CYRANO

Screenplay by

Erica Schmidt

Based on the stage musical adapted and directed by

Erica Schmidt

from Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand,

Music by

Aaron & Bryce Dessner

Lyrics by

Matt Berninger & Carin Besser

1 INT. ROXANNE’S HOME. CITY - DUSK. 1
Roughly 1640 but as timeless as it is period.
ROXANNE's home is small; only essential pieces of furniture -
tasteful but poor. A shelf of books in pride of place. In
contrast, her wardrobe overflows with elegant dresses. She
stands looking at them. Her chaperone, MARIE, at her side.
ROXANNE
I’m hungry.
MARIE
A lady never complains.
Roxanne throws aside an extravagant red dress.
ROXANNE
We can’t eat dresses. If only the Duke had
sent bread.
MARIE
I think he wants to marry you.
ROXANNE
I’d rather marry you.
Marie snorts in amusement despite herself.
MARIE
He’s a Duke and you, my dear, a rapidly
ageing orphan.
ROXANNE
I won’t be rescued, I’m not in distress.
MARIE
We have no money! Not a bean!! Your whole
life our country has been at war and-
MARIE (CONT'D) ROXANNE
Everyone must make (lovingly imitating)
compromises in a war- “everyone must make
compromises in a war”

ROXANNE (CONT'D)
I don’t love The Duke de Guiche.
Roxanne picks out a sage green dress.
MARIE
Wear the dress he sent.
ROXANNE
No. Red is vulgar and reeks of lechery.
Marie reluctantly helps her put the sage dress on.
 Revision 2.

MARIE
If you don’t love him -
ROXANNE
Or even like him -
MARIE
- Then why did you accept his invitation
to the theatre?!
ROXANNE
Because we can’t afford the tickets and I
want to see the play!

2 EXT. ROXANNE'S HOUSE. CONT 2

De Guiche’s ornate carriage pulls up ouside Roxanne’s home.

3 INT. ROXANNE'S ROOM. CONT. 3

MARIE
(at window)
He’s here! Now don’t be rude to him.
ROXANNE
I’m not. I’m enigmatically distant
and...fashionably late - where are my
shoes?
MARIE
(big warning)
If you anger him he’ll ruin us.
ROXANNE
Where are they?
Marie helps Roxanne look for the shoes.
MARIE
Marry the Duke and you’ll be rich. I
promised your father I’d keep you safe.
ROXANNE
No one’s safe in a cage.
MARIE
A clever marriage is your only option.
ROXANNE
I have no intention to marry anyone.
MARIE
Believe me, spinsterhood is bleak.
 Revision 3.

Marie hands Roxanne her shoes. Roxanne tries but can’t reach
her feet in the dress.
ROXANNE
And love? Does that count for nothing with
you?
Marie puts Roxanne’s shoes on her.
MARIE
It might smell rosy for a year or two but
love doesn’t last. What lasts is
compromise and sacrifice. Children need
love. Adults need money.
Marie rushes down the stairs to meet De Guiche. The surly but
quite handsome LANDLORD hovers.
LANDLORD
(to Marie)
Tell your mistress she’s two months behind
with the rent.
MARIE
(hurrying past)
It’s coming, I promise.

4 INT. INSIDE CARRIAGE AS IT TRAVELS THROUGH CITY. CONT. 4

Roxanne and Marie sat opposite DE GUICHE and VALVERT (a Comte
in service to De Guiche, dressed in ribbons and bows).
De Guiche, in elaborate finery, looks Roxanne up and down for
a while. It’s disturbing.
DE GUICHE
(nods at her dress)
It’s perfectly fetching. But I longed to
see you in crimson silk.
ROXANNE
Mmm, I couldn’t wear that dress.
DE GUICHE
No?
ROXANNE
I don’t have the shoes to match. Sorry.
DE GUICHE
I will rectify your errant shoelessness.
Valvert snorts. Roxanne looks at him.
 Revision 4.

ROXANNE
Perhaps the good Duke should have sent the
dress to you, Valvert?
VALVERT
Oh, I tried it. Too loose on the bust.
De Guiche and Valvert snigger. Roxanne forces a smile back.
Marie looks anxiously between them.
As the carriage takes them to the theater, De Guiche and
Valvert talk and Marie makes polite small talk. Roxanne looks
out the window. We don’t hear them as she sings.
Song. SOMEONE TO SAY
ROXANNE
WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO SLOW DANCE IN
SUNLIGHT WITH SOMEONE YOU LOVE?
SOMEBODY WHO SEES YOU AND WON’T EVER LEAVE
YOU ALONE WHATEVER COMES...
The carriage drives along the narrow streets of the city, it
passes couples in love. As Roxanne sees them, they dance.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
I NEED SOMETHING TO DIE FOR
WRITE POEMS AND CRY FOR
AND I WON'T BE ASHAMED
I'M NOBODY'S PET NO ONE'S WIFE NO ONE'S
WOMAN AND I WON'T PLAY THAT GAME
I’D GIVE ANYTHING FOR SOMEONE TO SAY
THAT THEY CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ME AND
THEY’LL BE THERE FOREVER
I’D GIVE ANYTHING FOR SOMEONE TO SAY TO ME
THAT NO MATTER HOW BAD IT GETS THEY WON’T
TURN AWAY FROM ME

5 EXT. A STREET. CONT. 5

Roxanne continues to sing:
ROXANNE (O.S.)
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE ALWAYS WAITING
TO FIND LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT?
IF I’M NAIVE WHY DOES ALL THE POETRY SAY
THAT I MIGHT?
I HAVE HEARD SONGS THAT SAY LOVE CONQUERS
EVERYTHING HOWEVER YOU NAME IT.
IT’S RIGHT THERE IN FRONT OF YOU WHEREVER
YOU ARE. YOU JUST HAVE TO CLAIM IT.
CHRISTIAN has just arrived in the city. (A poor country boy
and handsome) He carries a single bag with all he owns in the
world.
 Revision 5.

He peers into the window of a bakery. 'RAGUENEAUS' is written

on the glass. He counts his change to see if he can afford
something to eat.
De Guiche’s carriage drives past. Christian sees Roxanne’s
reflection in the window. Roxanne does not see Christian.
Christian turns and stares at Roxanne as she passes. He must
see her again. He chases after the carriage.

6 EXT. OUTSIDE THE THEATER. CONT. 6

A grand old theater. THEATREGOERS gathered on the street. A
sign says the HOUSE IS FULL.
Marquis, Comtes, Vicomtes and Barons in wigs and fine clothes
walk in the door past the guards who nod to them.
Poor folk, plainly dressed, wait behind a rope to get in.
De Guiche helps Roxanne down from his carriage and offers her
his arm.
Christian arrives behind the carriage and sees Roxanne exit
it. He grabs the arm of a poor stranger.
CHRISTIAN
(pointing to Roxanne)
Who’s that?
STRANGER
The Duke De Guiche. Second only to the
King.
CHRISTIAN
No. The lady?
STRANGER
Oh, Roxanne.
Suddenly LE BRET (The Captain of the Guards, in uniform) grabs
the stranger’s arm.
LE BRET
Have you seen Cyrano?
STRANGER
Not yet.
Christian sees Le Bret’s rank and uniform and salutes.
CHRISTIAN
Christian Neuvillette. I’m a new recruit.
I’m enlisting in the King’s Guard
tomorrow.
 Revision 6.

Le Bret smiles in friendly warning.

LE BRET
Well good luck with that. At ease.
Le Bret heads into the theater to look for Cyrano.
As they climb the steps, De Guiche and Roxanne pass by two
women in dresses overdone with dripping lace. They wave at De
Guiche, giggle, swoon, whisper behind fans obviously flirting
with him. Roxanne sees the exchange and shoots Marie an ‘I
told you so’ look.
LADY 1
What superb ribbons Duke De Guiche.
LADY 2
(playing the
innuendo)
Gorgeous piping ... and trim.
DE GUICHE
Doeskin and beaver, ladies, doeskin and
beaver.
P.O.V. of Christian as he watches Roxanne and De Guiche go
into the theater (the guard bows and holds back the crowd as
they pass) followed by Valvert and Marie.
Christian makes a quick decision. He finds a lurking ‘SCALPER’
and after some intense negotiation manages to buy a ticket
with the last money he has.
We follow Christian inside the theater.

7 INT. THEATER. CONT. 7

We see all the levels of society in the descending tiered
boxes and the poor, on the floor, standing. The floor is a
dangerous place - jostling and cramped.
Christian moves through the crowd. He passes a THIEF (holding
a knife) with a group of five rough looking YOUNG MEN gathered
close, he whispers intently:
THIEF
Be swift, be crafty, take from the women
and the men without swords.
THIEF 2
And children?
THIEF
A child with a full purse is an adult.
The thieves nod and set to work.
 Revision 7.

ROXANNE
I’D GIVE ANYTHING FOR SOMEONE TO SAY
THAT THEY CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ME AND
THEY’LL BE THERE FOREVER I’D GIVE ANYTHING
FOR SOMEONE TO SAY TO ME
THAT NO MATTER HOW BAD IT GETS THEY WON’T
TURN AWAY FROM ME
Christian is looking all around for Roxanne. De Guiche,
Valvert, Roxanne and Marie take their seats in a premium box
on stage. Finally Christian sees her.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
IF LOVE'S THERE I FEEL IT AND ITS STARE
IT WOULD BE A FREEDOM AT FIRST SIGHT
I'LL BE WALKING ON AIR
IF LOVE'S THERE WON'T DARE RUN AWAY
I'LL SWALLOW MY PRIDE AND I'LL ASK YOU TO
STAY
Roxanne sees Christian for the first time. Their eyes lock as
she sings the last lines, they both fall instantly and
irrevocably in love, at first sight.
Roxanne gasps and points behind Christian as a thief grabs his
bag and runs off through the crowd. Christian turns and gives
chase. The spell is broken. The song is over.
Christian rushes past a THEATRE BUFF and his young SON in the
crowd.
THEATRE BUFF
Ahhh! Theatre. Inhale it my boy.
(Boy looks confused)
Literally.
(Boy gingerly
breathes in)
Feel it? Yes? Tonight you will see the
magnificent Montfleury. The greatest actor
of his generation.
The boy smiles up at his father as the audience chants and
bangs on the boxes: ‘Play. Play. Play.’ It's like a modern
day boxing match or live music event - alive with eager fans.
The concessions girl offers oranges. Roxanne takes one and
then another. And then two more. She passes one to the
grateful Marie. De Guiche pays.
As the lights dim Roxanne starts tearing into her oranges.
The curtain parts. The corpulent MONTFLEURY enters; he is
dressed as a shepherd boy with a bonnet covered in roses and
carrying a large crook. The audience applauds warmly.
The son of the Theatre Buff looks confused, ‘him’??
 Revision 8.

Montfleury finds Roxanne in the box. He smiles at her.

Then girls dressed as sheep enter and dance.
MONTFLEURY
(huge voice)
“Happy is he who far from Court and
Societies sway in isolation self imposed
shuns company; And who, when the soft wind
whistles wishingly upon he-
Suddenly - from the back of the house:
CYRANO’S VOICE
Montfleury! What are you doing here?!
Two of the sheep on stage freeze and look at each other.
SHEEP GIRL
Cyrano?
The second sheep nods emphatically.
CYRANO’S VOICE
After your performance last week I sent
you a letter urging you to retire!
Roxanne recognizes the voice and searches the crowd. At the
same time Le Bret (close to the stage) turns with a gasp under
his breath:
LE BRET ROXANNE
Cyrano? Cyrano.

Montfleury looks defiant. The audience in the boxes look

around. The groundlings whisper excitedly. They think
Montfleury is alright but they love Cyrano.
MONTFLEURY
“Happy is he who far from court and
Societies -
CYRANO’S VOICE
(louder)
Did you receive my letter?
MONTFLEURY
Sway in isolation self imposed -
CYRANO’S VOICE
Well??!
Montfleury suddenly breaks character and shouts:
MONTFLEURY
Yes I received your letter and I burnt it!
I am a professional actor.
 Revision 9.

MONTFLEURY (CONT'D)
I’ve received numerous prizes. I have
performed at court for the King himself. I
have been successfully entertaining the
people for over three decades. And now I
will ACT!
All the ARISTOCRATS give him loud applause and cheers
(including De Guiche and Valvert)
ARISTOCRATS
Act! Act! Act!
Montfleury thanks them for their support and prepares to
continue. As he draws breath:
CYRANO’S VOICE
You’ve been brutalizing the people for
thirty years! You’ve bludgeoned them into
believing that your trumpeting noise and
preposterous gestures are art!
The GROUNDLINGS cheer and Roxanne claps her hands in delight.
De Guiche glances at her with displeasure.
BOY
(to Theatre Buff)
Is this part of the play?
THEATRE BUFF
Most certainly not. It’s an outrage.
(shouts out)
Montfleury is a God!
The boy cringes. Aristocrats applaud. Montfleury acknowledges
the compliment and draws breath.
CYRANO’S VOICE
(to Montfleury)
In the name of all that is holy, desist!
MONTFLEURY
(to Cyrano)
You have no authority here!
The rich stand - looking for who is speaking - they are
excited and scandalized.
VALVERT
Bellow, Montfleury, act like thunder!
CYRANO’S VOICE
(to Valvert)
I suggest you keep quiet or I will trim
your ribbons and bows-
The crowd standing on the floor cheer this idea.
 Revision 10.

ALL THE MARQUIS

Do your acting, Montfleury!!
CYRANO’S VOICE
He’d better not-
MONTFLEURY
“Happy he who shuns”
CYRANO’S VOICE
Final warning!
MONTFLEURY
(to Cyrano,
furiously)
In insulting me, you insult The Dramatic
Muse and worse; you desecrate this
theater, this crucible of
human...humanity! This sacred Wooden O!
THEATRE BUFF nods in passionate agreement, his son stifles his
laughter.
We finally see Cyrano for the first time. He's up in the Gods.
He hooks his sword hilt over a rope and drops to the orchestra
floor where the groundlings part for him.
CYRANO
No, Sir! Untrue! I’m sorry but you lie!
You’ve made this stage your personal sty!
The Dramatic Muse has fled the building,
She scarpered when you started
gilding the lily with your
(imitates booming)
‘Great Big Voice’
The poor Muse had no choice!
I love this place and all it means:
Poetry. Romance. Terror. Truth.
I’ve loved it here since early youth.
I can’t stand aside while you dishonour it
with your pumping and hideous jigs,
I will not abide your thumping and
dreadful wigs.
(sheep look nervous)
Montfleury, you’ve abandoned the truth,
you’ve lost your core.
You can’t remember how truth feels and
what it’s for.
So now, please leave this stage, never to
return.
And I will applaud the new integrity
you’ll earn.
EXIT MONTFLEURY!
Pandemonium! While the Groundlings cheer, Roxanne applauds,
beaming at Cyrano. He coolly nods to her. Le Bret notices this
moment.
 Revision 11.

MONTFLEURY
I am not moving one step from the centre
of this stage! I am necessary. I am a
teller of truths: profound, comical,
tragical, mystical, whatever you bloody
wantical!
The Aristocrats cheer.
CYRANO
If you won’t leave by invitation then I’m
compelled to use force.
Cyrano vaults over the stalls gate and charges through the
crowd who part to let him pass. They're going wild.
MONTFLEURY
Help me, someone! Protect me! Arrest him!
Help please-
The theater manager (JODELET) emerges from backstage.
JODELET
Please Cyrano -
Cyrano leaps onto the stage and turns to the crowd.
CYRANO
Will anyone here defend this great
sausage? I will duel with any volunteer
with all the honour commensurate to his
station! Is anyone willing to fight for
Montfleury?
Laughter and derision from the boxes and cheers and shouts
from the groundlings.
MARQUIS
You are no Samson!
CYRANO
I'm no Goliath either! But I fight like
the two combined.
MARQUIS
I think not! Goliath was a GIANT!
Cyrano draws his sword. Boxes gasp. Groundlings cheer.
CYRANO
(to Marquis)
Care to think again?
The Marquis shakes his head and hides behind his lady
companion. The crowd laugh. But not de Guiche and Valvert who
look on in fury from their box.
 Revision 12.

CYRANO (CONT'D)
No volunteers? You came here to see him
but you won’t fight for him? Montfleury.
Exit. Or face this sword.
Cyrano strolls back to the stage.
MONTFLEURY
Sir?? please...
CYRANO
On a count of three you will Exit Stage
Right - hurriedly.
MONTFLEURY
Please.
CYRANO
One.
MONTFLEURY
(to Jodelet)
Do something!
CYRANO
Two.
JODELET
Cyrano, please sir, for the sake of the
play?!
CYRANO
Three!
Montfleury runs off. Cyrano looks at Roxanne and bows to her.
She smiles at him warmly. De Guiche sees the exchange and
doesn’t like it.
Members of the audience stand. The boxes boo. The floor
applauds Cyrano, ladies whisper from behind fans.
JODELET
Ladies! Gentlemen! Please.
A MARQUIS
I came to see a play!
CYRANO
So did I. But that man explodes them! Fire
him from a cannon and we’d win the war!
People laugh and pound the boxes.
THEATRE BUFF
We have paid to see a play!
 Revision 13.

