MASADA: STAGE AND FILM. VERSIONS OF AN HISTORICAL EVENT Thesis for the Degree of M. A MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY CHARLES GARO ASHJIAN 1970. . r- z r {ft WM: r=-- am» ‘- I.¥ . -_-.._._ LIBRARY Mich”? 'gan State U‘ '5“! L73,” . u-.. - 9-. Wu '3? '-. h "1‘. I ‘ L...- ‘5 magma av 1‘ IIIIAB 8 WW 800K BINDERY INC. LIBF’ARY BINDERS ‘ IIN' HI (1 ABSTRACT MASADA: STAGE AND FILM VERSIONS OF AN HISTORICAL EVENT BY Charles Garo Ashjian This thesis contains a stageplay and filmplay based upon the tragic and resolute defense of the citadel Masada by Jewish survivors of the fall of Jerusalem in the year 70 A.D. against an invading Roman Legion commanded by General Flavius Silva. Included, also, is a brief essay comparing and contrasting the two scripts with the intention of indicating and exemplifying the advantages and disad- vantages which exist between them. Points considered include the greater realism and detail which are possible in a film treatment of the event in contrast to that possible in a stage treatment. The greater dependence of the theatre upon the spoken word is considered with refer— ence to the special capability of the film to convey much of its meaning through the use of images alone. The sustained and continuous performance of the stage actor is considered and contrasted with the often interrupted presentation of the film actor. The constant physical relationship of the Charles Garo Ashjian theatre audience to the dramatic event is considered and contrasted with the ever-changing focus of the film audience. Finally, the problem of adaptation as it pertains to the included scripts is considered and sug- gestive conclusions are derived therefrom. MASADA: STAGE AND FILM VERSIONS OF AN HISTORICAL EVENT BY Charles Garo Ashjian A THESIS Submitted to Michigan State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS Department of Television and Radio 1970 __ _~_5.__. — Accepted by the faculty of the Depart- ment of Television and Radio, College of Communication Arts, Michigan State University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Arts degree. é/fl flax _,_ Director of Thesis .- ‘— .— i .— Arthur We 16 made the CO ProfesSOrs SChlater f0 Period of s ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to express my sincere thanks to Professor Arthur Weld, whose effort, encouragement, and understanding made the completing of this thesis possible. I wish, also, to use this opportunity to thank Professors Colby Lewis, Leo Martin, Ali Issari, and Robert Schlater for their assistance and understanding during my period of study in the Department of Television and Radio. ii _— — .— _ ‘_— PART II. MASAD} III. TABLE OF CONTENTS PART Page I. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . 1 II. MASADA: A STAGE VERSION OF AN HISTORICAL EVENT . . . . . . . . . 3 III. MASADA: A FILM VERSION OF AN HISTORICAL EVENT . . . . . . . . . 89 IV. ANALYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Realism . . . . . . . . . . . . l9l Dialogue . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Acting . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Audience . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Adaptation . . . . . . . . . . . 197 BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 iii PART I _ “1., I' I. I. V] 1 ' 4-. m. v r- v Afte band of Jewi CitddEl in I. been establi; vi‘iors' 1111??qu Of an Embarrc- thouSand. A1 the Roman im would entail ; £ enders of 3'15 with I riginal Grip mtEnded or f ailabl INTRODUCTION After the fall of Jerusalem in the year 70 A.D., a band of Jewish survivors fled to the fortress of Masada——a citadel in the Judean desert near the Dead Sea which had been established by Herod in an earlier day. Here the sur- vivors, numbering under a thousand, withstood the onslaught of an embarrassed Roman force numbering nearly twenty—five thousand. After a heroic and prolonged struggle against the Roman invaders and faced with an inevitable defeat which would entail death and slavery for the survivors, the de— fenders of Masada all chose to commit suicide rather than submit to the final intentions of the, now, conquering Roman army. The incident is recorded on about six pages of Josephus' The Great Roman-Jewish War. This story of Masada and its brave defenders remains as an outstanding example of the willingness of a group to withstand an invader by choosing freedom in death rather than slavery and humili- ation in life. With this background, I have written two full-length original scripts--one intended for the stage, and another intended for film. Both scripts are based on the only available and pertinent primary information which has been preservec script wi script wh Josephus. paring an of indica vantages preserved by the historian Josephus. However, the film script will be dependent for its detail upon the stage script which is directly derived from the account by Josephus. Included with this work is a brief essay com- paring and contrasting the two scripts with the intention of indicating and exemplifying the advantages and disad- vantages of the respective scripts. PART I I MASADA A Stage Version of an Historical Event by Garo Ashjian To Franz Werfel CHARACTERS (In Order of Appearance) General Flavius Silva Envoy Hannah Sarah Eleazar ben Yair Joab Shmuel ben Ezra Yehohanan Miriam Rabbi Aqavia Engineer Priest With Squadron Leaders, Centurions, Soldiers, Men, Women, and Children. MASADA A Stage Version of an Historical Event At Rise: The summit of Masada--a fortress in the Judean Desert. GENERAL FLAVIUS SILVA enters the area. SILVA is escorted by armed and cautious ROMAN SOLDIERS who also bear the ornate battle stand— ards of several military units. Smoke and debris from ruined and smoldering structures are evident. The place conveys a feeling of the extent and utter weariness of death. SILVA This silence is foreboding . . . CENTURION Soldiers--maintain your caution . . . ENVOY Is it some form of deceit? SILVA I am not certain . . . Centurion—~sound the trumpets. Call the Jews forth. CENTURION Sound the trumpets . . . (The trumpets are sounded. There is a silent pause) Come forth-—throw down your arms . . . 6 (Silence) There is no answer, my lord. SILVA I have ears, Centurion . . . ENVOY This place bears the stench of death . SILVA A thousand Jews cannot disappear so rapidly--even if God is on their side as they proclaim so loudly. CENTURION Should I send soldiers forward, my lord? SILVA Send them . . . CENTURION You men . . . SILVA Go with them. CENTURION Yes, my lord. (The CENTURION and several SOLDIERS depart) ENVOY This is a strange response . . . SILVA Surely no response is a very strange one . . . These Jews are cunning. We must remain cautious . . . I did not eXpect to enter the summit of Masada so readily. ENVOY I had anticipated a more startling and bloody arrival . . . SILVA Perhaps the Jews still will not disappoint us . . . Sound the trumpets again. (The trumpets sound) ENVOY Little did Herod suspect that this great fortress he labored to build would provide such a final task for his Roman allies. He built well indeed. SILVA Would Herod had not built so well-—even after death, he has caused the Roman Empire lengthy embarrassment along with extensive casualties. SOLDIER My lord, someone comes . . . SILVA Calm yourself, it is our Centurion. ENVOY Along with several captured Jews . . . SILVA Women and children . . . They are not worthy prisoners-~or victims. (The ROMAN SOLDIERS enter with two women captives. HANNAH is carry— ing a baby and SARAH is holding two children by the hands) CENTURION My lord, Silva, there are bodies--hundreds of them . . . Dead by their own hands . . . It is the most frightening sight. Only these people survive. SILVA Hundreds of bodies--can this be real . . . ? CENTURION I can never be more certain . . . SILVA I can see that you are—-such certainty has shaken your manner. CENTURION I saw them with my very eyes. May I never again behold such a sight . . ENVOY But how can such a thing be . . . ? SILVA You say dead by their own hands . . . ? CENTURION Yes, my lord, hundreds of them--by sword and dagger. Near 'the main palace especially. It is ghastly--men, women, children, babes. It seems that none have been spared except for these . . . SILVA Let us be more certain of this-—take your men and survey the entire area most thoroughly. 10 CENTURION Yes, my lord. SILVA Bring me the body of Eleazar ben Yair . . . Then I will possess a better calm. CENTURION I will do my best . . . SILVA Do your best, Centurion. CENTURION Yes, my lord. (The CENTURION and SOLDIERS exit) SILVA And who are you . . . ? HANNAH I am Hannah—-a widow and mother of these three children. This is my elder sister, Sarah . . . SILVA You are foul and rebellious Jews . . . (Silence) ENVOY How well they have learned to rebel, Silva . . SILVA Speak--or I will have your tongues moved with a hot blade . . . HANNAH I will speak, my lord . . . ll SILVA What has happened here--why are we allowed to find death rather than cause it . . . ? How have you managed to sur- vive such an abundance of death and destruction . . . ? HANNAH We hid from death, my lord—~on one of the large water cisterns. We came forward when we heard the trumpets . . We knew the meaning . . . SILVA Are you cowards or traitors . . . ? HANNAH Neither, my lord, merely weary of death and desirous of life--especially life for my children. SILVA How do you know that I will spare you? HANNAH I do not know this, my lord . . . SILVA Nor do I . . . Tell us what has happened . . . Tell us truly and completely or you shall forfeit life also . . . HANNAH I will, my lord. I will tell all that I know . . . SILVA Then do so--and do so quickly for I would hasten from this cursed place . . . 12 HANNAH It was when your battle ramp neared completion—-when death came closer and closer to our lives. It was then that dissent and doubt and, if I may add, renewed courage entered our camp. It was then that Eleazar assembled the ten squadron leaders atop the Western Wall to observe and discuss the Roman advance and consider methods by which to thwart this same advance. Eleazar spoke to the leaders and . . . (Lights . . . ELEAZAR and JOAB, along with the ten SQUADRON LEADERS dressed in silver breastarmor, stand atop the Western Wall of Masada. THEY are observing the activity on the battle ramp which is being erected toward the wall. ARCHERS are poised in defense of the area) ELEAZAR Our fortress is strong. Herod, in his desire to build a strong retreat from the threat of Jewish subjects and the acquisitiveness of Cleopatra, built as well as he intended. The Roman works proceed--but to no avail. We will defend our fortress and withstand whatever . . . We are the last free men within our nation and we will survive as such . . . SHMUEL It is an impossible task to withstand any longer. There are many thousands of them below and there are only nine- hundred and sixty of us here--including many women and children. l3 ELEAZAR But we have the love of freedom and God on our side . . . SHMUEL God has deserted us. He has allowed the enemy to capture Jerusalem--to destroy our sacred Temple . . . And the love of freedom is no defense against the swords and arrows of an entire Roman Legion. ELEAZAR God has not deserted us for He has surely allowed us to survive the fall of Jerusalem. God has led us into the safety of the desert even as He led Moses to such safety. God has provided us with ample refuge here atop Masada . . . We may have faith in God . . . JOAB The Romans have already attacked once and failed. We will survive this further onslaught. SHMUEL It is impossible--there are at least twenty-thousand men below. The Tenth Legion of General Silva is too mighty a foe. This new ramp they are building means our defeat and end. The next attack will allow for great formations of men to approach our wall. Our arrows and stones, our javelins have barely delayed the Roman works. They have managed to shield themselves so well that death is our certain lot. JOAB The Romans shall not defeat us. l4 SHMUEL You are too young to be realistic. Let us surrender--at least there is the hope of life. ELEAZAR We are the last free members of our nation. We will remain so. We will always prefer freedom in death to slavery in life . . . Do you believe that the Romans will allow us any better fate than slavery? Our only hope is in struggle and this struggle will wear upon the patience of the Roman leaders. SQUADRON LEADER Eleazar is correct . . . A small victory here cannot mean so much to the Romans. They will depart rather than expend their effort to any greater extent. SHMUEL This ramp which creeps forward steadily is an indication of the effort the Romans are willing to expend. It is an engineering feat such as has never been seen in the world. JOAB And it shall end in frustration for the Romans. ELEAZAR The ramp cannot approach much further. It shall remain beneath the level of our wall. It shall be inadequate as a means for breaching our defenses. There is still hope for us. You are correct, Shmuel ben Ezra. And this hope is in our continued struggle. 15 SHMUEL These are the same words many of us heard in Jerusalem. It was soon thereafter that the Romans gained their horrible victory. There surrender was possible also--and there, also, many relinquished the opportunity for continued life with a vain and prolonged struggle . . . We escaped Jerusalem. We were the fortunate ones. Here we cannot be so fortunate. Escape is impossible and death is inevitable. ELEAZAR I would prefer death to a Roman master . . . This is not Jerusalem and I will not bear such further words from a squadron leader in my command. I repeat--this is not Jerusalem. This is the fortress of Masada and here there is no civil war such as occurred within the walls of Jerusalem. The Jews-—by their division among themselves-— not the Romans defeated Jerusalem. Here there is no such division of will--nor shall there be. Our will is one and powerful in the desire to struggle and remain free men. Our people are one and shall remain so. The enemy shall not succeed in its efforts. Our food stores are abundant. Our water supply is contained within these very walls and is permanent. Our weapons are plentiful. We will with— stand the enemy in any manner that such an effort may require. SHMUEL The ramp is a threat which cannot be banished with mere words . . . Sumel is The Roman We are--s Crease it SEnd a Sp Plan We will t l6 SQUADRON LEADER Shmuel is correct . . . (Several of the SQUADRON LEADERS agree) SHMUEL The Romans are as aware of the limitations of the ramp as we are--surely they have some further plan in mind to in- crease its effectiveness. (Pause) SQUADRON LEADER Send a spy into the Roman camp. Learn if there is any such plan . . . (Pause) ELEAZAR We will take this precaution . . . JOAB Then I will go. ELEAZAR You are always ready for danger, Joab. How has one so young come to possess such an abundance of courage? JOAB I possess such courage only because I am fearful of the loss of my wife and child. SHMUEL He is too young. Send a more experienced man. Courage is not enough for such an important task. l7 YEHOHANAN I will go, Eleazar . . . SHMUEL Yes, send Yehohanan. He will accomplish the task. ELEA ZAR I agree . . . Then prepare yourself--go with care and detect whether these cursed Romans have any unknown plans for our future . . . And may God bear his mighty shield before you . . . (Lights . . . Several people, including HANNAH and SARAH, are gathered in a room of the fortress. HANNAH is cooking over a fire that is steadily marring an ornate wall mural. Noisy children are playing about a crib containing a sleeping baby) HANNAH Stop that noise-~you will disturb the child . . . Do you hear . . . ? (The children stop their loud playing) Cursed life--is there no peace in the world? Is there no peace for a Jew in the entire world? SARAH It is our fate . . . HANNAH Then curse our fate. I would deny our fate. SARAH There is no denying the decree of God. 18 HANNAH Then let us ignore it--I am tired of suffering . . . Let God choose the Romans instead. Let God give our fate to the Romans. They deserve it more than we do . . . (Pause) Look at this food—-where does all the food go? Why are there such shortages? The storehouses are filled with the best of foods and we must get along in this emptyhanded manner . . . SARAH The food must be rationed to insure our survival. HANNAH Our leaders cannot live with such thrift . . . Eleazar does not lose any weight before my eyes . . . And why must we live in this narrow quarter when Eleazar and so many of the others live in the main palace of Herod. We share a room-- while they share apartments . . . (HANNAH and SARAH serve the food to those who are gathered) Look at this food . . . SARAH Would you prefer death to suffering . . HANNAH I will have no more of death. I have lost a husband already--and I will lose no more to these Romans. I will have life--and life without further suffering. And how ‘I are tire: Iamnot my word . l9 SARAH And how will you accomplish this? Let us know also for we are tired even as you . . . HANNAH I am not certain . . . I do not know--but I will fulfill my word. I will preserve life. MAN Do not burden us further with your simple misery. We are all tired of death and destruction. We have already experienced enough for a lifetime and lifetimes to come. Our anguish is as fresh and full as yours. We have been through Jerusalem. We have escaped from death also. We have witnessed the bloodshed, the civil war, the flames, the massacre . . . We have witnessed the fall of the sacred Temple also . . . WOMAN A Temple that stood for a thousand years since the time of Solomon. SARAH We have sinned and God has turned his wrath upon us . . . HANNAH I have not sinned--I was a mother and a wife only. I have not sinned. Let God punish those who have sinned--let him spare the innocent. SARAH It is only for God to judge those among us who are sinners and those among us who are innocent. 20 HANNAH II will judge and I judge myself to be innocent. I judge us all to be innocent and undeserving of suffering or death. SARAH I would have happiness and life also--but it will be the decision of God. HANNAH It will be my decision. I will have life . . (HANNAH raises the baby from the crib and cradles it in her arms) I will have life--and I will have life for my children . . (Lights . . . The gardened lower terrace of the Northern Palace just below the summit of Masada. MIRIAM, a lovely young person with plaited hair, is cradling a baby in her arms. JOAB enters anxiously from the stairwell which is toward the rear. The area is reminiscent of the prow of a ship. Soft and melan— choly music from a flute can be heard) JOAB Miriam . . . Miriam . . MIRIAM Joab . . . (THEY embrace) Be careful of the child . . . JOAB I love both of you so much . . In“ L 21 (JOAB takes the child and holds it in the air. HE returns the child to MIRIAM. THEY walk to the edge of the terrace over- looking the desert) MIRIAM Oh, that we could flee across the desert——or across the Sea into the Mountains of Moab. There we could hide from the world and its cruelties and build ourselves a peaceful refuge. There our child could grow into a fine young man . . . If we could escape from this life in which we have been made prisoners . . . JOAB It seems hardly possible . . . MIRIAM Oh that it were possible . . . JOAB I have failed you both . . . MIRIAM You must not say such a thing. You must never say such a thing. You have done everything possible. It is not your fault but that of the Roman invaders . . . JOAB That Rome would come to an end. That Rome would become a part of the past so we could gather our deserved future . . . MIRIAM Is there really such a future for us, Joab? I am so frightened . . . 22 JOAB I am not certain--but if there is any way to gain our future, I will discover it. I promise you this much. I promise both of you . . . MIRIAM Then I have hope, Joab. I have hope for the future. One day we will have happiness and peace. One day we will rest together and fear the Romans and death no longer . . . JOAB Pray that such a day shall come, Miriam. Pray that such a day shall come. (A ram's horn is heard) And surely it is a time for prayer. The shofer horn calls us to service . . . Let us return to the summit . . . Let us return to the foul world . . . MIRIAM Joab . . . JOAB Yes. MIRIAM Hold us again. When you hold us, when I feel your arms about us, I am no longer afraid . . . (THEY embrace) Oh Joab . . . Joab . . . (Lights . . . The synagogue on the summit of Masada. It is the only place where some discreet luxury has been allowed by the Jews. The peOple RABBI THEY I talitI an em fiereis none 1. are no deeds lil kingdom and You; IUD. the Lord I an ever. IIay . Melbrd bless 3 paSSiOH, may it HESS and t0 IEb' we trust, 0 Kim uniV6rse. (The I When the ark wa 23 people have gathered for the service. RABBI AQAVIA is assisted by ELEAZAR. THEY both wear the traditional talith. A plaintive song comes to an end) RABBI There is none like You among the mighty, O Lord, and there are no deeds like Yours. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and Your dominion endures forever. The Lord is King, the Lord was King, the Lord shall be King for ever and ever. May the Lord give strength to His People; may the Lord bless His people with peace . . . Father of com— passion, may it be Your will to favor Zion with Your good- ness and to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. In You alone we trust, 0 King, high and exalted God, Lord of the universe. (The Ark is opened) When the ark was carried onward, Moses exclaimed: Arise, O Lord, that Your enemies be scattered and those who would deny You be put to flight. For out of Zion shall go forth the Torah, and the word of the Lord out of Jerusalem . . . Praised is He who in His holiness gave the Torah to His people Israel . . . (The Torah is taken from the Ark) Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. One is our God, great is our Lord, Holy is He. (The Torah is carried in procession) Proclaim the greatness of the Lord; together let us exalt His glory . . . Yours, 0 Lord, is the greatness and the '(J (3 -wer an heaven a holy. E, lord our Praise t Lord, et Lord Our all peo; Lord, GI 24 RABBI (Continued) power and the glory. Yours is triumph and majesty over all heaven and earth. Yours, 0 Lord, is supreme sovereignty . . Exalt the Lord our God, and worship Him for He is holy. Exalt and worship Him at His holy mountain. The Lord our God is holy . . . Eleazar ben Yair . . . ELEA ZAR Praise the Lord, Source of all blessing. Praised is the Lord, eternal source of all blessing. Praised are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who chose us from among all peoples by giving us His Torah. Praised are You, O Lord, Giver of the Torah. (RABBI AQAVIA stands at the desk and reads from the Torah) RABBI And Moses spake in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song, until they were ended . . . Give ear, 0 ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, 0 earth, the words of my mouth. My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distill as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right He is . . . Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. And when the Lord saw it, He abhorred them, :._. mwge because 0 3nd he sa Heir end children jealousy to anger jealousy them to a in my ang consume t IOUndatiO than; I W burnt Wit bitter (36 upon them 3%“ Wit YCUng mar 25 RABBI (Continued) because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. For a fire is kindled in my anger, and shall burn into the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them. They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust. The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs. I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men: were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the Lord hath not done all this. For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. 0 that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would 26 RABBI (Continued) consider their latter end! How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up? For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter: their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps. Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures? To me belongeth vengeance, and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left. And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted, which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offer- ings? Let them rise up and help you, and be your protection. See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no God with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal; neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever. If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, 27 RABBI (Continued) and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy. Rejoice, 0 ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people. And Moses came and spake all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he, and Hoshea the son of Nun. And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel. And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. And the Lord spake unto Moses that selfsame day, saying, Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, unto Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession: And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in Mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people: Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the 28 RABBI (Continued) children of Israel. Yet thou shalt see the land before thee; but thou shalt not go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel . . . ELEAZAR Praised are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who gave us a Torah of truth, endowing us with everlasting life. Praised are You, O Lord, Giver of the Torah. (RABBI AQAVIA raises the Torah) This is the Torah that Moses set before Israel. This is the Torah given by God, through Moses. It is a tree of life to those who hold fast to it. All who uphold the Torah are blessed. Its ways are delight; its paths are peace . . . Lead us back to you, and we shall return. Renew our glory as in days of old. (Lights . . . The synagogue. JOAB is in the midst of prayer and is halted by the entrance of ELEAZAR and RABBI AQAVIA) JOAB Is there no other way . . . ? ELEAZAR There is no other. JOAB I am not afraid of death--and yet I still crave life for myself and family. I wish for happiness for . . . 29 RABBI Our lot is not one of happiness. This suffering is our lot . . JOAB Surely we have suffered enough--surely some happiness is now our due . . . RABBI Happiness is our enemy. There is yet much effort and work for us to perform. We are a chosen people and to 1ead--to possess the power and desire for leadership--is to suffer . . . We cannot relinquish our holy obligation. JOAB Why must we alone be chosen . . . ? If our God is for all men, why must He single out a special people--a single nation? What kind of God is this who restricts himself to a single people? Let him choose some others, everyone-—let God give himself to everyone. Let Him go to the Romans in haste . . . Perhaps if they learn the Torah and sacred law . . . RABBI Perhaps they will . . . JOAB Then the Romans would not wish to kill and enslave us . . . Would that we were a mighty power such as Rome . . . Would that we possessed the strength to protect ourselves from the enemy--to kill and vanquish the enemy. Then we could 3O JOAB (Continued) seal ourselves within our own boundaries-—within our own walls--and let the strangers go their own way. A Jewish state with Jewish rulers-~freedom in our own land with our own rulers . . . RABBI I would not have this sort of nation. May we never be remembered as a nation of warriors--may we never be re— membered for such strength. May we never relinquish our book and ethic for the sword. May we never make love of nation a substitute for the sacred Torah and commandment of God. Our truest nation--our truest allegiance—-is to a nation of the spirit . . . JOAB If we have no nation--no land of our own, we will have neither book or ethic--we will remain as foreigners in the land of another. We will lose the freedom--through fear or desire--to preserve our own identity, our own truth and wisdom . . . Our book and our ethic--our sacred truth-- will prevail only within the safe boundaries of our own nation. The foreigners shall remain our enemy and destroyer. They are always our enemy. They have never failed to kill and destroy our brethren. They shall never change--and I will never forget or forgive this crime or this enemy . . . 31 RABBI One day all shall forgive their enemy and call them brethren. Such a world shall come to pass . JOAB I will never forget or forgive . . ELEAZAR I can almost forgive the Romans for killing our sons—-but I can never forgive them for having forced us to teach our children to kill . . (Pause) RABBI We will learn to forgive--even such injustice and crime. We are a chosen people and it is our duty and destiny to excel--to gather respect--so that we may share our truth with the willing members of all nations . . . If we have sinned, we shall repent our sins. If we have been cast into exile, we will regain our homes and sanctuaries. And if we have sought redemption, we will gain it for this is the decree of God. And one day all men shall share in our good fortune. Our history--our suffering and pain-—is a passing thing. Only our destiny is permanent and certain . . . JOAB How often must we gain our redemption . . . ? RABBI As often as we falter into sin . . . As often as we ignore the sacred word of the Lord . . . 32 JOAB We will be redeemed forever when we possess a mightier sword and recover our own land for our own people——we will be redeemed when we have excluded the enemy--the foreigner-- forever. This is our redemption . . . RABBI This is sin and corruption . . . It would be immoral if we would exclude anyone, whatever his origin, his descent, or his religion, from participating in our achievements. For we stand on the shoulders of other civilized peoples . . . What we own we owe to the preparatory work of other peoples. Therefore, we have to repay our debt. There is only one way to do it, the highest tolerance. Our motto must there— fore be, now and ever: Man, thou art my brother. Love, thou art my standard. God, thou art my guide . . . Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the most powerful Lord. (Lights . . . The candlelit chamber of ELEAZAR. HE is seated at a writing table. SHMUEL BEN EZRA and HANNAH enter) ELEAZAR Yes . . . ? SHMUEL We would speak with you . . . ELEAZAR Then speak . . . 33 ELEAZAR (Continued) (Pause) Speak if you will . HANNAH We would ask you to surrender before the Romans—-while there is still an opportunity for survival. ELEAZAR Surrender . . SHMUEL Yes, the Romans have once offered us the opportunity. They will do so again to avoid any further loss of time and life . . . ELEAZAR And what do you think would become of our people . . . ? SHMUEL They would gain life . . . ELEAZAR Life as slaves in the service of a corrupt nation HANNAH I prefer such slavery to death. (ELEAZAR rises and moves to the tablefront) ELEAZAR And I prefer death to slavery. SHMUEL Some of the people feel differently . . 34 ELEAZAR But the majority feel as I do . . . HANNAH Only because you have convinced them that this is the only proper way. Words are plentiful but life is still scarce. Many of us remain in disagreement . . . ELEAZAR I will not hear of such disagreement. I will not hear any talk of surrender to the Romans. Now leave me before I gain greater anger . . . SHMUEL We will not leave until you have gained greater reason. We would have life and surrender, while there is still an opportunity, is the only way for our people to acquire life. ELEAZAR Are you another Josephus? Is there another such traitorous and cowardly commander among us? SHMUEL Josephus lives-—and we are surely dead if we continue to heed your word . . . ELEAZAR We will survive—-even as David survived before Goliath HANNAH But we are not David nor are the Romans Goliath . . . 35 ELEAZAR Curse your cowardice--both of you . . . Go from my sight . . . Would that our nation were rid of your kind . . . SHMUEL And would that our nation were rid of your kind. Such fanaticism can only breed death and we have had enough of death . . . ELEAZAR I will not hear such talk from a leader of the Jewish people . . . Go from my sight--and when you have gone remove all the badges of your command. I would have another in your place . . . Now 1eave--before I throw you from the summit into the Roman camp you so earnestly crave . . . Do as I command you . . . SHMUEL I will do as you command. I will go far from your sight—— farther than you would see . . . ELEAZAR Then do so in haste—-I would have you that far from my sight . . . HANNAH I will shun the destiny you so desire for your own people . . . ELEAZAR Go--I command you! 36 ELEAZAR (Continued) (THEY exit. ELEAZAR draws a sword and ponders it. HE hurls it to the ground) My God, my God--what is your command . . . ? (ELEAZAR returns to the chair and slumps his head upon the table . . . Lights . . . ELEAZAR is at the Western Wall with several of the SQUADRON LEADERS. Breastarmor intended for JOAB is placed in a prominent manner) SQUADRON LEADER It is a worthy choice--Joab will make an excellent substi— tute for Shmuel ben Ezra. SQUADRON LEADER He is young——but is courageous and intelligent. ELEAZAR Then send for him--and let us bestow the silver armor of leadership upon him . . . SQUADRON LEADER I will bring him here . . . (The SQUADRON LEADER departs) ELEAZAR Youth, courage, intelligence--and these qualities are wasted upon war and bloodshed. How war corrupts all that is approached and enmeshed--is there ever a good or just war . . . ? Silver armor--how glittering and deceptive are the surface appearances for those who are uninitiated . . . SQUADRON LEADER I believe they return, Eleazar . . . 37 SQUADRON LEADER No--it is Yehohanan returned from the enemy camp . . . (YEHOHANAN and a SQUADRON LEADER enter) ELEAZAR Safe return, Yehohanan--God has seen fit to escort you . . . What news do you bring . . . ? YEHOHANAN It is better that I brought no news . . . The Romans do have more in mind than is apparent . . . The great batter- ing ram--the great war engine which the Romans call Victor-- is being brought to Masada from Jerusalem . . . SQUADRON LEADER The very engine which shattered the walls of Jerusa- lem . . . ? YEHOHANAN The very same . . . SQUADRON LEADER This is terrible news--but can they raise such an engine to the head of the ramp . . . ? ELEAZAR With enough men . . . SQUADRON LEADER The archers will slay these men before they near our wall . . . 38 ELEAZAR Will they slay the Jewish captives of Flavius Silva--for surely these are the ones who will bear the burden of such labor . . . And will we allow such slaying . . . (Pause) There must be some other way to halt their effort . . . (JOAB enters with the SQUADRON LEADER) JOAB I heed your command, Eleazar . . . ELEAZAR Greetings, Joab--I would command you better things but my sole command is that you assume this symbol of leader- ship . . (ELEAZAR hands Joab the breastarmor) JOAB It is a greater honor than I deserve . . ELEAZAR And an even greater burden--the Roman sword draws ever nearer to us. Yehohanan brings word of a Roman plan to raise the great engine, Victor, to the head of the ramp and destroy our wall . . . Now wear the armor and begin to feel its burden . . . (JOAB dons the armor) 39 JOAB The weight is that of Jerusalem . . . We cannot leave any piece of Jerusalem behind . . . Is there no way to thwart such a plan . . . ? ELEAZAR I am not certain . . . There is only one position from which the ram may perform its destructive work and only one section of the wall which may be shattered--perhaps a second inner wall . . . a second inner wall . . . SQUADRON LEADER That is the solution . . . ELEAZAR It is, at least, our only hope . . . YEHOHANAN Such a wall must be erected in haste—-the engine is no further than two days march from the Roman camp-~perhaps even closer by now . . . ELEAZAR Then let us proceed hastily in the following manner . . . We will lay together great beams of wood lengthways, one close to the end of another, and in the same way in which they are cut. Let us lay two of these rows parallel to one another and place earth into the space between these rows . . . The engine may shatter the outer wall--but as it strikes this second inner wall the blows will be weakened by its yielding construction . . . 4o SQUADRON LEADER And the materials by such concussion will be shaken closer together. The pile shall become even firmer and more un— yielding than before . . . JOAB It is an excellent plan--and we will remain secure as ever . . . SQUADRON LEADER And the Romans shall remain frustrated as ever . . . ELEAZAR Perhaps--but let us begin the work. There is no time to waste . . . Assemble the men to their tasks . . . Let us see what this great engine, Victor, may accomplish now . . . And let us witness whether God still stands atop Masada (Lights . . . The tent chamber of GENERAL FLAVIUS SILVA. SILVA and a MILITARY ENGINEER stand before a large rotating model of Masada and the surrounding vicinity) ENGINEER It is a great rock, a formidable obstacle and challenge this Masada--but this Jewish stronghold shall soon become a Jewish burial ground . . . SILVA Let us hope so--we have wasted enough time and effort on these Jewish dogs . . . 41 ENGINEER See here--how well laid are the plans . . . As it was impossible to move mass formations of soldiers along the snake's path of the Eastern slope--the great cone-shaped ramp was constructed on the Western slope to take advantage of the promontory of white rock which already exists and approaches the summit . . . Here, atop the ramp, we have placed a large pier for the great tower, Victor, and its powerful battering ram . . . This ninety foot tower will be flanked by two siege towers seventy-five feet in height. From their tops, archers will protect the troops as they perform their destructive tasks. Here, catapults . . . here, stone throwers . . . here archers and here javelins . . . Jewish doom is inevitable. The ramp does not reach the wall of Masada--but by merely canting and elevating the battering ram of Victor within its cradle and extending the tow lines a bit further than usua1--the troops may pull and pound and pummel the wall above to their own content . . . The wall shall fall——entrance shall become a simple matter--and victory shall be in your hands. SILVA And what of Jewish archers--their arrows become deadlier with the shortening of distance . . . ? ENGINEER Our own archers will stand in defense . . . Victor and the two flanking towers have been encased in heavy iron 42 ENGINEER (Continued) also making them invulnerable to fire-~those of our troops who man them shall be well protected . . . And here, protected passageways to each tower . . . Each instrument has been made so solid and firm that if the Jews in any way attempt to overturn them, they shall surely fail . . . It is all so marvelous . . . And here, below, all about Masada--a siege wall which surrounds the entire rock--let them dare attempt an escape or an attack upon our camps . . . It is all so thoroughly considered . . . The Jewish days on Masada are approaching a swift end . . . SILVA And to position these towers so they may perform their task . . . ? ENGINEER Jewish prisoners-~of course . . . They will not shoot their own--and, if they do, it is of little concern. There are many to take the places of any dead . . . SILVA Your craft and consideration are impressive . . . ENGINEER May the Jews be so impressed . . . SILVA May the Jews hasten to their graves . . . V . v 4 44 wa'm a They 5! CIC the: L e acc Let us upon t ~12 . «his z the JI Tn; I5y wi 43 ENGINEER They shall be surprised by the appearance of Victor--little do they realize that we bring them a memento of Jerusalem to accompany their final days . . SILVA Let us hasten with these plans--I would see the surprise upon their faces . . . ENGINEER If only we could prolong matters a bit--I am certain that I could devise some marvelous new devices for their pleasure . . . SILVA This affair has been prolonged sufficiently--let us now gain the Jewish defeat. ENGINEER I am almost aroused to enter the Jewish camp and attempt a defense against these measures. It would be a challenging task . . . But it is impossible--I have planned with such excellence . . . It is all so very perfect . . . SILVA We will see . . . we will see . . . (Lights . . . A Roman outpost. Several SOLDIERS are huddled by a small fire) FIRST SOLDIER We should leave and give them the whole desert--I have a family in Rome . . . You're done ' ‘ w . IOtnL *‘r em in Je I don Can I) 44 SECOND SOLDIER As long as we're here--you have no family but us . . . THIRD SOLDIER What are we waiting for-—let's get this thing over with . . . FIRST SOLDIER We have no business here--what do these politicians and generals have in mind . . . ? SECOND SOLDIER They can't stand anyone about without their permission . . . THIRD SOLDIER Let's kill the Jews and have it done with . . . FIRST SOLDIER You're so anxious for blood--what have these people ever done to you . . . ? THIRD SOLDIER Nothing-—but they're Jews--and that's enough reason to kill them . . . We'll do the same thing here that we did back in Jerusalem . . . They're a curse upon the earth . . . SECOND SOLDIER I don't care what they are--they can have their rock. They can have the whole dirty desert with its heat and sand . . . FIRST SOLDIER It's a waste of lives any way you look at it . . . SECOND SOLDIER And a nuisance . . . 45 THIRD SOLDIER I've nothing better to do . . . FIRST SOLDIER I have . . SECOND SOLDIER I could think of better things to do , . . THIRD SOLDIER You make miserable soldiers--I'd be on top of that rock carving Jewish throats if I could . . . SECOND SOLDIER The centurion may carve all of our throats if he catches us sitting about like this . . . THIRD SOLDIER Damn the centurion . . . SECOND SOLDIER Don't let him hear that . . . THIRD SOLDIER I'll let any man hear what I have to say of him. I'm not a coward like some people . . . FIRST SOLDIER Nor am I--but I'd leave this place if I could . . . Let these Jews have their worthless land . . . SECOND SOLDIER If I never see another Jew for the rest of my days, I'll be happier for it. As long as they leave me alone, I'm willing to leave them alone. Let them go their way and I'll go mine . . . 46 THIRD SOLDIER And I'd just as soon kill each one of them--a little bit at a time . . . except for a few of the women . . . I have better plans for them . . . SECOND SOLDIER You can have anything you want—-you can do anything you want-—but I'm tired of this place. You can take my position in the attack if that'll make you happy . . . THIRD SOLDIER We'll soon get our chance--all of us——it won't be long now. You'll all kill whether you want to or not--and I'll enjoy every moment of it . . . SECOND SOLDIER And I'll be glad when it's over . . . FIRST SOLDIER I hope it never begins . . . THIRD SOLDIER You're a coward. You see a bit of death and shudder all over . . . FIRST SOLDIER I haven't your appetite for blood--or your heart . . . THIRD SOLDIER The centurion would have one of me for every ten of you . . . FIRST SOLDIER The centurion can have all of you that he wants . . . 47 SECOND SOLDIER Hold it--here he comes. Stand on your feet . . . (THEY rise and appear attentive. The CENTURION and ANOTHER SOLDIER enter with SHMUEL BEN EZRA) CENTURION What are you men doing here by the fire . . . ? While you're wasting about, this Jew is walking around free in the dark . . . SECOND SOLDIER We're doing our duty . . . CENTURION You look too comfortable for that . . . One of you men come with me . . . This prisoner must be taken to General Silva . . . THIRD SOLDIER I'll go . . . CENTURION You stay--I need good men on line . . . You, soldier, come with me . . . FIRST SOLDIER Yes, sir . . . CENTURION Have your rest now--it will be the last one. An attack is due to begin very soon . . . THIRD SOLDIER That's good news . . . 48 CENTURION Not if you end as one of the dead . . . THIRD SOLDIER There's no chance of that-—no Jew will ever lay a hand on me . . . CENTURION Perhaps--but they're no foe to take so lightly in their situation . . . THIRD SOLDIER It looks like they're done for--it's about time. A year in the desert is too much for any man. Let's get it done with . . . I want to see the view from the top of the rock . . . CENTURION You'll get your chance soon enough . . . Let's go now . . (The CENTURION and the TWO SOLDIERS depart with their prisoner) THIRD SOLDIER Did you hear the Centurion . . . ? We'll get our chance soon . . . I wonder if those Jews have much gold with them . . . ? (Lights . . . The tent chamber of FLAVIUS SILVA. OFFICERS are gathered with SILVA about the model of Masada. GUARDS and SERVANTS are present. Sensual flute music is heard. A HERALD enters followed by the ENVOY from Rome) 49 HERALD Hear all--the envoy from Titus, Great Emperor and General of Rome . . . ENVOY Greetings, Flavius Silva-—greetings from Rome and the Emperor Titus . . . SILVA Greetings to the Emperor . . . Enter and join with us . . . Servants-—refreshments . . . It is a long while since we have had greetings and news from Rome (The SERVANTS soon reenter with re- freshments and begin serving them) ENVOY And a longer time since Rome has gathered news from Judea . . . SILVA Too soon with business--take of the drink and then to affairs . . . ENVOY So be it . . . (Cups are filled by the SERVANTS) SILVA To Titus and Rome . . . (THEY toast) What news do you bring from Rome . . . ? I I t I g. 5: “ii-- i- y . i 50 ENVOY There is little news and much impatience from Rome . . . Rather what news does Silva bear for Rome and Titus . . . ? SILVA All is well-—the campaign progresses evenly and surely . . ENVOY Titus has expected more from General Silva and the Tenth Legion--an entire year, an entire year against fewer than a thousand Jews with women and children among them and no sound of victory . . . It is a terrible embarrassment to the Emperor . . . The arch of victory over the Jews is built in Rome--even the coins declare this victory, and yet there is no final victory, no final defeat . . . A band of outlaws declares the Emperor to be a liar . . . SILVA They are a desperate and fierce band of outlaws--and more, they have a fortress of near impregnable quality to support and sustain them . . . ENVOY And you have ten thousand men of the elite Tenth Legion and nearly fifteen thousand Jewish prisoners of war with which to wage a siege-~and you have still failed . . . SILVA We have not failed--we have merely been delayed and this delay shall soon come to an end as you will even see for yourself . . . Let us the p: utter fort I he tas Wilj .gEn LEt Us in the 51 ENVOY Let us hope so-—Titus grows impatient. He cannot chance the prolonged existence of a stronghold such as Masada . . . Other Jews may take example and other such strongholds may rise . . . Rome will not tolerate the encouragement of any further hostility . . . SILVA Remember--we have not the advantage of a civil war within the Jewish camp as at Jerusalem. We will not divide and conquer Masada-~nor was Jerusalem such a natural fortress as Masada . . . ENVOY I have been impressed by my View of the citadel——but Titus has not had the privilege of such a View. And he certainly will not be impressed with words . . SILVA We will give him more than words . . . The engineers have provided for that--surely you have seen the great ramp and the engines which are being drawn into position for an assault . . . ENVOY I have . . . SILVA Then you have seen signs of the Jewish end. ENVOY Let us hope so-—Rome is a great nation, the greatest nation in the world. Rome cannot allow such a small group to ”‘T‘f 7 “{1‘3. . . . ~77" I named. of en; 9 . ¥uC as as EXCe 52 ENVOY (Continued) humiliate her before the eyes of the world. The strength of empire depends greatly upon the belief of Roman subjects in this very strength. Power demands a strong appearance of invincibility--and Rome shall preserve such an appear- ance at any cost . . . And not only are these things necessary for power but for pride--Rome shall have pride. SILVA I do not require a session in the ways of government ENVOY It is merely my duty to present the concerns of Titus. I do as I am bid . . . SILVA And I will do as I am bid—~I promise a Roman victory within a week. You shall observe it with your own eyes and report as much to Titus . . . I have already sent for the priest and his omen . . . ENVOY My eyes remain anxious and expectant and I would witness the omen . . . (A CENTURION enters and whispers to SILVA) SILVA Excellent--we have a new prisoner, a deserter. You shall see one of these rebellious Jews for yourself . . . Bring the prisoner before us . . . (SHMUEL BEN EZRA is escorted into the tent) 53 CENTURION Kneel before General Flavius Silva . . SHMUEL (Kneeling) I am your servant and your ally . . . SILVA I would have no Jew as an ally . . . SHMUEL I bring valuable information . . . SILVA We know all that is necessary of the Jewish camp . SHMUEL I bring news of discord and dissension. There is strife among the Jews-~even as in Jerusalem. A Roman victory is assured. I have led this dissension in an attempt to aid Rome . . . ENVOY This man is a coward and incapable of leadership . . . SILVA I agree . . . SHMUEL No, no--this is not true. I have sown great agitation and dissent among my people in order to bring this futile mad- ness to an end. I beseeched the people to surrender before the superiority of Rome. I am loyal to Rome . . . SILVA And why have they not surrendered . . . ? 