by admin » Fri Sep 18, 2015 5:10 am
Part 1 of 2
Screenplay:
[Transcribed from the Movie by Tara Carreon]
[Announcer]: An Enterprise Vineyard Production. Oskar Werner, Julie Christie in Fahrenheit 451.
Co-starring: Cyril Cusack, Anton Diffring, Jeremy Spenser, Bee Duffell, Alex Scott.
Screenplay by Francois Truffaut and Jean-Louis Richard. From a novel by Ray Bradbury. Music by Bernard Herrmann. Director of Photography: Nicolas Roeg. Color by Technicolor.
Art Director: Syd Cain. Production and Costume Design Consultant: Tony Walton. Film Editor: Thom Noble. Associate Producer: Mickey Dalamar. Produced by Lewis M. Allen. Directed by Francois Truffaut.
[Bell ringing]
[Phone ringing]
[Man] Hello.
[Woman] Get out! Hurry!
[Man] What? Who is that?
[Woman] Get moving! For God's sake, get out of there!
[Man] I ...
[Line disconnects]
[Man] Hello?
[Siren approaching]
[Siren continues]
[Siren blaring]
[Siren winding down]
[Captain] Montag, here.
Well ... what sort were these then, Montag?
[Montag] I didn't really look, sir. A little bit of everything. Novels, biographies, adventure stories.
[Captain] Oh, routine, eh? Why will they do it? It's sheer perversity. By the way ...
[Fireman] Pass it over.
[Captain] What does Montag do with his day off duty?
[Montag] Not very much, sir. Mow the lawn.
[Captain] And what if the law forbids that?
[Montag] Just watch it grow, sir.
[Captain] Uh-huh. Good. Good. Montag might be hearing some exciting news in a day or two. Benedict won't be with us very much longer, and Montag's name has been mentioned.
[Montag] Promotion, sir?
[Engine starting]
[Captain] I trust that the thought makes Montag happy.
***
[Clarisse] I think we're neighbors. I live near block 813. Isn't that where you live?
[Montag] Yes, I do.
[Clarisse] Do you know we make the same trip together almost every day?
[Montag] Do we?
[Clarisse] Hmm. That's why I thought to myself, well, we ought to talk to each other. Do you mind? Me talking, I mean.
[Montag] No, no, go ahead. Talk. I can't promise to think of anything to answer though.
[Clarisse] [Laughs] Don't you worry about that. Once I get started, nothing can stop me. My uncle says I am a veritable well of words.
[Montag] Hasn't this uncle of yours ever warned you never to speak to strangers?
[Clarisse] No. He did say once if anyone asked how old I was to say I was 20 years old and light in the head. They always go together.
[Montag] "Light in the head"?
[Clarisse] Mmm. Loopy. Crazy. Anyway, you don't frighten me.
[Montag] Why should I?
[Clarisse] No reason really. The uniform, I suppose.
[Monorail hisses]
[Clarisse] Most people are ... frightened, frightened of firemen.
[Montag] This is my stop now.
[Clarisse] Mine too. Are you an officer?
[Montag] Oh, no. Not yet. An officer has to -- I'm going to be promoted soon.
[Clarisse] Even with my eyes closed, I could tell what you do for a job.
[Montag] Because of the smell of kerosene?
[Clarisse] Huh.
[Montag] Quite a scent, isn't it? My wife doesn't like it very much. She says it lingers. I don't mind. I think of it as a ... perfume.
[Clarisse] Perfume?
[Montag] Yes, a perfume, like any other.
[Clarisse] I don't think I've seen your wife. What's she like?
[Montag] She's rather like you, except her hair is long.
[Clarisse] Rather like me?
[Montag] Quite like you.
[Clarisse] [Laughs] Tell me, that number you all wear, what's it mean?
[Montag] Oh, Fahrenheit 451.
[Clarisse] Why 451 rather than 813 or 121?
[Montag] Fahrenheit 451 is the temperature at which book paper catches fire and starts to burn.
[Clarisse] I'd like to ask you something else, only I don't really dare.
[Montag] Go ahead.
[Clarisse] Is it true that a long time ago firemen used to put out fires and not burn books?
[Montag] [Laughs] Really, your uncle is right. You are light in the head. "Put fires out"? Who told you that?
[Clarisse] Oh, I don't know. Someone. But is it true?