CYRANO
And I have saved you from seeing a fiasco!
THEATRE BUFF
We paid to see Montfleury!!
JODELET
(to Cyrano, urgently)
Yes, what about their money?
CYRANO
(sighs)
Always the money.
Cyrano tosses Jodelet a bag of coins.
JODELET
(Opens bag,to Cyrano)
At this price sir, you can close the
theater every night.
(to Audience)
Ladies and gentlemen, you will be refunded
in full at the door.
(general cheering)
Clear the house! Clear the house!
The chandeliers descend. The lobby doors open. The audience
begins to leave. De Guiche pulls Valvert aside.
DE GUICHE
He may be silver-tongued but his
sensibility is base.
VALVERT
He should learn some manners.
DE GUICHE
So, teach him.
VALVERT
...Now...?
De Guiche nods, ominously.
VALVERT (CONT'D)
Despite his vulgarity he’s known as an
accomplished swordsman...
DE GUICHE
All the more pleasure for you. He denied
us our entertainment; now make us laugh,
Valvert, bring us joy. Torture the little
beast.
De Guiche smiles. Then begins to exit from the box with
Roxanne and Marie while Valvert descends to the floor.
 Revision 14.

Le Bret touches Cyrano who grins as they embrace.

CYRANO
Le Bret!
LE BRET
Dinner?
CYRANO
Love to! But. No money.
LE BRET
You had a full bag of coins.
CYRANO
All donated to the long-suffering patrons
of this theater.
LE BRET
But how will you eat??
CYRANO
The gesture was more important.
They turn to go but Valvert steps in front of Cyrano.
VALVERT
You.
CYRANO
Me, Sir?
VALVERT
You’re a freak.
Roxanne gasps. The audience stops exiting and turns.
VALVERT (CONT'D)
Nothing to say, freak?
CYRANO
The insult is antique but I accept it.
VALVERT
Ha! Freak.
The audience slowly form a circle around Cyrano and Valvert
who stare at each other. Ten yards apart.
CYRANO
Have you exhausted your dictionary of
scorn? Is that it?
The crowd laughs and claps.
 Revision 15.

VALVERT
Who is this savage who dares to present
himself in public without ribbons, bows or
braids?
CYRANO
I’m not au courant, it’s true. But think
of my deeds as ribbons, my humour as a
bow, my -
VALVERT
Oh, do pipe down or else you'll drown -
in verbosity.
CYRANO
A fellow poet! Pleasure to meet you.
Cyrano De Bergerac.
De Guiche nods at Valvert - ‘Do it’. Valvert throws his glove
in Cyrano’s face. Audience gasp.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
I accept your challenge.
Tension. Valvert draws his sword. Cyrano draws. Roxanne
watches intently.
VALVERT
(to crowd)
I’ll make short work of this!
CYRANO
(to crowd)
Isn’t he a hoot?
Valvert lunges but Cyrano brilliantly evades him.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
A palpable miss.
This lunge and evade continues a while. Valvert is losing
face. Now he plays to the crowd for sympathy:
VALVERT
It’s hard to hit a target quite so small.
The man is barely four feet tall!
Sudden silence. Those who know him know Cyrano won’t like
this. Cyrano stares at Valvert. Then catches Roxanne’s eye.
She gives him a worried, sympathetic smile. A tension. Will he
slice Valvert to ribbons of flesh? Some of the crowd step back
in anticipation of blood. But Cyrano has other ideas...
CYRANO
He calls me ‘freak’, ‘short’, ‘small’.
It’s so...on the nose.
Our language is rich,
 Revision 16.

CYRANO (CONT'D)
a jewel box, a ruby.
But this perfumed booby
uses words: ‘small’?
like some old marquis
Takes a fall...
Cyrano collapses, feebly. The crowd laugh. Cyrano groans on
the floor and then springs up bursting with life:
CYRANO (CONT'D)
(to Valvert)
Where’s the muscle, where’s the sinew?
Or should I take it that these words
aren’t in you?
God gave us all a heart and brain,
opened up we’d seem the same,
But when He made our outward frame,
Such infinite variety
brought mostly pain.
(sarcastically)
Thank you, Lord!
Le Bret cheers. Cyrano takes in Roxanne a moment.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
Some got figures tall and fine
but God made others...aquiline.

Valvert makes to lunge at Cyrano but De Guiche (enjoying it)

prevents him.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
Some were blessed with a face that could
launch a thousand ships,
(to Valvert)
Others got a mug to sink them.
Cyrano hunches over in curved fashion...
SONG: 'When I Was Born'
CYRANO (CONT'D)
SIR, WHEN I WAS BORN THE NURSES LAUGHED
HYSTERICALLY.
THEY’D NEVER SEEN ANYTHING QUITE LIKE ME
APPARENTLY
I’LL NEVER FORGET IT. I CAN STILL HEAR
THEM JOKING.
ONE SAID, “MY GOODNESS WHAT HAS GOD BEEN
SMOKING?”
AND WHEN THEY HANDED ME OVER TO MY MOTHER.
SHE HANDED ME BACK AND SAID
“ARE YOU SURE THERE ISN’T ANY OTHER?”
Cyrano goes after him - his skill is dazzling. Cyrano keeps
besting Valvert as he sings:
 Rev. 10/23/20 (Blue) 17.

CYRANO (CONT'D)
FROM WHEN I WAS BORN I LEARNED TO CONTROL
MY TEARS. WHEN THEY CARRIED ME HOME
THROUGH TOWN I LEFT A TRAIL OF BROKEN
MIRRORS.

YES! WHEN CHILDREN SEE ME THEY SCREAM AND

RUN AWAY. YOU’RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!
HALLOWEEN’S MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY.
As Cyrano sings each rhyme he makes a sword strike that
precisely removes Valvert’s ribbons, bows and wig.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
I AM A MONSTER! I AM A MUTANT! A FREAK OF
NATURE. I’VE HEARD ALL THE UGLY HATEFUL
NOMENCLATURE.
I TOLD A GIRL ONCE I LOVED HER. CRICKETS.
SHE LOOKED AT ME AND SAID, “I SUPPOSE I
COULD SELL TICKETS.”
AT SCHOOL THE ONLY THING I LEARNT IS FOLKS
ARE PLENTY CRUEL,
THEY MADE ME PAINT MY FACE WITH WHITE AND
PLAY THE TEACHERS FOOL
CAN'T YOU SEE I'M MORE THAN YOU THINK
I'VE HEARD IT ALL SO MANY TIMES
EVERYBODY KNOWS I'M SO MUCH MORE THAN A
FREAK
IF YOU WANNA TRY TO HURT ME, YOU BETTER
GET IN LINE
YOU JUST HAVE TO SAY IT. I GET IT. IT
MAKES SENSE.
WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR KIND OF TALENT FOR
CLEVER VICIOUS COMMENTS.
MY HEART’S NOT EVEN ANGRY. IT’S JUST THE
WAY IT BREAKS. AND DON’T BE SO TOUGH ON
GOD. EVERYBODY MAKES MISTAKES.
YES! ONE SIGHT OF ME COULD MAKE A STATUE
CRY!
GUESS WHAT ELSE! WHEN BLUEBIRDS LAND ON ME
THEY SHIT THEMSELVES AND DIE!
WHICHEVER WAY I LOOK AT YOU CAN'T FIND A
TASTEFUL SIDE, A SPECIMEN LIKE YOU BELONGS
IN FORMALDEHYDE
YES! WHAT YOU’VE HEARD IS TRUE. I AM NOT A
RUMOR, I’M LIVING PROOF THAT GOD HAS A
SICK SENSE OF HUMOR.
CAN'T YOU SEE I'M MORE THAN YOU THINK
I'VE HEARD IT ALL SO MANY TIMES
EVERYBODY KNOWS I'M SO MUCH MORE THAN A
FREAK
IF YOU WANNA TRY TO HURT ME, YOU'D BETTER
GET IN LINE
Song over - Cyrano advances on Valvert forcing him backwards.
 Revision 18.

CYRANO (CONT'D)
(coldly)
Take this and this and that.
He pins Valvert at the neck with the point of his sword and
holds him there.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
I’ll have you horizontal,
Unspeakable, speechless rat.
He forces Valvert to his knees and finally to the floor.
Victory. Applause. Le Bret whistles. Roxanne exhales with
relief. De Guiche shakes his head.
Cyrano turns and walks away. The crowd chant his name.
CROWD
Cyrano! Cyrano! Cyrano!
Cyrano bows to them with graceful humility. But Valvert
suddenly springs up and lunges at Cyrano’s back -
ROXANNE
(warning him)
Cyrano!
Her oranges fall to the floor. Cyrano turns and draws; Valvert
runs onto his sword. It plunges deep into his guts and
through. Terrified screams from the crowd.
Cyrano looks at the shocked Valvert with pity - they stand
locked together by the sword - almost in embrace - Cyrano
whispers intimately to Valvert, no one else hears this:
CYRANO
Yes. It all goes in.
My God, how it hurts.
Cyrano swiftly withdraws his sword and Valvert collapses,
mortally wounded. Several Comtes rush to Valvert and crowd
around him. Le Bret pulls Cyrano away; Cyrano looks back:
LE BRET
Quickly -
CYRANO
The poor dead fool.
LE BRET
You had no choice -
They join the crowd exiting the theater as-
 Revision 19.

8 INT. DE GUICHE’S CARRIAGE. MOMENTS LATER. 8

De Guiche is raging.
DE GUICHE
He went too far.
ROXANNE
Valvert insulted him and then challenged
him to a duel.
DE GUICHE
Valvert’s a Comte - or was - in my
retinue.
ROXANNE
I assure you Cyrano took no pleasure from
it.
De Guiche thinks.
DE GUICHE
You know him?
Roxanne pauses a moment.
MARIE
They’re from the same town, in the South
West.
ROXANNE
Cyrano is my oldest friend.
DE GUICHE
It would be to your advantage to end the
friendship.
Marie gives Roxanne a sharp look, ‘don’t contest this’.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
I won’t wait forever.
ROXANNE
(nervous smile)
Did I miss a proposal?
De Guiche leans in to her. Holds her chin firmly.
DE GUICHE
Don’t push it, pretty thing.
He releases her. Roxanne looks away out the window.
 Rev. 10/23/20 (Blue) 20.

9 EXT. A DIFFERENT STREET. LATER, SAME NIGHT 9

Le Bret and Cyrano heading home after dinner. The eating house
behind them. Both men are a little drunk and merry.
CYRANO
How about a drinking song? Like soldiers
do.
LE BRET
We’re better than that. At least, I am.
Cyrano chuckles.
LE BRET (CONT'D)
May I ask a question?
CYRANO
Anything.
LE BRET
(muses)
It’s a little personal.
CYRANO
I have no secrets from you.
LE BRET
Are you in love?
Cyrano stops dead, completely thrown.
CYRANO
Whatever gives you that idea?
LE BRET
I knew you wouldn’t like it.
CYRANO
Do I seem offended?
LE BRET
No. But your guard is up.
CYRANO
It’s just...some things are private.
LE BRET
What gave me ‘the idea’ was your
performance at the theatre today. I sensed
you were playing to one particular member
of the audience...
CYRANO
Oh, who?
Le Bret stares at him.
 Rev. 10/23/20 (Blue) 21.

LE BRET
Let’s not continue this charade. If you
want to unburden, fine. If you don’t then
that’s fine too.
Cyrano stares back. A long time. Then smiles, softly.
CYRANO
Yes. Yes! I am in love. I dare. My sole
purpose on this earth is to love Roxanne.
(slight pause)
Feel better now?
LE BRET
Do you?
Song. MADLY
CYRANO
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED SOMETHING
SO BADLY YOU CANNOT BREATHE
HAVE YOU EVER LOVED SOMEONE MADLY?
LE BRET
I don’t think I have.
CYRANO
Isn’t she...magnificent?
LE BRET
(playfully)
Yes she is, though perhaps a little vain?
CYRANO
Yes but magnificently so.
LE BRET
There’s some pretension in there too.
CYRANO
She’s full of it!
LE BRET
I wasn’t sure about her hair today.
CYRANO
Agreed! But even her imperfections are
perfect. In our little town, back in the
day, she was practically worshipped. To
some she was notorious, to me, glorious.
LE BRET
Does she know?
 Rev. 10/23/20 (Blue) 22.

CYRANO
You think a person with her beauty - in
mind, body and soul - doesn’t know about
it?
LE BRET
I meant does she know you’re in love with
her?
CYRANO
No! It would mortify her. Someone like me,
supposing to love perfection? She’d be
offended. No, if I ever confessed she’d
never see me again.
LE BRET
You don’t have a very high opinion of her.
CYRANO
What? She’s The Alps.
LE BRET
But you don’t trust she has the depth to
look beyond your -
CYRANO
Careful...
LE BRET
Your unique physique.
CYRANO
Not bad.
LE BRET
To love you for who you are not for how
you look.
CYRANO
Yes, yes, yes but don’t you see? I’m
simply not worthy of her.
Song resumes:
CYRANO (CONT'D)
I'VE HELD MY BREATH SINCE I SAW HER.
I'VE TRIED TO LOOK AWAY BUT I CAN'T RESIST
I KNOW EVERY DETAIL OF HER, I MADE A LIST
I CAN’T TELL YOU HOW LONG I’VE THOUGHT
ABOUT HER. I’VE KEPT EVERYTHING SHE’S
MISSED. SHE’S GONNA LAUGH AT THE ONE THAT
BRINGS HER LOVE LIKE THIS.
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED SOMETHING
SO BADLY YOU CANNOT BREATHE
HAVE YOU EVER LOVED SOMEONE MADLY?
 Rev. 10/23/20 (Blue) 23.

LE BRET
When you were fighting Valvert she was
anxious.
Le Bret imitates Roxanne watching Cyrano at the theater.
LE BRET (CONT'D)
She turned quite pale, her lips trembled
and parted, and she touched her heart -
Le Bret touches his heart and fans himself.
LE BRET (CONT'D)
You should tell her. You love her.
CYRANO
Never. My fate is to love her from afar.
To confess would be to shatter the
beautiful dream.
Cyrano smiles reluctant and rueful.
LE BRET
You forget, I’ve seen you in battle.
You’re a fighter to the end. But in love
you’ve raised the white flag. Have faith
in her. Tell her the truth.
Marie is bustling down the street towards them at speed. She
checks no one’s watching, then:
MARIE
(to Cyrano)
A word. Roxanne wishes to meet with you,
alone.
CYRANO
(instantly
exhilarated)
What? Why?
MARIE
She won’t say, no matter how much I berate
her. But she says it’s urgent.
CYRANO
Then take me to her at once!
MARIE
Not now you vulgar person! At night??
CYRANO
Then when?
 Revision 24.

MARIE
She’ll go to early Mass tomorrow. After
she leaves the church she’ll meet with
you. Somewhere discreet, she said it must
be private.
Le Bret looks at Cyrano significantly, then raises an eyebrow.
MARIE (CONT'D)
(to Le Bret)
I’ll thank you, Captain Le Bret, to lower
that eyebrow. There is nothing unseemly
here.
LE BRET
I bow to your expertise on the matter.
Marie bristles, unsure whether she’s been insulted or
complimented.
MARIE
(to Cyrano, sharply)
A venue, please.
In his excitement, Cyrano can’t think.
MARIE (CONT'D)
I’ve never seen him silent before, it’s
quite appealing.
CYRANO
Let me think.
MARIE
Where?
CYRANO
I’m thinking where!
(to Le Bret)
Where?
LE BRET
Ragueneau’s. There’s a room upstairs.
MARIE
7 o’clock. She’ll be there.
CYRANO
I will too.
MARIE
And so will I. Goodnight.
Marie hurries back the way she came.
 Revision 25.

CYRANO
(beaming)
She wants to see me! Privately.
LE BRET
There it is.
CYRANO
Alone! (Except for the crone).
Cyrano is running. Le Bret laughs, trying to keep up.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
I must not succumb to hope! Hope is
madness. Hope is hell!
LE BRET
Hope is life.
CYRANO
I need an army to vanquish! I have ten
hearts and twenty arms, I could kill a
hundred men!
Le Bret laughs and stops walking.
LE BRET
Good night my friend. And good luck
tomorrow.
CYRANO
(hopefully)
This could be it.
LE BRET
Have faith.
Le Bret turns to leave.
CYRANO
Where are you off to at this late hour?
LE BRET
Some things are private.
Le Bret heads towards a dark alley.
CYRANO
(suddenly remembers)
Thank you for dinner!
Le Bret waves without turning. Cyrano dances away in the other
direction.
 Revision 26.

10 EXT. STAIRS. SAME NIGHT. 10

Cyrano walks past a wealthy carriage and horses stopped in the
street. The figure inside is in shadow.
Suddenly Cyrano is jumped by ten men. They come at him all at
once forming a large circle. He draws his sword.
CYRANO
I had hoped to fight one hundred. But ten
will do.
Cyrano runs a man through with his sword. He knocks another
one into the water and then jumps in after him. The water is
ankle deep and shining in the moonlight. Cyrano holds the man
down with his foot while he fights off another with his sword.
He lets go of the man in the water who is now dead and runs
the other through and takes his sword. He jumps out of the
water and duels with two at once, a sword in either hand, at
the water’s edge. He defeats both. He is attacked from behind
and as he turns he is cut on his hand. He keeps swashbuckling
until the remaining two attackers flee.
Cyrano clenches his hand to stop bleeding. The carriage drives
off quickly. We see De Guiche in the back. Cyrano watches the
carriage pass. Then continues his walk home.

