A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

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Joe Hoffman
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Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by Joe Hoffman »

GOTENHAFEN. A PORT ON THE BALTIC SEA MAY 5,1941
The scene opens as a large motor boat comes alongside of the Bismarck. The Bismarck’s crew of sailors is mustered for inspection. Adolf Hitler and his entourage exit the launch and make their way up the gangway. Hitler, Lindemann, and Lutjens inspect the crew. Hitler is then escorted to various sections of the ship for his review. Hitler is lead to the aft fire control station that is under Rechberg’s command. The scene shifts to inside the station
OELS
(Sticks his head in the station)
The Führer is coming this way. I suspect that they want to show him your station.
RECHBERG
(turns to his men)
Seamen, at your posts
Voices are heard coming from outside the station hatch. Then an unassuming man(Hitler) first looks into the station and then enters followed by Oels.
OELS
(Introduces Rechberg to Hitler)
Mein Führer, this is KapitainLeutnant, Mullenheim-Rechberg. He is the Gunnery Officer in charge of this station.
Hitler says nothing as he looks at Rechberg waiting for him to begin his presentation.
RECHBERG
Mein Führer, This station controls the main battery. This is one of three such stations on this ship. This station provides coverage of the stern.
HITLER
What is Das?(points to the viewer)
RECHBERG
(slightly stumbling)
This is the periscope (he also points out other items in the station) And this is the gyroscope. Over here we have our range-finder. On these dials we send the information to the plotting computer. That information is returned over here with the calculated corrections.
Hitler looks on with some interest.
HITLER
Thank you for the presentation Kapitsinleutnant for your presentation.
RECHBERG
(Rechberg salutes)
Thank you mein Führer
Hitler returns his customary salute and exits the station. Rechberg’s eyes follow the Führer as he leaves the area.
DISSOLVE TO:THE BISMARCK’S MESS DECK
The wardroom is alive with conversion. Lutjens and Lindemann are seated close to Hitler along with a number of party officials. Hitler is being served a vegetarian meal by an personal cook. Rechberg, Albrecht and Schneider are seated together a couple tables away. Conversation fills the mess deck.
HITLER
(As Hitler’s voice becomes louder the other conversations quickly become quiet.)
I believe in the necessity of struggle in general... the need to beat,or you will be beaten: the need to kill, or you will be killed. The German folk have broken the yoke of the Jews. Our nation of 85 million Germans under national solidarity is making it’s rightful claim as Master of Europe. No one will stand in our way. The English will be beaten.
LINDEMANN
What of the Americans?
HITLER
(He sits up)
Ha! Good question.
(Using a napkin to clean his mouth)
HITLER (CONT’D)
And as for the Americans, they remember too well the wasted sacrifice of their soldiers in the First World War.
LINDEMANN
I would not rule out the possibility of the United States entering the war. They have too much in common with their English brothers “to see them go down”
Lindemann’s contradiction of Hitler creates an uneasiness that permeates the room. Lutjens tries to break the tension by standing and proposing a toast.
LUTJENS
Gentlemen! I think we all can agree that England’s days are numbered. How the Führer sees fit in dealing with them is his decision. (Turning toward Hitler)
Mein Fuhrer!
Under your banner of national socialism you have transformed the nation into one folk and renounced the decay of Liberalism and Jewery. You have thrown off the bonds of Versailles and through your strength of will asserted Germany once again as master of Europe. The navy stands at the ready, as an instrument of your policy to be welded against those who would oppose our rightful claim. Mein Fuhrer you are the nation, you are the folk, you are our savior. Seig
Heil
The scene fades into the next shot of Hitler leaving the Bismarck at the end of the day. As the crew watch Hitler’s boat leave the Bismarck.
DISSOLVE TO:



II. OPERATION “RHEINUBUNG”.-----------------------------------

ABOARD THE BISMARCK MAY 11, 1941
Captain Lindemann calls the officers of the Bismarck for a meeting in the wardroom. He is accompanied by Admiral Lutjens.
LINDMANN
Gentleman, we are going to be provisioned for 2 months. This is in preparation for our first mission. We will be practicing maneuvers with the Prinz Eugen until that time comes. Admiral Lutjens will be in command of our task-force. He has just come back from a successful two month foray into the Atlantic with the battle cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau.
Lindemann steps back and Lutjens steps forward.
LUTJENS
Thank you Captain Lindemann for your introduction.
Gentlemen, The Bismarck along with the Prinz Eugen are going to conduct commerce warfare against British shipping in the North Atlantic. The mission is to be known by the code-name “Rheinubung”. It is to be held in the utmost secrecy. We can not allow complacency to jeopardize our aim at breaking out into the Atlantic. The crew is to know nothing of our mission. The British no doubt have their spies in our harbors. Leave nothing to chance. We will continue training until then. We depart for our operation when the moon and weather favor us. I will expect you to have your crews ready. That is all unless Kaptain Lindemann has something more to add.
(Looking back at him. Lindmann shakes head no)
Then you are all dismissed.
FADE TO BLACK.
ABOARD THE NORFOLK. MAY 12, 1941
At Scapa flow the Norfolk is steaming past the Hood. The Hood is tied to a pier, the ship’s crew is cleaning, painting, and carrying out routine maintenance. The cruiser Norfolk is heading out for gunnery practice. Captain Phillips is on the bridge with Ryan and a midshipman. They are looking out toward the Hood. Ryan is holding a telegram from Joyce that he received just before they left port telling him that their son was born. He reads it again but keeps the news to himself.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Damn, she is one fine ship.
MIDSHIPMAN
I’ll say; better to be a stoker on her than a midshipmen on leavesir.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Some day I hope to have the privilege to sail on her.
MIDSHIPMAN
Lieutenant Commander Ryan, I understand that you just came from the Hood.
RYAN
Yes I did.
MIDSHIPMAN
You had bit of bad luck sir...... If you don’t mine me saying. We are in the middle of a war and they transfer you from the Hood to this tinclad.
RYAN
For King and country my dear boy. All for the good of the service.

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
(To the young officer)
You must understand that divinity always has a plan for you.
RYAN
And so does the admiralty. I should count myself privileged to have served on her when I did.
(A pause)
That great ship felt like a part of my family. In fact my brother in law is still serving on her.
(turning away)
Oh, how I miss my old lady.
There is a small pause before the captain calls on them to salute the Hood.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Now gentlemen. Lets give her the proper respect.
The officers on the bridge of the Norfolk salute the Hood as the ship glides past the Hood.

ABOARD THE BISMARCK. MAY 18, 1941
It is the morning of the May 18th and we see the Bismarck pull away from the wharf where the fleet band is playing “MUSS IDENN”. Gunnery Officer Rechberg stands on the ship just outside his station. The crew moves about the ship with great energy. They talk amongst themselves wither this is a training mission or are they really going to war. Tugs help the Bismarck out of harbor. As Rechberg enters his station an announcement from the captain comes over the speaker.
LINDEMANN
Crew of the Bismarck our training has ended. We are now embarking on our first mission. We are to conduct warfare against British trade in the North Atlantic for a period of several months. Our objective is to destroy as much of the British supply line as possible. I call on every crew member to carry out his duties.
We hear the low groan of the engines as the turbines come alive. Bismarck makes its way out of the harbor.
ABOARD HOOD. MAY 18, 1941
A SHOT OF THE HOOD AND PRINCE OF WALES STEAMING BACK TO THE NAVAL BASE AT SCAPA FLOW.
Morning gunnery exercises have been completed and the Hood is steaming back to Scapa Flow. Captain Kerr is on the bridge speaking with some of the ship’s officers. Commander Gregson is standing next to Ryan Anderson’s replacement, Lt. Commander Moultrie. Captain Kerr turns to address all of the officers on the bridge.
CAPTAIN KERR
Gentlemen, Our gunnery was good today and our damage control exercises yesterday went off without any problems... I believe this ship is ripe for action We’ll need to have the men ready. Reports are that the Bismarck is preparing to depart from Germany. All leave is canceled for the foreseeable future. The ship will be under alert and ready to sail at short notice if the Bismarck attempts a break-out. Our new flag officer, Vice-Admiral Holland and his command staff will be coming on aboard this afternoon. Hood and Prince of Wales will be making up the battle cruiser squadron. The Vice Admiral is also 2nd in command of home fleet and I expect that he and his staff will be treated as well as our much loved Admiral Whitworth was.

ABOARD THE NORFOLK. MAY 19,1941
The Norfolk is at sea practicing its gunnery. The captain and a group of fellow officers are on the outside bridge, observing the exercise with their binoculars. Ryan is seated at the director in the fire control station. The cruisers guns erupt. The officers watch the shells hit their target.
FIRST OFFICER
Excellent.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
I’d say we’ve improved our gunnery considerably.
The guns erupt again. An officer taps the captain on the shoulder. The captain follows him into the ship. The captain emerges moments later and orders.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (CONT’D)
Cease shooting!!!
All gets quite.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (CONT’D)
Order the men to stand down and prepare to get underway. We leave for Iceland within the hour.
Ryan leaves his position at the range finder in the fire control station and walks to the bridge to join the other officers and the captain. Just as he joins them the navigation officer asks the captain the reason for the order.
NAVIGATION OFFICER
If I may ask Sir, what is the reason for such haste?
The captain holding the report in his hands tell the officer the new orders.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
The Admiralty has seen an increase in German aerial reconnaissance. It seems that the Germans may be attempting another breakout into the Atlantic. We’ve been ordered to move to Hvalfjord Iceland. We are to refuel there, pick up Admiral Wake-Walker and move on to relieve the Suffolk who is currently patrolling the Denmark Strait.
RYAN
Do you think that the Germans will be sending the Bismarck to the North Atlantic?
CAPTAIN PHILLIP
Lets pray that’s not the case. In any event, we may find ourselves the vanguard of Britain lifeline. Tell the men to get some rest. I want them ready and alert. I have a feeling that we are going to see some action.


ABOARD THE BISMARCK. MAY 21, 1941.
The Bismarck has anchored in Bergen fjord Norway. The Bismarck’s three Gunnery Officers, Rechberg, Schnieder, and Albrecht are standing outside the Bridge. The three are leaning on the railing and staring down at the crew of the Bismarck relaxing in the sunshine covering the deck.
SCHNEIDER
Look at all those naive young men They don’t have any thought or understanding about the horrors of war.
RECHBERG
(turning away to face the bridge and catching some sun on his face)
Ha. To be young again without any cares.

ALBRECHT
It’s quite wretched.
SCHNEIDER
(turning to Albrecht)
Really.... and what do you mean by that?
ALBRECHT
Just that it’s frightful when you think in a week everyone sunning here on board today could be dead.
RECHBERG
(looking over)
So Albrecht, you don’t like our chances?
ALBRECHT
It’s a condition of chance, or luck that helps guide the fortunes of a ship at war.
SCHNEIDER
Luck.. Huh.. I don’t need any luck. The British don’t have a ship equal to the Bismarck. The only thing I might fear is their numbers. They’re going to need lots of your so called ‘luck’ if they ’re going slow us down.
RECHBERG
It’s those unforeseen factors that worry me. There is always something that has been overlooked..... Overcoming the circumstances that you find yourself in what determines your fate.
First officer Oels comes out on the open bridge and joins the officers by cutting in on the conversion.
OELS
(holding up a piece of paper)
Gentlemen, I have here the weather report for the North Atlantic. It states that for the next couple of days, there will be heavy fog and a considerable amount of rain.
ALBRECHT
That’s prefect break out weather.
SCHNEIDER
What was Admiral Lutjens response to the weather report?
OELS
He has ordered that we depart from the fjord tonight. He has chosen to enter the Atlantic through the Denmark Straits.
RECHBERG
That won’t give us time to refuel.
OELS
We will have time to refuel from one our tankers, once we slip into the North Atlantic.
Oels leaves the men to go back to the command station
ALBRECHT
You see we’ve already been graced with a bit of good luck.
Soon we will see what fate has in store for us.
SCHNEIDER
I know what we are destined for.. By summer time all of us will be downing a nice pint in a Paris cafe. We’ll be celebrating our success after evading the Royal Navy and hunting down their merchant fleet.. And I will be buying that first round. (pause)
How does that sound?
ALBRECHT
Great, and I see myself purposing a toast to Kaptain Lindemann and the Bismarck.
RECHBERG
Now that sounds more like it.

Just then an air raid siren sounds and the sunning crew get up and scatter. The officer scan the sky for a moment then head to their stations. Nothing is seen or hear by the crew of the Bismarck.
CUT TO:
A SHOT OF ALONE SPITFIRE TAKING AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE BISMARCK. THE PLANE IS FLYING VERY HIGH OVER THE FJORD TO AVOID DETECTION.
CHURCHILL IN HIS OFFICE WITH ADMIRAL POUND MAY 21, 1941
ADMIRAL POUND
Our intelligence has Bismarck on the move. Our reports show that she was anchored off of Norway. The Royal Air Force scoured the fjords at first light and came up with this...
The admiral places a photo of the Bismarck in the Grimstad Fjord. Churchill picks it up and studies it.

This photo was taken this morning near Bergen.
CHURCHILL
This could not have come at a worst moment... though the enemy never bothers to consult us about what time is convenient.
Wiping his forehead.
CHURCHILL (CONT’D)
The Germans launched an attack on Crete yesterday. On every front we have failed to stop them. Hitler’s prized General, Rommel has continued to push our African armies back to Egypt. Now we are going to be forced to deal with the one weapon of their forces that I fear most of all.
ADMIRAL POUND
Your concern is well founded Sir. If not defeated the Bismarck could be the end of us all.
CHURCHILL
We are in need of a miracle admiral. Pray that God may have mercy on Britain in her solemn hour.
FADE OUT.
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Karl Heidenreich
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Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by Karl Heidenreich »

One thing for sure, this screenplay will never get to cinema. Being the brother of a film director has the advantage to let me know that if something is secret on earth are screenplays, more than CIA field directives. And movies main achivement is to say things using the images and dialogue is required only when it´s strictly necesary.
An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.
Sir Winston Churchill
Joe Hoffman
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Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by Joe Hoffman »

THE BISMARCK MAY 22, 1941
The Bismarck and Prinz Eugen are being escorted out to sea from the fjord by a screen of destroyers. Rechberg and Oels are standing outside on the deck watching the destroyers.
RECHBERG
We couldn’t have been blessed with a darker night.
OELS
The elements have favored us. Admiral Lutjens picked a good night to break out. We shall soon see what the day holds for us when this cloak of darkness is lifted.

The destroyers turn away and return to port. A flickering signal lamp from them is all that is seen and that fades into the darkness. The Bismarck and the Prinz Eugen are left to carry out their operation.
RECHBERG
Ah! There go our little friends back to Bergen.
OELS
Our escorts have gone as far as they could go. We are on our own now.
RECHBERG
Let‘s hope that we can avoid the network of British ships that are out here on patrol.
OELS
The weather officer is still forecasting poor weather for tomorrow. The rain and fog should help give us the cover that we need to break out in to the Atlantic.
RECHBERG
Lets hope that the forecast is right. The last thing we need is to be confronted by an unwanted guest.
Both officers turn from each other and head to their respective stations.
As the night’s darkness starts to lift a light rain begins to fall. The camera pulls away to show the ships steaming through the foggy rain.

