(Prom Nina Wilcox Putnem)
a8
CAGLIOSTRO
or
(THE KING OP THE DEAD)
Original Screen Story
By
Nina Wileox Putnam
February 19, 1932“CAGLIOSTRO”
or
"THE KING OF THE DEAD"
FADE IN
EGYPTIAN SECTION OF THE METROPOLITAN
MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK CITY...INT ANGLE
CLOSE SHOT OF A STRANGE EGYPTIAN HEAD. It is the head
of a small statuette having the body of a man and the
grotesque head of a bird. THE CAMERA MOVES BACK a little
to disclose the fact that this figure is one of many in
‘the museum show case. A pair of hands is busy putting
‘those figures in order. cataloging them and pasting little
markers on the bottom of them. The first figure is laid
in the case, the hands withdraw and then come back to put
down a second figure, and then a third. Before the hands
lay this third statuette in place they hesitate. CAMERA
MOVES BACK to disclose Professor Joseph Whemple, Curator
of the Egyptian Department, examining the little figure
with interest.
‘SOUND:
A deep voice which says:
That is not genuine!
Charming but an imitation,
Startled, Joseph Whemple whirls about and faces the in-
truder. The new comer is s tall, lean man whose cadaverous
face is shadowed by a wide brimmed black hat. He wears a
long cloak and carries a cane of curious design. This
man is Cagliostro, who is known under the name of Dr. Astro
30-JOSEPH WHEMPLE
Good God, how you startled
me! Where did you come from?
Dr. Astro smiles and
indicates entrance with
a vague gesture
Who are you?
DR. ASTRO
A mere amateur of Egyptology
who bows toa great authority
Like yourself, Signor Whemple.
JOSEPE WHEMPLE
Yes — Iam the curator,
but still — I don't under-
stand.
DR. ASTRO
I have long been wishing to
make your acquaintance. But
if I may say so without offense,
I am surprised that the little
imitation Osiris should have
crept into your priceless
collection.
JOSEPH WHEMPLE
You make a study of these
things, I see
Dr. Astro takes the
image from Whemple's hand
and points to the back.
DR. ASTRO
You see this little mark?
That identifies it positively
as the early part of the
reign of Rameses the Third.
In the case it is catalogued
under Thelmes.
JOSEPE WHEMPLE
But so are many other objects
of Thelnes marked in the same
fashion.
DR. ASTRO (SHAKING HIS HEAD AND SMILING)
I have lived many years in
Egypt and I assure you,
you are mistaken