People on either side bellow at Norville and stuff envelopes 
               and packages under his elbows, into his pockets, under his 
               chin, between his clenched teeth, etc. He reaches into his mailroom apron and hands a scrap of paper 
               across the desk to Mussburger, who stares, frozen, at 
               Norville, making no move to take the paper. NORVILLE
                         Yes sir...

               He tears open the envelope, reads: Norville gives him a forced but hearty laugh of reassurance. He hits the intercom.

                                     NORVILLE
                         ...Mail room.

               To Amy: He is shoving a file towards Norville, who opens it. and away -- his face now TO us, we see that it is Norville 
               looking at the newspaper. He throws his head back and laughs 
               merrily. As he wheels a piled-high mail cart down the aisle, Norville 
               is accompanied by an orientation AGENT who bellows at him The newspaper eddies around some more, then plasters against 
               Norville.

               He peels it off and is about to toss it away but stops, 
               noticing something. Norville frowns. As he stares at the envelope, we see 
               envelopes swishing across the f.g., whipping one by one in 
               rapid succession, left to right. Norville has pulled his old mailroom apron from the closet 
               and is putting it on: HUDSUCKER MAIL ROOM/The Future Is Now.

               Norville looks at the door. Norville, undaunted, holds up the paper since Mussburger 
               will not take it. Mussburger doesn't even look at it; his 
               eyes are locked on Norville's. Mussburger smolders. Cut to candid film of Norville getting out of a car, noticing 
               the camera, grinning and waving as he walks, and taking a 
               pratfall. INT. NORVILLE'S OFFICE Norville is taking an envelope from his pocket and handing 
               it to the Ancient Sorter.

                                     NORVILLE
                         ...you look like you can keep a 
                         secret... INT. NORVILLE'S OFFICE

               Looking at its frosted-glass door; the sign painter is just 
               finishing lettering in: NORVILLE BARNES, President. He turns to look at Norville. In the window behind him we see loose sheets of paper 
               fluttering down.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               NORVILLE The door opens as Norville swings around to enter. He is 
               wheezing like a gas pipe about to explode. that read, "MAILROOM." They burst open as Norville, who wears 
               a mail clerk's leather apron, imprinted: HUDSUCKER
Norville reaches in and -- pulls out the wrinkled Blue Letter.

                                     NORVILLE
                         Oh, geez. DRAMATIC TRACK IN ON Norville. As Hutchinson talks, he thrusts 
               the blue letter into Norville's face. Norville looks at it Norville has been worriedly patting at his pockets since the 
               mention of the blue letter. NORVILLE
                         Yes sir...

               He tears open the envelope, reads: HUDSUCKER
                         Failure to deliver a Blue Letter is 
                         grounds for dismissal.

                                     NORVILLE
                         Geez, I -- He reaches into his mailroom apron and hands a scrap of paper 
               across the desk to Mussburger, who stares, frozen, at 
               Norville, making no move to take the paper. The mail room is thrown into pandemonium.

                                     VARIOUS VOICES
                         Blue letter...! It's a blue letter...! 
                         They're bringing down a blue letter! He hits the intercom.

                                     NORVILLE
                         ...Mail room.

               To Amy: Norville takes out a pencil and writes on the face of the 
               envelope:

               INSERT - LETTER Norville frowns. As he stares at the envelope, we see 
               envelopes swishing across the f.g., whipping one by one in 
               rapid succession, left to right. and away -- his face now TO us, we see that it is Norville 
               looking at the newspaper. He throws his head back and laughs 
               merrily. that read, "MAILROOM." They burst open as Norville, who wears 
               a mail clerk's leather apron, imprinted: HUDSUCKER FAST TRACK IN ON BLUE LETTER

               that Norville holds innocently at his side.

               BACK TO TRACK IN ON WAILING SECRETARY Dear Mr. Kloppit, Please give this letter to your son. Thank 
               you, Norville Barnes.

               After a moment he adds:

               Your friend in the mailroom. Norville is taking an envelope from his pocket and handing 
               it to the Ancient Sorter.

                                     NORVILLE
                         ...you look like you can keep a 
                         secret... Norville has pulled his old mailroom apron from the closet 
               and is putting it on: HUDSUCKER MAIL ROOM/The Future Is Now.

               Norville looks at the door. Norville, undaunted, holds up the paper since Mussburger 
               will not take it. Mussburger doesn't even look at it; his 
               eyes are locked on Norville's. Mussburger smolders. People on either side bellow at Norville and stuff envelopes 
               and packages under his elbows, into his pockets, under his 
               chin, between his clenched teeth, etc. INT. NORVILLE'S OFFICE

               Looking at its frosted-glass door; the sign painter is just 
               finishing lettering in: NORVILLE BARNES, President. NORVILLE
                         I know but ya see I have this -- 
                         here it is, this letter --
Norville stands pat, watching.

               HIS POV

               An entry flips over to reveal EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT.

               NORVILLE The board members look at the design, puzzled.

               Norville takes a drop cloth off of a piece of plastic on a 
               pedestal. He has the board's complete attention. The elevator doors slam shut and we hear its ENGINES SCREAM 
               as it power-dives away.

               Norville turns toward the executive offices. Again. Norville is eagerly pointing at a design he has up on 
               an easel: Under the heading BRAND NEW is a large circle. The 
               side view is a flat line. Labeled "Executive Conference Room." A secretary is hanging 
               up a sign that reads: "Quiet Please! Board Meeting in 
               Session."

               INT. BOARDROOM - CLOSE ON NORVILLE NORVILLE
                         Well, it was no great idea, really. 
                         A thing like this, it takes a whole 
                         company to put it together, and I'm 
                         just grateful for the opportunity -- NORVILLE
                         You know, for kids! It's... it's ... 
                         well, it's...

                                     MUSSBURGER
                         It's brilliant. Norville gives him a forced but hearty laugh of reassurance. A) Norville is entertaining the board with his depiction of 
               the near-disaster. Mussburger is slapping him merrily on the 
               back. NORVILLE
                         Yessir.

                                     HUDSUCKER
                         Well, why don't ya read it. Cut to candid film of Norville getting out of a car, noticing 
               the camera, grinning and waving as he walks, and taking a 
               pratfall. NORVILLE
                         Please! Norville!

               As he reaches to shake:

                                     NORVILLE
                         ...It's my pleasure! TRACK BACK CONTINUES THROUGH the large elegant office, leaving 
               Norville looking quite small IN LONG SHOT.

               His LAUGHTER ECHOES in the bright bare office. At length Norville stirs, opens his eyes, sits bolt upright, 
               batting away the hands of the manicurist and temple-massager.

                                     NORVILLE
                         Hold it!... Norville throws his head back and laughs, it seems, insanely -- 
               but CONTINUED PULL BACK REVEALS that Norville is merely Norville lifts his head from the desktop. A piece of scrap 
               paper is sticking to his cheek. Dramatic FANFARE MUSIC STARTS 
               TO SWELL. Lou also is beginning to sound choked up:

                                     LOU (O.S.)
                         It is beautiful, Benny.

               Almost weeping as Norville and Amy continue their embrace: He swivels around to face Norville, who stands deferentially 
               at the door. Still listening at the phone, Mussburger waves 
               Norville forward. The door sweeps shut. Norville looks nervously around.

               Behind him the elevator doors suddenly open again.

                                     BUZZ
                         -- You'll need it! NORVILLE
                         ...I designed it myself and this is 
                         just the sweet baby that can put 
                         Hudsucker right back on top.
In the b.g., brilliantly spotlit, Vic Tenetta continues his 
               song.

               As Mussburger joins them: Mussburger perches on the board table by his own chair.

               He reaches over to pluck the smoking cigar from the suicide's 
               ashtray. We are in Mussburger's office. Mussburger is seated at his 
               desk looking at the file picture and clipping; the sign Sidney J. Mussburger, President.

               Evil LAUGHTER. Sweeping shadows.

                                                                    CUT TO: MUSSBURGER
                         Sure, sure, he was a swell guy, but 
                         when the president, chairman of the Mussburger's screaming abruptly stops. pantomiming the adventure for the benefit of the board 
               members, including Mussburger. They stand around Mussburger's MUSSBURGER
                         Why you nitwit. You almost destroyed 
                         the most sensitive deal of my career!

                                     NORVILLE
                         Oh my God, sir! MUSSBURGER
                         Wait a minute!

               Sudden quiet.

               With one last click the perpetual motion ball bearings 
               abruptly stop. Mussburger, it seems, never sleeps. MUSSBURGER
                         Sure, sure. Some jerk we can really 
                         push around.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               SWINGING STEEL DOORS He swivels around to face Norville, who stands deferentially 
               at the door. Still listening at the phone, Mussburger waves 
               Norville forward. MUSSBURGER
                         You nitwit! I worked for three years 
                         on this deal!

                                     NORVILLE
                         Oh my God, sir! MUSSBURGER
                         What am I a headshrinker? Maybe the 
                         man was unhappy.

                                     ADDISON
                         He didn't look unhappy! He thrusts his face into Norville's, whose head moves 
               reflexively back. Mussburger's nose is almost touching 
               Norville's, his eyes are burning, searching, studying, 
               evaluating. Mussburger's forgotten match has burned down to his 
               fingertips. With a wince, he shakes it out.

