Source: Andrzej Pastuszek (by way of Czeslaw Czaplinski)Screenplay "Pulaski" -- Scene 10
[Note: This is about 3 minutes or less of running time]
Pulaski visits the office of Washington's Staff (near Neshaminy Creek, Warwick township, not quite 20 miles north of Philadelphia). It is August 20, 1777. The day is hot and stifling. We hear the buzzing of flies.
OFFICE INTERIOR: Washington sits at a table and with his hand at his brow is reading a letter. He is wearing a beige and blue military uniform.
CLOSEUP OF WASHINGTON'S FACE: despite the marks left by smallpox it is a beautiful and noble face. On Washington's head is a white wig with curls.
WASHINGTON: (reading aloud) "... Polish count, an officer famed throughout Europe for his courage and stance in the defense of freedom of his home;and against the three partitioning powers of Russia, Austria, and Prussia, will have the honor of delivering this letter ... (he continues reading mumbling the words, finishing with:) Dr. Benjamin Franklin."
Washington chases away a fly that is circling his head. He is thinking.
THE CAMERA PULLS BACK TO TAKE IN THE ENTIRE SCENE.
Pulaski in a colorful hussar's uniform stands before Washington and observes him carefully. The Marquis LA Fayette, dressed just like Washington stands nearby.
LA FAYETTE: (to Washington) In Poland the Count Pulaski commanded over 18 thousand men in various battles.
CLOSEUP OF LA FAYETTE'S FACE
LA FAYETTE: (with stress) America cannot fail to appreciate such talent and experience.
CLOSEUP OF WASHINGTON'S FACE
LA FAYETTE: Though the count does not speak English ... but the French court gave him high recommendations, and we need the good will of France.
Washington rises.
FULL VIEW OF WASHINGTON'S BODY
He is a tall and solidly built man of about 45 years, with a graceful manner. His uniform is elegant and made to fit, in the style of the Virginia militia.
WASHINGTON: (with reserve in his voice, extending his hand toward Pulaski) I welcome you with all my heart, Count Pulaski.
PULASKI: (He speaks with a hurried passion, in broken and halting English) Your excellency, General Washington. I have paid a high price in fighting for the freedom of my country. Unfortunately, Poland, for me no longer exists. Now, fighting for the freedom of the States I wish to earn a new homeland for myself. To live or die for the good of the nation, that is my motto, your excellency.
LA FAYETTE: (quite surprised, to Pulaski in French) Comment appriter vous l'anglais aussi rapidement? Quelle suprise!
(translation) How did he learn so quickly to speak English? What a surprise!A clock in the corner of the room strikes the hour melodiously. Washington smiles.
WASHINGTON: (visibly happy) The Count speaks English (he nods his head in approval) What rank and appointment does the Count expect?
PULASKI: (focusing his burning eyes onto Washington) In the beginning I'd like to have a single company of cavalry and a rank that in time would permit me to lead an entire division ... when I am worthy.
CLOSEUP OF WASHINGTON'S FACE - Hearing Pulaski's pronouncement a smile runs across his face. Washington takes Pulaski by the arm. Pulaski is shorter by a head.
WASHINGTON: Count, I'd like to show you something.
Washington takes Pulaski to the window. La Fayette, somewhat tired, sits on a chair, and fans himself with his hat. Washington raises the window.
THE MAIN VIEW IS OF A MILITARY CAMP - The camera pans slowly across the camp built around Washington's headquarters. There are long, badly built, soldiers' barracks, beyond the are torn tents, in their shade ill soldiers rest on dirty blankets.
Turkeys and chickens are picking at the grass around a field kitchen, a fat sow lies in the mud while the piglets suckle. A shirtless cook in breeches and dirty sash sits on an upturned bucket and plucks a chicken. Far away a sad tune may be heard being played on a recorder.
On the training field an officer is drilling a regiment. The soldiers are dressed in rags, or partially naked, dirty and unkempt. On the side of the road opposite the headquarters window, a sergeant is beginning to whip a deserter tied to a pole. We hear the rhythmic slap of the horse whip on the shoulders of the man. A loud scream is heard.CLOSEUP OF THE CONTORTED FACE OF THE MAN UNDERGOING PUNISHMENT.
WASHINGTON's voice (off camera): This misery is our army. Desertion, huger and lice!
A REGIMENT BEING DRILLED APPROACHES - The soldiers march in single file like geese, practicing tactical moves Indian style. They are armed with muskets and many other kinds of weapons, from axes to wooden clubs. Each is training in his own way. There is an obvious lack of discipline.
WASHINGTON's voice: Even so, I must admit that the courage and endurance of our soldiers is admirable.
THE CAMERA SHOWS THE THOUGHTFUL FACE OF WASHINGTON, THEN PULASKI.
PULASKI: (with fervor) General, a well drilled cavalry is invaluable to an army. It can check every move of the enemy. This is obvious (he looks tensely into Washington's eyes) You need a cavalry on the European model, your excellency. Especially in a defensive war like this one.
WASHINGTON: (dusting the wig powder off his lapels) Of course, of course ... As for your appointment it must be confirmed by the Continental Congress. It will take a while. But I can assure you that you will have my full support in this matter.
Washington turns away from the window and approaches a cabinet. He pulls out a bottle of whiskey and glasses.
WASHINGTON: Gentlemen, a toast to welcome the Count.
Washington removes the cork from the bottle. At that moment there are loud yells and shouts in the camp.
SOMEONE IS SHOUTING LOUDLY: The British fleet has turned toward Philadelphia !!!
Washington stiffens for a moment, then he pours the whiskey into the glasses.
WASHINGTON: (masking his nervousness): I was afraid of this. They will probably land in Chesapeake Bay in the next few days, and we are still not ready. (after a short pause he looks penetratingly at La Fayette and Pulaski) From these unschooled farmers we must build a real army, gentlemen.
LA FAYETTE (rising from his chair): General, perhaps not today, nor even tomorrow, but I do believe in a final victory.
WASHINGTON (bowing respectfully): Thank you, Marquis La Fayette. Officers like you, gentlemen, are the great hope of this war.
PULASKI (bowing toward Washington): Excellency, I am full of readiness. Without waiting for my appointment, take me on as a volunteer. (a pause) All I wish for is to come to grips with the enemy. (Pulaski's hand grips the hilt of his sword -- a Turkish saber).
THE CAMERA RETURNS TO WASHINGTON'S FACE
WASHINGTON (to Pulaski): I am honored by your stance.
PULASKI (drains his glass) I risk all for the liberty of America!
THE CAMERA FRAMES LA FAYETTE
LA FAYETTE (in French) Vive les heros!
(translation) Long live the heros!Noises and the beating of drums are heard outside.