11 INT. CYRANO'S ROOM, THE GARRISON - FOLLOWING MORNING. 5AM. 11

Cyrano’s room is spacious, minimal and very neat. A single bed
(made with military corners) along a wall. A large desk neatly
piled with books and stacks of loose paper (his poetry and
writing). A straight line of ink pens on the desk. There is a
single high window and a small wash basin.
Cyrano is up early. He’s writing a letter and taking great
care over it.
The wound on his hand is now bandaged.
Close in on Cyrano as he writes. Nearly finished he smudges a
word. He curses, puts the letter to one side and starts again.

12 EXT. STREET - TWENTY MINUTES LATER 12

Cyrano walks quickly. He’s tense with nervous energy. He stops
a moment in the empty street. Catches his breath. Breathes in
deeply, steadying himself.

13 INT. RAGUENEAU’S SHOP - LATER, SAME MORNING 13

A bakery and food store. Copper pots, bowls, wooden tables.
Low ceilings, brick archways, wood beams.
 Revision 27.

Smoked glass windows on the street front. RAGUENEAUS in gilt

letters (This is the same shop Christian first looked in.)
RAGUENEAU is seated, hard at work, writing.
CYRANO
Morning, Ragueneau.
RAGUENEAU
Cyrano! Just the man!
CYRANO
What time is it?
RAGUENEAU
Almost six. I’m up with the muse, as it
were. A poem. Needs your expert ear-
CYRANO
I’m told you have a private room.
(Ragueneau nods,
slightly
suggestively)
I mean a room where two people can have
some privacy.
RAGUENEAU
Bit early for an assignation...
CYRANO
I mean talk privately without
interruption!
Ragueneau grabs his poem from the table -
RAGUENEAU
I’ll show you. Simultaneously I’ll recite
what I have so far. The poem is entitled
‘Constellation’.
(seeking approval)
Eh?
CYRANO
Terrific.
They walk through the bakery.
RAGUENEAU
“My love is akin to the Sun;
‘Tis a vast ball of fire”
Now through the kitchen. They pass a line of bakers, up to
their elbows in flour and dough:
A BAKER
I saw your duel last night!
 Revision 28.

CYRANO
Which one?
The baker turns to the man next to him.
A BAKER
Which one?! What panache!
Cyrano and Ragueneau continue walking-
RAGUENEAU
“And you, my love, are Venus,
My heavenly earthly desire”
Ragueneau shows Cyrano a large room full of tables and chairs,
waiters set them out.
RAGUENEAU (CONT'D)
(proudly)
‘Heavenly earthly’, eh?
CYRANO
Something more private?
RAGUENEAU
I understand. Discretion!
Ragueneau leads Cyrano up a steep narrow stair:
RAGUENEAU (CONT'D)
“Jupiter and Pluto are planets,
Revolving - like us - far apart”

14 INT. ATTIC OF THE BAKERY - MOMENTS LATER 14

A window looks out on a back garden of roses. Two chairs, a
basin of water. A mirror. Paper and pencils on a table.
CYRANO
Good.
RAGUENEAU
“But oh may these words bring you closer,
May I woo you with this Art”.
(pause)
That’s it. Thus far.
Cyrano is looking out the window, deep in thought.
RAGUENEAU (CONT'D)
There’s a long way to go but - be brutal -
do you think the planetary metaphor holds?
CYRANO
It holds firmly.
 Revision 29.

RAGUENEAU
It’s not too obvious? I can take it.
CYRANO
Perhaps consider sublimation?
RAGUENEAU
...Right...?
CYRANO
Try a different pattern of imagery? Maybe
something you know intimately.
RAGUENEAU
Hmm. Anything in mind?
CYRANO
Baking?
RAGUENEAU
Sensuality and longing expressed through
the act of baking?
CYRANO
Why not?
RAGUENEAU
Rising dough. Flour. Ovens. Heat! My God -
thank you - thank you!
Ragueneau leaves Cyrano in a dash to rework the poem.
Cyrano stands alone in the room. He drinks water from the
basin with his hands. He is surprised by his reflection in
the mirror. He looks at himself. At first he feels ok, even
confident and then crushing doubt consumes him. He turns the
mirror so his reflection is hidden.
Now he takes his letter from his pocket and re-reads it.
Curses. Something’s wrong. He folds it away and sits at the
desk to rewrite it.
CYRANO (VO)
Dear Roxanne,
As Cyrano writes, he sings.
Song. YOUR NAME
CYRANO (CONT'D)
EVERY MORNING AT THE BREAK OF LIGHT I SEE
YOU STANDING IN THE SUN.
As Cyrano sings, we see three different worlds (Cyrano,
Roxanne and the Bakers) with continuous action
 Revision 30.

14A INT. ATTIC OF THE BAKERY. CONT. 14A

Cyrano writing, looking out the window at the roses, singing

14B INT. ROXANNE'S ROOM. CONT. 14B

Roxanne dressing in a bright sunlit room. She is briefly
critical of her face in the mirror. She is dressing quickly,
for church.

14C EXT. CHURCH. CONT. 14C

A beautiful cathedral. We should feel Roxanne is small
against the great hand of God. Roxanne and Marie kneel in
prayer; deep in thought.

14D INT. BAKERY. CONT. 14D

The flour ballet. The bakers baking and dancing a sensual
expression of Cyrano’s desire.
The flour ballet is a dance that begins in reality: measuring
and using flour to bake and grows to a spectacular, sexual
dance where flour is tossed, hangs in the air and covers the
dancers.
CYRANO
YOU LOOK AT ME WITH THE KINDEST EYES.
EVERY MORNING I’M OVERCOME.
INFATUATION AND DESPERATE DESIRE, MADNESS,
ENCHANTMENT AND SHAME.
SORROW AND GLORY AND BLINDING EUPHORIA.
EVERYTHING’S THERE IN YOUR NAME.
IN DARKNESS WHEN I CLOSE MY EYES I SEE
YOUR HAIR COME UNDONE.
I LOSE MYSELF EVERY TIME.
EVEN NOW I’M OVERCOME
YOUR SMILE, YOUR FLESH, THE BRUSH OF YOUR
BREATH, HUMILIATION AND PAIN.
MY HUNGER, MY PATIENCE, MY DEVASTATION.
EVERYTHING’S THERE IN YOUR NAME.
Roxanne, now masked - only her eyes are revealed - and Marie
arrive at the bakery and are escorted through and up the
stairs by Ragueneau.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
ROXANNE, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO SAY?
WORDS ARE ONLY GLASS ON A STRING.
THE MORE I ARRANGE THEM AND LINE UP AND
CHANGE THEM
THE MORE THEY MEAN THE SAME THING.
ROXANNE, ROXANNE -
 Revision 31.

Roxanne enters the room followed by Marie and Ragueneau.

CYRANO (CONT'D)
Roxanne.
He stands and quickly puts the letter in his pocket.
It’s cramped in the small room. A silence. Roxanne and Cyrano
communicate with a quick look between them.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
(to Marie)
Do you like rabbit stew? Downstairs they -
MARIE
I loathe rabbits. I hate their taste and I
hate the way they savage a garden.
CYRANO
Shank of Lamb?
MARIE
Never on a weekend.
ROXANNE
She likes tongue.
Marie practically salivates.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
For heaven’s sake, please, go and eat.
MARIE
Fine. And I’ll pray for your sins while I
do.
CYRANO
(to Ragueneau, sotto)
A huge slab of tongue. And keep it coming.
Ragueneau and Marie go, closing the door behind them. Roxanne
removes her mask. She seems nervous.
ROXANNE
I have a confession to make.
CYRANO
To me?
ROXANNE
(nods)
It concerns you. It’s relevant to you.
Cyrano nods, just managing to contain his anticipation.
CYRANO
Shall we sit?
 Revision 32.

He places two chairs side by side, two feet apart. He sits on

one and holds his hand up, concealing his face like a Priest
in a confessional. Roxanne chuckles but then sees the bandage.
ROXANNE
Oh, you’re wounded.
CYRANO
A scratch. Please.
He gestures to the other chair but she remains standing.
ROXANNE
I know your shoddy work. The dressing’s
loose. Come.
She takes him over to the window for the light. She seats him
at the table and then lays his arm out, palm upwards.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
May I?
Cyrano nods. Holding his breath at her proximity. Roxanne
carefully unties the bandage and gently unwinds it.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
Hmm.
CYRANO
Your confession?
ROXANNE
It can wait a moment.
The cut is deep and still bleeding. Roxanne looks concerned.
CYRANO
It’s only a scratch.
ROXANNE
It’s a wound and it needs cleaning.
Roxanne fetches the small basin of water.
CYRANO
I’ve been wounded many times. This is not
a wound.
ROXANNE
Then we’ll call it a cut.
CYRANO
‘Scratch’ is more accurate.
Roxanne dips her handkerchief in water and cleans the cut.
 Revision 33.

ROXANNE
I dispute ‘more’. There are no degrees of
accuracy. A thing is either accurate or it
isn’t. You taught me that.
CYRANO
(amused)
As you wish, I’ll settle for cut.
ROXANNE
A deep one. In fact, the more this cut
reveals itself the more ridiculous your
original choice of word appears. Only
someone with a meagre grasp of language
could call this wound a scratch.
She looks at him beadily then chuckles. As does he.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
How did you get it?
CYRANO
Last night. A duel.
ROXANNE
(shakes her head,
indulgently)
And look what happens.
CYRANO
You should see the other guys.
ROXANNE
I’m not impressed by your swordsmanship.
CYRANO
Oh, I know. Or rather, I know you pretend
you’re not.
She sighs and begins to re-tie the bandage round his hand.
ROXANNE
I’d be angry with you if you died.
CYRANO
Only ‘angry’?
ROXANNE
Incandescent. This might hurt.
She ties the bandage, tightly. It hurts. But Cyrano doesn’t
flinch. She smiles at him.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
So brave.
 Revision 34.

CYRANO
Thank you.
They gaze at each other, warmly.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
Will you make your confession?
ROXANNE
Yes. I must. And there’s only so much
tongue Marie can chew on.
She looks at Cyrano then looks away.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
I feel shy. Huh. Never mind.
Erm...Yesterday. At the theatre...
A pause.
CYRANO
Yes?
ROXANNE
I...can barely believe I’m saying this; I
realised...or I became aware - suddenly -
that I was in love.
CYRANO
I see.
ROXANNE
I’m madly in love. But the man in question
has no idea.
Cyrano permits himself a secret little smile.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
And...I don’t know how to tell him.
CYRANO
Well...perhaps he feels the same...?
ROXANNE
It’s possible. I have hopes.
CYRANO
How do you know you love him?
ROXANNE
Because...it’s as if I’ve always known. Or
always known him. He was always there but
this intense romantic connection had not
yet manifested.
CYRANO
I understand.
 Revision 35.

He steals a glance at her but her profile is inscrutable.

ROXANNE
(sudden panic)
Supposing it’s all a delusion?
CYRANO
(immediately)
No! You’re clearly in love.
ROXANNE
My mind’s racing. I’m feverish.
CYRANO
Would you like some water?
ROXANNE
No. It’s got your blood in it.
CYRANO
You were saying?
ROXANNE
I don’t know what I was saying.
CYRANO
Tell me about him. It might reassure you
there’s no delusion?
ROXANNE
Yes. Good. Well...I feel he’s rather
proud. And very charming. He’s mysterious
but not obscure. His face is so bright
with intelligence.
Cyrano silently eases his letter from his pocket.
CYRANO
(loving it)
What else?
ROXANNE
Erm...well, he’s beautiful, obviously.
A pause.
CYRANO
Is he?
ROXANNE
Oh, yes. But his natural modesty means
he’s completely unaware of it.
CYRANO
I’ve met people like that.
 Revision 36.

ROXANNE
They are so rare.
CYRANO
Yes.
A pause. Cyrano unfolds his letter, unseen by Roxanne.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
Perhaps...I could make a confession too?
ROXANNE
Yes but I haven’t finished mine!
CYRANO
Sorry. Do continue.
Roxanne focusses.
ROXANNE
Cyrano. I need you to help me.
CYRANO
At your service.
ROXANNE
This man I love is a Guard.
CYRANO
Mmm.
ROXANNE
In your regiment.
CYRANO
Of course he is.
ROXANNE
Of course??
CYRANO
In the sense that - I interrupted, carry
on.
ROXANNE
It’s embarrassing to admit but I’ve never
actually spoken to him.
CYRANO
Of your love?
ROXANNE
Of anything! I fell in love with him at
first sight. A thunderbolt. It’s madness!
Fantastical. And yet it’s absolutely real.
 Revision 37.

During this Cyrano slowly pockets the letter and turns his
face away from her. Tears spring to his eyes.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
Cyrano?
CYRANO
(weakly)
Here.
ROXANNE
You seem -
CYRANO
Just the wound playing up.
ROXANNE
Poor you. I’ve got some ointment at home.
(barrelling on)
I mean, supposing he’s an idiot? He might
be just an incredibly beautiful man with
the mind of a - a rabbit.
(slight pause)
Except he isn’t. He can’t be.
(determinedly)
I need him not to be. Anyway,
I’ve made some discreet inquiries and I’m
told he is Christian - Christian
Neuvillette.
CYRANO
(illogical hope)
Neuvillette? Never heard of him.
ROXANNE
He’s a new recruit, he starts today.
CYRANO
(dashed)
Ah.
ROXANNE
To the point. To your presence here: I
know how you Guards treat the new
recruits; your ancient initiation rituals
and so on. The Guards are notorious for
their garrulousness which often descends
into brawling and then duelling and worse.
I fear for Christian.
CYRANO
Not without cause.
ROXANNE
All the guards respect you.
Cyrano can’t deny it. She turns to him, intense, desperate.
 Revision 38.

ROXANNE (CONT'D)
So please will you protect him? Please
ensure he comes to no harm?
She looks at Cyrano who stares, helpless.
CYRANO
I can refuse you nothing.
ROXANNE
And never let him fight a duel?
CYRANO
No.
ROXANNE
And guard his life with your own?
CYRANO
Yes.
ROXANNE
And be his friend?
(brief pause)
Say you will.
CYRANO
(snaps)
I might not like him!
ROXANNE
But all the same befriend him.
CYRANO
(sighs)
Yes.
ROXANNE
And make him write to me.
Cyrano flinches.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
And I’ll write back. We’ll exchange long,
poetic, love letters.
CYRANO
I will suggest that he writes to you but I
can’t control the content or length of his
letters.
Cyrano and Roxanne look at each other for a moment.
ROXANNE
You’re always so kind.
She touches his cheek. Cyrano is silent. Wounded.
 Revision 39.

ROXANNE (CONT'D)
Now. You said you have a confession too?
CYRANO
It’s not important.
ROXANNE
I’ll support you as you’ve supported me.
CYRANO
Really. It’s nothing.
She can see he means it.
ROXANNE
How’s that hand?
CYRANO
Painless. A scratch.
Roxanne laughs. Cyrano manages a smile. She senses something’s
not quite right and decides to indulge him.
ROXANNE
How many men did you duel with last night?
CYRANO
(softly)
A hundred.
ROXANNE
Really?
CYRANO
Ten.
She gently touches his arm.
ROXANNE
All the same, what courage.
CYRANO
I’ve done better since.

15 INT. GUARDS GARRISON. TRAINING YARD - DAY 15

The garrison is a military training facility and housing
complex for the Guards.
THE KING’S GUARD ‘By order of His Majesty’ is emblazoned over
the door. The training yard is huge and open to the sky.
Sword practice, shooting ranges, horse riding and military
drills are happening concurrently. Le Bret - their Captain -
is instructing the group in sword fighting.
 Revision 40.

Cyrano is training with relentless fury: push ups, jumps,

punching bag, back to the floor, same again. He’s in shirt
sleeves and sweating.
THE GATE KEEPER
(announcing)
The Duke De Guiche.
All the Guards stop training and turn. This is an unusual
visit. De Guiche is a civilian not a military man. The Guards
bow to him grudgingly. Le Bret steps forward.
DE GUICHE
Captain.
Le Bret nods to De Guiche, ‘What can I do for you?’
De Guiche walks past him to where Cyrano trains.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
(to Cyrano)
I heard of your recent adventure. I’ve
come to express my admiration.
Le Bret steps towards Cyrano.
LE BRET
Cyrano?
He barks to the Guards.
LE BRET (CONT'D)
Carry on!
The men return to training. Off De Guiche’s look Le Bret stops
Cyrano from doing more push ups.
DE GUICHE
I could barely believe it. A lone man
triumphant against ten.
Cyrano stares. Still drained by his encounter with Roxanne.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
I’m inviting you to join my retinue.
CYRANO
I thank the Duke for his generous offer
but I must decline.
DE GUICHE
There are great advantages to following
me.
CYRANO
I know. But I follow no one.
 Revision 41.