FADE OUT:
CHURCHILL’S OFFICE IN LONDON MAY 23, 1941
Churchill is seated at his desk. Admiral Pound knocks on the door and enters the Prime Minsters’s office. Churchill looks up.
ADMIRAL POUND
The Bismarck is on the move. This morning’s air reconnaissance showed that the Bismarck has left Norway.
Churchill says nothing. Just sits further back in his chair. Inhales and exhales loudly.
FADE OUT.
NORFFOLK. MAY 23, 1941
The Norfolk is patrolling the Denmark Straits. The men are at their patrol stations. Ryan is standing with the watch, eyes straining to see through the rain and fog.
RYAN
(speaking to one of the officers)
All my years training in the service, I would never have thought that I would spend the greater amount of my war time patrolling the empty sea. At times War can really be quite boring.
NAVIGATION OFFICER
The hours can drag on for the men as well. It is difficult to keep the crew motivated.
RYAN
What do think the rum ration is for?
Both officers grin at the thought of ‘motivation by alcohol’.
DISSOLVE TO: THE HORIZON
ABOARD THE BISMARCK MAY 23,1941
The Bismarck is leading the Prinz Eugen as they continue to move out into the Atlantic. The ships pass through rain squalls and a blanket of fog envelops the ships. On the morning of May 23 the Bismarck enters the Denmark Straits. The ship travels quietly. The crew stands at watch as icebergs float by the vessel. Later that evening Rechberg is at his station. The alarm sounds. Rechberg’s intercom crackles with the words of the captain.
LINDEMANN
Radar and hydrophones have picked up a contact bearing 260 degrees off the port bow. (a long pause). The contact is taking up position at our stern. Kaitanleytnant Rechberg can you get a visual?
Rechberg takes the range finder and scans the horizon.
RECHBERG
Yes captain, I have a visual. It appears to be a British cruiser at a range of 15,000 meters. She just slipped into a rain squall.
SHOW THE BRITISH SHIP A CLOSE 7 MILES AWAY VEERING TO PORT
LINDEMANN
Keep watch and maintain visual sight. Notify me immediately of any changes.
RECHBERG
Yes sir.
The click of the intercom shut off. Rechberg turns to his crew.
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
Men, We have been spotted by a British cruiser. We must now be extremely vigilant. I’m quite sure that The Royal Navy will not let us slip away easily.
FADE TO:
NORFOLK MAY 23,1941 23:00 HOURS
The British cruiser Norfolk continues to pass in and out of the fog. She is steaming toward a rendezvous with the cruiser Suffolk that is nearby. A sailor has brought tea to the officers on watch. The captain already has his tea and Ryan is just receiving his.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
(to the men on the Bridge)
Suffolk has spotted the Bismarck and a heavy cruiser entering the Denmark straits. We are to meet up with the her and give chase. So be on the look out.
The Norfolk creeps through the deep fog. She Breaks through a fog bank and finds herself dangerously close to the Bismarck. As the giant ship looms out of the fog the astonished officers all drop their tea.
SAILOR
(Screaming)
“Bismarck dead ahead”
The seamen on watch all turn with their binoculars.
A CLOSE UP OF THE CAPTAIN AND RYAN.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
(stunned)
Oh my God!
RYAN
(Loudly Screaming)
We’re too close! -- Get to your stations.
Ryan then scrambles to his gunnery station. As he enters his station a midshipman in the station yells out to him.
MIDSHIPMAN
(looking over at the dials)
Bismarck bearing is 20 degrees.
Ryan grabs the range finder and swings it in the Bismarck’s direction..
A SHOT OF THE CREW OF THE NORFOLK RUNNING TO THEIR STATIONS.
CUT TO:THE BISMARCK. AFT DIRECTOR STATION.
The alarm sounds and an announcement from Captain Lindmann is heard over the intercom.
LINDEMANN
Full speed ahead. (pause) Enemy sighted to port. Our ship accepts battle!
Rechberg peers through a periscope. He sees the British Cruiser appear out of the fog very close to the Bismarck. Over the intercom Schneider yells out from his ranging station.
SCHNEIDER
(over the intercom)
Contact bearing 275 degrees, range 12,000 meters. Prepare to fire for affect. (Pause) Fire!
The rumble of the bigs guns is heard. Seconds later Rechberg looking through his periscope witnesses the splash of shells as they fall around their target.
BACK TO THE NORFOLK
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
We’ve come out too close to her. We must get out of her range.
SAILOR
Enemy has fired.
Splashes fall around the Norfolk. Shell fragments ricochet past the Bridge.
MIDSHIPMAN
The enemy already has our range!
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Left full rudder! Full speed, give me all that she’s got! Put us back into that fog. (Turning to the nearest officer) Lay out smoke. (Then grabbing the phone to the gunnery officer) Gunnery officer give me return fire when you are ready.
As shells hit the water around the ship fragments fly into the ship’s bridge barely missing some of the crew. Ryan remains focused on his command and is seated at director in the fire control station with complete disregard for his own safety. Ryan orders return fire. The Norfolk returns fire as she turns away from the Bismarck.
RYAN
(after having called out range and bearing corrections)
Shoot!!!
The Norfolk’s guns unload their rounds. Ryan keeps directing the guns of the Norfolk calling out Fire! The Norfolk finally escapes the sights of the Bismarck’s artillery guns by slipping into the fog and rain. The guns of both ships fall silent as the cruiser slips safely into the fog after the short but difficult confrontation.

RYAN (CONT’D)
The enemy has stop firing.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Cease fire!
A moment later the intercom comes alive again with the voice of the captain.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (CONT’D)
Suffolk will stay astern to Bismarck’s starboard and we will remain to port. Both ships should be far enough astern of the Bismarck to keep out of range of her guns. Suffolk will track her with radar.
CUT TO: THE BISMARCK
Over the intercom the radar officer reports the movement of both British ships.
RADAR OFFICER
There are now 2 contacts astern.
The phone rings in Rechberg’s station. He picks up the phone.
RECHBERG
Yes sir.
Rechberg hangs up and turns to his crew.
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
The two enemy cruisers are sticking to our course in order to maintain contact. We are to keep an eye on them from this station and report any changes. In the meantime the Prinz Eugen will be our eyes and lead the formation. The concussion of the Bismarck’s guns has disabled our forward radar.
FADE OUT.
THE NORFOLK MAY 24,1941 01:00 HOURS
The scene opens on the bridge of the Norfolk. Ryan has left his fire control station and enters the bridge to meet with the Captain Phillips. The captain is surveying the condition of the ship.

RYAN
That was a close one. The Bismarck almost had us. If those shells had hit us they would have ripped right through the ship.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
(to another officer)
Give me a damage report.
OFFICER
We’ve sustained only splinter damage to our superstructure. A few of the men have sustained minor injures from shell fragments but nothing serious, no casualties.
RYAN
Captain, We were lucky.
MIDSHIPMAN
What do we do now?
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
(from the corner of the Bridge a loud voice booms)
We’ll call in the big guns -- and wait.
(he then raises his binoculars to scan the sea)
The crew on the bridge goes about their duties. The rest of the ship’s crew are at their battle stations awaiting the soon to come battle.
DISSOLVE TO:
THE BISMARCK MAY 24,1941 01:05 HOURS
Rechberg turns away from his range finder and speaks to the crew in his station.
RECHBERG
It is going to be a long night. We will set up watch and take shifts. We will need our rest. Believe me, the British won’t let us go with out a fight.
THE PARTING SHOT IS OF THE PRINZ EUGEN STEAMING INTO THE DARKNESS FOLLOWED BY THE MIGHTY BISMARCK AT 2,500 METERS.
FADE OUT.
CHURCHILL’S OFFICE MAY 24,1941 02:00 HOURS
The scene opens at 2:00 am with Churchill working at his desk. Admiral Pound enters the Prime Minister’s office. With excitement in his voice the Admiral informs Churchill that the Bismarck has been intercepted. Churchill lights a cigar as he contemplates the news.
ADMIRAL POUND
‘We have her’ Prime Minster. The Suffolk and Norfolk made contact with the Bismarck last evening and they are following her at a safe distance.
CHURCHILL
What heavy forces do we have in the area?
ADMIRAL POUND
Hood and Prince of Wales are en-route to intercept Bismarck at first light. Admiral Holland is in command of the Operation.
CHURCHILL
Good, I will sleep much better tonight knowing that we are closing in on her.
ADMIRAL POUND
Admiral Tovey has dispersed Home Fleet from Scapa Flow to support the operation. If Bismarck gives us more trouble than we expect they’ll be out there at the ready.
CHURCHILL
Admiral Pound, you more than any of my other cabinet officers know that only one scene has riveted my background thoughts. This tremendous Bismarck, forty five thousand tons, perhaps almost invulnerable to gunfire, rushing southward toward our convoys with the Prinz Eugen as her scout. (Pause) The only acceptable outcome of this endeavor is a total British victory over the Bismarck.

ADMIRAL POUND
It gives one pause, to think that so much could rest on the destruction of one ship.
CHURCHILL
We must not underrate the gravity of this task.
Churchill focus his gaze on the balance scale that rests on his desk.
DISSOLVE TO:
Joe Hoffman
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Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by Joe Hoffman »

THE PRINZ EUGEN: MAY 24,1941 05:15 HOURS
As this scene opens we see the ship’s hydrophone operator listening intently to the sounds in his headphones. Close behind him two sailors are drinking their coffee while they laugh and talk. The operator quickly lifts his hand with raised index finger to indicate that silence is needed so he can clearly discern the distant churning sounds that he is hearing. The two men shut up immediately and stare back apprehensively. The scene then cuts to pick up the sight and sound of massive propellers turning as the Hood and Prince of Wales move through the water. The hydrophone operator then calls the bridge to report to the captain.
OPERATOR
Sir, Prinz Eugen is reporting contacts at 286 degrees, noise of two large turbine-driven ships at high speed.
CUT TO: THE BISMARCK
THE BISMARCK MAY 24,1941 05:20 HOURS
This scene shows Captain Lindemann of Bismarck being notified from the Prinz Eugen of the contact with the two British ships. The captain and Admiral Lutjens discuss the situation as the scene shifts to Rechberg in his station.
RECHBERG
(Rechberg addresses his crew in the fire control station.) Wake-up! Get to your duty stations Prinz Eugen has reported two new large contacts.
5:45 am. The sun is rising in the east. Rechberg scans the sea through the station periscope and as his eyes search the horizon two plumes of smoke and two masts come slowly into view. A moment later the alarm sounds for General Quarters.

This scene begins with Lindemann and Lutjens entering the command center. As they look through their binoculars they see the masts of the enemy ships becoming larger. Slowly the entire silhouette of each ship appears.
A CLOSE UP SHOT OF THE UNION JACK (OR THE BATTLE ENSIGN) FLAPPING IN THE WIND.
(The music tempo should pick up here as the ships move closer to battle.)
CUT TO: THE HOOD
THE HOOD MAY 24,1941 05:47
THIS SCENE SHOWS THE HOOD’S BOW PLUNGING THROUGH THE SEA AS SHE MOVES TOWARD THE BISMARCK. PRINCE OF WALES IS WELL AFT AND TO STARBOARD. THE CAMERA PANS UP TO HOOD’S COMPASS PLATFORM.
On the compass platform of the Hood Captain Kerr and Admiral Holland watch Bismarck and Prinz Eugen through their binoculars. The crew on the platform are in their battle dress(flash gear, gas mask bags, helmets, life vest,and etc.)
CUT TO A SHOT OF THE HOOD’S COMPASS PLATFORM
The wind is blowing over the compass platform. As the Hood closes on the Bismarck and the Prinz Eugen commander Gregson has his binoculars glued to the German ships. Gregson is on the phone to the fighting top.
GREGSON
We’ve come out behind the German ships and that’s not good.
ADMIRAL HOLLAND
We need to close on them quickly if we are to keep our decks safe.
The two keep their eyes fixed on both ships as they cut down the distance between their ship and the enemy.
A SHOT OF THE FIGHTING TOP OF THE HOOD WITH JACK AND WITH RYAN’S REPLACEMENT LT. COMMANDER MOULTRIE
The wind is blowing through the open fighting top as the crew watches the ship’s bow plunge in and out of the sea. A nervous Jack looks questioningly at Moultrie(as if he wished Ryan was still on board next to him).
CUT TO: THE BISMARCK
THE BISMARCK MAY 24,1941 05:50 HOURS
As the scene opens we hear the three range finder stations on the Bismarck are communicating with each other on the intercom as they prepare to engage the British Ships.
From the Top Range Finder Station
SCHNEIDER
We’ve sighted two heavy cruisers bearing 310 degrees at a distance of 30,000 meters.
From the Forward Range Finder Station
ALBRECHT
No! Schneider. Those contacts are larger than cruisers. Those ships are Battleships or Battlecruisers.
Top Range Finder Station: Schneider orders each main gun turret to load their guns. These four gun turrets all have proper names.
SCHNEIDER
Prepare the guns with armor penetrating shells! Load Anton, Bruno, Cesar, and Dora. Bring them onto the lead British ship on a bearing of 312 degrees. Prepare to fire a full salvo.
The Bismarck slowly turns all of her huge main guns and targets Hood. The crew completes the loading of the shells into the massive cannons.
ALBRECHT
Schneider, do you have a full
recognition?
CUT TO: THE HOOD
THE HOOD MAY 24,1941 05:52 HOURS
Admiral Holland gives Captain Kerr formal permission to fire the Hood’s guns.
ADMIRAL HOLLAND
(looking through the binoculars)
Captain you can give the order to open fire on the lead ship; that's the Bismarck.
CAPTAIN KERR
( speaking to Gregson)
Our aft turrets are wooded so open up with turrets A and B. Target the lead ship.
GREGSON
Yes Sir!
(Then picking up the phone and calling Moultrie)
Prepare to open fire with turrets A and B.....(Pause) shoot!!!!
A small bell rings “ting ting” then the guns fires. Then both Hood and Prince of Wales fire their mighty guns, hurling their shells toward the Bismarck.
CUT TO: THE BISMARCK
THE BISMARCK MAY 24,1941 05:53 HOURS
The top range finder station
SCHNEIDER
(In a calm and cool voice)
Range dropping to 25,000 meters. (pause)The enemy has opened fire. (To the command station) Sir, request permission to fire.
(Schnieder does a double take when the order to fire does not come)
Schneider pulls away from view finder as a reaction to not receiving the command to fire. There is silence over the intercom. A shot of Schneider’s facial expression shows utter disbelief that he has not yet received an order to fire. The rest of the crew in the range finder station looks completely bewildered and confused.
CUT TO:THE NORFOLK
THE NORFOLK MAY 24,1941 05:54 HOURS
Ryan and Captain Phillips are on the bridge of the Norfolk. The bridge is crowded with officers and crew watching the two fleets converge. The Norfolk is positioned astern of both ships. The Bismarck is off the starboard side of the Norfolk’s bow and the Hood to the port side of the bow. The cruiser is slightly closer to the Bismarck. The crew has an excellent view of the engagement.
RYAN
(muttering to himself)
Why do we just wait here idly?
A few paces away from Ryan we see Admiral Wake-Walker as he turns to the radio operator and speaks.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
Send a message to Admiral Holland. Tell him that we stand at the ready and await his orders.
Captain Phillips walks over toward Ryan who is standing with the watch officers. The Captain picks up the binoculars hanging from his neck and peers out across the water to get a closer look at the action.
RYAN
Should we initiate an attack sir?
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
No. We’re too far back. Hood will take care of them.
Ryan turns away from the captain and scans the horizon. The officer on watch turns to Ryan and leans over to whisper in his ear.
NAVIGATION OFFICER
(Whispering )
I don’t understand, why haven’t we heard from them.
RYAN
(Whispering)
Unless we hear from the Admiral soon we are just going to be spectators to the fighting.
CUT TO: THE BISMARCK
THE BISMARCK MAY 24,1941 05:55 HOURS
The Bismarck and Prinz Eugen are plowing their way through the rough sea. The first round of incoming British shells miss the huge German ship. These misses create huge columns of water near the Prinz Eugen. The camera zeros on the Bismarck’s bridge. Over the intercom Schneider’s voice can be heard.
SCHNEIDER
Enemy has opened fire again. Enemy’s salvos are well grouped.
A shot of Lindemann and Lutjens listening over the intercom to Schneider and the other ranging stations
SCHNEIDER (CONT’D)
“Sir, request permission to fire?”
ALBRECHT
(shouting)
“The Hood - It’s the Hood!”
Lindemann is glaring at Lutjens. Lindemann picks up the phone and holds it a moment.
LINDEMANN
(Muttering)
I will not let my ship be shot out from under my ass!
LUTJENS
(glaring back at him pauses and then speaks to Lindmann)
Return fire, kaptain.
LINDEMANN
(griping the phone firmly, speaks to Schnieder )
“Permission to fire”
In this shot we hear the deafening rumble of the Bismarck’s guns returning fire as we watch incoming shells splash around both the Bismarck and Prinz Eugen. We see the exchange of shells flying through the air. The Prinz Eugen guns also open up. Shells from the Bismarck’s guns create splashes near the Hood.
SCHNEIDER
“Short” “range 24,000 meters and deflection of 10. “I want 400 meter bracket.” (pause) “fire.”
The Bismarck fires a second salvo as columns of water surround the ship. The shells from the Prince of Wales are landing in the sea around the Bismarck.
CUT TO: THE HOOD
THE HOOD MAY 24,1941 05:57 HOURS
From the Compass platform Admiral Holland views the German ships through the his binoculars
ADMIRAL HOLLAND
We’re shooting at the wrong ship! The German Cruiser has been leading the group. Bismarck is astern (loudly) switch targets
GREGSON
Damn!!! (Picking the phone) Switch fire to aft vessel.