[Montag] Oh, what a strange idea. Houses have always been fireproof.
[Clarisse] Ours isn't.
[Montag] Well, then, it should be condemned one of these days. It has to be destroyed, and you will have to move to a house that is fireproof.
[Clarisse] Too bad. Tell me, why do you burn books?
[Montag] What? Well, it's a job like any other. Good work with lots of variety. Monday, we burn Miller; Tuesday, Tolstoy; Wednesday, Walt Whitman; Friday, Faulkner; and Saturday and Sunday, Schopenhauer and Sartre. "We burn them to ashes and then burn the ashes." That's our official motto.
[Clarisse] You don't like books then?
[Montag] Do you like the rain?
[Clarisse] Yes, I adore it.
[Montag] Books are just so much ... rubbish. They have no interest.
[Clarisse] Then why do some people still read them although it's so dangerous?
[Montag] Precisely because it is forbidden.
[Clarisse] Why is it forbidden?
[Montag] Because it makes people unhappy.
[Clarisse] Do you really believe that?
[Montag] Oh, yes. Books disturb people. They make them antisocial.
[Clarisse] [Sighs] Do you think I'm antisocial?
[Montag] Why do you ask?
[Clarisse] Well ... I'm a teacher. Well, not quite. I'm still on probation. This afternoon the analyst called me in, and I don't think I said the right things. I'm not at all happy about my answers. That's probably why I've been so rude to you. Have I been annoying you?
[Montag] Oh, no, not at all. In fact, I was questioned this afternoon as well.
[Plane approaching]
[Montag] I didn't do too well either.
[Plane passing overhead]
[Clarisse] This is where I live. You see? This is my house.
One more question.
[Montag] Another one?
[Clarisse] Just a little tiny one.
[Montag] What is it?
[Clarisse] Do you ever read the books you burn?
[Montag] Why should I? First, I'm not interested. Second, I've better things to do and third, it is forbidden.
[Clarisse] Of course. You happy?
[Montag] What? Of course I'm happy.
***
[TV Announcer] ... so you can protect yourself on the streets. The art of self-defense, and of attack on occasions, may also come in quite handy in the home, cousins. Now, if you watch carefully, you will see how a woman can use a man's superior weight to her own advantage.
[Person falls]
[TV Announcer] Did you see that? Now let's watch that once again normally.
And now in slow motion.
Watch it carefully again, cousins.
[Montag] I'm going to be promoted.
[TV Announcer] And he starts to advance, notice her position:
[Montag] Are you listening, Linda?
[Woman] Knees bent slightly and toes turned slightly inwards.
[Linda] Oh, that's marvelous, Montag.
[TV Announcer] There. Now you see how easily she has disposed of her --
[Montag] The captain told me while we were out on a call.
[Linda] [Shouts] What did you say?
[TV continues]
[Montag] I'm talking about my promotion.
[Linda] Does that mean an increase, dear? How much?
[Montag] He didn't mention that.
We could move to a larger house.
Would you like that?
[Linda] I'd rather have a second wall-set put in. They say when you have your second wall-screen, it's like having your family grow around you.
[TV continues]
[Montag] Linda, how many of these pills have you taken today?
[Linda] What's that?
[TV continues]
[Linda] Oh, those. Help yourself. I've got another bottle full.
[Montag] How many have you had?
[Linda] Oh, don't carry on like that. Only a few. Anyway, tonight's special for me.
[TV continues]
[Linda] I've got a part in The Family.
[TV continues, indistinct]
[Montag] What?
[TV Announcer] Our campaign against the enemies of the public peace is gaining momentum. Today's figures for operations in the urban area alone account for the elimination of the total of 2,750 pounds of conventional editions. Eight hundred and thirty-six pounds of first editions and 17 pounds of manuscripts were also destroyed. Twenty-three antisocial elements were detained, pending re-education.
[Linda] Did you see that? Cousin Claudette's got a bouffant tonight.
[Montag] Who?
[Linda] Cousin Claudette.
[Montag] Who is Cousin Claudette?
[Linda] The cousin announcer. The one you don't like.
[Montag] I don't like any of them.
[Linda] Why don't you get the kitchen family fixed? You are awful, Montag, really.
[TV chiming]
[Linda] Oh, hurry, hurry! I'll be on in a minute! Quickly! Quickly!
[TV theme]
[Montag] I don't understand. How can you be in a play?