               The Board is staring. Mussburger gives an artificially hearty laugh and claps 
               Norville on the shoulder. We hear a LOUD TEARING sound O.S. Mussburger drops a few 
               inches.

                                                             QUICK WIPE TO: We TILT UP to show that Mussburger is walking toward the 
               boardroom window. Board members silently remonstrate with 
               him as he tries to wrench it open. Norville, undaunted, holds up the paper since Mussburger 
               will not take it. Mussburger doesn't even look at it; his 
               eyes are locked on Norville's. Mussburger smolders.
She realizes that, though shattered, he is still the simple 
               innocent she loved --

                                     AMY
                         ... Oh, Norville!

               -- and bursts into tears. NORVILLE
                         Huh?!

               He looks stupidly about, the shoulders of his coat down around 
               his elbows. He sees Amy rushing up. AMY
                         Sure, Norville, sure...

               She gives him a peck. They look at each other.

                                     AMY
                         ...Oh, Norville! NORVILLE
                         Now, Amy --

                                     AMY
                         Consider this my resignation --

               Thwock -- She slaps him. Amy looks, puzzled, from the circle to Norville's proudly 
               beaming face. AMY
                              (to the Goon)
                         Shutup!
                              (to Norville) He lurches off his stool toward the door. Watching him, 
               despair fights with confusion on Amy's face.

                                     AMY
                         But Norville... I... Lou also is beginning to sound choked up:

                                     LOU (O.S.)
                         It is beautiful, Benny.

               Almost weeping as Norville and Amy continue their embrace: AMY
                         Never mind about that...

               She shakes a piece of paper at Norville. AMY
                         ...Norville! Amy lamely fakes singing along, coming in louder on the last, 
               obvious rhyme. Norville jumps an octave on it; she quickly 
               follows sit, also pumping her fists. Norville sits anxiously awaiting the verdict of Amy who sits 
               hunched over the ticker-tape machine, studying the emerging 
               tape. Amy finally looks up at Norville and sadly shakes her 
               head. Norville is holding one hand up to shield his eyes from the 
               unaccustomed light. Amy stands next to him, beaming. Norville gives him a forced but hearty laugh of reassurance. He turns and we see that it is indeed Norville, holding a 
               dripping icepack against one eye.

                                     AMY
                         ...What happened? Amy looks at Norville, startled. After a moment she 
               reciprocates the sign.

                                     BENNY (O.S.)
                         What the heck's she doin', Lou? Amy awkwardly imitates.

               Norville excitedly sits behind his desk. Sadly:

                                     AMY
                         Oh, Norville --

                                     NORVILLE
                         Kiss me once, Amy! Kiss me once for 
                         luck! and away -- his face now TO us, we see that it is Norville 
               looking at the newspaper. He throws his head back and laughs 
               merrily. He freezes, taking in the scene: Amy reclining on the couch; 
               Norville standing in front of her with his pants around his 
               ankles, still breathing heavily; the bottle of whiskey in 
               his own hand.
Norville, undaunted, holds up the paper since Mussburger 
               will not take it. Mussburger doesn't even look at it; his 
               eyes are locked on Norville's. Mussburger smolders. He thrusts his face into Norville's, whose head moves 
               reflexively back. Mussburger's nose is almost touching 
               Norville's, his eyes are burning, searching, studying, 
               evaluating. MUSSBURGER AND NORVILLE

               As they make their way through the room Norville is mopping 
               at his brow with a handkerchief. He swivels around to face Norville, who stands deferentially 
               at the door. Still listening at the phone, Mussburger waves 
               Norville forward. NORVILLE
                         ...Mr. Mussburger's office?

               The scraper looks sullenly over his shoulder at Norville. Norville's arms are wrapped around Mussburger's ankles; the 
               heels of Mussburger's shoes are digging into his face.

               MUSSBURGER As Mussburger's eyes burn in on him, Norville stands mute 
               and paralyzed. Mussburger's burning eyes finally shift momentarily to look 
               at the crudely drawn circle; he looks back incredulously at 
               Norville. Norville is still loping behind Mussburger, trying to keep 
               up with his long strides. His eyes locked on Norville's, Mussburger circles the desk. 
               He stands toe-to-toe with Norville. MUSSBURGER
                         Why you nitwit. You almost destroyed 
                         the most sensitive deal of my career!

                                     NORVILLE
                         Oh my God, sir! MUSSBURGER
                         Tell him I'll be right there...
                              (looks at Norville)
                         Well, what is it? MUSSBURGER
                         Umm-hmm...

               He steps back, eyes still on Norville. MUSSBURGER
                         Sure, sure. I'm going to borrow 
                         Norville for a while, if you don't 
                         mind, dear. Mussburger gives an artificially hearty laugh and claps 
               Norville on the shoulder. Norville obeys. Mussburger studies.

                                     MUSSBURGER
                         Hmmmm... Let's get to know one 
                         another, shall we? This last voice and supered face is Mussburger's.

               Norville DISSOLVES away to leave us ON Sidney in the:

               INT. BOARDROOM NORVILLE
                         But, sir! --

                                     MUSSBURGER
                         Get your feet off that desk.

               As he struggles to comply: NORVILLE
                         But --

                                     MUSSBURGER
                         Get out of my sight. NORVILLE
                         I --

               But Mussburger is listening to the TINNY VOICE issuing from 
               the PHONE.
BUZZ
                         Aw, please, sir -- this job, it's 
                         all I got!

                                     NORVILLE
                         Get up! Buzz stumbles away, still weeping.

                                     BUZZ
                         I'm sorry, buddy... I'm sorry... BUZZ
                         Aw, buddy, I don't care about that.

               Norville is stunned.

                                     NORVILLE
                         ...You don't? It is Buzz, the elevator boy, dressed in an ill-fitting tuxedo 
               and a conical party hat. Za-Za is on his arm, towering over 
               him, leering at Norville. As Norville enters the elevators:

                                     BUZZ
                         Hiya, buddy! The name is Buzz, I got 
                         the fuzz... Buzz swings and Norville hits the snow hard.

                                     BUZZ
                         Think about that, idea man!!

               Norville groggily raises his head. After the doors shut behind Buzz:

                                     AMY
                              (shuddering)
                         What a horrible little person. BUZZ
                         And Sid says you stole it!

                                     NORVILLE
                         But Buzz -- Sweeping open. Norville staggers out.

                                     BUZZ
                              (hissing)
                         Good luck, buddy! He opens his eyes and looks stuporously about.

               Buzz is grinning down at him in his little pillbox elevator 
               cap. BUZZ
                         But he told me you stole that swell 
                         hoop idea from me. What gives!

                                     NORVILLE
                         But, Buzz -- BUZZ
                         Say, that was a swell idea!

                                     NORVILLE
                         But, Buzz, you know I never -- BUZZ
                         Looks like ya nodded off there, buddy! 
                         Say, ya got a minute?

               Norville clears his throat. NORVILLE
                         Sir! They voted me most likely to 
                         succeed!

                                     MUSSBURGER
                              (curtly)
                         You're fired. Buzz's jaw drops. His elastic chin strap snaps under the 
               pressure.

                                     BUZZ
                         Awwww, buddy -- Buzz is instant decorum as Mussburger enters the elevator.

                                     BUZZ
                         ...How're you this fine morning, 
                         sir? BUZZ
                         ...I call it the Buzz-Sucker, get 
                         it, buddy? -- After me! Buzz! Why, BUZZ
                         ...and I'll tell your secretary you're 
                         not to be disturbed. Yowzuh!!

               He snaps the elastic strap under his chin. The INTERCOM BUZZES fiercely.

                                     VOICE (V.O.)
                         Mr. Bumstead is waiting downstairs.

               Mussburger hits the intercom. NORVILLE
                         Oh, uh... Buzz... Is it important?

                                     BUZZ
                         I like to think so! It's this little 
                         idea I been working on!
being slammed behind Sidney who, straight-jacketed, is puffing 
               on a cigar as he is led away. A VAN is SCREECHING to a halt and out jump two burly unshaven 
               men in white, one of them holding open a straitjacket, the 
               other carrying a large butterfly net. They join in the chase. She strides to the door, leaving Norville rubbing his cheek 
               and the Goon hopping around on one leg.

                                                                  FADE OUT:

               FADE IN: And indeed she does: Faint dead away, falling backwards on 
               the stool, so that Norville has no choice but to catch her.

               Norville holds her awkwardly, looking around for help. barred door is slammed shut behind a stooped and broken 
               patient who is led, shuffling, away. He swings around to kick the door shut. We see that the 
               lettering on the door is now terribly smudged; we also see, He lurches off his stool toward the door. Watching him, 
               despair fights with confusion on Amy's face.

                                     AMY
                         But Norville... I... Norville throws his head back and laughs, it seems, insanely -- 
               but CONTINUED PULL BACK REVEALS that Norville is merely He has been pushing the box towards her. The box tilts lazily 
               forward and then disappears over the far lip of the desk. We PASSERBY
                         Say, isn't he that lunatic?