A SHOT OF THE SHIPS EXCHANGING SHELLS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
Prinz Eugen fires on the Hood. A shell strikes the deck at the bottom of the main mast starting a fire. The fire ignites a small anti-aircraft ammunition locker. The resulting explosion kills many of the exposed crew. All on the compass platform are calmly carrying on with their duties. Admiral Holland calls on Gregson to report on the fire. Gregson steps outside and glances at the raging fire. He then calmly reports back to the Admiral.
GREGSON (CONT’D)
There’s a fire at the bottom of the main mast, Sir. The ammunition lockers are exploding. Too dangerous to put out now.
ADMIRAL HOLLAND
Leave it until the ammunition is gone.
GREGSON
(on the phone to the deck officer)
Let it burn itself out. Get to cover!
Just then a sailor shouts out!!
SAILOR
Here come more German shells
The crew on the platform watch as the German shells land all around the Hood. Columns of water shoot up around the Hood. The shells barely miss the Hood. Those in the fighting top watch as a shell rips through their station. Jack watches in horror as those around him are killed. Bodies fall out of the top to the decks below. Jack hangs on for dear life.
GREGSON
(yelling out)
The Germans have found our range.
As the words leave his lips those on the compass platform are shocked and startled to see the bodies that rain down from above. There is still a calm deliberate demeanor amongst the officer’s and crew.
GREGSON (CONT’D)
(grabbing the intercom in quite desperation)
Shoot!!!!
The guns of the Hood fire at the Bismarck. The Prince of Wales continues to fire at the Bismarck.
CUT TO:THE BISMARCK
THE BISMARCK MAY 24,1941 05:59 HOURS
Back on the Bismarck we hear the conversation between range finder stations
ALBRECHT
The British ships have fired again.
SCHNEIDER
(Watching Bismarck shell spashes)
“over” (pause) “straddle” (Pause) Fire!

Bismarck’s guns unload another salvo. In a ripple fashion A turret fires first then B, then C, and then D.
CUT TO: THE HOOD
The compass platform on the Hood, Gregson calmly but loudly says.
GREGSON
(to the crew on the compass platform )
There’s something not bloody right with our fire control today.
CAPTAIN KERR
(calling out Gregson)
Prepare to bring the aft guns into action we’ll be making a 20 degree turn to port Commander Gregson.
GREGSON
Yes Sir!!!
CUT TO:THE BISMARCK
THE BISMARCK MAY 24,1941 06:01 HOURS
Schnieder is at his controls
SCHNEIDER
(over the Intercom)
“full salvos good and rapid”
The next shot is of Rechberg at his station. Rechberg taps a young petty officer and signals him to take the watch of the two cruisers that have not entered in the engagement. He grabs a free periscope and views the battle through it while listening to the gunnery officer over the intercom.
ALBRECHT
(seeing the growing fire at Hood’s main mast)
“Hit” The Hood has been hit!
The gunnery officers witness the raging fire at the bottom of Hood’s main mast. A shot of Schneider at his station
SCHNEIDER
“The enemy ship is burning” (pause) “continuing with my corrections” (pause)
(muttering to himself)
I got you now...
(loudly)
“fire”
The camera follows the shell leaving the barrel continuing with it through its arc toward the Hood as it approaches the burning ship. This scene should have a classic sound track with music and a choir that picks up the tempo as the shell closes in on the Hood and penetrates the deck. There is small delay then a bright blinding light engulfs the shot.
ALBRECHT
(drawn out and excited)
“She’s blowing uuuuuup!”
The next scene is of Hood engulfed tons of smoke, debris, with flames roaring out like a blow torch. Then a moment later a thunderous explosion that breaks the ship in two just before the aft turrets. The compass platform on the Hood is engulfed in a bright light. This soon leads to the aft section sinking quickly. The front half of the ship veers to port after being rocked by the explosion. This partially rights itself for a moment then begins to slide under the waves. With just her bow jutting into the air the Hood slips into the depths of the Atlantic. The guns fire off one last defiant shot.
BACK TO:THE NORFOLK
THE NORFOLK MAY 24,1941 06:01 HOURS
On the bridge of Norfolk all eyes are on Bismarck and Prinz Eugen. Then a signal officer yells out that the Hood has been hit.
SIGNAL OFFICER
Hood has been hit.
Ryan turns quickly in the direction of Hood. Ryan watches in horror as the Hood explodes. He pulls back from his binoculars. The scene reflects on the binocular lenses. The glow of the explosion flashes across the ship.
RYAN
“Oh my God”.
The rest of the crew turns to him, then to the explosion.
OFFICER
(Another officer viewing the battle)
The Hood is exploding. She’s going down.
BACK TO:THE BISMARCK
THE BISMARCK MAY 24,1941 06:01 HOURS
ALBRECHT
Hood is exploding
The crew in Rechberg’s station are stunned by the unexpected suddenness of the news. This quickly turns to jubilation. The crew shake each other hands and slapping one another on the back, they are taking pride in their victory.
CUT TO: THE HOOD
THE HOOD MAY 24,1941 06:02 HOURS
The scene on board the Hood. Those on the compass platform watch as a blinding light engulfs them. The ships heels to port then rights itself for moment then starts a list to starboard. Then the helmsman states “we lost steering” The ship has broken in two. The Bow lifts out of the water as the ship slips back into the water. On the compass platform water swirls around the crew and Gregson are holding on as the ship goes under. As the ship sink water pours in the bridge. The captain stands with the seated admiral, awaiting their death. The ship is shaking creating vertigo amongst the crew. The sound of twisting metal and hissing as air escapes from parts of the ship. Under this direst the escaping crew calmly and quietly make their way out of the ship.
BACK TO: THE BISMARCK
THE BISMARCK MAY 24,1941 06:05 HOURS
The command center of the Bismarck where the captain and crew are still enjoying their victory.
OELS
(shouting)
“A triple Sieg Heil to our Bismarck” (sticking his head into the command center)
Then a shot of Rechberg’s station where their is still a little celebrating going on
RECHBERG
Gentleman get back to your stations.
There is a loud rumble that hits Bismarck.
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
(confused look)
That wasn’t our guns.... I think we’ve been hit.
Over the intercom Schneider voice can be heard again. Going back to business
SCHNEIDER
(in a clam voice)
Shift to left target!
(A small pause)
Contact.
(Pause)
Stay on the same bearing. Enemy ship has altered course... She is avoiding Hood’s wreckage... Her range is dropping... Fire!
A shell from the Bismarck strikes the bridge of the Prince of Wales. Other shells from the German ships strike the battleship.
CUT TO: THE PRINCE OF WALES
THE PRINCE OF WALES MAY 24,1941 6:07HRS
The Prince of Wales is hit in rapid succession by German shells. The crane, stern, director tower, and Bridge are hit. The Bridge is full of smoke debris. In the inclosed bridge the captain of the Prince of Wales is regaining conciseness in the midst of 2 or 3 mutilated bodies. A bewildered captain Leach stagers out of the inclosed bridge. He collapses into the arms of an officer that reports that the guns are jamming. The captain orders a retreat.
BRITISH OFFICER
The guns are jamming. We are in no condition for carrying on a fight.
LEACH
Order a withdrawal.
CUT TO: THE BISMARCK
THE BISMARCK MAY 24,1941 06:09 HOURS
Back to the Bismarck’s fire control stations.
ALBRECHT
Enemy ship has been hit.
SCHNEIDER
Correction. Deflection. Fire
ALBRECHT
The enemy ship is damaged and unable to fire a full salvo.
SCHNEIDER
Enemy is turning away. Range is increasing.
Back on the bridge. Lutjens orders the Bismarck to turn away from the Prince of Wales.
LUTJENS
Helmsman turn starboard and put more distance between us and the British.
HELMSMAN
Yes sir!
LINDEMANN
sir?
The crew is stunned with the new order from the bridge. The faces of the crew and officers show disbelief. They can not believe that they will allow the crippled battleship to escape. Bismarck and Prinz Eugen begin their turn. Back on the bridge Lindemann turns to Lutjens.
LINDEMANN (CONT’D)
“Admiral?” (Out loud)
Lutjens looks at him with icy eyes. They step aside to carry out their argument out of earshot from the crew. With low voices
LINDEMANN (CONT’D)
Sir, I would strongly advise that we pursue the enemy ship and finish her off. She is wounded and withdrawing. “We have the advantage.”
LUTJENS
Your advice is noted. But I will not endanger our primary mission. “War against British trade.” However tempting it might be I will not run the risk of engaging more British units. The faster we slip away the better... As our operational orders state!
Bismarck guns are still heard firing in the background.
LINDEMANN
But sir, we have a been given a golden opportunity. We must seize the moment.
Lutjen response angrily and cuts off Lindemann.
LUTJENS
“Kaptain!” I have heard enough. I have made my decision and that is final. I will hear no more!
LINDEMANN
(gains his composure)
Yes sir.
LUTJENS
Call off the action captain!
Lindemann walks over to the Phone, calls the bridge and orders a cease fire.
LINDEMANN
(picking up the phone)
“Cease fire”
Lindemann then turns away and orders the warrant officer to give him a damage report.
LINDEMANN (CONT’D)
Give me the damage report.
WARRANT OFFICER
Forward compartments twenty and twenty one are flooded. The damage control parties are working on patching the hole. Compartment XIV has flooded Number 2 boiler room and auxiliary room.
There is a look of concern on Lutjens’s face.
At Rechberg,s station he and his crew are keeping watch on the cruisers that are still shadowing them. The phone rings Rechberg answers it.
RECHBERG
Yes! The wardroom.
(He turns to the crew)
Gentleman I will return. Keep to your stations.
Rechberg exits the station and quickly makes his way to the wardroom. Upon entering the wardroom he is surprised to be given a glass champaign. Rechberg and his fellow officers lift their glasses to toast Schneider for his victory over the Hood.
FADE OUT.
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RF
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Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by RF »

Again interesting dialogues, but a bit stereotyped in places. And I doubt Lindemann would have described Scharnhorst and Gneisenau as battle cruisers.
''Give me a Ping and one Ping only'' - Sean Connery.
Joe Hoffman
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Posts: 22
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Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by Joe Hoffman »

III. THE HUNT-------------------------------------------------
THE NORFOLK MAY 24 1941 6:20 HOURS
On the bridge of the Norfolk there is a somber silence. The crew is stunned and their faces display the look of shock at the Hood’s sinking. Some of the men glance an empathetic look at Ryan knowing his close connection to the ship. A tear rolls down Ryan’s cheek his unblinking eyes are wide open and his face is painted with the blank stare of disbelief. In the background the radio operator reports to the admiral.
RADIO OPERATOR
(reporting to the captain)
The Prince of Wales has broken off action.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
Return a signal to Prince of Wales Inform them I will be taking command of the group as senior officer.
(he exhales )
Then send Admiralty a report of Hood’s sinking and advising the squadron’s destroyers to search for survivors.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Everyone get back to your stations.
The officer and crew start to leave the bridge to resume their duties. Ryan still stands staring out at the sea. The first officer addresses Ryan in an effort to wake him out of his trance.
FIRST OFFICER
Lt. Commander Anderson.... Lt. Commander Anderson!
This startles Ryan out of his trance.
FIRST OFFICER (CONT’D)
I can’t believe she’s gone.
RYAN
(quietly speaking)
Those were my mates, my ship.
The admiral walks over to a group of officers on the bridge.
ADMIRAL WALKER
Death to Bismarck, God damn us all if we do not hunt Bismarck to her death.
The captain is on the other side of the group and next to Ryan.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
(To Ryan quietly)
Marshal all your strength, there will be time to grieve later.

The Captain leaves the bridge and enters the chart house. Ryan is left standing looking out to the sea.
RYAN
(Muttering to himself)
I will have vengeance!
The scene ends focused on Ryan face.
DISSOLVE TO:

CHURCHILL CHEQUERS MAY 24,1941 7:00
Churchill is at his Chequers estate mid morning. He has just finished eating breakfast with his private secretary John Colville and General Ismay. Churchill is wearing his glasses and is engaged in reading accounts of the war in the morning paper. According to the journalists the British are losing the war with Germany on every front. A butler brings the Prime Minister his tea.
BUTLER
Your tea sir..
CHURCHILL
Thank you.
BUTLER
Will you be needing anything else?
CHURCHILL
No. That is all, Thank you.
Churchill turns the page in the paper just as General Ismay speaks.

GENERAL ISMAY
You won’t find anything good in the papers, Prime minister. U-boats, Crete, North Africa, and the bombing, Its all bad news.
COLVILLE
We survived the summer of 1940 and we will see ourselves through this. (Pause) With that said, I am under no illusion that we can continue to carry out this war alone. If the Americans don’t enter soon, we could still lose this....war
CHURCHILL
(cutting in from behind the paper)
We must not fail. ‘I feel as sure as the sun will rise, that we will be victorious.’ I am certain of that.
GENERAL ISMAY
We need to prevail on some front...and we need to do it soon!
CHURCHILL
Yes we do. We must lift the spirits of our people.
President Roosevelt’s personal envoy Harriman enters the room.
HARRIMAN
Prime Minster, General, Mr. Colville, Good Morning.
Churchill and Colville continue their conversation without looking up. Only the General turns to greet the American.
GENERAL
I hope you brought some of that American optimism with you this morning.
Mr. Harriman takes a seat next to General Ismay. Harriman leans over to the General to ask him a question.
HARRIMAN
General is there any news on Bismarck?
GENERAL ISMAY
No, not yet.
Harriman sits back in his chair and turns his head slightly as he listens to Colville speaking to the Prime Minster.
COLVILLE
Prime Minster, I believe all you ever offered your countrymen was blood, toil, tears and sweat.
Churchill puts down the paper.
CHURCHILL
I gave them hope. However sombre the road, however grievous the cost. I offered them.....
(In a somber voice.)
I offered them ‘Hope’. (In lower voice)‘Hope with out guarantees’!
(Now noticing Harriman)
COLVILLE
Without guarantees?
GENERAL
Prime Minster have you not just said that you are sure of victory.
CHURCHILL
Yes I did! My confidence knows no bounds that our people are equal to the task before them.
Harriman cuts in and leans over the table to put his 2 cents in.
HARRIMAN
I believe gentlemen if I may be so bold... That it has been the Prime Minster’s sworn position, to persuade this nation to accept the insufferable cost of this war, until that time comes when the United States or even Russia is drawn into this war with Germany.
CHURCHILL
Yes!! That is precisely the task which lies before this government. We must expect many disappointments, and unpleasant surprises, that today seem to great to shoulder but, for which future generation’s will be grateful for.
HARRIMAN
(sort of finishing the Churchill Statement.)
And until then you plan to carry on with no guarantee to its end.
GENERAL
To just hold on.
CHURCHILL
We mustn't ebb from this responsibility. Hitler’s defeat depends on our collective resolve to be victorious.
COLVILLE
Well, we’ve already paid far too dearly for naught.
GENERAL
Yes we have....
Churchill picks up his cup of tea takes a sip and then begins to speak again.
CHURCHILL
We will turn the tide. History will judge that, in our bleakest days, that we stood....

A knock on the door interrupts the Prime Minister as an officer rushes through the open door, enters the room and slips Churchill a piece of paper.
OFFICER
From the Admiralty.
Churchill reads the note. Drops his tea cup heavily on its coaster. His face turns white.
CHURCHILL
Oh, Dear God!
Churchill’s breakfast guests look at the Prime Minister as they await the dreaded news.
CHURCHILL (CONT’D)
Bismarck has sunk the Hood.
(A long pause)
THE CAMERA FOCUSES ON CHURCHILL’S PALE FACE.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE BISMARCK. THE BRIDGE
Lindemann and Lutjens in the company of the Bismarck’s officers.
WARRANT OFFICER
Damage report. Speed reduced by 2 knots, we are 3 degrees down by the bow, our forward radar is out, we are leaking fuel and about 1,000 tons of fuel is inaccessible.
LUTJENS
(to another officer)
Send a report to group North tell them “battle cruiser, probably Hood sunk. Another battleship King George or Renown, turned away damaged. Two heavy cruisers maintain contact . Damage to our vessel makes caring out mission impossible. Intention : to proceed to St. Nazaire, to release Prinz Eugen to conduct cruiser warfare alone.
WARRANT OFFICER
Yes sir.
LUTJENS
(turns to Lindmann and the officers)
Gentleman this predicament can only be interpreted as a interruption of exercise Rhine. We will make St. Nazaire, there is a dry-dock big enough to make repairs. Then we will continue with our operation.
LINDEMANN
How do you intend to release the Prinz Eugen.
LUTJENS
I have a plan. (He beckons the Signal Officer) I want you to send a message to the Prinz Eugen “Intend to break contact as follows: Bismarck will take a westerly course during a rain squall. Prinz Eugen will hold course and speed until forced to change or for three hours after separating from the Bismarck. Then released to fuel from tankers Beechen or Lothringen There after to conduct cruiser warfare. “Execute on the code word Hood!”
FADE TO BLACK:
BERLIN HITLER’S OFFICE. MAY 24,1941 MORNING
AT LEG HEIGHT THE CAMERA FOLLOWS AN OFFICER.
A reporting officer walks quickly down a long hall at the German Chancellory. He is stopped by soldiers at the door leading to Hitler’s office. He explains to the guards that he has an urgent message for the Führer. The door is opened for him; he enters a long hallway making his way down the Reich Chancellery Hall. The doors to Hitler’s office open before him. Hitler stands over a table with the map of Europe. There are couple of Generals at his side. They are looking down at the map. The German officer enters the room announcing good news to the Fuhrer.
GERMAN OFFICER
I have wonderful news, mein Führer
They all look up at the officer.
GERMAN OFFICER (CONT’D)
Bismarck has sunk Hood.
Hitler makes a fist and grins from ear to ear.
HITLER
We shall crush that little Island.
The scene ends with the camera focused on Hitler’s evil grin.