[Linda] They've written a play, you see, with one part missing. That's me. When the people look at me, then I have to speak. They ask me a question, and I have to say what I think.
The play, it's beginning.
[TV Announcer] And now, for cousins everywhere, Our Family Theater. "Come Play With Us."
[Linda] [Flicking lighter]
[TV Announcer] Naturally, in what you are about to see any similarity with the truth or with real life will be purely coincidental. Do bear that in mind. So, will you come play with us?
You will? Good! I thought you would. Come in, cousins. Be one of the family.
[Musical Segue]
[Bernard] Charles, you do realize what a dilemma this is? It's terribly difficult. I don't see any way out of it at all.
[Charles] Come, come, Bernard. Of course there's a way out. Now there are 13 of us so far, right? You want to invite Edward, which makes 14.
[Bernard] But if somebody's ill, Charles, then we should be back to 13 again.
[Charles] Precisely. Then we must invite more people.
[Bernard] That's an idea.
[Charles] Now what about Lottie and James? That'll make 16. Then if somebody's ill, well at least we won't be 13, will we?
[Bernard] Hmmm. But then there's the problem of the rooms, Charles. Lottie has two children, Charles, two little boys: Freddie and little John.
[Charles] I don't see any problem there at all. We can put the two in children, well, in Helen's room for instance.
What do you think, Linda?
[Beeping]
[Beeping continues]
[Montag] Well go ahead. They're waiting for you.
[Linda] I think that --
[Charles] You see? Linda agrees with me. Lottie's children must go in with Helen's children of course. Linda's absolutely right.
[Bernard] Then there's the problem of the seating, Charles. I think I've got something worked out, though. Look.
If we put Yvonne at the head of the table and Richard at her right --
[Charles] Oh, no, no, no, no, Bernard. Richard isn't even speaking to Yvonne these days.
[Bernard] Oh?
[Charles] Because of Leslie.
[Bernard] Oh!
[Charles] Madeleine must be at the head of the table. Besides which, Madeleine is older than Yvonne. She might even be older than Jacqueline. No, I see no problem there. We put Madeleine at the head of the table.
It's Madeleine, isn't it, Linda?
[Beeping]
[Linda] Absolutely.
[Beeping continues]
[Beeping stops]
[Bernard] If Linda thinks it's all right, then of course it must be. But there's still the problem about the rooms, Charles.
[Charles] Well, what rooms are left? There's the pink room. We could always put Lilian in the pink room.
[Bernard] And we can put Susan in the green room.
[Charles] Yes.
[Bernard] Where can we put Monica?
[Charles] Yes, what can we do with Monica? Do you have the answer, Linda?
[Beeping]
[Beeping continues]
[Linda] In the blue room?
[Charles] Linda, you're right.
[Beeping stops]
[Bernard] She's right.
[Bernard and Charles] Linda, you're absolutely fantastic.
[Musical Segue]
***
[Linda] You saw it, didn't you? I gave all the right answers. Wasn't it wonderful? I could have been an actress. Don't you think so?
[Montag] Think what?
[Linda] That I could have been an actress.
[Montag] Oh, sure you could have been an actress.
[Linda] I wonder whether Joyce was watching. I do hope so. I must ring her tomorrow and find out what she thought.
[Montag] How did you get the part?
[Linda] The head of The Family rang me up. Me! And said I was to be in tonight's play.
[Montag] Oh, Linda, they must have phoned every one of the 200,000 Lindas in the whole country.
[Linda] That's not true.
I mean, even if it were true, you didn't have to tell me. That was very mean.
***
[Fireman 1] So you're in for promotion, Montag. Good luck.
[Montag] Thank you.
[Fireman 2] Well, well, what's all this we hear, Montag? Promotion, eh?
[Montag] It seems so.
[Fireman 3] How do you feel about it? Happy?
[Alarm ringing]
[Montag] The wife rather likes the idea.
[Fireman 3] I suppose.
[Captain] Hurry!
[Alarm continues ringing, siren blaring]
[Alarm, siren continue]
[Indistinct shouting, alarm, siren continue]
[Students] Attention!
[Fireman Instructor] That will do for today. Go back to your desks.
Now what's this? I thought I told you two I did not want to see you sitting next to each other.
Or didn't I make it clear enough the first time? Yes, you! You know what I mean. Come and sit here.
