Army of Darkness

 

 

 

Screenplay by          Sam Raimi

               Ivan Raimi

 

Produced by          Robert Tapert

 

Directed by          Sam Raimi

 

 

 

Cast List:

 

Bruce Campbell        Ash / Evil Ash

Embeth Davidtz         Sheila / Evil Sheila

Marcus Gilbert         Arthur

Ian Abercrombie         Wiseman

Richard Grove       Duke Henry

Michael Earl Reid      Gold Tooth

Timothy Patrick Quill      Blacksmith

Bridget Fonda       Linda

Patricia Tallman         Posessed Witch

Ted Raimi         Cowardly Warrior

 

 

 

FADE IN:

 

 

GRAINY BLACK AND WHITE – CLOSEUP – A MAN'S DESPERATE FACE

 

This is Ash, mid twenties, square jaw firmly set and a pair of haunted eyes which dart about quickly in fear. Ash speaks to the CAMERA with urgency:

 

ASH

Why would you say that I am insane? I wouldn't say that I've lost my mind simply because I've heard the voices and seen the godless things moving in the woods. If anything, I think more clearly now than ever before. I know now that there is such a thing as a living Evil. A dark and shapeless thing that lives not in the spaces we know, but between them. In the Dark. In the night. And it wants the exact same thing as you and I: A chance at warm life on this Earth. It doesn't care that is already had that chance... once. Now listen closely because there isn't much time. Listen and believe, because it's all true.

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

 

EXT. A LOG CABIN – NIGHT

 

Nestled in a dark forest. Through the window, we see the tiny figure of Ash picking up a book from a desk.

 

ASH (V.O.)

I first saw the damn thing at that blasted cabin. The Necronomicon. An ancient Sumarrian text, bound in human flesh and inked in human blood. It contained bizarre burial rites, prophesies... and instruction for demon resurrection. It was never meant for the world of the living.

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

 

INT. CABIN – NIGHT

 

Ash flips through the pages from the BOOK OF THE DEAD.

 

ASH (V.O.)

The book awoke something dark in the woods.

 

 

SUPERIMPOSE:

 

BOOK OF THE DEAD – CAMERA PANNING STRANGE SCRIPT

 

Inscribed on the pages. Illustrations of demonic faces with white eyes.

 

 

EXT. WOODS – NIGHT

 

We take the point of view of a wind-like demon, swooping low through the woods toward the cabin. CAMERA rips through the cabin door and comes upon a SCREAMING ASH.

 

ASH (V.O.)

It got into my hand and it went bad.

 

 

CLOSE ONASH'S POSSESSED HAND

 

Twisting into a claw, before the flashing thunder clouds.

 

ASH (V.O.)

So I lopped it off at the wrist.

 

 

INT. CABIN – NIGHT

 

Ash severs his hand from his wrist with the chainsaw.

 

 

BLOOD RED CLOUDS

 

Sweep past the moon.

 

ASH (V.O.)

In order to rid myself of the foul thing, I read from a passage in the book that was supposed to open a hole. A hole in Time that would send the Evil back. And it worked.

 

 

A BANDAGED, ONE HANDED ASH

 

Recites the incantation from the Necronomicon.

 

 

EXT. CABIN – NIGHT

 

The Time vortex is created. Trees and a 1973 Delta 88 Oldsmobile are sucked up into the funnel cloud.

 

ASH (V.O.)

... I just didn't plan on coming along.

 

 

EXT. CABIN – NIGHT

 

Ash, now armed with shotgun and chainsaw, is swallowed by the funnel-cloud of the Time vortex.

 

 

INT. TIME VORTEX

 

Ash is rocketing through a funnel of swirling clouds. He is swept away from us, hand over foot, through the dark void of Time.

 

 

ANIMATION – A TENDRIL OF SMOKE

 

Swirls through blackness as a chorus of women's voices build to eerie crescendo, from a musical note to a SCREAM. The smoke swirls, pulls in upon itself, like a thing alive, and forms the words:

 

"BRUCE CAMPBELL"

vs."

 

The smoke is wisked away, then reforms as...

 

"THE ARMY OF DARKNESS"

 

The title billows past CAMERA REVEALING...

 

 

INT. TIME VORTEX

 

A GRANDFATHER CLOCK, its hands winding backwards at an insane rate, spins angrily past, revealing other debris that has been swept up into this funnel cloud. Tumbling weightless through this void we find...

 

 

ASH

 

He SCREAMS but there is no sound. No scream. Only the steady BEATING of his heart.

 

 

ANGLE ONASH FRONT SCREEN PROJECTION

 

He shields his eyes from a sudden bright light. The funnel cloud electrifies.

 

 

ASH'S BODY

 

RIPS at the fabric of Time.

 

 

EXT. CLOUDY SKY – DAY

 

All is quiet. Then, an electrical disturbance in the shape of a human body flashes briefly and is gone. A moment latter, Ash appears and tumbles from the sky, falling past CAMERA.

 

 

EXT. BARREN WASTELAND – DAY

 

ASH falls to the dust. His double barrelled shotgun lands beside him. The '73 Oldsmobile comes CRASHING to the ground a moment later.

 

 

ASH

 

Looks up from the dust to behold...

 

 

TWENTY-FIVE MOUNTED HORSEMEN

 

In 12th century armor ride up over a hill. They halt before Ash.

 

 

WARRIOR #1

 

Thrusts his longsword into the air, shouting:

 

WARRIOR #1

Hail to him who has come from the sky to deliver us from the terror of the Deadites! Hail!

 

 

ASH

 

Stares in confusion at the strange medieval figures.

 

 

TWENTY-FIVE WARRIOR

 

Join in the chant and hail Ash, but suddenly stop as...

 

 

ARTHUR

 

The muscular commander of the group, gallops his horse into frame, followed by FOUR HORSEMEN who are his lieutenants. Arthur lifts his iron visor and evaluates Ash.

 

 

ARTHUR'S POV

 

The Delta 88 Oldsmobile. The chainsaw, strapped to Ash's back. The handless stump of Ash's right arm. The Shotgun.

 

 

A FRIGHTENEDASH

 

Waves a shaky hand.

 

ASH

Take is easy now chief. I don't know how I got here and I'm not lookin' for any trouble.

 

 

WISEMAN JOHN

 

An elderly man, in a long black cloak, steps forward.

 

WISEMAN JOHN

My Lord Arthur, I believe he is the promised one, written of in the Necronomicon.

 

 

ARTHUR

 

Brings his sword down across Ash's chest. Ash cries out in pain as...

 

 

ASH'S CHEST

 

Is cut. A thin red gash.

 

ARTHUR

He bleeds. As a man bleeds. The one written of in the Book would not bleed.

 

 

ARTHUR GESTURES

 

And CAMERA PANS to four prisoners bound in iron shackles.

 

ARTHUR

Likely, he is one of Henry's men. I say to the pit with him! If he is truly the promised one... he will emerge.

 

WARRIOR #2 AND #3

Aye! The pit's a fair test!

 

GOLD TOOTHED WARRIOR

To the pit with the blackard!

 

 

GOLD TOOTH

 

Charges his horse at Ash. But he is met with the wooden stock of Ash's shotgun as it swings into frame, cracking against his jaw.

 

 

WIDE SHOT – GOLD TOOTH – STUNTMAN

 

He tumbles from the horse.

 

 

ASH

 

Leaps atop Gold Tooth's horse and jerks the reigns.

 

 

LONG SHOT – ASH'S HORSE

 

Rears up, kicking it's hooves into the air.

 

 

ASH

 

Gallops off as Warrior #2 runs at him. Ash kicks him in the face as he gallops past. The Warrior is sent reeling.

 

 

TRUCKING SHOT – ASH

 

Galloping over a hill. He is almost thrown by the horse, but manages to hang on for dear life.