DISSOLVE TO:
CHURCHILL CHEQERS MAY 24, 1941 8:00 HOURS
Churchill is walking quickly out the front door of his Chequers estate. There is chauffeured car waiting for him. Colville is already seated in the back of the car.
COLVILLE
Come Prime Minister, we mustn’t waste time.
Both Ismay and Harriman are waiting by the car to see the Prime minster off. Churchill stops in the driveway to speak with them.
CHURCHILL
I expect to see you ‘pug’(General Ismay) at Sunday night’s war cabinet meeting at Whitehall. Mr. Harriman if you care to join us, you can see first hand how things work around here.
GENERAL ISMAY
Yes sir.
HARRIMAN
Yes. Thank you Prime Minster.
CHURCHILL
I will spend all weekend at Whitehall or until Bismarck’s destruction is assured.
With that Churchill ducks into the waiting car and speeds off. The two men are left alone in the Prime Minister’s driveway. Harriman turns to General Ismay.
HARRIMAN
He is a great man but I fear that your country is being bled to death.
GENERAL ISMAY
Yes he is, and more then anybody else, he knows it..
The General returns Harriman an uneasy look.
DISSOLVE TO:
THE NORFOLK MAY 24,1941 9:00 HOURS
On the bridge of the cruiser Norfolk, the navigation officer walks over to Ryan. Ryan speaks to him.
RYAN
I could have been the Hood, but for the grace of God.
NAVIGATION OFFICER
I am so sorry. I know the ship and her crew were dear to you.
RYAN
Yes, They were like family to me.
NAVIGATION OFFICER
We’ll get the Bismarck.
The navigation officer leaves Ryan alone and walks off into the ship.
RYAN
‘Ventis secundis’ may they rest in peace
These words fade away as Ryan looks out at the sea. Talking to himself.
RYAN (CONT’D)
(Ryan thinks of Joyce)
Joyce!
(Ryan exclaims to himself)
Ryan continues to search the seas thinking of the torment that his wife and family will go through when they learn of Jack’s death.

DISSOLVE TO:
JOYCE AT HOME MAY 24, 1941 9:00 HOURS
Joyce is seated across from her mother listening to the radio. The broadcast is interrupted by radio announcer. The new born baby is on Joyce’s lap and she is feeding him. Mother is knitting and they are both listening to the news.
NEWSMAN
'British naval forces intercepted early this morning off the coast of Greenland German naval forces including the battle- ship Bismarck. The enemy were attacked and during the ensuing action H.M.S. Hood received an unlucky hit in the magazine and blew up. The Bismarck has received damage and the pursuit of the enemy continues. It is feared there will be few survivors from H.M.S. Hood.'

Joyce screams
JOYCE
Noooo!
She rocks back and forth. Mother raises her hands to her mouth. The dialog should over lap.
MOTHER
Oh my boy! My Jack
The baby screams. Joyce’s father enters the room.
FATHER
What is it mother?
She turns to him with tears streaming down her face.
MOTHER
Its our boy. Hood has been sunk.
The father stands in disbelief. Drops to his knees and sobs on mother’s lap.
FATHER
My son... Oh my son....
The Camera fades back down the hallway leaving the room with the sounds of the family and the baby crying.
FADE TO BLACK.
A NATION SHOCKED
The scene shows ordinary British citizens hearing the news of Hood’s sinking with disbelief.
A scene of people at home seated around a radio. With sobbing and shocked groans.
Another shot of the boy who’s father took a photo of his son with the crew and ship. The boy holding the photo in his hands as tears runs his cheeks with his father looking on.
A shot of a factory with the sounds of machinery grinding to a halt as the workers stop to listen, as it is announced that Hood was sunk.

FADE IN:

NORFOLK MAY 24,1941 10:00 HOURS
The first officer walks out onto the bridge. He makes a statement to the sailor on the bridge. The scene will then shift to the captain and admiral.
FIRST OFFICER
Our navy won’t leave that bloody ship to prowl our sea. Hood must be avenged.
The captain and admiral stand on the far wing of the bridge. The captain makes a quite comment to the admiral in response to the first officers assertion.

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
All in good time.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
The German’s will soon get a lesson in British resolve.
The radio officer reports to the Bridge.
RADIO OFFICER
Sir, Admiral Tovey from Home fleet is requesting a report on the Bismarck.
The admiral and captain follow the radio officer into the radio room. Ryan who is still on the on the bridge listens to the conversation between two sailors on watch.
SAILOR 1
Good lord, she must have gone down with all hands.
SAILOR 2
That proud ship and crew. May God bless those brave souls.
SAILOR 1
Amen.
Flashback scene, Ryan is thinking back to his days (fall 1940) on board the Hood. It begins with the crew assembled near the base of the conning tower. A group of men are joking with one another. Ryan is leaning against the superstructure watching the men having a good time.
MIDSHIPMAN
I guarantee that if Hood were to meet up with the Bismarck, we would sink that kraut boat quicker than Churchill downs his scotch.
The small crowd of men chuckle. Ryan smirks and stands up straight raising his hands for a soft clap. Jack pushes his way to the front of the group and stands in front of the men.
JACK
They’ll have us march right through London’s Admiralty Arch and Churchill himself will have us as his guest at Guilt Hall. He’ll be commending us with one of his long speeches.
(Waving his hands)
Talking about what fine young men we are, and all that rubbish.
(Doing his best impression of Churchill, holding his jacket at the lapels with both hands, pulling his head into his chest and sticking out his lip)
“You’ve warmed the cockles of single lassies through out the empire. Never in the field of battle has so many women owed so much to so few men”
MIDSHIPMAN
Jack you knob. You best hope that you bloody well live through this war or your epitaph will read, Never has a single sailor owed so much, to so many, a pint.
The men laugh and Jack falls back off his feet. Ryan comes out of the flash back and raise his binoculars to scan the sea.
DISSOLVE TO:
WHITEHALL WAR ROOM CHURCHILL MAY 24,1941 MID-DAY
Churchill enters the crowded, busy Navy War Room and hands his coat and hat over to an awaiting junior officer. Churchill takes out a cigar from his jacket. Colville moves quick to help light it for him. Admiral Pound is standing before the Prime Minster.
CHURCHILL
So what’s the word? Admiral.
ADMIRAL POUND
Prince of Wales has broken off action.
CHURCHILL
(Not letting the admiral finish)
Prince of Wale did what??
(Churchill becomes angered)
Admiral Pound
(Quickly trying to calm the Prime minster. )
The ship and her crew are too green to continue on the fight. We should never have sent her into battle like that. The ship received damage and her guns are malfunctioning. She has taken up with two cruisers. They are currently shadowing Bismarck..
CHURCHILL
(shouting)
If I can’t find captains that will fight I will lay down my Premiership, captain a vessel and bring battle to the enemy myself.
COLVILLE
Prime Minster!
Realizing that his temper has got the best of him. He relents with a small bit of humor.
CHURCHILL
I would even renounce cigars and alcohol! As though it would do any good.
Churchill quietly confides to Colville and the Admiral.
CHURCHILL (CONT’D)
(In low tone)
Please pardon my outburst. But its quite possible that the price of failure could be extinction.
ADMIRAL POUND
Don’t worry Prime Minster, we are following Bismarck. The ships shadowing her are reporting that she may have received damage during the battle. The German ship appears to be down by the bow and trailing oil.
(giving in a little to Churchill)
But, I will ask Admiral Wake-Walker if he can re-engage Bismarck at the next best opportunity
CHURCHILL
Good, (Turning away from Admiral Pound and Secretary Colville he facing the huge map on the wall.) Our salvation is now tasked to those men at sea. It is the gravest of responsibilities that they bear.
The two men turn and stare with Churchill up at the map on the wall. The camera pulls away from the men and the activity of the room dominates the scene.
DISSOLVE TO:
Joe Hoffman
Member
Posts: 22
Joined: Wed Apr 29, 2009 2:59 pm

Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by Joe Hoffman »

ABOARD THE NORFOLK MAY 24,1941 4:00 HOURS
The Norfolk speeds along accompanied by the Suffolk and Prince of Wales. The men are on watch. Admiral Wake-Walker is on the upper bridge with Captain Phillips. Both men are scanning the sea with their binoculars. The radio officer hands the Admiral a message from the Admiralty.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
Here some one thrusts these cards into these old hands of mine; swears that I must play them, and no others.’ And damn me, Captain, but thou actest right; live in the game and die it!
(A stone faced look on the admiral)
Admiralty wants us to re-engage Bismarck.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
We shall soon find ourselves the bearers of the butcher’s bill.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
So be it, as God is my judge, there will be no other outcome than a British victory.
(He turns to shout to the radio officer)
Contact Prince of Wales, have them notify me when they have all their guns on line and can fire a full broad side.
RADIO OFFICER
Yes sir.
Admiral Wake-Walker and the Captain resume their scanning of the sea.

ABOARD THE BISMARCK MAY 24,1941 18:14 HOURS
On the Bridge of Bismarck Admiral Lutjens and Captain Lindemann await the perfect time for the operation to release Prinz Eugen.
FIRST OFFICER OELS
(Oels address the Admiral and Captain)
Sirs, We are entering a rain squall.
The rain and fog descend on the ships.
LUTJENS
Execute operation Hood, kaptain.
LINDEMANN
Signal officer send Prinz Eugen code word, HOOD!
(The captain pauses and watches the signalman send the message to Prinz Eugen. Then shouts out)
Helmsman hard to starboard!!
Lindemann walks across the bridge and picks up the phone. Calling the top range finding station. Schneider picks up and receives the order to open fire.
LINDEMANN (CONT’D)
(To Schneider)
You may fire when ready!
Back in Rechberg’s station. Bismarck turns hard to starboard and fires on the shadowing British ships. Rechberg watches through his viewer as the Prinz Eugen slips out of sight.
RECHBERG
Good bye little brother. May the seas see you safely home.
Bismarck’s guns rumble as the ship turns to cover Prinz Eugen’s escape.
ABOARD THE NORFOLK MAY 24,1941 18:15 HOURS
The Norfolk’s Officer on watch stands on the open bridge scanning the horizon.
OFFICER ON WATCH
Bismarck is turning to starboard.
The officers leave the chart house and the inclosed bridge for the open bridge where they pick up the their binoculars.
RYAN
(To the officer on watch)
I don’t like this.
OFFICER ON WATCH
What is she doing.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
(turning to a rating)
Ensign get the Admiral
(Turning to the Helmsman)
Helmsmen be at the ready, for a change of course.
The sailor quickly runs from the bridge to notify the Admiral of the Bismarck’s maneuver.
RADIO OFFICER
(The radio officer shouts from inside the bridge)
Suffolk reports that the Bismarck is turning.
FIRST OFFICER
She’s moving to attack us.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
(loudly to the Helmsman)
Reverse course, take us to port.
His orders are followed by Ryan’s shouting observation.
RYAN
Bismarck has opened fire sir!!
The Captain runs into the inclosed bridge and picks up the phone to the engine room.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
(Into the phone)
Engine room give us more steam.
The Norfolk turns hard to port and the crew braces themselves as the ship lists in the turn. Admiral Wake-Walker steps out on the bridge. The Bismarck’s shells splash close to both the Norfolk, Suffolk and Prince of Wales. Shell splinter can be heard whizzing by. The Prince of Wales returns fire.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (CONT’D)
Lay out a smoke screen.
OFFICER
Yes sir.
Prince of Wales, Norfolk, and Suffolk all turn away from the advancing Bismarck. Shells keep landing around the ships. The British return fire as they maneuver to escape the Bismarck’s guns. On the bridge after few tense moments the officers report that the Bismarck is returning to her original course and has stop firing. On the bridge of the Norfolk the crew watches as the last shells fall. The captain orders the Norfolk to continue the chase.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Helmsman, bring us back on Bismarck’s tail.
The last of the Bismarck’s shells lands in water around the Norfolk. Just as the Captain finishes his command a piece of shrapnel from a shell hits Ryan. His helmet goes flying off and he goes down on the deck.
FIRST OFFICER
(yelling out and reaching out to help him up)
Anderson!!
Ryan grabs at a small wound on his forehead before taking the first officers hand. A little bit of blood is left on his hand.
RYAN
(shocked)
I’m alright its just a scratch. (Excitedly Joking) I guess I am lucky.
After helping him up, the First officer picks up the Ryan’s helmet and looks at the huge indentation.
FIRST OFFICER
Very lucky. The helmet might have saved your life.
NAVIGATION OFFICER
Your going to have to get that looked at, sir.
Ryan acknowledges the officer’s remark and shakes his head in agreement. The captain is busily focusing on the Bismarck. He quickly glances over to check on Ryan’s condition.
ADMIRAL WALKER
(The admiral glances at Captain Phillips and says to the crew on the bridge)
There will be no rest for the any of us....we must keep after the Bismarck
The admiral, captain, and the other senior officers move to the enclosed bridge.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
(loudly calling back to the officer on watch who is still on the open Bridge)
What is the status of the Bismarck?
OFFICER ON WATCH
(yelling back)
Sir, Our spotters say she’s returning to her previous course.
Inside the bridge the radio officer confirms the report from the open bridge watch officer.
RADIO OFFICER
The Suffolk confirms this sir.
In the background we can see Ryan apply a bandage on his wound.
ADMIRAL WALKER
Captain Phillips what was the reason for the attack? Was that just a warning or was she really trying to rid herself of us?
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Maybe, but I’m not sure why she didn’t press home the attack.
OFFICER ON WATCH
(shouting back from the open bridge)
Sir! We can’t spot the German Cruiser.
Ryan knowingly exclaims while holding a bandage on his forehead
RYAN
Admiral the Bismarck must have been covering her escape.
ADMIRAL WALKER
Well so be it. We’ll stick to the Bismarck, we can not allow her to escape. We’ll worry about the cruiser later.
A the radio officer reports to Captain Phillips.
RADIO OFFICER
Sir! Admiralty has ordered us to continue on a zigzag course. They feel that the Bismarck could be leading us over a U-boat trap.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
We need to follow those orders captain but we could lose contact with the Bismarck using such a maneuver.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Yes sir, Helmsman initiate zigzag course.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
(Turning toward the signal officer)
Signal our ships to follow our new course.
(Turning back to the officers)
Hopefully the Suffolk’s radar can keep us in contact with the Bismarck.
The officers begin to depart the bridge and go back to their stations.
THE CAMERA PULLS AWAY FROM THE BRIDGE AND PANS TOWARD THE DARKENING EVENING SKY


FADE TO BLACK.
WHITEHALL WAR ROOM MAY 24,1941 23:00
Churchill and Admiral Pound stand looking at a map of the Atlantic on a huge table. On the wall behind him there is also a large map of the North Atlantic. On the table map small models that represent ships are moved about with long sticks. Uniformed women are stationed around the table map to keep track of the ships movements as they receive a constant stream of updated communications. An officer approaches Prime Minister Churchill and Admiral Pound.

OFFICER
Prime Minster, planes from the aircraft carrier Victorious are on their way to attack Bismarck.
(Pointing to a piece that represents an aircraft carrier on the map )
Also we have just received an update from the shadowing ships. It seem that the Prinz Eugen has slipped way.

CHURCHILL
Never mine her, Bismarck is our prize.