[Montag] Let us review yesterday's lesson. We studied how to detect books hidden during the actual construction of the house. This is somewhat rare because it's very costly; for its floors, for its ceilings. We also studied concealment inside furniture.
[Intercom] Trainee firemen Stoneman and Black are to report to Captain's office immediately. I repeat, trainee firemen Stoneman and Black are to report to the Captain's office immediately.
[Door opens, closes]
[Montag] We were discussing concealment inside furniture.
The most prevalent form being the false icebox or the fake television set.
What occasionally presents problems are books hidden in small quantities in everyday objects. When one is looking for a book, the most common area is to look for it in a rectangular object, like a cigar box or a chocolate box or any other object in similar shape.
I demonstrate how even a cylindrical object can be used.
[Intercom chimes]
[Intercom] Montag will report to the Captain's office.
[Montag] Here, you. Hand me a pile of books. While I'm gone, give each of the trainees a book.
Each of you will hide his book somewhere in this classroom.
When I return, I will give you a demonstration how to search. To learn how to find, one must first know how to hide.
***
[Boy trainees whispering]
[Trainee 1] What shall I say?
[Trainee 2] We met by accident.
[Trainee 1] That's no good.
[Trainee 2] What do you want to say? We planned it?
[Trainee 1] It was your idea. You're the one who thought of it.
[Trainee 2] Shut up!
[Trainee 1] If we don't tell him the same story, we're --
[Trainee 2] Listen, let's play this by ear.
[Footsteps, door opens]
[Captain] Montag, this will take about five minutes.
[Montag] Yes, sir.
[Captain] What time is it?
[Montag] Uh ... 10:00, sir.
[Door closes]
[Indistinct shouting]
[Captain shouting] Get out! This is the last time!
[Captain shouts] Get out!
***
[Captain] Like gymnastics, Montag?
[Montag] Yes, sir.
[Captain] And what about hockey? Do you like hockey?
[Montag] Yes, I do, sir.
[Captain] And golf?
[Montag] Golf. Very much, sir.
[Captain] Hmm? And football?
[Montag] Wonderful, sir.
[Captain] Billiards? Basketball?
[Montag] Oh, they're all very fine sports, sir.
[Captain] Then increase the dosage. More sports for everyone, hmm? Strengthen the group spirit. Organize the fun. Hmm? Just keep them busy, and you keep them happy. That's what matters. Hmm. Am I right?
[Montag] Absolutely, sir.
[Captain] Well, shall we talk a little about this promotion of yours? You have mentioned the possibility to your wife I suppose?
[Montag] Yes, sir.
[Captain] And her reaction?
[Montag] Uh, she thought, sir, we might be able to have a second wall-screen, sir.
[Captain] Oh, you only have the one wall converted. I see. These matters of promotion are much more important to a married man, aren't they?
[Montag] I guess so, sir.
[Captain] Montag ... you have no children, I believe.
[Montag] No, sir. We have no children.
[Captain] Well, then, a commission seems in order. And I can't see any reason offhand why it shouldn't go through. You understand, of course, with the new amendment to the law, we must expect to be worked really very hard. Very hard, indeed, until we can arrange for new volunteers to be drafted.
[Montag] Yes, sir, I heard the men talking about it.
[Captain] How long have you been with us?
[Montag] For six years, sir. Yes, yes for six years.
No, no, no, for five years, sir. For five years.
[Captain] Montag has one quality I appreciate greatly. He says very little. Have you seen my personal medallion? Oh, it's a remarkable likeness. You must remind me to let you have one sometime.
Now, let's get back to this promotion of yours. I've been looking through your file.
There are only six back views. We need 12 of them, you know.
Two sets of six.
Remember that, Montag.
***
[High-pitched tone]
[Tone continues]
[Montag] Linda?
Linda!
[Tone continues]
[Woman] Hospital listening.
[Montag] Yes, it's about my wife. She --
[Woman] Name and address.
[Montag] Uh ... Montag. Block 813.
[Woman] 813?
[Montag] Uh, just a moment.
[Tone continues]
[Tone stops]
[Montag] Hello? Yes, I just came home from work, and I found her on the floor unconscious.
[Woman] Does she take pills?
[Montag] Of course! Yesterday, she --
[Woman] Just a moment. I'll connect you with poisoning section.
[Montag] Yes.
[Man] Poisoning listening.