De Guiche keeps his temper, tries a different route:

DE GUICHE
I’m told you write poetry - in common with
numerous men these days. But I’m told you
write uncommonly well. I like to publish
those I admire. I could put your work in
print. Distinguish you.
(smiling)
I’d only change a few lines and I pay
handsomely. You could buy a fine pair of
calfskin gloves.
CYRANO
I’m not for sale. Neither is my work.
DE GUICHE
Aren’t you proud?
CYRANO
Aren’t you observant?
DE GUICHE
(firmly)
Take this seriously.
The guards start to watch, the yard slowly grows quieter.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
Those men last night were incompetent.
Others might not be. Someone out there has
taken against you. Join my retinue and
you’ll be protected.
The Guards and the Yard are now silent.
CYRANO
First, you try to recruit me. Then, you
try to buy me. When you learn I have no
price, you warn me my life is threatened
by an unknown enemy.
Cyrano comes close to De Guiche so no one else hears this
exchange:
CYRANO (CONT'D)
I saw you last night. The blood of those
ten dead souls is on your hands. You’re a
tyrant posing as a noble.
DE GUICHE
It’s a shame we can’t accommodate each
other. You’d be a sweet companion for the
acquisition I will make: Roxanne.
A jolt of fear surges through Cyrano. De Guiche turns and
walks away. His footsteps echo.
 Revision 42.

16 EXT. THE GATE OF THE GARRISON - MINUTES LATER 16

De Guiche’s carriage exits the great gate, passing Christian.
Christian presents his orders. He is ushered through. He has
retrieved and now carries his stolen bag.

17 INT. GUARDS GARRISON. TRAINING YARD. CONT. 17

The Guards have returned to training, Le Bret pulls Cyrano
aside:
LE BRET
Don't push him too far.
CYRANO
To be his enemy is a badge of honour.
LE BRET
Which might get you killed.
CYRANO
Let him try. I’ll best any he sends. Let
them come.
LE BRET
He offered you a good wage.
CYRANO
I belong here. With you.
(of other Guards)
With them. I won’t be his toy, a thing to
be kept. What would you have me do, Le
Bret? Join a retinue? No, thank you.
Dedicate poems to De Guiche? No, thank
you. You want me to swallow insults? To
crawl? To kneel? To beg? Play both sides?
Flatter??? No, thank you. Attend meetings?
Suffer fools? No, thank you. Live for
others opinion of me? No, thank you! I
prefer a different kind of life. My own.
I answer to no one and I am content, thank
you!
LE BRET
(realising)
She doesn’t love you?
CYRANO
Don’t ever say it!
Christian enters the dining hall still dressed in civilian
clothes. The Guards look at him. The room grows quiet. One
by one they stand and gather.
 Revision 43.

GUARD 1
(whispering)
It’s the new recruit.
Christian stands awkwardly. The Guards approach him. They
whistle and make threatening sounds. They look like they're
going to kill him. Christian rolls up his sleeves.
CHRISTIAN
I’ve heard how this works. I’m ready.
Who’s first?
A huge, tough GUARD steps forward. The men applaud. Christian
knocks him down with one blow. The men are staggered.
Cyrano has been watching and suspects this must be Christian.
CHRISTIAN (CONT'D)
Who’s next?
Cyrano charges into the center of the circle.
CYRANO
I am.
Christian laughs. The Guards go quiet. Sixty Guards stand in a
wide circle around them. Tension.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
What’s so funny?
CHRISTIAN
First I must fight an elephant and now a
mole?
Cyrano draws a sword. Christian too.
CYRANO
On guard.
CHRISTIAN
Just remember you drew first.
CYRANO
What’s your name?
CHRISTIAN
Why?
CYRANO
I like to know the names of those I kill.
CHRISTIAN
(furiously)
I am Christian Neuvilette, Sir.
 Rev. 10/23/20 (Blue) 44.

Cyrano suddenly throws his sword down and runs at Christian

full tilt. He tackles him, gets the advantage - keeping
Christian off his feet, he then drags him out of the yard. The
Guards watch, waiting for the death blow...

18 GARRISON STORES AND CELLAR. CONT. 18

Cyrano pushes Christian down the stairs into the cellar.
Cyrano walks slowly down the steps with his arms held open.
CYRANO
Embrace me.
CHRISTIAN
Sir??
Cyrano embraces Christian.
CYRANO
I’m her brother.
CHRISTIAN
Whose?
CYRANO
Who d’ya think?!
CHRISTIAN
Roxanne??
CYRANO
Yes.
CHRISTIAN
(carefully)
You don’t look like her brother.
CYRANO
We’re old friends, like siblings but not.
We’re very close.
CHRISTIAN
And, what...?
CYRANO
(airily)
She’s told me everything; the theatre,
'love at first sight', all that.
CHRISTIAN
She loves me??
CYRANO
(agonised)
She believes so.
 Rev. 10/23/20 (Blue) 45.

Christian’s face breaks into a huge grin; he grabs Cyrano’s

hand and shakes it hard.
CHRISTIAN
Sir, I am so glad to know you!
The shaking goes on a bit too long.
CYRANO
That’s enough now.
CHRISTIAN
Forgive me, please, for insulting you
earlier, I -
CYRANO
Yes, yes, yes.
CHRISTIAN
She loves me!
CYRANO
Now. Listen. Roxanne wants a letter from
you.
CHRISTIAN
(suddenly sad)
Oh.
CYRANO
No?
CHRISTIAN
Impossible. If I write to her she won't
want me.
CYRANO
(thrilled)
Really, why?
CHRISTIAN
I can’t write love letters.
CYRANO
(sotto)
Rabbit.
(to Christian)
You just say what you feel. As long as
it’s true you can’t go wrong.
CHRISTIAN
A woman like Roxanne wants wit, romance...
(with dread)
maybe even poetry.
 Revision 46.

CYRANO
You’re right, you’d better leave town.
(Christian looks
woeful)
I didn’t mean it.
CHRISTIAN
I’m very confused. Are you here to help me
or hinder me?
CYRANO
(sighs)
Help.
CHRISTIAN
You see, in battle I have inordinate
courage. I can do anything. But with
women, my whole life I’ve been useless,
silent, I’m...what’s that word for when
you’re bad at expressing yourself?
CYRANO
Inarticulate.
CHRISTIAN
That’s it! I can’t express what I feel -
on paper and...not on paper. I don't know
how to speak romantically. Roxanne will be
extremely disappointed.
CYRANO
She must not be.
CHRISTIAN
But I have no wit!
Cyrano thinks. Knows what he must do...
CYRANO
Borrow mine.
CHRISTIAN
Eh?
CYRANO
My words on your lips.
CHRISTIAN
I can’t. It’s a lie. I’d be deceiving the
woman I love.
CYRANO
Well it’s better than losing her.
(looks at him)
Call it a fantasy, a dream, call it
pretend. A dream might be a lie but it is
also true.
 Rev. 10/23/20 (Blue) 47.

CHRISTIAN
Wait - what?
CYRANO
Sometimes illusion is kind.
CHRISTIAN
Is it?
CYRANO
Often! Read a book or two and you’ll find
out.
CHRISTIAN
There’s no need to be patronising.
CYRANO
Sorry.
CHRISTIAN
Accepted. But will the deceit work?
CYRANO
Is the prize not worth the risk?
CHRISTIAN
(swooningly)
Yes. Ohhh, Roxanne...
CYRANO
(suddenly)
Oh, Roxanne -
Christian is staring at him.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
(correcting)
- Will be so pleased to receive your
letter.
CHRISTIAN
May I ask, why are you helping me? What
can you gain?
CYRANO
I am a poet, my words go to waste unless
spoken aloud. I’ll make you eloquent while
you make me handsome.
Song. SOMEONE TO SAY
CHRISTIAN
GOD WHAT I’D DO TO JUST BE ABLE TO TELL
HER WHAT IT’S LIKE WHEN I SEE HER
IT’S SOMETHING LIKE
 Revision 48.

CYRANO
Happiness
CHRISTIAN
SOMETHING LIKE
CYRANO
Hunger
CHRISTIAN
AND SOMETHING LIKE
CYRANO
Fear
As Christian begins to sing, in the cellar of the garrison, we
see the Guards training in the yard above and as he sings the
training slowly morphs into a waltz - soldiers dancing with
soldiers, in contrast to the flour ballet, this is a stoic,
respectful, observed expression of courtship - it’s beautiful
but militaristic and stiff.
CHRISTIAN
I’D GIVE ANYTHING FOR SOMEONE TO SAY
ALL THE WORDS I DON’T HAVE
AND I CAN’T PUT TOGETHER
I’D GIVE ANYTHING FOR SOMEONE TO SAY TO
HER THAT SHE’S ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT
AND I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT HER.
The Guards blend marching and drills and dance - as if sixty
soldiers standing at attention suddenly all pirouette - a
dream of freedom of expression within a rigid form.
MY FATHER TOLD ME LETTERS AND BOOKS
WEREN’T MEANT FOR THE SON OF A SOLDIER
COURAGE AND STEAL, THE TRIALS OF THE REAL
WORLD ARE WHAT MATTER AND ALL THAT SHOULD
MOLD YOU
GOD WHAT I’D DO TO HAVE THE ONE THING THAT
YOU HAVE THAT I NEVER WILL.
YOU HAVE SOMETHING WORTH GIVING. A REASON
FOR LIVING. ALL I DO WELL IS
CYRANO/CHRISTIAN
Kill?
The Guards slowly resume training; Christian and Cyrano are
still in the cellar. The Guards join Christian and sing the
final chorus.
CHRISTIAN/GUARDS
I’D GIVE ANYTHING FOR SOMEONE TO SAY
ALL THE WORDS I DON’T HAVE AND I CAN’T PUT
TOGETHER
I’D GIVE ANYTHING FOR SOMEONE TO SAY TO
HER
 Rev. 10/23/20 (Blue) 49.

CHRISTIAN/GUARDS (CONT'D)
THAT SHE’S ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT AND I
CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT HER.
I’D GIVE ANYTHING FOR SOMEONE TO SAY
THAT THEY CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ME
AND THEY’LL BE THERE FOREVER.
I’D GIVE ANYTHING FOR SOMEONE TO SAY TO ME
THAT NO MATTER HOW BAD IT GETS
THEY WON’T TURN AWAY FROM ME.
Cyrano takes the letter he wrote to Roxanne from his pocket.
He hands it to Christian.
CYRANO
Use this. Simply sign it at the bottom.
CHRISTIAN
Great! When did you write it?
CYRANO
A while ago.
CHRISTIAN
But -
CYRANO
I always have a letter in my pocket
for...some imaginary woman. It's the
romantic custom here.
CHRISTIAN
But don’t we need to make it specific to
her?
CYRANO
Count on vanity to make Roxanne think it
was only for her.
CHRISTIAN
But the letter itself is applicable to all
women??
CYRANO
Not all, but most.
CHRISTIAN
What a brilliant scam! You should make
thousands of copies and sell them to every
man in the city. You’d make a fortune!
Christian embraces Cyrano.
CHRISTIAN (CONT'D)
(waving the letter)
I’m convinced we’re destined to be friends
for life.
 Rev. 10/23/20 (Blue) 49A.

CYRANO
You think?
CHRISTIAN
The very best of friends.
Christian runs out with the letter.
 Revision 50.

CYRANO
And I, my heart will lend.
He watches Christian in the distance.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
(under his breath)
Dammit. I kind of like him.

19 EXT. CITY STREETS. MINUTES LATER. 19

We follow Christian as he runs along the city streets past
soldiers marching until he arrives at Roxanne’s door.

20 EXT. ROXANNE’S FRONT DOOR. MINUTES LATER. 20

Roxanne’s apartment has a balcony overhung with wisteria - not
yet in bloom. Glass doors from the balcony lead to her
bedroom. Downstairs her street door is large.
Christian approaches and thinks. He presses his head and his
hand against the door. Rather then knock, he puts the letter
under the door and runs away.

21 INT. ROXANNE'S DOOR INSIDE HER HOME. DAYS LATER. 21

A letter, with no return address is slid under the door.
Marie picks it up curious: who is it from? And takes it to
Roxanne in bed.
As she sings we see the passage of time and accumulation of
letters; the scenes overlap within the song moving back and
forth faster and faster building to the climatic end.
Song. EVERY LETTER
ROXANNE
THE INK ON THE PAPER MAKES ME NERVOUS
I NEARLY LOSE MY VISION
AND THEN MY BREATH AND MY PULSE AND MY
MIND ... QUICKEN

HEAD BELOW MY KNEES, I COME ALIVE WITH

EVERY STROKE OF EVERY LETTER IN EVERY LINE
YOU WRITE
KEEPS ME AWAKE, THINKING BACK OH...
MY FIRST SIGHT OF YOU WAS MY FIRST HEART
ATTACK
The light in the room fades from daylight to night as Marie
lights the candles.
 Revision 51.

ROXANNE (CONT'D)
EVERY LETTER MAKES ME LOSE MY REASON
EVERY WORD IS LIKE YOUR KINDEST TOUCH
AND IF I TOLD YOU HOW MUCH I NEED YOU
WOULD YOU GIVE ME YOURSELF OR TURN AND RUN
Another letter appears under the door. Roxanne rushes to
collect it and goes to the window where she sees Christian
running away.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
YOU LIGHT UP DESIRE JUST BY DESCRIBING IT
I READ TO MYSELF UNTIL I GO BLIND
YOUR WORDS FALL AROUND ME ALL THROUGH THE
NIGHT
I CAN'T RESIST AND I DON'T WANT TO FIGHT

22 INT. CYRANO’S ROOM IN THE GARRISON. 22

Cyrano sitting at his table and writing.
CYRANO
WILL YOU BE HELD?
WILL YOU BE TOUCHED?
BY MY HAND THROUGH THIS PAPER IS THIS ALL
TOO MUCH?
WILL WE BE RAVAGED?
WILL WE BE TRUE?
TO SOMEBODY PERFECT, SOMEBODY LIKE YOU?
Christian enters the room.
CHRISTIAN
I'M TIRED OF YEARNING
I'M TIRED OF LEARNING
I NEED TO DRINK YOU
MY HEART HAS BEEN BURNING

23 INT. ROXANNE'S ROOM. 23

Roxanne is writing her reply. Marie stands outside her door.
Roxanne is unhappy with her efforts - takes the page and
throws it into the air.
CHRISTIAN/ROXANNE
EVER SINCE I SAW YOU
BACKWARDS THROUGH THE GLASS
OF A THIN WINDOW PAIN
LIKE A THIN SEE THROUGH MASK
Letters begin to fall around Roxanne.
 Revision 52.

23A EXT. STREET. NIGHT. 23A

Letters are raining down from the sky as Christian runs.
ROXANNE/CHRISTIAN
THESE WORDS ARE THE TRUTH JUST LET THEM
SINK IN
THROUGH YOUR THIN FINGERED GLOVES TO YOUR
HAND TO YOUR SKIN
LIKE RIBBONS ON WRISTS
LET THEM HOLD YOU AND TWIST
LET THEM TOUCH YOU ALL OVER
UNTIL YOU CAN'T RESIST

24 INT. CYRANO'S ROOM IN THE GARRISON. DAYS LATER. 24

Cyrano writes quickly. He studies a letter from Roxanne as he
composes his response. Christian runs in bringing him another
letter from her. Cyrano gives Christian a letter and he
leaves. Cyrano sits back and reads.
ROXANNE/CHRISTIAN/CYRANO
EVERY LETTER MAKES ME LOSE MY REASON
EVERY WORD IS LIKE YOUR KINDEST TOUCH
AND IF I TOLD YOU HOW MUCH I NEED YOU
WOULD YOU GIVE ME YOURSELF OR TURN AND RUN
Cyrano is in the middle; Christian and Roxanne are
superimposed to his left and right -

25 INT. ROXANNE'S HOME. DAYS LATER. 25

Roxanne, at her writing desk, writing.
ROXANNE
YOU LIGHT UP DESIRE JUST BY DESCRIBING IT
I READ TO MYSELF UNTIL I GO BLIND
YOUR WORDS FALL AROUND ME ALL THROUGH THE
NIGHT

25A EXT. STREET. NIGHT. 25A

Christian running with letters still falling around him.
CHRISTIAN/ROXANNE
I CAN'T RESIST AND I DON'T WANT TO FIGHT

25B INT. CYRANO'S ROOM IN THE GARRISON. NIGHT 25B

Cyrano reading letters and playing with a feather.
 Revision 53.

CYRANO/ROXANNE/CHRISTIAN
DIM THE LIGHTS GIVE ME EVERYTHING I WANT
JUST TALK TO ME LIKE YOU DO IN YOUR SONGS

25C EXT. ROXANNE'S DOOR. DAY. 25C

Christian kisses another letter and slides it under the door.
The door opens and Roxanne steps out but Christian has
disappeared. She sits on the step. Unseen by Roxanne,
Christian hears her sing the last line.
ROXANNE
YOUR LETTERS ARE DRAWINGS ON ME FROM ABOVE
I KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND I KNOW YOU ARE LOVE
The deception has succeeded. He looks at her conflicted and
guilty, loving and longing.

