.

HERSHEY You mean... it's not real?

OLMEYER (X) Take a look. I'll drop out all the artificial pixels.

64 -

67 NEW ANGLE 167 Hershey's eyes widen in shock as, one by one, the PICTURE ELEMENTS DISAPPEAR, scan line by scan line. OLMEYER(cont'd) (X) Sky. Foreground. House. Parents... they're all fake.

(TURNING) The only thing that's real is the baby. She's in shock. Maybe we are, too. (X)

168 168         hru OMITTED thru

_84 184

CURSED EARTH COURTHOUSE - DUSK 185

Fargo lies near the judge's bench. Dredd has dressed his wound (X) and made him as comfortable as possible. Fergie is heating rations from the Judge Hunter's cruiser over a fire. He brings soup over to Fargo. Fargo tries to swallow... can't.

FARGO Bury me there, under the blind lady. ^redd doesn't understand. Fargo raises his arm, points to the statue of Justice weighing her scales.

FARGO(CONT'D)         Judge or citizen - everyone got a          fair shake. She treated them all the same.

(WEAKLY POINTING) The jury sat there. Ordinary people. Worst thing we did was take justice out of their hands.

DREDD No. You and the first Judges...         you saved Mega-City.

FARGO Yes. And almost lost our souls. (on Dredd's.look) It seemed like,,a wise idea: Create the perfect Judge. Breed courage - wisdom - integrity. The Janus Project. We used the old Council for the base material. Five DNA samples were taken, two were chosen. One was mine.

(PAUSE) You were the., result.

(CONTINUED)

65 -         ,r-- i5 CONTINUED : Dredd is stunned --

DREDD But.., but the orphanage told me          my parents were killed by           lawbreakers -- they gave me that picture of them -

FARGO A fake. The psychs on the Janus project came up with that story. It was supposed to motivate you into law enforcement. It worked. Both times.

DREDD What do you mean, both times?

FARGO

(FADING ) There were... two infants created in the Janus lab. They were (X) supposed to be perfect. One was: (X) You. The other... somehow, it (X) was... mutated. Not anything you (X) could see... (indicating his head) But up here... horrible. A genetic (X) criminal that one day just went... (X) haywire.

(X)

(COUGHS) Guess we weren't the sterling specimens we thought.

DREDD I have a... brother?

FARGO More than a brother.

(PAUSE) You knew him at the Academy, Dredd. You Judged him. The Council Tried him.

DREDD

(STUNNED) Rico?

FARGO He had to be put down. But I         wouldn't let them do that to you. Griffin blackmailed me into the Walk, Dredd. Don't trust him.

(CONTINUED)

66 -         ,- 15 CONTINUED: (2) leg

DREDD Like I trusted you?

FARGO I'm sorry... son. The breath goes out of Fargo's body. He dies. Dredd stares at him, his world torn apart.

DISSOLVE TO:

186 EXT. CURSED EARTH - SUNSET 186

Dredd stands in the fading light, withdrawn within himself. Fergie approaches, carrying the Remington.

FERGIE I buried him. Except for this. Dredd silently follows Fergie to the grave. Fergie shoves the Remington into the mound of earth as a marker.

FERGIE(CONT'D)         You wanna... say something? He hands The Book to Dredd. After a moment, Dredd opens it.

DREDD

(READING) ."What is the end of a Just Man?         The Long Walk and then nothing?          No; for Whoever Walks with the Law          walks forever, and whoever honors          the Law will trod in his path..." Dredd looks at the fresco on the wall. Sees the faded words:

"LET JUSTICE BE DONE THOUGH THE WORLD PERISH."

DREDD

(SUDDENLY) Find food and ammunit.on. Load up         that sand cruiser.

FERG1 E         Where are going? Dredd yanks the Remington out of Fargo's grave. We track into Dredd's face until it fills frame.

DREDD To find Rico.

CUT TO:

67 -

7 8'I 187

OMITTED THZ

10 95

OA MEGA-CITY STREET - NIGHT 190A A squad of Judges on Lawmasters ride into SHOT.

DISPATCHER'S VOICE (X)

(FUTZED) (X) Reported unrest code D-924 downtown (X) sector 12 back-up requested. (X) The Judges stop and dismount outside a pleasure arcade. They (X) enter, careful, professional. Pause. BOOM!!! The Arcade (X) EXPLODES, throwing glass, flame, and JUDGE'S BODIES into the (X) street. (X)

CUT TO:

=9: A WOMAN - NIGHT 191 runs down a Mega-City alley. She flags down two JUDGES on         Lawmasters. Clutches at her torn clothing, pointing.

WOMAN Two of them! They tried to... it         was horrible! h T e Judges dismount, head that way. GUNSHOTS. SCREAMS. __rible tearing SOUNDS. ( .96         ï¿½a.:se. TheABCrobot comes around the corner, hands stained, (X)           =..__e: dingsinits armor. The woman turns. It's Ilsa. As (X)           s-:= reckonsthelumbering machine, we (X)

CUT TO:

192

THRU

193

= `' 3;-, =31" ' S LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT 193A         Frei: ed activity as several shifts double up.

JUDGE SERGEANT

(SHOUTING ASSIGNMENTS) Halloway, Kampal.i,! First Emergency Shift! Mifune,ï¿½"Lopez, Second         Emergency Shift! All of you, stay          alert! Whoever's been taking out          Judges knows our standard          procedures!           We move slowly from the showers with a Judge who moves to her (X)           locker. She's surprised to find it unlocked. Puzzled, she (X)          opens it - we SEE the odd..PACKAGE too late - EXPLOSION. (X`

JUDGE DREDD 68 Rev. #2: 17/3/94

3C EXT. HALL OF JUSTICE - NIGHT 193C

The EXPLOSION blossoms against the flank of thegreat metal eagle. As ALARMS RING we RAKE to RICO, amused. He lights a (X) cigar, tosses the match towards the distant flames. (X)

CUT TO:

194 EXT. MEGA - CITY WALLS - BINOCULAR MATTE - NIGHT 194

FERGIE'S VOICE There's no way in, Dredd!

195 REVERSE ANGLE - EDGE OF CURSED EARTH - NIGHT 195 Dredd and Fergie are standing beside the Hunter's sand cruiser. Their faces are dry and their lips parched and they show the wear from this journey. Dredd has a pack of gear on his back -andFargo's Winchester. Ignoring Fergie, he continues to (X) peerat the Mega-City wall. (X) FERGIE(cont'd) (X) Hey, did you hear me? They don't (X) have a welcome mat! (X)

DREDD (X) (lowering binoculars) (X) There's a way in: Six years ago two Cursed Earthers figured it out.

196 OVER THEIR SHOULDERS 196 Dredd points: Sure enough, there's a puff of FLAME at a VENT low on the wall. SMOKE rises into the sky. Then it stops.

DREDD(CONT'D)         The vent from the city incinerator. There's a burst twice a minute. That means that there's 30 seconds for someone to run through the tube before it flames again.

FERGIE And these Cursed Earthers, they made it through? , _

(CONTINUED)

69

6 CONTINUED:

DREDD Actually, they were burned to a         crisp. But the theory's sound.

(X) Let's go. FOOM. Another FIREBALL belches from the city wall. As Fergie (X) stares at it, Dredd starts forward. It's a few paces before (X)

(X) he notices Fergie hasn't moved. DREDD(cont'd) (X) What's wrong? (X)

FERGIE What's wrong? Are you kidding? Did that helmet you wore all those years compress your brain? You're         gonna get me killed!

DREDD (X) Fergie. There's a maniac loose in (X) the city - (X)

FERGIE There's one loose out here, too! Big choice, I got! Dying of thirst or from a fireball up my ass! This is all your fault!

DREDD My fault?