54 SHMUEL They will--it is inevitable . . . SILVA It is inevitable—-and why are you not upon the summit giving guidance and encouragement to your faction . . . ? SHMUEL I have come to ask mercy for them. We are friends SILVA You have not responded to the question ENVOY He has no faction. He is a coward and a deserter——another Josephus . . . SILVA You are correct--and I am already tired of this . Centurion, remove this man. Slay him . . SHMUEL No, my lord. I am an ally, a friend. I will plead with the Jews for surrender . . . I will do anything--but spare my life . . . SILVA Remove him . . . (A struggling and pleading SHMUEL BEN EZRA is removed by the GUARDS. A dying scream is heard) Such make me ill . . . ENVOY Is this the character of the enemy that has so delayed Rome . . . ? 55 SILVA Would that the enemy were of such character . . ENVOY If, in a like manner, Titus would rid himself of the other fawning Josephus--the Roman court would be a more noble and comfortable place . . . SILVA Beckon the priest--let us have a sign from the gods . . . Religion should always be used to supplement our intelligence . . . (A PRIEST enters bearing a dove) PRIEST My lord, Silva . . . SILVA Grant us an omen, priest. Speak to the gods. Tell us whether the time is proper for an attack upon the Jewish fortress . . . Speak to them well, priest . . . PRIEST I will do your bidding . . . O holy gods of Rome--hear our prayer and lend us thy guidance. Lead us to the enemy of our great religion and empire. Show us the way to victory. Bid us to vanquish in the proper time . . . O sacred gods of Rome--enter this chamber, grant us the wisdom of the future . . . (The PRIEST slays the dove and examines it) 56 SILVA Hasten and tell us the omen . . . PRIEST The omen is favorable, my lord. The gods bid an attack with victory for the outcome. SILVA Do you hear that . . . Centurion, see that the priestly word is communicated to the troops. Let them hear the will of the gods . . . Sound the drums . . . Assemble all of my officers before me--the time has come . . . (Lights . . . ELEAZAR and the SQUADRON LEADERS are at the Western Wall. There is much activity in the building of an interior wall. The steady pound- ing of a battering ram is heard) SQUADRON LEADER The construction has gone as well as possible-—work on the interior wall is nearly complete. ELEAZAR It is in proper time--the battering ram has done its work more swiftly than expected . . SQUADRON LEADER The outer wall is nearly destroyed and there is no halting the Roman engine . . . SQUADRON LEADER Arrows tipped with fire, rocks, javelins, hot oil--none of these things have halted the Romans. The towers are en— cased in armor. Soldiers approach and depart freely through protected passageways . . . 57 ELEAZAR Roman engineers seldom lack in skillfulness and forethought --let us discover if they have failed on this occasion . . . SQUADRON LEADER And if this inner wall fails us instead . . . ? ELEAZAR Then there is no hope--death and slavery shall be our fate . . . JOAB The wall shall hold—-we will not die . . . ELEAZAR Pray to God that this is so--pray that God will not fore- sake our cause . . . (Lights . . . The base of the ramp where Romans are observing the assault) ENVOY The day grows too long . . . SILVA The work will soon be accomplished . . . ENGINEER They can do little more than observe our advance . . . SILVA They will soon have more to do than merely observe . . . Our soldiers have been made thirsty with anger by their long wait in the desert. They will quench their thirst with Jewish blood . . . 58 ENVOY The Jews will be desperate . . . SILVA It will not matter . . . (The pounding of the ram ceases) ENGINEER A breach-~they have made a breach . . . (Pause) SILVA But the troops fail to advance . . . Centurion, go forward, and discover the reason for such delay . . . Remain as you are--a messenger approaches . . . (A SOLDIER enters) SOLDIER My lord . . . SILVA Speak . . . SOLDIER The wall has been breached, my lord--but a new inner wall of wood and dirt has been raised against us . . . SILVA What do you say now, engineer . . . ? ENGINEER A simple obstacle, my lord. Let us continue with Victor—- it is but another certain task for the engine . . . 59 SILVA Take word to continue with the ram--but with haste. I grow impatient with these Jewish tricks . . . SOLDIER Yes, my lord. (The SOLDIER departs) ENVOY These Jews are truly cunning . . . SILVA They will require more than cunning to preserve their lives . . . Engineer . . . ENGINEER Yes, my lord . . . SILVA Go forward—-observe and bring me an account of this new barrier . . . ENGINEER Yes, my lord . . . (The ENGINEER departs) SILVA His life will be the cost of failure . . . (Lights . . . The base of the ramp) ENGINEER It is a clever obstacle, my lord--great lengths of wooden beam placed in parallel rows with dirt filling the space between. It stands as a pliable wall--the pounding of the 60 engine merely strengthens it . . . I have bid the engine to a halt . . . SILVA What of your perfect plans now, engineer . . . ? ENVOY I wait to observe the victory you have promised . . . Titus awaits also . . . ENGINEER You shall have your victory, my lord . . . The barrier is of unshielded wood--and wood shall burn . . . SILVA. And who will deliver the flames? The Jews shall slaughter any soldiers who approach the barrier . . . ENGINEER It is no difficult task, my lord. In this matter, we will take our lesson from the Jews--arrows tipped with fire, such as the ones wasted upon our own armored engines . . . We will light the sky with this new barrier and send our soldiers to tread across its ashes . . . SILVA Prepare the archers then--and quickly for it grows dark . . . If you fail me, I will have your life . . ENGINEER I will not fail you, my lord . . . (The ENGINEER departs) 61 ENVOY What calm and satisfaction he brings to the task of destruction . . . SILVA He will perform the same task as readily for the Jews if they offer any quantity of gold . . . At least the Jews fight for an idea . . . ENVOY Even if it is the wrong one . . . SILVA Of course . . . Centurion . . . CENTURION Yes, my lord . . . SILVA Let us grant the Jews another opportunity for surrender . . . ENVOY You would grant them life . . . ? SILVA That is yet to be decided . . . Bear a sign of truce and take this offer to the Jewish leader . . . CENTURION I am at your command . . . ENVOY You should not have disposed of the deserter so hastily . . . 62 SILVA It is as well--the sight of such cowardice would merely anger them further . . . Take the following message to Eleazar ben Yair . . . (Lights . . . Within the Western Wall. A CENTURION, with an ESCORT bearing a Sign of truce, is meet- ing with ELEAZAR and the other JEWISH LEADERS. Armed people have gathered to observe the meeting) CENTURION I bear a message from General Silva--an offer for life in exchange for the surrender of your forces . . . Men, women, and children will be granted life. General Silva is a man of honor and his message is a guarantee . . . ELEAZAR What are the conditions . . . ? CENTURION There is but a single condition--life in exchange for surrender . . . ELEAZAR What sort of life does Silva guarantee for my people . . . ? CENTURION This matter remains for decision. SQUADRON LEADER A life as Roman slaves-—and we have already witnessed the Roman treatment of live Jews from the wall of our fortress . . . I ‘ M: -I-u. t firs: xi.“ ..'_ § Iv 63 CENTURION These are merely the exigencies of battle . . . Peaceful times will present a superior situation for the Jews . . . ELEAZAR The ring of the future does not bear any note of superi— ority . . . CENTURION Life in whatever guise will be superior to an alternative which must mean defeat and death . . . SQUADRON LEADER Let us continue in battle . . . CENTURION Heed your senses--look about you . . . Observe your numbers and the quality of your warriors . .3. Then observe below where there are thousands of experienced Roman soldiers who will not be halted once they are released . . . Consider your women and your children . . . To prolong this situ- ation is madness. General Silva offers you life--the alternative is only death . . . SQUADRON LEADER Let us welcome death--if it is capable of approaching . . . (Many assent) ELEAZAR You have heard . . . We will remain free men . . . I5 rlveIarqfld. . .z w. 64 CENTURION Indeed, this is madness--or unprecedented bravery. The world has never seen a thing of this sort . . . I will inform General Silva of your decision . . . (The CENTURION salutes ELEAZAR. The ROMANS depart) ELEAZAR We will remain free men . . . I We will preserve our freedom . . . I (The PEOPLE assent with the word "freedom" . . . Lights . . . Within the Western Wall. The flickering of great flames can be seen against the darkened sky) SQUADRON LEADER There is no hope. The flames cannot be dampened . . . The Romans cast a shower of arrows upon any who approach to halt the flames . . SQUADRON LEADER It is the certain end . . . SQUADRON LEADER They will enter the fortress-—but they will pay a most severe toll . . . ELEAZAR Death heaped upon death—-and there is no action remaining to prevent such an end . . . JOAB There is nothing more to be done . . . ? 65 ELEAZAR It is futile . . SQUADRON LEADER Then let us die in a memorable manner--let others take courage and pride from our deed . . (Voices of assent) ELEAZAR Yes—-let us die in a memorable manner so that others may take courage and pride from the deed . . . Go and gather the people . . . Assemble them before me so that I may address them in this hour . . . SQUADRON LEADER And the defenders . . . ? ELEAZAR All of the people--the night stands as guardian. The Romans will not be upon us until the morning . . . (SQUADRON LEADERS depart to gather the people who soon begin assembling) SQUADRON LEADER Let us sieze whatever opportunity and enter the Roman camp while they remain asleep . . . ELEAZAR It is impossible . . . SQUADRON LEADER Then what will we do . . . ? ELEAZAR The people shall decide. 66 (A mournful song is heard) SQUADRON LEADER The people are already assembling . . . They are Speak to Preserve Grant us ELEAZAR aware already . . . MAN us, Eleazar--tell us whatever there is to do . . WOMAN us . . MAN life . . . ELEAZAR God alone will grant life . . . WOMAN Then help us . . . Speak to us . . . (Voices of assent) ELEAZAR Long ago, my brethren, we resolved never to be servants to the Romans, nor to any other than God himself, who alone is the true and just Lord of mankind. The time now comes which obliges us to make the resolution true in practice . . . We were the very first that revolted from the Romans, and we are the last that fight against them. I cannot but regard it as a favor that God has granted us, that it is still in our power to die bravely and in a state of freedom. fi‘...__....___.‘—_—._q.. . —._.—'n. 67 ELEAZAR (Continued) It is very plain that we shall be taken within a day's time —-but it is still possible to die in a glorious manner. Our enemies cannot prevent this . . . We are now aware that God, who has taken the Jewish nation into favor has now condemned them to destruction. For had He either continued with favor, or been but in a lesser degree displeased with us, He would not have overlooked the destruction of so many men, or delivered His most holy city and sacred temple to be burnt and demolished by the enemy. We have hoped to preserve ourselves, and ourselves alone, out of the whole Jewish nation still in a state of freedom. But consider how God has shown that our hope is in vain by bringing such distress upon us with the desperate state we are now in. The nature of this fortress, which was in itself unconquer- able, has not proved a means for our deliverance; and even while we have still a great abundance of food, and a great quantity of arms, we are deprived by God himself of all hope for deliverance. This is the effect of God's anger against us for our many sins. The punishment for these sins is not received from the Romans, but from God himself . . . Let us receive this punishment of God and execute it by our own hands for these will be more moderate than those of the Romans . . . Let our wives die before they are abused and our children before they have tasted of slavery; and after we have slain them, let us bestow that glorious ‘-¢ 9...-.- 68 ELEAZAR (Continued) benefit upon one another mutually--and preserve ourselves in freedom. Let us persevere in our original resolution. Let the world remember that we have preferred death by our own hands before slavery . . . (The responses are mixed) RABBI No, No--I must speak against such sin. It is for God alone to grant life—-and God alone will take life . . . To do as Eleazar bids is to strike angrily at God. For surely the sacred gift of God, an immortal soul, shall not be pro- faned by human hands--if God has declared our fate to be one of death by Roman hands, then allow the Roman hands to fulfill this fate. If such death is our destiny, then it Shall be the will of God and we shall remain free of sin and God shall provide for us . . . But to act against His dictate--to ignore the sanctity of life in such a manner-- is to abandon God and to suffer the worst of consequences . . . I bear no solution to our predicament but I bear the knowledge that such a blasphemous abandonment of life shall place us in opposition to God--and God will remain the last and eternal refuge for our people. There is no other way. There is no other hope. (Voices of assent) HANNAH I do not bear such knowledge. The ways of God will always remain a mystery to me--but I do understand that death is 69 HANNAH (Continued) not the only way remaining for us. There is yet another—— and that is surrender . . . They have offered us the opportunity—~we can regain this opportunity if we act in haste . . . MAN It is too late . . HANNAH It is not too late--Shmuel ben Ezra has departed the summit . . . (There are knowing voices) He has gone below to the Roman camp--surely he has found life . . . It does not matter that I remain a slave or servant for the rest of my days. What does matter is that my children shall have life--and whatever is the quality of such a life is not important. Let them see the sun rise and set, let them see the fullness of the years which belong to them--it shall be enough. What do I care for freedom and such--these are mere words and I am only a simple person with simple desires . . . Let men like Eleazar have this thing they deem to be so sacred and valuable and which they call freedom. I do not understand such a thing. What I understand is life. I crave life--for myself and my children. And we can have such life if we act in haste and approach the Romans . . . Let us have life . . . Let us retain what is our most certain possession . . . (Many voices of assent) 7O ELEAZAR Truly I have been mistaken for I thought to be assisting brave men who struggled earnestly for their liberty--and such as were resolved either to live with honor, or else to die. I find that you are such people as are no better than others, either in virtue or in courage, and are afraid of dying even though you be delivered thereby from the greatest of miseries. Remember that the laws of our country, and of God himself, have from ancient times, and as soon as ever we could use our reason, continually taught us, and our forefathers have corroborated the same doctrine by their actions, and by their bravery of mind, that it is life that is a calamity to men, and not death for this death affords our souls their liberty, and sends them by a removal into their own place of purity and eternal life where they are insensible of all misery; for while souls are tied down to a mortal body, they are partakers of its miseries; and really to speak the truth, they are themselves dead; for the union of the divine and the mortal is unsuitable . . . But suppose instead that we had been brought up under another persuasion and taught that life is the greatest good which men are capable of and that death is a calamity. Even then the circumstances we are now in ought to be an inducement to us to bear such a calamity with courage, since it is by the will of God, and by necessity that we are to die; for it now is certain that God has made such a decree .-HnT.-'~h -. Aw ‘J‘EIHAVRYIIVFZO- I"... . . .. . we . 71 ELEAZAR (Continued) against the Jewish nation. We shall be deprived of this life for we would not make a proper use of it. Do not ascribe our present condition to yourselves, nor think the Romans are the true occasion that this war we have had with them has become so destructive to us all. These things have not come to pass by their power but only because a more powerful cause has intervened . . . For we had arms, and walls, and fortresses so prepared as not to be easily taken, and courage not to be moved by any dangers in the cause of liberty. But then, these advantages sufficed us but for a short time, and only raised our hopes, while they really proved to be the origin of our miseries; for all we had has been taken from us, and all has fallen under our enemies, as if these advantages were only intended to make their victory over us the more notable. And as for those that are already dead in the war, it is reasonable that we» should esteem them blessed, for they are dead in defending, and not in betraying their liberty. But as to the multitude of those that are now under the Romans, who would not pity their condition? And who would not make haste to die before he would suffer the same miseries with them? Some of them have been put upon the rack and tortured with fire and whippings, and so died. Some have been half devoured by wild beasts, and yet have been reserved alive to be devoured by them a second time, in order to afford laughter and sport 72 ELEAZAR (Continued) to our enemies. And such of those as are still alive are to be looked upon as the most miserable, who being so desirous of death, could not achieve it. And where is now that great city, the center of the Jewish nation which was fortified by so many walls, which had so many fortresses and large towers to defend it and which could hardly contain the instruments prepared for the war, and which had so many thousands of men to fight for it? Where is this city that was believed to have God himself inhabiting therein? It is now demolished to the very foundations and has nothing but that monument of it preserved. I mean the camp of those that have destroyed it and which still dwells upon its ruins . . . Some unfortunate old men also lie upon the ashes of the temple, and a few women are there preserved alive by the enemy for their bitter shame and reproach. Now, who is there that revolves these things in his mind and yet is able to bear the sight of the sun, though he might live safe from danger? Who is there so unmanly and desirous of living as not to repent that he is still alive? And I cannot but wish that we had all died, before we had seen that holy city demolished by the hands of our enemies, or the foundations of our holy temple dug up in so profane a manner . . . But since we had a generous hope that deluded us, and has left us alone in this distress, let us make haste to die bravely. Let us pity ourselves, our children, 73 ELEAZAR (Continued) and our wives, while it is in our own power to show pity to them—-for we were born to die, as well as those whom we have begotten . . . We revolted from the Romans with great pretensions to courage, and when at the very last, they invited us to preserve ourselves, we would not comply with them. Who will not, therefore, believe that they will certainly be in a rage at us, in the event they can take us S‘— —A—a~—-‘—.—_—‘.b ...—.....w alive? Miserable will then be the young men who will be strong enough in their bodies to sustain many torments; miserable also will be those of elder years who will not be able to bear those calamities which young men might sustain. One man will see his wife outraged, or will be obliged to hear the voice of his son implore help of his father-—when his hands are bound . . . But while our hands are still at liberty, and have a sword in them, let them be subservient to us in our glorious design. Let us die before we become slaves under our enemies, and let us go out of the world, together with our children, and our wives, in a state of freedom. This it is that our laws command us to do; this it is that our wives and children crave at our hands; nay, God himself has brought this necessity upon us, while the Romans desire the contrary and are afraid lest any of us should die before we are taken. Let us therefore make haste, and instead of affording them so much pleasure, as they hope for in getting us under their power, let us leave 74 ELEAZAR (Continued) them an example which shall at once cause their astonishment at our death, and their admiration of our hardiness and fortitude therein . . . (The assembly assents but there is no need or desire to give voice to it) Then go--the decision has been made. Let fathers join their families--let them first join in prayer and then perform such harsh and terrible duty . . . Let the leaders assure those who remain of a swift end. When this duty is com— plete——let fire destroy all possessions and structures atop Masada . . . Let no Roman hand gather that which shall be made so sacred by the blood of Jew . . . Let no Roman hand gather any relic of our people . . . Let no Roman hand benefit from so much Jewish misery . . . (The PEOPLE slowly depart. Many are weeping. The mournful song is heard again and is prolonged. ELEAZAR remains) My God, my God--what is this fate you have cast upon your people? What unmerciful sum must we offer to prove our devotion . . . ? What is thy will . . . ? And when shall there be peace . . . ? When shall there be peace for our peOple . . . ? (Lights . . . The gardened lower terrace just below the summit of Masada. JOAB enters from the stairwell. HE is carrying a sack and is leading MIRIAM who is carry- ing the child) 75 JOAB Come--you will be hidden and safe here . . . MIRIAM What are you saying . . . ? JOAB I say you will be safe here . . . You must keep the child from raising any sound . . . They may hear it above . . . MIRIAM Joab . . . ? JOAB Remain silent--the decision has been made . . . I will not destroy the lives of my own wife and child . . . These things are far more precious to me. Do as I say--remain here and I will find a way to return . . . I must go to the summit--if I do not appear they may grow sus- picious . . . MIRIAM What of the people--they are . . JOAB Do not think of the peOple—-they have made their decision and I have made mine . . . MIRIAM It shall be a great sin . . . JOAB They are the ones who commit sin--did you not listen to the Rabbi? 