DISSOLVE TO:
NORTH ATLANTIC VICTORIOUS’S TORPEDO PLANES MAY 24,1941 23:30 HOURS
The aircraft carrier Victorious is plowing through heavy seas. The ship is shown launching torpedo planes from it’s bow. The camera follows the flight of a squadron of torpedo planes. The planes lower themselves over the water. Bismarck comes into view. The ship opens up its guns on the group of planes. A close up shows the aircraft gun crew firing its machine guns as well as larger 105mm guns thundering while their shell casings fall out of the breech. One of the torpedo planes is hit by fire and bursts into flames as it crashes into the sea. The tracers whiz past the planes. The planes separate and begin to launch their attack. A close up of a pilot as tracers whizz by his head. The camera follows the torpedoes as they plunge into the sea. The torpedoes leave a bubbling trail as they speed toward the Bismarck.
THE CAMERA FOCUS ON THE BRIDGE OF THE BISMARCK AND CAPTAIN LINDEMANN.
LINDEMANN
(Shouting)
Left full rudder!!!!!!!!!
Bismarck maneuvers and escapes a torpedo that passes the stern of the ship. Quick shot of Rechberg holding on as the ship heels to starboard. A torpedo hits Bismarck amidships and detonates. A column of water shoots into the air and rains down on the deck drenching the men. Rechberg’s face has a look of concern. Then the announcement from the damage control center. The torpedo does very little damage.
LINDEMANN (CONT’D)
Damage report!!!
REPORTING OFFICER
Some small deformation of bulkheads. Nothing serious.
LINDEMANN
Good! Report to the bridge after a more through inspection.
The intercom clicks off. Lindemann turns to Lutjens.
LINDEMANN (CONT’D)
That was too close!!
(looking at Lutjens)
A CAMERA SHOT OF THE BRITISH PLANES FLYING OFF AFTER THE ATTACK WITH THE BISMARCK STEAMING ON.
WHITEHALL WAR ROOM MAY 25,1941 MIDNIGHT
Churchill stands in front of the map of the North Atlantic with a cigar and a glass of sherry in his hand. Admiral Pound reports the torpedo plane battle results to him.
ADMIRAL POUND
The attack on Bismarck was unsuccessful, sir. We lost 2 planes.
Churchill steps over to the table map and places his hands down on the side. Looking out over the map and its pieces.
CHURCHILL
We mustn't give up.
ADMIRAL POUND
Its not going to be easy.
CHURCHILL
Everything God would have us do, is hard for us to do.
Gazing down at the map both Admiral Pound and Churchill are interrupted by Admiral Fraiser.
ADMIRAL FRAISER
Sir, the Victorious is reporting that weather conditions are delaying any follow up attacks.

CHURCHILL
(lightly pounding his fist on the table, looking over the model ships on the map)
As long as we can hold fast to her, we can dog her to her doom.
ADMIRAL FRAISER
Force H is coming up from Gibraltar with the Repulse, Ark Royal, and Sheffield. Home Fleet is heading in Bismarck’s direction. By tomorrow evening we should have her.
CHURCHILL
Its a chess match and the queen is about to be cornered.
The camera follows Churchill’s gaze to the pieces on the map and fades to black

FADE TO BLACK :
ABOARD THE BISMARCK. THE BRIDGE MAY 25,1941 MIDNIGHT
Rechberg, Schneider, Oels, Lindemann and Lutjens are in the conference room with charts lying on the table before them.
LUTJENS
We must loose our unwanted guest.
OELS
How do you intend to do this, sir.
LUTJENS
Gentleman,
(As he walks them to a table)
The enemy is zigzagging and breaking contact with us every 20 to 25 minutes. At the 3 o'clock hour we will loop around them to the northwest and continue around on a southeastern direction toward St. Nazaire and hopefully escape our pursuers before they realize we are missing.
LUTJENS (CONT’D)
Are there any questions?
(pause)
No? Good then I leave you with Kaptain Lindemann to finalize the details of the plan.
LINDEMANN
Gentlemen, our plan needs the utmost diligence. I want the ship completely blacked-out. Have your men refrain from any activity that might jeopardize our concealment. Is that understood?
RECHBERG,SCHIEDER,OELS
Yes sir.
LINDEMANN
You are dismissed to your posts.
Lindemann salutes the officers as they turn and exit the room leaving Lindemann alone looking over the maps.
ABOARD THE NORFOLK MAY 25,1941 3:00 HOURS
Just a quick shot of the men on watch. The officer on the bridge with binoculars and at the range finder keeping watch for the Bismarck. An officer calls out turn.
FIRST OFFICER
Helmsman, turn to port 45 degrees.
HELMSMAN
Yes sir.
The helmsman spins the wheel.
A SHOT OF THE BRITISH SHIP NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, AND PRINCE OF WALES TURNING TO PORT.
Two sailors standing on watch on the open bridge, comment to one another.
SEAMEN
(the seaman on watch)
It going to be bloody hard to keep contact with the Bismarck all this zigzagging.
SEAMEN 2
Especially with these rain squalls.
Drops of rain have started to fall on the crew.
FADE OUT.
THE BISMARCK. THE BRIDGE MAY 25,1941 3:06 HOURS
In this scene Lutjens is looking at the clock on the wall and listening to an officer report that the British ships are making their turn.
RADAR OFFICER
Admiral, the contacts are beginning their turn.
LUTJENS
(turning to captain Lindemann and nods)
Break contact Kaptain.
LINDEMANN
(yelling out orders)
Right full rudder, increase speed.
The next shot is of Rechberg at his station. The ship beings to list to port as the vessel turns and the crew need to shift their footing as they hear and feel the roar of the engines vibrating the ship.
A SHOT OF THE BISMARCK DISAPPEARING INTO THE RAINY DARKNESS.
FADE TO BLACK.
NORFOLK MAY 25,1941 3:30 HOURS
Captain Phillips has requested Ryan to his cabin. Ryan knocks on the cabin door. The captain wants to speak with his gunnery officer who he knows has a lot on his mind.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Come in.
RYAN
Sir, you sent for me.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Yes, how is your head? You took quiet a hit.
RYAN
I feel alright. The surgeon gave me a couple of stitches.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
I am not really that worried about the scratch on your head, but I am concerned about the personal loss you received. I know you had friends and relatives aboard the Hood.
RYAN
Aye, my Brother in Law and some good mates.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
I’m very sorry. I am sure the loss of the brother in law will be difficult on the wife whom if I remember correctly was expecting a child.
RYAN
Yes sir. I received a telegram a week ago that I have a new son.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
(surprise that Ryan hadn't told any one.)
Your thoughts must be with both of them.
RYAN
If she only new.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Well Ryan, we can’t undue what has been done.
RYAN
Yes sir, I know, I am aware there is always the possibility of death in our business.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Don’t let your resolve be weakened by the loss of the Hood. (Pause) “Tormented emotions,” a Good officer must remain bereft of such sediment. We all have to let go of our pain. Those who serve with us depend on that.
RYAN
Yes sir! You can count on me, sir!
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Bismarck will meet her end soon enough. We will see to that.
The captain puts his hand on Ryan’s shoulder.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (CONT’D)
I am going ask the admiral about engaging the Bismarck using a torpedo attack..
(Pause)
It might be hazardous, but if we can slow her up, Home Fleet could catch up to her and sink her.
A seamen rushes to the captain’s cabin knocks quickly and opens the door.
SEAMEN
Sir, we’re lost sight of the Bismarck!
Ryan looks at the Captain and they dash out behind the seaman. The three of them make their way to the bridge. The bridge is busy with nervous activity. A radioman franticly calls to the Suffolk. Ryan runs out onto the open bridge and picks up a pair of binoculars.
FIRST OFFICER
Suffolk is reporting she can not locate the Bismarck on her radar. Also the Prince of Wales is reporting that they too can not find the ship.
Ryan scans again and sees nothing but darkness on the empty ocean. He pulls down his binoculars, shakes his head and repeats no, no, no as he beats his fist on the railing.
WHITEHALL WAR ROOM MAY 25,1941 6:00 HOURS
The Prime Minster is asleep in his room. Its 6:00 o'clock in the morning. Churchill’s two private secretaries are walking toward his room discussing weather to wake him.
MARTIN
The Prime Minster is sleeping too late. His late night drinking is the cause of this. He sometime sleeps till noon.
COLVILLE
He’s up late, until 3 or 4 in the morning holding meetings.
The two aids open the door and walk over to the Prime Minster. The Prime Minster is wearing a blindfold.
COLVILLE (CONT’D)
Prime Minster wake up. .. Wake
up...
The Prime Minster ignores them.
MARTIN
The Navy sent us to come wake you.
COLVILLE
They say Bismarck has escaped...
The Prime Minster gets up and lifts his blindfold. He looks up at them with horror.
FADE OUT.
WHITE HALL WAR ROOM MAY
Bgile
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Location: Portland, OR, USA

Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by Bgile »

"Hard to Starboard" may be nice for the theaters, but is never used except in a major emergency. "Right 15 degrees rudder" is more likely. Hard rudder puts the rudder against the rudder posts, slows the ship greatly, and causes the loss of many coffee cups.
Joe Hoffman
Member
Posts: 22
Joined: Wed Apr 29, 2009 2:59 pm

Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by Joe Hoffman »

WHITE HALL WAR ROOM MAY 25,1941 8:15 HOURS
Churchill is standing in his robes with a cigar and glass in hand.
ADMIRAL POUND
It seems their queen has escaped.
ADMIRAL FRAISER
We lost contact here.
The Admiral Fraiser points to the large wall map of the Atlantic ocean. Using a long pointer he shows the Prime Minster the last known location of the Bismarck.
ADMIRAL FRAISER (CONT’D)
The covering ships fanned out and searched, but they were unable to regain contact.
ADMIRAL POUND
Home fleet was heading out to sea to intercept the Bismarck. Now they can help in the search.
ADMIRAL FRAISER
The Prince of Wales and Suffolk are low on fuel and need to return to port. The Norfolk will continue on her own.
CHURCHILL
Spare no means in hunting down the Bismarck. Leave nothing to chance. Admiral.. We must avenge the Hood.
ADMIRAL 2
Costal command is sending every available plane to help in the search.
CHURCHILL
Admiral, Send out a message to the entire fleet. Make it clear, No matter what we do, we must “Sink the Bismarck”.
Churchill determinedly utters the phrase “Sink the Bismarck”. The words are spoken slowly and deliberately.
FADE TO BLACK.
NORTH ATLANTIC ACTION OVERVIEW
The scene is a montage of numerous Coastal Command planes taking off and planes from the carriers searching the ocean. Ships are shown searching the empty seas, with quick snapshots of men scanning the open ocean.
ABOARD THE NORFOLK MAY 25,1941 8:30 HOURS
After loosing contact with the Bismarck Admiral Wake-Walker has his officers meet with him on the bridge of the Norfolk to scan the maps and charts that might yield a clue to the Bismarck’s location. A young officer unrolls the chart.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
The Suffolk and Prince of Wales are calling off their search because they both need to refuel. We have been left on our own to search for the Bismarck.
FIRST OFFICER
Sir, It has been over an hour since we lost contact. I am sure the Bismarck has put a good distance between us by now.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
That may be so, but I believe that we can find her.
OFFICER
Yes Sir.
Ryan and the other officer lean over to look more closely at the map.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
We lost contact here.
(Pointing to the chart)
What we have to do now is figure where the Bismarck is headed.
FIRST OFFICER
The last report was that she was trailing oil and she was down by the bow.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
Good then. Her speed must be reduced.... so if we could figure out where she is, we can still catch her. But we need to be in the right place...
(Pointing around the chart.)
Where... where ....
NAVIGATION OFFICER
Sir, Could she turn to the north?
(Pointing to an area to the north on the map)
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
They couldn’t chance it now through the Denmark straits, without being detected. Sailing through the Farloes would put her too close to the Home Fleet.
(As he points to the Farloes and the nearby Home fleet on the chart.)
FIRST OFFICER
She could have headed farther south into the Atlantic to disappear and then get refueled from a tanker.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
She could lay in wait in the open ocean and pray on those convoys. but where else could she be?
Ryan
(speaking up-with authority)
Sir, If she needs repairs, that would explain why she released the cruiser. The coast of German occupied France has the facilities to repair Bismarck.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
Anderson you are right! That’s exactly where she is headed and so are we...
(He sits back)
Helmsman set a course for the French coast.
The Helmsman spins the ships wheel. The crew leans into the turn.
DISSOLVE TO: THE BISMARCK STEAMING THROUGH THE WATER
ABOARD THE BISMARCK. AFT DIRECTOR STATION MAY 25,1941 NOON
RECHBERG
Gentlemen, It looks as though we have lost our British friends! (Jokingly, as he peers through the director)
Over the intercom Lutjens talks to the crew.
LUTJENS
Seamen of the battleship Bismarck! You have covered yourself with glory! The sinking of the battle cruiser Hood has not only military, but also psychological value, for she was the pride of England. Hence forth the enemy will try to concentrate his forces and bring all that might into action against us. Therefore, I released the Prinz Eugen at noon yesterday so that she could conduct commerce warfare on her own. She has managed to evade the enemy. We on the other hand, because of hits we received, have been ordered to proceed to a French port. On our way there the enemy will gather and give us battle. The German people are with you and we will fight until our gun barrels glow red hot and the last shell has left our barrels. For us German seamen the alternative now is either victory or death!
As Lutjens speaks the crew looks at one another. The rather pessimistic words cause a feeling of dejection among the crew.
PETTY OFFICER
(To Rechberg)
I guess he thinks that our chances of making it to France are not good.
RECHBERG
I believe the Admiral used a bad choice of words. We must sustain the morale of the men. There is no reason to think that we won’t make it to France.
Rechberg reassures with a nod to his petty officer and finds a more upbeat look in return.
FADE OUT.
NORTH ATLANTIC ACTION OVERVIEW
In this scene planes are shown searching the empty sea. Warships are plowing through the water. Seamen are shown scanning the horizon. Ships are leaving convoys to hunt for the Bismarck. A plane is seen landing and the pilot shakes his head “no” to the ground crews to signify that the Bismarck has still not been found.
CUT TO:
ABOARD NORFOLK MAY 25,1941 12:00 HOURS ‘LUNCH SCENE’
The Admiral and the officers are lunching in the officer’s mess. The mood of the crew is decidedly dejected. Admiral Wake-Walker is consuming his lunch with indifference. The navigation officer joins the group. The Ryan and the first officer looks up at him for some news.
NAVIGATION OFFICER
(announcing)
Still no sign of Bismarck.
FIRST OFFICER
(low tone)
Bloody hell!
The navigation officer sits down next to Ryan. He leans over to Ryan and asks.
NAVIGATION OFFICER
(low tone, almost whisper)
Where is the captain?
RYAN
He is resting in his quarters. He hasn’t slept in days.
The First officer bellows
FIRST OFFICER
What a waste! Our fuel is running low and our crew is exhausted.
The Admiral responds to the officer with angry words.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
Redemption is beckoning and we will answer the call.
FIRST OFFICER
This chase is stretching our navy thin and weakening our control over the Atlantic.
NAVIGATION OFFICER
(asking the admiral)
Sir, if she is indeed heading to the French coast and we find her, what could we do to stop her?

The question angers the Admiral greatly. He pounds his fist on the table.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
Gentlemen, I will chase her around the Atlantic, around the Bay of Biscay, around the North Sea, and around Perditions flame before I give up the chase.
RYAN
(reassuring the admiral)
I think we all understand the magnitude of this fight and are willing to undertake any means necessary to end it.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
I know you are all aware of what’s at stake.
OFFICERS
Yes sir.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
No sacrifice is to great!!! This is a fight to the death. We will do whatever is required for the service. In the great war I served on the Battle Cruiser Lion. I was the only one in my station to survive a hit. I was wounded, but alive and surrounded by the bodies of my comrades. A fire had started in the adjacent magazine and I received an order over the voice tube to lock and flood that compartment before it exploded. There was no time to save the men in there. I listened to their screams as the water filled their compartment. That day the ship held the line and we staved off defeat. Do you understand me Gentlemen?
The officers are somewhat stunned by the directness of his speech. Then Ryan speaks up.
RYAN
Sir, I think I can speak for all of us. We shall never turn from our purpose, Every man owes God a death and every sailor on this ship will discharge his duties with the courage that’s befitting this ship’s credo ‘Serviens servo’.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
The supreme sacrifice for the good of the many.
(A long pause)
No quarter will be asked and none will be given.
FADE TO BLACK.

