Titre en VO : The House of Luthor _LOIS AND CLARK_
The New Adventures of Superman
"The House of Luthor"
Written by: Deborah Joy LeVine & Dan Levine
_CAST_
CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN
LOIS LANE
PERRY WHITE
JIMMY OLSEN
LEX LUTHOR
FRANKLIN STERN
JACK
ELLEN LANE
MRS. COX
INSPECTOR HENDERSON *
MR. VITKAY
THE ARCHBISHOP
GIANT
GUARD
_LOCATIONS_
_INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_:
Lois Lane's Apartment Daily Planet
Bedroom
Living Room Lexcorp Building
Clark Kent's Apartment Metropolis Park Bench
Living Room
Kitchen Metropolis Graveyard
Bathroom
Entry/Hallway Perry's Florida Rome
Porch
Juvenile Detention Facility
Jack's Cell Luthor's Balcony
Perry's Florida House Go-Go Club *
Luthor's Penthouse Metropolis Sidewalk *
Den
Wine Cellar
Dressing Room Pawnshop
Ballroom
Non-descript Phonestands
Restaurant Bar
Clark's Apartment
Uni-World Insurance Company *
The Stern Building
Apartment House Foyer
Skies above Metropolis
Luthor's Limousine
*
Bigelow & Fuller Office Hallway
Franklin Stern's office
_TEASER_
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SKIES ABOVE METROPOLIS - (NIGHT #1) 1
We are CLOSE ON Superman in flight, so close we see only
the red and blue-clad body, not the face, as he weaves
lazily between the skyscrapers, out for a pleasure cruise.
We slowly PAN to the chest emblem... but something's
wrong. Instead of the famous "S," there's a "LEX" on the *
yellow shield. We MOVE to the face: it's LEX LUTHOR.
He's smiling blissfully. He looks down to see...
2 LOIS LANE'S APARTMENT 2
LOIS is being fitted for her wadding dress, yards and
yards of elaborate, frilly, formal white. She seems happy
and excited.
3 LUTHOR 3
nods his head in satisfaction, continues on, looks down
again.
4 INT. CLARK KENT'S APARTMENT 4
CLARK, unshaven, is trying to type, but a pile of
crumpled-up papers testifies to his futility.
5 LUTHOR 5
laughs, looks down again.
6 EXT. METROPOLIS PARK BENCE 6
JIMMY, wearing a thin jacket and shivering with the cold,
studies the want ads, occasionally circling something.
6A CLOSE ON WANT ADS 6A
Jimmy circles an ad saying "Dishwasher Wanted."
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 2.
7 LUTHOR 7
shakes his head in false sympathy, looks down again.
8 EXT. METROPOLIS JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITY 8
Through the barred window we see JACK pacing in his tiny *
cell..
9 LUTHOR 9
executes a playful roll in the air, looks off toward the
far horizon to see...
10 INT. PERRY WHITE'S FLORIDA HOME 10
PERRY, holding the remote on his belly, is asleep in front
of the TV test pattern, SNORING. He seems years older.
11 LUTHOR 11
rights himself, looks down one last time.
12 EXT. METROPOLIS GRAVEYARD 12
The lonely, untended grave of Superman. A flash of *
LIGHTNING briefly illuminates the grave. *
13 LUTHOR 13
sighs with satisfaction, then _ROCKETS_ _OFF_ at top
speed, master of all he surveys
14 INT. LUTHOR'S PENTHOUSE - NIGHT 14
Luthor sits in front of his fireplace, arms extended
wing-like, dipping or raising them to simulate flight. A
Virtual Reality helmet covers his head. He removes it to *
reveal an enormous smile... because soon he will need no *
helmet.
FADE OUT.
_END OF TEASER_
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Pink Rev. 3/9/94 3.
_ACT ONE_
FADE IN:
15 INT. CLARK KENT'S APARTMENT - (DAY #2) 15
Clark "sits" crossed-legged in the air,, typing at
_SUPERSPEED_ on a laptop computer, the attached printer
cable dangling like a lifeline. He pauses, reads the
screen, presses "Print." As the printer begins to work,
Clark lowers himself down, stands, stretches, in the
process _LEVITATING_ up several inches before coming back
to earth. Clark is unshaven, uncombed, wears rumpled
baggy sweats.
Clark walks into the kitchen, looks in the fridge.
Nothing but a bag of onions and garlic. But, he's
suddenly famished, starts scrounging. He looks in the
cabinets, then the freezer: frozen steak. He puts the *
steak on the counter, uses his _HEAT VISION_ on low to *
defrost, then throws the meat into a pan and cranks up the
level to _COOK_. When it's almost done he grabs the
onions and garlic from the bag, dicing then faster than
Benihana's ever could, and adds them to the pan. By the
time he grabs a soda, his meal is done. He puts it on a
plate, is about to turn back to his work when his eyes
fall upon something else. On his coffee table: a framed
photograph of himself, Lois, Perry, Jimmy, and Cat
standing in front of the Daily Planet. He picks it up,
stares at it, lifts the phone, dials long distance.
CLARK
Mr. White?
16 EXT. PORCH - SOMEWHERE IN FLORIDA - INTERCUT 16
Perry, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, shorts and sun hat, sits
on the porch sipping a fruit smoothie and reading a book.
He speaks into his cellular phone.
PERRY
Clark?
CLARK
Yes, sir. How are you? You
sound... tan.
PERRY
See, son, you got to _layer_ in a
good brown. Little bit at a time,
so you don't peel. It's an art.
CLARK
Uh... huh. How's the good life?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Pink Rev. 3/9/94 4.
16 CONTINUED: 16
PERRY
You tell ms. I get up around nine,
take a stroll on the beach. By the
time I get back, Alice pulls a
fresh-baked bread out of the oven.
Then I sit and read my papers, have
my coffee. Sometime around noon,
I'll walk over to the club house.
There's usually a card game going
on. In the afternoon, there're
first run movies, arts and crafts,
lemonade and cookies. I go to bad
around nine, sleep like a baby.
Weather's perfect, never changes,
and I haven't had a cab try to run
me down since I got here.
CLARK
You're miserable.
PERRY
Completely. To tell you the *
truth, I was even a little *
disappointed in Graceland *
(beat)
How's the novel coming?
Clark leans over, pulls the pages out of the printer,
scans them: a series of title pages with different titles
on each.
CLARK
Not so good. I've been spending
most of my time trying to figure
out what really happened to the
Planet.
PERRY
You and me both. Anything
interesting?
CLARK
Nothing I can prove... yet.
(beat)
Actually, I'm calling about Jimmy.
Have you board from him?
PERRY
Called about a week ago. Said he
was fine.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Pink Rev. 3/9/94 4A.
16 CONTINUED: 2 16
CLARK
Well, his phone's been
disconnected. And today I went to
his apartment and his landlord said
he'd been thrown out for not paying
the rent.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 5.
16 CONTINUED: 2 16
PERRY
Blast that kid - why didn't he
tell me?
I'm going to start an all-out
search for him tomorrow.
PERRY
(hopeful)
So... you need my help?
I think I can manage.
PERRY
Dang it, Kent. Tell me you need my
help.
CLARK
I need your help.
PERRY
Thought so. I'll be on a plane in
the morning. Meet you at your
place.
CLARK
That's great, Chief. See you then.
Clark hangs up, looks back at one of the title pages. It
reads: "Metropolis Blues."
17 INT. LUTHOR'S PENTHOUSE - DAY 17
Luthor and Lois are studying the blue prints for their new
country estate. Lois is dressed casually, jeans and a
sweater.
LUTHOR
This is wrong. I wanted the doors
off the master side balcony to be
sliders.
(explaining)
French doors make the room look
smaller.