 

ASH

Where the hell they put the stirrups on this thing!!??

 

 

CLOSE SHOT – ASH'S FEET

 

Grasping at the side of the horse, hoping to find some purchase.

 

 

LONG SHOT – ASH – STUNTMAN

 

He rides past CAMERA, almost falling from the horse.

 

 

ANGLE ON ARTHUR

 

ARTHUR

LIEUTENANTS! Fetch me the blackard.

 

 

TWO OF ARTHUR'S ARMORED HORSEMEN

 

Unsheathe their broadswords and gallop after Ash. The remaining Warriors watch for sport.

 

 

HIGH SHOT – TWO HORSEMEN

 

They are gaining an Ash.

 

 

ASH

 

Glances behind him.

 

 

ASH'S POV – TRUCKING SHOT – TWO HORSEMEN IN PURSUIT

 

They diverge to either side of CAMERA.

 

 

ASH

 

Whips his horse.

 

ASH

GIDDYPU!

 

 

THE FIRST HORSEMAN

 

Rides up alongside Ash and swings his Broadsword.

 

WHOOSH!!!

 

 

ASH

 

Ducks the blade.

 

 

THE SECOND HORSEMAN

 

Rides up alongside Ash's other flank. He swings and lands the flat part of his blade along Ash's back.

 

THUNK!

 

 

ASH

 

Ducks as the first horseman swings his blade again.

 

WHOOSH!

 

ASH looks left...

 

 

THE SECOND HORSEMAN

 

Winds up for another blow.

 

 

ASH

 

Yanks back upon his horse's reigns.

 

 

THE THREE HORSES

 

Running side by side. Ash's horse drops back suddenly.

 

 

THE SECOND HORSEMAN

 

Swings.

 

 

HIS BROADSWORD

 

Slams the First Horseman across the face.

 

 

THE FIRST HORSEMAN

 

Is knocked from his steed.

 

 

TRUCKING SHOT – THE FIRST HORSEMAN

 

Is moving fast when he hits the ground. His armored form tumbles end over end in the dust, clanging to a halt against a rock.

 

 

THE SECOND HORSEMAN

 

Turns around and gallops back toward Ash.

 

 

WIDE SHOT – ASH AND THE SECOND HORSEMAN

 

Ride at one another.

 

 

TRUCKING SHOT – THE SECOND SWORDMAN AS HE RIDES

 

Swinging his Broadsword.

 

 

TRUCKING SHOT – ASH AS HE RIDES

 

He inserts the stump of his right arm into the female end of his chainsaw arm bracket.

 

FOOMP! He twists his stump and the chainsaw bracket locks into place. CLINK!

 

He thrusts his chainsaw arm outward, pulling on the starter cord; PUTT-PUTT-PUTT... The engine won't turn over. He curses and yanks again.

 

 

THE SECOND HORSEMAN

 

Draws close. He leans from his horse and swings his Broadsword mightily. The flat portion of the blade connects.

 

THUNK!

 

 

ASH

 

Is knocked from his steed. He tumbles to the dust, narrowly escaping his own horse's hooves.

 

 

ASH

 

Rolls to his feet and spins to the sound of approaching hooves!

 

 

THE SECOND HORSEMAN

 

Charges and swings his broadsword.

 

 

ASH

 

Raises his chainsaw. CLINK! He deflects the blow. Ash swings the chainsaw in a roundhouse motion, clipping the Second Horseman as he rides past.

 

 

TRUCKING SHOT – THE SECOND HORSEMAN

 

Is knocked from his horse.

 

 

LOW TRUCKING SHOT – THE SECOND HORSEMAN

 

Bounces along the rocky ground, kicking up dust.

 

 

A SWORD HANDLE

 

Slams against the back of Ash's skull.

 

 

ASH

 

Crumples. He looks up in pain to...

 

 

ARTHUR

 

Above him. The sun over his shoulder.

 

 

EIGHT MOUNTED WARRIORS

 

Gallop up, dismount and surround Ash with swords drawn.

 

ARTHUR

Bring the prisoner!

 

The warriors surge upon Ash. His sawed-off shotgun and chainsaw are taken from him.

 

ASH

No!

 

 

GOLD TOOTH AND OTHER WARRIORS

 

Secure Ash to a set of iron shackles that painfully extend his arms. A collar forces his neck upward.

 

ARTHUR

To the castle!

 

 

WARRIOR #2 ON HORSEBACK

 

Prods Ash along with a rod attached to his spiked iron collar. The Warriors gallop off, forcing Ash and the other prisoners to run alongside them.

 

 

WISEMAN JOHN

 

Picks up the chainsaw and sawed off shotgun from the dust. He is troubled by the strange objects. Sunlight glints off the blade of the chainsaw, blinding the CAMERA.

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

 

THE HOT ORB OF THE SUN

 

Blazing in the sky above the wasteland.

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

 

EXT. PARCHED LAND – DAY – A WEARYASH

 

Bound in his iron shackles, whipped by Gold Tooth, who rides alongside him.

 

GOLD TOOTH

Move along now!

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

 

LONGSHOT – A WIND SWEPT LANDSCAPE OF CRAGGY ROCK

 

CAMERA PANS along the line of Arthur and his horsemen, to find a 12TH CENTURY BATTLE CASTLE built on the edge of a great cliff. A drawbridge is lowered. Arthur's warriors ride over it.

 

 

CAMERA TRACKING WITHASH

 

Shackled alongside other prisoners, is prodded inside the castle walls.

 

 

INT. CASTLE COURTYARD

 

SHEILA, a striking, blonde haired maiden, rushes into frame. She searches the faces of Arthur's warriors and grows concerned. She pushes through a crowd of villagers and calls up to Arthur atop his horse.

 

SHEILA

M'Lord Arthur! Where is my brother? Did he not ride with you?

 

ARTHUR

Eye. And fought valiantly. But last night fell in battle to Duke Henry's men.

 

Sheila’s face does not immediately register the grief. She attempts to step forward but stumbles. She steadies herself against the stone wall. Her eyes harden as she sees the first of the shackled prisoners: a semi-conscious Ash.

 

She flushes with anger and races up to him. She spits and kicks at him as he's dragged along.

 

SHEILA

Foul thing! A pox on your throat! Thou art a Murderer! A black Murderer!

 

 

VILLAGE WOMEN

 

Restrain her.

 

Sheila cries as the Village Women attempt to soothe her.

 

VILLAGE WOMAN #1

May you be consoled by their suffering in the pit.

 

 

THE PROCESSION, ASH AND THE FOUR OTHER PRISONERS

 

Halt. Iron keys rattle. The shackles are unlocked. Ash and the prisoners rub their reddened wrists. They are pushed at swordpoint towards a circular iron grate that sits atop the ground. This is THE PIT.

 

 

ASH

 

Looks to the jeering villagers that surround the pit, wondering what they have in store for him.

 

 

SHEILA

 

Stares at him in hatred.

 

 

THE PRISONER NEXT TOASH

 

Eyes Ash curiously. This is Duke Henry the Red.

 

DUKE HENRY

You sir, are not one of my vassals. Who are you?

 

ASH

Who wants to know?

 

DUKE HENRY

I am Henry the Red. Duke of Shale. Lord of the Northlands and leader of its people.

 

ASH

You ain't leadin' but two things now, pal. Jack and shit. And Jack left town.

 

 

A STERN FACED ARTHUR AND HIS FOUR LIEUTENANTS

 

Address the doomed men:

 

ARTHUR

There is an Evil that has awakened in this land. And whilst my people fight for their very souls against it, you, Duke Henry the Red, wage war on us. Your people are no better than the foul corruption that lies in the bowels of that pit! May God have mercy on your souls.

