Barry Lindon

Brookside and the Countess.

RODERICK (V.O.)

The insubordination of that boy was dreadful. He used to quote passages of 'Hamlet' to his mother, which made her very angry.

Brookside quoting 'Hamlet.'

The Countess begins to cry and leaves the room.

INT. CASTLE HACKTON - RODERICK'S STUDY

Roderick caning young Brookside.

RODERICK (V.O.)

As it is best to nip vice in the bud, and for a master of a family to exercise his authority in such a manner as that there may be no question about it, I took every opportunity of coming to close quarters with Master Brookside.

INT. CASTLE HACKTON - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

Many guests around the table.

RODERICK (V.O.)

He always chose the days when company, or the clergy, or gentry of the neighborhood were present, to make violent, sarcastic, and insolent speeches.

Brookside begins to fondle and caress Patrick.

BROOKSIDE

Dear child, what a pity it is I am not dead for your sake! The Cosgroves would then have a worthy representative, and enjoy all the benefits of the illustrious blood of the James' of Duganstown, would they not, Mr. James Cosgrove?

INT. RODERICK'S STUDY - NIGHT

Roderick caning Brookside again. The boy bears the punishment without crying.

EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - DAY

Roderick's reunion with his mother.

Present are the Countess, Patrick, Lord Brookside and others.

Mrs. James flings herself into her son's arms with a scream, and with transports of joy, which can only be comprehended by women who have held, in their arms, an only child, after a twelve-year absence from him.

INT. CASTLE HACKTON - DAY

Roderick and mother feeding Patrick.

EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - GARDEN - DAY

Roderick and mother playing with Patrick in the garden.

INT. CASTLE HACKTON - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

Mother at dinner with the family, in a strained atmosphere.

INT. PATRICK'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Roderick and his mother talk in whispers near the bed of the sleeping Patrick.

MOTHER

Ah, Roderick, it's a blessing to see that my darling boy has attained a position I always knew was his due, and for which I pinched myself to educate him. Little Patrick is a darling boy, and you live in great splendor, but how long will it last? Your lady-wife knows she has a treasure she couldn't have had, had she taken a duke to marry her, but if, one day, she should tire of my wild Roderick and his old-fashioned Irish ways, or if she should die, what future would there be for my son and grandson?

INT. RODERICK'S STUDY - CASTLE HACKTON - NIGHT

Roderick and his mother.

MOTHER

You have not a penny of your own, and cannot transact any business without the Countess' signature. Upon her death, the entire estate would go to young Brookside, who bears you little affection. You could be penniless tomorrow, and darling Patrick at the mercy of his stepbrother.

INT. MOTHER'S ROOM - CASTLE HACKTON - NIGHT

Roderick and his mother.

MOTHER

I shall tell you a secret -- I shall not rest until I see you Earl of Duganstown, and my grandson, a Lord Viscount.

She smooths down Roderick's hair.

MOTHER

This head would become a coronet.

EXT. CASTLE HACKTON - GARDEN - DAY

Roderick and Mother slowly walking and talking. Young Patrick, ahead of them sitting in a small cart, pulled by a lamb.

MOTHER

These things entail considerable expense, and you will need your lady's blessing, but the young boy forms the great bond of union between you and her ladyship, and there is no plan of ambition you could propose in which she would not join for the poor lad's benefit, and no expense she will not eagerly incur, if it might be any means be shown to tend to his advancement. You have important friends, and they can tell you how these things are done.

INT. LONDON GAMING ROOM - NIGHT

Standing away from the play tables, Roderick chats with Lord West, a fat giant of a man.

RODERICK (V.O.)

And, to be sure, I did know someone who knew precisely how these things were done, and this was the distinguished solicitor and former Government Minister, Lord West, whose acquaintance I made, as I had so many others, at the gaming table.

LORD WEST

Do you happen to know Gustavus Adolphus, the thirteenth Earl of Crabs?

RODERICK

By name only.

LORD WEST

Well, sir, this nobleman is one of the gentlemen of His Majesty's closet, and one with whom our revered monarch is on terms of considerable intimacy. I should say you would be wise to fix upon this nobleman your chief reliance for the advancement of your claim to the Viscounty which you propose to get.

INT. LONDON CLUB - DAY

Roderick having lunch with Lord West and the Earl of Crabs.

RODERICK (V.O.)

And for a five-hundred guinea fee, paid to his City law-firm, Lord West kindly arranged a meeting with that old scamp and swindler, Gustavus Adolphus, the thirteenth Earl of Crabs.

EARL OF CRABS

Mr. Cosgrove, when I take up a person, he or she is safe. There is no question about them any more. My friends are the best people. I don't mean the most virtuous, or, indeed, the least virtuous, or the cleverest, or the stupidest, or the richest, or the best born, but the 'best' -- in a word, people about whom there is no question. I cannot promise you how long it will take. You can appreciate it is not an easy matter. But any gentlemen with an estate, and ten-thousand a-year should have a peerage.

INT. DRAWING ROOM - EARL OF CRABS - DAY

Roderick being introduced to three noblemen, including the Duke of Rutland.

RODERICK (V.O.)

The striving after this peerage, I consider to have been one of the most unlucky dealings at this period. I made unheard of sacrifices to bring it about. I can tell you bribes were administered, and in high places too -- so near the royal person of His Majesty that you would be astonished were I to mention what great personages condescended to receive our loans.

INT. DRAWING ROOM - NIGHT

Roderick gives a beautiful diamond to a fat princess on her birthday. He is applauded by the other guests.

RODERICK (V.O.)

I lavished money here, and diamonds there.

EXT. FARMLAND - DAY

Roderick and the seller, riding over a prospective property. A broker shows them a survey map of the property.

RODERICK (V.O.)

I bought lands at ten times there value.

INT. SALON - LONDON - NIGHT

A musical evening.

RODERICK (V.O.)

I gave repeated entertainments to those friends to my claims who, being about the royal person, were likely to advance it.

INT. STATELY HOME - DAY

Roderick buying pictures.

RODERICK (V.O.)

I purchased pictures and articles of vertu at ruinous prices.

EXT. RACES - DAY

Roderick laughing and paying a bet.

RODERICK (V.O.)