LOIS
Lex, the master bedroom is three
thousand square feet. That's more
than twice the size of my
apartment.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 6.
17 CONTINUED: 17
LUTHOR
Well, what about the exercise area?
Should we put it back on the ground
floor?
LOIS
No, I think this is right. It'll
be great to get out of bed and have
that stair climber staring me right
in the face saying 'Now, Lois.
Now.'
LUTHOR
But, darling, that'll be My line.
Luthor kisses her. When they break...
LOIS
Thank you, Lex, for understanding
about my wanting to wait... for our
wedding night. I just want it to
be special.
LUTHOR
It will be.
A KNOCK on the door and MRS. COX enters.
MRS. COX
Lex, could we run through your
schedule for tomorrow?
LUTHOR
Of course. Come in, Mrs. Cox.
Lois eyes Mrs. Cox as she approaches Luthor, sits next to
him, and shows him a calendar. Even though the ladies
acknowledge one another with smiles, we can tell there's
no love lost between them.
MRS. COX
You'll notice the Series K field
test is set for 3:45 p.m.
LUTHOR
Excellent.
The PHONE RINGS. Mrs. Cox picks up, listens, puts the
caller on hold.
MRS. COX
Bagdonis in Chicago.
LUTHOR
(getting up)
I'll take it in the library.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 7.
17 CONTINUED: 2 17
Luthor exits. The women sit in silence a beat, then...
LOIS
What's Series K?
MRS. COX
(deliberately vague)
Oh. something we've been working
on.
(beat)
The details are confidential.
Lois is being subtly baited and doesn't like it.
LOIS
Lex has no secrets from me.
MRS. COX
(amused)
Really?
LOIS
Tell me, Mrs. Cox, is there a _Mr_.
Cox?
MRS. COX
He died.
LOIS
(suddenly chagrined)
Oh, I'm sorry.
MRS. COX
Don't be. I'm not.
Lois' eyes widen as Luthor re-joins them.
LUTHOR
(to Mrs. Cox)
Anything else?
MRS. COX
Nothing I can't handle.
LUTHOR
Thank you, Mrs. Cox. That'll be
all for now.
Mrs. Cox stands and exits. When she's gone, Lois turns to
Luthor.
LOIS
I don't like that woman.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 8.
17 CONTINUED: 3 17
LUTHOR
She's easily the best assistant
I've ever had, but, if you object
to her, I'll...
LOIS
No, it's okay, really.
She stands, walks out to the balcony. Luthor follows.
18 ON LUTHOR'S BALCONY 18
LUTHOR
What is it? You seen distracted
this morning.
LOIS
Well, with my mon coming in, and *
all the wedding preparations... *
LUTHOR
(knows her too well) *
What else? *
LOIS
Oh... I was just wondering how *
everybody was. I haven't spoken to
Perry, or Cat, or Jimmy...
LUTHOR
... or Clark?
LOIS
Or Clark, in weeks.
LUTHOR
Why don't you give then a call?
LOIS
I think I will.
(beat)
Any news about Jack?
LUTHOR
(shaking his head)
I don't understand that boy.
Against my advice, he fires one of
the finest criminal lawyers in the
country and hires a woman right out
of law school.
(beat)
I tried.
LOIS
I'll talk to him.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 9.
18 CONTINUED: 18
LUTHOR
I doubt he'll listen.
He motions back toward the blueprints. *
LUTHOR (Cont'd)
Now, did we decide on the twelve
car garage, or the fifteen?
CUT TO:
19 EXT. SUICIDE SLUM - THE GO-GO CLUB (NIGHT #2) 19*
The worst part of town: bars, pawn shops, abandoned *
buildings, etc. *
JIMMY (O.S.)
No cover, no minimum. Step right
up. All girls, all the time.
Girls, girls, and more girls.
Seven, count 'em, seven revolving
stages for your viewing pleasure.
Jimmy stands outside one of these establishments (The *
Go-Go Club), his collar pulled high to brace himself *
against the cold. Two sailors pass.
JIMMY (Cont'd)
Hey, the fleet's in! Guys! You
want girls? We got 'em short, we
got 'en tall, skinny, meaty, blond,
brunette. They dance, they prance,
they romance... Wait a minute. *
You're leaving? Anchors aweigh! *
But they walk on by. Jimmy can't seem to find any
customers. Out from the club steps a burly GIANT with a
face only a mother could love.
GIANT
Hey, punk!
JIMMY
Me?
GIANT
No, your kid sister. Get over
here.
Jimmy moves toward the man, who helps by reaching his long
arm out and grabbing Jimmy by the collar.
GIANT (Cont'd)
I need fifty extra customers inside
by dawn or you're fired.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 10.
19 CONTINUED: 19
I'm trying, really.
GIANT
Try harder.
JIMMY
Do you think I could come inside
for a minute? It's pretty cold and
my throat...
GIANT
Whadda ya think this is? A hotel?
You want this job or not?
JIMMY
Yeah. Sure. I need this job.
I'll get your customers, don't
worry.
The Giant lets go, moves inside. Jimmy sighs, starts
his "barking" again, although his throat's getting a
little hoarse.
JIMMY (Cont'd)
Step right up, folks. We got 'em
all. Blondes, red-heads, brunettes
-- all natural, all the time.
YOUNG MAN'S VOICE
How much?
Jimmy whirls to see who his potential customer is. When the man
picks his head up we see it's none other than...
JIMMY
Jack!
They trade back-slaps, then Jimmy realizes, grabs him and
drags him into a nearby alley.
JIMMY (Cont'd)
You're out?
JACK
Uh, sort of.
JIMMY
Jack....
JACK
No big deal. It's not Alcatraz,
it's Juve. They won't even miss me
until the trial.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 11.
19 CONTINUED: 2 19
JIMMY
You're in a lot of trouble.
JACK
You should talk. Nice gig.
JIMMY
(defensively)
It's all I could get.
JACK
Where you staying?
JIMMY
I got a room at the 'Y.' It's not
too bad. *
JACK
Wanna roommate?
JIMMY
Jack, why'd you break out? I know
it must have been tough, but...
JACK
No. That wasn't it. I overheard
some stuff. They brought in a kid
last week -- he was bragging about
how he and his brother pulled this
frame-up. You know, planted *
incriminating evidence in some
guy's crib.
JIMMY
So?
JACK
So _I_ was the framee. He was
talking about me and the explosives
they found at my place after the
fire at the Planet.
(beat)
I have to clear my name, Jimmy.
It's not gonna happen with me on
the inside. And, I'm gonna need *
help. Lots of it. *
JIMMY
I don't know...
JACK
Come on. Didn't you see 'The
Fugitive?'
Jimmy relents, throws an arm around Jack and they start
walking off. He dumps his stack of handbills in the first
trash can they pass.
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 12.
20 INT. CLARK KENT'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 20
Clark is sitting up in bed, reading, when the phone RINGS.
He still hasn't shaved.
CLARK
Hello?
21 INT. LOIS LANE'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - INTERCUT 21
Lois is also propped up, reading.
LOIS
Hi. It's me.
Clark is thrilled to hear her voice, but tries to mask it.
CLARK
(after a beat)
Hi. How are you?
LOIS
Terrific. You?
CLARK
Great.
They-re both padding the truth, and they both know it.
LOIS
So, how's the rest of the gang?
CLARK
Perry's coming out for a few days
to stay with me. We're a little
worried about Jimmy. He moved out
of his apartment.
LOIS
(concerned) *
Do you think he's okay? I mean, *
if he was in trouble he'd call me *
or you or... wouldn't he? *
CLARK
(easing her concern) *
Of course he would. *
An awkward moment of silence, then...
CLARK (Cont'd)
How's the new job?
LOIS
(evading)
Oh, you know. Settling in. You?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 13.
21 CONTINUED: 21
CLARK
Busy. Exploring my options.