               Norville looks dopily up at the people in furs and party 
               hats starting to gather. She gets up to leave, and is heading for the door when 
               Norville adds:

                                     NORVILLE
                         ...She's probably just a little 
                         confused. As he scores each point it is illustrated on the screen behind 
               him: A patient is forced into a straitjacket by two brawny, once again running, maniacal, possessed. We don't know where 
               they are running, but we can guess.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               STORE Mussburger still sits frozen in his chair. Outside the great 
               arched window Hudsucker rises, through the falling snow, on 
               his way back to the heavens. He is sitting alone in the boardroom, but its door swings 
               open and Norville enters wearing plaid knickers, a little In flickering black-and-white, he is lying on a couch that 
               has been brought into his office, gazing listlessly at a She realizes that, though shattered, he is still the simple 
               innocent she loved --

                                     AMY
                         ... Oh, Norville!

               -- and bursts into tears. This was addressed to the chamber orchestra, whose playing 
               dribbles off. They look inquisitively at Norville, then rise 
               to pack up their instruments and sheepishly leave the office. Buzz starts giving chase, followed by the braver souls, 
               followed by the entire mob.

               NORVILLE

               runs, gasping, turning a corner. (laughs sadistically)
                         ...This letter was sent down this 
                         morning by the big guy himself! 'At's
and away -- his face now TO us, we see that it is Norville 
               looking at the newspaper. He throws his head back and laughs 
               merrily. With a jerk of his thumb he indicates the direction.

               Norville enters the adjacent office.

               OUTER OFFICE At length Norville stirs, opens his eyes, sits bolt upright, 
               batting away the hands of the manicurist and temple-massager.

                                     NORVILLE
                         Hold it!... Norville has pulled his old mailroom apron from the closet 
               and is putting it on: HUDSUCKER MAIL ROOM/The Future Is Now.

               Norville looks at the door. Cut to candid film of Norville getting out of a car, noticing 
               the camera, grinning and waving as he walks, and taking a 
               pratfall. The newspaper eddies around some more, then plasters against 
               Norville.

               He peels it off and is about to toss it away but stops, 
               noticing something. Norville lifts his head from the desktop. A piece of scrap 
               paper is sticking to his cheek. Dramatic FANFARE MUSIC STARTS 
               TO SWELL. Norville's hand ENTERS FRAME to push the newspaper away and 
               leave us looking up the empty street. Norville's back ENTERS The door sweeps shut. Norville looks nervously around.

               Behind him the elevator doors suddenly open again.

                                     BUZZ
                         -- You'll need it! BACK TO SCENE

                                     NORVILLE
                              (talking as he writes)
                         Just got hired today! The sign painter makes way as we see Norville's shadow 
               approaching; even from inside the room we can hear that he In the window behind him we see loose sheets of paper 
               fluttering down.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               NORVILLE At the other end of the office, Norville is wrapping his 
               arms around the glass water tank, which he pulls off its Again. Norville is eagerly pointing at a design he has up on 
               an easel: Under the heading BRAND NEW is a large circle. The 
               side view is a flat line. NORVILLE

               He pushes past the sign painter.

               INT. OFFICE He holds out his hand but as Norville reaches to shake it he 
               snaps it away and pats down his crewcut:

                                     BUZZ
                         ...Hang it up to dry. He reaches into his mailroom apron and hands a scrap of paper 
               across the desk to Mussburger, who stares, frozen, at 
               Norville, making no move to take the paper. He hits the intercom.

                                     NORVILLE
                         ...Mail room.

               To Amy: People on either side bellow at Norville and stuff envelopes 
               and packages under his elbows, into his pockets, under his 
               chin, between his clenched teeth, etc. He swivels around to face Norville, who stands deferentially 
               at the door. Still listening at the phone, Mussburger waves 
               Norville forward.
MOSES (V.O.)
                         ...An' that's the story of how 
                         Norville Barnes climbed away up to Norville, not mine. I used to love 
                         Norville Barnes -- yes, love him! -- 
                         when he was just a swell kid with On the white sofa cushion where he had been sitting is 
               printed, in wet ink, right side around: NORVILLE BARNES, 
               President. and away -- his face now TO us, we see that it is Norville 
               looking at the newspaper. He throws his head back and laughs 
               merrily. NARRATOR (V.O.)
                         ...This one's Norville Barnes. Fresh-faced, eager -- NORVILLE BARNES. He is gazing off at:

               WESSELS EMPLOYMENT AGENCY AMY
                         Well that just about does it! I've 
                         seen Norville Barnes, the young man He freezes, taking in the scene: Amy reclining on the couch; 
               Norville standing in front of her with his pants around his 
               ankles, still breathing heavily; the bottle of whiskey in 
               his own hand. ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
                         ...and so the congratulations pour 
                         in for up-and-comer Norville Barnes, HUTCHINSON
                         ...Yeah, you! Barnes!

               As he points, the people around Norville shrink away. Norville enters, comes up next to her and makes the Go Eagles 
               sign, hooking his thumbs in front of his nose and spreading 
               his fingers. He thrusts his face into Norville's, whose head moves 
               reflexively back. Mussburger's nose is almost touching 
               Norville's, his eyes are burning, searching, studying, 
               evaluating. Cut to candid film of Norville getting out of a car, noticing 
               the camera, grinning and waving as he walks, and taking a 
               pratfall. She strides to the door, leaving Norville rubbing his cheek 
               and the Goon hopping around on one leg.

                                                                  FADE OUT:

               FADE IN: DEGREES to reveal that it is not floor but wall he has run 
               into and is now leaning against. Norville looks up, sweating, 
               gasping. At length Norville stirs, opens his eyes, sits bolt upright, 
               batting away the hands of the manicurist and temple-massager.

                                     NORVILLE
                         Hold it!... Its headline, over a picture of Norville smiling, is "IMBECILE 
               HEADS HUDSUCKER." The subheadline: "Not a Brain in his Head." With a jerk of his thumb he indicates the direction.

               Norville enters the adjacent office.

               OUTER OFFICE NORVILLE
                         Good afternoon to ya, this is Norville 
                         Barnes -- Norville's hand ENTERS FRAME to push the newspaper away and 
               leave us looking up the empty street. Norville's back ENTERS
With a jerk of his thumb he indicates the direction.

               Norville enters the adjacent office.

               OUTER OFFICE and away -- his face now TO us, we see that it is Norville 
               looking at the newspaper. He throws his head back and laughs 
               merrily. Again. Norville is eagerly pointing at a design he has up on 
               an easel: Under the heading BRAND NEW is a large circle. The 
               side view is a flat line. At length Norville stirs, opens his eyes, sits bolt upright, 
               batting away the hands of the manicurist and temple-massager.

                                     NORVILLE
                         Hold it!... Cut to candid film of Norville getting out of a car, noticing 
               the camera, grinning and waving as he walks, and taking a 
               pratfall. The newspaper eddies around some more, then plasters against 
               Norville.

               He peels it off and is about to toss it away but stops, 
               noticing something. In the window behind him we see loose sheets of paper 
               fluttering down.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               NORVILLE BACK TO SCENE

                                     NORVILLE
                              (talking as he writes)
                         Just got hired today! Norville's hand ENTERS FRAME to push the newspaper away and 
               leave us looking up the empty street. Norville's back ENTERS Norville gives him a forced but hearty laugh of reassurance. INT. NORVILLE'S OFFICE NORVILLE

               He pushes past the sign painter.

               INT. OFFICE The sign painter makes way as we see Norville's shadow 
               approaching; even from inside the room we can hear that he Norville lifts his head from the desktop. A piece of scrap 
               paper is sticking to his cheek. Dramatic FANFARE MUSIC STARTS 
               TO SWELL. NORVILLE
                         Yes sir...

               He tears open the envelope, reads: Norville throws his head back and laughs, it seems, insanely -- 
               but CONTINUED PULL BACK REVEALS that Norville is merely Norville, not mine. I used to love 
                         Norville Barnes -- yes, love him! -- 
                         when he was just a swell kid with Norville has pulled his old mailroom apron from the closet 
               and is putting it on: HUDSUCKER MAIL ROOM/The Future Is Now.

               Norville looks at the door. INT. NORVILLE'S OFFICE

               Looking at its frosted-glass door; the sign painter is just 
               finishing lettering in: NORVILLE BARNES, President. Beat. Norville, however, is not noticing: He is staring 
               intently at his coffee spoon, his hat pushed back on his
NARRATOR (V.O.)
                         ...That office he jes stepped out of 
                         is the office of the president of 
                         Hudsucker Industries. It's his 
                         office... Mussburger still sits frozen in his chair. Outside the great 
               arched window Hudsucker rises, through the falling snow, on 
               his way back to the heavens. Sidney J. Mussburger President Norville Barnes and The Board 
               of Hudsucker Industries CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO The Annual Hudsucker takes one puff from his cigar and carefully sets 
               it in his ashtray.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in after-tax profit... Hudsucker looks up from his watch, smiles, runs his palms 
               back over his fringe of hair.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in gross... The board turns expectantly to Hudsucker, who sits in the 
               f.g. Beyond him is the length of the board table and the Hudsucker. Why, in New York alone 
                         that means eighteen hundred people 
                         out of work, people with wives and 
                         children and families -- At the far end of the table, Hudsucker's chair is empty and 
               oddly askew. His cigar still smokes in its ashtray. REPORTER #2
                         Ho-leeee!

                                     REPORTER #3
                         Mr. Barnes, whither Hudsucker?
                         Whither Norville Barnes? Norville is interrupted by loud blubbering. He looks up.