ABOARD THE BISMARCK. THE BRIDGE. MAY 25,1941 EVENING
The bridge is busy with activity.
RADIO OFFICER
(to Lutjens)
Sir, a message from the North Command.
LUTJENS
Read it.
RADIO OFFICER
From Grand Admiral Reader it says “Hearty Congratulation on your birthday . After the last great feat of arms, may more such successes be granted you in your new year. Signed, Commander in Chief of the Navy. Grand Admiral Reader.
(With great excitement)
And from the Chancellery “Best wishes on your birthday. Adolf Hitler.”
LINDEMANN
(turning to Lutjens)
Maybe your birthday has brought us good luck. Since yesterday we have not had any contact with the British. If our luck holds out, in one day time we will be off the French coast and out of danger.
FADE OUT.
WHITEHALL WAR ROOM MAY 25,1941 NIGHT
Churchill is seated with his war cabinet minus Admiral Pound in his under ground bunker. The mood of the room is that of doom and gloom. Harriman is seated near Sir Winston listening as the Cabinet officers report.
GENERAL ISMAY
We have started the evacuation of Crete.
Churchill looks down
CHURCHILL
So be it...
Just then Admiral Pound enters the Room.
CHURCHILL (CONT’D)
Any news?
ADMIRAL POUND
No... Nothing
CHURCHILL
It has been a full day since we lost sight of her.
ADMIRAL POUND
We’ll find her.
CHURCHILL
Well at least we haven’t been bombed tonight..
In an ironic twist the scene ends with air raid sirens blaring and the distant sound of exploding bombs.

FADE TO BLACK:
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Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by Joe Hoffman »

I hope everybody is having fun reading this. I hope Churchill's part is interesting enough. I think any movie made has to have him in it. The Bismarck's destruction was very important to him even before the loss of the Hood. Sorry for throwing Lutjens under the bus and giving Wake-Walker a dark side. Please comment good or bad. Thank you all for reading and posting.
Joe Hoffman
Joe Hoffman
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Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by Joe Hoffman »

ABOARD THE NORFOLK. RYAN’S CABIN “FLASHBACK NIGHT”
Ryan is lying in his cabin thinking back to a conversation with Jack. The scene flashes back to the pub where Ryan enjoyed his impromptu bachelor party. Ryan and his fellow seamen are shown standing around the piano singing drinking songs. A couple of RAF officers walk into the pub.
JACK
Hey you bloke, Aye, are you one of those chaps who have been giving Hitler’s Luftwaffe a warm welcome.
RAF OFFICER
Yes I’m, Lieutenant John Walker from fighter command.
GREGSON
Lieutenant, Won't you join us for a pint.
RAF OFFICER
You buying????
The scene cuts to the men gathered round the pilot listening intently as he describes his duals with the Luftwaffe and one particular time when he was careful not to kill a downed German Pilot.
RAF OFFICER (CONT’D)
(Using his hands to show them his battle )
So there I was over the channel with three gun jammed. When Gerry pounced on me from out of the sun. I maneuvered around him with my spitfire. Those 1O9’s can dive better but nothing can match the Spit’s maneuverability. I got up close and let him have it. Then “boom” his plane bursts into flames. He bales out, but his chutes get caught on my wing.
SEAMEN
What did you do next.
RAF OFFICER
Well I made damn sure that I got him off, without any harm... I believe he landed in the water. I saw a boat pick him up, couldn’t say for sure if it was one of ours.
Ryan and Jack have seated themselves at a table near the rear of the pub. They can still overhear the RAF officer tell his story.
RYAN
(Talking to Jack)
Damn bloody British sense of decency. Chaps like that are going to cost us this war.
Ryan turns to talk with Jack.
RYAN (CONT’D)
There is no room for chivalry in this war.
JACK
I suppose you rather he had killed the German.
RYAN
Yea... They‘re trying to enslave us.
(Angrily)
Don’t coddle any illusion as to what war is all about. We are not in the business of preserving our enemy’s life.
JACK
(louder)
I know what war is. Where is your compassion for your fellow man?
RYAN
(bringing his anger under control)
Fellow man....those Nazi Bastards....
JACK
Not every German is a Nazi
RYAN
(loosing his temper again. Raising his voice and pounding his open hand on the table)
Listen, Jack! The Germans as a whole are damnable and they should be treated as such. They’ve shown that they cannot coexist among the civilize.
Ryan’s outburst causes the pub patrons to become quiet for a moment. They glance over toward the two for a few seconds then resume their talking and drinking. A somewhat drunk Ryan gets up and leaves the booth stopping to plant a kiss on the top of Jack’s head.
RYAN (CONT’D)
(In a softer voice)
God bless your bleeding heart. But my own council will I keep about my sentiments.
Ryan stops speaking for a moment and then continues his thought.
RYAN (CONT’D)
(talking to himself)
Never will I afford a German sailor any mercy.
Ryan leaves Jack and goes back to the group. Ryan fades out of his flash back. He is lying in his bunk in his cabin awaiting sleep.
THE SCENE ENDS WITH A SHOT OF THE NORFOLK STEAMING THROUGH THE DARK NIGHT.
FADE TO BLACK:
ABOARD THE BISMARCK MAY 26 1941 10:25 HOURS
The morning sun comes up and the scene shows Rechberg as he is drinking a cup of tea outside his station. He is speaking to Schneider while the gunnery officer takes a long drag on a cigarette.
RECHBERG
It’s been more than a day since we slipped away from the English. When we make it to France I believe you are buying the first round, Korvettenkaptain.
SCHNEIDER
YA....
(Small pause )
Both look at the faces of the young crewmen manning an anti-aircraft gun.

SCHNEIDER (CONT’D)
Kaptainleutnant, If we make it to France I deem my first toast is to those young English seaman. “ A toast-to whom I do not hate, but who’s lives I so easily took”. (his words and face indicate a bit remorse)
RECHBERG
War is always fought with the blood of the young.
SCHNEIDER
(low voice while putting out his cigarette.)
What a waste.
RECHBERG
(turning and leaning closer to Schnieder, in a low voice)
It’s the burden of the German soldier to carry out the lunacy of others.
Schneider looks at Rechberg. Rechberg realizes that he may have gone too far. But then Schneider shoots Rechberg a look of agreement.
SCHNEIDER
(Low voice)
So it is.
CUT TO:THE NORFOLK
ABOARD THE NORFOLK MAY 26, 1941 10:25 HOURS
Ryan is seen entering the bridge for the morning watch. He goes outside to scan the sea as the morning sun comes up.
RYAN
(to himself)
Where are you, I know you are out there somewhere.
CUT TO: THE BISMARCK
ABOARD THE BISMARCK MAY 26, 1941 10:30 HOURS
The alarm sounds on the Bismarck and anti-aircraft fire erupts. Schnieder and Rechberg momentarily glace at each other and then run to their stations.
THE SHOT SHOULD PAN TO THE SKY AND ZERO ON A BRITISH PLANE.
CUT TO:
COASTAL COMMAND PLANE AS IT FINDS THE BISMARCK. MAY 26,1941 10:30 HOURS
THE SCENE SHOWS A COASTAL COMMAND CATALINA FLYING THROUGH THE CLOUDS.
The Plane flies above the Bismarck. The ship is putting up a hail of anti-aircraft fire. The pilot reports the position of the Bismarck.
COMMANDER OF CATALINA
“one battleship, bearing 240, distance 5 miles, course 150. My position 49 33’ North, 21 47’ west. Time of transmission 10:30.
The pilot of the Catalina pulls up as the planes shakes and shutters from the anti-aircraft fire that surrounds it. The plane disappears into the clouds.
CUT TO:
ABOARD THE NORFOLK MAY 26,1941 10:35 HOURS
The radio operator jumps up and shouts the good news that the Bismarck has been spotted
RADIO OPERATOR
Coastal Command has spotted Bismarck.
RYAN
Where?
RADIO OPERATOR
Her position is 49’33 North and 21’47 West.
NAVIGATION OFFICER
That puts us just about 20 miles behind her.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
(to the sailor at the helm)
Increase speed.
The waves smash over the bow of the Norfolk as she plows through the sea to catch up to the Bismarck.
CUT TO:
WHITEHALL WAR ROOM MAY 26,1941 MIDDAY
The Prime Minister is told that the Bismarck has been spotted and that the aircraft carrier Ark Royal has launched an attack.
CHURCHILL
Can we intercept her?
ADMIRAL POUND
The Bismarck is too far ahead of our ships. She can only be reached by torpedo planes from the Ark Royal. All we can hope is to slow her down. If we can’t do that, her course will have her out of our reach by nightfall.
CHURCHILL
Lets pray to God for a miracle.
Puffing on his cigar rigorously Churchill creates clouds of smoke that seem to envelope him as the scene fades.
FADE OUT.

THIS SCENE SHOWS A SQUADRON PLANES LAUNCHED FROM THE ARK ROYAL MAY 26,1941 1550 HOURS
The Somewhat antiquated Swordfish torpedo planes slowly lumber through the air. Spotting a dark speck on the ocean, they recognize that have found the Bismarck and dive down toward the target. Just above the waves they prepare to attack. The silhouette of the ship comes closer but is still vague. The pilots radio each other that they preparing to fire their torpedoes.
PILOT
Prepare to launch torpedoes.
CUT TO:
The Norfolk’s crew watches in horror as the planes dive down toward their ship. The Norfolk’s captain screams to hold fire.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Hold your fire.. Hold your fire...
(shouting to his officers)
Signal our planes to call off their attack.
CUT BACK TO:
The Squadron leader of the Swordfish torpedo planes suddenly realizes their drastic mistake.
PILOT
Oh My God!!!!!!!!
The horrified pilot reports to the other planes that they are attacking an English ship (Norfolk)
PILOT (CONT’D)
Chaps break off the attack... repeat. Break off the attack...
It is too late. Several planes have already launched their torpedoes, before they get the word. The rest of the squadron pulls up.
On the bridge of the Norfolk the crew is scrambling to get to their stations. The radio operator keeps repeating his frantic message to the British planes.
RADIO OFFICER
Planes of Ark Royal, You are attacking the H.M.S. Norfolk.. Break off your attack!!!!!!
Ryan steps in front of overwhelmed helmsman and grabs the ship’s wheel. He spins the wheel to skillfully avoid the on coming torpedoes. The Norfolk weaves in and out of the torpedoes.
WHITEHALL WAR ROOM MAY 26,1941 AFTER THE FAILED ATTACK
A darkened war room. Dimly lit. The scene shows Churchill standing in front of the wall map. Medium shot. An officer approaches the Prime Minster and reports the failed attack. Churchill hangs his head as the officer leaves his side.
FADE TO BLACK.
ABOARD THE NORFOLK MAY 26, 1941 16:10 HOURS
The Admiral, Captain, and officers stand listening to the radio operator communicating with the swordfish pilots. The crew can overhear the pilot apologize for the mistake.
PILOT
Sorry about the kippers (torpedoes)
FIRST OFFICER
He’s sorry (sarcastically)
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
We may have just let our last chance to slow down the Bismarck slip through our fingers.
PLANES MAY 26,1941 1700 HOURS
The returning Swordfish planes are shown landing back on board Ark Royal. The planes come to a stop and the crew chief comes over to the squadron leaders stopped plane. The pilot jumps out.
PILOT
Rearm and refuel the planes, prepare them for immediate take off, sergeant.
SERGEANT
Sir, it will be getting dark soon.
PILOT
We are going back, we have a job to finish, there won’t be any mistakes this time.... Have us armed and ready, sergeant.
(The pilot begins to step away and turns back )
Oh, there are also quite a few holes that need to be sown up.
SERGEANT
(with a great deal of pride)
Yes Sir!!!!!!!!
The pilots leave their planes in the hands of the crew and enter into the ship.
CREW CHIEF
(speaking to one of the deck crew)
Those brave chaps, to think taking on that Bismarck with these old birds. God bless them.
CREWMAN
Its a bloody sin. All we have are these string-bags to launch at her.
The deck crew is seen hustling about rearming and refueling the planes.
NORFOLK MAY 26,1941 17:40 HOURS
Norfolk‘s crew spots the Bismarck visually. The seas are rough but the crew is determined to catch up with the German ship
OFFICER ON WATCH
There she is. We have visual contact.
Ryan is with the captain and the other officers. Ryan picks up his binoculars The radio officer reports that the carrier Ark Royal is launching its second attack.
FIRST OFFICER
It’s hopeless, they will be lucky to intercept the Bismarck let alone slow her down.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
By tomorrow the Bismarck will be in French waters and out of our reach.
RYAN
We need a miracle.
DISSOLVE TO:
WHITEHALL WAR ROOM MAY 26,1941 20:00 HOURS
An officer reports to Churchill regarding the plan for a second attack. Both figures are in the dark with only a lightened background.
THE SCENE IS SHADOWY WITH CHURCHILL AND THE OFFICER IN SILHOUETTE AGAINST THE BLUE OF THE WALL MAP AS THE CIGAR SMOKE ROLLS ACROSS THE NORTH ATLANTIC LIKE A FOG.
DISSOLVE TO:
PLANES FROM THE ARK ROYAL MAY 26, 1941 20:30 HOURS
In the twilight the Ark Royal launches her torpedo planes in one last desperate gamble to stop the Bismarck. The planes fly off her decks and comb the ocean looking for their target. The planes fly over the Norfolk on their way to the Bismarck. The crew of the Norfolk watch the planes fly off into the setting sun.
ABOARD THE BISMARCK MAY 26,1941 21:00 HOURS
Rechberg talks to the crew outside his station on the deck. He boasts that the coming darkness will protect them and that in the morning they will have reached the safety of the French coast Darkness descends on the ship.
RECHBERG
Another hour and darkness will protect us from our enemies and tomorrow we will be in safe waters.
Just then the alarm sounds. Over the intercom comes an announcement of incoming aircraft.
OELS
(over the intercom)
Off duty watch dismissed.
Rechberg leaves the deck and heads into the aft station. The anti-aircraft guns open up on the incoming planes. Rechberg grasps the Periscope.
THE SCENE SHOWS THE PLANES OF THE ARK ROYAL COMING IN FOR ONE DESPERATELY IMPORTANT ATTACK ON THE ENEMY SHIP. THE CAMERA FLASHES ON THE LOOK OF DETERMINATION ON THE PILOT’S FACES. THE CAMERA’S FOCUS SHIFTS QUICKLY BACK TO THE BISMARCK.
RECHBERG
Here come the eels.
Over the intercom we hear Lindemann as he orders the ship to steer clear of the torpedoes.
LINDEMANN
(shouting orders to the helmsman)
“Left rudder” “all ahead- all stop- all back full - ahead - all stop.
Two torpedoes miss the ship. Then one plane launches a torpedo at the Bismarck’s mid section. Rechberg watches as the torpedo hits the side of the ship.
RECHBERG
Hold on men. This one is going to hit.
A large thud reverberates around the ship as the torpedo explodes against the hull of the mighty Bismarck. The sounds of anti-aircraft gun fire dies off.
RECHBERG(CONDO) (CONT’D)
“We were fortunate, lets hope that’s the end of it. We can’t-
Suddenly the roar of gun fire interrupts the words of Rechberg. He takes a step outside his station to get a good look at the incoming planes. Over the intercom he can hear the first officer announce
OELS
Three aircraft on our port stern.
Three planes come in low and close to the Bismarck.
RECHBERG
Those crazy British are going to crash into the ship if they don’t pull up soon.
One plane comes in very close to the ship. As machine gun fire surrounds the pilot of the plane it continues to close in on the stern of the big ship. The Bismarck is slow to turn because the early maneuvering has slowed the speed of the ship.
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
(realizing what the plane is aiming for)
Oh my God..
The torpedo is released. The plane just clears the Bismarck’s stern, when a huge explosion occurs on the stern of the ship. Rechberg glances at his rudder indicator. It appears to be locked at 12 degrees. The rest of Rechberg’s crew look at him then follow his stare to the indictor.
CUT TO:
On the bridge Lindemann and Lutjens are also looking at the rudder indicator on the bridge. The hum of the engines is heard in the background.
CUT TO:
This underwater camera shot is of the jammed rudder caused by the torpedo that just hit the Bismarck.
FADE OUT.
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Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by Joe Hoffman »

I just watched some of the orginal "sink the Bismarck". There are a lot of things wrong with the movie's facts. They really dumb it down. I guess it was the times. Some day this summer I'll have the time to sit and watch the whole thing.
Joe
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Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by Karl Heidenreich »

I just watched some of the orginal "sink the Bismarck". There are a lot of things wrong with the movie's facts. They really dumb it down. I guess it was the times. Some day this summer I'll have the time to sit and watch the whole thing.
Joe
No, they just used Vic Dale´s potrait of the battle and got that mess up completely!
An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.
Sir Winston Churchill
Joe Hoffman
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Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by Joe Hoffman »

ABORAD THE NORFOLK MAY 26, 1941 21:30 HOURS
Ryan and the crew have no idea that the Bismarck has been damaged. They try scanning though the mist and fog to spot the Bismarck after the torpedo attack. Then out of the mist the battleship Bismarck emerges from the fog and heads straight for the cruiser. Bismarck fires its mighty guns on Norfolk.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Helmsman take us to port! Lay out a smoke screen.
Shells explode on each side of the ship straddling the Norfolk. Fragments wiz by the crew. (12 of the crew are injured and 3 of them will later die)The Norfolk returns fire.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (CONT’D)
More speed.
After a tense few moments Bismarck slips out of view and the shelling stops. All is relatively quite except for the groaning of the wounded. After the Norfolk maneuvers the officers are confused as to the Bismarck’s change in course.
NAVIGATION OFFICER
(speaking to officers on the bridge)
What was that?
FIRST OFFICER
Why is she altering her course?
The Navigation officer picks up his binocular to view the Bismarck’s as she sets off on a new course.
NAVIGATION OFFICER
She’s heading north west
RYAN
That will lead her right into the guns of Home fleet.
Ryan casts a questioning looks at the first officer. They all scan the sea and watch the Bismarck’s movement in total disbelief.
RADIO OFFICER
The torpedo planes are reporting that the Bismarck has been steering in large circles toward the Northwest after receiving a torpedo hit at her stern.
Ryan and fellow officers look at each other in amazement.
RYAN
By God, I believe they’ve damaged Bismarck’s rudders... They’ve done it! They damaged Bismarck’s rudders. God bless them, they got her.... They got her in the rudders.
The crew are all smiles. But they know that there is more work to do before Bismarck is finished.