[Montag] It's about my wife. She --
[Man] Name and address.
[Montag] Uh, Montag. Block 813.
[Man] What kind of pills?
[Montag] Oh ... uh, just a moment.
Hello?
[Man] Yes?
[Montag] They are red. Oh, and red number two.
[Man] Oh, it's a stimulant. It's harmless. She's probably taken the wrong kind of sedative on top of that.
[Montag] Oh, just a moment.
Hello?
[Man] Yes, listening.
[Montag] Oh, yes, they are golden number eight.
[Man] Right. Stay close to her. The ambulance is on its way. Four minutes.
[Montag] What should I do in the meantime?
[Man] Nothing.
***
[Montag] Where is the doctor?
[Medical 1] What doctor?
[Montag] The doctor to take care of my wife.
[Medical 2] No doctors on these jobs. We do all the blood jobs, me and him.
[Montag] No, no, no, no, it's here, please.
[Medical 1] That's right, us. Who did you expect? Cases like that -- we handle 50 a day like her.
[Medical 2] That's right. She won't be the last tonight, not by a long shot. No, sir.
[Medical 1] Now don't you worry, sir. We'll give her a first class pump out and fill her up with new blood. Twenty minutes and she'll be as good as new. Just you relax.
[Medical 2] Now this isn't pretty to look at. You need a strong stomach. You better wait out there. You just leave it all to us. We'll call you as soon as she's done.
[Medical 1] This regulator is not as regular as it was.
[Medical 2] Come here with that thing. First, get the stockings off.
[Medical 1] [Chuckling]
[Medical 2] Never mind that. Put the dress on that chair.
[Medical 1] All right, sir, you can come in now.
She's fresh as a daisy, good as gold.
[Montag] She's still unconscious.
[Medical 2] Oh, I wouldn't say that, sir. You've got it wrong. She's asleep. Anyway, never mind about her. You get to bed. By tomorrow, it'll all be forgotten.
[Montag] You mean she'll be completely well by tomorrow?
[Medical 1] Oh, better than that. Take my word for it, she'll be on top of the world.
[Medical 2] Mind you, she'll have an appetite for all sorts of things.
[Medical 1] [Chuckling] That's right. She'll be starving. You'll find out.
***
[Water running]
[Water continues]
[Linda] My, I'm hungry.
[Montag] How do you feel?
[Linda] Hungry. Really hungry. I'm absolutely starving. I could eat a horse.
[Montag] Do you remember last night?
[Linda] Yes, what a sleep. I slept like a log.
[Montag] Listen, when I came home last night, you were --
[Linda] I'm absolutely famished.
[Montag] Let me talk, Linda, will you?
[Linda] Oh ... of course, darling. Talk all you like if it makes you happy. Go on then. What about last night?
[Montag] Nothing. I can't remember. It doesn't matter anyway.
[Linda] Look I've bought you a present to celebrate your -- Oh, I forget what. Never mind. Do you like it? Isn't it lovely? Do you like it?
[Montag] Yes, I do. Very much.
[Linda] Isn't it smart? It's the very latest thing. Everyone's using them now. Can I throw your old one away?
[Montag] Linda. Linda.
I've something to tell you.
Are you listening, Linda? What are you doing?
Linda?
[Linda] Hey!
***
[Man taking pills]
[Clarisse] [Thinking] Do you ever read the books you burn?
***
[Policeman 1] Hey, you, come here. Come here. Here. What's all this? What is it? Eh? Hey!
[Policeman 2] Come on. Come on. Come on.
[Policeman 1] All right. Hold him.
[TV Announcer] But some boys still boycott the barber shops.
Here you see a mop-up squad at work on one of these messy know-it-alls.
It all goes to show law enforcement can be fun.
[People laughing]
***
[Doorbell buzzing]
[Montag] How come the door is not working?
[Linda] You're just in time. Dinner is nearly ready.
Montag, what are you doing?
[Montag] I'm coming.
***
[Montag] "The Personal History of David Copperfield ... by Charles Dickens ... with 40 illustrations by Phiz. London, Chapman and Hall, Limited, and Humphrey Milford. New York, Oxford University Press, the American Branch. 35 West 32nd Street.
David Copperfield. Chapter one. I am born.
Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show. To begin my life with the beginning of my life, I record that I was born (as I have been informed and believe) on a Friday, at twelve o'clock at night. It was remarked that the clock began to strike, and I began to cry, simultaneously. Simultaneously."