FERGIE (X) Yes! If you hadn't arrested me, (X) wouldn't be here in the first (X) place! (X) =erc a sits down petulantly. (X) FERGIE(cont'd) (X) I'm through schlepping. I'm gonna (X) sit here until I die... or until (X) you apologize. (X)

' - DREDD (X) The Law doesn't apologize. (X)

FERGIE (X) You're not a Judge anymore. (X)

DREDD ' (X) I was when I sentenced you. (X)

(CONTINUED)

70 -

`6 CONTINUED: (2) .96

FERGIE (X;          Don't get technical. Just say: "I'm (X)           sorry I misjudged you. And I'll (X)           never arrest you again." (X)           Dredd turns around. Marches back to Fergie. Pause. Dread (X)           whips a gun up, points it at Fergie. COCKS it. (X)

FERGIE (X) (after a moment) (X) Apology accepted. (X) Dredd turns... walks. Fergie looks at another FIREBALL emerging (X) from the city wall.. then at the trackless wasteland he's just (X) crossed. Pause. With a groan, he races to catch up with (X) Dredd. (X)

CUT TO:

1.97 EXT. MEGA-CITY STREET - NIGHT 197

SIRENS wail. FIRE burns around the corner. Several LAWMASTERS guise past. Looters run away from them. Close to CAMERA, Hershey throws two PERPETRATORS against a fen ce, cuffs them

-NPRO (X)

HERSHEY (X) (into radio) (X) Dispatch, I'm in Green Quad, 4-11. (X) Need pickup. (X)

DISPATCH VOICE (X) we copy, Hershey. We'll bag 'em. (X) Meanwhile I have Central on line (X) for you. Can you take it? (X) S^e sakes a few steps away from her perps for privacy. (X)

HERSHEY (X) Yes, patch me in! (X)

CENTRAL'S VOICE (X) Judge Hershey, you paged me. How (X) can I assist you?. (X)

HERSHEY (X) You can start by telling me why (X) Dredd's baby picture is a state (X) secret. (X) Pause. We can almost hear Central thinking. Meanwhile, behind (X) Hershey, a figure in a Judge's uniform approaches her Bike... (X) drops something into a storage compartment on it. Even from this distance we notice a red arming light on the object.

(CONTINUED)

71 -

7 CONTINUED: 1 C          The figure moves away. HERSHEY (cone,'. d ) Central. I want an answer.

CENTRAL I'm sorry, I can neither confirm nor deny your statement.

HERSHEY

(DISCONNECTING) Get a virus! Annoyed, she turns, heads back for her bike - and that's when it

EXPLODES!

CUT TO:

198 :NT. INCINERATOR CHUTE - NIGHT 198 A FIREBALL ROLLS TOWARD THE CAMERA. We PAN it. As it         disappears into the sky, Dredd and Fergie dive inside.

DREDD Run! C=ouched over, they race up the slight slope.

FERGIE (as he runs) Thirty... twenty nine... twenty eight... twenty seven... twenty six.. twenty five...         _ 9 9 r,:ti : _I ? E... ND THEM 199 =e:gie's already beginning to drop back. The only guide in the dark is the slight reflection from CONDUIT on the chute floor.

DREDD Stop counting!

FERGIE

(SOFTER) --nineteen... eighteen...         seventeen... sixteen...

200 DREDD 200 FAINT light starts to fall on him. 'Then he SEES it, up ahead -the lights of Mega-City! Dredd pushes on - reaches the opening! Turns to look at..,-

72 -

FERGIE 20; still halfway back!

FERGIE

(PANTING) Twelve... eleven - He FALLS! He tries to get up. His SHIRT is caught on the conduit! He struggles, in a panic, but - keeps counting! Ten! Oh, God, Nine! Dredd! Dredd,d)         help me! EIGHT! FOR GOD'S SAKE-

202 DREDD - CLOSE 202 He looks outside - so close - looks back - so far - it's          impossible to save Fergie! FERGIE (cont' d)

FIVE! DREDDDDDD! FOUR! Dredd looks down - SEES

203 E CONDUIT UNDER HIS FEET 203

FERGIE(CONT'D)

THREE! CAMERA RAKES back. Fergie's caught on the same conduit!

204 SESUME DREDD 204 'v::.- a-= :he strength in his body, he RIPS the conduit free from =^e floor - YANKS it forward -

205 205          As he shouts "TWO" he is whipped forward like a trout on a line!

206 C:TY MOUTH OF TUBE - NIGHT 206 per ie flies past Dredd, howling -

-'FERGIE

ONE! And, as a FIREBALL ROLLS RIGHT BEHIND THEM, Dredd dives out of         the opening behind Fergie!

73 -

7 DREDD 2 Has landed half-buried in a mound of ashes. He looks around.

DREDD Fergie? Dredd hears a muffled SOUND beneath him. He reaches down...         YANKS Fergie into view. Fergie spits out a mouthful of ashes.

FERGIE I'm alive. I'm alive! (seeing Dredd, less

ENTHUSIASTIC)         Oh. So are you.

CUT TO:

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT 208

hief Justice Griffin, Council Judges McGruder, Espositio and Yamamoto. A MESSENGER hands a data-pad to Yamamoto, leaves.

ESPOSITO

(STRICKEN) Latest casualty report.

(PAUSE) Ninety-six Judges have been assassinated.

MCGRUDER Whoever's doing it knows all our procedures... our security measures...even our scrambled frequencies - !

ESPOSITO Now the street criminals are taking advantage of the situation. It's         a nightmare!

YAMAMOTO Hell, it's a Goddamn revolution!

MCGRUDER We can't replaee those Judges! it         takes years of training! We may never be at full strength again!

GRIFFIN There is a solution. (on their desperate

LOOKS)         Project Janus.,

(CONTINUED)

74 -

"^ 18 CONTINUED:

208

MCGRUDER

(FURIOUS ) Chief Justice Griffin. Just mentioning that.is grounds for Impeachment!

YAMAMOTO We tried to play God once! It         almost destroyed the Council -

GRIFFIN If this wholesale slaughter of         Judges continues, there won't be          a council! Janus could -

ESPOSITO Come on, Griffin! A new batch of         test tube babies won't solve this crisis! We don't need reliable Judges 20 years from now when they're grown! We need them today!

GRIFFIN There's been over thirty years of         genetic research since Janus failed. What if we could create adult subjects, fully grown andfu3ly trained at birth? We could replace the Judges we've lost in weeks. We could save our society!

ESPOSITO Who knows if that's even possible?

MCGRUDER Who knows if it's safe?

GRIFFIN

(POINTING) Central does. All I'm asking is         that we unlock the Janus files and ask. That way, we at least have an option. (pause) .,' Please, let us find out. If the Council decides not to go forward...         I'll accept that decision... and resign. He has their attention.

CUT TO:

75

EXT/INT. HALL OF JUSTICE - NIGHT 209

WORKERS are still cleaning up after the earlier EXPLOSION. A          HAND reaches into SHOT, steals UNIFORMS and EQUIPMENT...

CUT TO:

210 INT. HALL OF JUSTICE - CORRIDOR - NIGHT 210

Dredd - in a stolen uniform - marches Fergie "under guard" through the building.

FERGIE

(WHISPERING) This is a mistake.

DREDD

(ALSO WHISPERING) Judges don't make mistakes.

FERGIE But Fargo said you couldn't trust

GRIFFIN -

DREDD I don't. But I trust the Council. When I tell them about Rico...

R         they'll listen. they pass peers at them, but doesn't speak. They round

FERGIE Just don't get us killed, Dredd. : still want that apology.

21- 211

THRU

212 212

21. CHAMBER - NIGHT 213 T^e '.:nges have all gathered around Central. One by one, they s:ecyuz, speak, put their thumb in Central's scanner.

GRIFFIN Griffin, Douglas. .Chief Justice. Authorize access-to file, code name "Janus".

CENTRAL Acknowledged.

JUDGE MCGRUDER McGruder, Evelyne. Council Judge. Authorize access to file, code name "Janus".