 

 

TWO OF ARTHUR'S MEN

 

Crank a massive wench. Chains tighten and the heavy iron lid slides back, revealing a dark hole. THE PIT.

 

 

FROM THE BOWELS OF THE IRON GRATED PIT

 

A echoed wailing rises up.

 

 

ASH, HENRY AND THE OTHER PRISONERS

 

Stiffen in fear.

 

 

AN OLD WOMAN AMONGST THE JEERING CROWD

 

OLD WOMAN

Aye. Into the pit with the bloodthirsty sons of whores!

 

She jams a meat pie into her mouth and cheers excitedly as CAMERA PANS TO...

 

 

HENRY'S WARRIOR #1

 

As he's thrown down into the pit. He disappears into the blackness.

 

 

CAMERA PANS AND HALTS CLOSE ONASH

 

Watching with disbelief. We hear the warrior's echoed cry of terror, then a SPLASH as he hits bottom.

 

 

CLOSE ON THE EDGE OF THE PIT

 

Looking down into the blackness we hear:

 

HENRY'S WARRIOR #1 (O.S.)

I beg of you... by all that's holy! Lower a rope! Lower... Oh, for the love of god! no! NO!!! AIIIIIiiieee!

 

The sound of ripping and scratching. The SHRIEK of terror is cut short as...

 

 A GEYSER OF BLOOD erupts upward from the pit. Then silence.

 

 

ASH

 

Is frozen in fear.

 

TOWER GUARD (O.S.)

There! He's escaping!

 

ASH'S TERRIFIED GAZE jerks from the pit to...

 

 

TRACKING SHOT – HENRY'S WARRIOR #2

 

Making a break for it! He's past the guards, heading for the open drawbridge.

 

 

THE TOWER ARCHERS

 

Spot him and fire arrows.

 

 

ANGLE ON

 

PING! PING!

 

They bounce off the Warrior's armor. He's makes it to the open drawbridge when...

 

 

ARTHUR

 

Pulls back a iron arrow in his crossbow. ZING! He lets it fly. CAMERA SWISH PANS with arrow...

 

 

PAN HALTS ON HENRY'S WARRIOR #2

 

The iron arrow punctures the Warrior's armor, pegging him to a wooden post. He dies standing.

 

 

THE CROWD

 

Cheers. They turn their attention to the remaining prisoners: CAMERA PANS from their bloodthirsty faces to the next prisoner in line...

 

 

ASH

 

Turns to Arthur and in a desperate, cowardly plea:

 

ASH

Hey, I never even saw these assholes before..

 

He spins to Duke Henry the Red.

 

ASH

You gotta tell 'em you don't know me. We never met. Tell him.

 

HENRY

I do not believe that he shall listen.

 

 

THE WARRIORS

 

Grab Ash and shove him into the pit.

 

 

102.ASH

 

Tumbles down into the pit. He lands in a STEAMING pool of foul water at the pit's bottom. He stands and coughs out a mouthful of the rancid water. He looks about.

 

 

INT. PIT – ASH'S POV

 

UNDERGROUND CAVERNS disappear into the blackness.

 

 

ASH

 

Spins to a small sound.

 

 

INT. PIT – ASH'S POV

 

Nothing. Just the mist rising from the water.

 

 

ASH

 

Sifts his glance again.

 

 

A SHADOW

 

Rounds a corner and disappears from sight.

 

 

ASH

 

Doesn't notice the misty water behind him beginning to stir. Bubbles. A hand emerges. Silently, a pair of bone white eyes break the surface.

 

 

ASH

 

Spins... but there's nothing there. As he turns back around, he is confronted by... a FEMALE EVIL DEAD

 

It's rotted corpse rockets up from the water inches from Ash's face!

 

 

CLOSER

 

Putrid water drains from it's empty eye sockets and mouth. It jerks like a marionette as it advances.

 

 

ASH SCREAMS

 

And backs against the steep rock wall of the pit. He tries to scale the steep face. He gets one foot up.

 

 

THE DEADITE'S HAND

 

Clutches Ash's ankle and yanks him back down.

 

 

DOWN ANGLE ONASH

 

He falls away from the wall, his arms flailing.

 

 

ABOVE THE PIT – GOLD TOOTH AND OTHER VILLAGERS

 

Hoot and cheer for Ash to be devoured.

 

 

THE PIT – THE DEADITE

 

Grabs Ash, and begins hammering him with her rotted fists.

 

 

ABOVE THE PIT – SHEILA

 

Shouts for Ash's death.

 

 

THE PIT – ASH'S FACE

 

The Deadite's fist enters frame, slugging Ash.

 

 

LONG SHOT – ASH

 

Is knocked back into a shallow pool of steaming water.

 

 

THE DEADITE

 

Races toward Ash, leaps into the air and comes down with a kneedrop onto Ash's stomach.

 

 

ASH

 

Cries out in pain.

 

 

ASH'S LEGS

 

Cross to form a scissors lock around the Deadite's throat. He flips the beast.

 

 

ABOVE THE PIT – WISEMAN JOHN

 

Rides into the castle, dismounts and pushes through the crowd with a bundle wrapped in cloth.

 

 

THE DEADITE

 

Grabs Ash by the throat.

 

 

THE PIT – A BLOODIED ASH

 

Is thrown against the rock wall of the pit.

 

 

THE DEADITE

 

Advances.

 

 

ABOVE THE PIT – WISEMAN JOHN

 

Shouts down at Ash.

 

 

THE PIT – ASH

 

Tying to hear what the Wiseman is saying. His head jolts backward, barely avoiding the beast's wild swing. Ash squints to discern Wiseman John throwing something down to him: An object falling at him through the glare above.

 

 

THE CHAINSAW – SLOW MOTION

 

Tumbling downward. Blinding beams of sunlight bouncing off its blade of steel. Ash's Excalibur!

 

 

ASH – SLOW MOTION

 

Summons his strength and leaps upward.

 

 

LOW ANGLE – LOOKING UP – THE CHAINSAW – SLOW MOTION

 

Tumbling downward...

 

 

HIGH ANGLE – ASH

 

Ascending, his teeth gritted, every muscle straining, he soars past CAMERA.

 

 

LONG SHOT – SLOW MOTION

 

Ash rising up through frame to meet the falling saw.

 

 

ASH'S STUMP

 

Snags the chainsaw, locking in onto his wrist bracket. CLICK!

 

 

ASH WITH HIS CHAINSAW

 

He lands on his feet, in the path of the approaching beast.

 

ASH

Come on, you blasted piece of –

 

He thrusts out his chainsaw arm, yanking the starter cord and... VERRROOOOOOM!!!

 

 

ABOVE THE PIT – THE WARRIOR AND VILLAGERS

 

Gasp at the ROAR of the chainsaw. Blue exhaust billows up from the pit.

 

 

THE PIT – LOW ANGLE – THE DEADITE

 

Lunges at Ash.

 

 

DEADITE HAND MEETS SAW

 

BUZZZZZZZ!!

 

 

ASH

 

Is splattered with black bile.

 

 

THE DEADITE'S SEVERED HAND

 

Flies upward, past the face of the bewildered beast.

 

 

CAMERA MOUNTED TO THE HAND

 

As it ascends, Ash and the Deadite grow smaller below.

 

 

ABOVE THE PIT – THE DEADITE'S SEVERED HAND

 

Flies up into frame and latches onto the face of a drunken spectator. It's fingers dig into the eyes and nose. He shrieks and flails about, into the screaming crowd. A Warrior tears the hand free from his face, tossing it back down into the pit.

 

 

THE PIT – ASH

 

Raises the chainsaw blade and neatly bisects the falling Deadite hand. He spins and with a roundhouse blow...