***
[Children chattering]
[Chattering continues]
[Fireman 1] Just a moment. Go on.
[Chattering continues]
[Captain] Come on.
Aha.
Ah-ah.
[Baby] [Cooing]
***
[Clarisse] [Sighs]
[Montag] Oh! Everything all right?
[Clarisse] Yes, everything's all right. That's what they always say, isn't it, so it must be ... all right I mean.
[Montag] It certainly doesn't look that way. What's wrong?
[Clarisse] Oh, everything. It would take too long to -- sometimes I think I can't stand it anymore. I'd just like to [inhales]
[Clarisse] Well, won't you be late?
[Montag] No, no, I have plenty of time. Let's go over here.
I saw you the other day, when we were going out on a call. I was on the fire engine.
[Clarisse] You know, it's funny. It reminded me of something.
A girl who used to wait for a soldier by a barrack gate.
[Montag] What's happened?
[Clarisse] Well, you remember the analyst, how worried I was?
[Montag] Mm-hmm.
[Clarisse] I was right to be worried. I've been dismissed.
[Montag] Why? What reason did they give you?
[Clarisse] None at all. Just an official call. Services no longer required. I'm never to go to the school anymore.
[Montag] They must give you a reason. Make them tell you why. Go to the school and ask.
[Clarisse] I can't do that. Anyway, who knows what they may have said about me to the children.
[Montag] Strange.
I wonder what you said that made the analyst --
Don't you have any idea? There must be something you said or did?
[Clarisse] I never did get on well with the staff. They disapprove of me. Oh, I don't always stick to the timetable and well we have fun in my classes, and they don't like that.
Then there was another teacher, the one I replaced. The same thing happened to her. They didn't like her either. Now she's in some awful kind of trouble.
[Montag] Well then it wasn't the analyst. It was the staff that wanted to get rid of you because you are different. Look at that fellow over there.
[Clarisse] What's he doing?
[Montag] That's the information box. He can't make up his mind.
[Clarisse] What's he want to find out?
[Montag] He doesn't want to find out anything. He knows someone who has books.
So he got hold of that person's picture and number, and is going to drop it into that box.
[Clarisse] But he's an informer!
[Montag] No, he's an informant. Look at him. Like someone circling around a woman.
[Clarisse] He's putting something in his mouth.
[Montag] It's a stimulant to work up his nerve.
[Clarisse] He wants to make sure no one can see him. Look at him. He's walking away. You see? He couldn't go through with it.
[Montag] Don't worry, he'll be back. Here he comes.
[Clarisse] Good Lord, make up your mind.
There. What a relief.
[Montag] Now he's got rid of his noisy neighbor or his brother-in-law who has got a better job or even his mother. Why not? It's time to work. Please, go back to the school and try to find out.
[Clarisse] No, I can't do that.
[Montag] You must find an excuse to go back there.
[Clarisse] I suppose I ought to go and clear out my locker.
[Montag] That's all right. Uh, I have to hurry. Good luck.
[Clarisse] I'm not going. You must come with me.
[Montag] But I can't. I have to go to work.
[Clarisse] I'll take care of that. Come on. Leave it to me.
***
[Clarisse] The Rodier Firehouse.
[Telephone operator] Extension one, miss.
[Man on phone] Rodier Firehouse listening.
[Clarisse] Can I speak to --
[Man on phone] Who's calling?
[Clarisse] I'm speaking for Montag.
[Man] Yes?
[Clarisse] Can I speak to the captain?
[Man] One moment.
[Captain] Captain listening.
[Clarisse] This is Linda Montag.
[Captain] Montag's wife?
[Clarisse] Yes.
[Captain] Well miss, what can I do for you?
[Clarisse] My husband asked me to tell you he's been taken ill and can't leave his bed.
[Captain] Nothing serious, I hope.
[Clarisse] No, he should be up by this evening.
[Captain] Very well, madam. Thank you for informing me.
[Clarisse] Thank you.
[Bells ringing]
[Captain] Montag's wife. He's not too well it seems. He's staying in bed.
[Toy continues ringing]
[Fabian] Montag?
[Captain] Mmm.
[Stops ringing]
[Fabian] Is he? I see.
[Captain] Well, Fabian, that'll do for now. Until the meeting.
[Clarisse] Okay.