               Hudsucker is weeping loudly into a white handkerchief. AMY
                         So if you know everything about 
                         Hudsucker, tell me why the Board 
                         decided to make Norville Barnes 
                         president. ANOTHER ANGLE

               Picture dissolves to a pan up the Hudsucker Building. BOARD

               Staring, mouths hanging open, in arrested motion much like 
               when Waring Hudsucker jumped out the window at the previous 
               board meeting. PAN UP his arm TO the newspaper and, BEYOND it, the towering 
               Hudsucker Building.

               All of the above --

                                                           DISSOLVING WITH: Hudsucker pulls his sleeve cuffs to expose just the right 
               amount under the suit.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in pre-tax earnings... As Hudsucker shoots past the window, his draft sends the 
               stack of papers wafting this way and that. As the secretary Hudsucker is FRAMED FROM MID-TORSO DOWN. He shakes the tension 
               loose from each leg, then waggles both arms dangling at his 
               sides, like an athlete preparing for a sprint. in the company, and my seat on the 
                         board, to whomever is Hudsucker's 
                         most recent employee at the time of NORVILLE
                         Well, by anyone's account I've saved 
                         Hudsucker Industries; our stock is HIS POV

               The massive Hudsucker Building looms dizzily up towards the 
               stars, capped by the huge Hudsucker Clock.
Mussburger still sits frozen in his chair. Outside the great 
               arched window Hudsucker rises, through the falling snow, on 
               his way back to the heavens. Hudsucker takes one puff from his cigar and carefully sets 
               it in his ashtray.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in after-tax profit... Hudsucker looks up from his watch, smiles, runs his palms 
               back over his fringe of hair.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in gross... NORVILLE
                         Well, by anyone's account I've saved 
                         Hudsucker Industries; our stock is PAN UP his arm TO the newspaper and, BEYOND it, the towering 
               Hudsucker Building.

               All of the above --

                                                           DISSOLVING WITH: Hudsucker. Why, in New York alone 
                         that means eighteen hundred people 
                         out of work, people with wives and 
                         children and families -- NARRATOR (V.O.)
                         ...That office he jes stepped out of 
                         is the office of the president of 
                         Hudsucker Industries. It's his 
                         office... REPORTER #2
                         Ho-leeee!

                                     REPORTER #3
                         Mr. Barnes, whither Hudsucker?
                         Whither Norville Barnes? Hudsucker pulls his sleeve cuffs to expose just the right 
               amount under the suit.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in pre-tax earnings... The board turns expectantly to Hudsucker, who sits in the 
               f.g. Beyond him is the length of the board table and the in the company, and my seat on the 
                         board, to whomever is Hudsucker's 
                         most recent employee at the time of ANOTHER ANGLE

               Picture dissolves to a pan up the Hudsucker Building. MUSSBURGER
                         You mean to tell me that any slob in 
                         a smelly T-shirt will be able to buy 
                         Hudsucker stock?

               Stillson shrugs. right, Waring Hudsucker! It's 
                         addressed to Sid Mussburger!  
                         Hudsucker's right-hand man! It's a As Hudsucker shoots past the window, his draft sends the 
               stack of papers wafting this way and that. As the secretary On his desk the perpetual ballbearings swing; outside his 
               window the sweep second hand of the Hudsucker clock rumbles 
               by, sweeping a shadow across the floor. Evil prevails. HIS POV

               The massive Hudsucker Building looms dizzily up towards the 
               stars, capped by the huge Hudsucker Clock. CLOSE SHOT - WARING HUDSUCKER

               As the Executive drones on, O.S., Hudsucker is carefully 
               winding his wristwatch. Hudsucker is FRAMED FROM MID-TORSO DOWN. He shakes the tension 
               loose from each leg, then waggles both arms dangling at his 
               sides, like an athlete preparing for a sprint. NORVILLE
                         Yessir.

                                     HUDSUCKER
                         Well, why don't ya read it.
He swivels around to face Norville, who stands deferentially 
               at the door. Still listening at the phone, Mussburger waves 
               Norville forward. Norville, undaunted, holds up the paper since Mussburger 
               will not take it. Mussburger doesn't even look at it; his 
               eyes are locked on Norville's. Mussburger smolders. MUSSBURGER AND NORVILLE

               As they make their way through the room Norville is mopping 
               at his brow with a handkerchief. MUSSBURGER
                         Tell him I'll be right there...
                              (looks at Norville)
                         Well, what is it? He reaches into his mailroom apron and hands a scrap of paper 
               across the desk to Mussburger, who stares, frozen, at 
               Norville, making no move to take the paper. MUSSBURGER
                         Sure, sure. I'm going to borrow 
                         Norville for a while, if you don't 
                         mind, dear. MUSSBURGER
                         Why you nitwit. You almost destroyed 
                         the most sensitive deal of my career!

                                     NORVILLE
                         Oh my God, sir! He thrusts his face into Norville's, whose head moves 
               reflexively back. Mussburger's nose is almost touching 
               Norville's, his eyes are burning, searching, studying, 
               evaluating. Norville obeys. Mussburger studies.

                                     MUSSBURGER
                         Hmmmm... Let's get to know one 
                         another, shall we? Norville's arms are wrapped around Mussburger's ankles; the 
               heels of Mussburger's shoes are digging into his face.

               MUSSBURGER MUSSBURGER
                         Umm-hmm...

               He steps back, eyes still on Norville. Mussburger's burning eyes finally shift momentarily to look 
               at the crudely drawn circle; he looks back incredulously at 
               Norville. MUSSBURGER
                         I'll be right there. Give him a 
                         magazine.
                              (to Norville)
                         ...What're you, a mute? NORVILLE
                         ...Mr. Mussburger's office?

               The scraper looks sullenly over his shoulder at Norville. NORVILLE
                         I --

               But Mussburger is listening to the TINNY VOICE issuing from 
               the PHONE. MUSSBURGER
                         ...Go ahead. Try it on.

               Norville obeys, reluctantly, stiffly. MUSSBURGER
                         You nitwit! I worked for three years 
                         on this deal!

                                     NORVILLE
                         Oh my God, sir! Norville, his lips puckered around the unaccustomed ciger, 
               looks bemusedly from the chair to Mussburger. He covers the mouth piece.

                                     MUSSBURGER
                         ...Who let you in?

                                     NORVILLE
                         I -- MUSSBURGER
                         So they tell me. Norville, let me 
                         shepherd you through some of the
Its headline, over a picture of Norville smiling, is "IMBECILE 
               HEADS HUDSUCKER." The subheadline: "Not a Brain in his Head." MOSES
                         But then I figured it out: they did 
                         it 'cause they figured young Norville 
                         for an imbecile. Like some othuh 
                         people ah know. Norville throws his head back and laughs, it seems, insanely -- 
               but CONTINUED PULL BACK REVEALS that Norville is merely NORVILLE
                         ...Oh, it's you! Lookin' for a nitwit 
                         to buy your lunch?!

                                     AMY
                         Oh Norville, I -- It is the heroic statue of Norville that we earlier saw him 
               posing for.

               Norville reels over to it, stares dumbly.

               STATUE NORVILLE
                         This is the most idiotic thing I've 
                         ever seen in my life!

                                     BUZZ
                         Yeah, but, buddy -- Norville shakes his head.

                                     MUSSBURGER
                         ...'Shnook'? 'Dope'? 'Dipstick'? 
                         'Lamebrain'? NORVILLE
                         ...Well, you know me, Amy, at least 
                         better than that that dame does. Do 
                         you think I'm an imbecile? Norville gazes stupidly at the circle.

                                     BUZZ
                         ...Ya get it, buddy? Incredibly 
                         convenient, isn't it? Ya see -- and away -- his face now TO us, we see that it is Norville 
               looking at the newspaper. He throws his head back and laughs 
               merrily. Norville enters, comes up next to her and makes the Go Eagles 
               sign, hooking his thumbs in front of his nose and spreading 
               his fingers. Norville, who has been stewing, finally barks:

                                     NORVILLE
                         Wait a minute! Mussburger's burning eyes finally shift momentarily to look 
               at the crudely drawn circle; he looks back incredulously at 
               Norville. imbecile after all... Norville, you 
                         let me down... You let Mrs. Eisenhower 
                         down... You let the American people Norville gives him a forced but hearty laugh of reassurance. He turns to look at Norville. NORVILLE
                         Thanks. People seem to be pretty hot 
                         over this imbecile story.

                                     AMY
                         ...I'm sorry. Beat. Norville, however, is not noticing: He is staring 
               intently at his coffee spoon, his hat pushed back on his Norville, undaunted, holds up the paper since Mussburger 
               will not take it. Mussburger doesn't even look at it; his 
               eyes are locked on Norville's. Mussburger smolders. He thrusts his face into Norville's, whose head moves 
               reflexively back. Mussburger's nose is almost touching 
               Norville's, his eyes are burning, searching, studying, 
               evaluating.
We are in Mussburger's office. Mussburger is seated at his 
               desk looking at the file picture and clipping; the sign MUSSBURGER
                         What am I a headshrinker? Maybe the 
                         man was unhappy.