IV. THE DAY OF RECKONING--------------------------------------
BISMARCK MAY 27, 1941 2130 HOURS
Rechberg is in his station and has heard nothing of the progress of work to repair the rudders. The crew is uneasy awaiting the word we now know will never come. Rechberg listens to his crew. The crew look at one another unsure of what fatal blow has just been dealt them. The silence is broken by Rechberg.
RECHBERG
(to the crew at his station)
We’ll just to have to wait. The men below will do everything they can.
Then Rechberg leaves his station and goes out to the deck. From his position he can see the stern of the Bismarck where a group of officers are standing with the Kaptain in very serious conversation. First officer Oels is standing alone by a hatch when a group of exhausted divers comes up and collapse in front of him. One of them says something to Oels. He then walks over and reports to the Kaptain and the group around him. The news is bad as Oels shakes his head. Rechberg sees this and understands that there is no hope of the Bismarck escaping from the British this time.
FADE TO BLACK.
WHITEHALL WAR ROOM MAY 26, 1941 2200 HOURS
This short scene just shows Churchill as he stands in front of the map of the North Atlantic smoking his cigar and holding an empty glass. He is looking at the map which shows all of the British ships that are pointed at the Bismarck. The room is busy with activity.
FADE TO BLACK.
BISMARCK MAY 26,1941 2300 HOURS
This scene opens with the petty officer entering Rechberg’s station. The crew in the station look at him as he enters, searching his eyes for some good news. He can give them nothing and they see it on his face. He comes over to Rechberg.
PETTY OFFICER
They have failed to dislodge the rudder. The wind and sea are taking us on a course back toward the English and away from the French coast.
Rechberg nods. The phone rings in Rechberg’s station and he answers it.
RECHBERG
Ja.. I will tell them.
He hangs up the phone and then hanging on to the phone box he stares into the wall for a moment to regain his composure.
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
(to his crew)
The Kaptain has opened up the stores to crew member who want to take anything.
The crew look at a Rechberg knowing this is a clear sign that the rudder cannot be fixed and there is little hope of them returning to Germany. The petty officer speaks out.
PETTY OFFICER
Tomorrow my wife will becomes a widow, but she doesn’t know it.
MIDSHIPMAN
The Führer will send help. You’ll see.
Turning to the crew.
MIDSHIPMAN (CONT’D)
Watch our Luftwaffe and U-boats will mop up any English ships that show up.
RECHBERG
(reassuring his crew)
If we are going to escape we will have to fight our way out.. So get some rest. We can expect the English to give us battle in the morning.

Moments later the alarm sounds on the Bismarck and over the speakers there is a report of a British destroyer squadron closing in. In Rechberg’s station the crew go to battle stations.


FADE OUT.
ABORAD THE NORFOLK MAY 27, 1941 100 HOURS
British destroyers menace the Bismarck at night to keep contact and exhaust the crew. This keeps the Bismarck’s crew awake all night not allowing them to get any needed rest. This constant activity is being observed by the men of the Norfolk. On the Bridge of the Norfolk the first officer and navigation officer watch the flashes from the battle.
OFFICER ON WATCH
They are in for a long night.
RYAN
Captain Vain’s destroyers will continue to harass them. There will be no rest for the wicked. We mustn’t let up
OFFICER ON WATCH
Come morning our battleships will dish out British vengeance.
RYAN
It will be a moment that I have waited for all my life. I plan to be at my best. If anyone needs me tonight I’ll be in my cabin getting some rest.
OFFICER ON WATCH
Yes sir, get your rest. Tomorrow’s battle will be one for the ages.

FADE OUT.
BISMARCK MAY 27, 1941 200 HOURS
The Bismarck is firing on the British destroyers that are harassing her. The great ship’s crew is bleary eyed and sleepless from the constant assault that lasts until dawn. After the morning sun appears the Bismarck is treated to a couple of hours of quiet before the storm. The British battleships take their time in preparing to engage Bismarck in what will be her final battle.


ABOARD THE NORFOLK “DREAM SCENE”
This scene takes place as Ryan is seen in a deep but restless sleep. He is dreaming that he is drowning in the water. An unseen hand pulls him out. Confused, he finds himself outside the small Church where he was married The doors open and he walks slowly into the church where he sees that it is filled with his shipmates from the Hood. Those in the church are faced toward him smiling and greeting him as he enters. As Ryan starts to walk down the aisle, his shipmates shout out words of encouragement and reach to shake his hand.
GREGSON
Do your best mate.
OFFICER 2
Remember your duty.
MIDSHIPMAN
Go get em.
OFFICER
We know you’ll do us proud.
As Ryan continues to walk down the aisle his brother in law reaches out.... Jack pulls him close
JACK
Allow grace to guide your compassion. Come home safe If not for yourself, for her.
(Jack turns toward Joyce, who is standing at the Alter. Ryan follows Jack’s gaze.)

Joyce is standing holding their baby. A still wet Ryan walks up to Joyce. She looks up to him and says...
JOYCE
Deliver (save) us...
At that moment the church bell rings loudly. This is repeated several times as Ryan wakes up from his dream to the sounds of the ship’s bell. The bell is calling the crew to battle stations. Ryan gets ready putting on his cleanest uniform. He knows his destiny is at hand.
DISSOLVE TO:

BISMARCK MAY 27, 1941 800 HOURS
At sunrise Rechberg leaves his station where the crew is resting at their posts. He is making his way toward the bridge for one last time but first he stops at the ward room. A few officer are seated around a table. Schneider is seen getting himself a cup of coffee.
SCHNIEDER
(with a smile)
So this is it Rechberg...
RECHBERG
Ja..
SCHNEIDER
(Breaking the gloominess)
Well, I have received some good news this morning, I was awarded the Knight’s Cross.
RECHBERG
Congratulations are in order Schneider.
SCHNEIDER
Thank you. Although I doubt I’ll live to see it.
RECHBERG
There is still hope my friend.(Repeated) There is still hope!
Rechberg then looks to the officers that are there drinking their coffee. One of the officers says to others out loud.
OFFICER 1
“We have some time now, let’s think once more of the homeland!”
OFFICER 2
“Ja, and of wives and children most of all.”
Rechberg turns to Schnieder.
RECHBERG
(looking down and reflecting for a moment; then looking back at Schneider.)
Good bye and good luck!
SCHNEIDER
Ja.. You too...
Rechberg shakes Schneider’s hand and leaves for the bridge. As Rechberg enters the bridge he senses the gloomy atmosphere of hopelessness. Lindemann is just answering a call from the engine room.
LINDEMANN
“Ack, do what you like.”
Rechberg salutes the Kaptain. Lutjens is not on the bridge and only Lindemann is standing there with a few other officers. Lindemann sees Rechberg and speaks to him.
LINDEMANN (CONT’D)
How did it come to this, Rechberg?
RECHBERG
Fate has played her hand, sir.
LINDEMANN
All my life I aspired to command a ship in battle.... What I would have given for a ‘brown’ ship.
RECHBERG
Yes sir.
LINDEMANN
Things would be different.
RECHBERG
You followed your orders, sir.
LINDEMANN
Yes.. Yes I did..... Rechberg you have been an excellent officer, but now it is time for us to go down fighting. Today is our judgement day.

Rechberg salutes Lindemann, who returns the salute. Rechberg exits the bridge and heads back to his station. On the way he passes Lutjens. Rechberg steps aside and salutes Lutjens who returns the salute as he walks by. As the stone faced Lutjens proceeds down the deck, Rechberg’s eyes follow him intently. Rechberg watches the Admiral until he is out of sight and then turns and goes on his way.

FADE OUT.
ABOARD THE NORFOLK DAWN
Ryan is speaking to the group of officers that will be manning the gun turrets. They are grouped on the quarter deck preparing for battle.
RYAN
Point well! Remember your training and it will do you good. Admiral Tovey’s flagship the King George and Rodney will be engaging the Bismarck’s starboard side. We are going to close range fast ahead of Bismarck’s port side bow, our hope to engage at close range. Our guns are useless against the Bismarck’s armor so we’ll be aiming for the Bismarck’s range finders and super structure. Let our battleships deal with Bismarck’s guns. Keep your crew sharp. You’ll be ok.
Get to your stations!
Ryan will mention the British battleship that are to take part in the battle.
DISSOLVE TO:
ABOARD THE KING GEORGE V MAY 27, 1941 813 HOURS
The British battleship King George V is preparing for battle with the Bismarck.
THE SCENE SHOWS BRITISH BATTLESHIPS MOVING INTO POSITION TO DESTROY THE BISMARCK. WE SEE A BRITISH NAVAL ENSIGN FLAPPING IN THE WIND. CUT TO THE BRIDGE WHERE ADMIRAL TOVEY WILL CONDUCT THE BATTLE.
Admiral Tovey is introduced for the first time . He standing next to Captain Patterson of the King George V. The Admiral addresses the crew in a short speech. Admiral Tovey picks up the phone for the ship speakers.
TOVEY
“crew of the King George V. The sinking of the Bismarck may have an effect on the war as a whole out of all proportion to the loss to the enemy of one battleship. May God be with you and grant you victor.”
He hangs the phone up.
DISSOLVE TO:
ABOARD THE NORFOLK MAY 27, 1941 815 HOURS
Captain Phillips picks up the intercom and address the crew of the Norfolk.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
I now invoke Nelson’s prayer. It is as fitting today as it was 140 years ago, when Britain was under threat by another tyrant....

“May the Great God whom I worship grant to my country and for the benefit of Europe in general a great and glorious victory, and may no misconduct in any one tarnish it, and may humanity after victory be the predominate feature in the British fleet. For myself individually I commit my life to him who made me, and may his blessing light upon my endeavours for serving my country faithfully, to him I resign myself and the just cause which is entrusted to us(me) to defend.”
The scene ends with Captain Phillips hanging up the phone and then turning to the admiral on the bridge and says.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (CONT’D)
Admiral, the crew of the Norfolk is ready and awaits your orders.
JOYCE AT HOME MAY 27,1941 MID-MORNING
Joyce’s mother is downstairs with the baby in it’s carriage. Her mother and father are waiting for Joyce to come downstairs. Both are dressed in black and going to church service. Mother goes upstairs to get Joyce and finds her collapsed on the floor crying uncontrollably.
MOTHER
Joyce, Oh my baby.
She drops down alongside her daughter.
JOYCE
I know he is out there chasing that horrid ship.
MOTHER
Its going to be alright
JOYCE
He’s never coming back, I know it.
MOTHER
(brushing Joyce’s hair with her hand)
There, there.
Joe Hoffman
Member
Posts: 22
Joined: Wed Apr 29, 2009 2:59 pm

Re: A new "Sink the Bismarck!" movie?

Post by Joe Hoffman »

BISMARCK MAY 27, 1941 830 HOURS
Just before Rechberg enters his station the alarm bells ring. He picks up the control phone.
RECHBERG
(repeating the information to his crew)
“Two battleships port bow.”
Rechberg turns his director and see to large silhouettes.
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
(under his breath)
The executioners have arrived.
Schneider’s voice comes across the phone clearly and calmly.
SCHNEIDER
(intercom to bridge)
Our target is the battleship nearest our port bow. Main batteries ready, request permission to fire when ready.
The British ships are coming in fast at the Bismarck.
ABOARD THE KING GEORGE V MAY 27,1941 847 HOURS
Tension builds as minutes pass. The British ships are converging on the Bismarck. The tension is broken when Rodney opens fire first, followed by the King George V. The Norfolk heads straight at the Bismarck. The British shells land in the water far from the Bismarck.
ABOARD THE NORFOLK MAY 27, 1941 848 HOURS
The Norfolk is closing on the Bismarck. On the Bridge of the Norfolk Admiral Wake-Walker and Captain Phillips begin their attack. Ryan is at his station in the range finder. He reports what he is witnessing over the intercom to the Bridge.
RYAN
(over intercom)
Our battleships have started to engage the Bismarck.
The Admiral and Captain listen on the Bridge.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
Captain bring her up to speed and you can give the permission to fire when ready.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Our time has come.
(He grabs the phone)
Lt Commander Anderson you my fire when ready.
Ryan hears his orders and exclaims to his crew and officers.
RYAN
Once more into the breech, gentlemen. “England expects that every man will do his duty”!
OFFICER
The Bismarck’s secondary is opening up.
RYAN
Bring our guns to bear on 37 degrees at a range of 19,500 meters. Deflection of 10
This scene shows the Norfolk’s guns swinging into action. The ship’s Bow slices through the water. The music’s tempo picks up speed. The next shot is that of the Bismarck’s smaller guns coming to bear on the Norfolk and then firing on her.
RYAN (CONT’D)
Keep your guns pointed, the range will be dropping fast.
BISMARCK MAY 27, 1941 849 HOURS
The Bismarck’s main guns then reply. There is an exchange of shells through the air as the British close in on Bismarck. The Bismarck is quicker at finding her adversary’s range and her shells start to fall closer around the Rodney. The Bismarck is on her fifth salvo when the Rodney is straddled.
SCHNEIDER
“short,straddling and over”
Both side’s continue to fire at one another.
KING GEORGE V MAY 27, 1941 858 HOURS
From the Bridge of the King George the captain and Admiral Tovey witness the Rodney straddled by Bismarck’s shells. These misses create huge water spouts around the ship. Water and shrapnel rain down on her decks. A sailor standing by them exclaims
SAILOR
(thinking of the Hood)
Oh no, not the Rodney, not this again...
NORFOLK MAY 27, 1941 858 HOURS
The Norfolk closes fast on the Bismarck’s starboard bow. Ryan is at his range finder lining up a shot on the Bismarck. He is doing his best to aim for Bismarck main range finder. He yells out the coordinates to his gunners.
RYAN
Correction bearing 30 degrees at 14,240 meters. Prepare to shoot.
Hold.... hold..... Shoot!!!!!!
The Norfolk’s guns hurl shells toward the Bismarck’s main range finder.