[Fire flaming]
***
[Children reciting] Nine thirteens are a hundred and seventeen. Nine fourteens are a hundred and twenty-six.
Nine fifteens are a hundred and thirty-five. Nine sixteens are a hundred and forty-four. Nine seventeens are a hundred and fifty-three.
[Clarisse] That's Robert.
[Children reciting] Nine eighteens are a hundred and sixty-two. Nine nineteens are a hundred and seventy-one.
[Reciting continues indistinct]
[Clarisse] Robert.
[Girl reciting] Nine thirteens are a hundred and seventeen.
[Montag] It may be my uniform.
[Clarisse] Yes, yes, that's what frightened him! It must have been your uniform.
[Montag] Go ahead. I'll wait here.
[Girl reciting] Nine fifteens are a hundred and thirty-five.
[Clarisse] All right.
[Girl reciting] Nine sixteens are a hundred and forty-four.
[Whistling]
[Girl reciting] Nine seventeens are a hundred and fifty-three.
[Whistling continues]
[Girl reciting] Nine eighteens are a hundred and sixty-three.
[Whistling, footsteps]
[Girl continues reciting, indistinct]
[Stops whistling]
[Clarisse] [Crying] [Continues crying]
[Shade rolls down, door opens]
[Children reciting] One twelve is twelve. Two twelves is twenty-four.
Three twelves is thirty-six. Four twelves is forty-eight.
Five twelves is sixty.
[Clarisse] [Crying] [Continues crying]
[Children reciting] Six twelves is seventy-two. Seven twelves is eighty-four. Eight twelves is ninety-six. Nine twelves is a hundred and eight. Ten twelves is a hundred and twenty. Eleven twelves is a hundred and thirty-two.
Twelve twelves --
[Door closes]
[Clarisse] [Crying]
[Elevator whirring]
[Montag] I'm going to be promoted. They'll listen to me then. I'll go and see your principal myself. Come.
[Clarisse] [Crying harder] Why?
[Montag] What?
[Clarisse] How did it come about?
What made it begin? What made you want to do -- How could someone like you be doing this kind of work? I know everyone says that, but you! You're not like them. When I say something to you, you look at me. Why did you choose this job? For you it doesn't seem to make any sense.
[Montag] Do you remember what you asked me the other day? If I ever read the books I burn? Remember?
[Clarisse] Mm-hmm.
[Montag] Last night I read one.
***
[Pages turning]
[Montag] "Because I'd be ashamed of myself."
[Pages turning]
[Montag] "Ashamed of myself."
[Montag] "It was a little after half past 11:00."
[Linda] [Drops books]
[Gasps]
[Montag] What are you doing, Linda?
[Linda] I found these things in the house. I don't want these things, Montag. They frighten me.
[Montag] You spend your whole life in front of that "family" on the wall.
These books are my family.
When did we first meet? And where?
[Linda] What?
[Montag] When did we meet for the first time?
[Linda] I don't know. Let me think. No, I really can't remember.
[Montag] Oh, that's rather sad. Don't you think? I do. I think it's very sad. Behind each of these books, there's a man. That's what interests me. So leave them alone and go back to bed.
[Linda] I can't sleep.
[Montag] You have your pills, haven't you?
[Montag] "Rhinoceros: any of certain large, powerful, thick-skinned perissodactyl mammals of the family Rhinocerotidae."
***
[Fabian] Well, look who's here.
[Montag] What about it?
[Fabian] I thought you were on sick leave and now here you are.
[Montag] Sick leave? Who gave you that idea?
[Fabian] I don't remember. I must have got it wrong.
[Alarm ringing, siren blaring]
[Alarm, siren continue]
[Fabian] Hurry up.
Montag, you've forgotten your helmet.
[Alarm, siren stop]
[Captain] What's this, Montag? Something wrong between you and the pole?
[Boy] Oh, Mummy, look! Firemen. Mummy, there's going to be a fire.
[Woman] [Laughing]
[Continues laughing] [Laughing continues]
"Play the man, Master Ridley. We shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace as I trust shall never be put out."
[Montag] The police haven't done their job very well. Who is this woman? What is she doing here?
[Captain] Well, she's certainly worth looking at anyway.
[Fireman] Police arrested the family this morning, sir. She must have been out.
[Fireman 2] Where are the books?
[Woman] If you didn't know that, you wouldn't be here.