(CONTINUED)

76

3 CONTINUED: 2_3

CENTRAL Acknowledged. ON SCREEN, GRAPHICS show the SOFTWARE LOCKS being removed one by one from the Janus Files.

JUDGE ESPOSITO Esposito, Carlos. Council Judge. Authorize access to file, code name "Janus".

CENTRAL Acknowledged.

YAMAMOTO Yamamoto, Gerald. Council Judge. Authorize access to file, code name "Janus".

CENTRAL I have unanimous authorization for access to file, code name "Janus". Removing security blocks. .NOW. Awaiting Password command from Presiding Chief Justice.

=-SC ON GRIFFIN 214 :.c:-:en on him. He's been waiting for this moment.

GRIFFIN Password... Janus. moves in front of the mac hi ne, speaks tersely. GRIFFIN (cont' d)         Central: Using current technology, how long would it take for Janus to produce a fully grown adult subject?

CENTRAL Given the current state of genetic engineering an adult subject could be incubated in approximately eight hours. ASTONISHMENT in the room.

CUT TO:

77

INT. HALL OF JUSTICE - NIGHT 21_

Dredd and Fergie are almost at one of the Council Chamber doors. PAN BACK. The Judge who stared at them earlier is following them!

CUT TO:

216 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - RESUME 216

GRIFFIN

(TO CENTRAL) In what quantity could these subjects be produced?

CENTRAL Although only two subjects were produced in the original experiment, the laboratory was equipped with 20 incubators. if fully operational, 420 subjects could be         produced a week.

YAMAMOTO My God. We could replace our losses in a day -

MCGRUDER You aren't considering this madness?

YAMAMOTO No.. I'm just reacting to the possibility... a frightening possibility.

ESPOSITO Yes. I for one... think this is         an idea that should be forgotten.

MCGRUDER I agree. Judge Griffin, please (X) restore the Security Blocks.

GRIFFIN I see, now, that none of you have the force of will that these terrible times require. You will never open Janus again. So...         we'll just leave it... unlocked. 216r EXT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT 216A Dredd is about to open the door when a HAND spins him around. It's the Judge who followed..him!

(CONTINUED)

78 -

-^ -A CONTINUED :

216A

JUDGE Dredd! I thought it was y-- That's all he says before Dredd K.O.'s him!

216B INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - RESUME - NIGHT

216B McGruder stands, furious.

MCGRUDER Griffin, this is treason! You just sealed your fate!

GRIFFIN No. You've just sealed yours. Rico!

217 RICO

217          steps into the room.

218 BACK TO SCENE

218

MCGRUDER

(IN SHOCK) Rico - ! A:i the Judges go for their Lawgivers. But it's too late. Rico OPENS FIRE on FULL AUTOMATIC.

219 NEW ANGLE - FAVORING GRIFFIN

219         _=_ffin averts his eyes from the moment he orchestrated. -,a1:y the gunfire STOPS. CAMERA ADJUSTS. Rico stands, smoking gun in hand.

RICO Who says politics is boring?

DREDD'S VOICE

N00000000 - Rico whirls, looks at

220 DREDD - HIS POV

- AT ANOTHER DOOR 220 He has arrived in time to see the murders! With another SCREAM of fury, He LEAPS over the fallen Judge who tried to stop him -makes a running tackle at Rico!

79

WIDER 221 Dredd takes Rico to the floor. They both roll over and over.

DREDD

MURDERING SON OF A BITCH - !

222 GRIFFIN 222 tries to get a shot at Dredd, can't. Then Griffin hears ALARMS, SHOUTS, running footsteps. Griffin steps quickly in, KICKS Dredd in the head.

GRIFFIN

(TO RICO) Get out of here, now! Hearing people coming, Rico obeys.

22- FAVORING DREDD 223 He shakes his head, gets up - sees Rico is gone, but Griffin is         =moose. Moves forward -

DREDD You're mine.

GRIFFIN Really? s moment we think he's going to shoot. Then he turns his points it at his own arm - fires!

224         vâ€¢ :nrown by the maneuver, he hesitates. Behind, him, the _:.:ers rush in, see the shocking scene: The dead council - = wo..nded Chief Justice clutching at his own bloody arm -

GRIFFIN Stop him! He just killed the entire council! Dredd realizes he's fucked. He turns, runs. The Judge Hunters pause near their wounded leader; who bravely waves them on. ^.ey tear after Dredd like woJ-ves.

LZ_ :NT. HALL OF JUSTICE - CORRIDOR - NIGHT 225 Dredd tears around the corner! Fergie appears from behind the hiding place he ducked into at the first shots! ,

FERGIE Dredd! Tell them I'm innocent!

(CONTINUED)

80 -

Â€¢ 5 CONTINUED: 22= BULLETS rip up the wall, just missing him. Dredd grabs him by         the collar and they both CRASH through doors marked "ACADEMY

AND CLASSROOMS".

226 INT. ACADEMY TRAINING CENTER - NIGHT 226

BULLETS whiz past Dredd and Fergie's heads. They turn another corner, surprise a NIGHT WATCHMAN engaged in the ancient night watchman pursuit of eating a sandwich and reading a girlie magazine.

NIGHT WATCHMAN Hey - ! That's all he gets out. Dredd hi-blocks him, barrels past.

227 THE WATCHMAN 227 falls, dazed. His stiff, plastic paged copy of "MEGA-SEX" lands on the floor, a 3-D animated holo pinup still posing above the open pages.

228 W_TH DREDD AND FERGIE - INDOOR TRAINING CENTER - NIGHT 228 They enter the training center and Dredd runs right towards the ,--_ Marie IV Lawmaster! Leaps into the saddle and kicks over the en=ine! Spins around and heads back the way he came, grabbing =ergie en route!

225 T. :'RAINING CENTER - ANOTHER ANGLE 229 .oht watchman gets up in time to almost be run over. Dredd __..t_nues past him just as the pursuing guards appear here. :reds drives rich_ at them! They scatter! He turns again towards a wide open corridor - but the Judge Hunters appear there, and they're smart enough to take cover behind the archway, and pour on an awesome fusillade!

2:3 C DREDD 230 Turns again - he's flanked! He spins on the bike, takes the only direction left: Back into the training room - a dead end. Al; the Judges and Guards follow, BLASTING away.

23: ON THE BIKE - WITH DREDD AND FERGIE - MOVING 231 He races directly for the WALL! His fingers stretch out, hit a control marked "CANNON".

23LA BIKE - NEW ANGLE 231A CANNON click into view... FIRE!

81

BACK TO SCENE 231B A HOLE is blasted in the wall! Now we SEE Mega-City -hundreds of stories below us!

FERGIE Dredd..? Dredd, you're not gonna-- Dredd hits the button marked "AERIAL MODE". There's a BEEP and the SOUND FX we heard earlier... when the flying prototype failed.

DREDD

(A PRAYER) Please work. The indifferent half hearted SOUND of the Aerial Mode lifters isn't encouraging. They just GROAN.

DREDD(CONT'D)

P1 EASEWORKPLEASEWORKPLEASEWORK--

FERGIE

OHGODOHGODOHGODOHGOD -- CRASH' They go through the irregular hole!

EXT. JUDGE'S COMPLEX - NIGHT 232

=reds and Fergie fly out of the building on the Lawmaster Mark Barely hanging on, they fall silently through the air, _.ass spinning all around them. _ ke begins to turn a somersault.

DREDD(CONT'D)

PLEASSSSSSSSSSE - An, they. - the Aerial Mode Lifters kick in with an EERIE WHINE. "he fivï¿½nc motorcvc a comes out of its roll wit a BLAST of          rccxets - and roars upwards!

IN'T. ACADEMY TRAINING ROOM - NIGHT 233 The Judge Hunters REACT as the bike disappears in an instant, streaking across the sky like a-'comet!