76 MIRIAM But Eleazar . . . ? JOAB Ignore Eleazar--he is merely a speaker, a convincer of men. It is the Rabbi who possesses a true knowledge of the law of God . . . Now remain here and be silent . . . I will go above and conceal the entrance to this level from the Romans . . . They will not discover us--and they will not remain at Masada for long after. The stench and extent of the death above shall make this place too uncomfortable for even the hardest of men. The Romans shall not linger about . . . We possess enough food and drink for the dur ration . . . I must go now . . . MIRIAM (Embracing JOAB) Joab . . . Joab——I am afraid . . . JOAB There is no longer reason for fear--you are safe now and I will return soon to take you into the peaceful mountains of which we spoke . . . I must go . . . MIRIAM Return, Joab . . . JOAB I will, I must return-—I will find a way . . . (JOAB departs . . . Lights . . . Above the terrace. Joab is ob- structing and concealing the en- trance. HE is interrupted by a MAN) - F- a—‘M‘ "’ O" 77 JOAB What are you doing here . . . ? You should be with the others . . . MAN I would go below . . . I would conceal myself from the Romans also . . . E JOAB j What do you mean . . . ? MAN I' You have hidden your family below . . . I would join them-- it is the price for my silence . . . JOAB That is a lie . . . MAN You cannot fool me--I observed you entering . . . JOAB They are dead—-as Eleazar has bid . . . I protect their bodies from tainted Roman hands . . . MAN You are lying . . . JOAB Do not doubt me in this matter or I will have your life . . . MAN It is a small threat in a time like this . . . JOAB Leave the area--take your place with the others . . . 78 MAN I would go below--I will not die while there is an oppor- tunity to conceal myself from the Romans . . . J OAB Leave the area . . . MAN (Revealing a pouch and emptying its contents) Here . . . I have more than a hundred silver coins-—they are yours if you will let me pass . . . (JOAB strikes the coins and scatters them upon the ground. The MAN hastens to regather them) You should not have done that--I will inform those who re- main . . . Your family is alive, I know it now . . . JOAB They are dead . . . MAN Then let me see your sword—-there must be blood upon it . . . JOAB I Shall let you see my sword . . . (JOAB draws his sword) MAN You see, it is as I have said—-there is no blood. I will tell the others--it is not just . . . If I must die so will . . . no . . . no . . . I do not mean . . . (JOAB slays the MAN) W-..—..-.._.-_—_—-—-n. a... - on" 79 JOAB I have learned to kill the enemy-~and now I am able even to slay my brethren . . . And I will do so again if it is necessary . . . (JOAB proceeds to complete the work . . . Lights . . . The chamber of ELEAZAR. He is wear- ing a talith and is sunken in prayer. Fragments from broken pottery are upon the table along with a container of ink and a writing instrument. The SQUADRON LEADERS and RABBI AQAVIA enter toward the end of the prayer) ELEAZAR We have turned away from Your good commandments and judg- ments and it has not profited us. You are righteous in all that has befallen us, for You have acted truthfully while we have wrought unrighteousness . . . What shall we say before You, who dwell on high, and what shall we recount before You, who abide in the heavens? You know all things, hidden and revealed. You know the mysteries of the uni- verse, and the hidden secrets of all living. You search out the innermost reason and probe the heart and mind. Nothing is concealed from You, or hidden from Your sight . . . May it therefore be Your will, 0 Lord our God and God of our fathers, to forgive us for all our sins, to pardon us for all our iniquities, and to grant us atonement for all our transgressions . . . .'n'-v:i Jul at; 8O SQUADRON LEADER The task is complete--there are no survivors . . . May God grant us atonement also . . . SQUADRON LEADER We are the only ones who remain . . RABBI It is another cursed day for the Jew . (Pause) ELEAZAR I have prepared these ten fragments--each bears the name of a leader . . . One shall be drawn-—it shall be the task of the appointed one to fulfill the work which is so nearly complete . . . I will cause my own end-~may God give me the strength . . . The Rabbi shall select the frag- ment . . . JOAB No, No . . . (JOAB sweeps the fragments from the table and writes on another fragment) Your hands shall be sullied with the blood of our people . . . There is but a single name to be selected—- that of Eleazar ben Yair . . . We have already bloodied our swords sufficiently . . . We have already caused enough death among our brethren . . . While you pray for atonement, we witness and cause the suffering and death of our people . . . We now contain a misery which makes our 81 JOAB (Continued) swords too heavy to bear . . . Let Eleazar be the one—- let him be the last survivor . . . Let this misery linger for the longest while within the mind of Eleazar . . SQUADRON LEADER Yes--let Eleazar share in the bloodshed. Let Eleazar participate even more actively in his own bidding . . SQUADRON LEADER Yes--1et Eleazar end this foul night . . . He pours out words to God while we cause blood to pour upon the ground . . . (Voices of assent) ELEA ZAR I will complete the work if it is the will of God . JOAB It is our will-~God has relinquished Masada . . SQUADRON LEADER Slay us near our families--I would rest in the presence of my wife and child . . . (Voices of assent) RABBI I will go the way of my people also--may God forgive me for this deed . . . And may God have mercy upon our. souls . . . / ELEAZAR God will have mercy upon our souls . . . 82 JOAB Enough of words——let us be done . . . (The RABBI departs and the SQUADRON LEADERS follow him. ELEAZAR departs with the group while JOAB lingers and remains in the chamber . . . Lights . . . The chamber of ELEAZAR. ELEAZAR returns bearing a bloodied sword. JOAB is withdrawn to a corner of the chamber) ELEAZAR _*'—_‘."’—"'_—73F Come, my son--we are the only ones who remain . . . (Pause) Come quickly—-it will soon be light and the Romans will be upon us . . . Let us not prolong this heavy affair . . . (JOAB draws his sword) What does this mean . . . ? JOAB I will not die--I will save my life and that of my family . . . ELEAZAR Your family . . . ? JOAB Yes . . . ELEAZAR Where are they . . . ? JOAB Hidden--alive and safe from Roman hands . . . ELEAZAR You must not do this thing . . . 83 JOAB II vvj_ll not be stopped . . . ELEAZAR ZIt: is a sin--and betrayal of the people . . . JOAB (Erleey chose as you bid them-—I choose as I must . . . It is earl opportunity for you also--you may join us in safety and ILj.jfea . . . ELEAZAR I czéinnot--I will not . . . JOAB ITIEBII remove yourself from my way--I would join my wife and cr1j_:Lé1. . (Pause) I say remove yourself . . . (Pause . . . JOAB approaches ELEAZAR in anger and desperation) ELEAZAR It \vrilll spare you from any further crime--may God have mercy upon you . . . (ELEAZAR plunges the sword into himself and slumps to the ground. JOAB rushes to ELEAZAR and cradles him within his arms) You must do as you will--for it is the dictate of God . May God be praised . . . (ELEAZAR dies. JOAB gently removes and keeps the talith. HE is in tears. HE rests ELEAZAR upon the ground. JOAB rises and becomes 84 disoriented. HE seizes a bow with a quiver of arrows and rushes from the chamber . . . Lights . . . The gardened lower terrace. JOAB enters bearing the talith, bow, and quiver. MIRIAM is awaiting anxiously with the child in her arms) MIRIAM Oh JIDak). . . Joab . . . (THEY embrace) JOAB Miriamn . . . (Pause . . . JOAB moves from MIRIAM. HE falls to his knees in tears. MIRIAM places the child upon the ground and moves to console him) MIRIAM Oh Joab, this misery must end . . . (JOAB clutches her and then rises. JOAB moves to the child and removes his armor and dons the talith) JOAB We mI-ISt pray . . . we must pray so this misery will erui - . . Come to my side, Miriam . . . Come to us . . . (THEY kneel) My wife . . .mywife. . .mylove. . .mylove. . . (JOAB embraces MIRIAM and then plunges a dagger into her side. HE is tearful and cradles her dying body) MIRIAM JOab ' - . my husband . . . I know . . . I know . . . 85 (MIRIAM dies and JOAB rests her head upon the ground. HE re- moves the talith) JOAB {My Chad . . . my God--what is this life you have thrust upon us . . . ? (JOAB smothers the child to death with the talith. HE presses close to the child and rises. JOAB gets many flowers and places them upon the bodies of his wife and child. Trumpets are heard. JOAB sinks to his knees alongside the bodies and places his sword upon the ground) JOAB MY God and God of my fathers, accept my prayer; do not ignore my supplication . . . Accept my pain and suffering as Ett<>nement and forgive my wrongdoing, for against You alOWNE have I sinned . . . May my death atone for all sins and transgressions which I have committed before You. ShEJ-ter me in the shadow of Your wings and grant me a Share in the world to come . . . Father of orphans and Gnardian of widows, protect my beloved family, with whose Soul my soul is bound . . . (Trumpets are heard again) Into Your hand I commit my soul. You have redeemed me: O Lord God of truth . . . Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. The Lord, He is God. The Lord, He is God (JOAB thrusts the sword into his body and dies grasping his wife 86 and child . . . Lights . . . The summit of Masada as at the opening) HANNAH (Friat.is the tale, my lord . . . S ILVA Ilt: is incredible--I would not believe it except for the fféa<3t that I am a witness to the result of these events . ENVOY They are madmen . . . SILVA IQc:-——if it were merely so I would not be concerned . . . It Lie; :Ear more than mere madness--it is a manner of bravery 811c2I1 as the world has not come to witness until this dia)’ . . . Centurion--lead these people from the vicinity. Ctixrea ample provisions and set them safely upon the way . . . HANNAH We are grateful, my lord . . . SILVA .YC’CI Shall come to lose such gratitude—-of this I am con- ‘7an ed Leave safely but bear these events within C) . . . . 3’ Itll? :m1nd--for It IS now your poor destiny to bear the 13 Lll?<3len of these sorry memories and to ponder constantly Wh ee'tlller you have acted in a righteous manner . . Go . . . CENTURION CH:> In ‘33 I follow me . . . (THEY depart) 87 SILVA 'rtiey shall be miserable and forsaken creatures for the :reanainder of their days . . . ENVOY (Flues soldiers return . . . They bear a body . . . (The CENTURION returns followed by SOLDIERS bearing the body of ELEAZAR. THEY place the body upon the ground before SILVA) CENTURION VV63 .have done with your command, my lord . . . We believe tljJiS to be the body of the Jewish leader--Eleazar ben Yair . - . There are no survivors, my lord, we have searched With great care . . . SILVA EXLEEéazar ben Yair--brave and worthy foe . . . Would I have Chilread to ask so much of my people . . . ? Would I have aiztleed with equal courage . . . ? I wonder . . . Would tjjaiil I had never come to Masada-—to ever witness such e"€3r1ts . . . Let us depart quickly from this miserable FuLEiCBez. . . ENVOY T . 'hlJrES is no time for regret--Titus will be pleased. It is an <3”tll1er Roman victory . . . SILVA The; 53‘ is no victory—-we are the conquered ones. We will be me Failitbered--my name shall be remembered, cursed lot--not as V- L<=t . (:trs. We are the defeated ones--and we Will be 88 SILVA (Continued) irenmembered only because of their courage and conviction It is a defeat--that is the best we may call it-—for :vea ‘will only be seen as the oppressor. It is the f<:xrtitude and victory of these Jewish warriors which shall k>ea remembered . . . ENVOY TTIIJEY are dead and forgotten. They are conquered--and now CIIJLiea is conquered . . . SILVA £311<1h.people are not conquered--such people shall not be <3<311c3uered. We have taken Jewish lives--no, we cannot even Inéikcea such a claim . . . It is only a poor day for the Would that we had stormed across the wall with . Would Fannain . . . gifeaéat losses suffered at the hands of an enemy . tfllaiiz we had attained this summit in such a forceful marlrler—-this we could call a victory. But Masada has not hKEEBrl defeated--Masada has not fallen . . . What has happened I cannot fully comprehend . . . But it is no JkeVVEiJSh defeat for Masada has not truly fallen—-nor, by what- ‘réilf' de51gnatlon, shall it ever fall again . . Masada .s téi~171.<3.s--by this deed Masada stands forever . And .bqéi S'Etda Shall not fall again . . . Masada shall not fall Eisareaijlu (ALL depart as the lights fade out upon the body of ELEAZAR BEN YAIR) CURTAIN PART II I MASADA A Film Version of an Historical Event by Garo Ashjian To Franz Werfel 90 MASADA A Film Version of an Historical Event FADE IN: (Theme music is heard) EQQPEFTICDR - THE SUMMIT OF MASADA (EARLY MORNING) l 2 DARK FRAME WITH NARROW PARALLEL STREAKS OF LIGHT COVER SHOT - DAY The door of the assault tower falls forward al— lowing a full burst of the early morning light. Armed Roman soldiers rush forward and out of frame. LONG SHOT - ROMAN SOLDIERS as they rush across the ruined defense barriers of the fortress Masada. ROLL TITLES: WIDE HIGH ANGLE SHOT - ROMAN SOLDIERS are making their way across the breach in the wall of the fortress. There are no defenders to Oppose them. An assault tower is seen in addi— tion to military activity on the great battle ramp in the background. LOW ANGLE MEDIUM SHOT - GENERAL FLAVIUS SILVA the commander of the Roman troops, observes their progress. The Roman Envoy and a Centurion are to the edge of the frame. 91 10 11 12 92 WIDE COVER SHOT - SILVA'S POV Silva is in the foreground of the frame and troops are seen beyond advancing through the breach. FULL SHOT - ENGINEERS AND SOLDIERS place a plank walkway to facilitate passage through the breach for the horde of soldiers following. FULL REVERSE ANGLE SHOT - ENGINEERS AND SOLDIERS are seen performing their work from within the fortress. MEDIUM LONG SHOT - A CENTURION gives an attack signal. The camera draws back to a wider angle to Show the mass of soldiers fol— lowing him across the walkway. COVER SHOT - SOLDIERS in the background rush across the walkway. Silva is in the foreground of the frame and the camera is shooting over his shoulders. HIGH ANGLE COVER SHOT - SOLDIERS WITHIN MASADA are rushing into smoldering buildings in search of Jewish defenders. ANOTHER HIGH ANGLE COVER SHOT - SAME AREA as men establish a military perimeter. No enemy has been encountered. Several officers are at the center of the perimeter as many more soldiers take alert positions. The area feels safe now. 10 ll 12 13 l4(=12) 15 16 17 18 93 LEVEL COVER SHOT - SAME AREA 13 as Silva, the Envoy, and escorting officers with soldiers enter across the walkway. Several standard bearers and trumpeters are in this group. The camera pans with Silva as he passes the soldiers and ruined and smoking buildings. END TITLES: (Fade out theme music) SILVA AND THE ENVOY 14 are saluted by the assembled officers. A Cen- turion addresses the troops in order to make the area even safer for the commander. CENTURION Soldiers--maintain your caution MEDIUM SHOT - SILVA l5 SILVA This Silence is foreboding . . . MEDIUM SHOT - ENVOY l6 ENVOY Is it some form of deceit . . . ? FULL SHOT - SILVA, ENVOY, AND CENTURION 17 Standard bearers, trumpeters, soldiers and the ruined buildings are in the background. SILVA I am not certain . . . Centurion --sound the trumpets. Call the Jews forth. CENTURION Sound the trumpets . . . MEDIUM SHOT - TRUMPETERS 18 The trumpets are sounded. l9 (=17) UTIIere UTIIere 20 94 19 is a silent pause. CENTURION Come forth--throw down your arms is silence CENTURION (continuing) There is no answer, my lord . . SILVA I have ears, Centurion . . . ENVOY This place bears the stench of death . . . SILVA A thousand Jews cannot disappear so rapidly--even if God is on their side as they proclaim so loudly. CENTURION Should I send soldiers forward, my lord? SILVA Send them . . . CENTURION You men MEDIUM SHOT - SILVA 20 21 SILVA Go with them. MEDIUM SHOT — CENTURION 21 22 CENTURION Yes, my lord. CXJVER SHOT - CENTURION AND SOLDIERS 22 as they depart . 95 23 C:C)VER.SHOT - SILVA'S POV ESj.1va and the Envoy are in the foreground of the jfxrame observing the Centurion and several soldiers Eaaissing through the perimeter in the background. 24 ENVOY This is a strange response . . . SILVA Surely no response is a very strange one . . . These Jews are cunning. We must remain cautious . . . I did not ex- pect to enter the summit of Masada so readily. ENVOY I had anticipated a more start- ling and bloody arrival . . . FWJLL SHOT - SILVA AND ENVOY SILVA Perhaps the Jews still will not disappoint us . . . Sound the trumpets again. Tfine trumpeters in the background of the the command . ENVOY Little did Herod suspect that this great fortress he labored to build would provide such a final task for his Roman allies. He built well indeed. SILVA Would Herod had not built so well—-even after death, he has caused the Roman Empire lengthy embarrassment along with ex- tensive casualties. ‘A~ soldier calls from the perimeter. 23 24 frame obey 25 (CONTINUED) 96 25 (3CDNTINUED: SOLDIER My lord, someone comes . . . 25 GTIIe departed Roman soldiers reenter the perimeter vvj.th two women captives. Hannah is carrying a IDEiby and Sarah is holding two children by the IIEindS. SILVA It is our Centurion. ENVOY Along with several captured Jews . . . SILVA Women and children . . . They are not worthy prisoners--or victims. Ehold shot until the group reaches Silva. 26 FULL SHOT — GROUP CENTURION My lord, Silva, there are bodies --hundreds of them . . . Dead by their own hands . . . It is the most frightening sight. Only these people survive. 27 MEDIUM SHOT - SILVA AND ENVOY SILVA Hundreds of bodies-~can this be real . . . ? 28 CLOSE SHOT - CENTURION CENTURION I can never be more certain . . 26 27 28 97 deZDIUM SHOT - SILVA, ENVOY, AND CENTURION SILVA I can see that you are—-such cer- tainty has shaken your manner. CENTURION I saw them with my very eyes. May I never again behold such a sight . . . ENVOY But how can such a thing be . . . ? SILVA You say dead by their own hands I) MEDIUM SHOT - CENTURION CENTURION Yes, my lord, hundreds of them-— by sword and dagger. (Indicating the direction) Near the main palace especially. It is ghastly--men, women, children, babes. It seems that none have been spared except for these . . . FWJLL SHOT - SILVA, CENTURION, AND ENVOY SILVA Let us be more certain of this --take your men and survey the entire area most thoroughly. CENTURION (Saluting) Yes, my lord. SILVA Bring me the body of Eleazar ben Yair . . . Then I will possess a better calm. CENTURION I will do my best . . . 29 30 31 (CONTINUED) on .A‘DL u-f :x‘hn'- ' J“ -’ ....) 31 32 33 34 35 98 (3CDNTINUED: SILVA Do your best, Centurion. CENTURION Yes, my lord. HIGH ANGLE COVER SHOT - CENTURION AND SOLDIERS cieapart through the defense perimeter. DdIEDIUM.SHOT - SILVA AND ENVOY SILVA And who are you . . . ? FWJLL SHOT - THE CAPTIVES HANNAH I am Hannah--a widow and mother of these three children. This is my elder sister, Sarah . . . SILVA (0.8.) You are foul and rebellious Jews . . . Hannah is silent. COVER SHOT - GROUP ENVOY How well they have learned to rebel, Silva . . . SILVA Speak--or I will have your tongues moved with a hot blade HANNAH I will speak, my lord . . . SILVA What has happened here--why are we allowed to find death rather 31 32 33 34 35 (CONTINUED) 99 35 (:(DNTINUED: 35 SILVA (Cont'd) than cause it . . . ? How have you managed to survive such an abundance of death and de- struction . . . ? 36 deEDIUM SHOT - HANNAH 36 HANNAH We hid from death, my lord--in one of the large water cisterns. We came forward when we heard the trumpets . . . We knew the meaning . . . SILVA (0.8.) Are you cowards or traitors 9 HANNAH Neither, my lord, merely weary of death and desirous of life-- especially life for my children. SILVA (0.8.) How do you know that I will spare you? HANNAH I do not know this, my lord . . SILVA (0.5.) Nor do I . . . 3 1 7(~35) 37 SILVA (Cont'd) Tell us what has happened . . . Tell us truly and completely or you shall forfeit life also . . HANNAH I will, my lord. I will tell all that I know . . . SILVA Then do so--and do so quickly for I would hasten from this cursed place . . . 38 100 MEDIUM SHOT - HANNAH 38 HANNAH It was when your battle ramp neared completion—-when death came closer and closer to our lives. It was then that dis- sent and doubt and, if I may add, renewed courage entered our camp. Start dolly to extreme close shot. HANNAH (Con't) It was then that Eleazar as- sembled the ten squadron leaders atop the Western Wall to observe and discuss the Roman advance and consider methods by which to thwart this same advance. Eleazar spoke to the leaders and . . . FADE: WOR - ATOP THE WESTERN WALL OF MASADA (DAY) 39 40 HIGH ANGLE COVER SHOT - GROUP 39 Eleazar and Joab are seen from the rear, along with the ten squadron leaders dressed in silver breastarmor, standing atop the Western Wall of Masada. They are observing the activity on the battle ramp which is being erected toward the wall. Archers are poised in defense of the area. The Roman camp can be seen below in the distance. WIDE ANGLE REVERSE SHOT - GROUP 40 The wall is in the lower foreground of the frame. Shmuel is to the rear of Eleazar. ELEAZAR Our fortress is strong. Herod, in his desire to build a strong retreat from the threat of Jew- ish subjects and the acquisi- tiveness of Cleopatra, built as (CONTINUED) 101 40 CONTINUED: 40 41 42 ELEAZAR (Con't) well as he intended. The Roman works proceed--but to no avail. We will defend our fortress and withstand whatever . . . We are the last free men within our nation and we will survive as such . . . SHMUEL It is an impossible task to withstand any longer. There are many thousands of them below and there are only nine-hundred and sixty of us here--including many women and children. HIGH ANGLE MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR AND LEADERS 41 Shot is from the rear of the group and Eleazar turns to face the camera which favors him. The leaders are in the foreground of the frame. ELEAZAR But we have the love of freedom and God on our side . . . FULL SHOT - GROUP 42 SHMUEL God has deserted us. He has al- lowed the enemy to capture Jeru- salem--to destroy our sacred temple . . . And the love of freedom is no defense against the swords and arrows of an en— tire Roman Legion. ELEAZAR God has not deserted us for He has surely allowed us to sur- vive the fall of Jerusalem. God has led us into the safety of the desert even as He led Moses to such safety. God has provided us with ample refuge here atop Masada . . . We may have faith in God . . . (CONTINUED) o '\r ?"§It II! In Min E ., MI E} 102 42 CONTINUED: 42 43 CLOSE 44 JOAB The Romans have already attacked once and failed. We will sur- vive this further onslaught. SHMUEL It is impossible--there are at least twenty thousand men below. The Tenth Legion of General Silva is too mighty a foe. This new ramp they are building means our defeat and end. The next attack will allow for great formations of men to ap- proach our wall. Our arrows and stones, our javelins have barely delayed the Roman works. They have managed to shield themselves so well that death is our certain lot. SHOT - JOAB 43 JOAB The Romans shall not defeat us. SHMUEL (0.8.) You are too young to be real— istic. Let us surrender--at least there is the hope of life. DQEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR 44 I3egin ELEAZAR We are the last free members of our nation. We will remain so. We will always prefer freedom in death to slavery in life dolly back to a group Shot. ELEAZAR (Con't) Do you believe that the Romans will allow us any better fate than slavery? Our only hope is (CONTINUED) 44 45 46 47 103 CONTINUED: 44 ELEAZAR (Con't) in struggle and this struggle will wear upon the patience of the Roman leaders. SQUADRON LEADER Eleazar is correct . . . A small victory here cannot mean so much to the Romans. They will depart rather than expend their effort to any greater extent. FULL SHOT - SHMUEL 45 as he moves to the edge of the wall and points to- ward the ramp. SHMUEL This ramp which creeps forward steadily is an indication of LONG SHOT - THE RAMP 46 with Roman guards and the abused Jewish laborers who have been captured during earlier battles. SHMUEL (O.S.)(Con't) the effort the Romans are will- ing to expend. It is an engin- eering feat such as has never been seen in the world. (COVER SHOT - GROUP 47 JOAB And it shall end in frustration for the Romans. ELEAZAR The ramp cannot approach much further. It shall remain be- neath the level of our wall. It shall be inadequate as a means for breaching our (CONTINUED) .u- 3-".