[Captain] Upstairs. Montag, you stay here.
Hey! You two, in there!
[Pounding]
[Captain] In there. Go on.
[Glass shattering]
[Captain] Down there! Throw them all down!
[Pounding wall]
[Captain] Break it open! That's it.
[Glass shattering]
[Captain] This way! Come on! Down there! Throw them all down! All the books! All of them! This way! Come on!
[Shattering glass]
[Montag] "Once upon a time, there was a poor woodcutter whose name was --"
[Woman] They can't have my books. They'll never take them away.
[Captain] Montag, I think you should see this.
[Montag] Yes, sir.
[Captain] Come on! Quickly!
This is a real eyeful.
Ah, Montag. I knew it.
I knew it.
Of course, all this -- The existence of a secret library was known in high places, but there was no way of getting at it. Only once before have I seen so many books in one place.
I was just an ordinary fireman at the time.
I wasn't even qualified to use the flamethrower.
It's all ours, Montag. Listen to me, Montag. Once to each fireman, at least once in his career, he just itches to know what these books are all about. He just aches to know. Isn't that so? Well, take my word for it, Montag, there's nothing there. The books have nothing to say!
Look, these are all novels.
All about people that never existed.
The people that read them ...
it makes them unhappy with their own lives ...
makes them want to live in other ways that can never really be.
[Glass shattering]
[Captain] What's happening?
[Fireman] This house is condemned. They said to burn the books right here with everything else.
[Captain] Burning the house is one thing. Burning the books is another, isn't it? It's never any good burning everything together.
Come on, Montag. All this philosophy, let's get rid of it. It's even worse than the novels. Thinkers, philosophers, all of them saying exactly the same thing: "Only I am right. The others are all idiots." One century, they tell you man's destiny is predetermined. The next, they say that he has freedom of choice. No, it's just a matter of fashion, that's all. Philosophy. Just like short dresses this year, long dresses next year. Look. All stories of the dead. Biography that's called. And autobiography. "My Life. My Diary. My Memoirs. My Intimate Memoirs." Of course, when they started out, it was just the urge to write. Then after the second or third book, all they wanted was to satisfy their own vanity, to stand out from the crowd, to be different, to be able to look down on all the others. Ah, Critic's Prize. This is a good one. Of course, he had the critics on his side. Lucky fellow.
Just tell me this, Montag, at a guess, how many literary awards were made in this country, on an average each year? Five, ten, forty? Hmm? No less than 1,200. Anybody that put pen to paper was bound to win some prize someday.
Ah, Robinson Crusoe. The negroes didn't like that because of his man, Friday. And Nietzsche. Ah, Neitzsche. The Jews didn't like Nietzsche. Now, here's a book about lung cancer. You see, all the cigarette smokers got into a panic, so for everybody's peace of mind, we burn it. Ah, now this one must be very profound. The Ethics of Aristotle. Now anybody that read that must believe he's a cut above anybody that hadn't. You see, it's no good, Montag. We've all got to be alike. The only way to be happy is for everyone to be made equal. So, we must burn the books, Montag.
All the books.
[Fabian] Sir.
[Captain] Yes, what's the matter?
[Fabian] Trouble with the old lady downstairs. She won't leave. She won't leave her books, she says.
[Captain] [Laughs] She won't leave her books, won't she? Won't she?
Come on now, madam. We're gonna burn the house.
[Woman] No.
[Captain] What do you want? Martyrdom?
[Woman] I want to die as I've lived.
[Captain] Oh, you must have read that in there. No look. I'm not going to ask you again. Are you going?
[Woman] These books were alive. They spoke to me.
[Captain] Go ahead.
[Lamp shatters]
[Captain] All right, that's enough. Come on, madam, you've got ten seconds. Fabian, ten count.
[Fabian] One.
Two. Three.
Four. Five.
[Woman] [Chuckles]
[Fabian] Eight. Nine.
[Woman] Nine elevens are ninety-nine. Nine twelves are a hundred and eight. Nine thirteens are a hundred and seventeen [continues]
[Montag] She can't stay here.
[Captain] She refuses to leave. Look out.
[Montag] She must be forced to leave.
[Captain] Look out! Back there! Open up!
Everybody, outside! Come on, you too, Montag! Montag! Get out of there! Montag! Come on, this way!
Montag!
Montag!
***