26 EXT. A PUBLIC GARDEN. DAYS LATER. SPRING. 26

Cyrano and Roxanne walking through a maze, Marie a few paces
behind.
ROXANNE
Every day I think: ‘I couldn’t love him
more’. Then a new letter arrives and my
heart expands to accommodate more love.
He understands me instinctively; he knows
exactly what I respond to, what thrills
me. It’s uncanny - but so exciting.
CYRANO
I’m pleased for you.
ROXANNE
But are you?
CYRANO
Why wouldn’t I be?
ROXANNE
Well, it’s quite tedious having to listen
to someone waxing on about finding true
love.
She looks back at Marie vaguely examining a weed. Roxanne
steers Cyrano into a row of hedges out of sight.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
I want to meet with him. In private. Can
you arrange it?
CYRANO
Erm...
 Revision 54.

ROXANNE
I need to know him.
A pause. Cyrano just manages to control his jealousy.
CYRANO
Would you love him if he wasn’t handsome?
ROXANNE
I can’t imagine it. He’s beautiful and
expresses himself beautifully. It’s
perfectly logical.
CYRANO
(suddenly)
Roxanne, I must tell you -
But she’s straight in:
ROXANNE
“The more you take of my heart, the more I
have to give”
“Since I need a heart to long for you,
keep mine and send me yours”.
CYRANO
First he has too much heart, then not
enough?
ROXANNE
(pokes him)
You’re jealous!
CYRANO
(startled - quietly)
Me?
ROXANNE
Of his writing! It’s fascinating: you’re
both brilliant but exact opposites in
style. Christian is overt, passionate,
fiery.
CYRANO
(taken aback)
Whereas I?
ROXANNE
You are...coded, witty, rueful.
CYRANO
Coded?
ROXANNE
Yes! You know it! None of us know what’s
really going on in that whirring brain of
yours.
 Revision 55.

Then she worries she’s offended him...

ROXANNE (CONT'D)
His words aren’t better than yours! Just
differently put. But both are endlessly
quotable.
CYRANO
You know his letters by heart?
ROXANNE
Every one.
CYRANO
I’m flattered.
Roxanne looks confused.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
- On his behalf.
ROXANNE
You’ll arrange the meeting?
CYRANO
As ever, I’m at your service.
He bows to her then walks away in a foul mood.

27 INT. CYRANO’S ROOM - A FEW DAYS LATER *NEW SCENE* 27

Cyrano at his desk. Christian stood over his shoulder, reading
the letter aloud as Cyrano writes.
Cyrano dislikes this but tolerates it.
CHRISTIAN
“Our mutual friend, the” - what’s this?
CYRANO
‘Redoubtable’.
CHRISTIAN
(reading)
“Our mutual friend the redoubtable Cyrano
has informed me that you wish to meet. I
am deeply honoured by this new...”
(pause)
Cyrano? Dear friend?
Cyrano stops work, abruptly, annoyed by the interruption.
CHRISTIAN (CONT'D)
'Redoubtable'. I just wouldn’t say it.
It’s not me.
 Revision 56.

CYRANO
It’s not you.
Cyrano carries on writing while Christian seethes.

28 INT. ROXANNE'S SITTING ROOM. 28

Roxanne, Marie and De Guiche - who sports new uniform.
DE GUICHE
I’ve come to say goodbye. I leave tonight
for the front. It’s grim. But orders are
orders.
ROXANNE
Grim?
DE GUICHE
We’re losing the war. It's ugly. They’ve
promoted the nobility to turn it around.
As you see, they’ve made me a Colonel.
(false modesty)
Me? Shows how desperate they are.
Roxanne smiles appropriately. Then worries:
ROXANNE
Does this new rank put you in command of
the Guards?
DE GUICHE
It does. Cyrano is mine.
Roxanne - alert to this.
ROXANNE
Are the Guards being sent to the front?
DE GUICHE
Naturally. They’re in my regiment.
ROXANNE
All of them?
DE GUICHE
Of course.
Roxanne turns away. Devastated. De Guiche detects it.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
Why upset, dear lady?
ROXANNE
You’re going to war, you might die and
you’re leaving tonight...I’m...beside
myself.
 Revision 57.

DE GUICHE
May I take your concern as a sign of
affection?
Roxanne nods a fraction. Thinks...
ROXANNE
I must tell you that Cyrano is no longer
my friend. In truth, we have ceased to
like each other. I ended it - as you
counseled.
DE GUICHE
Good.
A pause.
ROXANNE
I know how you could make him suffer.
DE GUICHE
Oh?
ROXANNE
Why don’t you leave him and all the
Guards behind? Make them idle, here in the
city, with the women and children?
DE GUICHE
(chuckles)
He’d hate that!
ROXANNE
More than ‘hate’, it would humiliate him;
no heroics, no medals, no glory. His
warrior pride is his great weakness.
DE GUICHE
Indeed. I like it!
(takes her in)
Only a woman could concoct such a plan.
ROXANNE
Only a man could say so.
De Guiche moves closer to Roxanne.
DE GUICHE
Am I to understand this as an act of love?
ROXANNE
(very firm, defiant)
It is.
DE GUICHE
I hereby bury his orders to the front.
 Revision 58.

He takes out the orders and separates the Guards from the
rest. Roxanne just manages to conceal her relief.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
Poor little Cyrano and all his little
friends.
De Guiche gazes at Roxanne, lust overwhelming him.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
Marie. Some tea.
MARIE
I’m afraid we are out of tea, sir.
DE GUICHE
(snaps)
Leave us.
Marie gets up reluctantly. She leaves the room looking at
Roxanne with warning.
De Guiche stares at Roxanne. Then touches her cheek. Her
lips...
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
I like your tricks. I wager you know some
more...
ROXANNE
No, sir.
DE GUICHE
I think you do.
(breathing her in)
How can I leave you?
(pause)
Maybe I won’t? I love you, Roxanne. I love
you.
Roxanne conceals her horror as he edges closer to her.

29 INT. HALLWAY. CONT. 29

Marie listening at the door.
ROXANNE (O.S.)
It’s a terrible shame but leave you must.
The battle can’t happen without the
Colonel.

30 INT. SITTING ROOM. CONT. 30

Roxanne subtly shifts her position on the sofa.
 Revision 59.

ROXANNE
I so admire your bravery.
DE GUICHE
I’m not brave, I'm dutiful.
ROXANNE
You’re too modest. It’s you who will lead
the charge into battle. I couldn’t love a
man who hides from danger.
DE GUICHE
Do you love me?
ROXANNE
I love the man for whom I fear.
DE GUICHE
So I must go to war?
ROXANNE
(manages a tear)
Yes.
De Guiche stares at her hard. Then gets up and crosses the
room. At the door he turns back-
DE GUICHE
One last look at the woman I love.
He throws open the door and runs straight into Marie.

31 INT. ROXANNE’S HALL AND DOOR. CONT. 31

Marie shows De Guiche out handing him his coat and hat. Marie
turns to find Roxanne standing behind her-
MARIE
Put out this fire you’re playing with. Let
the men go and fight their wars.
ROXANNE
The Guards must never go to the front -
it’s a death sentence.
MARIE
If De Guiche finds out you’ve used him
you’ll end your days in a brothel - or
worse - a convent.
ROXANNE
I will protect those I love, whatever the
cost to myself.
 Revision 60.

MARIE
But think! If you marry him now he’ll most
likely be killed in battle within the
month. You’d be a rich widow and beyond
reproach. You could grant me a pension.
Think about it!
ROXANNE
I’m attending a salon tonight. I must
dress.

32 EXT. THE STREET APPROACHING ROXANNE’S HOUSE. EVENING. 32

Cyrano and Christian walking fast - mid-argument. Cyrano
highly agitated, Christian pretty cool.
CYRANO
This is folly!
CHRISTIAN
She said she wants to meet me so what's
wrong with surprising her?
CYRANO
You’re not prepared!
CHRISTIAN
She loves me, I don't need to prepare. Why
can't you relax?
CYRANO
Will you at least look at these
conversational witticisms?
Cyrano hands Christian a sheet of densely written paper.
CHRISTIAN
No, thank you.
CYRANO
Memorise this now!
CHRISTIAN
No! I’m going to speak to her in my own
words.
CYRANO
I strongly advise against it.
CHRISTIAN
And when the moment is right, I will take
her in my arms.
CYRANO
There will be no ‘moment’ if you don’t
study this.
 Revision 61.

He thrusts the document at Christian who rebuffs it.

CHRISTIAN
I’ll be fine! All your fancy words and
phrases are now in my vocabulary. I will
simply repeat them - no, what is it?
CYRANO
Regurgitate them?
CHRISTIAN
That’s it! That’s what I will do.
A pause. Cyrano considers.
CYRANO
Off you go then.
Christian turns to go then turns back.
CHRISTIAN
I’m very grateful for all your help
but...with extreme respect, I don’t think
I need you anymore.
CYRANO
(smiles)
I’m sure you’re right. Now fly to Roxanne,
dazzle her with your transcendent words.
Cyrano bows to Christian, turns and walks away. He's greatly
amused by this development.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
(muttering)
And so it ends.

33 EXT. ROXANNE'S HOUSE. LATER, SAME DAY 33

Roxanne and Marie leave for the salon. Christian is hiding in
the street, watching her.
CHRISTIAN
(nervous whisper)
Cyrano??
But Cyrano is long gone.
Roxanne is studying her lecture notes on the move. Marie
steering her out of trouble on the busy street.
Roxanne - nose in her notes - walks straight past Christian.
He can’t bring himself to stop her.
Cyrano is also watching, hidden. Christian follows Roxanne and
Marie at a distance.
 Rev. 11/23/10 (Pink) 62.

34 INT. THE SALON/CORRIDOR. CONT. 34

A beautiful old lecture theatre. Roxanne seen through a
doorway. She's giving a talk. The room is full of women, no
men allowed. She's dazzling the room.
Christian peers in through the door from the adjoining
corridor.
Suddenly - Roxanne sees him. Surprised and delighted she
momentarily falters. Christian smiles warmly.
Roxanne finishes her lecture to wild applause. Christian claps
at the door.
As the salon guests get up from their chairs Christian starts
to leave. Then - he's thrilled to see Roxanne come running out
the door to find him.
Both are very nervous at this first proper encounter.
ROXANNE
Christian!
CHRISTIAN
Hello!
He bows quite elegantly.
ROXANNE
How did you know I was here? Which is not
to say that I flatter myself that you're
here to see me.
(stops)
I'm gabbling.
CHRISTIAN
I heard about this - this -
(unsure what it is)
This - women only -
ROXANNE
Salon?
CHRISTIAN
Yes! From a friend.
ROXANNE
Oh, is she here?
CHRISTIAN
No, she's a man - I mean he is.
ROXANNE
Will you come with me? So we can talk?
 Rev. 11/23/10 (Pink) 63-64.

Christian nods, slightly unnerved by this prosepct. She

leads him to a narrow staircase.

35 INT. ORCHESTRA CIRCLE ABOVE SALON. MOMENTS LATER 35

They emerge into the beautiful ornate circle. The salon guests
are taking tea below in the stalls.
CHRISTIAN
Oh!
ROXANNE
Isn't it beautiful!
CHRISTIAN
Mmm. It is very steep...
ROXANNE
Oh do you suffer from vertigo?
CHRISTIAN
No. But I don't like heights.
Roxanne laughs, she thinks he's joking. Christian is
confused by having not got the joke. He remains speechless.
He can't think of a thing to say.
After a while:
ROXANNE
There are some silences that are
comfortable and there are some that are
freightened with tensions. What do you
think is the nature of this one?
Christian thinks very hard.
CHRISTIAN
I think...it's a bit of both.
ROXANNE
(slightly brow knit)
...I agree.
Roxanne observes the ladies of the salon below.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
I love the sound of a room full of women.
Listen. Do you hear that?
CHRISTIAN
What?
ROXANNE
The power of the feminine.
 Rev. 11/23/10 (Pink) 63-64A.

CHRISTIAN
(after a while)
...I agree.
A pause.
ROXANNE
Talk to me.
CHRISTIAN
I love you.
ROXANNE
Oh! Yes. Sometimes raw, simple words are
the most potent deployment of language.
CHRISTIAN
(encouraged)
I love you.
ROXANNE
The sheer surprise of repetition!Yes. But
say some more. What else?
CHRISTIAN
I love you sooooo much.
Roxanne bristles. CYRANO's shadow appears (unseen) in the
glass behind them. He's been listening.
ROXANNE
When you write you say it a thousand
different ways without even resorting to
those three overused little words.
CHRISTIAN
Sorry, which little words??
ROXANNE
Please, dearest Christian, speak to me as
you do in your letters?
Cyrano receives this with glee.
CHRISTIAN
(Desperate)
You are an angel to be adored, my love is
so so big it is absord.
ROXANNE
I'm sorry?
CHRISTIAN
You are a beautiful flower. May I smell
your neck?
 Rev. 11/23/10 (Pink) 63-64B.

CHRISTIAN (CONT'D)
(sudden poetic
inspiration)
Or give it a peck?
Christian begins to go there, Cyrano is appalled.
ROXANNE
(rises sharply)
Monsieur Neuvillette!
CHRISTIAN
Don't go! Please. My passion has rendered
me - aaagh, what is it?!
ROXANNE
Stupid?
CHRISTIAN
No, but it does begin with an 'S'.
ROXANNE
Tell me when you've found it.
She heads towards the stairs and Cyrano scarpers promptly.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
And I am not a flower!

36 OMITTED 36
 Rev. 11/23/10 (Pink) 65.

37 OMITTED 37
 Rev. 11/23/10 (Pink) 66.

38 INT. SALON - CONT. 38

As Roxanne descents the stairs down into the corridor and
then crosses the lecture hall -
Song. I NEED MORE.
ROXANNE
I need more. I need more. I need more.
Song. I NEED MORE.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
I NEED MORE.
WOMEN OF THE SALON
I NEED MORE.
ROXANNE
DON’T YOU DARE TELL ME YOU LOVE ME
I’VE HEARD THAT LINE BEFORE
Christian shouts from the circle above.
CHRISTIAN
'Speechless.' That's the word.

39 INT. SALON DOWNSTAIRS - CONTINUOUS 39

Christian mooning around, abject.
Cyrano sidles up.
CYRANO
That went well.
CHRISTIAN
You spied on us?
CYRANO
I couldn’t resist.
CHRISTIAN
Please help me.
CYRANO
Noo, you don’t need little old me.
Cyrano turns on his heels and walks away. Christian -
exasperated - hurries after him.
 Rev. 11/23/10 (Pink) 66A.

40 EXT. STREET - CONT. 40

Roxanne runs home, tears in her eyes -
 Revision 67.

ROXANNE
TALK OF BLANK SPACE BEHIND THE SUN
WHERE YOU TOLD ME YOU’D MEET ME WHEN
EVERYONE’S GONE
TELL ME THAT NOTHING MAKES SENSE BUT THE
SOUND
OF MY VOICE IN YOUR HEAD EVEN WHEN I'M
NOWHERE AROUND
MAKE LOVE MAKE SENSE IN THE LOVELIEST WAY
INFINITE AND SIMPLE IN AN INK BLACK SKY
TURN ME TO WATER LIKE YOUR LETTERS DO
MAKE ME NOT KNOW WHETHER TO LAUGH OR CRY
I NEED MORE. I NEED MORE
I NEED WAVES OF DESIRE TO COME OVER ME
AND TEARDROPS ON THE FLOOR.

41 INT. ROXANNE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 41

Roxanne in her home, still furious starts to undress.
ROXANNE
I FEEL LIKE I'VE BEEN TO LONG WITH MY
THOUGHTS ANY WAY I'VE CORNERED MYSELF IN
THE LONELIEST PLACE
I WON’T LET YOU LOSE ME NOW THAT YOU'VE
FOUND ME
YOU KNOW WHAT TO SAY SO JUST SAY IT NOW TO
ME
I FLOAT THROUGH THE HOURS WITH EVERYONE
ELSE
BUT I ALWAYS ONLY THINK OF YOU BY MYSELF
TELL ME YOUR SECRETS, WHO ARE YOU IN
PRIVATE
WHEN YOU CAN'T SLEEP TELL ME HOW YOU
SURVIVE IT
Marie comes in and helps her.

I NEED MORE. I NEED MORE

I NEED WAVES OF DESIRE TO COME OVER ME
AND TEARDROPS ON THE FLOOR.

42 EXT. STREET. SAME TIME 42

Cyrano bustles along, Christian tries to keep up.
CHRISTIAN
Help me! I beg you! If I don’t win her
back I'll die!
 Revision 68.

CYRANO
Then you'd better improve your
regurgitation skills.
Christian stops, faces Cyrano.
CHRISTIAN
Alright! I need you. I was an idiot to
believe I didn’t! I apologise!
CYRANO
Am I essential?
CHRISTIAN
Of course.
CYRANO
Do I know best?
CHRISTIAN
Always.
CYRANO
Will you obey without pedantry,
prevarication or quibbling?
Christian is flummoxed.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
Just say yes.
CHRISTIAN
(immediately)
Yes.
CYRANO
Good! Follow me!