                                     ADDISON
                         He didn't look unhappy! He thrusts his face into Norville's, whose head moves 
               reflexively back. Mussburger's nose is almost touching 
               Norville's, his eyes are burning, searching, studying, 
               evaluating. PAN UP FURTHER to reveal that the machine is in Mussburger's 
               office. At the far end of the room, behind his desk, 
               Mussburger laughs as he looks at a newspaper. Norville, undaunted, holds up the paper since Mussburger 
               will not take it. Mussburger doesn't even look at it; his 
               eyes are locked on Norville's. Mussburger smolders. We are LOOKING INTO Sidney J. Mussburger's office.

               Mussburger sits at his desk barking into a Dictaphone. Sidney J. Mussburger, President.

               Evil LAUGHTER. Sweeping shadows.

                                                                    CUT TO: Mussburger perches on the board table by his own chair.

               He reaches over to pluck the smoking cigar from the suicide's 
               ashtray. MUSSBURGER
                         Why you nitwit. You almost destroyed 
                         the most sensitive deal of my career!

                                     NORVILLE
                         Oh my God, sir! Two secretaries are in Mussburger's outer reception office. 
               The first is a filing secretary who stands frozen in the MUSSBURGER
                         Mm. Ordinarily I wouldn't bother you 
                         with it, but -- this is embarrassing, 
                         kid -- it seems to concern you 
                         directly. MUSSBURGER
                         Eeeeeeaaaahhhhh!

                                                                    CUT TO:

               INT. EXECUTIVE WAITING ROOM MUSSBURGER
                         Sure, sure. Some jerk we can really 
                         push around.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               SWINGING STEEL DOORS This last voice and supered face is Mussburger's.

               Norville DISSOLVES away to leave us ON Sidney in the:

               INT. BOARDROOM Mussburger's forgotten match has burned down to his 
               fingertips. With a wince, he shakes it out.

               The Board is staring. Mussburger's burning eyes finally shift momentarily to look 
               at the crudely drawn circle; he looks back incredulously at 
               Norville. Norville's arms are wrapped around Mussburger's ankles; the 
               heels of Mussburger's shoes are digging into his face.

               MUSSBURGER We TILT UP to show that Mussburger is walking toward the 
               boardroom window. Board members silently remonstrate with 
               him as he tries to wrench it open. Mussburger, it seems, never sleeps. MUSSBURGER

               Casually puffing on a cigar.

                                     MUSSBURGER
                         Diagnosis, Dr. Bromfenbrenner?
We continue TILTING UP the length of the skyscraper, to reveal 
               a huge clock capping its facade. Above the clock is the A huge MECHANICAL ARM -- the sweep second hand of the 
               Hudsucker clock on the facade of the building -- RUMBLES by 
               immediately outside the window, describing an arc that throws 
               a moving shadow across the office. HIS POV

               The massive Hudsucker Building looms dizzily up towards the 
               stars, capped by the huge Hudsucker Clock. wall there is an enormous iron ring with a metal rod sweeping 
               an interior circle. It is the backside of the great Hudsucker 
               clock. begin to hear the TICK of its enormous CLOCK. The clock reads 
               a minute to twelve. Above it, in neon, a company's name: We are MOVING IN ON the enormous CLOCK, whose MECHANICAL 
               THRUM becomes very loud indeed. The huge clock's sweep second hand is just approaching the 
               position that will make the time 12:00 sharp.

               ANOTHER ANGLE being carried away in a continuous motion by an engineer who 
               looks at it, nodding. We see that we are now in an enormous We are MOVING IN TOWARDS a particular skyscraper. At its top 
               is a large illuminated clock.

                                     NARRATOR (V.O.)
                         Yep... He deliberately unstraps his wristwatch and looks at its 
               face.

               The sweep second hand is starting the last revolution that 
               will end at precisely noon. On his desk the perpetual ballbearings swing; outside his 
               window the sweep second hand of the Hudsucker clock rumbles 
               by, sweeping a shadow across the floor. Evil prevails. SWISH PAN TO:

               CLOCK

               Reading five o'clock.

                                                              SWISH PAN TO: In the skyline we can see the Hudsucker building topped by 
               the Hudsucker clock. TRACKING

               WITH Hudsucker, the building slipping by behind him. As he 
               yells he calmly runs his palms back over his fringe of hair. 
               The CLOCK TOLLS. HIS POV

               Looking STEEPLY UP.

               CLOCK

               Its second hand is making its descent.

               NORVILLE Its sweep second hand is arrested on its downward sweep.

               WHINING NOISES emanate from within.

               CLOSE SHOT - GREAT GEAR We BOOM UP, AWAY FROM the boardroom, to the great Hudsucker 
               Clock. Lou wears a fake whispy beard and white eyebrows and a long 
               flowing robe; he holds a fake scythe. On the bar next to him 
               sits a large hourglass. The second hand of the clock is nearing the twelve -- bare 
               seconds to midnight. Distant CHANTING from Times Square MIXES 
               UP: "Nine! Eight! Seven!" With a LOW MOAN the CLOCKWORKS start to shudder and turn --

               SWEEP SECOND HAND

               Lurching forward --
And, to Norville's surprise, slamming the door shut behind 
               him. The door closes behind Norville.

               We hear a rhythmic CLICK-CLICK-CLICK and the HUM of 
               VENTILATION. With a jerk of his thumb he indicates the direction.

               Norville enters the adjacent office.

               OUTER OFFICE The door sweeps shut. Norville looks nervously around.

               Behind him the elevator doors suddenly open again.

                                     BUZZ
                         -- You'll need it! The elevator doors slam shut and we hear its ENGINES SCREAM 
               as it power-dives away.

               Norville turns toward the executive offices. NORVILLE
                         But, sir!

               The windows do not open. Norville furiously stomps on the 
               flames in the wastebasket and -- his foot sticks. EXT. ANNE'S

               As Norville exits. It is night, snowing. She strides to the door, leaving Norville rubbing his cheek 
               and the Goon hopping around on one leg.

                                                                  FADE OUT:

               FADE IN: Buzz has already thrown the doors shut and sent the elevator 
               into its power-rise. Norville, bracing himself now, sinks 
               only a little under the G-force. Dark and empty. Norville is peeling off his coat as he 
               staggers over to the closet. Norville throws his head back and laughs, it seems, insanely -- 
               but CONTINUED PULL BACK REVEALS that Norville is merely At the other end of the office, Norville is wrapping his 
               arms around the glass water tank, which he pulls off its The open window at a steep angle. Someone inside slides it 
               shut.

               BACK TO SCENE

               Norville waves. All heads in the elevator turn, aghast, to look, and those 
               near Norville shrink away. NORVILLE
                         Oh my God, sir!

               He winds up and throws it through the closed window. Norville is already running to the window, which he runs 
               both palms over, desperately seeking a way to open it.

                                     MUSSBURGER
                         Not that way! Through the door! The door opens as Norville swings around to enter. He is 
               wheezing like a gas pipe about to explode. Still laughing, Norville is now freshly shaven and has a 
               slicked-back haircut, heavy with pomade.

               FREEZE ON Norville's laughing face. He climbs out.

               LEDGE

               Norville, back against the wall, looks cautiously down.

               We hear DISTANT CHANTING: The sign painter makes way as we see Norville's shadow 
               approaching; even from inside the room we can hear that he
She strides to the door, leaving Norville rubbing his cheek 
               and the Goon hopping around on one leg.

                                                                  FADE OUT:

               FADE IN: Mussburger still sits frozen in his chair. Outside the great 
               arched window Hudsucker rises, through the falling snow, on 
               his way back to the heavens. And indeed she does: Faint dead away, falling backwards on 
               the stool, so that Norville has no choice but to catch her.

               Norville holds her awkwardly, looking around for help. She realizes that, though shattered, he is still the simple 
               innocent she loved --

                                     AMY
                         ... Oh, Norville!

               -- and bursts into tears. He swings around to kick the door shut. We see that the 
               lettering on the door is now terribly smudged; we also see, being slammed behind Sidney who, straight-jacketed, is puffing 
               on a cigar as he is led away. Sadly:

                                     AMY
                         Oh, Norville --

                                     NORVILLE
                         Kiss me once, Amy! Kiss me once for 
                         luck! Norville throws his head back and laughs, it seems, insanely -- 
               but CONTINUED PULL BACK REVEALS that Norville is merely A VAN is SCREECHING to a halt and out jump two burly unshaven 
               men in white, one of them holding open a straitjacket, the 
               other carrying a large butterfly net. They join in the chase. He lurches off his stool toward the door. Watching him, 
               despair fights with confusion on Amy's face.

                                     AMY
                         But Norville... I... As he scores each point it is illustrated on the screen behind 
               him: A patient is forced into a straitjacket by two brawny, He has been pushing the box towards her. The box tilts lazily 
               forward and then disappears over the far lip of the desk. We PASSERBY
                         Say, isn't he that lunatic?

               Norville looks dopily up at the people in furs and party 
               hats starting to gather. barred door is slammed shut behind a stooped and broken 
               patient who is led, shuffling, away. AMY
                         You're fools, both of you! It's 
                         obvious they're out to crucify 
                         Norville! They're trying to destroy 
                         him! once again running, maniacal, possessed. We don't know where 
               they are running, but we can guess.

