The Black Rose

By Gino Salvi

"The Black Rose" is not yet another remake of Dumas' "The Three Musketeers". "The Black Rose" is a new and very original swashbuckler screenplay novel. France, 1650. Julie pulled down the black mask and pulled up a green silk kerchief to hide the lower half of her face. The coach creaked almost to a halt at the crest of the rise, the horse sweating after the steep hill. At the driver drew back his whip to urge them onward, Julie drew her pistols and walked her horse forward. "Stand and deliver!". When Julie becomes a highway robber, the ardour drives her. But, she continues for other reasons, related to her father's and her brother's execution for treason.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9781365287824

Book preview

THE BLACK ROSE

Written by

Gino Salvi

FADE IN:

MUSIC

In super impression, on painted images of the 17th century, we read the following text: 

I did not choose my destiny. I was the one who was chosen. I will take revenge on those who betrayed my family. I'm Julie de Vaudreuil. Vengeance will be written with blood

DISSOLVE TO:

In super impression, on painted images of the 17th century, we read the following text: 

In 1650, Louis XIII had been dead seven years and Anna of Austria, was Queen Regent, during the minority of the young king, Louis XIV. It was a turbulent epoch. Rebellion reigned supreme.

DISSOLVE TO:

In super impression, on painted images of the 17th century, we read the following text: 

While these events are upsetting the history of France, twenty years old Julie de Vaudreuil is a girl who, dressed as a highwayman, robs the stagecoaches along the country roads.

DISSOLVE TO:

In super impression, on painted images of the 17th century, we read the following text: 

As the legend of the mysterious brigand grows, Julie's father and brother were sentenced to death. Suddenly, she is forced to defend herself. But Julie wants revenge. So, she does not think twice about taking part in the so-called The Fronde".

THE MUSIC ENDS

DISSOLVE TO:

1. EXT. - STABLES - DAY

In super impression, we read the following text: 

Province of Guyenne,in the south of France, around the month of May in the year 1650 

The narration begins with a long shot, filmed, like the entire film, in Ultra Panavision 70 mm and with the Technicolor tri-colour process, in vivid primary colours. The Countess Julie de Vaudreuil rides out early. She steals from the stables. 

CUT TO:

2. EXT. - DE VAUDREUIL'S MANOR - DAY

MUSIC

Once she was away from the house, Julie spurs her sloe-black stallion to a gallop. She crosses the bridge over the lake, crouched close to his neck …

CUT TO: 

3. EXT. - OLD GREEN ROAD - DAY

… as she takes the old green road through the forest. There, she takes up station at the crossroads, positioning herself in a grove of birch, ready for the coach.

THE MUSIC ENDS

CUT TO:

4. INT. - CARRIAGE - DAY

The Knight Alain de Saint-Fraycourt lounges deeper in the corner, leans back in the seat of the carriage. He  stretches his legs along the gap between the seats. 

CUT TO:

5. EXT. - OLD GREEN ROAD - DAY

Low-angle medium close-up of Julie on her horse, with the horse’s head nearest camera. Julie's anger is mixed with a restless impatience. Her horse senses something of her agitation and stamps and paws. Horse's shoes rings on the stony ground. 

MUSIC

Julie pats his neck and whispered in his ear to quieten him. 

THE MUSIC ENDS

She strokes the rose, the black flower that wears to the heart. We listen the crack of a driver’s whip, his shouts and curses, the crunch of wheels and the labouring snort of horses. 

MUSIC

Julie spies through a veil of shifting leaves. There is no other traffic in any direction. She wears brown thigh-length riding boots, fawn twill breeches, a brown broadcloth coat, and a plain waistcoat over a white shirt of fine embroidered cambric with a high collar and matching neck stock. She has plaited her hair back in a neat club secured by a black ribbon and had chosen a narrow-brimmed hat. A black silk mask covers her face. She pulls up a green silk kerchief to hide the mouth. 

THE MUSIC ENDS

CUT TO:

6. INT. - CARRIAGE - DAY

MUSIC

Alain glances at the passenger who traveled with him, taking in the opulence of his garments: the exquisite lace neck cloth and the expensive dove-grey silk coat with gold filigree embroidery on the pocket flaps, cuffs and front. With his eyes closed and his wig slightly askew, the Viscount Louis de Crequi appears to be asleep. 

THE MUSIC ENDS

CUT TO:

7. EXT. - OLD GREEN ROAD - DAY

The coach creaks almost to a halt at the crest of the rise, the horses sweat after the steep hill. The driver draws back his whip to urge them onward. Julie draws her pistols and walks her horse forward.

JULIE DE VAUDREUIL

Stand and deliver!

CUT TO:

8. INT. - CARRIAGE - DAY

The carriage sways violently. Alain grabs for the strap beside his head. Louis slides off his seat and lands in a heap on the floor. 

CUT TO:

9. EXT. - OLD GREEN ROAD - DAY

The guard raises his hands into the air. The driver reins the horses in and lowers his whip. Julie keeps one pistol upon them and uses the other to rap on the door of the carriage.

JULIE DE VAUDREUIL

Out. All of you out!

Alain opens the door of the passenger cabin and climbs out. He is well-set, with a fresh, ruddy complexion, about four and twenty. He is, also, in no hurry to get down from the coach and seems neither worried nor discomforted.

ALAIN DE SAINT-FRAYCOURT

What’s the meaning of this?

MUSIC

Julie spurs his horse forward. Alain has to jump back up on the coach step to avoid being trampled. Julie trains her pistol on him. 

THE MUSIC ENDS

A savage pair of eyes stares at him through the slits of the mask.

JULIE DE VAUDREUIL

You is bein’ robbed, pretty boy, that’s what!

Louis, looking pale and frightened appears at the door. He has tidied himself from his inelegant landing. Julie curls her lips in a contemptuous sneer. She tosses her saddlebag on the ground near his feet.

JULIE DE VAUDREUIL

Throw yer trinkets in there.

Alain puts his purse and pocket watch in the bag. Julie changes her aim. Louis falls to his knees, squeezing tears from eyes shut tight in prayer, his clasped hands shaking in supplication. She pulls back the hammer.

LOUIS DE CREQUI

Hold your fire, highwayman.

Julie addresses Louis.

JULIE DE VAUDREUIL

Still I want one thing more. That diamond ring that I see you wear. Hand it over or you'll be dead meat.

Louis does not hesitate. He struggles to free the ring from his finger. Julie holstereds one of her pistols. 

MUSIC

Louis drops the ring into her outstretched brown leather-gloved hand. The stone flashes in the