 

 

CAMERA MOUNTED ON ASH

 

Ash decapitates the beast.

 

 

ABOVE THE PIT – THE WARRIORS AND VILLAGERS

 

Stop cheering from the Deadite. They're starting to like this guy's guts and style.

 

 

THE LAST REMNANTS

 

Of the beast sink beneath the murky waters of the pit.

 

 

ASH

 

Climbs the steep wall of the pit when a SECOND DEADITE emerges from the earthen wall before him.

 

 

ASH

 

Slams the butt end of the chainsaw into the beast, knocking it back into the water.

 

 

ABOVE THE PIT – THE VILLAGERS

 

Gasp as...

 

THUMP!

 

 

ASH'S CHAINSAW ARM

 

Comes up, over the edge of the pit. Followed by... THUMP! Ash's bloody hand. Then his bruised face. Covered in the black blood of the Deadites. He crawls to his feet.

 

Ash tuns to the crowd, his list clenched.

 

ASH

All right now. Who wants to be next? Who wants some?

 

 

GOLD TOOTH

 

Look at Ash stupidly. Ash shoves him.

 

ASH

You want some more? Huh?!

 

Gold Tooth and the others give him a wide berth. Ash calls out to Henry.

 

ASH

Now climb on those horses and get out of here.

 

 

HENRY AND HIS TWO WARRIORS

 

Quickly mount horses.

 

ARTHUR

Nay. Henry is my prisoners. He –

 

 

ASH

 

Slaps Henry's horse.

 

ASH

GIDDYUP NOW!! HYAAAH!

 

 

THE STUNNED CROWD

 

Parts allowing...

 

 

HENRY AND HIS WARRIORS

 

To gallop off toward the open drawbridge and freedom.

 

 

ARTHUR

 

Stares at Ash with hatred.

 

ARTHUR

For that, I shall see you dead.

 

 

ASH

 

Removes his sawed off shotgun from Wiseman John's horse and turns to Arthur, then the crowd.

 

ASH

This is my boomstick. It's a twelve gauge, double barreled Remington pump. Next one of you primitives touch me...

 

 

ASH SPINS

 

Pointing the barrel just past Arthur. He, but no one else, has spotted the surviving Second Deadite crawling up from the pit on the forgotten chain.

 

The crowds gasp is cut short by... BLAMMITY-BLAM!

 

The shotgun belches flame. The blast cuts the chain, leaving the Deadite teetering at the pit's edge.

 

 

ANGLE ON

 

BLAMMITY-BLAM!

 

The second shot blows the beast into a backflip, sending it summersaulting down into the pit.

 

 

THE SOUND OF THE GUNBLAST

 

Echoes off the mountains like distant thunder.

 

 

SHEILA, THE WISEMAN, ARTHUR AND THE CROWD

 

Look to Ash in reverence.

 

 

ASH

 

Twirls the shotgun about western style: WHOOSH, WHOOSH, WHOOSH... and holsters it.

 

ASH

Bring me your hoo do man.

 

 

EXT. BLACKBIRDS

 

Fly from a barren tree.

 

 

SOMETHING MOVES IN THE DARKNESS

 

It prowls, skimming the surface of the ground, moving swiftly past rocks and over the crest of a hill revealing...

 

 

EXT. TEMPLE RUINS – LONG SHOT – NIGHT

 

A massive grouping of freestanding rectangular stones, each twenty feet tall. The remains of an ancient temple. In the center of the ruins there burns a roaring bonfire. As old Woman stirs a cauldron atop the flames. Nearby, Arthur converses with his four Lieutenants.

 

 

EXT. WITHIN THE RUINS – NIGHT

 

CLOSEUP – ASH opens his mouth to allow a spoonful of food to enter.

 

No sooner has he swallowed then a piece of fruit is offered. He waves it away with a satisfied burp and turns to drink from a goblet on wine, brought to his lips by a female hand.

 

 

ASH AND SHEILA

 

She across the flames from Arthur and his men. She bandages Ash's wounds.

 

 

SHEILA

 

Is dresses in a revealing tunic. She looks good.

 

SHEILA

I pray thee to forgive me. I believed thee one of Henry's men.

 

She touches Ash's hand. Ash turns away

 

ASH

First you wanta kill me, now ya wanna kiss me.

 

He spits out a mouthful of grape seeds.

 

ASH

Lady, just leave me alone.

 

SHEILA

I'm sorry m'lord. Please understand... T'is a cruel time for us. The Wisemen say you are the promised one. Our only hope against the darkness that has descended on this land.

 

ASH

They're mistaken.

 

She stares deeply into his eyes.

 

SHEILA

I think not. I feel that there is reason for your being here. It is no accident.

 

 

WISEMAN JOHN AND TWO OTHER CLOAKED WISEMEN

 

Approach. They sit in tall stone chairs across the fire from Ash.

 

ASH

Well what is it? Can you send me back or not?

 

WISEMAN JOHN

Only the Necronomicon has the power. A power which we both require. It contains passages that can dispel the Evil from this place and return you to your time.

 

ASH

The Necronomicon. Yeah, that's the thing that got me here.

 

WISEMAN JOHN

It is in a place far from here. It can only be retrieved by the Promised one. Other Warriors have tried. Their widows grieve still. We have waited long years for you. Out only hope is the Necronomicon. Thou must undertake to quest for it. Alone must thou travel to a distant cemetery. There thou shalt find it.

 

ASH

Me? Now way, no day. Only place I'm goin' is home.

 

A sudden gust of wind whips up the flames of the fire.

 

 

DOGS

 

Around the fire begin to snarl and fight.

 

 

ASH AND SHEILA

 

Turn to see...

 

 

THE OLD WOMAN

 

Now standing too close to the fire. Her robes ignites. She does not respond as flames sweep up her body. She continues to stir the caldron.

 

 

ASH

 

His haw drops. He slowly stands as...

 

 

THE BURNING WOMAN

 

Spins sharply to him. Her voice changes as she SHRIEKS;

 

POSSESSED WOMAN

YOU SHALL DIE!

 

Her eyes are bone white. She is POSSESSED by the dark spirit. Her burning body is violently jerked about in the air by invisible hands. Her blackened lips pull back in a wild animal snarl. With two voice at once;

 

POSSESSED WOMAN

YOU SHALL NEVER WIN THE NECRONOMICON. WE SHALL FEAST UPON YOUR SOUL, AND THEN THE SOUL OF MAN!

 

 

THE POSSESSED WOMAN

 

Collapses. Her face turned away from the Wisemen as it lays in the dust.

 

 

CLOSE ON POSSESSED WOMAN'S FACE – GROUND LEVEL CAMERA

 

Unseen by all, her bone white eyes flare open! A nasty grin forms on her face as she lies in the dust. Behind her, the Wisemen approach.

 

 

WISEMAN JOHN

 

Kneels and reaches for her.

 

 

ASH'S HAND

 

Clutches Wiseman John, not allowing him to touch her.

 

ASH

It's a trick. Get an axe.

 

 

THE POSSESSED WOMAN

 

Awakens from her false slumber with a terrible BARK. In a frenzy she hurls Wiseman John into the bonfire. He SCREAMS and rolls in the dust, extinguishing the flames.

 

 

PAPER MACHE STONE ARCHWAY

 

With her great strength, the Possessed Woman pushes upon one of the giant stone archways. It topples over, crushing two warriors beneath it.

 

 

A GIGANTIC STONE

 

Topples the next stone.

 

BOOM!

 

Which topples the next, which sets off a chain reaction.

 

BOOM! BOOM!

 

Like giant dominoes, they fall.

 

 

ASH

 

Watches the spectacle in horror as he sees...

 

 

ANGLE ON

 

The gigantic falling stones coming right at SHEILA!