- V. .x )Q' mg‘ 47 48 49(=47) 104 CONTINUED: 47 ELEAZAR (Con' t) defenses. There is still hope for us. You are correct, Shmuel ben Ezra. And this hope is in our continued struggle. WIDE HIGH ANGLE SHOT - SHMUEL 48 is still standing at the edge of the wall. The camera favors Shmuel but the activity upon the ramp is still quite visible in the background. SHMUEL These are the same words many of us heard in Jerusalem. It was soon thereafter that the Romans gained their horrible victory. There surrender was possible also--and there, also, many re- linquished the opportunity for continued life with a vain and prolonged struggle . . . We es- caped Jerusalem. We were the fortunate ones. Here we cannot be so fortunate. Escape is im- possible and death is inevi- table. 49 ELEAZAR I would prefer death to a Roman master . . . This is not Jeru- salem and I will not bear such further words from a squadron leader in my command. I re- peat--this is not Jerusalem. This is the fortress of Masada and here there is no civil war such as occurred within the walls of Jerusalem. The Jews-- by their division among them- selves--not the Romans defeated Jerusalem. Here there is no such division of will--nor shall there be. Our will is one and powerful in the desire to (CONTINUED) WI”. ...-n” AF.— j 49 50 51 52 105 CONTINUED: 49 ELEAZAR (Con't) struggle and remain free men. Our people are one and shall remain so. The enemy shall not succeed in its efforts. Our food stores are abundant. Our water supply is contained with— in these very walls and is per- manent. Our weapons are plen— tiful. We will withstand the enemy in any manner that such an effort may require. CLOSE SHOT - SHMUEL 50 SHMUEL The ramp is a threat which can— not be banished with mere words . . . CLOSE SHOT - SQUADRON LEADER 51 SQUADRON LEADER Shmuel is correct . . . COVER SHOT — GROUP . 52 Several of the squadron leaders agree. SHMUEL The Romans are as aware of the limitations of the ramp as we are--surely they have some fur- ther plan in mind to increase its effectiveness. fThere is a reflective pause. SQUADRON LEADER Send a spy into the Roman camp. Learn if there is any such plan ELEAZAR (Slowly) We shall take this precaution . . (CONTINUED) ‘I’ Wt...)- -~ mun-1s c. -& .J' ‘.i ,_ . 106 52 CONTINUED: 52 JOAB Then I will go. ELEAZAR You are always ready for danger, Joab. How has one so young come to possess such an abun- dance of courage? JOAB I possess such courage only be- cause I am fearful of the loss of my wife and child. SHMUEL He is too young. Send a more experienced man. Courage is not enough for such an important task. 53 MEDIUM SHOT - YEHOHANAN 53 YEHOHANAN I will go, Eleazar . . . SHMUEL (0.8.) Yes, send Yehohanan. He will acomplish the task. 54 MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR 54 ELEAZAR I agree . . . Then prepare yourself—-go with care and de— tect whether these cursed Romans have any unknown plans for our future . . . And may God bear his mighty shield be- fore you . . . DISSOLVE: WKV~H :1“!!va- q! 107 INTERIOR — A ROOM OF THE FORTRESS (NIGHT) 55 COVER SHOT - GROUP 55 Several people, including Hannah and Sarah, are gathered in a room of the fortress. Hannah is cooking over a fire that is steadily marring an ornate wall mural. Noisy children are playing about a crib containing a sleeping infant. HANNAH Stop that noise—~you will dis- turb the child . . . Do you hear . . . ? The children stop their loud playing and settle about the room. HANNAH (Con't) Cursed life--is there no peace in the world? Is there no peace for a Jew in the entire world? SARAH It is our fate . . . HANNAH Then curse our fate. I would deny our fate. SARAH There is no denying the decree of God. HANNAH Then let us ignore it——I am tired of suffering . . . Let God choose the Romans instead. Let God give our fate to the Romans. They deserve it more than we do Hannah attends to the food again. HANNAH (Con't) Look at this food--where does all the food go? Why are there such shortages? The store- houses are filled with the best (CONTINUED) ‘w—O—rw-r‘ f.‘ -~——-—-~ #1 55 56 57 108 CONTINUED: 55 HANNAH (Con't) of foods and we must get along in this emptyhanded manner . . . SARAH The food must be rationed to insure our survival. HANNAH F Our leaders cannot live with I such thrift . . . Eleazar does not lose weight before my eyes . . . And why must we live in this narrow quarter when Eleazar and so many of the others live Y in the main palace of Herod. We share a room—-while they share apartments . . . MEDIUM SHOT - HANNAH AND SARAH 56 as they serve food to several of those who are gathered. CLOSE HANNAH (Con't) Look at this food . . SARAH Would you prefer death to suf- fering . . SHOT - HANNAH 57 HANNAH I will have no more of death. I have lost a husband already—— and I will lose no more to these Romans. I will have life--and life without further suffering. SARAH (0.8.) And how will you accomplish this? Let us know also for we are tired even as you . . . (CONTINUED) 57 58 59(=55) 109 CONTINUED: HANNAH I am not certain . . . I do not know--but I will fulfill my word. I will preserve life. MEDIUM SHOT - MAN AND WOMAN seated against the wall. MAN Do not burden us further with your simple misery. We are all tired of death and destruction. We have already experienced enough for a lifetime and life— times to come. Our anguish is as fresh and full as yours. We have been through Jerusalem. We have escaped from death also. We have witnessed the bloodshed, the civil war, the flames, the massacre . . . We have wit- nessed the fall of the sacred Temple also. WOMAN A Temple that stood for a thousand years since the time of Solomon . . . SARAH We have sinned and God has turned his wrath upon us . . . HANNAH I have not sinned—-I was a mother and a wife only. I have not sinned. Let God punish those who have sinned--let Him spare the innocent. SARAH It is only for God to judge those among us who are sinners 57 58 59 (CONTINUED) I "’F 59 60 110 CONTINUED: 59 SARAH (Con't) and those among us who are in- nocent. HANNAH I will judge and I judge my— self to be innocent. I judge us all to be innocent and un- deserving of suffering or death. 9"! A" SARAH I would have happiness and life also--but it shall be the decision of God. -——“‘_-oa.__—-._.——-M .na . n—-— .- . ‘ . MEDIUM SHOT - HANNAH 60 as she moves to the crib. HANNAH It shall be my decision. I will have life . . . Hannah raises the child from the crib and cradles it in her arms. Dolly to a close shot of Hannah and the child. HANNAH (Con't) I will have life--and I will have life for my children . . . MATCH DISSOLVE: EIIERIOR — THE GARDENED LOWER TERRACE (DAY) 61 CLOSE SHOT - MIRIAM AND CHILD 61 Dolly back the camera to a wide medium shot reveal— ing the gardened lower terrace of the Northern Palace just below the summit of Masada. Miriam, a lovely young person with plaited hair, is cradling a child in her arms. Soft and melancholy music from a flute can be heard throughout the scene. JOAB (O.S.) Miriam . . . Miriam . . 62 63 64 111 LONG SHOT - MIRIAM AND CHILD 62 are in the foreground of the frame and favored by the camera. Joab has just entered from a stair- well in the background. MIRIAM (Turning) Joab . . . Joab comes to Miriam and the child. MEDIUM SHOT — GROUP 63 as they embrace. MIRIAM (Con't) Be careful of the child . . . COVER SHOT - GROUP 64 JOAB I love both of you so much Joab takes the child and holds it in the air. He returns the child to Miriam. The camera pans them as they walk to the edge of the terrace. The pan— ning halts on a wide angle medium profile shot which gives an impressive view of the desert below and the mountains and sea beyond. MIRIAM Oh, that we could flee across the desert--or across the Sea into the Mountains of Moab. There we could hide from the world and its cruelties and build ourselves a peaceful refuge. There our child could grow into a fine young man . . . If we could escape from this life in which we have been made prisoners . . . JOAB It seems hardly possible . . . (CONTINUED) we: norm—mt 2.1!. .9! 64 65 66 112 CXDDTTINUED: 64 CIADSE CLOSE MIRIAM Oh that it were possible . . . JOAB I have failed you both . . MIRIAM You must not say such a thing. You must never say such a thing. You have done everything possible. It is not your fault but that of the Roman invaders SHOT - JOAB 65 JOAB That Rome would come to an end. That Rome would become a part of the past so we could gather our deserved future . . . MIRIAM (0.5.) Is there really such a future for us, Joab? I am so frightened . . . JOAB I am not certain—-but if there is any way to gain our future, I shall discover it. I promise you this much. I promise both of you . . . SHOT - MIRIAM 66 MIRIAM Then I have hope, Joab. I have hOpe for the future. One day we will have happiness and peace. One day we will rest together and fear the Romans and death no longer . . . 73’?! all. >'_‘K'_u' 1'7 r- ”I “we!” '. 113 67 IAEHDIUM SHOT - GROUP 67 JOAB Pray that such a day shall come, Miriam. Pray that such a day shall come. .A :ramWs horn is heard. JOAB (Con't) And surely it is a time for prayer. The shofer horn calls us to service . . . Let us re- turn to the summit . . . Let us return to the foul world 68 PWJII.SHOT — GROUP 68 erab begins to depart. MIRIAM Joab . JOAB Yes. MIRIAM Hold us again. When you hold us, when I feel your arms about us, I am no longer afraid. TFhey embrace. MIRIAM (Con't) Oh Joab . . . Joab . . . DISSOLVE: E ~§I§B£¥2££_- SYNAGOGUE (DAY) 69 (3OVER SHOT - GROUP 69 IPhe synagogue on the summit of Masada. It is the (Dnly place where some discreet luxury has been (allowed by the Jews. The people have gathered for the service. Rabbi Aqavia is assisted by Eleazar. They both wear the traditional talith. (CONTINUED) ~W‘m-d—-r-\_u.‘. ....c‘g—n .- .l .- 114 69 CONTINUED: 6') A11 ark and reading desk are prominent. A plain— tjgve song comes to an end. RABBI There is none like You among the mighty, O Lord, and there are no deeds like Yours. Your kingdom is an everlasting king- dom and Your dominion endures forever. The Lord is King, the Lord was King, the Lord 70 PANNING SHOT — THE PEOPLE 70 ‘wtuo are gathered and attentive. RABBI (O.S.)(Con't) Shall be King for ever and ever. May the Lord give strength to His people; may the Lord bless His people with peace . . . Father of compassion, may it be Your will to favor Zion with Your goodness and to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. In You alone we trust, 0 King, high and exalted God, Lord of the uni- verse. 71 FULL SHOT - RABBI 71 618 he opens the Ark. RABBI (Con't) When the ark was carried on- ward, Moses exclaimed: Arise, O Lord, that your enemies be scattered and those who would deny you be put to flight. For out of Zion shall go forth the Torah, and the word of the Lord out of Jerusalem . . . Praised is He who in His holi- ness gave the Torah to His people Israel . . . The Torah is taken from the Ark. (CONTINUED) ‘I‘W 9' 1010‘? 133710.13 115 71 CONTINUED: 71 RABBI (Con't) Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. One is our God, great is our Lord, Holy is He. 72(=69) 72 'The Torah is carried in procession. RABBI (Con't) Proclaim the greatness of the Lord; together let us exalt His glory . . . Yours, 0 Lord, is the greatness and the power and glory. Yours is triumph and majesty over all heaven and earth. Yours, 0 Lord, is su- preme sovereignty . . . Exalt the Lord our God, and worship Him for He is holy. Exalt and worship Him at His holy moun- tain. The Lord our God is holy . . . Eleazar ben Yair 73 FULL SHOT - ELEAZAR 73 ELEA ZAR Praise the Lord, Source of all blessing. Praised is the Lord, eternal source of all blessing. Praised are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who chose us from among all peoples by giving us His Torah. Praised are You, O Lord, Giver of the Torah. 74 MEDIUM SHOT - RABBI 74 Rabbi Aqavia stands at the desk and reads from the (Drwah. RABBI And Moses spake in the ears of all the congregation of Israel (CONTINUED) 74 75(=7()) 116 CONTINUED: 74 RABBI (Con't) the words of this song, until they were ended . . . Give ears, 0 ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, 0 earth, the words of my mouth. My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distill as the dew, as the small rain upon . . . 70 RABBI (0.5.) the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: Be- cause I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye great— ness unto our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgement: a God of truth and without in— iquity, just and right is He . . . Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. And when the Lord saw it, He abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. For a fire is kindled in my anger, and shall burn into the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. I will heap (CONTINUED) "THEE?! ‘“q(?'h2ui.. ~ N'jfifi' ( 117 75 CONTINUED: 75 RABBI (Con't) mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them. DISSOLVE: 76(=74) 76 RABBI (Con't) And Moses came and spake all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he, and Hoshea the son of Nun. And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel. And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; be- cause it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. And the Lord spake unto Moses that selfsame day, saying, Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, unto Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a pos- session: And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in Mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people: Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah Kadesh, in the wilder- ness of Zin; because ye sanc- tified me not in the midst of the children of Israel . . . (CONTINUED) __ “—F'” f .._.__.- _'I: w.-. 118 77 WIDE FULL SHOT - RABBI 77 is in the foreground of the frame with the Ark and Eleazar to the rear. RABBI (Con't) Yet thou shalt see the land be- fore thee; but thou shalt not go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel ELEAZAR Praised are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who gave us a Torah of truth, endowing us with everlasting life. Praised are You, O Lord, Giver of the Torah. Izabbi Aqavia raises the Torah. ELEAZAR (Con't) This is the Torah that Moses set before Israel. This is the Torah given by God, through Moses. It is a tree of life to those who hold fast to it. All who uphold the Torah are blessed. Its ways are delight; its paths are peace . . . Eholly to a close shot of the upheld Torah and hold. ELEAZAR (O.S.) Lead us back to you, and we shall return. Renew our glory as in days of old. DISSOLVE: EXTERIOR — SYNAGOGUE (NIGHT) 78 MEDIUM SHOT — JOAB 78 143 in the midst of prayer and is halted by the en- rYince of Eleazar and Rabbi Aqavia. . d. ~‘IA‘M-x-‘_ . “a M“ ‘ ~¢us 119 79 COVER SHOT - GROUP 79 JOAB Is there no other way . . . ? ELEAZAR There is no other. 80 CLOSE SHOT - JOAB 80 JOAB I am not afraid of death——and yet I still crave life for my- self and family. I wish hap— piness for . . . 81 MEDIUM SHOT — RABBI AND JOAB 81 RABBI Our lot is not one of happiness. This suffering is our lot . . . JOAB Surely we have suffered enough-- surely some happiness is now our due . . . RABBI Happiness is our enemy. There is yet much effort and work for us to perform. We are a chosen people and to lead--to possess the power and desire for leader- ship--is to suffer . . . We cannot relinquish our holy obligation. FULL SHOT — GROUP 82 JOAB Why must we alone be chosen . . . ? If our God is for all men, why must He single out a special people--a single na- tion? What kind of God is this who restricts Himself to a single people? Let Him choose some others, everyone--let God (CONTINUED) I- - aflfln~.m-A‘- q“ ...) V 120 CONTINUED: 82 JOAB (Con't) give himself to everyone. Let Him go to the Romans in haste . . . Perhaps if they learn the Torah and sacred law . . RABBI Perhaps they will . . . MEDIUM SHOT - JOAB 83 JOAB Then the Romans would not wish to kill and enslave us . . . Would that we were a mighty power such as Rome . . . Would that we possessed the strength to protect ourselves from the enemy--to kill and vanquish the enemy. Then we could seal our- selves within our own bound- aries--within our own walls—- and let the strangers go their own way. A Jewish state with Jewish rulers--freedom in our own land with our own rulers MEDIUM SHOT - RABBI 84 RABBI I would not have this sort of nation. May we never be re- membered as a nation of war- riors--may we never be remem- bered for such strength. May we never relinquish our book and ethic for the sword. May we never make love of nation a substitute for the sacred Torah and commandment of God. Our truest nation--our truest alle— giance--is to a nation of the spirit . . . - -. MM ...-:15 l rum-fir w. 85 865 CLOSE COVER 121 SHOT - JOAB 85 JOAB If we have no nation--no land of our own, we will have neither book or ethic--we will remain as foreigners in the land of another. We will lose the freedom--through fear or desire --to preserve our own identity, our own truth and wisdom . . . Our book and our ethic--our sacred truth--will prevail only within the safe boundaries of our own nation. The foreigners shall remain our enemy and de— stroyer. They are always our enemy. They have never failed to kill and destroy our brethren. They shall never change--and I will never forget or forgive this crime or this enemy . . . SHOT - GROUP 86 RABBI One day all shall forgive their enemy and call them brethren. Such a world shall come to pass . JOAB I will never forget or forgive ELEAZAR I can almost forgive the Romans for killing our sons--but I can never forgive them for having forced us to teach our children to kill . . . RABBI We will learn to forgive-~even such injustice and crime. We are a chosen people and it is our duty and destiny to excel-- to gather respect--so that we may share our truth with the willing members of all nations. (CONTINUED) 122 86 CONTINUED: 86 RABBI (Con't) . . . If we have sinned, we will repent our sins. If we have been cast into exile, we will regain our homes and sanctuaries. And if we have sought redemption, we will gain it for this is the decree of God. And one day all men shall Share in our good for- tune. Our history--our suffer- ing and pain--is a passing thing. Only our destiny is permanent and certain . . . JOAB How often must we gain our re- demption . . . ? RABBI As often as we falter into sin . . . AS often as we ignore the sacred word of the Lord MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR AND JOAB 87 JOAB We will be redeemed forever when we possess a mightier sword and recover our own land for our own people--we will be redeemed when we have excluded the enemy--the foreigner-~for- ever. This is our redemption 88 MEDIUM SHOT — GROUP 88 The Rabbi is favored in the frame. RABBI This is sin and corruption . . . It would be immoral if we would exclude anyone, whatever his origin, his descent, or his religion, from participating in (CONTINUED) w...- A w. —_A- “F 123 88 CONTINUED: 88 RABBI (Con't) our achievements. For we stand on the shoulders of other civilized peoples . . . What we own we owe to the preparatory work of other peoples. There- fore, we have to repay our debt. There is only one way to do it, the highest tolerance. Our motto must therefore be, now and ever: Man, thou art my brother. Love, thou art my standard. God, thou art my guide . . . Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the most powerful Lord. DISSOLVE: IBUTERIOR - THE CHAMBER OF ELEAZAR (NIGHT) 859 COVER SHOT - CANDLELIT CHAMBER OF ELEAZAR 89 He is seated at a writing table. Shmuel ben Ezra and Hannah enter after knoCking. ELEAZAR Yes . . . ? 90 FULL SHOT - HANNAH and SHMUEL 90 SHMUEL We would speak with you . . . ELEAZAR (0.8.) Then speak . . . Speak if you will . . HANNAH We would ask you to surrender before the Romans--while there is still an opportunity for survival. - —"‘__ 7‘ "—1—? r‘ —_7.'-.E' l , 124 91 MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR 91 ELEAZAR Surrender . . . SHMUEL (0.8.) Yes, the Romans have once of- fered us the opportunity. They will do so again to avoid any further loss of time and life ELEAZAR And what do you think would be- come of our people . . . ? SHMUEL (0.5.) They would gain life . . . ELEAZAR Life as slaves in the service of a corrupt nation . . . 92 MEDIUM SHOT - HANNAH 92 HANNAH I prefer such slavery to death 93 COVER SHOT - GROUP 93 Eleazar rises and moves to the tablefront. ELEAZAR And I prefer death to slavery. SHMUEL Some of the people feel differ- ently . . . ELEAZAR But the majority feel as I do HANNAH Only because you have convinced them that this is the only pro- per way. Words are plentiful but life is still scarce. Many (CONTINUED) 125 93 CONTINUED: HANNAH (Con't) of us remain in disagreement ELEAZAR I will not hear of such dis- agreement. I will not hear any talk of surrender to the Romans. Now leave me before I gain greater anger . . . 94 MEDIUM SHOT - SHMUEL SHMUEL We will not leave until you have gained greater reason. We would have life and surrender, while there is still an Opportunity, is the only way for our people to acquire life. 95 MEDIUM REVERSE SHOT - ELEAZAR ELEAZAR Are you another Josephus? Is there another such traitorous and cowardly commander among us? 96(=94) SHMUEL Josephus lives--and we are surely dead if we continue to heed your word . . . ELEAZAR (0.8.) We will survive—~even as David survived before Goliath . . . 97 MEDIUM SHOT — HANNAH HANNAH But we are not David nor are the Romans Goliath . . . IF s‘q‘ 98 99 126 COVER SHOT - GROUP ELEAZAR Curse your cowardice—-both of you . . . Go from my sight Would that our nation were rid of your kind SHMUEL And would that our nation were rid of your kind. Such fanati- cism can only breed death and we have had enough of death ELEAZAR I will not hear such talk from a leader of the Jewish people . . Go from my sight—-and when you have gone remove all the badges of your command. I would have another in your place . . . Now leave--before I throw you from the summit into the Roman camp you so earnestly crave . . . Do as I command you . . SHMUEL I will do as you command. I will go far from your sight-- farther than you would see . ELEAZAR Then do so in haste--I would have you that far from my sight . . . HANNAH I will shun the destiny you so desire for your own people ELEAZAR Go--I command you! Hannah and Eleazar depart. FULL SHOT - ELEAZAR draws a sword and ponders it. He hurls ground. 98 99 it to the (CONTINUED) 127 99 CONTINUED: 99 ELEAZAR My God, my God--what is your command . . . ? 100 MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR 100 returns to the chair and slumps his head upon the table. Dolly to an extreme close Shot. DISSOLVE: EXTERIOR - THE WESTERN WALL (DAY) lOl COVER SHOT - GROUP 101 Eleazar is at the Western Wall with several of the Squadron Leaders. Breastarmor intended for Joab is placed in a prominent manner. SQUADRON LEADER It is a worthy choice-~Joab will make an excellent substi— tute for Shmuel ben Ezra. SQUADRON LEADER He is young--but is courageous and intelligent. ELEAZAR Then send for him--and let us bestow the silver armor of leadership upon him . . . SQUADRON LEADER I will bring him here . . . The Squadron Leader departs. 102 MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR 102 Eleazar is standing alongside the armor. ELEAZAR Youth, courage, intelligence-- and these qualities are wasted upon war and bloodshed. How war (CONTINUED) nlzlfl. 4 r 102 103 128 CONTINUED: 102 COVER ELEAZAR (Con't) corrupts all that is approached and enmeshed--is there ever a good or just war . . . ? Silver armor--how glittering and de- ceptive are the surface appear- ances for those who are unini- tiated . . . SQUADRON LEADER (0.8.) I believe they return, Eleazar SHOT - GROUP 103 SQUADRON LEADER No—-it is Yehohanan returned from the enemy camp . . . Yehohanan and a Squadron Leader enter. ELEAZAR Safe return, Yehohanan-—God has seen fit to escort you . . . What news do you bring . . . ? YEHOHANAN It is better that I brought no news . . . The Romans do have more in mind than is apparent . . . The great battering ram --the great war engine which the Romans call Victor—-is being brought to Masada from Jeru- salem . . . SQUADRON LEADER The very engine which shattered the walls of Jerusalem . . . ? YEHOHANAN The very same . . . SQUADRON LEADER This is terrible news--but can they raise such an engine to the head of the ramp . . . ? (CONTINUED) ‘ ”I"? 