                                                                    CUT TO:

               STORE In flickering black-and-white, he is lying on a couch that 
               has been brought into his office, gazing listlessly at a Weakly, still cradled in Norville's arms:

                                     AMY
                         I'm sorry we had to take the stairs. 
                         It was just that horrible little 
                         elevator boy... He is sitting alone in the boardroom, but its door swings 
               open and Norville enters wearing plaid knickers, a little After the doors shut behind Buzz:

                                     AMY
                              (shuddering)
                         What a horrible little person.
HUTCHINSON
                         ...Yeah, you! Barnes!

               As he points, the people around Norville shrink away. He drifts into thought.

                                     AMY
                         Is that all, Mr. Barnes? On the white sofa cushion where he had been sitting is 
               printed, in wet ink, right side around: NORVILLE BARNES, 
               President. NARRATOR (V.O.)
                         ...This one's Norville Barnes. MOSES (V.O.)
                         ...An' that's the story of how 
                         Norville Barnes climbed away up to REPORTER #1
                         Mr. Barnes, Mr. Barnes, Rumpus 
                         magazine has called you the most Norville, not mine. I used to love 
                         Norville Barnes -- yes, love him! -- 
                         when he was just a swell kid with AMY
                         Well that just about does it! I've 
                         seen Norville Barnes, the young man NORVILLE
                         Good afternoon to ya, this is Norville 
                         Barnes -- Fresh-faced, eager -- NORVILLE BARNES. He is gazing off at:

               WESSELS EMPLOYMENT AGENCY REPORTER
                         Mr. Barnes, are you -- NORVILLE
                         -- A Muncie girl! Can you beat that!

                                     AMY
                         Well, I just don't know how to thank 
                         you, Mr. Barnes -- The sign painter makes way as we see Norville's shadow 
               approaching; even from inside the room we can hear that he ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
                         ...and so the congratulations pour 
                         in for up-and-comer Norville Barnes, In flickering black-and-white, he is lying on a couch that 
               has been brought into his office, gazing listlessly at a AMY
                         You're awful kind to yourself, 
                         Norville Barnes -- the fact is you've She hastily stubs out her cigarette and waves her hand to 
               disperse the smoke.

                                     AMY
                         ...Muncie, Indiana. the heat off this Barnes numbskull -- 
                         like you've gone all soft on him! BARMAN
                         Yeah, just get down here -- he says 
                         he's a friend of yours... He won't 
                         say, but man, is he from squaresville. REPORTER #1
                         Mr. Barnes, did the board consider 
                         you an 'idea man' when they promoted 
                         you from the mail room?
AMY
                         ...Suffice it to say that I'm jobless -- 
                         though not for want of trying, that He drifts into thought.

                                     AMY
                         Is that all, Mr. Barnes? Fresh-faced, eager -- NORVILLE BARNES. He is gazing off at:

               WESSELS EMPLOYMENT AGENCY He frowns.

               Around him, the crowd is thinning out as men trot in to apply 
               for their respective jobs. HUTCHINSON
                         ...Yeah, you! Barnes!

               As he points, the people around Norville shrink away. On the white sofa cushion where he had been sitting is 
               printed, in wet ink, right side around: NORVILLE BARNES, 
               President. He looks at Norville.

               NORVILLE

               His face drawn with effort, still struggling to hang on. REPORTER #1
                         Mr. Barnes, Mr. Barnes, Rumpus 
                         magazine has called you the most In flickering black-and-white, he is lying on a couch that 
               has been brought into his office, gazing listlessly at a INTERCOM (V.O.)
                         Barnes! Where the hell have you been! 
                         And where's my voucher?!

               Norville thumps at his pockets. NARRATOR (V.O.)
                         ...This one's Norville Barnes. BUZZ
                         Aw, please, sir -- this job, it's 
                         all I got!

                                     NORVILLE
                         Get up! MOSES (V.O.)
                         ...An' that's the story of how 
                         Norville Barnes climbed away up to He freezes, taking in the scene: Amy reclining on the couch; 
               Norville standing in front of her with his pants around his 
               ankles, still breathing heavily; the bottle of whiskey in 
               his own hand. On his desk the perpetual ballbearings swing; outside his 
               window the sweep second hand of the Hudsucker clock rumbles 
               by, sweeping a shadow across the floor. Evil prevails. Presenting himself, he spreads his arms and stamps his forward 
               foot, forgetting that there is nothing beneath his foot to 
               stamp. He lurches forward, momentarily losing his balance. He takes one last gulp of the coffee, then sets the cup down 
               on the want ads, stands, and digs into his pocket for change, 
               turning it inside-out.

               CLOSE ON COUNTER He lurches off his stool toward the door. Watching him, 
               despair fights with confusion on Amy's face.

                                     AMY
                         But Norville... I... Norville, squinting against the cigar smoke, pulls the cigar 
               out of his mouth as he doubles forward, feet still up, groping Beat. Norville, however, is not noticing: He is staring 
               intently at his coffee spoon, his hat pushed back on his
BOARD

               Staring, mouths hanging open, in arrested motion much like 
               when Waring Hudsucker jumped out the window at the previous 
               board meeting. CLOSE SHOT - WARING HUDSUCKER

               As the Executive drones on, O.S., Hudsucker is carefully 
               winding his wristwatch. Mussburger still sits frozen in his chair. Outside the great 
               arched window Hudsucker rises, through the falling snow, on 
               his way back to the heavens. Hudsucker is FRAMED FROM MID-TORSO DOWN. He shakes the tension 
               loose from each leg, then waggles both arms dangling at his 
               sides, like an athlete preparing for a sprint. Hudsucker takes one puff from his cigar and carefully sets 
               it in his ashtray.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in after-tax profit... As the second hand hits the twelve, the CLOCK TOLLS, the 
               board room WINDOW SHATTERS and Waring Hudsucker comes flying 
               out. NARRATOR (V.O.)
                         ...That office he jes stepped out of 
                         is the office of the president of 
                         Hudsucker Industries. It's his 
                         office... Hudsucker pulls his sleeve cuffs to expose just the right 
               amount under the suit.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in pre-tax earnings... Hudsucker looks up from his watch, smiles, runs his palms 
               back over his fringe of hair.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in gross... HIS POV

               The massive Hudsucker Building looms dizzily up towards the 
               stars, capped by the huge Hudsucker Clock. ELDERY EXECUTIVE
                         Waring Hudsucker was never an easy 
                         man to figure out. As Hudsucker shoots past the window, his draft sends the 
               stack of papers wafting this way and that. As the secretary AN EXECUTIVE
                         He could've opened the window.

                                     ELDERLY EXECUTIVE
                         Waring Hudsucker never did anything 
                         the easy way. At the far end of the table, Hudsucker's chair is empty and 
               oddly askew. His cigar still smokes in its ashtray. Norville is interrupted by loud blubbering. He looks up.

               Hudsucker is weeping loudly into a white handkerchief. BUZZ
                         Waring Hudsucker! Na-ha-ha-ha-ha!
                         Say, buddy! When is the sidewalk The board turns expectantly to Hudsucker, who sits in the 
               f.g. Beyond him is the length of the board table and the In the skyline we can see the Hudsucker building topped by 
               the Hudsucker clock. This is WARING HUDSUCKER.

               REPORTING EXECUTIVE

               He drones on. WARING HUDSUCKER

               looks dreamily out the window. His attention returns to the 
               droning Executive and the benignant smile returns to his 
               lips.
DRAMATIC TRACK IN ON Norville. As Hutchinson talks, he thrusts 
               the blue letter into Norville's face. Norville looks at it Norville, undaunted, holds up the paper since Mussburger 
               will not take it. Mussburger doesn't even look at it; his 
               eyes are locked on Norville's. Mussburger smolders. He reaches into his mailroom apron and hands a scrap of paper 
               across the desk to Mussburger, who stares, frozen, at 
               Norville, making no move to take the paper. He thrusts his face into Norville's, whose head moves 
               reflexively back. Mussburger's nose is almost touching 
               Norville's, his eyes are burning, searching, studying, 
               evaluating. BLUE LETTER

               Lying on the boardroom table. As a hand enters to lay a 
               wristwatch on the table next to it, we hear the voice of 
               Moses, the old maintenance man. The mail room is thrown into pandemonium.

                                     VARIOUS VOICES
                         Blue letter...! It's a blue letter...! 
                         They're bringing down a blue letter! Norville reaches in and -- pulls out the wrinkled Blue Letter.

                                     NORVILLE
                         Oh, geez. Mussburger's forgotten match has burned down to his 
               fingertips. With a wince, he shakes it out.

               The Board is staring. On the white sofa cushion where he had been sitting is 
               printed, in wet ink, right side around: NORVILLE BARNES, 
               President. blue letter! That means you put it 
                         right in Mussburger's hand. No 
                         secretaries! No receptionists! No Mussburger perches on the board table by his own chair.

               He reaches over to pluck the smoking cigar from the suicide's 
               ashtray. He drifts into thought.

                                     AMY
                         Is that all, Mr. Barnes? He freezes, taking in the scene: Amy reclining on the couch; 
               Norville standing in front of her with his pants around his 
               ankles, still breathing heavily; the bottle of whiskey in 
               his own hand. He swings around to kick the door shut. We see that the 
               lettering on the door is now terribly smudged; we also see, He is holding aloft a letter.

               He takes loping drawf strides down the aisle.