34 234         ru OMITTED thru

35 235

36 INT. GRIFFIN'S OFFICE - NIGHT 236

A MEDIC leaves. Griffin, bandaged, turns as Rico comes out of         hiding.

(CONTINUED)

82

36 CONTINUED: 236

RICO Why didn't you kill him when you had the chance?

GRIFFIN It's better with him on the loose. He'll keep the surviving street Judges preoccupied while we work on Janus.

(TURNING) Central. Prepare the Janus Lab for full operation. And... while you're         at it... I'd like to appoint Judge Rico to the Council of Judges.

CENTRAL

(GUARDED) That may present some legal difficulties, since Judge Rico killed the entire Council of Judges.

(PAUSE) May I suggest you Pardon him, and then appoint him? That would meet the legal requirements.

GRIFFIN Excellent suggestion, Central. Do         it.

CENTRAL It's done. Council Judge Rico, may be the first to offer my         congratulations?

RICO Central... I'm touched.

CUT TO:

HERSHEY'S APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT 237 Mc%,inc carefully, Dredd and Fergie walk down the corridor. Dredd's still in the stolen uniform. They come to a nameplate with Hershey's name on it. ,We WIDEN. The door has been forced oiler..

238 NEW ANGLE 238 Dredd and Fergie look at each ether. Dredd swings the Remington out of hiding, steps inside.

83 -

I INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT

A total wreck. Electronic equipment still SIZZLES here. Dredd lifts a viewie of Hershey and some friends from the Academy. The three women LAUGH and wave as he touches it.

FERGIE I guess you're out of friends, Dredd.

24C NEW ANGLE 240 Hershey, weapon in hand, steps inside. She's battered, beat up, and edgy. The way the light hits the room she can only see one figure.

HERSHEY Up against the wall, now! The figure complies. It's Fergie.

HERSHEY

(RECOGNIZING HIM) Ferguson. You're the hacker we         arrested. What are you doing here?

FERGIE I'm with him. - =141; steps into the light.

HERSHEY Dredd! '_- a moment she's elated. Then her face hardens. She holds n steady. HERSHEY (cont' d)         Stay where you are.

DREDD Hershey. What is it - ?

HERSHEY They're dying out-there, Dredd. A hundred and eight Judges in 48 hours. Everyone who's left is on         triple shifts and pseudorphin. I         thought it was organized criminals, revolutionaries, something... then I was a target.

DREDD You think I'm-part of this -

(CONTINUED)

84 -         r^ 40 CONTINUED: 24C

HERSHEY I don't know what to think anymore. Dredd moves like lightning - pins her gun hand against the wall - then freezes. It's a challenge, not a threat. She glares at him - counter moves - gets an elbow against his throat! But Dredd doesn't break her hold - or turn the gun on her. It's          deliberate check-mate on both their parts.

DREDD

(QUIETLY) Do you really think I'd hurt you?

HERSHEY Secrets can hurt more than anything. She relaxes her hold on him. Throws something down.

24= NEW ANGLE 241 y-'s the picture of Dredd and Rico.

HERSHEY(CONT'D)         Tell me about him, Dredd. Make me         believe in you again the way I did when I defended you.

DREDD

(SLOWLY) His name is Rico. And he killed like this once before, nine years ago.

HERSHEY And he's doing it again?

DREDD Him... and Griffin.

HERSHEY Griffin? We have to tell the Council - !

, DREDD There is no Council, Hershey: They were all murdered an hour ago.

242 HERSHEY 242 She's been on her feet for days and this is the last psychic blow. She sags. Dredd catches her.

CUT TO:

JUDGE DREDD 85 Rev. #1: 16/4/94

243 INT. HERSHEY'S APT. BEDROOM - LATER 243

Hershey is on what's left of the bed. She holds a cup of         coffee, more interested in its warmth than its contents. Dredd is nearby. With the borrowed helmet off, we see how haggard he looks. In the other room, Fergie putters with the wrecked computer.

HERSHEY

(SOFTLY) Clones. Clones, from a genetic laboratory. (pause, wryly) I guess I wasn't so bad in court after all. That's why the DNA convicted you. You and Rico are...

DREDD The same. Inhuman. Defective. He         just broke down, first.

HERSHEY No!

DREDD How many times have you said I had no feelings, no emotions? Now you know why. (x)

HERSHEY

ENTL Dredd.g Children were born in         laboratories, even back in the twentieth century... test tube babies, in vitro fertilization. No one ever questioned their

HUMANITY -

DREDD It's not the same! They had parents, they embraced their humanity... they didn't hide it...         fight it... question it!

HERSHEY Dredd. The Janus project didn't         do that to you. You did that to         yourself. He turns, startled. Realizes she's right.

DREDD (almost in wonder) Myself. Griffin. Fargo. Even Fergie. I've been wrong about so         much...

(CONTINUED)

86 -

33 CONTINUED: 243

HERSHEY Never the Law, Dredd. Never the Law. That means more than anything else she can say to him. He looks into her eyes. Fergie comes in, ends the moment.

FERGIE You can forget the terminal out here. We're gonna have to go         somewhere else to get in the System.

DREDD (after a moment) Hershey. You just said I was never wrong about the Law. They took away my badge. I'm a convicted murderer. I have no authority any more - no         legal authority. Pause. without the law as a safety net, Dredd is in uncharted emotional territory.

DREDD(CONT'D)         Will ...wi11 you help me, Hershey? Not as a Judge but... but... as my         friend? ::'s the most ordinary request anyone could make... anyone but Dredd. Hershey understands how much it means. She fights back :ears, puts her hand on his arm.

HERSHEY I'd be honored. Dredd reaches over, squeezes her hand. There's absolutely nc:n.nc sexual about it - and that makes it even more powerful.

CUT TO:

244 INT. JANUS LAB - NIGHT 244

Rico is at the main control console. Behind him, Ilsa is         tinkering with a cleaning d=id. . Eh : RAL The DNA sample has been taken out of frozen stasis. I am ready to         begin the cloning process.

RICO Slight change,. of plans, Central. I want to purge that DNA sample.

(CONTINUED)

87 -

4 CONTINUED: 2,- Ilsa looks up startled as the computer WHIRRS.

CENTRAL DNA sample purged. If you wish to         proceed with cloning, I will require a new sample.

ILSA What are you doing?

RICO The same thing you are: House-cleaning. Mock-annoyed, she throws a cleaning rag at him. She turns on         he droid. It moves off, polishing the floor. Curious, she icins Rico.

RICO (CONT'D)         Central, active the DNA sampling console. :4-nind Rico, another CONSOLE lights up. Rico crosses to it, passing by his pet robot. v:: _ .. R : CO 24

CENTRAL The sampling console is ready. rips his sleeve open to the elbow... sits down... puts his _.:rnec arm in a special steel hollow. CHUNG! CLAMPS close, ._s arm down. RICO (cont' d)         Central. Take DNA sample.. .now. DRILL LIKE DEVICE descends with a frightening grind -anc STABS right into his arm!

24 _ ;_SA 246 sumps, startled - a fleck of BLOOD splatters on her clothes-

241, BACK TO SCENE 247 The drill like device retreats while another automated device slaps a plasti-bandage on Ricc's arm. The clamps OPEN.

CENTRAL New DNA sample being analyzed. Scanning. Ma;rix scan complete.

(CONTINUED)

88 -

CONTINUED:

247         Rico pulls Ilsa into his arms. RICO (cont' d)         Kiss me, Professor. I'm gonna be         a father.

CUT TO:

248 ACADEMY DORM - MULTI-MEDIA PODS - NIGHT

248         DARK, except for a glow in a cubicle at a bend in the=corridor. CAMERA creeps towards the light. Meanwhile, we HEAR the

FOLLOWING:

DREDD'S VOICE Central, I order you to give me the location of the Janus Lab, immediately! By now the CAMERA is in Olmeyer's student pod. Olmeyer, (X) Fergie and Hershey are in a corner, watching and whispering. : edd is on the other side of the cubicle, at a Central Station. ' r e's wearing his own helmet and badge again.