LOIS
I'm sure you'll find something.
CLARK
Yeah. Well, it's kind of late. I
guess I'll go to bed.
LOIS
Me, too.
(beat)
Clark?
CLARK
Yes?
LOIS
I miss you.
CLARK
I miss you, too, Lois
(beat)
Good night.
They both hang up, lay their books aside, turn off the
light, roll over as we...
CUT TO:
22 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT BATHROOM - (DAY #3) 22
Clark, a towel around his waist, shaves Kryptonian style.
Because his beard is too tough for razors, he holds a hand
mirror in front of his face and bounces his _HEAT VISION_
off of it to burn off the stubble. Little by little, his
beard comes off. When he's finished, he feels his smooth
face with his hands, then, satisfied, slaps some
aftershave on, winces at the burn. The doorbell RINGS.
He moves from the bathroom and into...
23 INT. CLARK KENT'S LIVING ROOM/ENTRY - DAY 23
Clark hops up the stairs to open the door. Perry stands
there, large as life and twice as welcome. The men
exchange a warm handshake. Clark grabs Perry's suitcase
as they head downstairs, momentarily leaving the front
door open.
CLARK
It's so good to see you.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 14.
23 CONTINUED: 23
PERRY
Nice to be back, if only for a few
days.
CLARK
What'd you tell Alice?
PERRY
Son, I've been married twenty-five
years and if there's one thing I've
learned it's you don't lie to your
spouse.
CLARK
(repeating)
What'd you tell Alice?
PERRY
Told her I went fishin'.
(beat)
No word from Jimmy?
CLARK
Not a thing.
PERRY
Where could he be?
JIMMY (O.S.)
Right behind you, Chief.
Clark and Perry whirl to see Jimmy standing in the
doorway. He rushes down the stairs And they all hug like
schoolmates.
CLARK
Where've you been?
JIMMY
It's a long story, but first things
first. Got anything to eat?
Clark chuckles, walks to the phone, picks it up, dials.
CLARK
Coming right up. Canadian bacon,
right?
JIMMY
You remembered.
CLARK
Yeah. I'd like to order two large
pizzas to be delivered...
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Pink Rev. 3/9/94 15.
23 CONTINUED: 2 23
JIMMY
Uh... CK. I think you'd better
make that three.
Neither Clark nor Perry are following until Jimmy's eyes
move to the door and theirs follow. As Jack steps inside
we
CUT TO:
24 INT. CLARK's LIVING ROOM - LATER - DAY 24
Four men and three empty pizza cartons.
JACK
The guys name was Pete. Pete
Black, and his brother John.
PERRY
Anything about who hired them?
JACK
Just that it was someone important,
and they got paid a ton of money.
He called him: 'The Boss.'
CLARK
I can't believe this 'Boss' would
burn down the Daily Planet just to
frame you for the job. There's got
to be another, bigger reason. You
were just the fall guy.
PERRY
(the general deploying
his troops)
Jimmy, Jack, find out where we can
contact this John Black character.
Clark, get me whatever you can on
anyone known as 'The Boss.'
(beat)
I'll do some digging into Daily
Planet finances.
JIMMY
(cheerfully)
Just like old times.
Jimmy swings his arms wide, in the process knocking a
half-full open bottle of soda off the table. As it falls
we go to...
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 16.
25 BOTTLE 25
In _SLOW-MOTION_, Clark's hands move into frame as the
bottle falls. He catches it, screws the cap on, then lets
it continue to fall. It bounces on the expensive-looking
area rug.
26 BACK TO SCENE 26
Back to _NORMAL SPEED_. As Jimmy picks up the bottle, his
expression changes from dismay to confusion. He thought
he left it uncapped. Quickly, Clark jumps in, indicating
Jimmy and Perry.
CLARK
You two might as well bunk here for
awhile.
JACK
What about me?
CLARK
You're checking back into the
Metropolis Juvenile Detention
Center. We'll think of some way...
JACK
I can't.
(beat)
Pete Black didn't just happen to
get sent to Juve. He was put there
to look for _me_.
All of them pause as this sinks in.
JIMMY
This is getting serious.
PERRY
Maybe we should call in the big
guns.
JACK
The police?
PERRY
No, Lois.
CLARK
(shaking his head)
She's too busy -- planning her
wedding.
Suddenly, Clark's _SUPER HEARING_ picks up the sound of an
ALARM. He heads for the door.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 17.
26 CONTINUED: 26
CLARK
I'll be back in a sec. I... left
my clothes in the dryer.
Clark races out as we...
CUT TO:
27 EXT. METROPOLIS BANK - DAY 27
The ALARM still sounds. Superman lands, looks around:
everything seems calm. A GUARD spots Superman, approaches
him.
GUARD
Thanks for coming, Superman, but it
was a false alarm. The security
system just went crazy all of a
sudden. Sorry to take your time.
SUPERMAN
No problem at all.
28 ANOTHER ANGLE 28
Mrs. Cox, smartly dressed, walks by. Suddenly, Superman
feels faint, doubles over.
GUARD
Superman? Are you okay?
Mrs. Cox continues walking, unseen by Superman, who starts
to straighten up.
SUPERMAN
Yes. I'm... fine, now. For a
minute there...
Superman realizes something, looks around at all the
people on the street, suddenly very afraid.
29 EXT. METROPOLIS SIDEWALK - DAY 29*
Mrs. Cox, back to us, speaks into a cellular phone. *
MRS. COX
We have the genuine article, Lex.
Works like a charm.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 18.
29 CONTINUED: 29*
When she turns around, we see she is wearing a necklace made
of _KRYPTONITE_. As she fondles it with her hand,
we...
FADE OUT.
_END OF ACT ONE_
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 19.
_ACT TWO_
FADE IN:
30 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - (NIGHT #3) 30
Clark, alone in his apartment, talks to his mother on the
phone.
CLARK
Mom, it _had_ to be Kryptonite.
The feeling's unmistakable: pain,
weakness, dizziness... It took me
hours to return to full strength.
(beat)
I thought it was destroyed, too.
But then I remembered the chunk
supposedly sent off for testing
at the University. The one that
disappeared.
With _SUPER HEARING_ Clark hears someone approaching his
door. He lowers his glasses, glances in that direction. *
CLARK (Cont'd)
(calling out)
Key's under the mat, Chief!
31 HALLWAY OUTSIDE CLARK'S APARTMENT - SAME TIME 31*
Perry's toting a heavy briefcase, has his arm poised to
knock. Instead he bends and retrieves the key, but not
without glancing at the door in bewilderment.
32 BACK TO CLARK 32
CLARK
I'll be careful, Mom. Promise.
Bye.
Perry unlocks the door and enters as Clark hangs up.
PERRY
(still mystified)
How did you...?
CLARK
(quickly changing the
subject)
Let me help you with that.
Clark takes the case, sets it on the table.
CLARK (Cont'd)
How'd it go?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 20.
32 CONTINUED: 32
PERRY
(as he gratefully sits)
Every member of the Daily Planet's
old Board of Director's is ducking
me.
(points toward the
bulging case)
I did get hold of the transcript of
the session where they decided to
sell to Luthor.
(taps his nose)
Instinct tells me they're hiding
something.
(beat)
What I need is leverage.
CLARK
(frustrated)
I just hope we're not too late. *
Perry easily reads between the lines.
PERRY
Wedding's coming up pretty fast,
isn't it?
CLARK
(gloomily)
Two days.
(beat, helplessly)
Maybe it doesn't matter _what_ we
find. Maybe Luthor's what she
wants.
PERRY
(teasing)
And here I thought we were trying
to save the Daily Planet.
CLARK
(blushing)
We are. I only meant...
PERRY
Whoa, I'm just funnin' with you.
Clark tries to smile, can't.