               CLOSEUP - LETTER He swivels around to face Norville, who stands deferentially 
               at the door. Still listening at the phone, Mussburger waves 
               Norville forward. We are in Mussburger's office. Mussburger is seated at his 
               desk looking at the file picture and clipping; the sign A PULL BACK FROM the EXTREME CLOSE SHOT REVEALS, however, 
               that Norville's arms are now wrapped around -- emptiness.

               Mussburger's legs are gone. CLOSE ON MUSSBURGER

               Staring. Holding a just-lighted but forgotten cigar in one 
               hand, and a still burning match in the other. PAN UP FURTHER to reveal that the machine is in Mussburger's 
               office. At the far end of the room, behind his desk, 
               Mussburger laughs as he looks at a newspaper.
Mussburger still sits frozen in his chair. Outside the great 
               arched window Hudsucker rises, through the falling snow, on 
               his way back to the heavens. MUSSBURGER
                         Norville Barnes, allow me to introduce 
                         Mr. Zebulon Cardozo, one of Hudsucker 
                         Industries largest and most loyal 
                         stockholders. right, Waring Hudsucker! It's 
                         addressed to Sid Mussburger!  
                         Hudsucker's right-hand man! It's a Sidney J. Mussburger President Norville Barnes and The Board 
               of Hudsucker Industries CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO The Annual MUSSBURGER
                         ...It's genius. It's just exactly 
                         what Hudsucker needs at this juncture. MUSSBURGER
                         You mean to tell me that any slob in 
                         a smelly T-shirt will be able to buy 
                         Hudsucker stock?

               Stillson shrugs. MUSSBURGER
                              (at ticker tape machine)
                         It's working already. Waring Hudsucker The board turns expectantly to Hudsucker, who sits in the 
               f.g. Beyond him is the length of the board table and the Hudsucker takes one puff from his cigar and carefully sets 
               it in his ashtray.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in after-tax profit... NARRATOR (V.O.)
                         ...That office he jes stepped out of 
                         is the office of the president of 
                         Hudsucker Industries. It's his 
                         office... MUSSBURGER
                         Up on your feet! We don't crawl at 
                         Hudsucker Industries! Hudsucker looks up from his watch, smiles, runs his palms 
               back over his fringe of hair.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in gross... in the company, and my seat on the 
                         board, to whomever is Hudsucker's 
                         most recent employee at the time of Norville is interrupted by loud blubbering. He looks up.

               Hudsucker is weeping loudly into a white handkerchief. As Hudsucker shoots past the window, his draft sends the 
               stack of papers wafting this way and that. As the secretary The passerby reacts to the approaching yell, looking up just 
               as Hudsucker ENTERS FRAME. Hudsucker is FRAMED FROM MID-TORSO DOWN. He shakes the tension 
               loose from each leg, then waggles both arms dangling at his 
               sides, like an athlete preparing for a sprint. REPORTER #2
                         Ho-leeee!

                                     REPORTER #3
                         Mr. Barnes, whither Hudsucker?
                         Whither Norville Barnes? As Norville reads Hudsucker casually examines his fingernails, 
               then pats down a yawn. CLOSE SHOT - WARING HUDSUCKER

               As the Executive drones on, O.S., Hudsucker is carefully 
               winding his wristwatch.
AMY
                         Sez me! Amy Archer. Why is he an 
                         Idea Man -- because Hudsucker says AMY
                         I'm telling you, Smitty, the board 
                         of Hudsucker is up to something --

                                     SMITTY
                              (into phone)
                         Yeah. AMY
                         Your i --

                                     NORVILLE
                         We have to be realistic, Amy. You 
                         know things have slowed down a little 
                         here at Hudsucker -- Hudsucker takes one puff from his cigar and carefully sets 
               it in his ashtray.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in after-tax profit... Mussburger still sits frozen in his chair. Outside the great 
               arched window Hudsucker rises, through the falling snow, on 
               his way back to the heavens. CLOSE SHOT - PICTURE OF AMY

               PULL BACK SHOWS it to be her identification in her Hudsucker 
               personnel file. NARRATOR (V.O.)
                         ...That office he jes stepped out of 
                         is the office of the president of 
                         Hudsucker Industries. It's his 
                         office... Somewhere in the Hudsucker Building. A secretary sits typing 
               next to an open window, finished pages sitting stacked beside 
               her. As we hear ANOTHER TOLL of the CLOCK. Hudsucker looks up from his watch, smiles, runs his palms 
               back over his fringe of hair.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in gross... AMY
                              (calls after him)
                         I'm plenty happy!

               She is answered only by WHIRRING MACHINERY.

               MOSES As Hudsucker shoots past the window, his draft sends the 
               stack of papers wafting this way and that. As the secretary THE FUTURE IS NOW.
                      Start building yours at Hudsucker Industries.
                                   Low pay. Long Hours. THE FUTURE IS NOW.
                      Start building yours at Hudsucker Industries.
                                   Low pay. Long Hours. Hudsucker. Why, in New York alone 
                         that means eighteen hundred people 
                         out of work, people with wives and 
                         children and families -- The Hudsucker Building lists up into the distance. A woman 
               in a fancy fruited hat with a black veil rises INTO FRAME AT Hudsucker pulls his sleeve cuffs to expose just the right 
               amount under the suit.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in pre-tax earnings... in the company, and my seat on the 
                         board, to whomever is Hudsucker's 
                         most recent employee at the time of HIS POV

               The massive Hudsucker Building looms dizzily up towards the 
               stars, capped by the huge Hudsucker Clock. NORVILLE
                         ...I designed it myself and this is 
                         just the sweet baby that can put 
                         Hudsucker right back on top. ANOTHER ANGLE

               Picture dissolves to a pan up the Hudsucker Building.
Mussburger still sits frozen in his chair. Outside the great 
               arched window Hudsucker rises, through the falling snow, on 
               his way back to the heavens. NARRATOR (V.O.)
                         ...That office he jes stepped out of 
                         is the office of the president of 
                         Hudsucker Industries. It's his 
                         office... Hudsucker takes one puff from his cigar and carefully sets 
               it in his ashtray.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in after-tax profit... Hudsucker looks up from his watch, smiles, runs his palms 
               back over his fringe of hair.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in gross... Hudsucker is FRAMED FROM MID-TORSO DOWN. He shakes the tension 
               loose from each leg, then waggles both arms dangling at his 
               sides, like an athlete preparing for a sprint. Hudsucker. Why, in New York alone 
                         that means eighteen hundred people 
                         out of work, people with wives and 
                         children and families -- HIS POV

               The massive Hudsucker Building looms dizzily up towards the 
               stars, capped by the huge Hudsucker Clock. ANOTHER ANGLE

               Picture dissolves to a pan up the Hudsucker Building. The board turns expectantly to Hudsucker, who sits in the 
               f.g. Beyond him is the length of the board table and the Hudsucker pulls his sleeve cuffs to expose just the right 
               amount under the suit.

                                     EXECUTIVE (O.S.)
                         ...new record in pre-tax earnings... Sidney J. Mussburger President Norville Barnes and The Board 
               of Hudsucker Industries CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO The Annual In the skyline we can see the Hudsucker building topped by 
               the Hudsucker clock. As Hudsucker shoots past the window, his draft sends the 
               stack of papers wafting this way and that. As the secretary THE FUTURE IS NOW.
                      Start building yours at Hudsucker Industries.
                                   Low pay. Long Hours. THE FUTURE IS NOW.
                      Start building yours at Hudsucker Industries.
                                   Low pay. Long Hours. On his desk the perpetual ballbearings swing; outside his 
               window the sweep second hand of the Hudsucker clock rumbles 
               by, sweeping a shadow across the floor. Evil prevails. Looking up the length of the Hudsucker Building. Someone or 
               something wrapped in white is flying toward us, coming down 
               from the stars.

               We can make out a male voice, accompanied by STRUMMING: CLOSE SHOT - WARING HUDSUCKER

               As the Executive drones on, O.S., Hudsucker is carefully 
               winding his wristwatch. PAN UP his arm TO the newspaper and, BEYOND it, the towering 
               Hudsucker Building.

               All of the above --

                                                           DISSOLVING WITH: in the company, and my seat on the 
                         board, to whomever is Hudsucker's 
                         most recent employee at the time of
Heck, if working at the Argus doesn't 
                         make me an expert then my name isn't 
                         Amy Archer and I've never won the He gives a low whistle under his breath as a woman enters 
               from the street and hesitates by the door, looking around. 
               Still attractive but looking somewhat down-at-the-heels, it 
               is Amy Archer. We are in Mussburger's office. Mussburger is seated at his 
               desk looking at the file picture and clipping; the sign This last voice and supered face is Mussburger's.

               Norville DISSOLVES away to leave us ON Sidney in the:

               INT. BOARDROOM Of all the irresponsible... Amy, 
                         take this down: Dear Miss Archer. I 
                         call you 'Miss' because you seem to Mussburger perches on the board table by his own chair.