 

 

THE FALLING STONE'S POV – SHEILA

 

She SCREAMS!

 

 

SHEILA'S POV – THE FALLING STONES

 

Coming toward CAMERA.

 

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

 

 

ASH

 

Does a flying leap and tackles Sheila, knocking her out of the stone's deadly path.

 

 

ASH AND SHEILA

 

Rolls across the dusty stone courtyard.

 

 

CLOSE SHOT – ASH

 

Rolls into frame and glances up to see...

 

 

THE POSSESSED AND BURNING WOMAN

 

Rushing through the air at him with a SHRIEK!

 

 

WIDE SHOT – THE POSSESSED AND BURNING WOMAN

 

Latches onto Ash like an iron trap, knocking them both to the ground.

 

 

ASH

 

Rolls the Possessed Woman over, and into the path of...

 

 

ANGLE ON

 

The falling, gigantic domino-like stones.

 

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

 

 

EXT. WITHIN THE TEMPLE RUINS – PAPER MACHE STONE

 

THE POSSESSES WOMAN SHRIEKS in agony as... SMASH! The multi-ton stone crushes her legs to paste. Her legs are pinned but still she battles on, clutching Ash about his throat!

 

 

ASH

 

Gasps for breath as he reaches behind him, into the flames of the fire, his fingers groping for a weapon.

 

 

POSSESSED WOMAN – STOP MOTION ANIMATION

 

Her blackened lips pull back and her mouth opens to an impossibly large size, like a snake about to eat an egg.

 

 

ASH

 

Grasps a flaming log with his bare hands and rams it down the monster's oversized throat. She chokes.

 

 

GOLD TOOTH AND THREE OTHER WARRIORS

 

Grab the beast and pull it off of Ash. Arthur comes to meet them. He carries a double-bladed battle axe.

 

 

THE POSSESSED WOMAN

 

Vomits out the flaming log, taking off a man's head.

 

POSSESSED WOMAN

The Evil lives. Slay me and ten will rise to take my place. All will die. ALL WILL –

 

CHOP!

 

 

IN SILHOUETTE, THE AXE

 

Is brought down upon her throat. The possessed body flails and spasm beneath the Warrior's grip.

 

 

THE HEAD

 

Rolls, and comes to a halt at Ash's feet. It's eyes pop open!

 

POSSESSED WOMAN'S HEAD

DIE!

 

 

ARTHUR

 

Grabs the laughing head and tosses it into the darkness. The head sails away as the laughter receded.

 

WISEMAN JOHN

Now. Will thou quest for the Necronomicon?

 

 

CLOSE ON ASH

 

He considers.

 

 

INT. CASTLE – BLACKSMITH'S WORKSHOP – DAY

 

Ash and the blacksmith step into the shop.

 

 

ASH

 

Points to the hand piece on a hanging suit of battle armor.

 

 

THE BLACKSMITH

 

Pounds upon the hand armor, modifying it.

 

 

SHEILA

 

Knits a grey woolen garment as she watches Ash.

 

 

BLACKSMITH'S WORKSHOP – DAY

 

The Blacksmith attaches the shock absorber spring to the iron hand.

 

 

ASH

 

Tightens the tension on the shock absorber springs with a ratchet like device.

 

 

ASH

 

Extends his arm triggering the tightly wound spring.

 

WHOOSH! CLANG!

 

 

SHEILA

 

Gasps.

 

 

ASH'S SPRING-DRIVEN IRON HAND

 

SNAPS open with great force.

 

 

ANGLE ON

 

WHOOSH! CLANG!

 

Ash's SPRING DRIVEN HAND clenches closed with such great power, that it bends a iron goblet.

 

 

CLOSE ONASH

 

He studies his new hand. It will do nicely.

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

 

EXT. CASTLE TURRET – NIGHT

 

ASH stares over the castle wall to the foreboding wasteland with apprehension. The wind blows upon his hair. Sheila appears behind him. She drapes a grey garment over Ash. A magnificent cape. Ash draws her body close to his. He wraps the cape around her. Together they stare off into the night, then turn to one another and kiss.

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

 

EXT. LANDSCAPE OF CRACKED GROUND 1500MM LENS – DAY

 

Arthur's castle in the distance. In the foreground, five men on horseback appear over a ridge, thundering toward us. Their long wool capes billowing up behind them in the wind.

 

 

CLOSER ON RIDERS – TRUCKING SHOT

 

Arthur and Wiseman John ride, flanked by two of Arthur's Warriors. CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL...

 

ASH wears an iron breastplate with the insignia of Arthur's army that compliments his new spring-powered iron hand. His chainsaw juts from it's saddle holster on the horse's back. Ash's cape billows as he rides.

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

 

EXT. MOUNTAIN – DAY

 

The Horsemen wind down a trail. Suddenly the horses rear up. The men gain control of the frightened steeds.

 

ASH

What's going on?

 

ARTHUR points to...

 

 

THE TRAIL THAT LIES BEFORE THEM

 

It disappears abruptly into a swirling wall of mist that emits an eerie whistling.

 

WISEMAN JOHN

This is the edge of the land ruled by the Dark Spirit. This path will lead you to an unholy place. A cemetery. There, the Necronomicon awaits.

 

 

ASH

 

Anxiously eyes the wall of swirling mist.

 

 

THE TWO WARRIORS

 

Finish placing saddlebags of water and food onto...

 

... ASH'S HORSE which nervously pounds the earth with it's hooves.

 

WARRIOR #1

Lord Arthur, he is supplied. Now I beg of you, let us leave this foul place.

 

ARTHUR

A moment.

 

 

WISEMAN JOHN

 

Moves close to Ash.

 

WISEMAN JOHN

As thou removest the Book from it's cradle, you must recite these words. Clatto, Verata, Nicto.

 

ASH

Clatto Verata Nicto. Okay.

 

WISEMAN JOHN

Repeat them.

 

ASH

Clatto Verata Nicto.

 

WISEMAN #1

Again.

 

ASH

I got it. I got it. I know your damn words. All right? Now you get this straight: I get the book, you send me back. That's the deal. After that I'm history.

 

Ash rears up on his horse and gallops into the mist

 

 

ARTHUR AND WISEMAN JOHN

 

Watch as Ash disappears.

 

 

IN A SEA OF MIST

 

The sound of THUNDEROUS HOOFS. A form materializes out of the fog: It is Ash.

 

 

CLOSER ON ASH

 

He whips the horse.

 

ASH

HAAAAAA!

 

 

ANGLE ON ASH

 

He gallops past. CAMERA PANS as he disappears into the thick fog.

 

FADE OUT

 

 

EXT. TRAIL'S ENTRANCE TO WOODS

 

ASH rides out of the wall of mist. He finds himself on a trail leading into a thick forest.

 

 

EXT. WOODS

 

LONG SHOT – Ash rides slowly on through the darkening woods.

 

 

CLOSER ONASH

 

He hears a sound and look to...

 

 

A SECTION OF WOODS

 

A branch SCRAPING against the bark of a tree.

 

 

ASH

 

Hears a woman's soft laughter. He glance to...

 

 

A BUBBLING BROOK

 

And nothing more.

 

 

THE EVIL FORCE POV

 

Powers through the woods toward Ash.

 

 

ASH

 

Kick his steed and bolts.

 

 

THE EVIL FORCE

 

Sweeps over the forest floor, gaining velocity.

 

 

ASH

 

Frantically weaves his horse around storm felled trees which jut from the ground.

 

 

THE EVIL FORCE

 

Rips through the trees, splintering them to toothpicks. It burrows underground, and resurfaces, always closing upon Ash.

 

 

ASH

 

Jerks upon the reins and his steed leaps a fallen tree. He gracefully leaps a second tree. But as he leaps over the third, he is ripped off the horse by a low branch. He falls hard to the mud as the horse gallops off.