43 INT. ROXANNE'S ROOM - SCENE CUT 43

44 EXT. BALCONY/STREET - ROXANNE'S HOUSE - CONT. 44

Cyrano and Christian are just arriving. Cyrano hides while
Christian looks up at Roxanne as she sings to him.
ROXANNE
I NEED MORE. I NEED MORE
DON’T YOU DARE TELL ME YOU LOVE ME
I’VE HEARD THAT LINE BEFORE
I’VE HEARD THAT LINE BEFORE
At the climax of the song Roxanne goes back inside. Christian
gazes up with longing. Cyrano pops out.
 Revision 69.

CYRANO
Now. You stand there,
(in front of balcony)
And I will be here.
(beneath balcony)
When she returns I’ll whisper what you
must say to her.
CHRISTIAN
No?!!
CYRANO
Yes, I'm going to feed you the words.
CHRISTIAN
It's madness! How can it possibly work?!
Cyrano seizes Christian and pins him to a wall. It’s
surprisingly ruthless.
CYRANO
Do Not - Ruin This - Again.
Cyrano releases him. Christian shakes himself off and moves
out from under the balcony. Cyrano gestures, 'throw stones at
her window'. Christian does so.

45 INT. ROXANNE'S ROOM. CONT. 45

Roxanne hears the stones. She goes to the glass doors.

46 EXT. STREET/BALCONY. CONT. 46

Roxanne comes back out onto the balcony.
ROXANNE
Who’s there?
CHRISTIAN
Speechless Christian. I must talk to you.
ROXANNE
I’d rather read your letters.
Roxanne waves several of ‘his’ letters.
CHRISTIAN
Please!
ROXANNE
Do you regret what occurred at the Bell
Tower?
CHRISTIAN
Yes!
 Revision 70.

A pause.
ROXANNE
‘Yes’??? That's your considered
explanation and apology? I'm beginning to
fear you're just a weird young man who
likes writing letters. Maybe you don't
even love me? Good-night.
She turns to go.
CHRISTIAN
Wait!
Gestures to Cyrano, 'feed me words'.
CYRANO
(whispers urgently)
I could no more stop loving you then I
could stop the sun rising.
CHRISTIAN
I could no more...
..stop loving you
...than I could stop
...the sun rising
ROXANNE
(disbelieving)
Oh really?
Christian looks at Cyrano, 'more'.
CYRANO
My cruel love has never stopped growing-
CHRISTIAN
My cruel love has...never stopped
growing...
CYRANO
-in my soul from the day it was born
there.
CHRISTIAN
in my soul from the day it was born there.
ROXANNE
If your love is cruel you should have
killed it.
CYRANO
I tried! But it has the strength of
Hercules.
CHRISTIAN
I tried...but it has the strength of - ?
 Rev. 10/23/20 (Blue) 71.

CYRANO
Hercules.
CHRISTIAN
Hercules!
(to Cyrano,
whispering)
Got anything better?
CYRANO
(to Christian,
daggers)
Shh!
Neither of them can remember who's turn it is to speak.
ROXANNE
Are you still there?
CYRANO & CHRISTIAN
(at the same time)
Yes!

ROXANNE
(prompting)
You were speaking of your Herculean love?
Christian stares at Cyrano, 'Come on then'. But for once
Cyrano can't think of anything to say.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
Do continue. Please.
Both men hop about in frustration. Then, Cyrano realises only
the truth will do:
CYRANO
Roxanne, my love for you is so powerful...
CHRISTIAN
Roxanne, my love for you is so powerful...
CYRANO
It has tamed the wild dogs...
CHRISTIAN
It has tamed the wild dogs...
CYRANO
Of my pride and doubt.
CHRISTIAN
Of my pride and doubt.
Christian nods, 'good'. Roxanne likes it too, but:
 Rev. 10/23/20 (Blue) 72.

ROXANNE
Why do you speak so haltingly?
CYRANO
(whispered, to
Christian)
This is impossible!
CHRISTIAN
(whispered)
No, it’s working, keep going!
Cyrano signals Christian to be quiet. They’re both under the
balcony now. Roxanne above them unseeing.
ROXANNE
Are you going to answer my question?
CYRANO
(aloud)
My speech seems halting because...in this
darkness my words stumble to your ear.
Christian grabs him - this wasn’t the agreement - he does the
talking not Cyrano.
ROXANNE
Mine have no such difficulty.
CYRANO
Your words fall, mine must climb.
ROXANNE
Then perhaps I should come down to you?
CYRANO/CHRISTIAN
(urgently)
No!
ROXANNE
Why not?
CYRANO
I like this way of talking. I like us
being invisible to each other. I can’t be
stunned into silence by your beauty. Now,
in this awkwardness, I’m free at last to
speak from my heart...
ROXANNE
Why is your voice an octave lower?
Christian grins wickedly, gestures to Cyrano, 'Over to you'.
CYRANO
Because...I am daring for once to be
myself.
 Revision 73.

ROXANNE
Why would you fear to be yourself?
CYRANO
To be laughed at.
ROXANNE
For what?
CYRANO
For...for having too much emotion. I do
not look - or, or speak - as I feel.
She's won over. The moon is full. There's a gentle breeze.
Cyrano steals from under the balcony - hiding in the shadows
to see her and risk being seen. He sings.
Song. OVERCOME
CYRANO (CONT'D)
THE WAY I FEEL IS LIKE FALLING STARS
DIVING INTO COLD OCEAN WAVES
WORDS CAN ONLY GET ME SO FAR
BUT THEY CANNOT DESCRIBE THE WAY THAT IT
HURTS EVERY TIME I SEE YOU I AM OVERCOME.
I TRY TO TELL YOU...TELL YOU HOW MUCH I
NEED YOU. BUT I TURN AND RUN.
ROXANNE
YOUR LETTERS TO ME ARE LIKE MUSIC.
CYRANO
THEY’RE JUST A MASK IN A LONELY COWARD’S
GAME.
ROXANNE
WHAT IS IT YOU’RE SO AFRAID OF LOSING.
CYRANO
THAT I MIGHT LOSE EVERYTHING IF I LOSE THE
PAIN.
ROXANNE/CYRANO
CUZ EVERY TIME I SEE YOU I AM OVERCOME.
IT’D MAKE YOU LAUGH TO THINK SOMEONE LIKE
ME COULD KEEP SOMEONE LIKE YOU.
I AM SO DUMB.
CYRANO
YOU WORE YOUR HAIR DOWN ONE DAY LAST
SPRING IN THE CHAPEL.
YOUR LIPS PAINTED RED, I REMEMBER THE DAY.
ROXANNE
WE HADN’T MET YET. HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY
REMEMBER THAT?
 Revision 74.

ROXANNE (CONT'D)
YOU WATCHED ME THEN? WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY
SOMETHING?
CUZ EVERY TIME I SEE YOU I AM OVERCOME. I
TRY TO TELL YOU...
TELL YOU HOW MUCH I NEED YOU TOO.
BUT LOOK WHAT I’VE BECOME.
NOTHING FEELS REAL ANYMORE WHEN YOU’RE NOT
AROUND ME.
EVEN THE SKY LOOKS LIKE IT’S BEHIND GLASS.
HEARING YOUR VOICE NOW, I CAN SEE
EVERYTHING CLEARLY. I CAN SEE THAT YOU
REALLY ARE MY LOVE AT LAST.
CYRANO
BUT OH ROXANNE,
ROXANNE
I’M RIGHT HERE LOVE.
CYRANO
WORDS FAIL ME.
ROXANNE
PLEASE COME TO ME.
CYRANO
I TRY BUT I CAN’T.
ROXANNE
THIS IS REAL LOVE.
CYRANO
DARE TO BELIEVE YOU’D HAVE ME.
ROXANNE
I HAVE NO DOUBT. I KNOW THAT YOU’RE THE
ONE NOW.
CYRANO
YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING.
ROXANNE
I KNOW THAT IT'S YOU.
CYRANO
ROXANNE, IF THIS WAS TRUE
ROXANNE
JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU NEED NOW.
CYRANO
THEN I’D NEED FOR NOTHING.
ROXANNE
JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO.
 Revision 75.

CHRISTIAN
Give me a kiss!
CYRANO
(to Christian)
No!
Cyrano and Christian struggle under the balcony. Christian
wants the kiss, Cyrano wants the romance.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
(to Roxanne)
I asked for a kiss but I was too bold!
ROXANNE
(disappointed)
You don’t insist?
CHRISTIAN
Yes!
CYRANO
No!
CHRISTIAN
Be quiet!
CYRANO
You be quiet!
ROXANNE
Is someone with you?
CYRANO
No! No! I was arguing with myself, my
base desires are at war with my chivalry.
Cyrano shakes free of Christian and steps from under the
balcony. He stands in the dark looking up at her. The moon
is behind a cloud. If she strained, she’d see him.
ROXANNE
You were talking of a kiss?
CYRANO
Yes, but what is a kiss?
ROXANNE
Surely you know??
CYRANO
I meant metaphorically. Is a kiss a vow? A
promise? A confession? Is it a secret, a
moment of eternity, a communion, a heart
beat?
 Revision 76.

ROXANNE
(frustrated)
No more metaphors! Come and claim your
kiss - literally!
CYRANO
(simply)
Go to her.
CHRISTIAN
It seems wrong now.
CYRANO
(resigned to it)
She wants you.
He pushes Christian to the balcony. Christian quickly climbs.
Roxanne watches with mounting excitement...
CHRISTIAN
Roxanne!
ROXANNE
My one true love!
He takes her in his arms and they kiss passionately. Cyrano
watches for a moment then turns and walks away. Heartbroken.

47 EXT. ROXANNE’S BALCONY. CONT. 47

Christian and Roxanne kiss more and more intensely against the
wall of her balcony. Her hand pressed on the glass of the
balcony door. Their passion escalates as Cyrano hurries away.

48 EXT. STREET. MOMENTS LATER. 48

A Priest approaches Cyrano on the street.
PRIEST
Which house belongs to Ms Roxanne?
CYRANO
Who wants to know?
PRIEST
I have a letter for her.
CYRANO
From whom?
PRIEST
It's confidential. And urgent.
Cyrano yells up to the balcony.
 Revision 77.

CYRANO
Roxanne!
The happy couple stop kissing. Cyrano smiles.

49 INT. ROXANNE’S DOOR AND ENTRY HALL. MOMENTS LATER. 49

Roxanne runs down the stairs and opens the door for Cyrano and
the Priest. Christian follows.
The Priest and Cyrano enter the modest hall.
PRIEST
Ms Roxanne, the noble Duke De Guiche asked
me - in specific, as it is a holy matter -
to bring this directly to you.
Roxanne takes the letter and steps away from the men. As she
reads - with mounting horror - to herself:
DE GUICHE (V.O.)
My dearest. I have sent a holy man to you
with a choice. You have declared your love
for me and I can no longer wait to enjoy
your treasures. I am on my way to you. If
you keep the priest there I will marry
you. If you send him away, we shall
consummate our love without the bonds of
vows. Your choice. Either way, I will
possess you tonight.
Cyrano interrupts her reading.
CYRANO
(quietly)
All well?
Roxanne shows him the letter; he scans it quickly-
PRIEST
What does it say?
CYRANO
Roxanne there’s something you should know-
Marie comes down the stairs. She looks at Roxanne
questioningly: ‘Who is Christian? What’s going on here?’
Roxanne grabs the letter and pretends to read it aloud.
ROXANNE
“This letter is delivered into your hands
by a saintly and extremely discreet
Priest. Inform him” - he means you sir -
The Priest bows.
 Revision 78.

CYRANO
Roxanne-
ROXANNE
- “that it's the Cardinal’s will that he
give the blessing of holy matrimony in
secret and without delay in your home to
you and...Christian Neuvillette.”
Christian looks at Roxanne in confusion.
CHRISTIAN
What?
PRIEST
(pleased)
I told you it was a holy matter from a
worthy lord.
ROXANNE
(to Cyrano)
Is this acceptable - to you - my love?
MARIE
Roxanne what madness is this?!
CHRISTIAN
Nothing could make me happier!
ROXANNE
It says we must hurry!
CYRANO
Roxanne!
ROXANNE
Yes?
Christian looks at Cyrano and takes Roxanne’s hand.
Cyrano looks at Roxanne; her face is shining with joy.
Christian's face too. He can't ruin it.
CYRANO
De Guiche is heading here now.
MARIE
(sternly to Roxanne)
I warned you!
ROXANNE
Will you delay him? Improvise!
 Revision 79.

CYRANO
Are you sure you want to marry Christian?
ROXANNE
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Cyrano exits.
MARIE
But you said marriage was a cage. You've
been saying it for years!
ROXANNE
But I hadn't met him yet!
(hugs Christian.)
Marie, will you be my witness?
MARIE
It would betray every single piece of
advice I've ever given you!
(Roxanne pleads,
winningly)
Is this truly what you want?
ROXANNE
I’ve never been more certain of anything.
MARIE
(to Christian)
You don’t know what you're in for.
CHRISTIAN
Yes I do. A great adventure.
Marie - despite herself - rather warms to him and then turns
to Roxanne with a kind of blessing
MARIE
I’ll get your parent’s rings.
Roxanne tears up and embraces Marie.

50 EXT. WALKWAY ABOVE ROXANNE’S DOOR. CONT. 50

Cyrano paces broodily on a walkway over an arch. From this
position he can see into Roxanne’s home and her door and the
street below.

51 INT. ROXANNE'S SITTING ROOM. SAME TIME. 51

Marie places a piece of lace over Roxanne, a make shift veil.
She gives them the rings. The Priest begins the ceremony.
 Revision 80.

PRIEST
Dearly beloved...
Roxanne and Christian kneel in front of him.

52 EXT. DE GUICHE HOUSE, STREET. SAME TIME 52

De Guiche leaves his mansion wearing a cloak over his uniform -
trying not to be recognised.
He hurries towards Roxanne’s home, lurking in shadow.
Song. WHAT I DESERVE
DE GUICHE
I DESERVE A LITTLE KINDNESS
I DESERVE MY DUE RESPECT
I DESERVE TO BE BELOVED
JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE

53 EXT. WALKWAY OVER ROXANNE’S DOOR. CONT. 53

Cyrano paces as he watches the wedding.
DE GUICHE (O.S.)
I DESERVE MY PLACE IN HEAVEN
I DESERVE AN EQUAL SHARE
I DESERVE MY RIGHTFUL CUT
OF EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE

54 INT. ROXANNE'S SITTING ROOM. CONT. 54

The Priest reading from the vows.
Cyrano’s P.O.V as:
DE GUICHE (O.S.)
GOD, ROXANNE, AM I ASKING FOR TOO MUCH?
WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO BEG FOR WHAT
EVERYBODY WANTS

55 EXT. THE STREET. CONT. 55

De Guiche hurries, fervent with excitement...
DE GUICHE
TAKE ME RIGHT NOW. I DON’T CARE
IF I HAVE YOUR LOVE, I’LL HAVE NO FEAR
 Revision 81.

56 EXT. WALKWAY OVER ROXANNE’S DOOR. CONT. 56

Cyrano paces furiously. His POV of wedding as we hear:
PRIEST
If anyone here knows of any reason why
these two should not be wed, let them
speak now or forever hold their peace.
Cyrano opens his mouth to scream as De Guiche sings:
DE GUICHE (O.S.)
NOTHING’S EVEN, NOTHING’S FAIR
ROXANNE, I DIDN’T ASK TO BE HERE

57 EXT. STREET OUTSIDE ROXANNE’S HOME. CONT. 57

DE GUICHE
I’LL PICK THE LOCK. I’LL DRAW THE KNIFE
I’LL CLIMB THE WALL. I’LL CRASH THE GATE.
CAUSE I DESERVE A HAPPY LIFE
WHATEVER I’M NOT GIVEN, I’LL TAKE
GOD ROXANNE AM I ASKING FOR TOO MUCH?
WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO BEG FOR WHAT
EVERYBODY WANTS?

I DESERVE A LITLE KINDNESS

I DESERVE MY DUE RESPECT
I DESERVE TO BE BELOVED
JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE
De Guiche enters Roxanne’s courtyard. Cyrano whistles to
alert the wedding party - but they don’t hear him.
Cyrano leaps off the walkway a second too late (or is it?) and
lands some way behind De Guiche - just as De Guiche arrives -
lusty and adrenalised - at Roxanne's door.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
GOD GAVE ME THE LIFE I’M LIVING
SHE BETTER MAKE NO MISTAKE
I DESERVE TO BE FORGIVEN
WHATEVER I’M NOT GIVEN, I’LL TAKE
He flings open the door -

58 INT. ROXANNE'S HOME - CONT. 58

- and strides in to find:
Roxanne and Christian passionately kissing. Marie joyously
throwing rice about. The Priest applauding the charming young
couple he's just married.
 Rev. 10/23/20 (Blue) 82.