PERRY (Cont'd)
(sympathetically)
Women are like trout, son. You tug
too hard on the line, you'll lose
'em. You just gotta hope fate and
the currents push 'en your way.
(beat)
We still got a couple of days.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 21.
32 CONTINUED: 2 32
CLARK
(grimly)
Right. Let's get to work.
CUT TO:
33 VISUAL MONTAGE 33
(To the tune of, "I'm Getting Married in the Morning.")
34 INT. RESTAURANT/BAR - (DAY #4) 34
A tall, curvaceous young woman kisses a bald older man
goodbye, slips out of their booth, and leaves. Before the
man can leave, Jack appears from the booth behind, shows *
him a palm-sized video recorder. The man turns pale. *
35 INT. WAY OUTSIDE ACCOUNTANT'S OFFICE - DAY 35
Perry is ushered out by a business-suited woman. The sign
on the door reads: Bigelow and Fuller, Certified Public
Accountants. Perry and the woman exchange a few final
words, then shake hands.
36 INT. APARTMENT HOUSE FOYER - DAY 36
The place is very run down, dirty, dimly lit. Jimmy
brushes grime away from a name on the row of broken
mailboxes. It reads: John Black. Jimmy smiles and heads
up the stairs.
37 EXT. SIDEWALK OUTSIDE ANGELO'S PAWN SHOP - DAY 37
Clark exits the shop, makes some notes on his pocket pad,
moves to a nearby phone booth.
END MONTAGE
38 PHONE BOOTH 38
As Clark dials and lets the phone RING, we go to...
39 SPLIT-SCREEN - UPPER LEFT QUADRANT - PHONE STAND 39
JACK
(into phone)
The Planet board originally voted
_not_ to sell to Lex Luthor.
(MORE).
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Yellow Rev. 3/10/94 22.
39 CONTINUED: 39
JACK (cont'd)
Then, suddenly, they all changed
their minds. They're all also
driving new Ferraris. *
We no longer hear Jack, but go to...
40 SPLIT-SCREEN - UPPER RIGHT QUADRANT PHONE STAND 40
JIMMY
(into phone)
I found John Black. Now all we
have to do is set him up. I
thought I'd...
We no longer hear their conversation. Instead we go to...
41 SPLIT-SCREEN - LOWER QUADRANT - PHONE STAND 41
PERRY
There _was_ additional insurance on
the Daily Planet building through a
subsidiary of LexCorp-called Lexel
Investments. Nov all I have to do
is find out how much and...
We no longer hear Perry.
SPLIT-SCREEN LOWER RIGHT QUADRANT - CLARK'S PHONE BOOTH
The RINGING stops.
CLARK
Just about every criminal element
in Metropolis pays protection money
to a shadowy character they call
'The Boss.' Most of them have no
idea who he is, and the ones who
might are too terrified to talk.,
(beat)
If Luthor first manipulated the
Board to sell the Planet to him,
then burned it down to collect the
insurance... what if 'The Boss' is
actually Lex Luthor?
(beat)
Okay. See you back at the
apartment.
Everyone hangs up at once. END-SPLIT SCREEN
CUT TO:
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 23.
42 EXT. STREET OUTSIDE CLARK'S APARTMENT - DAY - LATER 42
Clark is about to enter the building when a car HONKS.
Clark looks.
43 CLARK'S POV 43
A new Mercedes convertible, Lois driving, at the curb.
LOIS
(trying to be light)
Need a lift, big boy?
Clark stares at her, then the car, long enough for the
levity to disperse.
CLARK
Present from Luthor?
LOIS
(uncomfortable)
I borrowed it.
CLARK
Then I guess you owe him one.
Clark starts walking.
LOIS
Please, Clark. Get in.
Clark hesitates, then does get in.
CLARK
What do you want, Lois?
LOIS
I want you come to my wedding.
CLARK
I can't.
LOIS
Why not?
CLARK
I just can't.
Clark starts to leave, Lois puts her hand on his arm.
LOIS
You hate him that much? Or is it
me you hate now?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 24.
43 CONTINUED: 43
CLARK
I could never hate you, Lois. But
there is no way I'm going to sit
there and watch you walk down the
aisle with that...
LOIS
What? Thief? Gangster?
Psychopath? Murderer?
CLARK
Maybe all of the above.
LOIS
(tiredly)
Clark, can't you see what's
happening? All you're doing is
driving us further and further
apart.
CLARK
I'm not the one doing the driving,
Lois. You are.
Clark gets out.
CLARK (Cont'd)
And if you're so sure Luthor is
filled with nothing but good
intentions, you might ask him about
Lexal Investments and the extra *
insurance policy they had on
the Daily Planet. A policy that may
have made easy to rebuild the
paper.
(beat)
You're an investigative reporter.
Investigate.
Clark walks away; Lois stares after him.
44 INT. LUTHOR'S DEN - DAY 44
Luthor and Mrs. Cox listen to a cassette tape.
CLARK
(on tape)
You're an investigative reporter.
Investigate.
Mrs. Cox turns off the tape.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Yellow Rev. 3/10/94 25.
44 CONTINUED: 44
LUTHOR
Modern surveillance technology is a
beautiful thing, Mrs. Cox. If the
Borgias had had it, they'd still be
running Italy.
MRS. COX
Shall I take the necessary
precautions?
Luthor nods, but seems deep in thought.
MRS. COX (Cont'd)
A billion for your thoughts.
LUTHOR
Sold.
(beat)
Everything is falling into line. I
was able to make the Planet *
vulnerable for a takeover, then I *
bought it, then I destroyed it. I *
broke Lois out of her comfortable
routine _and_ made a few bucks in
the process. Now, when Kent's
highly insulting accusation proves
false, it should drive a final
wedge between Lois and her old
life.
MRS. COX
Part One of your plan is complete.
LUTHOR
Yes. Time for Part Two: to
conclude our business with
Superman.
(beat)
Is everything arranged?
Mrs. Cox nods.
LUTHOR (Cont'd)
Good. Then put in a call to Clark
Kent.
She moves to the phone.
LUTHOR (Cont'd)
Tell him I'd appreciate it very
much if he'd contact his friend
Superman on my behalf. I'd like a
word with the Man of Steel
concerning Lois Lane.
Mrs. Cox dials.
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 26.
45 INT. LUTHOR'S WINE CELLAR - DAY 45
Luthor draws himself a taste from a wine cask, makes a
face, spits it out.
LUTHOR
Not quite ripe.
There's a KNOCK an the metal door. It opens and Mrs. Cox
ushers in SUPERMAN.
LUTHOR (Cont'd)
Come in, come in. Don't be shy.
Mrs. Cox leaves, closes the door behind her. Luthor has
picked up a dust bottle of wine from a crate. He wipes
it clean, holds it up to the light.
LUTHOR (Cont'd)
They say that civilization was
invented so that men could
cooperate in the making of wine.
SUPERMAN
What do you want, Luthor?
LUTHOR
A favor.
SUPERMAN
From me? You must be joking.
LUTHOR
Hear me out.
When Superman doesn't speak...
LUTHOR (Cont'd)
My fiance, Lois Lane, _should_ be
deliriously happy at the prospect
of our forthcoming wedding.
Unfortunately, she is not. She
misses her friends from the Daily
Planet. Especially Clark Kent.
Despite himself, Superman is fascinated. Why is Luthor
discussing this with him?
SUPERMAN
(warily)
So?
LUTHOR
So, you and Clark are friends. He
was even able to bring you here.
Luthor strolls among the casks, Superman follows.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 27.
45 CONTINUED: 45
SUPERMAN
I'm not following.
Luthor looks back, sees Superman _is_ following, smiles,
continues on.
LUTHOR
I'm asking you to use your
influence to convince Clark to
attend our wedding.