               He reaches over to pluck the smoking cigar from the suicide's 
               ashtray. PAN UP FURTHER to reveal that the machine is in Mussburger's 
               office. At the far end of the room, behind his desk, 
               Mussburger laughs as he looks at a newspaper. Norville, undaunted, holds up the paper since Mussburger 
               will not take it. Mussburger doesn't even look at it; his 
               eyes are locked on Norville's. Mussburger smolders. He thrusts his face into Norville's, whose head moves 
               reflexively back. Mussburger's nose is almost touching 
               Norville's, his eyes are burning, searching, studying, 
               evaluating. Two secretaries are in Mussburger's outer reception office. 
               The first is a filing secretary who stands frozen in the AMY
                         Yeah, and I'll bet his initials are 
                         Sidney J. Mussburger! He freezes, taking in the scene: Amy reclining on the couch; 
               Norville standing in front of her with his pants around his 
               ankles, still breathing heavily; the bottle of whiskey in 
               his own hand. CARDOZO
                         ...We'll see who's yella!!

               His WIFE, a small wiry woman, steps in as Mussburger starts 
               dragging Norville away. As she rolls the pack gently across his eye:

                                     AMY
                         Norville... there's something I have 
                         to tell you. You see, I'm not really 
                         a secretary. He swivels around to face Norville, who stands deferentially 
               at the door. Still listening at the phone, Mussburger waves 
               Norville forward. AMY
                              (calls after him)
                         I'm plenty happy!

               She is answered only by WHIRRING MACHINERY.

               MOSES In the b.g., brilliantly spotlit, Vic Tenetta continues his 
               song.

               As Mussburger joins them: We hear a LOUD TEARING sound O.S. Mussburger drops a few 
               inches.

                                                             QUICK WIPE TO: Mussburger strides across the room from the still CHATTERING 
               TICKER TAPE MACHINE and lowers himself into Waring Hudsucker's MUSSBURGER
                         Why you nitwit. You almost destroyed 
                         the most sensitive deal of my career!

                                     NORVILLE
                         Oh my God, sir!
He opens his eyes and looks stuporously about.

               Buzz is grinning down at him in his little pillbox elevator 
               cap. He pauses to belch.

                                     NORVILLE
                         ...say, the hula hoop such a success.

                                     BUZZ
                         But, buddy -- It is Buzz, the elevator boy, dressed in an ill-fitting tuxedo 
               and a conical party hat. Za-Za is on his arm, towering over 
               him, leering at Norville. BUZZ
                         Say, that was a swell idea!

                                     NORVILLE
                         But, Buzz, you know I never -- NORVILLE
                         Oh, uh... Buzz... Is it important?

                                     BUZZ
                         I like to think so! It's this little 
                         idea I been working on! He holds out his hand but as Norville reaches to shake it he 
               snaps it away and pats down his crewcut:

                                     BUZZ
                         ...Hang it up to dry. Buzz swings and Norville hits the snow hard.

                                     BUZZ
                         Think about that, idea man!!

               Norville groggily raises his head. BUZZ
                         But he told me you stole that swell 
                         hoop idea from me. What gives!

                                     NORVILLE
                         But, Buzz -- BUZZ
                         Looks like ya nodded off there, buddy! 
                         Say, ya got a minute?

               Norville clears his throat. Buzz has already thrown the doors shut and sent the elevator 
               into its power-rise. Norville, bracing himself now, sinks 
               only a little under the G-force. Sweeping open to reveal the leering face of Buzz, the elevator 
               gnat.

                                     BUZZ
                         Say, buddy! Where'd ya get the new 
                         duds? Buzz starts giving chase, followed by the braver souls, 
               followed by the entire mob.

               NORVILLE

               runs, gasping, turning a corner. Norville gazes stupidly at the circle.

                                     BUZZ
                         ...Ya get it, buddy? Incredibly 
                         convenient, isn't it? Ya see -- BUZZ
                         ...and I'll tell your secretary you're 
                         not to be disturbed. Yowzuh!!

               He snaps the elastic strap under his chin. BUZZ
                         Aw, please, sir -- this job, it's 
                         all I got!

                                     NORVILLE
                         Get up! BUZZ
                         Aw, buddy, I don't care about that.

               Norville is stunned.

                                     NORVILLE
                         ...You don't? BUZZ
                         And Sid says you stole it!

                                     NORVILLE
                         But Buzz -- Buzz looks over his shoulder, turns back to Norville.

                                     BUZZ
                         Wuddya mean, buddy? The door sweeps shut. Norville looks nervously around.

               Behind him the elevator doors suddenly open again.

                                     BUZZ
                         -- You'll need it! As Norville enters the elevators:

                                     BUZZ
                         Hiya, buddy! The name is Buzz, I got 
                         the fuzz...
As she rolls the pack gently across his eye:

                                     AMY
                         Norville... there's something I have 
                         to tell you. You see, I'm not really 
                         a secretary. CHIEF
                         Whatever! It's no dig on you, Archer, 
                         but this story is hot and you're no AMY
                         Well that just about does it! I've 
                         seen Norville Barnes, the young man He gives a low whistle under his breath as a woman enters 
               from the street and hesitates by the door, looking around. 
               Still attractive but looking somewhat down-at-the-heels, it 
               is Amy Archer. He freezes, taking in the scene: Amy reclining on the couch; 
               Norville standing in front of her with his pants around his 
               ankles, still breathing heavily; the bottle of whiskey in 
               his own hand. NARRATOR (V.O.)
                         ...This one's Norville Barnes. Heck, if working at the Argus doesn't 
                         make me an expert then my name isn't 
                         Amy Archer and I've never won the He drifts into thought.

                                     AMY
                         Is that all, Mr. Barnes? HUTCHINSON
                         ...Yeah, you! Barnes!

               As he points, the people around Norville shrink away. We PULL BACK to show that it is on the front page of the 
               Manhattan Argus.

               The headline, in screaming nine-point type:

               FAKE! It is Buzz, the elevator boy, dressed in an ill-fitting tuxedo 
               and a conical party hat. Za-Za is on his arm, towering over 
               him, leering at Norville. Star reporter AMY ARCHER -- attractive, smartly-dressed.

                                     AMY
                         I tell ya the guy's a phony. Of all the irresponsible... Amy, 
                         take this down: Dear Miss Archer. I 
                         call you 'Miss' because you seem to SMITTY
                         Come on, Chief, that's a low blow.
                         Archer's not gonna go goey for a 
                         corn-fed idiot. She realizes that, though shattered, he is still the simple 
               innocent she loved --

                                     AMY
                         ... Oh, Norville!

               -- and bursts into tears. He swivels around to face Norville, who stands deferentially 
               at the door. Still listening at the phone, Mussburger waves 
               Norville forward. This last voice and supered face is Mussburger's.

               Norville DISSOLVES away to leave us ON Sidney in the:

               INT. BOARDROOM MOSES (V.O.)
                         ...An' that's the story of how 
                         Norville Barnes climbed away up to Mussburger's burning eyes finally shift momentarily to look 
               at the crudely drawn circle; he looks back incredulously at 
               Norville. On the white sofa cushion where he had been sitting is 
               printed, in wet ink, right side around: NORVILLE BARNES, 
               President.
What is Norville assigned to deliver? Who does Norville have to deliver the "Blue Letter" to? Why do the executives want to produce Norville's invention? What did Mussburger convince a mob of? What does Amy do regarding Norville's new attitude? Where does Mussburger want Norville sent to? When does Buzz get fired? Who is sent to the asylum? What job does Norville take on after arriving in New York? What year did Norville Barnes move to New York in search of a job? What was Norville's first job in New York? What happened to the president of Hudsucker Industries? What is supposed to happen to Hudsucker's stock shares? What is Norville asked to deliver to Mussburger? Who thinks Norville is an idiot? Who does Mussburger believe should be committed to a psychiatric hospital? Who was in control of the giant clock? Who locked Norville out of the building? Who was ultimately sent to an asylum? Where was Barnes basically from? Why does Barnes struggle to get a job? How does Waring Hudsucker commit suicide? What does Barnes do instead of delivering the "Blue Letter" to Mussburger? Who does Mussburger select as Hudsucker's proxy? What job does Amy Archer find for herself at Hudsucker Industries? What does Moses do at Hudsucker Industries? What happens when Amy Archer tells about Mussburger's plan to her Chief? What did Barnes do when Buzz pitched his new invention? Who reveals Archer's real identity to Barnes?
A "Blue Letter." A blue letter.
To Mussburger. Mussburger
To depress the company stock. They hope it will fail.
That Norville stole the hula hoop idea. That Norville stole the idea of the hula hoop
Breaks up with him. She leaves him.
The psychiatric hospital. a psychiatric hospital
After he shows Norville his invention of the flexi-straw. After he pitches a flexi straw idea.
Mussburger. Mussburger.
Mailroom clerk. mailroom clerk
1958 December 1958
A mailroom clerk mailroom clerk
He committed suicide He committed suicide.
They will be sold to the public Be sold to the public.
A blue letter "Blue Letter" top secret communication. 
Mussburger Mussburger.
Norville Norville.
Moses Moses
Aloysius Aloysius
Mussburger Mussburger.
Barnes was from Muncie, Indiana. Muncie, Indiana
Lack of experience Lack of experience.
Hudsucker jumps from the top-floor window jumps out of a window
Barnes pitches his invention to Mussburger. Pitches his invention to Mussburger.
Barnes Norville Barnes
Barnes' personal secretary Norville's personal secretary. 
Moses operates the giant clock  He operates the tower's giant clock.
The Chief does not believe it. He doesn't believe her.
Barnes fired Buzz Fired him.
Mussburger Mussburger