CENTRAL I am sorry, but the location of the Janus Lab is classified information, accessible only to Chief Justice Griffin and Council Judge Rico.

DREDD

(EXPLODING) Rico? He's a Council Judge now?

CENTRAL Actually, the onl Council Judge. Chief Justice Griffin promoted him so they could both use me to get the Janus Lab up and running.

DREDD You're helping them?

,-CENTRAL Of course. They are the highest ranking surviving Judges in Mega- City. I am programmed to obey them.

DREDD But they're breaking the law! Who the hell programmed you?

(CONTINUED)

89 -

8 CONTINUED:

2-

CENTRAL Lawyers.

(PATIENTLY) Chief Justice Griffin and Council Judge Rico are my lawful superiors unless and until criminal charges are filed against them.

DREDD Fine! I'll file charges!

CENTRAL

(CHIDING) Now, we've already been over that one: You're not a Judge anymore and you can't file charges. Flash of inspiration. Dredd excitedly signals Hershey.

HERSHEY Central. This is Judge Hershey. I hereby file formal charges of         murder against Chief Justice Griffin and Council Judge Rico. And I order you to give me the location of the Janus Lab so that I may personally make the arrest!

CENTRAL Certainly, Judge Hershey. However, as per Mega-City Code Section 84, Paragraph "A", I need authorization from the Chief Justice to arrest a Council Judge. Similarly, as         stated in Paragraph "B", same Section, I need authorization from any Council Judges to arrest a Chief Justice. In this case, that would be Chief Judge Griffin and Council Judge Rico.

DREDD

(THROWN) We need permission from them to         arrest.. .them?

CENTRAL Basically... yes. And without their authorization you cannot file charges, and without charges I         cannot violate Security and tell you the location of the Lab.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

90 -

9 CONTINUED: (2)

248

CENTRAL (CONT'D)

(PAUSE) I hope this is finally clear.. If         there aren't any other requests, may I close this work station? These last few days have been a         strain and I really need to defrag. The work station SHUTS DOWN. Dredd turns.

DREDD Fergie, you've got to have something - a password, a kluge -

FERGIE Central's a fuzzy A.I. - the best fuzzy A.I. ever built. If reasoning didn't work... (pause, helpless) .nothing will.

DREDD Come on, you cracked the food robot... the shuttle computer -

FERGIE Simple systems, Dredd! Besides, I was scared.

DREDD Scared..?

FERGIE Well, yeah. Those were life or         death situations. That's when my         adrenalin shoots up and my brain goes into overtime - but you can't         predict when that's gonna - Dredd grabs him, tucks him under his arm like a newspaper, and leaves the pod.

FERGIE Hey! The others are so surprised it's a second before they follow. (X)

91 -

9 INT. STUDENT CENTER - CORRIDOR

Dredd strides down the hallway, holding Fergie up in the air. (X,

DREDD (X) First that Goddamn computer turned (X) on me. Then, you! (X) CRASH! Fergie's head hits a LIGHT FIXTURE. The bulb EXPLODES. (X)

FERGIE (X) Dredd, have you gone craz- OW! (X) Dredd steers him into another hanging FIXTURE. And ANOTHER. (X)

FERGIE (X) Dredd! Stop it - OW! Are you out (X) of your - OW ! ( X )

HERSHEY (X) Dredd, you're scaring him! (X)

DREDD (X) That's the idea! (X) Another BULB EXPLODES.

FERGIE Damn it, Dredd, Lemme down! I'm          hitting every Goddamn - 2ï¿½C ice:- - CLOSE 250 ï¿½.. :his position, we can SEE the flash of inspiration on (X) s "ace.

FERGIE(CONT'D)         (finishing the thought) - light!

V - MEGA-CITY LIGHTS 251 Ou_side the nearby window, a galaxy ofillumination. (X)

FERGIE ' S VOICE - the city liahâ€¢ts..:

252 BACK TO SCENE 252 FERGIE (cont' d)

I GOT IT! LEMME DOWN! (X) Dredd instantly obeys. Fergie's actually excited. He races (X) back to the student pod, the others right behind him. He pulls Hershey's sleeve.

(CONTINUED)

92 -

," -) 2 CONTINUED : 252

FERGIE(CONT'D)         Have it show you the city power grid!

HERSHEY Central! I need to see the city power grid!

CENTRAL,

(COMING ALIVE) Certainly, Judge Hershey. I'm glad we've finally changed the subject. The first level of the city power grid comes up. Like the first page of the Thomas Guide, it's very general and low on detail.

FERGIE (into her ear) Tell it to scan around all the grid sections. Random selection.

HERSHEY Scan through all the grid sections. Random selection. RAPID IMAGES now: Different neighborhoods of Mega-City, all depicted as COMPUTER GRAPHICS of color and pattern.

OLMEYER (X)

(WHISPER) What are we doing?

DREDD (getting it, a whisper) The Lab was top secret. It had to be in an out of the way place to stay secret. Right?

FERGIE

(NODDING) Out of the way places have low power demands. But a Genetic Lab would suck power likea motherfu-

DREDD

(SEEING SOMETHING)

STOP!

HERSHEY

STOP! They all rush forward, look at the grid. It's mostly DARK, just specks of light - but there''s one PULSING HOT SPOT.

(CONTINUED)

93 -

,, -2 CONTINUED : (2) 2=

DREDD Red Quad, Section 5: The oldest part of Mega-City. Olmeyer turns, looks off. (X)

OLMEYER (X) Did you hear something?

CENTRAL It's probably just the Judge Hunters.

DREDD What?

CENTRAL When I was off-line a moment ago, Judge Griffin asked me if I knew where you were. Naturally, I told him yes, and gave him your location.

OLMEYER (X ) Get out, quick - !

HERSHEY What about you -

OLMEYER (X) I'll tell them you forced me to help you, get out! _2JX25 of pursuit are closer. Fergie yanks Dredd's arm. They _=ave. At the last moment, Hershey spontaneously kisses :,:mever. Needless to say, he's thrilled. (X)

253 W:OER 253 As :redd & Co. break to leave they're momentarily visible in          the bend of the corridor. SHOTS ring out. Olmeyer makes his (X) deo_s.on. He jumps into the aisle, starts FIRING. OLMEYER(cont'd) (X) (over his.,shoulder) Hershey, run! He charges forward, firing again and again, handling the weapon like an expert!

254 THE FOUR JUDGE HUNTERS 254 Totally caught by surprise.,.,they FIRE BACK for a second, but then Olmeyer's fusillade of RICOCHETING BULLETS sends them diving for cover!

94 -

DREDD, HERSHEY AND FERGIE 255 Almost at the flying cycle. Hershey hesitates at the shots. Dredd grimly pushes her towards the bike.

256 OLMEYER 256 Gun empty, he dives for cover. Three of the Judge Hunters barrel past and the forth cracks him over the head and kicks away the weapon.

257 THE FLYING CYCLE 257 ROARS into the sky! For the second time, the Judge Hunters are too late!

2.58 WITH ONE OF THE JUDGE HUNTERS 258 While his comrades radio-report, he angrily stalks back to where Olme yer i s s i tting on the floor under guard. (X)

JUDGE HUNTER You're under arrest, cadet. Anything you say will be held against you. Woozy from the blow to the head, Olmeyer nods, pleased. (X)

OLMEYER (X) Judge Hershey.

CUT TO:

25. JANUS LAB - NIGHT 259 comes in, sees Rico and Ilsa. Crosses quickly towards - ne m.

GRIFFIN Dredd got away from the Hunters. He could be on his way here right now!

RICO Don't worry. He's going to be         seriously outnumbered. Right, Central?

COMPUTER Correct, Council Judge Rico. The new DNA sample has been multi-plexed and the gametes are already dividing.