(beat)
You're invited, too.
Luthor stops. Superman stops several paces away.
SUPERMAN
You live in a fantasy world,
Luthor. Neither Clark nor I will
ever do anything to support your
marriage to Lois.
LUTHOR
I see. Then, I suppose, you're of
no further use to me.
Luthor pulls a lever mounted on the wall. A metal cage drops
from the ceiling to encase Superman.
SUPERMAN
(scornfully)
Bars won't hold me, Luthor.
LUTHOR
Oh? I think they will.
Superman strides to the bars, reaches to crush them, then
recoils in pain and drops to one knee. Luthor switches
off the overhead lights. The bars GLOW an eerie green
from their Krytonite coating. Superman falls over onto
his back.
LUTHOR (Cont'd)
A fantasy world? Perhaps. But
it's all about to come true.
On Luthor's smile we...
FADE OUT.
_END OF ACT TWO_
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 28.
_ACT THREE_
FADE IN:
46 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - (NIGHT #4) 46
Perry's cooking up a storm in the kitchen: every burner
in use. He hears the sound of a KEY TURNING in the lock
and looks up.
PERRY
About time.
Jimmy and Jack enter thru the door: not unwelcome, but
not who Perry was expecting.
JIMMY
(echoing Perry's
concern)
Where's Clark?
PERRY
I don't know. He should have been
here.
Perry taps the biggest pot with a wooden spoon.
PERRY (Cont'd)
Crawfish etouffee anyone?
Perry pours in the raw crawfish. They hit the boiling
water with a HISS. Jimmy and Jack exchange a glance.
JACK
Actually we just ate.
PERRY
(unphased)
You'll eat again.
(adding spices and
liquids)
You gotta use the sweet paprika,
not the regular. And cayanne
pepper, plenty of it. 'Course the
secret is the apple juice, half a
cup.
Perry points to the plates. Reluctantly, Jimmy and Jack
begin to set the table.
PERRY (Cont'd)
(to Jimmy and Jack)
What'd you get?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Green Rev. 3/11/94 29.
46 CONTINUED: 46
JIMMY
Plenty.
(he holds up a
microcassette recorder)
John Black'll do just about
anything he's paid to do: break
in, plant explosives, anything.
(beat)
Just like he did for a woman named
Mrs. Cox in the case of our young
Jack here. He even gave me her
number... for a reference.
PERRY
Beautiful. We'll get that tape *
down to Inspector Henderson first
thing in the morning along with
Jack's statement.
(to Jack)
Looks like you're off the hook,
son. Congratulations.
JACK
Thanks. I got something, too.
(beat)
Mr. Simon Truesdale, former Daily
Planet board member, has had a
sudden attack of conscience. He's
now willing to confess to receiving
a substantial cash 'inducement' I
think he called it to support the
sale of the Planet to Luthor.
JIMMY
Any particular reason for this
'sudden attack of conscience'?
JACK
It might be related to a certain
video tape he's hoping his wife
never receives.
PERRY
Poor woman.
JACK
Not after the divorce settlement.
JIMMY
What about you, Chief?
PERRY
Well, now, Lexel Investments _did_
have additional insurance on the
Daily Planet building.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Green Rev. 3/11/94 30.
46 CONTINUED: 2 46
JACK
How much?
PERRY
About twice what it would've cost
to repair it.
(beat)
Lex Luthor cleared a cool
seventy-five nil on the deal.
JIMMY
That's motive. He's nailed.
JACK
So, what are we waiting for?
PERRY
Clark.
(motioning)
Sit. Let's eat.
They take places around the table while Perry serves
the mixture over rice.
JIMMY
This is all great, of course, but
the problem is none of it'll bring
back the Planet.
PERRY
Elvis, first recording session for
Sam Phillips, June of '54 it was,
didn't turn out too well, but
darned if he wasn't back in that
studio in July and turning out his
first couple of hits.
JIMMY
I just know there's a point to that
story.
PERRY
Elvis didn't give up; we won't
either. Got I ?
JIMMY
Got it.
They all dig into the food. *
PERRY
I hope you like it spicy
As one, Jimmy and Jack grab their throats and rush for the
kitchen sink.
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 31.
47 INT. LEX LIMO - NIGHT 47
Luthor and Lois, dressed in evening clothes, sit in the
back of the Lex Limo. Lois stares out the window at the
lights and rain-drenched streets of the city.
LUTHOR
I don't know when I've had better
garlic chicken. Chef Andre
deserves a raise.
LOIS
Mmm.
LUTHOR
And what a magnificent production
of Othello. I especially liked the
black and white set. Very
inventive.
LOIS
Mmm.
LUTHOR
(Staring at Lois)
You know, Shakespeare didn't write
Othello. It was actually written
by Dr. Suess.
LOIS
Mmm.
LUTHOR
(after a sigh)
Lois, an I boring you?
Lois realizes her distraction, turns back to Luthor, puts
a hand on his arm.
LOIS
What? No, of course not. I'm
sorry. All I can think about is
that enormous stack of RSVP's on my
desk.
(beat, wryly)
Minus a few.
LUTHOR
Your dad and sister absolutely *
can't make it back? *
LOIS
(shaking her head) *
My dad's medical relief mission is *
in Africa, and Lucy's still *
trekking in Nepal. At least my *
mom's coming. *
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 32.
47 CONTINUED: 47
LOIS (cont'd)
(sadly)
But it's not just my family. Not *
one of the people I thought I was
closest to is coming.
LUTHOR
Propinquity.
LOIS
What?
LUTHOR
Propinquity. A relationship based
on convenience. You work in a
particular place, shop in certain
stores, become attached to the
people that surround you. But,
when you move on, the relationships
end.
(beat)
That's what you have to do, Lois.
Move on. It's not fair to you...
or to me.
LOIS
You're right. I just wanted our
wedding day to be something I could
share with Clark and Perry and the
others.
LUTHOR
After the honeymoon, I promise you
we'll heal all old wounds.
LOIS
You still won't tell me where we're
going?
LUTHOR
(teasing)
No.
LOIS
Not even a hint?
LUTHOR
Clothing is optional.
Lois laughs, lays her head on Luthor's shoulder. Then,
she remembers something. She takes a moment to choose her
words so as not to put Luthor on his guard.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 33.
47 CONTINUED: 2 47
LOIS
Lex... when the Planet was
destroyed, you lost quite a bit of
money, didn't you?
LUTHOR
Yes, but I have wide shoulders and
deep pockets.
LOIS
But, I mean it wasn't a total loss.
There was insurance.
LUTHOR
Several policies. Unfortunately,
not enough to justify
reconstruction.
(beat)
Why the sudden concern?
LOIS
Because I can't help but feel that
your buying the Planet in the first
place had something to do with me.
LUTHOR
It did. I'm embarrassed to admit
it, but I bought the Planet in a
desperate, lovesick attempt to
bring us closer together, to bring
my life in tune with yours.
Ironically, it wasn't necessary:
here we are together. Our love was
too strong. We were _meant_ to be
together.
On Lois, we...
CUT TO:
48 EXT. THE STERN BUILDING - NIGHT 48
To establish a downtown highrise.
49 INT. FRANKLIN STERN'S OFFICE - NIGHT 49
Perry is shown into the immense, lavish office of FRANKLIN
STERN. The office is dark, save for a desk lamp emiting a
pale green light. An impressive looking African-American
man in his late 50's sits in the massive, high-backed desk
chair.
PERRY
Mr. Stern?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 34.
49 CONTINUED: 49
STERN
Come in, Mr. White. Please, sit
down.
PERRY
(as he sits)
Thank you for seeing me at this late hour.
STERN
Perry, may I call you Perry, I work
a fourteen hour day, always have.
If I show my face at home before
eleven p.m. my wife calls the
police.