 

He groggily stands and stumbles onward.

 

 

THE EVIL FORCE

 

Follows Ash down a wooded trail.

 

 

ASH

 

Running for...

 

 

EXT. WOODEN SHED

 

... a grain storage house in the clearing ahead.

 

 

ASH

 

Comes upon the shed's door. Locked. He heaves his body against it but it won't give.

 

 

INT. SHED – CLOSE ON INTERIOR DOOR

 

A log, that serves as the door's bolt, holds fast.

 

 

THE EVIL FORCE

 

Emerges from over the ridge.

 

 

ASH

 

Unscrews his iron hand and holsters it. He slings the chainsaw from his shoulder and snaps it onto his stump bracket. Click. He threads the chainsaw starter cord through the V-SHAPED SLOT that extends from his breastplate. CLICK. He thrusts out his arm and the chainsaw ROARS to life!

 

 

INT. SHED – CLOSE ON INTERIOR DOOR

 

The blade bites into the log that bolts the door.

 

 

THE EVIL FORCE

 

Draws closer.

 

 

INT. SHED

 

CLOSE ON CHAINSAW BLADE

 

Halfway through the log. Sawdust flies.

 

 

EXT. SHED

 

ASH

Come on! Come on!

 

The chainsaw dies. He jerks out his arm to restart it. Putt. Putt.

 

ASH

Blasted piece of junk!

 

 

THE EVIL FORCE

 

Draws closer.

 

 

ASH

 

Delivers a mighty kick to the door.

 

 

INT. SHED

 

ANGLE ON DOOR

 

The partially cut log gives way. Ash tumbles into the storage shed. He slams the door shut and slides the remainder of the log across the latch, re-bolting it.

 

 

THE EVIL FORCE

 

Hammers at the door of the Shed.

 

BANG!

 

 

INT. SHED

 

A terrified Ash braces his back against the door.

 

BANG!

 

Earth shaking in its intensity. The planks of the door shudder behind Ash.

 

 

CLOSE ON LOG BOLT

 

It cracks.

 

 

ASH

 

Presses himself against the door for all he's worth, praying that whatever it out there, won't get in.

 

BANG! Splinters fly.

 

 

CLOSE ON LOG BOLT

 

BOOM! The crack widens.

 

 

THE DOOR FRAME

 

Behind Ash begins to buckle beneath the hammering blows.

 

 

ASH

 

Begins to SCREAM. And the BANGING halts.

 

 

LONG SHOT – INT. SHED

 

All is quiet. Ash hugs the door. Shaking in the silence. And that's when it hits. LIKE A LOCOMOTIVE!

 

Ash and the door he braces are blasted away from the wall of the Shed as the Evil Force brings it's tremendous power to bare.

 

 

INT. SHED – SAM-O-CAM – INTERVOLOMETER

 

TRACKING WITHASH AND THE DOOR

 

As they are swept up at super speed in the grip of the Evil Force. Ash is seen rocketing through the long hallway of the Shed, spinning head over heels. Ash rips through other doors, taking them with him. Ash is now sandwiched between two doors as he flies through the air.

 

 

EXT. SHED – SIDE SHOT

 

The roof of the shed ripples, sending tiles and wood beams flying as the EVIL FORCE surges through the shed like a tidal wave.

 

 

EXT. REAR DOOR OF SHED

 

It blows out from the place in a flying stack along with the other doors. The flying doors slam against a tree and fall to the ground in a stack.

 

 

THE EVIL FORCE

 

With Ash out of sight, glides forward, into the woods.

 

 

EXT. SHED – DUSK

 

LOOKING DOWN UPON – THE STACKS OF DOORS

 

All is quiet. We hear the sound of a bolt moving. The doorknob turns slightly. The door swings upward and opens... revealing a somewhat flattened Ash who picks his groggy and bruised self up.

 

He beholds...

 

 

EXT. ABANDONED MILL

 

An empty place of stone and wood. Driven by the wind, the Mill's giant grinding wheel slowly turns with a squeak.

 

 

INT. MILL

 

ASH enters the Mill.

 

ASH

Anybody here? !

 

The place is quiet. Ash slumps down against a wall to catch his breath.

 

ASH

This place'll do for the night. Get the book in the morning.

 

 

INT. MILL – THREE SHOTS – INTERVOLOMETER

 

Shadows lengthen on the floor and stretch across the walls.

 

 

ASH

 

Peers through the window.

 

 

EXT. MILL – LONG SHOT THE SUN – DAY

 

A gigantic ball of fire as it sets behind the Mill. The wind kicks up.

 

 

INT. MILL

 

Ash listens as the cabin CREAKS like an old ship beneath the force of the gale.

 

 

THE WOODEN SHUTTERS

 

On the window quietly KNOCK. Ash shivers and rubs his arms for warmth.

 

ASH

Damn this cold.

 

 

ASH

 

Looks about the Mill and spots an iron stove.

 

 

GASOLINE

 

Pours out of Ash's chainsaw over some logs in the stove's belly.

 

 

ASH

 

Lights the fire with his Zippo lighter and huddles near the flame for warmth.

 

ASH

'least I won't freeze to death.

 

He turns to a tiny sound.

 

 

WIDE SHOT – ASH

 

Behind him, through the window, a large gnarled hand sweeps past.

 

 

ASH

 

Spins, raises his shotgun and fires.

 

BLAMITY-BLAM!

 

The window is ripped away in a shower of glass.

 

 

ASH'S POV – THROUGH THE BROKEN WINDOW

 

Only the night woods. The "gnarled hand" comes back, sweeping down in front of the broken window, but it's revealed to be just a tree branch swaying in the wind.

 

 

ASH

 

Reloads. He moves to the front door and peers out through a crack.

 

 

ASH'S EYEBALL

 

Through the crack in the door.

 

 

ASH'S POV – THE WOODS BEYOND

 

CAMERA pushes through the crack to the woods beyond. There is movement.

 

 

LONG SHOT – EXT. MILL

 

The tiny figure of Ash steps from the Mill.

 

 

CLOSEUP – ASH

 

He sweeps the barrel of the shotgun toward the sound of sticks breaking.

 

 

ASH'S TERRIFIED HORSE

 

It rears up on it's hind legs. It's front hoofs come down toward Ash.

 

 

A STARTLED ASH

 

Leaps aside just in time.

 

 

ASH

 

Snags the horse's reigns.

 

ASH

Easy, boy.

 

The horse calms. Ash ties it to a tree, patting it's head. A shadow passes behind him. He turns toward the Mill.

 

 

ASH'S POV THROUGH THE MILL'S OPEN DOOR

 

He sees am image of himself inside the Mill. Peering out.

 

 

EXT. MILL

 

ASH stares in disbelief, then the wind slams the front door of the Mill, halting Ash's view. Ash races for the Mill.

 

 

INT. MILL

 

ASH races through the door and toward CAMERA when... SMASH... Ash's reflection shatters. He's run into a mirror. Shivering, he picks himself up from the pile of broken glass. He moves to the fireplace and hunches before the flames, CAMERA PANS TO...

 

 

THE SHATTERED MIRROR PIECES

 

Each piece of mirror reflects an image of Ash. From the eight pieces of mirror spring...

 

 

EIGHT TINYASHES

 

Two inch high versions of himself. They leap from the mirror fragments and land on the floor.

 

 

ASH

 

Is unaware of them as he kneels close to the fire.

 

 

TINY ASH #1, #2, AND #3

 

Grab a discarded dinner fork. Like men on a battering ram, they race forward to jam it into Ash's buttocks.

 

 

ASH

 

SCREAMS in agony and jerks forward, banging his head into the stove pipe.