BISMARCK MAY 27,1941 858 HOURS
In the main range finder Schneider is hurriedly plotting his next shot. The uncontrollable ship is making it hard to get aligned, but he has found the Rodney’s range and has her in his sights. He is about to fire a decisive hit.
SCHNEIDER
(In a cool voice)
One more time.
(As he peers into the lens ready to shout the command to fire.)
F..........
Before he can finish his call to fire, Schneider’s station is hit by a shell from the Norfolk. The range finder is knocked off and falls into the sea. The station is ripped apart killing Schneider and it crew.
KING GEORGE V MAY 27, 1941 859 HOURS
The battleship Rodney has been saved from the Bismarck’s guns by Norfolk’s timely hit on the Bismarck gun director. The Rodney and King George V each let loose a huge salvo. One of Rodney’s shells hits the Bismarck between gun turrets Anton and Bruno, putting them both out of action.
BISMARCK MAY 27,1941 902 HOURS
On Bismarck’s open bridge Kaptain Lindemann and Admiral Lutjens stand at Bismarck’s controls. Those on the bridge have just witnessed the main gun director being hit.
LINDEMANN
I am ordering a switch to the aft control station.
Lindemann picks up the phone and finds that it is disabled. He leaves the bridge to go inside the command center. At that moment the open Bridge is destroyed. A shell had hit the turret in front of the bridge causing pieces of it to rip apart the exposed bridge killing all that were at their stations, including Lutjens. Lindemann is saved by having just left the open bridge however he was thrown to the ground by the blast.
NORFOLK MAY 27, 1941 906 HOURS
The Norfolk aims for the Bismarck’s secondary guns that are now endangering the Norfolk. Ryan trains the Norfolk’s guns on them.
RYAN
(Talking to his gun crews over the intercom)
Keep them coming fast.
The Norfolk steams off Bismarck’s starboard bow, dueling with their adversary’s secondary guns. A shell from Norfolk strikes one of the secondary guns, disabling it.
BISMARCK MAY 27,1941 910 HOURS
Lindemann gets to his feet dazed and goes to the command center hatch only to be thrown back down again when the center is hit on the opposite side by a shell from a battleship. The center is destroyed and fires have broken out all around the forward super structure. Shells keep hitting the Bismarck with more frequency as the enemy ships close their range and the Bismarck can put up less of a fight.
BISMARCK MAY 27, 1941 910 HOURS
In the aft control station Rechberg receives the word over the phone that contact with the forward part of the ship has been lost. He has been ordered to take over fire control.
He swings the range finder looking for a target and sights the Norfolk. He passes up that target; he’s looking for one of the battleships.
RECHBERG
“action circuit aft,”
(scanning for a target)
“Passing fight to port, target is battleship at 250 degree,”
(Pause)
“one Salvo!”
The Bismarck’s aft turrets Cesar and Dora fire their guns.
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
“battleship bow left, one point off, enemy speed 20 knots”.
Rechberg watches the shells fall wide right of the King George V and orders a correction.
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
“ten more left , down four, a salvo.”
The German guns erupt. Rechberg watches the shell splashes and listens to the computer room. Then he announces
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
“Down four, a salvo”
After the guns fire and he watches the shells land. Then he corrects again.
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
“up two, good rapid!”
The shells are hurled toward the King George V.
KING GEORGE V MAY 27, 1941 912 HOURS
The battleship’s admiral, captain and crew watch as Rechberg’s fourth salvo whistles over head. The crew take cover expecting the next round to hit. The King George V loosens a salvo in reply.
BISMARCK MAY 27, 1941 913 HOURS
One of the King George shells hits the aft director station. Rechberg’s range finder is hit destroying the director, but just missing his compartment. He and the crew are thrown around. He regains his position but when viewing through his lens, all he finds is open sky because the director is missing.
RECHBERG
Damn!!
Realizing that he can no longer direct the guns he calls the computer center.
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
Aft director out of action. Switch fire to local control.
Rechberg hangs up the phone and looks at his crew. The sounds of the enemy shells exploding all around the ship drown out all else. The crew look to be aware that the end is near.
DISSOLVE TO:
SCENES OF THE BISMARCK AND BRITISH WARSHIPS 915-1000 HOURS
There should be several scenes were the British ships keep pounding on Bismarck. The scene needs to show destruction of the Bismarck and the killing of the crew throughout the ship as well as the destruction of the last two turrets Cesar and Dora. Fires are raging all over the ship. Show that the front super-structure is totally ablaze.
KING GEORGE V MAY 27, 1941 930 HOURS
On the Bridge of the King George the admiral tells the captain to get closer to the Bismarck.
TOVEY
“Get closer, get closer- I can’t see enough hits.”
The admiral raises his binoculars to his face.

NORFOLK MAY 27, 1941 935 HOURS
Ryan is watching the destruction of the Bismarck. At so close a range Ryan can clearly see the German sailors on the decks of the Bismarck and the horror of the carnage that they are receiving. Bodies are blown to pieces, blood covers the men and decks.
RYAN
(pulling back from the lens of his range finder)
My God.
KING GEORGE V MAY 27, 1941 940 HOURS
Tovey is irritated by Bismarck’s refusal to Sink.
ADMIRAL TOVEY
The agony of it all.
FADE OUT.

BISMARCK MAY 27, 1941 950 HOURS
Rechberg franticly picks up the phone to get his orders but he is loosing communication with the rest of the ship.
RECHBERG
(He mutters his thoughts out loud into the phone.)
Who has command of the ship? Are there new orders in effect?
The faint words of “we are going to scuttle” come across before the connection is totally lost. Rechberg tries works the phone again but he can not reconnect. Rechberg asks a seamen in his station to run to the damage control station.
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
Seamen run down and find the First Officer in the damage control station. Find out what are our new orders and come back quickly!
Rechberg opens up the hatch and the seaman runs out toward the search light platform . Just as Rechberg closes the hatch a huge explosion throws him down. He gets up and reopens the hatch. The search light platform and the sailor are gone. Rechberg decides that he will go himself to find the first officer. He turns to the petty officer and says.
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
If I don’t return in a few minutes take the men down to the deck and prepare to abandon ship.
Rechberg leaves the station and makes his way amid ship. On his way he stumbles over bodies and wreckage. He locates a hatch to the lower decks and proceeds down into the Bismarck. Holding a handkerchief over his mouth to protect himself from the dense smoke heads through the ship, hearing the sounds of a mass of men. Rechberg turns down a companionway and as he gets closer he hears the First Officer shouting at the men.
FIRST OFFICER OELS
“we have nine or ten minutes’
time!”
Rechberg comes to a bulkhead of the canteen. From slightly behind the bulkhead and the mass of men in front of him Rechberg sights the First officer shouting for the crew to get off the ship.
FIRST OFFICER OELS (CONT’D)
“Get out , get out, everyone off the ship. He’s being scuttled and you can’t get forward . Everything is burning forward.”
No sooner do these words leave the First Officer’s lips than a green flash and fire ball explodes in the area. Bodies and blood cover Rechberg. Almost all in front of him are killed instantly. Rechberg craws out from under the bodies, then looking around he finds a sailor still conscience and barely alive. He picks him up and carries him to the aid station in the aft of the ship. On his way he comes across tremendous death and destruction. Explosion are thundering inside the ship. Rechberg reaches the Aid station. The mass of wounded shocks Rechberg. The Medical officer sees him and looks at the sailor that he has carried.
MEDICAL OFFICER
Leave him here with these men, he’ll sleep better here.
RECHBERG
(speaking into the medical officer ear)
Their going to scuttle the ship. We must get the men off. I’ll be back with help to carry the men out.
MEDICAL OFFICER
(speaking into Rechberg’s ear)
Ok, we’ll start evacuating those who can make it on their own.
Rechberg heads up the ladder to the hatch on deck. He gets to the deck takes two steps and is thrown up in the air by a large explosion. The first aid (mess) station receives a direct hit killing every one there. Blood and body parts fly out of the hatch opening. Rechberg is in vertigo and everything he sees appears to be in a haze. As he starts to recover, his petty officer runs to his side.
PETTY OFFICER
The men are assembled on deck in the shadow of turret Dora’s starboard side.
The still shocked Rechberg stares at the open hatch that is covered in blood. He then turns to his petty officer.
RECHBERG
Their scuttling the ship. We need to get the men off.


FADE OUT:
KING GEORGE V MAY 27, 1941 10:15 HOURS
The British battleships are running low on fuel and have been unable to sink the Bismarck with their gun fire. The battleships are leaving the battle and heading back to port to refuel. The cruisers are beginning ordered to finish off the Bismarck with torpedoes.
NAVIGATION OFFICER
Sir, our battleships are running low on fuel.
ADMIRAL TOVEY
The deed is done.
(Taking moment)
Set a course for home.
(Speaking out to the signal officer)
Signal officer, pass the Order to our cruisers to close in and finish off the Bismarck with torpedoes.
The Battleships and their escorts leave the scene.
CUT TO:
WHITEHALL WAR ROOM MORNING MAY 27,1941
Churchill is leaving the navy room for the House of Commons where he will update the progress of the war.
ADMIRAL POUND
Our battleships are running low on fuel. Admiral Tovey must run to port.
CHURCHILL
Don’t stop, finish her off even if our ships need to be towed home.
ADMIRAL POUND
Our ship are reporting that it is near impossible to sink her with gun fire.
Churchill starts to get his coat on and grabs his hat.
CHURCHILL
I have to leave for parliament and report on the conduct of the war. Send word when the Bismarck is sunk. I can’t go in front of the House of Commons without having this victory to report.
ADMIRAL POUND
Our cruisers are mounting a torpedo attack to finish her off. I’ll send word when the job is finished.
Churchill puts on his hat and jacket and leaves the room.
DISSOLVE TO:
ABORAD THE BISMARCK FOR THE LAST TIME 1020 HOURS
Rechberg is with the crew preparing to go over board. This scene should be filled with shots of other groups of men with their officers getting ready to go overboard. These scenes should include men missing feet, arms and other wounded preparing to abandon ship with the help of their comrades. The Bismarck is listing to port and its aft deck is awash. Groups of sailor give one last “Heil Hitler” and “Seig Heil”giving the Nazi salute before they jump into the cold Atlantic water. Rechberg tells his group.
RECHBERG
It’s that time, inflate your life jackets, prepare to jump.
The crew ready themselves and the wounded to go over board.
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
A salute to our fallen comrades.
The crew snaps their hands to their caps and glances up at the Nazi flag.
RECHBERG (CONT’D)
(Giving the navy salute)
For the fatherland.
Then Rechberg jumps with his crew into the cold dark water.
ABOARD THE NORFOLK MAY 27, 1941 1025 HOURS
The British ships have stopped firing and are now preparing to sink the Bismarck with torpedoes. Over the intercom the Captain orders the torpedoes to be fired.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Launch torpedoes..
The Cruiser closes in and launches a spread of torpedoes. Ryan views the Bismarck’s desperate crew, he pulls back from his viewer with an empty star in his eyes as he reflects on the terrible scene.
CUT TO:
BISMARCK MAY 27, 1941 10:40 HOURS
The Bismarck is sinking fast. Rechberg and the crew are floating in the water watching the Bismarck slip down under the water. The British torpedoes run under the floating on their way to the Bismarck. When they hit huge columns of water are thrown into the air. The drifting men are screaming and moaning then someone shouts ‘the Kaptain’. Rechberg looking back sees to his astonishment the kaptain still alive and climbing the bow as it points higher into the air. Standing at the bows tip Kaptain Lindemann gives one final salute as he and the ship sink beneath the waves. After witnessing this Rechberg and the sailors in the water begin to swim to the closest British ship to be rescued.
FADE OUT.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
Churchill stands in front of the house of commons. He is speaking about the hunt for the Bismarck. General Ismay, Harriman, and Admiral pound are stand together in the back of the Room listening to Churchill.
CHURCHILL
This morning, shortly after daylight the Bismarck, virtually at a standstill, far from help, was attacked by the British pursuing battleships. I do not know what the results of this bombardment, but it appears , however that the Bismarck was not sunk by gunfire, and she will now be dispatched by torpedo. It is thought that this is now proceeding and it is thought that there cannot be any lengthy delay is disposing of this vessel. Great as is our loss in the Hood, the Bismarck must be regarded as the most powerful, as she is the newest, battleship in the world.
(Churchill sits down. Then a navy messenger runs through the room holding up a slip of paper. The messenger hands it to him the room falls into silence as Churchill stands to speak again)
“I have just received news that the Bismarck has sunk.”
The sound of great applause and jubilant cheers erupt. Harriman turns to the two officers and says.
HARRIMAN
You’ve convinced me, I will tell President Roosevelt that England is in for the long haul...
And in so doing, I’ve been instructed to discuss setting up a meeting between my President and your Prime Minister on the possibility of American aid.
ISMAY
Maybe we have just witnessed our deliverance. The tide may be turning.

ABOARD THE NORFOLK
With the Bismarck sunk Ryan intently watches as the German sailors that are floating in the water get closer to the Norfolk. The huge cruiser quietly slips though the water and starts to pick up the survivors. Ryan enters the bridge and listens to the Admiral and Captain discuss leaving the area.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
There’s been a report of a periscope in the area. I won’t chance losing this ship for the sake of a few German sailors.... We need to get under way.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
But sir there are still hundreds of sailors in the water.
ADMIRAL WAKE-WALKER
Listen Captain, The German’s gave no quarter and they will receive no quarter! We’ve rescued enough for interrogation.
The captain turns to the helmsman. Then he glances at the shocked Ryan.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Helmsman, get under way, raise steam.
Ryan steps out onto the open bridge and looks out into the sea. He surveys the sea filled with the Bismarck’s crew floating in the water. An officer that was helping in the rescue reports to the bridge and grabs hold of Ryan.
OFFICER
(shouts)
We only pulled a few on board. There are still men hanging to ropes.
Ryan and the officer run down to the deck where crewmen are pulling the Germans from the water.
CUT TO:
Rechberg is struggling to pull himself up on a rope. Men are falling into the water. Shouts and groans of the men still in the sea. A few German sailors are still being pulled on board. Rechberg slips a little as the ship starts to pull away from the rest of the German sailors in the water. Rechberg looks around and back down at his men in the water. Rechberg thinks of giving up and letting go to join them for a certain death. Just as he gives up Ryan reaches and grasps for Rechberg arm and pulls him up with great difficulty. Rechberg is laying on the deck where he looks up at Ryan
RECHBERG
(gasping)
Dunka..
Then he collapses on the deck. Ryan stands speechless before Rechberg. The moment is broken by the announcement from the bridge that the crew must prepare the ship to get under way. The Norfolk engines roar as the ship picks up speed. The ship glides past the mass of sailors left in the water. The screams and groans come from the men who are being left to die in the cold North Atlantic. The screams and shouts quickly fade as the ship disappears from the scene.
A SHOT OF THE SAILORS BEING SWEPT ASIDE IN THE WATER BY THE WAKE OF THE NORFOLK.
DISSOLVE TO:
BERLIN HITLER’S OFFICE AFTERNOON MAY 27,1941
The tall doors open to Hitler office. A nervous officer enters the room.
GERMAN OFFICER
The Bismarck has been sunk, my Fuhrer.
Hitler turns and looks away to a large globe that is near his desk. Hitler’s opens his hand to where is Britain is on the globe, then he draws back in a cliched fist. He shakes it in anger. He grinds his teeth.
THE CAMERA PULLS BACK OUT OF THE OFFICE, THROUGH THE DOORS AND DOWN THE HALL.
The doors to Hitler’s office closed with a thunderous clap by two SS sentries.
FADE OUT.
ABOARD THE NORFOLK MAY 27, 1941 11:20 HOURS
The next shot of the German sailors lined up along the super structure. The men wrapped in blankets that the British have given them. The British are handing out tea to them. Most of them look dejected and are in shock. Their faces are pale, their hair wet, they stare out to sea. They understand that they are the lucky ones and that death will come to those left in the cold water Atlantic water. Those left behind, one by one will succumb to the ice cold water and sink to the ocean depths. Ryan walks along the deck looking at the survivors faces. He sees Jacks face over laid on one sailor that is covered in a blanket. Rechberg is seated next to him staring out in shock. Ryan walks by and turns to look out at the sea as tears roll down his cheeks. He hides his emotions from every one.
DISSOLVE TO:
JOYCE AT HOME JUNE 1, 1941
Joyce and her mother leave the house. They are going shopping. They exit the house with the baby in the carriage. They walk down the sidewalk and are bout to turn the corner when Joyce remembers that she forgot about her purse.
JOYCE
Mother could you mind the baby, please. I forgot my head and left my purse in the kitchen. I’ll be right back.
She makes her way back down to her house. She goes into the house and looks for purse. She comes back out and sees her mother in the distance holding the baby and talking to some one, but her view is partially blocked by the corner of a building. A fear strikes her ( is it bad news about Ryan ???) She walks toward them, picking up her pace. She now is almost running down the block when she turns the corner and sees Ryan giving the baby a kiss. Quickly he hands the baby to the grandmother. Joyce uncontrollably leaps into Ryan’s arms and embraces him. She gives Ryan a big kiss. He holds her tight.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE ENDING
A short paragraph detailing the out come of the war.
England would hold out. In August of that summer Prime Minister Churchill met with President Roosevelt about American aid to his beleaguered country. Churchill would get his aid. Great Britain would not carry on the fight against the Nazis alone for long. Frustrated, Hitler would attack Russia in June. There fore opening a second front. Thus expanded the war beyond German’s capabilities to win. By the end of the year America would be brought into the war with Germany. This ultimately would lead to the demise of the Nazi war machine and the destruction of Adolph Hitler.
FADE TO BLACK.
CREDITS
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