129 103 CONTINUED: ELEAZAR With enough men . . . SQUADRON LEADER The archers will slay these men before they near our wall . . . ELEAZAR Will they slay the Jewish cap~ tives of Flavius Silva--for surely these are the ones who will bear the burden of such labor . . . And will we allow such slaying . . . There is a silent pause. ELEAZAR (Con't) There must be some other way to halt their effort . . . Joab enters with the Squadron Leader. 104 MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR AND JOAB JOAB I heed your command, Eleazar ELEAZAR Greetings, Joab-~I would com- mand you better things but my sole command is that you assume this symbol of leadership . . 105 FULL SHOT - ELEAZAR AND JOAB Eleazar hands Joab the breastarmor. JOAB It is a greater honor than I deserve . . . ELEAZAR And an even greater burden--the Roman sword draws ever nearer to us. Yehohanan brings word 103 104 (CONTINUED) 130 105 CONTINUED: 105 ELEAZAR (Con't) of a Roman plan to raise the great engine, Victor, to the head of the ramp and destroy our wall . . . Now wear the armor and begin to feel its burden . . . IJoab dons the armor. 106 (COVER SHOT - GROUP 106 JOAB The weight is that of Jerusalem . . . We cannot leave any piece of Jerusalem behind . . . Is there no way to thwart such a plan . . . ? ELEAZAR I am not certain . . . There is only one position from which the ram may perform its de- structive work and only one section of the wall which may be shattered--perhaps a second inner wall . . . a second inner wall . . . SQUADRON LEADER That is the solution . . . ELEAZAR It is, at least, our only hope YEHOHANAN Such a wall must be erected in haste--the engine is no further than two days march from the Roman camp--perhaps even closer by now . . . ELEAZAR Then let us proceed hastily in the following manner . . . 131 107 CLOSE SHOT - THE SWORD 107 in Eleazar's hand drawing in the ground as he de- scribes the inner-wall. ELEAZAR (0.8.) We will lay together great beams of wood lengthways, one close to the end of another, and in the same way in which they are cut. Let us lay two of these rows parallel to one another and place earth into the space between these rows . . . The engine may shatter the outer wall--but as it strikes this second inner wall the blows will be weakened by its yielding construction . . . 108 COVER SHOT - GROUP 108 SQUADRON LEADER And the materials by such con- cussion will be shaken closer together. The pile shall be- come even firmer and more un— yielding than before . . . J OAB It is an excellent plan--and we shall remain secure as ever . . . SQUADRON LEADER And the Romans shall remain frustrated as ever . . . 109 MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR 109 ELEA ZAR Perhaps--but let us begin the work. There is no time to waste . . . Assemble the men to their tasks . . . Let us see what this great engine, Victor, may accomplish now . . . And let us witness whether God still stands atop Masada . . . DISSOLVE: 132 INTERIOR - TENT CHAMBER OF SILVA (NIGHT) 110 Ill MEDIUM SHOT - ENGINEER llO ENGINEER It is a great rock, a formidable obstacle and challenge this Masada--but this Jewish strong- hold shall soon become a Jewish burial ground . . . lDolly back to show the torchlit tent chamber of l (Seneral Flavius Silva. Silva and a Military f IEngineer stand before a large rotating model of ( Ddasada and the surrounding vicinity. SILVA Let us hope so--we have wasted enough time and effort on these Jewish dogs . . . "0‘3“" 1 " ‘ - ENGINEER See here--how well laid are the plans . . . As it was . . . CILOSE SHOT - MODEL OF MASADA lll jibe Engineer is using a pointer to indicate. ENGINEER (0.8.) impossible to move mass forma- tions of soldiers along the snake's path of the Eastern slope--the great cone-shaped ramp was constructed on the Western slope to take advantage of the promontory of white rock which already exists and ap- proaches the summit . . . Here, atop the ramp, we have placed a large pier for the great tower, Victor, and its powerful bat- tering ram . . . This ninety foot tower will be flanked by two siege towers seventy-five feet in height. From their tops, archers will protect the troops as they perform their destructive tasks. Here, cata- pults . . . here, stone throwers (CONTINUED) 133 111 CONTINUED: 111 ENGINEER (Con't) . here archers and here javelins . . . Jewish doom is inevitable. The ramp does not reach the wall of Masada--but by merely canting and elevating the battering ram of Victor within its cradle and extending the tow lines a bit further than usual—-the troops may pull and pound and pummel the wall above to their own content . . . The wall shall fall--entrance shall become a simple matter-- and victory shall be in your hands. 112 MEDIUM SHOT - SILVA AND ENGINEER 112 vvi.th the model in the background. SILVA And what of Jewish archers—- their arrows become deadlier with the shortening of dis- tance . . . ? ENGINEER Our own archers will stand in defense . . . Victor and the two flanking towers have been encased in heavy iron also making them invulnerable to fire--those of our troops who will man them shall be well protected . . . And here, pro- tected passageways to each tower . . . Each instrument has been made so solid and firm that if the Jews in any way attempt to overturn them, they shall surely fail . . . It is all so marvellous . . . And here, below, all about Masada--a siege wall which sur— rounds the entire rock--let them dare attempt an escape or an attack upon our camps . . . (CONTINUED) 134 112 CONTINUED: 113 CZLOSE 114 (ZIJOSE 115(=112) ENGINEER (Con't) It is all so thoroughly con- sidered . . . The Jewish days on Masada are approaching a swift end . . . SHOT - SILVA SILVA And to position these towers so they may perform their task 9 REVERSE SHOT - ENGINEER ENGINEER Jewish prisoners--of course They will not shoot their own—— and, if they do, it is of little concern. There are many to take the places of any dead . SILVA (0.8.) Your craft and consideration are impressive . . . ENGINEER May the Jews be so impressed SILVA May the Jews hasten to their graves . . . ENGINEER They shall be surprised by the appearance of Victor--little do they realize that we bring them a memento of Jerusalem to ac- company their final days 112 113 114 115 (CONTINUED) -q'4 135 115 CONTINUED: 115 SILVA Let us hasten with these plans-- I would see the surprise upon their faces . . . ENGINEER If only we could prolong matters a bit-—I am certain that I could devise some marvelous new de- vices for their pleasure . . . SILVA This affair has been prolonged sufficiently--let us now gain the Jewish defeat. 116 NLEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR AND ENGINEER 116 UThe model is in the foreground of the frame. ENGINEER I am almost aroused to enter the Jewish camp and attempt a defense against these measures. It would be a challenging task . . . But it is impossible-- I have planned with such ex- cellence . . . It is all so very perfect . . . SILVA We will see . . . we will see . . . Tfiilt up to close shot of a torch. MATCH DISSOLVE: E.__XT__E_R_IOR ~ A ROMAN OUTPOST (NIGHT) 117 CLOSE SHOT - FLAME 117 from fire. Dolly back to medium shot revealing Sfiiveral soldiers seated about it. (CONTINUED) ’W’"—“u'_.‘u—-T 117 118 119 120 121 136 CONTINUED: (ZIQOSE (ZIADSE CLOSE FIRST SOLDIER We should leave and give them the whole desert-~I have a family in Rome . . . SECOND SOLDIER As long as we're here-—you have no family but us . . . THIRD SOLDIER What are we waiting for--let's get this thing over with . . FIRST SOLDIER We have no business here--what do these politicians and generals have in mind . . . ? SHOT - SECOND SOLDIER SECOND SOLDIER They can't stand anyone about without their permission . . SHOT - THIRD SOLDIER THIRD SOLDIER Let's kill the Jews and have it done with . . . SHOT - FIRST SOLDIER FIRST SOLDIER You're so anxious for blood—- what have those people ever done to you . . . ? MEDIUM THREE SHOT THIRD SOLDIER Nothing--but they're Jews--and that's enough reason to kill them . . . We'll do the same thing here that we did back in 117 118 119 120 121 (CONTINUED) 121 122 137 CONTINUED: 121 CLOSE THIRD SOLDIER (Con't) Jerusalem . . . They're a curse upon the earth . . . SECOND SOLDIER I don't care what they are--they can have their rock. They can have the whole dirty desert with its heat and sand . FIRST SOLDIER It's a waste of lives any way you look at it . . . SECOND SOLDIER And a nuisance . . . THIRD SOLDIER I've nothing better to do FIRST SOLDIER I have . . . SECOND SOLDIER I could think of better things to do SHOT - THIRD SOLDIER 122 THIRD SOLDIER You make miserable soldiers-- I'd be on top of that rock carving Jewish throats if I could . . . SECOND SOLDIER (0.8.) The centurion may carve all of our throats if he catches us sitting about like this . . . THIRD SOLDIER Damn the centurion . . . SECOND SOLDIER (0.8.) Don't let him hear that . . . (CONTINUED) kvif - 53"5'“ ‘x- E 138 122 CONTINUED: 122 123 CLOSE 124(=121) THIRD SOLDIER I'll let any man hear what I have to say of him. I'm not a coward like some people . . . SHOT - FIRST SOLDIER 123 FIRST SOLDIER Nor am I--but I'd leave this place if I could . . . Let these Jews have their worthless land SECOND SOLDIER (0.8.) If I never see another Jew for the rest of my days, I'll be happier for it. As long as they leave me alone, I'm willing to leave them alone. Let them go their way and I'll go mine . . . 124 THIRD SOLDIER And I'd just as soon kill each one of them--a little bit at a time . . . except for a few of the women . . . I have better plans for them . . . SECOND SOLDIER You can have anything you want-- you can do anything you want-- but I'm tired of this place. You can take my position in the attack if that'll make you happy . . . THIRD SOLDIER We'll soon get our chance--all of us--it won't be long now. You'll all kill whether you want to or not--and I'll enjoy every moment of it . . . (CONTINUED) 139 124 CONTINUED: 124 SECOND SOLDIER And I'll be glad when it's over . . . FIRST SOLDIER I hope it never begins . . . THIRD SOLDIER You're a coward. You see a bit of death and shudder all over FIRST SOLDIER I haven't your appetite for blood-—or your heart . . THIRD SOLDIER The centurion would have one of me for every ten of you . . . FIRST SOLDIER The centurion can have all of you that he wants . . . SECOND SOLDIER Hold it--here he comes. Stand on your feet . . . 125 FULL SHOT - GROUP 125 They rise and appear attentive. They are in the foreground of the frame as the Centurion and another soldier enter with Shmuel ben Ezra in the background. CENTURION What are you doing here by the fire . . . ? While you're wasting about, this Jew is walk— ing around free in the dark SECOND SOLDIER We're doing our duty . . 126 127 128 129 140 MEDIUM SHOT - CENTURION AND PRISONER CENTURION You look too comfortable for that . . . One of you men come with me . . . This prisoner must be taken to General Silva COVER SHOT - GROUP THIRD SOLDIER I'll go . . . CENTURION You stay--I need good men on line . . . You, soldier, come with me . . . FIRST SOLDIER Yes, sir . . . MEDIUM SHOT - CENTURION CENTURION Have your rest now--it will be the last one. An attack is due to begin very soon . . . THIRD SOLDIER (0.8.) That's good news . . . CENTURION Not if you end as one of the dead . . . MEDIUM SHOT - THIRD SOLDIER THIRD SOLDIER There's no chance of that--no Jew will ever lay a hand on me . . . CENTURION (0.8.) Perhaps--but they're no foe to take so lightly in their situ— ation . . . 126 127 128 129 (CONTINUED) ._,.i.___,____l:_r 129 130 131 141 CONTINUED THIRD SOLDIER It looks like they're done for—- it's about time. A year in the desert is too much for any man. Let's get it done with . . . I want to see the View from the top of the rock . . . FULL SHOT - GROUP CENTURION You'll get your chance soon enough . . . Let's go now . . The Centurion and the two Soldiers depart with their prisoner. CLOSE SHOT - THIRD SOLDIER THIRD SOLDIER Did you hear the Centurion . . . ? We'll get our chance soon . . . I wonder if those Jews have much gold with them . . . ? INTERIOR - THE TENT CHAMBER OF SILVA (DAY) 132 COVER SHOT - TENT CHAMBER of Flavius Silva. Officers are gathered with Silva about the model of Masada. Guards and servants are present. Sensual flute music is heard. A Herald enters followed by the Envoy from Rome. HERALD Hear all-—the envoy from Titus, Great Emperor and General of Rome . . . ENVOY Greetings, Flavius 8ilva—-greet- ings from Rome and the Emperor Titus . . . 129 130 131 132 (CONTINUED) u-mu y...- M‘- v I. 132 133 142 CONTINUED: SILVA Greetings to the Emperor . . . Enter and join with us . . . 8ervants--refreshments . . . It is a long while Since we have had greetings and news from Rome ENVOY And a longer time since Rome has gathered news from Judea . . . SILVA Too soon with business--take of the drink and then to affairs ENVOY So be it . . . Cups are filled by the servants. SILVA To Titus and Rome . . . All join in the toast. MEDIUM SHOT - SILVA AND ENVOY SILVA What news do you bring from Rome . . . ? ENVOY There is little news and much impatience from Rome . . . Rather what news does Silva bear for Rome and Titus . . . ? SILVA All is well--the campaign pro- gresses evenly and surely . . . 132 133 134 135 136 CLOSE CLOSE CLOSE 143 SHOT - ENVOY 134 ENVOY Titus has expected more from General Silva and the Tenth Legion--an entire year, an en— tire year against fewer than a thousand Jews with women and children among them and no sound of victory . . . It is a terrible embarrassment to the Emperor . . . The arch of vic- tory over the Jews is built in Rome—-even the coins declare this victory, and yet there is no final victory, no final de— feat . . . A band of outlaws declares the Emperor to be a liar . . . SILVA (0.8.) They are a desperate and fierce band of outlaws--and more, they have a fortress of near impreg- nable quality to support and sustain them . . . ENVOY And you have ten thousand men of the elite Tenth Legion and nearly fifteen thousand Jewish prison- ers of war with which to wage a siege--and you have still failed SHOT - SILVA 135 SILVA We have not failed-~we have merely been delayed and this delay Shall soon come to an end as you will even see for your- self . . . SHOT - ENVOY 136 ENVOY Let us hOpe so--Titus grows im- patient. He cannot chance the (CONTINUED) _‘-B..-’ _;M‘ a -_ 144 136 CONTINUED: 136 ENVOY (Con't) prolonged existence of a strong— hold such as Masada . . . Other Jews may take example and other such strongholds may rise . . . Rome will not tolerate the en— couragement of any further hos- tility . . . 137 MEDIUM SHOT - SILVA AND ENVOY 137 SILVA Remember—-we have not the ad— vantage of a civil war within the Jewish camp such as at Jerusalem. We will not divide and conquer Masada--nor was Jerusalem such a natural for- tress as Masada . . . ENVOY I have been impressed by my view of the citadel--but Titus has not had the privilege of such a View. And he certainly will not be impressed with words . . . SILVA We will give him more than words . . . The engineers have provided for that--surely you have seen the great ramp and the engines which are being drawn into position for an assault . . . ENVOY I have . . . SILVA Then you have seen signs of the Jewish end. 145 138 MEDIUM SHOT - ENVOY 138 ENVOY Let us hope so--Rome is a great nation, the greatest nation in the world. Rome cannot allow such a small group to humiliate her before the eyes of the world. The strength of empire depends greatly upon the belief of Roman subjects in this very strength. Power demands a strong appearance of invinci- bility--and Rome shall preserve such an appearance at any cost . . . And not only are these things necessary for power but for pride-~Rome shall have pride. SILVA (0.8.) I do not require a session in the ways of government. ENVOY It is merely my duty to present the concerns of Titus. I do as I am bid . . . 139 MEDIUM SHOT - SILVA 139 SILVA And I will do as I am bid--I promise a Roman victory within a week. You shall observe it with your own eyes and report as much to Titus . . . I have already sent for the priest and his omen . . . ENVOY (0.8.) My eyes remain anxious and ex- pectant and I would witness the omen . . . l40(=l32) 140 A Centurion enters and whispers to Silva. (CONTINUED) 146 140 CONTINUED: 140 SILVA Excellent--we have a new pris- oner, a deserter. You shall see one of these rebellious Jews for yourself . . . Bring the prisoner before us . . . Shmuel ben Ezra is escorted into the tent. -1-” CENTURION Kneel before General Flavius ‘ Silva . . . ; SHMUEL : (Kneeling) an I am your servant and your ally i SILVA I would have no Jew as an ally SHMUEL I bring valuable information SILVA We know all that is necessary of the Jewish camp . . . 141 MEDIUM SHOT - SHMUEL 141 SHMUEL I bring news of discord and dis- sension. There is strife among the Jews--even as in Jerusalem. A Roman victory is assured. I have led this dissension in an attempt to aid Rome . . . ENVOY (0.8.) This man is a coward and incap- able of leadership . . . SILVA (0.8.) I agree . . . (CONTINUED) 147 141 CONTINUED: 141 SHMUEL No, no--this is not true. I have sown great agitation and dissent among my people in order to bring this futile madness to an end. I beseeched the people to surrender before the superiority of Rome. I am loyal to Rome. 142 LONG SHOT - SILVA AND ENVOY 142 are in the background while Shmuel is in the fore- ground. SILVA And why have they not sur- rendered . . . ? SHMUEL They will--it is inevitable . . . SILVA It is inevitable--and why are you not upon the summit giving guidance and encouragement to your faction . . . ? SHMUEL I have come to ask mercy for them. We are friends . . . SILVA You have not responded to the question . . . ENVOY He has no faction. He is a coward and a deserter--another Josephus . . . SILVA You are correct--and I am al- ready tired of this . . . Centurion, remove this man. Slay him . . . .....n~su ‘g—n— I? .‘tn‘LJ 148 143 CLOSE SHOT - SHMUEL SHMUEL No, my lord. I am an ally, a friend. I will plead with the Jews for surrender . . . I will do anything--but spare my life . . . SILVA (0.5.) Remove him . . . 144(=132) A struggling and pleading Shmuel ben Ezra is re- moved by the guards. A dying scream is heard. SILVA Such make me ill . . . ENVOY Is this the character of the enemy that has so delayed Rome '3 SILVA Would that the enemy were of such character . . . ENVOY If, in a like manner, Titus would rid himself of the other fawning Josephus--the Roman court would be a more noble and comfortable place . . . SILVA Beckon the priest-~let us have a Sign from the gods . . . Religion should always be used to supplement our intelligence A Priest enters bearing a dove. PRIEST My lord, Silva . . . 143 144 149 145 LONG SHOT - SILVA AND ENVOY 145 with the priest in the foreground. SILVA Grant us an omen, priest. Speak to the gods. Tell us whether the time is proper for an attack upon the Jewish for- tress . . . Speak to them well, priest . . . 146 MEDIUM SHOT - PRIEST 146 as he moves to a small ceremonial table. PRIEST I will do your bidding . . . 0 holy gods of Rome-~hear our prayer and lend us thy guidance. Lead us to the enemy of our great religion and empire. Show us the way to victory. Bid us to vanquish in the proper time . . . 0 sacred gods of Rome--enter this cham— ber, grant us the wisdom of the future . . . The Priest slays the dove and examines it. 147 COVER SHOT - GROUP 147 SILVA Hasten and tell us the omen . . . PRIEST The omen is favorable, my lord. The gods bid an attack with victory for the outcome. 148 FULL SHOT - SILVA 148 SILVA Do you hear that . . . Cen- turion, see that the priestly word is communicated to the troops. Let them hear the will (CONTINUED) ’F _. 4' MAI,“ 2.5.. ' — 148 149 150 150 CONTINUED 148 SILVA (Con't) of the gods . . . Sound the drums . . . Assemble all of my officers before me--the time has come . . . FULL SHOT - CENTURION 149 salutes and departs. COVER SHOT - AREA 150 outside the tent of Silva. Drummers and trumpet— ers are calling the troops to arms. Pan the area which is filled with the activity of men prepar- ing to do battle. FADE: EXTERIOR - THE WALL OF MASADA (DAY) 151 LONG SHOT - EXTENT OF THE RAMP 151 from a low angle at its base. The engine, Victor, has been drawn into battle position and is pro- ceeding to destroy a section of the wall of Masada. It is flanked by two assault towers with many archers firing from atop them. 152 LONG HIGH ANGLE SHOT - ELEAZAR 152 and the leaders are at an unattacked section of the wall. They are in the left foreground of the frame observing the ram which is in the right background. Draw the camera back to give a long cover shot of the interior of the wall and the inner wall which is nearly completed and still covered with workers. 153 FULL SHOT - GROUP 153 SQUADRON LEADER The construction has gone as well as possible--work on the (CONTINUED) “v... .~_’._ *m-tm .— . i I? ‘ 151 153 CONTINUED: 153 SQUADRON LEADER (Con't) interior wall is nearly com- plete. ELEAZAR It is in prOper time--the bat- tering ram has done its work more swiftly than expected . . SQUADRON LEADER The outer wall is nearly de- stroyed and there is no halting the Roman engine . . . SQUADRON LEADER Arrows tipped with fire, rocks, javelins, hot oil--none of these things have halted the Romans. The towers are encased in armor. Soldiers approach and depart freely through protected pas- sageways . . . 154 MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR 154 ELEAZAR Roman engineers seldom lack in skillfulness and forethought-- let us discover if they have failed on this occasion . . . SQUADRON LEADER (0.8.) And if this inner wall fails us instead . . . ? ELEAZAR Then there is no hope-—death and slavery shall be our fate 155 MEDIUM SHOT - JOAB 155 JOAB The wall shall hold-—we will not die . . . 156 152 CLOSE SHOT - ELEAZAR 156 ELEAZAR Pray to God that this is so-— pray that God will not fore- sake our cause . . . DISSOLVE: EXTERIOR - THE BASE OF THE RAMP (DAY) 157 158 FULL THREE SHOT 157 Romans are observing the assault. ENVOY The day grows too long . . . SILVA The work will soon be accom- plished . . . ENGINEER They can do little more than observe our advance . . . COVER SHOT - GROUP 158 and many Roman soldiers in the background pre- pared for an assault. SILVA They will soon have more to do than merely observe . . . Our soldiers have been made thirsty with anger by their long wait in the desert. They will quench their thirst with Jewish blood . . . ENVOY The Jews will be desperate . . . SILVA It will not matter . . . The pounding of the ram ceases. (CONTINUED) ‘N‘R i‘J ‘u :A. i.‘"_—. .-I \ 153 158 CONTINUED: 158 ENGINEER A breach—-they have made a breach . . . SILVA But the troops fail to advance . . Centurion, go forward, and discover the reason for such delay . . . Remain as you are-—a messenger approaches 159 LONG SHOT - A SOLDIER 159 hurries down the ramp toward the assembled group. 160 FULL SHOT - SOLDIER 160 enters frame in background facing camera. Silva is in foreground of frame. SOLDIER (Saluting) My lord . . . SILVA Speak . . . SOLDIER The wall has been breached, my lord-~but a new inner wall of) wood and dirt has been raised against us . . . 161 FULL SHOT - GROUP 161 SILVA What do you say now, engineer '9 ENGINEER A simple obstacle, my lord. Let us continue with Victor—- it is but another certain task for the engine . . . (CONTINUED) "I? 161 162 163 164 165 154 CONTINUED: SILVA Take word to continue with the ram--but with haste. I grow impatient with these Jewish tricks . . . SOLDIER Yes, my lord. The soldier departs. MEDIUM SHOT - ENVOY ENVOY These Jews are truly cunning MEDIUM SHOT - SILVA SILVA They will require more than cunning to preserve their lives . . . Engineer . . . FULL SHOT - GROUP ENGINEER Yes, my lord . . . SILVA Go forward-—observe and bring me an account of this new barrier . . . ENGINEER Yes, my lord . . . The Engineer departs. CLOSE SHOT - SILVA SILVA His life will be the cost of failure. 