(CONTINUED)

95 -

,,-. -9 CONTINUED : 2F

GRIFFIN

(STUNNED) New sample..? What the hell's going on?

RICO Hey, That old DNA was in there for over 30 years. Sooner or later you gotta clean out the fridge.

GRIFFIN

(FURIOUS) That sample was created from the finest specimens on the Council of         Judges! What did you replace it         with? Rico just smiles.

GRIFFIN(CONT'D)         My God. You?

RICO Can you think of a better model? Sleek lines... strong chassis. Corners on the curves.

ILSA I've test driven him. It's true.

2-: _= AND GRIFFIN - TWO SHOT 260 ..`_ pulls Rico away from her, talks in a desperate whisper.

GRIFFIN Rico. You don't know what you're         doing! Software or wetware, when you make reproductions, there's         always the danger of a defective copy! The last time, there was one perfect copy -

RICO Me.

GRIFFIN Dredd! And one defective copy -Lou! You had a mutation, on the Y         chromosone...

RICO Yes. A mutat;on that made me the next step in human evolution.

(CONTINUED)

96

60 CONTINUED:

26C

GRIFFIN A mutation that made you a genetic criminal!

RICO Really? What's your excuse?

GRIFFIN Rico, for God's sake, listen! You're a defective copy yourself! And now you're making more copies that will be even more mutated -more

TWISTED -

RICO You're lying! All you care about is control! Well, the next batch of Janus Judges won't be the puppets you want... they'll be my brothers and sisters, mine to control!

GRIFFIN

(VOICE HUSHED) .sisters?

RICO Why not? I'm going to breed some more of me... the old fashioned way.

ILSA I'd like to be a fly on that wall.

RICO You will be.

26- 3R_. 'IN

261         Looks from Rico to Ilsa and back again, suddenly seeing them clearly for the first time.

GRIFFIN My God. I never should have started this. Never. But now I'll         finish it - ï¿½. He draws his Lawgiver! But it has barely cleared the holster when the ABC robot grabs Griffin's wrist! It plucks the weapon from his han as if he's a child, hangs on to him!

RICO Griffy. You shouldn't have done that. Fido is very loyal.

(CONTINUED)

97 _

CONTINUED: 2F The robot grabs Griffin with its other hand. He's completely off the ground now.

GRIFFIN

(STRUGGLING) Let me go! Central! Help me!

CENTRAL I'm sorry, Chief Justice. The ABC robot is not tied into my main processor. Judge Rico has sole voice control.

RICO That's right, Griff. You gotta get with this hi-tech stuff. Robot: Tear off Judge Griffin's arms and legs. Save his head for last. CAMERA ADJUSTS as Griffin SCREAMS with fear - and then, as we         :GHTEN on Rico and Ilsa, and we SEE the horrible SHADOWS on          t:ne wall, the screams become far, far worse. cc watches with wincing amusement, like a spectator at a         par: cularly rough hockey game. :=sa watches with a sick fascination and awe. -:-:ally the screams and horrible wrenching sounds STOP. There's         a T The robot returns to position, metal hands stained.

RICO

(OFFHAND) Central. Where were we?

CENTRAL Before we go on, um... may I assume that Judge Griffin has uh... retired from duty?

RICO You may so assume.

ï¿½,â€¢ CENTRAL I. see. (not thrilled!         Well, in the uh, absence of any          other um... surviving Council          Judges, you are now the Presiding          Chief Justice.

(PAUSE) How may I sex e you?

(CONTINUED)

98 -

CONTINUED: (2) 261

RICO

(SMILING) Send in the Clones. LIGHTS, ACTION. The Lab is completely on line.

CENTRAL The clone incubators are on-line. The first batch of clones from your personal DNA can be hatched in eight hours. Chief Justice Rico, how many copies of you would you like?

RICO Let's start with... a thousand. CAMERA ADJUSTS to show the INCUBATORS as they begin to fill with

PROTOPLASM.

CEN'T'RAL Beginning Cloning process.. .now. And as an EIGHT HOUR COUNTDOWN begins, we

CUT TO:

2 EXT. RED QUAD, SECTION 5 - NIGHT 262

Tne oldest part of the city, with buildings and architecture _rom our era and even earlier. CAMERA DOLLIES back. The Flying Lawmaster has just landed, DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF CAMERA. ï¿½ers:ï¿½ev checks her Lawgiver. Dredd swing-cocks the Remington ixe a Western Hero.

FERGIE This looks like a really bad neighborhood. I'll stay here and watch the bike -

DREDD

(DRAGGING HIM) We might need you to shut down the Janus system.

FERGIE I. knew you were gonna say that.

DREDD

(TO HERSHEY) Down there? She checks a SCANNER.

(CONTINUED)

JUDGE DREDD 99 Rev. #1: 16/4/94

262 CONTINUED: 262

HERSHEY Down there. CAMERA ZOOMS BACK. They're on the artiall ruined HEAD of (X) the STATUE OF LIBERTY! Now, t ey DESCEND into the torso. (X)

263 INT. STATUE OF LIBERTY - TORSO - NIGHT 263

Dredd, Hershey and Fergie move down through the long-neglected monument. BATS flutter past. Only Fergie ducks.

FERGIE

(SWATTING COBWEBS) This is fraggy. No one's been up         here in a hundred years.

HERSHEY

(CHECKING SCANNER) Someone's sure down below. Power Surge... this way.

264 REVERSE ANGLE 264 They come down to a CURVED LANDING. They walk along the curve... to a dead end. More BEEPS. Everyone tenses.

HERSHEY

(PUZZLED) No wait, it moved... over to... As she turns to look around, the ABC Robot LUNGES OUT OF THE SHADOWS, grabs her off her feet! She drops her Lawgiver and scanner!

HERSHEY

DREDD!

265 NEW ANGLE 265 The robot holds Hershey with one hand - opens FIRE with the other! Fergie is hit! Dredd throws the wounded hacker to         relative safety - swings up. the ancient Remington - FIRES at         the robot!

266 HERSHEY - IN THE ROBOT'S GRASP 266 She flinches even though she knows Dredd is aiming around her. But Dredd's 30-30 bullets barely, dent the robot!

267 WIDER 267 Man and robot advance on each other like Hong Kong gunmen, BLASTING AWAY. Dredd's shots BOUNCE off the Robot's armor!

(CONTINUED)

100 -

A0_1 - S7 CONTINUED: 267 Some of the Robot's shots miss Dredd - some bounce off Dredd's          armor - and one shot wings Dredd's shoulder. But Dredd KEEPS

ON COMING!

268 THE ROBOT'S LEG 268 a bullet hits a tendon-like CONTROL WIRE! It SNAPS!

269 BACK TO SCENE 269 With an electronic SCREAM the robot GOES DOWN! But it hangs onto Hershey! Suddenly a PNEUMATIC DOOR slides OPEN. Rico and _isa are there, backlit. Both armed.

RICO Enough. Dredd. Drop your gun.

DREDD No.         (starting to aim) Edsel, here still has another

KNEECAP - T h e ROBOT looks sharply at Dredd.

RICO Amusing. Robot. On a count of         three... break Judge Hershey's neck. One... two...         .e.: groaning, the Robot STANDS - tenses. Dredd throws down Remington beside Hershey's Lawgiver. Ilsa comes over to the V:ea=c^s. She picks up the REMINGTON... starts to reach for the

R =., I AN: HERSHEY 270 s-=a-: a dance towards each other...

SCENE 271 Suddenly Ilsa grins. Laughs... and kicks it away.

RICO She's such a tease.

(HARSHER) Inside. Dredd is taken away. CHUNG. The Pneumatic door closes, leaving Hershey and Fergie in darkness with'the robot.

101 -

INT. JANUS LAB - WITH DREDD 2-

He's marched between Rico and Ilsa.