De Guiche recoils - immediately exits -

59 EXT. OUTSIDE ROXANNE'S HOME - CONT. 59

- And runs into Cyrano lurking outside.
DE GUICHE
Do you know what's happened in there?!
Cyrano nods.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
The slut! She's married that...guard!
She's insane! I love that woman!
(softly)
I really do.
Cyrano stares, disconsolate. Neither man is delighted by the
loud merry cheers from inside.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
Well I'm done with love. It does one
nothing but harm.
Cyrano can't disagree. De Guiche paces a bit.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
You're quiet. For once.
Cyrano vaguely shrugs. De Guiche suddenly has an idea and
smiles, wickedly.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
I'm going back in.
Cyrano follows as De Guiche heads back in -

60 INT. ROXANNE'S SITTING ROOM - CONT. 60

De Guiche strides into the room - which has barely changed
since his previous entry - Christian and Roxanne are still
kissing, the Priest and Marie are now toasting each other with
large glasses of wine.
DE GUICHE
Your attention!
De Guiche removes his cloak revealing his uniform. Christian
immediately comes to attention and salutes him.
De Guiche turns to the merry Priest.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
You're dismissed - or defrocked or
whatever it is.
 Revision 83.

The Priest is very confused.

DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
Get out.
The Priest does so. Now De Guiche turns on Marie.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
You - upstairs. I don't want to see your
face.
Marie leaves. Now he turns to Christian, coolly businesslike:
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
Neuvillette. Your regiment go to war
tonight. Your orders -
Takes the order from his jacket, hands it to Christian.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
- are to leave at once for the front.
Deliver these immediately.
ROXANNE
You promised the Guards would -
DE GUICHE
(pointedly)
Promises. Now say goodbye to your husband.
ROXANNE
You mean to make me a widow?
DE GUICHE
Only God knows.
(to Cyrano)
The wedding night can wait.
De Guiche makes to leave.
CYRANO
Don't forget your big cape.
DE GUICHE
(collecting it)
It's a cloak.
De Guiche exits. Christian drops the salute. He and Roxanne
cling to each other. Marie appears. Much crying and sadness.
The ominous sound of drums and marching in the distance.
Cyrano steels himself. Mentally preparing for the war.
CHRISTIAN
Kiss me again.
 Revision 84.

ROXANNE
Again and again-
She does-
CYRANO
Christian, we must go.
Christian follows Cyrano into the hall area, Roxanne holding
onto Christian's hand.
CHRISTIAN
again -
They kiss. Roxanne lets go of Christian's hand, he heads into
the anteroom.
CHRISTIAN (CONT'D)
again -
Once more they hold each other and kiss.

CYRANO
(gently)
Enough.
Roxanne - overcome with sorrow - won't let Christian go.
CHRISTIAN
(to Cyrano)
You don’t know what it is to leave her.
On Cyrano. He knows.
CHRISTIAN (CONT'D)
Roxanne - look at me. I love you and I
will return to you.
Christian turns Roxanne to him and kisses her one last time
then he runs off to deliver the orders. Cyrano follows.
Roxanne calls to Cyrano from the balcony window before he can
leave.
ROXANNE
Promise me he won’t be cold or hungry.
CYRANO
I can’t promise that.
ROXANNE
Promise me he will be faithful.
CYRANO
Of course he will but I can’t promise you.
 Revision 84A.

Roxanne looks at Cyrano searchingly.

ROXANNE
Promise, that he will write to me.
CYRANO
That, I can promise you.
Cyrano hurries off towards the departing army.
Drums in the distance. Roxanne weeping on her balcony.
 Rev. 12/06/20 (Yellow) 85.

61 EXT. MOUNTAIN/GUARDS EMBANKMENT/CAMP - DAY (MONTHS LATER) 61

A vast, cold, black landscape, empty and desolate. A low lying
mist rolls down a mountain peak.
A small battalion of SOLDIERS perched almost on the top of the
mountain. They're holding the high ground and paying dearly
for it. They have no tents only makeshift shelters. Their
uniforms are tattered, supplemented with sheepskin, rugs and
metal. They're starving and wounded.
Christian looks wrecked. He's sitting on a rock by a canon,
cleaning his weapon, starving, staring out at the ruined land.
Occasionally a shot rings out, more sport than combat; a
reminder of the terror they face.
Song. CLOSE MY EYES
Words in BOLD are sung by the entire company of Guards.
CHRISTIAN
HOW IS IT I FEEL YOU CLOSER TO ME NOW THAT
THE WORLD’S BETWEEN US?
WHAT I WOULDN’T DO JUST TO GET SOME SLEEP,
BUT WE’RE TAKING FIRE.
THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT MY MIND CAN’T
DO SO THE MACHINE TAKES OVER.
I’D LEAVE THIS WORLD TO GET BACK TO YOU
BUT I’M GETTING TIRED.

62 EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE GRAVE YARD. DAWN. 62

The song, ‘Close My Eyes’, continues...
Hundreds of crude wooden crosses, bleached white, against the
black mountainside.
CHRISTIAN (O.S.)
IF I CLOSE MY EYES MAYBE I’LL
SEE YOU THERE ONE MORE TIME.
The figure of Cyrano runs, in silhouette across the horizon.
 Rev. 12/06/20 (Yellow) 86.

63 EXT. MOUNTAINS/GUARDS EMBANKMENT AND CAMP - NIGHT. 63

Christian still sitting by the cannon continues to sing.
CHRISTIAN
AND IF I GAVE YOU MY WORD.
I’M SO AFRAID. YOU WON’T BELIEVE IT.
AND IF I TOLD YOU ALL I’VE DONE I KNOW
IT’D MAKE YOU CRY.
SO I WILL CLOSE MY EYES WHILE THE FALLING
SKY LAYS DOWN BETWEEN US.

64 EXT. VALLEY PATH. DAWN. 64

‘Close My Eyes’ continues.
Cyrano runs beside a path, never on it, he swiftly zig zags
across the barren ground.
CHRISTIAN
SOMETIMES YOUR VOICE IS ALL THAT I CAN
HEAR
LATELY IT'S GETTING QUIET
IT USED TO BE SO TENDER AND NEAR
BUT NOW IT SOUNDS MILES AWAY
DOES IT EVER FEEL LIKE THIS TO YOU?
ROXANNE I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
BUT IF I CLOSE MY EYES MAYBE I'LL SEE YOU
THERE
ONE MORE TIME AND IF I GIVE YOU MY WORD
I'M SO AFRAID YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT
AND IF I TOLD YOU ALL I'VE DONE
I KNOW IT'D MAKE YOU CRY
SO I WILL CLOSE MY EYES AND LET THE
FALLING SKY LAY DOWN BETWEEN US
I WOULD CLOSE MY EYES AND LET THE FALLING
SKY LAY DOWN BETWEEN US
 Rev. 12/06/20 (Yellow) 87.

65 EXT. THE VALLEY/ENEMY CAMP. DAWN. SAME DAY. 65

‘Close My Eyes’ continues.
Cyrano picks his way through the enemy camp, past well ordered
tents in long straight rows. He reaches the front line where
well attended canons stand ready. A group of INFANTRY MEN in
clean new uniforms are slumped against a canon - all of them
asleep.
Cyrano silently runs towards them and stops in the space next
to the canon shaft. Beneath the canon is a basket of APPLES.
He quickly takes as many as he can pack in his pockets -
determined to steal as much as possible.
As he's about to leap into ‘no-mans land’ one of the infantry
wakes up and SHOUTS -

66 EXT. EDGE OF THE SOUTH CRATER. CONT. 66

Cyrano runs the edge of the south crater, his figure against
a giant cloudscape

67 EXT. MOUNTAINS/GUARDS EMBANKMENT AND CAMP. DAY 67

Song, ‘Close My Eyes’, finishes.
A boy, Guard 3, sits inside a broken bell on the edge of a
ridge, 'The Killing Ground'. He's on listening duty and sure
enough he hears someone coming. He pulls a rope to sound the
alarm. An early telegraph system alerts the right sentry who
in turn pulls another rope alerting HQ.
LE BRET steps out of HQ and raises a telescope. He sees
Cyrano dive over the ridge, shots ringing out around him,
and dive into the bell.
Inside the bell Cyrano takes a moment to catch his breath.
CYRANO
Morning.
GUARD 3
Any Grub?
Cyrano hands the boy a bright red apple.
GUARD 3 (CONT'D)
Bless you.
CYRANO
The tall always starve first.
 Rev. 12/06/20 (Yellow) 87A.

He ducks out of the bell leaving the boy munching on the

apple.
Cyrano arrives up at the HQ tent and greets Le Bret.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
Every morning they shoot and miss
LE BRET
One morning they'll get lucky. You're
risking your life to send a letter.
CYRANO
I promised he'd write.
Cyrano observes Christian asleep nearby.
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 88.

CYRANO (CONT'D)
He’s dying of hunger and yet still
handsome.
Cyrano walks away.
LE BRET
Where are you going?
CYRANO
To write a letter.
Cyrano places an apple in Christian's open hand.

67A INT. OFFICER CAMP *67A

De Guiche paces. In front of him, an attendant sits at the *
table, quill in hand, lookig at unfinished, unsigned orders.*
DE GUICHE *
These orders from the King are a suicide *
mission and he's commanded me to decide *
which unit is most expendable. Me! ... *
It's an honor, a sign of the King's faith *
in me... *
The attendant looks at him blankly. *
DE GUICHE (CONT'D) *
Or, he doesn't want the blood of an entire *
company on his hands. *
The attendant waits holding the orders with quill in hand. *
DE GUICHE (CONT'D) *
Send the guards. Address the orders to *
Captain Le Bret. *
The attendant looks at him. *
DE GUICHE (CONT'D) *
No one can match them in bravery. *
I serve my King not my spite. *
The attendant addresses the orders. De Guiche stamps them *
ruefully and as he does: *
DE GUICHE (CONT'D) *
Let God decide the rest. *
De Guiche's face falls. *
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 88A.

68 INT. FOXHOLE. MOUNTAIN CAMP - LATER 68

Using his gun as a desk, Cyrano writes. Around him lie those
closest to death. Suddenly Cyrano hears Le Bret's voice -
 Rev. 12/06/20 (Yellow) 89.

LE BRET (O.S.)
Attention! Gentlemen of the Guards! Make
ready: we have orders from the King!
The exhausted, starving Guards stare in disbelief.
LE BRET (CONT'D)
Guards! Check your weapons! Prepare!
 Rev. 12/06/20 (Yellow) 90.

LE BRET (CONT'D)

68A EXT. MOUNTAIN CAMP - MORNING 68A

Cyrano comes out of the foxhole and rushes to Le Bret at the
HQ tent. Sitting nearby is a small emaciated boy.
CYRANO
Le Bret?
LE BRET
This child has delivered our orders from
the King.
He hands the orders to Cyrano to read for himself. The
orders bare the name of the Duke De Guiche.
CYRANO
These come from De Guiche.
LE BRET
Correct. In service of the King.
CYRANO
We've been holding this God forsaken rock
for months - on the King's orders.
LE BRET
(ironically)
And now we have the noble distinction of
being chosen to mount an attack.
CYRANO
De Guiche wants me dead.
LE BRET
The odds are against us.
CYRANO
The odds are impossible.
LE BRET
You've always said you like impossible
odds.
Silence. A look between them recognising their years of
shared experience.
CYRANO
I'd rather die down there fighting than
starve up here waiting!
LE BRET
Then ready yourself.
They Embrace.
 Rev. 12/06/20 (Yellow) 90A.

68B EXT. MOUNTAIN CAMP - CONTINUOUS 68B

The soldiers and asorted stragglers are preparing for battle
as they sing, ‘Wherever I Fall’
Close on Guard 1 as he loads his gun.
Song. WHEREVER I FALL
GUARD 1
I HAVE A WIFE I HAVEN’T SEEN SINCE LILACS
BLOOMED IN ST. HIPPOLYTE.
SHE ALWAYS WEARS THEM IN HER HAIR AND SHE
LETS ‘EM FALL DOWN EVERYWHERE.
I CAN SEE HER IN THE GLOWING LIGHT
DRESSING WITHOUT A SOUND.
I PROMISED I’D BE HOME ALRIGHT BUT I GOTTA
LAY THIS BODY DOWN.
SO TAKE THIS LETTER TO MY WIFE AND TELL
HER THAT I LOVED MY LIFE.
TELL MY BOYS THE LORD HE FOUND ME. BUT I
SAY THEIR NAMES OUT LOUD AND THEY’RE ALL
AROUND ME.
AND TELL ‘EM NOT TO CRY AT ALL. HEAVEN IS
WHEREVER I FALL.
The Officer takes Guard 1’s letter.
 Rev. 12/06/20 (Yellow) 91.

Guard 2, sitting and pulling on a second pair of socks and

then, carefully lacing his boots.
GUARD 2
I HAVE A GIRL I THINK I LOVE HER. I
SHOULDA TOLD HER, INSTEAD I TOLD HER
MOTHER.
I GAVE HER CHOCOLATES. I BOUGHT A RING.
BUT I NEVER TOLD HER ANYTHING.
BUT I CAN SEE HER IN EVERY DETAIL NOW
TURNING IN MY MIND
I BARELY KNEW THAT GIRL AT ALL BUT I WILL
LOVE HER TILL THE END OF TIME.
SO TAKE THIS LETTER TO MY GIRL AND TELL
HER THAT I SAW THE WHOLE WORLD.
AND SAY THAT RIGHT BEFORE I FELL I SAID
HER NAME OUT LOUD, ISABELLE.
AND TELL HER NOT TO CRY AT ALL. HEAVEN IS
WHEREVER I FALL.
The Officer takes his letter.

Guard 3, shakes as he takes a swig from a flask and sings-

GUARD 3
I HAVE A FATHER. HE ISN’T WELL. HE THINKS
HE MIGHT BE GOING TO HELL.
HE WAS A SINNER. HE LIKED TO FIGHT. SO I
DON’T KNOW. HE MIGHT BE RIGHT.
I CAN SEE HIM EVERY SUNDAY MORNING DIVING
INTO THE FRAY.
HE WASN’T ONE OF GOD’S BEST MEN BUT I
LOVED HIM ANYWAY.
SO TAKE THIS LETTER TO HIM PLEASE AND TELL
HIM I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE HIM.
I WENT IN FIRST. I RANG THE BELL. I CALLED
HIS NAME OUT LOUD AND I GAVE ‘EM HELL.
SO TELL HIM NOT TO CRY AT ALL. HEAVEN IS
WHEREVER I FALL.
The Officer takes his letter.
ALL
TELL ‘EM NOT TO CRY AT ALL. HEAVEN IS
WHEREVER I FALL.
 Rev. 12/06/20 (Yellow) 92.

68C INT. FOXHOLE. MOUNTAINS/EMBANKMENT/CAMP - CONTINUOUS 68C

CHRISTIAN
Roxanne.
CYRANO
I know.
CHRISTIAN
I wish I could write her one last letter.
CYRANO
You have.
Cyrano takes a letter from his pocket.
CHRISTIAN
Let me see.
CYRANO
No need.
CHRISTIAN
Of course there's a need.
Christian takes the letter and reads. Then stops.
CHRISTIAN (CONT'D)
(pointing)
What’s this? This...what is it?
CYRANO
Stain?
CHRISTIAN
No - and yes - it's a tear!
CYRANO
Is it? That's odd.
Christian forces him to look at it.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
Ah. Yes. We artists are sometimes so moved
by our own creations that we...you know.
Poetic empathy.
CHRISTIAN
You cried writing this letter?
CYRANO
(nods)
I can't bear not to see her again.
Christian looks at Cyrano sharply -
 Revision 93.

CYRANO (CONT'D)
(covering fast)
We will never see her again I mean. Which
is to say you. You her beloved husband
might die and never see her again. That's
what I meant. That's the tear stain.
A pause.
CHRISTIAN
You're in love with her.
CYRANO
What? You've gone mad. You're starving.
CHRISTIAN
Deny it then. Do you love her??
CYRANO
Too simple.
CHRISTIAN
I knew it! But I didn’t - I didn’t dare
let myself believe it! Oh my God! - I feel
sick - you - you’ve always loved her!
Christian storms off, Cyrano hurries after him -
CYRANO
I will deny it!
CHRISTIAN
You can’t deny it - you can’t even hide
it!
Cyrano grabs Christian - stopping him.
CYRANO
Christian. This is most important: if I
die and you live and she mentions the
letters, don't be surprised -
CHRISTIAN
At what?
CYRANO
If she mentions...their volume. You've
written to her more often than you...know.
CHRISTIAN
How dare you!
CYRANO
Sorry.
CHRISTIAN
How often?
 Revision 94.

CYRANO
Often enough.
CHRISTIAN
Twice a week?
CYRANO
(sheepishly)
No.
CHRISTIAN
Three times a week??
CYRANO
...more.
CHRISTIAN
Four?? Five??
CYRANO
A bit more.
CHRISTIAN
Every day?!
CYRANO
(suddenly proud)
Yes! Every day - twice! And four on her
birthday!
Christian grabs Cyrano by the collar, he raises his fist to
punch him in the face. Cyrano looks at him defiantly and with
kindness - he doesn't defend himself - Christian cries out in
frustration and hits the ground. He looks off in the
distance. Suddenly the pain shifts on his face, an
understanding, a clear recognition...
CHRISTIAN
She doesn’t love me.
CYRANO
Of course she does.
CHRISTIAN
In her most recent letter she said she
loves me because of my soul.
CYRANO
What could be more loving?
CHRISTIAN
You are my soul.
Cyrano hadn't thought of that. A flicker of hope passes across
his face, despite himself.
 Rev. 12/06/20 (Yellow) 95.