161 162 163 164 165 DISSOLVE: 155 EXTERIOR - THE BASE OF THE RAMP (DAY) 166 167 168 FULL SHOT - ENGINEER 166 is coming down the ramp in the background. Silva is facing him in the foreground of the frame. The Engineer arrives to dominate the frame. ENGINEER It is a clever obstacle, my lord--great lengths of wooden beam placed in parallel rows with dirt filling the space be- tween. It stands as a pliable wall--the pounding of the engine merely strengthens it . . . I have bid the engine to a halt MEDIUM SHOT - SILVA AND ENVOY 167 SILVA What of your perfect plans now, engineer . . . ? ENVOY I wait to observe the victory you have promised . . . Titus awaits also . . . ENGINEER (O.S.) You shall have your victory, my lord . . . The barrier is of unshielded wood--and wood shall burn . . . SILVA And who will deliver the flames? The Jews shall slaughter any soldiers who approach the bar— rier . . . MEDIUM SHOT - ENGINEER 168 ENGINEER It is no difficult task, my lord. In this matter, we will take our lesson from the Jews-- arrows tipped with fire, such (CONTINUED) 156 168 CONTINUED: 168 ENGINEER (Con't) as the ones wasted upon our own armored engines . . . We will light the sky with this new barrier and send our soldiers to tread across its ashes . . . SILVA (O.S.) Prepare the archers then--and quickly for it grows dark . . . If you fail me, I will have your life . . . ENGINEER I will not fail you, my lord The Engineer departs. 169 FULL SHOT - SILVA, ENVOY AND CENTURION 169 ENVOY What calm and satisfaction he brings to the task of destruc- tion . . . SILVA He will perform the same task as readily for the Jews if they offer any quantity of gold . . . At least the Jews fight for an idea . . . ENVOY Even if it is the wrong one . . . SILVA Of course . . . Centurion . . . CENTURION Yes, my lord . . . SILVA Let us grant the Jews another opportunity for surrender . . . ENVOY You would grant them life . . . ? (CONTINUED) 169 157 CONTINUED: 169 SILVA That is yet to be decided . . . Bear a Sign of truce and take this offer to the Jewish leader CENTURION I am at your command . . . ENVOY You should not have disposed of the deserter so hastily . . . SILVA It is as well-—the sight of such cowardice would merely anger them further . . . Take the following message to Eleazar ben Yair . . . DISSOLVE: EXTERIOR - WITHIN THE WESTERN WALL (LATE DAY) 170 COVER SHOT - GROUP 170 The open space within the Western Wall of Masada. The new structure is prominent in the background of the frame. A Centurion, with an escort bear- ing a sign of truce, is meeting with Eleazar and the other Jewish leaders. Many defenders are ob- serving the meeting. CENTURION I bear a message from General Silva--an offer for life in ex— change for the surrender of your forces . . . Men, women, and children will be granted life. General Silva is a man of honor and his message is a guarantee . . . ELEAZAR What are the conditions . . . ? CENTURION There is but a single condition -—life in exchange for surrender (CONTINUED) 158 170 CONTINUED: 170 ELEAZAR What sort of life does Silva guarantee for my people . . . ? CENTURION This matter remains for deci- sion. 171 MEDIUM SHOT - SQUADRON LEADER 171 SQUADRON LEADER A life as Roman slaves--and we have already witnessed the Roman treatment of live Jews from the wall of our fortress . . . 172 MEDIUM SHOT - CENTURION 172 CENTURION These are merely the exigencies of battle . . . Peaceful times will present a superior situ- ation for the Jews . . . 173 MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR AND CENTURION 173 ELEAZAR The ring of the future does not bear any note of superiority 174 FULL SHOT — ELEAZAR, CENTURION, AND LEADERS 174 CENTURION Life in whatever guise will be superior to an alternative which must mean defeat and death . . . SQUADRON LEADER Let us continue in battle . . . CENTURION Heed your senses--look about you . . . Observe your numbers (CONTINUED) 174 175 176 159 CONTINUED: 174 CENTURION (Con't) and the quality of your warriors . . . Then observe below where there are thousands of experi- enced Roman soldiers who will not be halted once they are re- leased . . . Consider your women and your children . . To prolong this Situation is madness. General Silva offers you life--the alternative is only death . . . SQUADRON LEADER Let us welcome death--if it is capable of approaching . . . Many of those gathered assent. ELEAZAR You have heard . . . We will remain free men . . . FULL SHOT ~ GROUP 175 CENTURION Indeed, this is madness--or un- precedented bravery. The world has never seen a thing of this sort . . . I will inform General Silva of your decision The Centurion salutes Eleazar. The Romans depart. Dolly camera to a Medium Shot of Eleazar. ELEAZAR We will remain free men . . . 1 We will preserve our freedom I COVER SHOT - THE PEOPLE 176 as they assent with the word "freedom." DISSOLVE: 160 EXTERIOR - WITHIN THE WESTERN WALL (NIGHT) 177 COVER SHOT - FLAMING INNER-WALL 177 against the darkened sky as people vainly at- tempt to quell it. 178 FULL SHOT - GROUP 178 observing from the steps of a building. 5% 179 COVER 180(=178) There SQUADRON LEADER There is no hope. The flames cannot be dampened . . . The H Romans cast a shower of arrows 7 upon any who approach to halt a J the flames . . . r i SHOT - FLAMING WALL 179 SQUADRON LEADER (0.8.) It is the certain end . . . 180 SQUADRON LEADER They will enter the fortress-- but they will pay a most severe toll . . . ELEAZAR Death heaped upon death--and there is no action remaining to prevent such an end . . . JOAB There is nothing more to be done . . . ? ELEAZAR It is futile . . . SQUADRON LEADER Then let us die in a memorable manner--let others take courage and pride from our deed . . . are voices of assent. 161 181 MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR 181 ELEAZAR Yes—-let us die in a memorable manner so that others may take courage and pride from the deed . . . Go and gather the people . . . Assemble them before me so that I may address them in this hour . . . 182 MEDIUM SHOT - SQUADRON LEADER 182 SQUADRON LEADER And the defenders . . . ? 183 FULL SHOT - GROUP 183 ELEAZAR All of the people--the night stands as guardian. The Romans will not be upon us until the morning . . . Squadron Leaders depart to gather the people who soon begin assembling. SQUADRON LEADER Let us sieze whatever oppor- tunity and enter the Roman camp while they remain asleep . . . ELEAZAR It is impossible . . . SQUADRON LEADER Then what will we do . . . ? ELEAZAR The people shall decide. A mournful song is heard. 184 MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR AND SQUADRON LEADER 184 SQUADRON LEADER The people are already assem- bling . . . (CONTINUED) 162 184 CONTINUED: ELEAZAR They are aware already . . 185 HIGH ANGLE COVER SHOT - THE PEOPLE 184 185 with the back of Eleazar in the lower foreground of the frame. MAN Speak to us, Eleazar--tell us whatever there is to do . . . WOMAN Preserve us . . . MAN Grant us life . . . 186 REVERSE MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR 187(=l85) There 188(=l86) ELEAZAR God alone will grant life . . WOMAN Then help us . . . MAN Speak to us . . . are voices of assent. ELEAZAR Long ago, my brethren, we re- solved never to be servants to the Romans, nor to any other than God himself, who alone is the true and just Lord of man- kind. The time now comes which obliges us to make the resolu- tion true in practice . . . We were the very first that 186 187 188 (CONTINUED) 163 188 CONTINUED: 188 ELEAZAR (Con't) revolted from the Romans, and we are the last that fight against them. I cannot but re- gard it as a favor that God has granted us, that it is still in our power to die bravely and in a state of freedom. It is very plain that we shall be taken within a day's time--but it is still possible to die in a glorious manner. Our enemies cannot prevent this . . . We are now aware that God, who has taken the Jewish nation into favor has now condemned them to destruction. For had he either continued with favor, or been but in a lesser degree dis- pleased with us, he would not have overlooked the destruction of so many 189 MEDIUM PANNING SHOT - PEOPLE 189 ELEAZAR (O.S.) men, or delivered his most holy city and sacred temple to be burnt and demolished by the enemy. We have hoped to pre- serve ourselves, and ourselves alone, out of the whole Jewish nation still in a state of freedom. But consider how God has shown that our hope is in vain by bringing such distress upon us with the desperate state we are now in. The na- ture of this fortress, which was in itself unconquerable, has not proved a means for our deliverance; and even while we have still a great abundance of food, and a great quantity of arms, we are deprived by God himself of all hOpe for de- liverance. This is the effect of God's anger against us for (CONTINUED) 9 .z-n- ‘1' .2 ’ l. 164 189 CONTINUED: 189 ELEAZAR (Con't) our many sins. The punishment for these . . . 191(186) 191 ELEAZAR (Con't) sins is not received from the Romans, but from God himself . . . Let us receive this punishment of God and execute it by our own hands for these will be more moderate than those of the Romans . . . Let 3 our wives die before they are abused and our children before they have tasted of slavery; and after we have slain them, let us bestow that glorious benefit upon one another mu- tually—-and preserve ourselves in freedom. Let us persevere in our original resolution. Let the world remember that we have preferred death by our own hands before slavery . . . ‘ "3T "fill 11' a The vocal responses are mixed. 192 COVER SHOT - PEOPLE 192 to include the Rabbi. RABBI No, no-—I must speak against such sin. It is for God alone to grant life—-and God alone will take life . . . 193 FULL SHOT - RABBI 193 who turns back to camera and addresses the people. RABBI (Con't) To do as Eleazar bids is to strike angrily at God. For (CONTINUED) 165 193 CONTINUED: 193 RABBI (Con't) surely the sacred gift of God, an immortal soul, Shall not be profaned by human hands--if God has declared our fate to be one of death by Roman hands, then allow the Roman . . . 194 MEDIUM SHOT - RABBI 194 from people's POV. RABBI (Con't) hands to fulfill this fate. If such death is our destiny, then it shall be the will of God and we will remain free of sin and God will provide for us . . . But to act against his dictate --to ignore the sanctity of life in such a manner--is to abandon God and to suffer the worst of consequences . . . I bear no solution to our predicament but I bear the knowledge that such a blasphemous abandonment of life shall place us in opposi- tion to God--and God will re- main the last and eternal refuge for our people. There is no other way. There is no other hope. There are voices of assent. 195 COVER SHOT - PEOPLE 195 including Hannah. HANNAH I do not bear such knowledge. The ways of God shall always remain a mystery to me--but I do understand that death is not the only way remaining for us. There is yet another-—and that is surrender . . . They have (CONTINUED) -. d .‘m—O‘1 166 195 CONTINUED: 195 HANNAH (Con't) offered us the opportunity--we can regain this opportunity if we act in haste . . . MAN It is too late . . . 196 COVER SHOT - HANNAH 196 is in the foreground of the frame. The people are facing the camera and are favored. HANNAH It is not too late--Shmuel ben Ezra has departed the summit There are knowing voices. HANNAH (Con't) He has gone below to the Roman camp--surely he has found life . . . It does not matter that I remain a slave or servant for the rest of my days. What does matter is that my children shall have life--and whatever is the quality of such a life is not important. Let them see the sun rise and set, let them see the fullness of the years which belong to them—-it shall be enough. What do I care for freedom and such--these are mere words and I am only a simple person with simple de- sires . . . Let men like Eleazar have this thing they deem to be so sacred and valu- able and which they call free- dom. I do not understand such a thing. What I understand is life. I crave life--for myself and my children. And we can have such life if we act in haste and approach the Romans . . . Let us have life . . . (CONTINUED) 196 197 198 167 CONTINUED: . 196 HANNAH (Con't) Let us retain what is our most certain possession . . . There are many voices of assent. FULL SHOT - ELEAZAR 197 from a low angle. He is enraged and prophetic. ELEAZAR Truly I have been mistaken for I thought to be assisting brave men who struggled earnestly for their liberty--and such as were resolved either to live with honor, or else to die. I find that you are such people as are no better than others, either in virtue or in courage, and are afraid of dying even though you be delivered thereby from the greatest of miseries. Re- member that the laws of our country, and of God himself, have from ancient times, and . . . as soon as ever we could use our reason, continually taught us, and our forefathers have corroborated the same doc- trine by their actions, and by their bravery of mind, that it is life that is a calamity to men, and not death for this death affords our souls their liberty, and sends them by a removal into their own place of purity and eternal life where they are insensible of all misery; for while souls are tied down to a mortal body, they are partakers of its . . . MEDIUM PANNING SHOT - PEOPLE 198 (CONTINUED) ..-...ML... ...-..I _.___.. . ' 1'." I 168 198 CONTINUED: 198 ELEAZAR (O.S.) miseries; and really to speak the truth, they are themselves dead, for the union of the di— vine and the mortal is unsuit- able . . . But suppose instead that we had been brought up un- der another persuasion and taught that life is the great- est good which men are capable of and that death is a calamity. Even then the circumstances we are now in ought to be an in- ducement to us to bear such a calamity with courage, since it is by the will of God, and by necessity that we are to die; for it now is certain that God has made such a decree against the Jewish nation. We shall be deprived of this life for we would not make a proper use of it. Do not ascribe our present condition to yourselves, nor think the Romans are the true occasion that this war we have had with them has become so destructive to us all. These things have not come to pass by their power but only because a more powerful cause has inter- vened . . . For we had arms, and walls and fortresses so prepared as not to be easily taken, and courage not to be moved by any . . . 199 MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR 199 from a low angle. ELEAZAR (Con't) dangers in the cause of liberty. But then, these advantages suf- ficed us but for a short time, and only raised our hopes, while they really proved to be the origin of our miseries; for (CONTINUED) '. muu'flq p I 169 199 CONTINUED: 199 200(=185) ELEAZAR (Con't) all we had has been taken from us, and all has fallen under our enemies, as if these ad- vantages were only intended to make their victory over us the more notable. And as for those that are already dead in the war, it is reasonable that we Should esteem them blessed, for they are dead in defending, and not in betraying their liberty. But as to the multitude of those that are now under the Romans, who would not pity their condi- tion? And who would not make haste to die before he would suffer the same miseries with them? Some of them have been put upon the rack and tortured with fire and whippings, and so died. Some have been half de— voured by wild beasts, and yet have been . . . 200 ELEAZAR (Con't) reserved alive to be devoured by them a second time, in order to afford laughter and sport to our enemies. And such of those as are still alive are to be looked upon as the most miser- able, who being so desirous of death, could not achieve it. And where is now that great city, the center of the Jewish nation which was fortified by so many walls, which had so many fortresses and large towers to defend it and which could hardly contain the instruments prepared for the war, and which had so many thousands of men to fight for it? Where is this city that was believed to have himself inhabiting therein? It (CONTINUED) 1.. ”...-me. 1...”, 200 201 202 170 CONTINUED: 200 ELEAZAR (Con't) is now demolished . . . to the very foundations and has nothing but that monument of it pre- served. I mean the camp of those that have . . . CLOSE REVERSE SHOT - ELEAZAR 201 from a low angle. CLOSE ELEAZAR (Con't) destroyed it and which still dwells upon its ruins . . . Some unfortunate old men also lie upon the ashes of the temple, and a few women are there preserved alive by the enemy for their bitter shame and reproach. Now, who is there that revolves these things in his mind and yet is able to bear the sight of the sun, though he might live safe from danger? Who is there so unmanly and desirous of living as not to repent that he is still alive? And I cannot but wish that we had all died, before we had seen that holy city de— molished by the hands of our enemies, or the foundations . . . PANNING SHOT - PEOPLE 202 ELEAZAR (Con't) of our holy temple dug up in so profane a manner . . . But since we had a generous hope that deluded us, and has left us alone in this distress, let us make haste to die bravely. Let us pity ourselves, our children, and our wives, while it is in our own power to Show pity to them-~for we were born to die, as well as those whom (CONTINUED) ‘9 t“., hustl- A-ST 171 202 CONTINUED: 202 203(=201) ELEAZAR (O.S.) (Con't) we have begotten . . . We re- volted from the Romans with great pretensions to courage, and when at the very last, they invited us to preserve ourselves, we would not comply with them. Who will not, therefore, believe that they will certainly be in a rage at us, in the event they can take us alive? Miserable will then be the young men who will be strong enough in their bodies to sustain many torments; miserable also will be those of elder years who will not be able to bear those . . . 203 ELEAZAR (Con't) calamities which young men might sustain. One man will see his wife outraged, or will be obliged to hear the voice of his son implore help of his father—-when his hands are bound . . . But while our hands are still at liberty, and have a sword in them, let them be subservient to us in our glori- ous design. Let us die before we become slaves under our enemies, and let us go out of the world, together with our children, and our wives, in a state of freedom. This it is that our laws command us to do; this it is that our wives and children crave at our hands; nay, God himself has brought this necessity upon us, while the Romans desire the contrary and are afraid lest any of us should die before we are taken. Let us therefore make haste, and instead of affording them so (CONTINUED) 172 203 CONTINUED: 203 ELEAZAR (Con't) much pleasure, as they hope for in getting us under their power, let us leave them an example which shall at once cause their astonishment at our death, and their admiration of our hardi- ness and fortitude therein . . . 204 COVER SHOT - GROUP 204 The people assent but there is no need or desire to give voice to it. 205(=185) 205 ELEAZAR Then go--the decision has been made. Let fathers join their families--let them first join in prayer and then perform such harsh and terrible duty . . . Let the leaders assure those who remain of a swift end. When this duty is complete--let fire destroy all possessions and structures atop Masada . . . Let no Roman hand gather that which shall be made so sacred by the blood of Jew . . . Let no Roman hand gather any relic of our people . . . Let no Roman hand benefit from so much Jewish misery . . . The people slowly depart. Many are weeping. The mournful song is heard again and is prolonged. Eleazar remains. 206 FULL SHOT - ELEAZAR 206 from a high angle as he raises his arms implor— ingly to God. (CONTINUED) ‘ .- ”...? 173 206 CONTINUED: 206 ELEAZAR My God, my God-—what is this fate you have cast upon your people? What unmerciful sum must we offer to prove our de- votion . . . ? What is thy will . . . ? And when shall there be peace . . . ? When shall there be peace for our people . . . ? DISSOLVE: EXTERIOR - THE GARDENED LOWER TERRACE (NIGHT) 207 COVER SHOT - GARDENED LOWER TERRACE 207 just below the summit of Masada. Joab enters from the stairwell. He is carrying a sack and is leading Miriam who is carrying the child. They move to dominate the frame in a full shot. JOAB Come-~you will be hidden and safe here . . . MIRIAM What are you saying . . . ? JOAB I say you will be safe here . . . You must keep the child from raising any sound . . . They may hear it above . . . MIRIAM Joab . . . ? 208 CLOSE SHOT - JOAB 208 JOAB Remain silent--the decision has been made . . . I will not de- stroy the lives of my own wife and child . . . These things are far more precious to me. Do as I say--remain here and I (CONTINUED) . -.-. "t”. 1112:2135!" inn-III 331% 174 208 CONTINUED: 208 JOAB (Con't) will find a way to return . . . I must go to the summit--if I do not appear they may grow sus- picious . . . MIRIAM (0.8.) What of the people--they are JOAB Do not think of the people-- they have made their decision and I have made mine . . 209 MEDIUM SHOT - MIRIAM 209 MIRIAM It shall be a great sin . . JOAB (O.S.) They are the ones who commit sin--did you not listen to the Rabbi? MIRIAM But Eleazar . . . ? 210 MEDIUM SHOT - JOAB 210 JOAB Ignore Eleazar--he is merely a speaker, a convincer of men. It is the Rabbi who possesses a true knowledge of the law of God . . . Now remain here and be silent . . . I will go above and conceal the entrance to this level from the Romans . . . They will not discover us--and they will not remain at Masada for long after. The stench and extent of the death above shall make this place too uncomfortable for even the hardest of men. The Romans shall not linger about . . . (CONTINUED) - 1 Stem: .'- q l. a 175 210 CONTINUED: 210 JOAB (Con' t) We possess enough food and drink for the duration . . . I must go now . . . 211 MEDIUM SHOT - JOAB AND MIRIAM MIRIAM (Embracing JOAB) Joab . . . Joab--I am afraid JOAB There is no longer reason for fear--you are safe now and I will return soon to take you into the peaceful mountains of which we spoke . . . I must go 212 FULL SHOT - JOAB 212 as he departs. Miriam is in the foreground of the frame watching his departure. MIRIAM Return, Joab . . . JOAB (Turning) I will, I must return——I will find a way . . . Joab departs. DISSOLVE: EXTERIOR - ABOVE THE TERRACE (NIGHT) 213 COVER SHOT - TERRACE ENTRANCE 213 Joab is obstructing and concealing the entrance. He is interrupted by a man who first appears in the background. (CONTINUED) 0 .f. .... J—ii " 213 214 176 CONTINUED: 213 Dolly CLOSE JOAB What are you doing here . . . ? You should be with the others MAN I would go below . . . I would conceal myself from the Romans also . . . JOAB What do you mean . . . ? to a full shot of Joab and the man. MAN You have hidden your family be- low . . . I would join them-— it is the price for my silence JOAB That is a lie . . . MAN You cannot fool me—-I observed you entering . . . JOAB They are dead--as Eleazar has bid . . . I protect their bodies from tainted Roman hands MAN You are lying . . . SHOT - JOAB 214 JOAB Do not doubt me in this matter or I will have your life . . . MAN (0.8.) It is a small threat in a time like this . . . (CONTINUED) "-1 s-fir tfi ' 177 214 CONTINUED: 214 JOAB Leave the area--take your place with the others . . . 215 CLOSE SHOT - MAN 215 MAN I would go below-~I will not die while there is an oppor- tunity to conceal myself from the Romans . . . JOAB (O.S.) Leave the area . . . Dolly back to a full shot. MAN (Revealing a pouch and emptying its contents) Here . . . I have more than a hundred silver coins--they are yours if you will let me pass 216 FULL SHOT - JOAB AND MAN 216 Joab strikes the coins and scatters them upon the ground. The man hastens to regather them. Dolly to Medium Shot of man on knees. MAN You should not have done that-- I will inform those who remain . . . Your family is alive, I know it now . . . JOAB (0.8.) They are dead . . . MAN Then let me see your sword-- there must be blood upon it . . . 7— ’u '. 73‘? 