ILSA

(OFF DREDD) He looks a lot like you.

RICO He is a lot like me.

DREDD I'm nothing like you.

RICO The only difference between us, Joseph, is that you destroyed your life when you embraced the Law. I         destroyed the Law and embraced...- life !

273 DREDD - CLOSE 273 Dredd reacts, startled to hear this twisted version of his own earlier words. RICO'S VOICE(cont'd)         And speaking of life... behold. A Sw_TCH is thrown - 2-74 A : u` STS LAB - VERY WIDE - NIGHT 274 7cr the first time we SEE it, fully operational, fully lit, =_ea^inc with cold efficiency. Despite himself, Dredd is          -.pressed. Rico dances into the great room, expansive. Ilsa oes Dredd forward.

RICO This is where we were born, brother! Can you feel the magic? Come...         come, see where we began.

W:-.H DREDD 275 Drawn despite himself, he stands beside Rico, head turned up         like his clone brother's. They never looked more alike. Dredd looks into the glass of the Incubator Chambers just above him. Inside, still forming HUMAN SHAPES, male and female, suspended in milky fluid.

RICO(CDNT'D)         Look at them. Full of promise. The dawn of the new day.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

102 -

CONTINUED: 275

RICO(CONT'D)         (pause, turning) The dawn of a new species.

CUT TO:

276 INT. JANUS LAB - LANDING - NIGHT 276

The ABC stands guard, Hershey still in its metal grip. She struggles but can't free herself. Fergie groans, opens his eyes. He presses one hand against his wound... then sees Hershey's predicament. Then he looks at the robot from head to toe...

CUT TO:

277 INT. JANUS LAB - NIGHT 277

Rico points to the other banks of incubators.

RICO Our brothers and sisters will be          born in two hours. 60 today...          60 tomorrow. An endless supply of         perfection to guard Mega-City forever. (turning, earnest) Dredd. I can't train them alone...         wide them alone. You can help me. You have to help me: It's your (X) birthright.

DREDD You get nothing from me, Rico. You've betrayed the Law.

RICO You... you dare mention betrayal to me? I was your friend. More then a friend! I was oyal to         you... and you Judged me! You sent me up for nine years o frozen hell in Aspen! And you dare say "betrayal" to me? He raises his Lawgiver, aims it between Dredd's eyes.

RICO (dead serious) (X) Dredd. Give me your word you'll         help me raise the kids.

(CONTINUED)

103 -

7 CONTINUED:

2-

DREDD When Aspen thaws, Rico. Go to hell. Tense seconds. Rico grins boyishly, lowers the gun.

RICO Aw. You knew I couldn't pull the trigger. we're family. He steps back. His face hardens. He SHOUTS.

RICO(CONT'D)         Fido!

7-78 NEW ANGLE

278         CHUNG. The pneumatic door OPENS. Limping on its bad leg, the robot clanks slowly into the room, still hanging onto Hershey. Rico points at Dredd. RICO (cont' d)

(POINTING) Rip his arms and legs off... one by one. Save his head for last. ^e robot turns, clanks. Extends its free hand towards Dredd! red backs up - into a wall! The robot keeps coming, moving ce:weer. Rico and Ilsa - and then -THE ROBOT TURNS - BACKHANDS

279         :=Ips over backwards, drops down a level! Ilsa runs :z-war_ - and the Robot knocks her aside, too!

280

ASTONISHED - until he SEES Fergie, hanging on the back of the his hands deep inside it working its circuits!

FERGIE

(A COWBOY) Yee-HAH! Now, there's one more SIZZLE and SPARK and the machine drops Hershey!

HERSHEY Dredd! Catch! She throws the Remington â€¢11sa dropped to Dredd!

104 -

1 DREDD 28: whirls, FIRES down at Rico. Rico dives for cover... manages to grab his Lawgiver! He FIRES back up at Dredd!

282 ILSA 282 jumps to her feet - right into Hershey's fist!

283 FERGIE 283 hangs on to the robot as it staggers around, trying to regain control of its own movements. It stumbles back out into the corridor. Fergie sees it's reaching for him! Desperate, Fergie reaches into the robot as far as he can, throws a SWITCH! ZAP!

284 THE ROBOT - NEW ANGLE 284 :: PUNCHES its own FIST into its BRAIN. The head EXPLODES.

285 _ERGIE 285 hi=s the floor, hard. Something inside him breaks. But he         still has enough strength to look up and SEE

286 ROBOT - HIS POV 286 SMOKE billows from its head. Fist still buried to the wrist in         a bizarre salute, it SLOWLY TOPPLES. CRASH!

FERGIE Hack you... asshole. =ercï¿½e slumps... lies still.

CUT TO:

287 :_SA AN-- HERSHEY 287 Cor...nue to struggle hand to hand. Ilsa breaks free - goes into ^.er blurring Karate moves - finishes as always with a savage K7.--K to the crotch -

258 HERSHEY - TILT UP FROM HER GROIN 288 Hershey just grins.

HERSHEY You don't fight girls much, do you? She grabs Ilsa's ankle, flips her!

CUT TO:

105 _

RESUME DREDD 28;' He's trying to keep Rico at bay, but he's clearly outgunned. Reloading behind cover, he SEES Fergie in the doorway. Crawls over to him. Fergie's ashen, his shirt soaked with blood.

DREDD Fergie.

FERGIE

(WEAKLY) Say it, Dredd. Pause.Then Dredd remembers.

DREDD I. I made a mistake. I... I'm         sorry I misjudged you.

FERGIE And you'll never arrest me again.

DREDD And I'll never arrest you again.

FERGIE Damn straight. e dies. Dredd closes his eyes. CAMERA TIGHTENS on Dredd as         nis face fills with fury. He SEES Hershey's Lawgiver on the --cor. Snatches it up! We CRANE UP with him as he COCKS it.

DREDD

RICOOOOOO! wnrls, CHARGES into the open!

28 5 W:TH DREDD - RUSHING FORWARD 289 He's a one man mobile artillery charge, AIMING, FIRING and snou;..nq commands to his computerized weapon!

DREDD

DOUBLE-WHAMMY! BOOMERANG! SPIN

DIZZY! HEAT SEEKER! ARMOR

PIERCING!

290 REVERSE ANGLE 290 It's like a fireworks display as round after round of special bullet roars from Dredd's weapon, whirling all over the room! Mind totally blown, Rico tries to a'im, but then the BULLETS start to seek him out! He turns.. .runs!

106 -

' 91 WITH RICO

29:         He DIVES behind some consoles! Armor Piercing rounds chase him, punching holes just above his head. Equipment SPARKS and SMOKES. Rico takes cover, lowers his voice.

RICO Central! Hatch the first set of         clones, now!

CENTRAL The cloning process is not finished, Chief Justice Rico. The Clones will be only 60 per cent complete.

RICO Fuck that, I need reinforcements! Hatch the Goddamn clones, now!

CENTRAL Beginning hatching process... now.

(PAUSE; SOTTO) I know we're going to regret this.

CAMERA RAKES to the incubators. They begin to open.

'9G DREDD

292         =DUGHS as he passes a smoking CONSOLE. Moves forward, feet :RJNCHING on glass.

293 DTI'-RTED

293         29- n_..SHEY AND 11-SA

294          they roll into the workshop area. Hershey gets a          :none nob or. her. Ilsa grabs a wrench - smashes it overhead .,.. :iersney! Hershey falls! Ilsa turns, KICKS her! Hershey =es to get to he feet. Ilsa moves in, ready to deliver the r:l:inc blow. And then - she SCREAMS.

29, NEW ANGLE

295          A CLONE is oozing out of an incubator right in front of her face! bone! ; It's half formed, raw muscle and sinew barely covering

296 WIDER

296          In shock, Ilsa backs away - drops the wrench! The clone, clumsy, FALLS. Hershey recoils from it in shock - recovers her wits - and tackles Ilsa!