(beat)
I'm sure you know what that's like.
PERRY
Too well.
They share a smile.
STERN
Strange that we've never met. I'm
very familiar with your work, of
course.
PERRY
As I am with yours.
STERN
I miss reading the Daily Planet.
It has imitators, but no true
successor. Metropolis has lost an
asset.
PERRY
Those of us who worked there were
proud to call it home.
(beat)
That's why I've come.
STERN
I didn't think you were here
looking for a fourth for bridge.
PERRY
Mr. Stern... you own television and
radio stations. And you have
interests in book publishing. But,
have you ever considered owning a
newspaper?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 35.
49 CONTINUED: 2 49
STERN
Perry... correct me if I'm wrong...
there _is_ no newspaper.
PERRY
The Daily Planet was more than
concrete and girders. It was
people and ideas and principles.
Those still exist.
(beat)
There _is_ a newspaper. There just
isn't a place to print it.
Stern loans forward.
STERN
Even if that were true, why would
_I_ want to own the Daily Planet.
PERRY
I can't imagine anyone wanting
anything else.
Stern gives this some thought, then finally shakes his
head.
STERN
I'm sorry, but my answer is no.
(beat)
I wish you luck, though, in finding
some way to rebuild. If you do,
you have my subscription.
Stern stands, offers his hand. The men shake and Perry
turns to leave. Perry's deeply disappointed, but trying
not to let it show.
PERRY
(half to himself)
I just hate to see Lex Luthor win.
STERN
(sharply)
What's that?
PERRY
Lex Luthor. We've gathered
evidence that suggests he was *
behind the Planet's fall. I'd *
just like to see the expression on
his face... well, thanks again for
seeing me.
Perry exits through the door. Stern sits back down,
thinking.
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 36.
50 INT. LOIS' APARTMENT - (DAY #5) 50*
Lois has her feet up on her kitchen table. She looks at *
the phone: silent. She picks it up, speed dials. *
SECRETARY (O.S.)
LNN. Lois Lane's office. *
LOIS
Any calls, Lorna?
SECRETARY (O.S.)
No, Ms. Lane.
LOIS
(disbelieving)
Nothing? What about the uprising *
in Qurac? Are we pulling our *
correspondents out? I have to *
decide...
SECRETARY (O.S.)
Oh, I thought you knew. Mr. Ahern
already arranged their departure.
I guess he didn't want to bother
you.
LOIS
What?!
SECRETARY (O.S.)
We just assumed... with your
wedding and all...
LOIS
(angrily)
Now I _am_ bothered. I'm bothered
because no one bothered to bother
me. You expect me to work at LNN *
day after day, week after week, *
completely... unbothered?
SECRETARY (O..S.)
Ms. Lane?
LOIS
Never mind.
Lois hangs up. She then pulls a scratch pad from the *
counter, looks at it, almost puts it back, then sets it *
by the phone.
51 CU - SCRATCH PAD 51
Lois has written: Uni-World Insurance Company 555-8900. *
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 37.
52 LOIS 52
dials the phone.
LOIS
Mr. Vitkay?
INTERCUT
53 INT. UNI-WORLD INSURANCE COMPANY - DAY 53*
MR. VITKAY is a bookish fellow sitting behind a desk with
a mound of files on it.
MR. VITKAY
Yes?
LOIS
This is Lois Lane. We spoke
yesterday. I was wondering if you
got that information I requested.
MR. VITKAY
Yes, yes. I have the file right
here.
(beat)
Lexel Investments _did_ have *
supplemental insurance on the Daily
Planet building.
Lois sags.
MR. VITKAY (Cont'd)
'But... the amount was
insignificant. Far below
replacement cost. Lexel must have *
suffered a substantial loss.
(beat)
Guess they can afford it, though,
huh?.
LOIS
(relieved)
Yes. They can. Thank you very
much.
Lois hangs up, elated. She looks at her desk calendar.
54 CU - CALENDAR 54
Only one thing on her agenda, in the afternoon: Wedding.
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 38.
55 BACK TO INSURANCE OFFICE 55
When we PULL BACK we see Mrs. Cox sitting in the chair in
front of Vitkay's desk, long legs crossed. She reaches in
her briefcase.
MRS. COX
I assume you accept cash.
CUT TO:
56 INT. LUTHOR'S WINE CELLAR/PRISON - DAY 56
The cage is as before. Superman, doubled over in pain,
lies on his side. Luthor enters thru the doors. He's
dressed in his wedding tux and carries two cummerbunds,
one red, one white. He removes a key on a ring from his
pocket, unlocks the cage door, moves to stand over his
weakened and fallen arch enemy.
LUTHOR
And how are we feeling today?
Superman tries to speak, but can only manage a GROAN. *
LUTHOR (Cont'd)
(false sympathy)
Ohh. Still a little green around
the gills?
Luthor LAUGHS, produces a pocket mirror, examines himself
as best he can, straightens his black tie. He's never
been in a better mood.
LUTHOR (Cont'd)
I, on the other hand, am feeling
wonderful.
(quoting)
'She's beautiful and therefore to
be wooed. She is woman, therefore
to be won.'
(beat)
'Henry the Fifth.'
Superman makes a weak grab for Luthor's ankle, but Luthor
calmly steps away.
LUTHOR (Cont'd)
I know this must be hard for you.
Seeing me all decked out, on my way
to marry Lois Lane, while you can
only lie here helplessly and
suffer. Then tonight, tonight...
(bursting into song)
... won't be just any night...
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Pink Rev. 3/9/94 39.
56 CONTINUED: 56
LUTHOR (Cont'd) (cont'd)
(beat, wickedly)
I love Lois, but she's much too
independent, don't you think?
Well, leave that to me.
Luthor steps toward the door.
SUPERMAN
(a croak)
Clark Rent knows where I am.
LUTHOR
(pausing)
That's right. I'll have to kill
him, too.
(beat)
That reminds me. Which one?
(holding out the
cumberbunds)
The red, or the white? Red for
passion, or white for purity?
Superman struggles to a sitting position. Luthor loops
the white cumberbund around Superman's neck and pulls him
back down. Superman moans in pain.
LUTHOR (Cont'd)
I agree. Definitely the red.
Luthor exits the cage, re-locks it, sets the key down on a
wine cask as he dons the red cumberbund
SUPERMAN
(a hoarse whisper)
Luthor...
LUTHOR
Strange to hear you say my name and
know It's probably for the last
time.
(beat)
Is this a mistake? Will the pain
of losing the challenge you
represent be worse than the
discomfort of constantly losing to
you?
(another beat)
Nah.
Luthor turns to leave.
LUTHOR (Cont'd)
I'll be back later... when it's all
over.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 40.
56 CONTINUED: 2 56
Luthor taps a fire ax hanging on the wall.
LUTHOR (Cont'd)
We'll have a little... heart to
heart
(beat)
Have a nice death.
Luthor's gone. But, Superman's eyes are wide open and
he's staring at something.
SUPERMAN'S POV
The key.
FADE OUT.
_END ACT THREE_
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 41.
_ACT FOUR_
FADE IN:
57 INT. LUTHOR'S PENTHOUSE - DRESSING ROOM - DAY 57
Lois wears her magnificent wedding gown, stares into a *
full-length mirror. Intermittently, she practices a wide
smile, then bursts into SOBS. She goes through this cycle
several times until there's a KNOCK on the door and a
VOICE says...
VOICE
Five minutes, Miss... Mrs. Luthor.
Lois quickly collects herself, dabs at her eyes with
tissues, then takes a deep breath.
LOIS
(to the mirror)
Mrs. Lex Luthor.
(beat)
Lois Lane Luthor.
(beat)
Lois Luthor Lane.
(beat, a stray thought)
Lois Lane... Kent?