CHRISTIAN (CONT'D)
We must tell her the truth and you must
confess your love.
CYRANO
Never.
CHRISTIAN
Why not?
CYRANO
No point. The world will never accept a
‘midget’ with a tall beautiful woman.
CHRISTIAN
Never mind the world - what about Roxanne?
She's got a huge heart. In the same letter
she reassured me that she’d still love me
even if I return from this hell a broken
man; disfigured - and body destroyed.
CYRANO
She said that?
Christian shows Cyrano this letter from Roxanne.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
I don't believe her.
CHRISTIAN
I don't doubt her.
(urgently)
Either way, no more deception.
From outside they can hear the sound of the men preparing
for battle.
LE BRET (O.S.)
Take your positions!

68D EXT. MOUNTAIN CAMP - CONTINUOUS 68D

It's almost dawn. Fear in the air. Le Bret barks orders and
checks his men
LE BRET
Platoon comanders steady your men! Hold
fast!
The Guards assemble behind the canons, gripping their guns,
poised for the attack. Cyrano and Christian are amongst them,
still passionately arguing - in loud whispers.
CYRANO
We betrayed her. We can never tell her. It
would break her heart.
 Rev. 12/06/20 (Yellow) 95A.

CHRISTIAN
We have to tell her. It's our moral - our
moral -
Cyrano about to supply the word but Christian has it:
 Rev. 12/06/20 (Yellow) 96.

CHRISTIAN (CONT'D)
Obligation. We have to tell her the truth:
that we've deceived her brutally and we're
both in love with her. We must let her
decide our fate; one of us - none of us -
she must have the choice. And I'm certain
she'll choose you.
Le Bret walks forward.
LE BRET
Company form line!
The company move out from their positions and form a line
behind Le Bret
CYRANO
She's chosen you already. Love at first
sight. She's married you.
CHRISTIAN
But she doesn’t love me - she doesn’t even
know me.
LE BRET
Form Line!
CYRANO
Then she's going to be doubly disappointed
because she doesn’t love me either.
CHRISTIAN
I think she does.
LE BRET
(finally)
Captain, steady your men!!
CHRISTIAN
(whispers)
And I would prefer to be loved for my true
self or not at all.
LE BRET
Hold! Hold Fast!
Christian makes his decision and charges out of the line
scrabbling up towards the skyline.
CYRANO
Christian! NO!

Cyrano is about to follow but Le Bret grabs him. They look at

each other - Cyrano furious; Le Bret defiant.
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 97.

Christian runs up the ridge and as soon as he hits the

skyline a shot rings out! He stops - a look of confusion and
shock on his face - and then falls back. His hands claw at
the black lava grit.
LE BRET
Company advance!
As the company begin their slow march forward Cyrano breaks
the line and runs towards Christian.
ALL
TELL THEM NOT TO CRY AT ALL
HEAVEN IS WHEREVER I FALL
Cyrano arrives at Christian who's prone but alive. He pulls
Christian into the mouth of the bell for cover.
The Guards arrive at the top of the ridge, take aim and fire,
but many are themselves hit and fall back down.
Cyrano tries to staunch Christian's bleeding.
CYRANO
You will live! You will live for Roxanne
who loves you! We'll do as you say and she
will choose you-
ALL
TELL THEM NOT TO CRY AT ALL
HEAVEN IS WHEREVER I FALL
CHRISTIAN
(with dying breath)
Tell her... everything.
(very quietly)
...Roxanne
Christian dies. Blood flowing. Cyrano in agony. He carefully
places the last letter he wrote in Christian’s breast pocket.
He stands turns and runs up the ridge, as he does a musket
shot hits him in the left shoulder blade. He faces the firing
enemy and runs with everything he's got towards the mist of
musket fire.

69 INT. CLOISTERED INFIRMARY, THE CONVENT OF THE LADIES OF THE * 69

HOLY CROSS - DAY *
Rows and rows of white wimples.
CAPTION: FIFTEEN YEARS LATER.
SISTER CLAIRE and MOTHER MARTHE ministering to a dying nun. *
SISTER CLAIRE catcHES sight of herself in the reflectative *
halo of a crucifix above the nuns bed. *
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 97A.

Beyond Claire’s reflection: older ROXANNE is reading to *

another sick nun. *
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 98.

MOTHER MARTHE
Sister Claire, must I remind you, you have
accepted a life without mirrors, stop
admiring yourself or I will be forced to
tell Cyrano.
SISTER CLAIRE
Oh no. He'll make such fun of me.
MOTHER MARTHE
And promise me that you will stop trying
to convert him.
SISTER CLAIRE
He's been coming here every Saturday for
as long as I can remember. Why does he not
believe?
MOTHER MARTHE
Ms Roxanne is his faith. These visits his
service.
SISTER CLAIRE
It saddens me he won't see heaven. *
MOTHER MARTHE
I’m sure the Lord has a plan for him. You
should worry about his remaining time on
earth. Get him to eat.
SISTER CLAIRE
He always says he’s not hungry. He says,
‘I ate good meat yesterday.’
MOTHER MARTHE
It's not true. He’s too proud to admit he
can't afford it. He’s starving. Insist he
eats with us.
SISTER CLAIRE
Yes, Mother.
De Guiche (Older. Distinguished. Well dressed) walking the *
exterior collindale. *
SISTER CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Surely not? That's the Grand Marshal Duke
De Guiche.
MOTHER MARTHE
It is.
SISTER CLAIRE
He’s famous.
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 99.

MOTHER MARTHE
Yes, child.
SISTER CLAIRE
He won the war for us.
MOTHER MARTHE
So they say.
SISTER CLAIRE
And now he is building us a new church!
MOTHER MARTHE
I wonder why.
SISTER CLAIRE
He's like a saint.
MOTHER MARTHE
Mmm...

70 EXT. BELL TOWER - MINUTES LATER. * 70

Roxanne and De Guiche stand beside an ancient bell. *
DE GUICHE
Please. End your mourning. Return to the
world.
ROXANNE
I'll cease to mourn when I'm dead. Until
then I'm content here; the library has
enough good books to see me through this
life.
DE GUICHE
(gently)
My mistake was to fall in love with a
woman who reads.
ROXANNE
You should try it. They say it's quite
fashionable.
DE GUICHE *
Will you ever forgive me?
ROXANNE
I have already. *
DE GUICHE
Was Christian really so-
Roxanne gives him a firm, 'no more of that please'.
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 99A.

De Guiche watches her. He loves her. But has learnt to *

control himself.
DE GUICHE (CONT'D)
I saw Cyrano in the street. Last winter.
He looked frail.
 Revision 100.

ROXANNE
His war wound pains him greatly.
DE GUICHE
I sent him a little money. He returned it.
ROXANNE
He wouldn’t want your charity. Or
anyone's. He still has his pride.
DE GUICHE
(nods)
He's lived without compromise. A free man.
ROXANNE
A rich man's fantasy; the poor are never
free.
DE GUICHE
(slight smile)
You're probably right.
(pause)
Is he coming today?
ROXANNE
If it's Saturday he'll be here at exactly
six o'clock to bring me the news.

71 INT. CYRANO’S ROOM - AFTERNOON - SAME DAY 71

Cyrano. Fifteen years older. He slowly and carefully puts on
his coat. His side pains him greatly.
He looks in the mirror. Does his best to look his best.
His desk is piled with unsent letters to Roxanne.

72 EXT. STREET/ROXANNE'S HOUSE - MINUTES LATER - SAME DAY 72

Cyrano slowly walks up the street. He's unsteady.
He walks past Roxanne's old house. He stops a moment.
There's someone on the balcony. She's waving to him. He
shields his brow from the sun to see who it is.
He realises it's MARIE and waves back.
Now a man emerges from inside and joins Marie. It's that
handsome LANDLORD seen before.
He puts his arms around her and she responds lovingly. They're
clearly an item.
Cyrano smiles. Who'd have believed it.
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 101.

73 EXT. ANOTHER STREET - TWENTY MINUTES LATER - SAME DAY 73

Cyrano slowly heading towards the convent.
This is a very long walk for him. He has to stop. Searing pain
attacks his side.
Suddenly, he falls to the ground. He simply collapses. A woman
screams. PEOPLE rush to his aid.
Amongst them is LE BRET - still Captain of the Guards - in his
uniform. He's run from 'Ragueneaus' having heard the screams.
Le Bret cradles Cyrano in his arms. Cyrano slowly opens his
eyes and recognises him. He manages a smile despite the pain.
LE BRET
Hello, old friend.
CYRANO
Did I fall?
LE BRET
Not at all. The ground rose up and hit
you.
Cyrano smiles. He has a small cut on his brow which Le Bret
dabs with his handkerchief.
LE BRET (CONT'D)
But you're still here.
CYRANO
I mustn't be late.

74 EXT. BELL TOWER, CONVENT - LATER * 74

Sister Claire has joined Roxanne. Together They strike the *
bell. Six o'clock. Roxanne smiles in anticipation, she looks *
out but doesn't see Cyrano... *
SISTER CLAIRE
He’ll be here.
ROXANNE
(very worried)
He's always on time.
Roxanne hurries down the tower steps. *

75 OMITTED * 75
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 102.

76 INT. CHURCH UNDER CONSTRUCTION - MOMENTS LATER * 76

Roxanne almost runs into Cyrano as she rushes towards the
convent and he emerges out of it.
CYRANO
Going somewhere?
ROXANNE
You’re late!
CYRANO
Yes. I was delayed.
ROXANNE
By what?
CYRANO
An untimely visitor.
ROXANNE
You sent him away?
CYRANO
I fear I only put him off for a short
while.
ROXANNE
Well, he'll have to wait because I won't
let you leave before nightfall.
She helps him to the bench and he sits with relief.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
You've cut yourself.
Cyrano waves away her concern, as firmly as he can.
CYRANO
A scratch. Really.
Cyrano closes his eyes. Sister Claire is sweeping at a *
distance. *
ROXANNE
Aren’t you going to tease Sister Claire?
She waits all week for it, you know?
Sister Claire blushes and looks down.
CYRANO
Sister Claire. You have such lovely eyes,
why do you keep them cast down?
SISTER CLAIRE
Oh!
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 103.

A pause.
CYRANO
(suddenly)
I ate good meat yesterday!
SISTER CLAIRE
When you're ready, come to the dining hall
and I’ll give you a big bowl of soup.
CYRANO
Yes, yes.
SISTER CLAIRE
(surprised)
Good!
ROXANNE
Sister Claire is trying to convert you.
SISTER CLAIRE
I am not! Mother warned me off.
CYRANO
Tonight, for once, I will let you pray for
me.
SISTER CLAIRE
I haven't waited for your permission.
CYRANO
God bless you.
Sister Claire touches Cyrano’s arm and leaves. But something
troubles her about all this...
Cyrano tenderly watches Roxanne as she works.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
Do you remember the day we first met? *
ROXANNE
(laughing) *
Yes. *
CYRANO
It was an early morning in early June. I’d
come to borrow a book from your father. We
found you in the library curled up on the *
floor in the dawn light, a tome for a *
pillow, reading the very book I'd come *
for. *
ROXANNE
I refused to hand it over. *
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 104.

CYRANO
Your youth made it forgivable. *
ROXANNE
I hadn't finished reading it! *
CYRANO
I didn't mind. You said you would give it *
tome as soon as you had. *
ROXANNE
And I did. As if we'd always known each *
other. *
CYRANO
And now we have ... *
*
Cyrano looks up at the light coming in. *
CYRANO (CONT'D)
They say light is the soul of a holy *
space. It's designed to be enough... *
enough beauty to... to just let go. *
ROXANNE
Are you melancholy?
CYRANO
(trying to rally)
No. No.
ROXANNE
Do you have my daily paper?
He nods.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
Good.
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 105.

Cyrano gives his paper but it's a struggle to speak and

breathe...
CYRANO
Last Saturday, the nineteenth, I saw you.
And then a week passed in which nothing
important happened and now here I am
again.
ROXANNE
Cyrano?
CYRANO
Yes. The news. Last Saturday the Head Of
State ate too many prunes and took to his
bed with a fever: he was executed by his
physician and now he is feeling much
better. There was a ball last Sunday and
seven hundred and sixty three wax candles
were burned. Out. On Monday our troops
were reported to have beaten - everyone -
everywhere. Tuesday a little tiny dog had
to be given a very large enema.
(Roxanne laughs.)
On Wednesday...nothing. Thursday, someone
somewhere who isn’t us took a new lover.
On Friday...
Cyrano feels faint. His eyes close.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
I was the Queen of - almost. Today...
Roxanne sees his eyes are closed.
ROXANNE
Shall we get you that soup?
CYRANO
Not yet.
ROXANNE
My dear. What's to be done? *
Cyrano looks at her and smiles - weak.
CYRANO
It’s just my old wound from the war.
ROXANNE
Damn that war.
Roxanne touches her breast where she keeps a letter.
CYRANO
You told me...one day...you would let me
read Christian's last letter.
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 106.

ROXANNE
Now?
CYRANO
Please.
As the sky darkens Roxanne hands him the letter he wrote from
Christian, fifteen years before.
As Cyrano opens the envelope we see blood on it.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
“Farewell Roxanne. I believe this will be
my last day, my beloved. My soul is heavy
with unexpressed love. Fullness of heart
can not be recorded. It will not live on
in my bones when I'm gone, it will not be
buried in my grave. The exact measure of
my love can not be given to you in words
to outlast my last breath. No matter how I
wish it. I am dust and dust to dust”-
It's dark now. Roxanne watches him closely. He's not reading
but reciting. His eyes closed.
CYRANO (CONT'D)
“I am going to die today-
ROXANNE
You’re not reading. You're remembering.
He folds the letter. Shrugs. A simple sign of admission,
regret, longing, sorrow. Love.
She gets up. Walks away. Now turns on him.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
It was you. *
CYRANO
No, Roxanne. *
ROXANNE
Make your confession. *
CYRANO
No. *
ROXANNE
The letters - *
CYRANO
No.
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 107.

ROXANNE *
The words - *
CYRANO *
No! *
ROXANNE
The voice in the night below my balcony -
all of it - you! I married him because of
your words!
CYRANO
You married him - not my words.
ROXANNE
Why are you denying it?
CYRANO
Because...I don't love you, my love.
ROXANNE
Yes you do!
CYRANO
Christian loved you.
ROXANNE
You wrote this letter! This tear was
yours!
CYRANO
The blood is his.
ROXANNE
Why tell me now?
CYRANO
I've told you nothing.
ROXANNE
After fifteen years - why?!
Cyrano gets to his feet shaky and unsure. He faces her and
speaks the heartfelt truth.
CYRANO
I believe this will be my last day. *
ROXANNE
No.
 Rev. 12/14/20 (Green) 108.

Cyrano falls to the ground - collapses into the leaves.

ROXANNE (CONT'D)
No!!
Roxanne holds him in her arms.
Song. NO CYRANO
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
NO CYRANO, I WON’T LET YOU GO. HOW CAN
YOU NOT SEE? I’M ALONE CYRANO. I’VE
NOWHERE TO GO. YOU HAVE TO STAY WITH ME.
CYRANO
OH ROXANNE, I DON’T UNDERSTAND. THE ONE
YOU LOVE'S NOT HERE. I BURIED THAT MAN
WITH MY VERY OWN HANDS LONG AGO IN A
BLACKBERRY FIELD.
ROXANNE/CYRANO
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED SOMETHING
SO BADLY YOU CANNOT BREATHE
HAVE YOU EVER LOVED SOMEONE MADLY?
CYRANO
IT’S OK ROXANNE. I’VE KNOWN WHAT I AM FROM
THE SECOND YOUR EYES HELD MINE.
EVER SINCE THEN I’VE BEEN A PATIENT MAN.
PATIENT WITH DESIRE.
ROXANNE
I KNOW CYRANO. I KNOW WHO YOU ARE. LOVE I
FEEL THE SAME.
SO NO CYRANO, I WON’T LET YOU GO. LOVE’S A
PAINFUL, PAINFUL GAME. *
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED SOMETHING
SO BADLY YOU CANNOT BREATHE
HAVE YOU EVER LOVED SOMEONE...MADLY?
CYRANO
You love me?
ROXANNE
Yes. And I won't lose you twice.
A slow, sweet kiss - which kills him.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
It's you I love.
CYRANO
(weakly)
No. You loved the words... *
 Revision 109.

ROXANNE
No. You.
She looks him in the eye. She knows he's about to die and
needs him to know this:
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
I love Cyrano. Cyrano is my love. I've
always loved Cyrano.
He gazes at her a moment, full of regret.
CYRANO
And I loved...my pride.
Cyrano dies in Roxanne’s arms.
The leaves slowly fall.
In the distance, the nuns are walking to mass.
Sister Claire comes running from the building, fear in her
eyes.
Roxanne is weeping.
FADE TO BLACK.