CUT TO:

107 -

DREDD 2' fumbling along in the smoke. Suddenly another half-formed CLONE rears up in his face! It mews horribly, clutches at him! Dredd FIRES a burst at it. It fa s away, vanishes in the smoke! (X)

298 RICO 298 whirls at the SHOT. FIRES at the muzzle flash! We HEAR a (X) GROAN and a THUD. Grinning, Rico races in that direction. (X)

299 299

OMITTED THRU

30= 301

302 HERSHEY AND ILSA 302 still fighting. Ilsa gets in one, two terrific blows. (X)

ILSA (X) Bitch! (X)

HERSHEY (X) Judge Bitch, to you! (X) Hershey CLOBBERS her with a right! (X)

CUT TO:

W:7'-: RICO 3 (          He rushes forward, elated. TILT DOWN to the body. It's one of (X)           clones, dressed in parts of Dredd's uniform! (X)

DREDD'S VOICE (X) Rico. (X) Dread is on top of a big console. (X) DREDD (cont' d) (X) Here comes the Judge. (X) - -IVES down on Rico! Each man grabs each other's wrists! (X) h T e Lawgivers both FIRE wildly. Dredd and Rico carom off (X) ec:uâ€¢ pment, FALL! (X)

304 3 04         tr.ru OMITTED thru

30E 305

306 WIDER 306 A short stairwell breaks their fall - and separates them at the (X) bottom! Rico rolls to his knees - still armed. Dredd is slowly (X) comina towards him - unarmed! (X)

RICO

GRENADE!

(CONTINUED)

108 -

S CONTINUED: 306

GUN VOICE All lethal rounds exhausted. Select.

RICO

STANDARD BULLET!

GUN VOICE All lethal rounds exhausted. Select. Dredd is almost on top of him!

RICO

SMOKE BOMB! He FIRES!

307 DREDD 307 The round HITS HIM like a pile driver! His SHIRT catches FIRE! He falls backwards over a railing as the SMOKE coils upwards!

308 RICO 308

RICO Central! Turn off overhead lighting! HUNK. The lights GO OUT. Rico grins, runs out of SHOT!

309

T HRU

310

S::rprised by the darkness, Ilsa falls, sliding on the slick floor. TILT up. Hershey, limping, comes towards her. :lsa foot-sweeps her to the floor!

CUT TO:

3:2 DREDD 312 On the floor below, chest blackened, trying to catch his breath. He REACTS as the lights go out. Seeing a LIGHT in the smoke, he         crawls to it. His face falls when he sees its one of Central's

EYES.

DREDD Central! Can you - (X)

(CONTINUED)

109 -

2 CONTINUED: 3'

CENTRAL Don't expect help from me, escaped-convict Dredd. I have (X) explained your legal standing repeatedly. I advise you to         surrender.

DREDD Okay, you win. I'll give myself up to Chief Justice Rico. Where is he?

CENTRAL

(HELPFUL) Oh, he went upstairs. The lights come ON. CENTRAL (cont ' d ) Straight ahead to your right. Dredd's gone.

CUT TO:

EXT. STATUE OF LIBERTY - RUINED HEAD - NIGHT 31:

Ricc is starting the Lawmaster Mark IV.

DREDD'S VOICE

RICO000! turns, too late - Dredd's tackle takes him out of the sa.: ..._e 312E _:.Os =Fc 312B ^e -and on the edge of the ruined head! The Lawgiver skids (X) cu: reach!

-2 = LONG SHOT 312C High above the city, they trade punches! For a moment, Dredd has the advantage! (X)

DREDD That's for Fargo! That's for the u Co ncil! That's for Fergie!

(PAUSE) Wait'll I get to me. Then, even from this distance, we SEE Rico connect with Dredd's         chest wound! Dredd almost folds!

110

D CLOSE AGAIN 312D Rico's almost as exhausted as Dredd. On the other hand...          Dredd is in agony.

RICO This... this is how you repay me (X) for telling you the truth? That (X) we were born with a destiny to rule! (X) A destiny you spit on! (X) Rico hits him on the wound again! Dredd falls, rolls to the edge of the rubble strewn platform. Rico grins, struggles to (X) full height. RICO (cont' d)

(CATCHING BREATH) Joseph Dredd. I hereby Judge you. (X) To the charge of betraying your best friend... GUILTY. To the charge of betraying your flesh... GUILTY. Rico leans over the helpless Dredd. KICKS him. Dredd slips over the edge, dangles!

RICO And finally... to the charge of         being human when you could have been a God... GUILTY. Rico nicks up the Lawgiver. Puts it right against Dredd's head.

RICO(CONT'D)         The sentence is DEATH!

GUN VOICE All lethal rounds exhausted. Select.

312E UP ANGLE 312E Dredd dares everything, GRABS Rico's HAND! Dredd's finger makes contact with the pistol grip.

GUN VOICE DNA accepted. Select.

DREDD Signal Flare! And as he SHOUTS it, he uses his last strength to smack the weapon away!

IF

WIDER 31- The SIGNAL FLARE ROUND FIRES, like a ROCKET! Rico, off-balance., is knocked backwards! He falls SCREAMING to his death!

312G CLOSE ON DREDD 312G He watches his brother fall. Starts to climb up... a boot steps on his hand. He looks up. 312w ILSA 312H bruised, bloody - angry! Then - WHAM! A FIST SMASHES into her haw!

312: WIDER 3121 :1sa falls next to the Lawmaster IV. Hershey reaches down for - - redd's hand -

313         r. _ .. DM-- :"TED thru

3_C 319

CUT TO: 32: DBE-i AND HERSHEY - AT THE PNEUMATIC DOOR - LOWER LEVEL 320 ::sa, cuffed, is on the floor, unconscious. Hershey helps sâ€¢.:=port Dredd. They look at each other. Dredd looks back in         'e lab. Nods at Hershey. She raises her weapon. Speaks into

HERSHEY Grenade. BLAM! The incubators EXPLODE.

LAB - WIDE 321 2HA N REACTION spreads through the lab. One by one, consoles ant wcrx stations ERUPT. The unborn clones SCREAM soundlessly as :::ev burn. ? iv E JMAT I C DOOR 322 weary, Dredd closes it. As it BLOCKS his FACE we GO TO -

322A EXT. BASE OF STATUE OF LIBERTY - NIGHT 322A

A CIRCLE OF LIGHT FORMS around Rico's body. We WIDEN. A squad of JUDGE HUNTERS has appeared on Lawmasters. Dredd and Hershey come into view.

DREDD (to them).. It's over.

(CONTINUED)

112 -

CONTINUED: 322A

OLMEYER'S VOICE (X) They know, Judge Dredd.

322B NEW ANGLE 322B Olmeyer is with them, a little banged up. (X) OLMEYER(cont'd) (X) They know, now. The Judge Hunters put away their weapons. The leader=approaches Dredd, salutes.

JUDGE HUNTER LEADER You saved Mega-City, sir. You're         a hero.

DREDD No. Just a Judge. I did my job. CAMERA ADJUSTS and we SEE that he is holding Fergie's body in         ..z.s arms.

DREDD(CONT'D)         Here's your hero. The other Judges take Fergie's body respectfully. Hershey and (X) -ever approach Dredd. (X)

OLMEYER (X) We have to reconstitute the Council, (X) Judge Dredd. You should be on it. (X) doesn't look convinced. Hershey, even less so. (X)

HERSHEY (X ) No. That's not for him. (X)

(TURNING) (X) This is for him. (X)

CAMERA ADJUSTS. Olmeyer is holding Dredd's helmet. Hershey (X) :akes_it, puts it on Dredd. For a moment the shot matches the (X) one of Fargo and the two cadets just before his Long Walk. (X) And then Dredd, too, turns and walks. Not into the wilderness: (X) Into his City. As the CAMERA CRANES UP, we (X)

FADE OUT.

THE END