(shakes her head to
clear it)
Lois... Lane.
We PULL BACK to include the rest of the room. Now, for *
the first time, we see ELLEN LANE, Lois' mother, sitting *
on the sofa, looking at her daughter. *
LOIS (Cont'd)
Mom, what an I going to do? *
ELLEN
Honey, if you're not sure... *
LOIS
It's too late. *
ELLEN
No, it's not. Do what your heart *
tells you to do. *
Lois drops her veil, exits the room. Her mother *
follows. *
CUT TO:
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 42.
58 INT. LUTHOR'S WINE CELLAR - DAY 58
Superman has crawled to a position near the bars across
from where the key still rests on the wine cask. The
closer to the bars he is, the more intense the pain, but
he bears it. Concentrating, trying to build power by
breathing deeply in and out, Superman finally "aims" at
the key and _INHALES_. It's weak, a pale shadow of his
former power, but does have an affect.
59 THE KEY 59
flutters, slides to the edge of the cask, but sticks there
with the ring dangling over the side.
60 SUPERMAN 60
collapses, COUGHING from the exertion. Inadvertently, he
grasps the bars for balance and CRIES OUT in pain,
clutching his hands as if burned. He lies back, resting
his head on the fallen cummerbund. Faintly, in the
distance, he hears ORGAN MUSIC.
61 INT. LUTHOR'S BALLROOM - DAY 61
The room is packed with the cream of Metropolis Society.
Ellen Lane sits toward the front. Conversation dies as *
the WEDDING MARCH begins. Luthor enters from the side and
takes his place by the altar. Now Lois appears in back
and all eyes turn. Slowly, she begins to walk. As she
walks, she remembers.
FLASHBACK #1
Lois and Clark share Chinese food (pilot episode).
FLASHBACK #2
Lois shows plenty of leg as she perches on Clark's desk
("Pheromone My Darling").
FLASHBACK #3
Lois and Clark brush their teeth together ("Honeymoon in
Metropolis").
FLASHBACK #4
Clark, having quit, walks away from Lois ("Man of Steel
Bars").
BACK TO SCENE
Lois continues down the aisle.
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 43.
62 INT. LUTHOR'S WINE CELLAR - SAME TIME - DAY 62
Superman stands shakily by the bars. He has torn the
white cummerbund into strips and tied then together. He
now holds one end and tosses the other to land several
feet away from the key. He rests a moment, tries to
compose himself, and BLOWS.
63 THE CUMMERBUND 63
lifts, a silken snake, and drifts toward the key. The end
flutters up and near the key, then, like threading a
needle, moves through the ring and twists back on itself
to create a loop.
64 SUPERMAN 64
in great pain, leans through the bars and gives his "rope"
a tug.
65 THE KEY 65
is pulled off the cask onto the floor, within several feet
of Superman's outstretched hand.
66 SUPERMAN 66
near collapse, tries to _INHALE_, but the key moves only
an inch. He sits there, gasping for breath.
67 INT. LUTHOR'S BALLROOM - SAME TIME - DAY 67
The Wedding March ends as Lois joins Luthor, smiling with
pride, at the altar. She stares in shock at who's to
perform the ceremony.
LOIS
(whispering)
The Archbishop?
LUTHOR
The Pope had a prior engagement.
*
THE ARCHBISHOP
Dearly beloved, we are gathered
here today in the sight of God, and
in the presence of these witnesses,
to join together this man and this
woman in holy matrimony.
Lois desperately scans the audience, but is disappointed.
The faces she hoped to see aren't there.
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Green Rev. 3/11/94 44.
68 INT. LUTHOR'S WINE CELLAR - DAY 68
Superman kneels by the bars and reaches, but he's still
several feet short of the key. He staggers to his feet
retreats to the other end of his cage, and runs at the
bars. He CRIES OUT at the impact, but the cage is pushed
closer to the key. He lowers himself and stretches,
stretches... an inch short. Fighting off unconsciousness,
he tries again, straining, almost...
69 INT. LUTHOR'S BALLROOM - DAY 69
THE ARCHBISHOP
... till death do you part?
LUTHOR
I do.
THE ARCHBISHOP
And do you, Lois, take this man to
be your wedded husband from this
day forward, for richer, for
poorer, in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish, till death
do you part?
LOIS
I...
She looks around, pauses. The room waits breathlessly.
LUTHOR
(gently prodding)
Lois.
LOIS
I... can't.
The rear doors CRASH open. Everyone looks.
70 ANGLE ON DOORS 70
Perry, Jimmy, and Jack.
LOIS
(thrilled)
Oh, Lex. They came. They...
Lois stops in confusion as half a dozen Metropolis cops,
led by INSPECTOR HENDERSON, enter behind her friends. *
PERRY
Stop the wedding!
All rush up the aisle. As they near...
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Yellow Rev. 3/10/94 45.
70 CONTINUED: 70
PERRY (Cont'd)
Lois, you can't marry this man!
LOIS
(petulantly)
What, is there an echo in here? I
just said that.
LUTHOR
(furious)
What is the meaning of this?!
PERRY
The meaning, Luthor, is that you're
through. We have all the evidence
against you we need.
LOIS
Evidence? Evidence of what?
HENDERSON
I have a warrant here charging you
with arson and other crimes too
numerous to mention.
LUTHOR
You be out of your minds. All
of you.
HENDERSON
You have the right to remain
silent. You have the right to an
attorney. If you cannot afford an
attorney...
LUTHOR
Will you stop that! I can afford a
_thousand_ attorneys. I'll have
your head... badge for this.
Someone get the Governor on the
phone! Wait, make it the
President, make it...
Luthor's mouth falls open as he glances toward the back of
the ballroom. There, standing next to two detectives, in
handcuffs, is Mrs. Cox. She shrugs at Luthor, who yells *
out to her. *
LUTHOR (Cont'd)
Et tu, Mrs. Cox? *
(then, turning to Lois) *
Sorry, Lois. I'll have to take a
rain check. I'm afraid something's
come up.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 46.
70 CONTINUED: 2 70
Henderson grabs Luthor's arm, but Luthor twists free,
disposes of the two cops in his way with several
well-executed karate moves, and disappears through the
side door. Other cops throw themselves against the door,
but they rebound. It's been bolted from the inside. *
PERRY
Lois, I know things didn't turn *
out exactly as planned, but... *
LOIS
(a bit hysterical),
Why? Doesn't every woman dream of *
a wedding like this?
Henderson rushes over.
HENDERSON
Don't worry, we'll get him. We
have the entire building sealed
off.
He rushes off. Lois looks after him, then down.
71 LOIS' POV 71
On the floor, a plain, gold wedding band.
72 LOIS 72
bends to retrieve it. She stares at it and her friends,
not really seeing any of it.
JIMMY
Talk about the nick of time...
Jimmy takes the wedding bouquet, breathes in the flower
scent; Lois snatches it back from him. Jack salutes the
Archbishop. Lois bursts into tears.
73 INT. LUTHOR'S WINE CELLAR - DAY 73
Luthor, tie askew, bursts in, grabs the ax off the wall. *
LUTHOR
Sorry, Superman, I don't have time
to chat. I'll just take my pound
of flesh and...
The cage door is open, key in the lock. The knotted
"rope" lies on the floor. Superman is gone. Luthor ROARS
his anger and buries the ax in a wine cask. Then, *
reacting to sounds of pursuit (FOOTSTEPS, CALLS, etc...),
Luthor runs out.
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 47.
74 BEHIND A WINE CASK 74
Superman, drained of energy, sits propped against the
cask.
75 EXT. STREET OUTSIDE LEXCORP BUILDING - DAY 75
Lois, Perry's jacket draped over her shoulders, is led
outside by-the rest of the gang. Police cars and
personnel are everywhere. Lois is still in shock.