217 218 219 178 CLOSE SHOT - JOAB 217 from Man's POV JOAB I will let you see my sword Joab draws his Sword. CLOSE REVERSE SHOT - MAN 218 MAN You see, it is as I have said—- there is no blood. I will tell the others--it is not just . . . If I must die so will . . . FULL SHOT - MAN AND JOAB 219 who is favored in the frame. MAN (Con' t) . . no . . . no . . . I do not mean . . . Joab slays the man. JOAB I have learned to kill the enemy--and now I am able even to slay my brethren . . . And I will do so again if it is necessary . . . DISSOLVE: INTERIOR - THE CHAMBER OF ELEAZAR (NIGHT) 220 COVER SHOT - CHAMBER OF ELEAZAR 220 He is wearing a talith and is sunken in prayer. The Squadron Leaders and Rabbi Aqavia enter to- ward the end of the prayer. ELEAZAR We have turned away from Your good commandments and judgments (CONTINUED) 179 220 CONTINUED: 220 ELEAZAR (Con't) and it has not profited us. You are righteous in all that has be- fallen us, for You have acted truthfully while we have wrought unrighteousness . . . What shall we . . . Several flashcuts of the bodies of the slain and dead Jews. ELEAZAR (O.S.) say before You, who dwell on high, and what shall we re- count before You, who abide in the heavens? You know all things, hidden and revealed. You know the mysteries of the universe, and the hidden secrets of all living. You search out the innermost reason and probe the heart and mind. Nothing is concealed from You, or hidden from Your sight . . . May it therefore be Your will, 0 Lord our God and God of our fathers, to forgive us for all our sins, to pardon us for all our in- iquities, and to grant us atone- ment for all our transgressions 221 FULL SHOT - SQUADRON LEADERS 221 SQUADRON LEADER The task is complete--there are no survivors . . . May God grant us atonement also . . . SQUADRON LEADER We are the only ones who re— main . . . 222 FULL SHOT - RABBI 222 RABBI It is another cursed day for the Jew . . . 180 223 MEDIUM LONG SHOT - ELEAZAR 223 favored. He is standing by the table. 224 CLOSE SHOT - TABLETOP 224 bearing fragments from broken pottery with a con- tainer of ink and a writing instrument. ELEAZAR (O.S.) I have prepared these ten frag- ments--each bears the name of a leader . . . One shall be drawn--it . . . 225(=223) 225 ELEAZAR (Con't) shall be the task of the ap- pointed one to fulfill the work which is so nearly complete . . . I will cause my own end-—may God give me the strength . . . The Rabbi shall select the frag- ment . . . 226(=220) 226 JOAB NO ' no 0 O O Joab sweeps the fragments from the tabletop and writes on another fragment. JOAB (Con't) Your hands shall be sullied with the blood of our people . . . There is but a single name to be selected--that of Eleazar ben Yair . . . We have already bloodied our swords sufficiently . . . We have al- ready caused enough death among our brethren . . . While you pray for atonement, we witness and cause the suffering and death of our people . . . We now contain a misery which makes (CONTINUED 181 226 CONTINUED: 226 JOAB (Con't) our swords too heavy to bear . . . Let Eleazar be the one-— let him be the last survivor . . . Let this misery linger for the longest while within the mind of Eleazar . . . 227 FULL SHOT - SQUADRON LEADERS 227 SQUADRON LEADER Yes--let Eleazar Share in the bloodshed. Let Eleazar partici- pate even more actively in his own bidding . . . SQUADRON LEADER Yes--let Eleazar end this foul night . . . He pours out words to God while we cause blood to pour upon the ground . . . There are voices of assent. 228 MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR AND JOAB 228 ELEAZAR I will complete the work if it is the will of God . . . JOAB It is our will--God has re- linquished Masada . . . 229(=220) 229 SQUADRON LEADER Slay us near our families--I would rest in the presence of my wife and child . . . Voices of assent. RABBI I will go the way of my people also--may God forgive me for (CONTINUED) 182 229 CONTINUED: RABBI (Con't) this deed . . . And may God have mercy upon our souls . . . ELEAZAR God will have mercy upon our souls . . . JOAB Enough of words--let us be done . . . 229 The Rabbi departs and the Squadron Leaders follow him. Eleazar departs with the group while Joab lingers and remains in the chamber. Dolly to a CLOSE SHOT of Joab. INTERIOR - THE CHAMBER OF ELEAZAR (NIGHT) 230(=220) Eleazar returns bearing a bloodied sword. withdrawn to a corner of the chamber. ELEAZAR Come, my son--we are the only ones who remain . . . Come quickly--it will soon be light and the Romans will be upon us . . . Let us not prolong this heavy affair . . . Joab draws his sword. ELEAZAR (Con't) What does this mean . . . ? 231 MEDIUM SHOT - JOAB JOAB I will not die——I will save my life and that of my family . . . DISSOLVE: 230 Joab is 231 183 232 MEDIUM SHOT - ELEAZAR 232 ELEAZAR Your family . . . ? JOAB (O.S.) Yes... ELEAZAR Where are they . . . ? 233 MEDIUM SHOT - JOAB 233 JOAB Hidden--alive and safe from Roman hands . . . ELEAZAR (O.S.) You must not do this thing . . . JOAB I will not be stopped . . . 234 FULL SHOT - ELEAZAR AND JOAB 234 ELEAZAR It is a sin--and betrayal of the people . . . JOAB They chose as you bid them--I choose as I must . . . It is an opportunity for you also-- you may join us in safety and life . . . ELEAZAR I cannot--I will not . . . JOAB Then remove yourself from my way--I would join my wife and child . . . Pause. JOAB I say remove yourself . . . (CONTINUED) 184 234 CONTINUED: 234 Pause . . . Joab approaches Eleazar in anger and desperation. ELEAZAR I will spare you from any fur- ther crime--may God have mercy upon you . . . Eleazar plunges the sword into himself and slumps to the ground. Joab rushes to Eleazar and cradles him within his arms. Dolly to a high angle medium two shot. ELEAZAR (Con't) You must do as you will-~for it is the dictate of God . . . May God be praised . . . Eleazar dies. Joab gently removes and keeps the talith. He is in tears. He rests Eleazar upon the ground. 235(=220) 235 Joab rises and becomes disoriented. He seizes a bow with a quiver of arrows and rushes from the chamber. DISSOLVE: EXTERIOR - THE GARDENED LOWER TERRACE (EARLY DAWN) 236 COVER SHOT - JOAB 236 enters the terrace bearing the talith, bow, and quiver. Miriam is awaiting anxiously with the child in her arms. MIRIAM Oh Joab . . . Joab . . . They embrace. Joab Miriam . . . 237 238 239 185 WIDE FULL SHOT - JOAB 237 moves from Miriam. He falls to his knees in tears. Miriam places the child upon the ground and moves to console him. MIRIAM Oh Joab, this misery must end Joab clutches her and then rises. Joab moves to the child and removes his armor and dons the talith. JOAB We must pray . . . we must pray so this misery will end . . . Come to my side, Miriam . . . Come to us . . . They kneel. MEDIUM SHOT - JOAB AND MIRIAM 238 from a high angle. JOAB (Con't) My wife . . . my wife . . . my love . . . my love . . . Joab embraces Miriam and then plunges a dagger into her side. He is tearful and cradles her dying body. CLOSE SHOT - JOAB AND MIRIAM 239 who is favored. MIRIAM Joab . . . my husband . . . I know . . . I know . . . Dolly to a wider angle. Miriam dies and Joab rests her head upon the ground. He removes the talith. (CONTINUED) 186 239 CONTINUED: 239 JOAB My God . . . my God--what is this life you have thrust upon us . . . ? Joab smothers the child to death with the talith. He presses close to the child and rises. 240(=236) 240 Joab gets many flowers and places them upon the bodies of his wife and child. Trumpets are heard. 241 MEDIUM SHOT - JOAB 241 from a high angle. Joab sinks to his knees along- side the bodies and places his sword upon the ground. JOAB My God and God of my fathers, accept my prayer; do not ignore my supplication . . . Accept my pain and suffering as atone- ment and forgive my wrongdoing, for against You alone have I sinned . . . May my death atone for all sins and transgressions which I have committed before You. Shelter me in the Shadow of Your wings and grant me a share in the world to come . . . Father of orphans and Guardian of widows, protect my beloved family, with whose soul my soul is bound . . . Trumpets are heard again. JOAB (Con't) Into Your hand I commit my soul. You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth . . . Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. The Lord, He is God. The Lord, He is God . . . (CONTINUED) 187 241 CONTINUED: 241 Joab thrusts the sword into his body and dies grasping his wife and child. Dolly back to cover. FADE: EXTERIOR - THE SUMMIT OF MASADA (DAY) 242 COVER SHOT - GROUP 242 HANNAH That is the tale, my lord . . . SILVA It is incredible--I would not believe it except for the fact that I am a witness to the re- sult of these events . . . ENVOY They are madmen . . . SILVA No--if it were merely so I would not be concerned . . . It is far more than mere mad- ness--it is a manner of bravery such as the world has not come to witness until this day . . . Centurion--1ead these people from the vicinity. Give ample provisions and set them safely upon the way . . . HANNAH We are grateful, my lord . . . 243 MEDIUM SHOT - SILVA 243 SILVA You shall come to lose such gratitude--of this I am con- vinced . . . Leave safely but bear these events within your mind--for it is now your poor destiny to bear the burden of these sorry memories and to (CONTINUED) 243 244 245 246 247 188 CONTINUED: 243 SILVA (Con't) ponder constantly whether you have acted in a righteous man- ner . . . Go . . . FULL SHOT - GROUP 244 CENTURION Come, follow me . . . They depart. MEDIUM SHOT - SILVA AND ENVOY 245 SILVA They shall be miserable and forsaken creatures for the re- mainder of their days . . . ENVOY The soldiers return . . . They bear a body . . . LONG SHOT - CENTURION 246 returns followed by soldiers bearing the body of Eleazar. They place the body upon the ground before Silva. Silva's POV. FULL SHOT - GROUP 247 CENTURION We have done with your command, my lord . . . We believe this to be the body of the Jewish leader--Eleazar ben Yair . . . There are no survivors, my lord, we have searched with great care . . . SILVA Eleazar ben Yair--brave and worthy foe . . . Would I have dared to ask so much of my peOple . . .? Would I have (CONTINUED) 247 248 249 189 CONTINUED: 247 SILVA (Con't) acted with equal courage . . . ? I wonder . . . Would that I had never come to Masada--to ever witness such events . . . Let us depart quickly from this miserable place . . . MEDIUM SHOT - ENVOY 248 CLOSE ENVOY This is no time for regret—- Titus will be pleased. It is another Roman victory . . . SHOT - SILVA 249 SILVA This is no victory--we are the conquered ones. We will be remembered--my name will be remembered, cursed lot—-not as victors. We are the defeated ones--and we will be remem- bered only because of their courage and conviction . . . It is a defeat-~that is the best we may call it--for we Shall only be seen as the op- pressor. It is the fortitude and victory of these Jewish warriors which shall be remem— bered . . . ENVOY (0.8.) They are dead and forgotten. They are conquered--and now Judea is conquered . . . SILVA Such people are not conquered-- such people shall not be con- quered. We have taken Jewish lives-~no, we cannot even make such a claim . . . It is only a poor day for the Roman . . . Would that we had stormed (CONTINUED) 190 249 CONTINUED: 249 SILVA (Con't) across the wall with great losses suffered at the hands of an enemy . . . Would that we had attained this summit in such a forceful manner--this we could call a victory. But Masada has not been defeated Start dolly back to a wide full shot and then to an aerial shot focusing on the body of Eleazar ben Yair. All depart as the image fades. SILVA (Con't) Masada has not fallen . . . What has happened I cannot fully comprehend . . . But it is no Jewish defeat for Masada has not truly fallen-—nor, by whatever designation, shall it ever fall again . . . Masada stands--by this deed Masada stands forever . . . And Masada shall not fall again . . Masada shall not fall again . . . THE END PART IV ANALYSIS In this section of analysis, I will state some of the differences between film and theatre as they occur herein. I will exemplify these differences by references to the scripts I have written myself. I will not cite every possible example but merely those sufficient to establish a point of significance or difference. For the sake of order and clarity, I will employ six subheadings under which these points may reasonably establish themselves. Some of these points are obvious and some of them are not so obvious. However, an awareness of all of these points and their proper place of application is necessary for the most suc- cessful effort in either medium. Realism In performing the stage version of Masada, two methods of production suggest themselves. First, a director may utilize symbolic setpieces to suggest locales along with space-staging or the simultaneous location of settings upon the stage using lighting to shift from one locale or piece to another. Pieces may be "flown" with ease and lights changed as easily. There is little difficulty here. 191 192 Second, a director may establish one large abstract or formal setting and move the actors and action from place to place with only a shift in lighting to establish the new locale. Each method is common and effective. What is lacking in such stage performances is the great realism in setting which the film can provide. In the film, walls and masses of soldiers need not be suggested or implied, they may be shown and observed. The Siege of the fortress need not be imagined, it may be witnessed as in shots number one through number fourteen of the film script. Such realism and breadth of environment could not be established upon the stage. In the film, they are commonplace and expected. On page forty—nine of the stage script, servants are sent offstage to gather refreshments for no other reason than to establish or suggest some breadth in the environment. Such directions are unnecessary and eliminated in the film script. Establishment of extensive and adequate measures of environment is unavoidable in the film. The scene with Silva and the Military Engineer beginning on page forty of the stage script has as a principal purpose the dis- play of the model of Masada for the benefit and orientation of the audience. In the theatre such a scene was deemed necessary. In the film script, the scene is left nearly intact but for the entirely different reason of conveying much of the essential information necessary for the pro- gression of the story or for the presentation of necessary 13.3.): .... . ..J ...i 193 facts. The significance of this scene has been drastically altered from its usage upon the stage to its usage within the filnn Similarlyg the bodies of the large numbers of dead defenders of Masada could only be imagined in the stage version, whereas a series of flashcuts at shot number 220 gives the film audience an actual view of these same bodies. In this type of realism, the stage version cannot compare with the film version. This is one obvious advantage that the film has over the theatre. Admittedly, this advantage is at a monetary cost but such a factor is not considered crucial in this discussion. Dialogue The theatre is an art form extremely dependent upon the successful and elaborate usage of language and dialogue. The film is very different in this respect. Film is pri- marily concerned with the depiction of story or idea through the use of image and symbol. The appeal is to the eye rather than to the ear. An audience enters the theatre pre- pared for a great deal of dialogue and rhetoric. They ex- pect such and accept such accordingly. A film audience generally enters the theatre with an entirely different set of expectations. Accordingly, the writer must alter his creation. Whereas the stage writer must depend primarily upon the employment of words to convey meaning, the film writer must depend primarily upon the employment of image to convey meaning. This is another way of stating that 194 eloquence and an appeal to intellect and understanding are most proper in the theatre whereas fewer words and a greater appeal to sensation and emotion are most proper in the film. At shot number seventy-five, there is the shortening of a lengthy passage from the Old Testament. A dissolve suggesting a lapse in time is used to merely imply the presentation of the passage. In the theatre, the full passage could have been presented and accepted. During a film, it would become nearly intolerable. Such opportuni- ties for the elimination of words were rare between the two different versions of Masada. This is a common difficulty in the adaptation of a film script from a stage script. This type of problem in adaptation will be considered in a later section. It is very difficult to convey in images essentially that which has been conceived for conveyance through words essentially and primarily. Acting The stage actor may continue a performance in an uninterrupted manner. He is visible to the audience and his performance changes as a result of interaction with the audience. There are advantages and disadvantages to such a situation. The lack of interruption may allow him to sustain a more intense and profound performance. The per- formance may be gratifying to his ego to the extent that he derives satisfaction from being constantly before the eyes of an audience. Again, if the audience is responsive in a 195 positive manner, the actor may find his performance en- hanced to a considerable extent. The opposite is true also. The situation is somewhat different for the film actor. He is often not visible to the audience and there is no possibility of interaction with the audience. His performance is often recorded or observed a bit at a time. The ego of the film actor may not derive nearly the satis- faction that the stage actor may derive since in many respects he is often subordinated for the sake of some unique image or special effect. More importantly, the actor's performance is a fixed one. There is no inter- action with an audience. This may prove to be an advantage or disadvantage depending upon the quality of the actor and his mood at a particular moment. Further, since his per- formance is recorded a bit at a time due to the demands of cinematography, the film actor rarely develops the intensity and profundity in a performance of which he is usually capable. The presentation of film and stage versions of the script would vary accordingly. The film actor, how- ever, does always have the slight advantage of not bustling about to change costume or setting. For instance, at shot number 100, Eleazar is at the table, in his chamber. At Shot number 101, he is at the Western Wall. There is no difficulty in such a change with the film version as the scenes will probably be recorded on different days. On the stage, the change is immediate and may provide a bit of difficulty. 196 Effects In the film version of Masada, fades were used at shots number thirty-eight and number 241 to suggest lengthy passages of time. Elsewhere dissolves were used to suggest briefer passages of time. These are rather unambiguous cus- toms which film audiences have learned to accept. Their meaning is evident in the context of the film. Lights dimmed and raised are used by custom in the theatre to suggest the same but it is not likely that differences in duration of time can be so clearly impressed with the use of lights as with the use of dissolves and fades. Again, only lights can be used to suggest the flaming walls of Masada in the stage version but, as at shot number 177 of the film version, the walls themselves can be seen in flames. The film does not need to resort to the use of artificial ef- fects with the same frequency and necessity as does the theatre. At shot number sixty, a match dissolve is used to make the transition from scene to scene. This is a very smooth sort of transition. The theatre cannot focus audi- ence attention with nearly such effectiveness or subtlety and therefore does not have the advantage and opportunity of such facile movement and transition as does the film. Audience The physical relationship of the theatre audience to the performance upon the stage is fixed. The distance between audience and performer along with the particular 197 Sightline is constant from beginning to end. In sharp distinction, the film audience is granted an everchanging relationship between itself and the film-event. Through the use of varying camera angles, the film audience has its attention redirected and refocused with a constancy and sharpness which is not possible in the theatre. At shot number 202, the camera closely pans the people as they respond to the words of Eleazar. We are allowed to see concrete individuals and exact emotions in a manner that is beyond the capacity of the theatre. Likewise with the numerous close and medium shots which are included in the film script. Attention may be drawn to objects, also, in a manner beyond the capacity of the theatre. At shot number 107, Eleazar draws in the ground using a sword to show the intended structure of the inner-wall of Masada. Such pre- cision of focus is extremely difficult in the theatre. The ability for sharp focus and the easy direction of audience attention which is commonplace in the film gives a measure of capability and opportunity which is beyond the realm of the theatre. Adaptation Even though the stage version of the play is strongly influenced by the practices of the cinema such as with the usage of a flashback at the opening and the many scene changes throughout, it remains essentially a play. Meaning and action and character are implicit or explicit 198 or directed by the language and dialogue employed. As the meaning of the stage version is so inextricably involved with words, an adaptation to the film necessitates a com- mensurate dependence upon words--assuming that the play- wright's intention is to be preserved. Cinematic tech— niques only embellish the film version of Masada; they do not form its basis as might be more proper. This could be considered a flaw in the film version. More properly, it is a common and unavoidable shortcoming in a film work honestly adapted from a stage work. The fact that one has not used the full capacity of a medium does not require that the medium itself should not have been employed. An inde- pendent script crafted to convey meaning through image to the greatest possible extent would have been preferable to an adaptation based on a stage work. Adaptation from a stage work leaves one with a "wordy" film script. This is acceptable or unacceptable depending upon the taste of the viewer and the quality of the final product. If adaptation is the task, then adaptation to the film medium from the medium of the novel would have been more fortunate. The novel is not dependent upon dialogue between characters to the same extent as the stage play. The novel also depends heavily upon narrative descriptions of character and en- vironment. Such descriptions can be most readily trans- posed to the images and shots which are proper to the film medium. A less verbose and more effective film script can 199 be gathered from the novel which allows a greater extent of freedom and more amplitude for adaptation and transposition to cinematic terms. A play is primarily a highly concen- trated medium of words. A film is primarily a highly con- centrated medium of images. To go from the one to the other is a difficult task which will always favor the basic or initial script which, presumably, has been properly crafted to its medium. BIBLIOGRAPHY BIBLIOGRAPHY Below is a listing of the materials which were read or consulted as sources of information and technique during the writing of this thesis. History Farmer, William. Maccabeesl Zealotg, and Josephus. New York: Columbia University Press, 1956. Josephus, Flavius. The Great Roman-Jewish War. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1960. Pearlman, Moshe. The Zealotsof Masada. New York: Scribner's Sons, l967. Tamarin, Alfred. Revolt in Judea: The Road to Masada. New York: Four Winds Press, 1968. Yadin, Yigael. Masada. New York: Random House, 1966. Criticism and Technique Arnheim, Rudolf. Film as Art. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1967. Bazin, André. What_is Cinema? Berkeley: University of California Press, 1967. Bluestone, George. Novels into Film. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1966} Gessner, Robert. The Moving Image. New York: E. P. Dutton and Co., Inc., 1968. Weales, Gerald. A Play and its Parts. New York: Basic Books, Inc., 1964. 200 201 Scripts Crowley, Mart. The Boys in the Band. New York: Dell Publishing Co. Inc., 1968. Fonda, P., Hopper, D., and Southern, T. Easy Rider. New York: The New American Library, Inc., 1969. Foote, Horton. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: Harcourt, Brace, and World, Inc., 1962. Goldman, William. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. New York: Bantam Books, Inc., 1969. Kurosawa, Akira. Rashomon. New York: Grove Press, Inc., 1969. Sjoman, Vilgot. I Am Curious (Yellow). New York: Grove Press, Inc., 1968.