 

 

TINY ASH #4, #5, AND #6

 

Lift the barrel of the shotgun in Ash's direction. Another leaps upon the shotgun's trigger. BOOM!

 

 

ASH

 

Barely dives away from the blast that would have taken his head off.

 

 

THE TINYASHES

 

SHRIEK with uncontrollable laughter. They jump away from the shotgun and scurry off across the floor.

 

 

ASH

 

Pulls the fork from his buttocks and heaves it.

 

 

TINY ASH #1

 

Is running for his life, as fast as his tiny legs will carry him.

 

 

TRACKING SHOT – THE FORK

 

A giant projectile as it ROARS AT CAMERA. PAN with it as it WHOOSHES past.

 

FA-THONG!

 

 

THE FORK

 

Skewers tiny Ash #1 to the wooden wall of the mill.

 

 

ASH

 

Stumbles over a broom handle that has been thrust out in front of him by other tiny ASHES. His head slams into a stove pipe. He crumples. He lands with his cheek pressed against the hot stove. SSSSSSssss. He pries his face loose with a spatula.

 

 

A BUCKET OF GREASE

 

Is pushed off a high shelf.

 

CLANG!

 

 

IT LANDS ON ASH'S HEAD

 

And spills slippery grease about the floor.

 

 

ASH

 

With an upside-down bucket on his head, slips and falls, back and forth on the grease. He stands and tries to dislodge the bucket. He trips over the broom handle, again thrust in his path. He falls backward, onto a crochet basket with knitting needles jutting from it.

 

 

BUCKE-HEADED ASH

 

SCREAMS and jerks upward, slamming his bucket head into the stove pipe. CLANG! Ash rips the bucket from his head then yanks the needles from his buttocks. He looks about for the little imps.

 

 

TINY ASH #2

 

Crouching behind a log attempting to hide. BUT...

 

 

ASH

 

Has seen him. He "accidentally" elbows the log and Tiny Ash #2 into the stove's fire.

 

ASH

Ooops.

 

 

TINY ASH #2

 

Is burned alive.

 

 

ASH

 

Glances downward at the pitter patter sound of tiny feet.

 

 

TINY ASH #3

 

Is dashing across the open expanse of floor. Ash's gigantic foot comes down to crush the little man. Tiny Ash #3 raises a rusty nail into the path of the descending foot.

 

RIP!!

 

 

THE NAIL RIPS

 

Through Ash's shoe.

 

 

ASH

 

Jerks his leg upward in pain. Ash dances about the place hopping on one foot, HOWLING. He strays into the greasy area of the floor and stumbles over the broomstick again thrust in his path, swung there by Tiny Ashes #6, #7 and #8. He almost regains his balance when he strays into the oil patch, falls, and hits his head on the stone floor. BLACKNESS.

 

 

ASH

 

Awakens on the floor of the Mill, like Gulliver he is bound with tiny ropes. Directly above him, on the edge of a table...

 

 

TINY ASHES #4 AND #5

 

Suspend Tiny Ash #6 by his legs.

 

 

TINY ASH #7 AND #8

 

Stand atop Ash's face. They push from either side of his nostrils, plugging his nose. Ash's mouth opens as he gasps for air. As he inhales...

 

 

SUSPENDED TINY ASH #6

 

Is released.

 

 

TINY ASH #6 – SLOW MOTION – WIND FAN

 

He free falls for a moment, then the tiny body arcing to form a perfect swam dive, plunges down into Ash's opened throat.

 

 

ASH

 

Inhales the living beast whole. He chokes violently. He breaks his bonds an he hacks for breath. He puts his finger down his throat, trying to make himself vomit up the little man, to no avail.

 

He looks about to crush some of the little Ashes but they are gone. He places his hand on his stomach and dizzily stumbles to a chair. He goes pale.

 

ASH

Nasty little thing's inside me.

 

He stands indignant but double over in sudden pain.

 

ASH

Well let's see how you like a little hot water!

 

He grabs the hot kettle from the stove and pours the scalding contents painfully down his throat. He sets down the kettle and waits for a moment. A tiny SCREAM emits from Ash's stomach

 

ASH emits a bark of LAUGHTER. He clutches as his chest. Then his arm. He rips back his shirt sleeve.

 

 

CLOSE ONASH'S ARM – STOP MOTION ANIMATION

 

We can see the outline of Tiny Ash #6's body squirming down Ash's arm, just beneath the skin.

 

 

ASH

 

Watches in horror as...

 

 

THE TINY FIGURE

 

Squirms down his wrist and disappears into his iron hand. The Iron hand snaps open and closes uncontrollably. The possessed iron hand swings at him.

 

 

THE IRON HAND

 

Connects with an uppercut that knocks Ash out of frame.

 

 

ASH

 

Lands next to an iron vice. He reaches for the EVIL HAND. But the hand has grabbed a mallet that BONK-BONKS him on the head. Ash is groggy as he is grabbed by the hair and yanked down into the opened vice.

 

 

THE EVIL IRON HAND

 

Cranks the vice's handle.

 

 

THE VICE

 

Tightens around Ash's head. Trapped, he looks to...

 

 

THE EVIL HAND

 

Rummaging through a wooden toolbox. It comes upon a crude wooden punch.

 

 

ANGLE – THE EVIL HAND – UNDERCRANKED

 

Stabs rapidly at Ash's good hand. But Ash expertly dodges each stab with an opening of the fingers or a closing of the thumb is super fast motion.

 

 

ASH

 

With is head still wedged in the vice.

 

ASH

Why you dirty little... AHHHHHH!!

 

 

A PAIR OF IRON PLIERS

 

Has entered frame and clamps down upon Ash's nose. He emits a nasal SCREAM and shakes the pliers loose.

 

ASH

Soon as I get out of this thing I... YIEEEE!!

 

THE PAIR OF IRON PLIERS dip into Ash's mouth and clamps down upon a back molar.

 

ASH

No! Not the teeth!

 

YANK!

 

 

THE EVIL HAND

 

Jerks his rear MOLAR from his head and holds up the tooth for his inspection. It sets the tooth down nearly in front of him. The Evil hand forms a fist and crushes the tooth to dust. It scurries from view.

 

 

ASH'S HEAD

 

Struggling in the grip of the vice.

 

ASH

Where the hell are ya!?

 

 

THE EVIL HAND

 

Grabs a red hot fireplace poker from the fire.

 

ASH

I can't see ya!!

 

HIS EVIL HAND raises a red hot fireplace poker and presses it against the right half of his body.

 

ASH

No, no – not the poke –

 

SSSSsssssssss!

 

 

ASH

 

Jerks his head free from the vice with a SCREAM. He holds up his iron hand. It's back to normal. Again under his control.

 

ASH

Okay then.

 

But he halts abruptly as he feels a strange sensation: His shoulder itches. He scratches it. The Itch grows. It itches madly. He rips back his shirt. Upon his shoulder... THERE BLINKS A THIRD EYEBALL!!!

 

 

THE CAMERA RACES INTO THIS HIDEOUS SIGHT

 

It is the eyeball of EVIL ASH. Beneath it, a mouth and nose begin to take shape on the surface of Ash's back.

 

 

ASH

 

SHRIEKS and SHRIEKS and races out of the mill. The CAMERA follows him in docu-horror style as he flees into the dark woods.

 

 

EXT. WOODS – 12MM LENSE – NIGHT

 

Ash staggers about in a frenzy, stumbling over logs and through the brambles. He races up to the CAMERA and cries out as this protrusion upon his shoulder becomes more pronounced.

 

ASH

Dear God, it's growing bigger!

 

 

THE PROTRUSION SWELLS AND GROWS LARGER

 

It's taking the shape of a twin human head as it emerges from his shoulder. A head that looks similar to his own, but is Evil incarnate.