LOIS
I've always been such a good judge
of character.
PERRY
He fooled us all.
JACK
Not me.
JIMMY
_I_ never trusted him.
PERRY
Lois, don't blame yourself.
LOIS
(suddenly realizing)
Where's Clark?
CLARK (O.S.)
Right here.
Still shaky and pale, Clark steps to her side. They look
at each other. He holds out his arms... she moves into
them. Suddenly, a police walkie-talkie delivers a loud
burst of STATIC.
VOICE OVER RADIO
He's in the Penthouse! *
All look up.
LOIS
Lex?
76 INT. LUTHOR'S PENTHOUSE - DAY 76
Luthor runs: police after him, police in front of him. He
knocks several more down, but is cornered and backs to the
balcony.
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 48.
77 EXT. LUTHOR'S BALCONY - CONTINUOUS - DAY 77
Henderson steps forward.
HENDERSON
It's over, Luthor. Give yourself
up.
Luthor looks at Henderson, then over the edge. He climbs
up on the ledge.
LUTHOR
Lex Luthor will not live in a cage.
Luthor turns to face the drop.
HENDERSON
Luthor, no.
LUTHOR
(calmly)
Did you know this is the tallest
building in Metropolis?
(beat)
Top of the world.
He steps over the edge.
78 SIDEWALK BELOW 78
The crowd REACTS as the body falls. Clark releases Lois,
steps forward as if to fly... but can barely walk.
CLARK
(anguished)
I can't.
Lois averts her eyes, buries her face in Clark's chest.
The bouquet drops from her hand to the sidewalk. Someone
running by steps on it.
79 SPINNING NEWSPAPER #1 79
Headline reads: LUTHOR PLUNGES TO DEATH.
80 SPINNING NEWSPAPER #2 80
Headline reads: LUTHOR'S CORPSE STOLEN FROM MORGUE --
Sub-headline: Police Fear Body Snatchers.
81 SPINNING NEWSPAPER #3 81
Headline reads: LUTHOR RESPONSIBLE FOR DAILY PLANET'S
DEMISE.
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Yellow Rev. 3/10/94 49.
82 SPINNING NEWSPAPER #4 82
Headline reads: LUTHOR VAST CRIMINAL NETWORK REVEALED
82A SPINNING NEWSPAPER #5 82A*
National Whisper Headline reads: LUTHOR & ELVIS ALIVE! *
Sub-Headline: Open Surf Shop in Rio *
83 SPINNING NEWSPAPER #6 83*
Headline reads. FALL OF THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR.
DISSOLVE TO:
84 EXT. DAILY PLANET BUILDING - A WEEK LATER (DAY #6) 84
Lois, Clark, Perry, Jimmy and Jack have convened on the
sidewalk. The entrance has been boarded up, "BUILDING
CONDEMNED" signs are posted, and the area is still
cordoned off.
JIMMY
I wish they'd get it over with and
tear this old place down.
PERRY
Yep, too many memories.
LOIS
Most of then good.
PERRY
There's a lesson to be learned
here.
JACK
Why an I not surprised?
PERRY
We ought to appreciate what we've
got when we've got it.
Lois looks at Clark, who's looking at the ruin. He feels
her stare and turns to her. Quickly she changes the
subject.
LOIS
(miserably)
It's my fault. All of it. If Lex
hadn't wanted me so badly he never
would've destroyed the Planet.
(beat)
Why me?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Yellow Rev. 3/10/94 49A.
84 CONTINUED: 84
CLARK
Because Lex Luthor always wanted
what he could never have.
LOIS
He almost did.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 50.
84 CONTINUED: 84
CLARK
(fervently)
No. You said 'no.' You never
would have gone through with it.
Lois looks gratefully at Clark, tries to reply, but can't
speak. Perry jumps in to cover the awkward moment.
PERRY
I know I've said this before, but I
hate the idea that Lex Luthor got
his way...
(notions toward the
ruins)
... even in this one thing.
(O.S.)
He didn't.
Stern appears at their side, points.
STERN (Cont'd)
Look!
We hear the sound of a CRANE.
85 THEIR POV 85
A flatbed truck pulls up and parks. Workmen remove a *
tarp covering a large object on the truck bed: the Daily *
Planet globe. Now, a crane begins to move it into *
position. *
86 BACK TO SCENE 86
VARIOUS
How? What? Is this really ... ?
PERRY
Great Shades of Elvis!
STERN
We'll start on the building next
week, but first I thought we'd
announce to the world we're back in
business.
(beat, to Perry)
I reconsidered your proposal. I
agree with you, Mr. White.
Metropolis needs the Daily Planet.
Besides, one more nail in Lex
Luthor's coffin suits me fine.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 51.
86 CONTINUED 86
The group rushes to him; hand shaking and hugging all
around.
STERN (Cont'd)
There were some ideas I had about
modernization.
PERRY
(warily)
Modernization?
STERN
Yes, improvements, expansions...
Would you like to see the plans?
Stern moves off.
PERRY
(as he, Jimmy, Jack
follow)
Now, Stern. Stern! Wait just a
doggone minute!
Lois and Clark are left alone.
CLARK
(per the globe)
I've never seen anything so
beautiful in all my life.
Lois looks at Clark, seeing him in a newfound light.
LOIS
You never gave up. On the Planet,
on your friends, on me.
Clark looks at her.
CLARK
I couldn't. You've just named
almost everything in the world
that's precious to me.
LOIS
I don't think I've ever, _will_
ever meet anyone quite like you.
LOIS CLARK
Clark... Lois...
LOIS (Cont'd)
Let me go first, please.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 52.
86 CONTINUED: 2 86
CLARK
No. Not this time.
(beat)
I'm sorry. About a lot of things.
I wanted to bring Luthor down, but
I never wanted to hurt you. I
should never have said anything...
about the way I felt toward you.
It put you in an incredibly awkward
position.
LOIS
No. Clark, I...
CLARK
The fact of the matter is, it
wasn't true. I'm not in love with
you.
87 CLOSE ON - CLARK'S FINGERS 87
Crossed behind his back.
88 BACK TO SCENE 88
LOIS
(crestfallen)
You're not?
CLARK
I would have said anything to stop
you from marrying Luthor.
Lois tries to mask her disappointment.
LOIS
Oh. Well, if that's the way you
feel...
CLARK
I want the same thing you do, Lois.
I want us to be friends, and
partners. Forever.
LOIS
Forever.
CLARK
Now, what did you want to say?
LOIS
Oh, nothing. The same. What you
just said. Sort of.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE HOUSE OF LUTHOR (#20) Full Blue Rev. 3/7/94 53.
88 CONTINUED: 88
They're about to share a hug, but, at that moment, Clark,
with _SUPER HEARING_, picks up...
VOICE (O.S.)
Help!
CLARK
Uh, could we continue this later,
Lois? I've got to go.
He hurries off.
LOIS
(slightly put off)
Sure. Why not? Go. Run off and
disappear like you always do
whenever we're having a discussion.
(a sigh)
I guess everything's back to
normal.
89 UP IN THE SKY 89
A red, yellow and blue-streak.
90 LOIS 90
LOIS
(looking up)
I'm not done with you either, big
fella.
91 UP IN THE SKY. 91
Superman pauses, looks down on Lois and the city of
Metropolis, and smiles. As he _ROCKETS_ off into a new
season we...
FADE OUT.
_END ACT FOUR_
![[HypnoCup] Élimination de Clark](/graph/news_icon/news_icon-93ab562db0f0329ef1031b8cf78f253e.jpg?v1){kind=icon}
![[HypnoCup] Clark en compétition dans le 3ème tour !](/graph/news_icon/news_icon-cfb55615fcdcd4242c27c8fcd3b7f915.jpg?v1){kind=icon}