 

He is now a man with two heads!

 

 

TWO HEADEDASH

 

Staggers through the woods like a drunkard, the two identical heads trading insults, and sharply butting against one another.

 

 

THE BADASH HEAD

 

Opens it's mouth and bites the nose of the Good Ash head.

 

 

THE GOOD ASH'S HEAD

 

Retaliates by gouging the eyes of the Bad Ash head.

 

 

TWO-HEADED ASH

 

Collapses against a tree. Under the light of the full moon we see a terrifying sight:

 

 

TWO ADDITIONAL ARMS

 

Sprout from Ash's body!

 

 

A LEG

 

Rips out of his stomach. Another foot POPS out from his back.

 

 

TWO-HEADED ASH

 

Like a human spider he scurries about the forest floor, propelled by his four arms and four legs. Suddenly he stands and SHRIEKS as the EVIL ASH begins to pull away from the first. He literally splits into two.

 

 

SPLIT SCREEN – WIDE SHOT

 

When it's over, there are two Ashes.

 

GOOD ASH and...

 

 

BAD ASH

 

They square off beneath the moonlight.

 

 

HIGH SHOT AS THE TWO ASHES

 

Circle one another like wolves.

 

GOOD ASH

What... are you? Are you me?

 

BAD ASH

WHAT... ARE GOO? ARE GOO ME? !! You sound like a jerk!

 

GOOD ASH

Why are you doing this? !

 

BADASH

Wanna know? 'cause the answers easy. It's cause I'm the bad Ash, and yer...

 

 

EVIL ASH

 

Dances a funny jig around Ash. He SMACKS Ash across the face as he sings:

 

EVIL ASH

... Little goody two –

 

SMACK!

 

EVIL ASH

... shoes, little goody two –

 

SMACK!

 

EVIL ASH

... shoes, little good –

 

 

EVIL ASH

 

The shotgun barrel is suddenly shoved into his frame, pointing at his nose.

 

BLAMMITY-BLAM!

 

The blast blows Evil Ash off his feet.

 

 

WIDE SHOT – EVIL ASH – STUNTMAN

 

Blown backwards into a double backflip.

 

 

EVIL ASH'S BODY

 

Slams against a tree, upside-down. Then slides to the ground, quite dead.

 

 

GOOD ASH

 

Clutching the smoldering shotgun.

 

GOOD ASH

Good... Bad... I'm the Ash with the gun.

 

 

LONG SHOT – ASH

 

Staring down at the body of his evil self.

 

ASH

I know better than to bury you whole.

 

 

EXT. MILL WHEEL – LONG SHOT – NIGHT

 

The giant blades of the Mill are illuminated with bright flashes of lightning. The wind kicks up leaves as Ash throws the body of his Evil Twin onto a workbench at the base of the windmill. The giant blades of the mill arc down into frame with a WHOOSH-WHOOSSH-WHOOSH!

 

 

MONTAGE SEQUENCE

 

Ash's hand light a torch.

 

 

FRIGHTENED BATS FLY

 

From the base of the windmill.

 

 

CHAINS ARE PULLED TIGHT

 

Across the body of Evil Ash to secure it.

 

CLICK. SNAP. CLINK.

 

 

THE CHAINSAW

 

Is switched on. It spews a plume of blue exhaust.

 

 

ASH

 

Falters for a moment as he stares down at the form of his Evil twin. He grits his teeth... and lowers the saw to the grisly task.

 

 

EXT. NIGHT SKY – BLOOD RED CLOUDS

 

Float past the moon. We hear the distant WHINE of the chainsaw.

 

 

EXT. GRAVEYARD – NIGHT

 

ASH with shovel in hand, drags a bloody burlap bag from the Mill. Grunting, he pulls the remains of his Evil twin to the base of an old Oak Tree in the graveyard.

 

Ash mumbles nervously to the bloodies burlap bag at his feet as he digs a grave.

 

ASH

Now you see what's what. Man's body is his own personal property. Don't anybody try to take that away from him.

 

 

ASH

 

Finishes digging and lifts the bloody burlap sack. As he heaves the bag into the grave, the Evil Ash head spills out.

 

 

INT. GRAVE – THE EVIL ASH'S HEAD

 

It's eyes pop open! It peers up at Ash from the grave. It croaks:

 

EVIL ASH'S HEAD

You'll never get that Book. I will come back for you.

 

ASH

Hey, what's that you got on your face?

 

EVIL ASH'S HEAD

Huh?

 

 

CLOSE SHOT – THE EVIL DEAD

 

It's eyes dart, looking for something on it's face when a shovelful of dirt is heaped atop it.

 

 

EVIL ASH'S HEAD – POV – EYEMO

 

As a shovelful of dirt is heaped atop the CAMERA.

 

 

ASH

 

Buries it deep. He raises a crude burial marker high above his head.

 

ASH

(muttering under his breath)

Rest in pieces.

 

 

ASH

 

Backlit by the moon, brings the burial maker swiftly into the grave. A flash of lightning reveals...

 

 

THE GRAVEYARD

 

In the distance. A burial place of evil. The old mill wheel GROANS in the gale.

 

ASH

This must be it. The cemetery.

 

 

ASH

 

Moves toward the cemetery.

 

 

ASH'S POV – THE CEMETERY

 

In the center, lies a massive slab of black stone.

 

 

ASH

 

Draws closer, his teeth chattering as the wind blasts at him. He glances down to...

 

 

ASH'S POV – TRACKING SHOT – SKULL

 

Sitting atop the ground, leering up at CAMERA with empty eye sockets. The wind whistles through the empty skull. The jaw bone drops open with a squeak.

 

 

CLOSE ON ASH

 

His hair is whipped up by the wind. He looks to...

 

 

THE MASSIVE BLACK STONE IN THE CEMETERY'S CENTER

 

Backlit by the rising moon, creates eerie beams of light and shadow.

 

 

ASH

 

Arrives at the foot of the massive stone.

 

 

UNDERCRANKED – THE STONE

 

Atop it sits... THE BOOK OF THE DEAD.

 

 

CAMERA PANS REVEALING...

 

A SECOND BOOK OF THE DEAD!

 

 

CAMERA PANS AGAIN REVEALING...

 

A THIRD!

 

 

CAMERA RACES BACK AT SUPER SPEED TO REVEAL...

 

THREE BOOKS OF THE DEAD!!!

 

 

A BAFFLED ASH

 

Steps close.

 

ASH

Wait. Three books? Nobody said anything about that. Ha! That Wiseman was so busy fillin' me fulla his secret words and phrases and, and, his... bullshit, he forgot to mention anything about that. Like do I take all of 'em of one or 'em, or what? Well...

 

He reaches for the first book and opens it.

 

 

ANGLE ON

 

WHOOOOOOSH!!!

 

To reveal a black hole. SCREAMS ERUPT from the dark abyss of the Book. It begins to suck things into it.

 

 

CLOSE ON BOOK OF THE DEAD – BACKWARDS MOTION

 

Dead leaves and mist are sucked into the book.

 

 

ASH – MAKE-UP APPLIANCE

 

Wind hits Ash's face as he feels the suction of the book growing stronger.

 

 

ASH'S HAND – PUPPET

 

Is stretched as it's pulled down into the book.

 

 

LONG SHOT – ASH PUPPET

 

Ash's arms stretch down into the book's black page.

 

 

ASH'S PUPPET HEAD

 

Stretched and screaming, is also pulled on by the book.

 

 

ASH PUPPET

 

A taffy stretched version of Ash struggles against the pull of the black hole. He pulls free and snaps the book shut.

 

 

INTERVOLOMETER SHOT – ASH

 

His face vibrates like jello until it finally snaps back to normal.

 

ASH

Woah. Wrong book.