ALICE
screenplay by Linda Woolverton
inspired by
ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND
and
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
by Lewis Carroll
First Draft
Feb. 23, 2007
FADE IN:
Fallingfast into an endless abyss with fleeting surreal
images: a lush but off-kilter landscape, strange misshapen
people, a blue caterpillar floating in smokey mist, the wry
smile of a man in a top hat, a weeping turtle, an egg man on a
fence, a griphon and the silhouette of a huge-headed woman
screaming.
RED QUEEN (0.5.)
Of f with her head! Of f with
her head! OFF WITH HER HEAD!
ALICE’S MOTHER (0.S.)
Alice?
ON ALICE KINGSLEY
Alice comes out of her daydream with a start. She is bright,
young and lovely with a wild mane of blonde hair.
INT. A CARRIAGE – 1865
Alice sits in the back of a carriage. Her mother reaches out a
hand to her.
ALICE’S MOTHER
Are you all right?
ALICE
Mother…
She wants to tell her about the dream that’s been plaguing her
since she was young. She wants to confide in her the way she
confided in her father. But it wouldn’t be the same.
ALICE’S MOTHER
I know this is difficult. But
try to find a way to smile
just for this afternoon.
EXT. THE ASCOT ESTATE – A GARDEN PARTY
The grounds of the Ascot mansion are vast with topiaries,
statues, fountains and rose gardens. A summer party is in full
swing. Everyone has turned out in their summer finery:
crinolines and bonnets, parasols and boaters. Guests play
croquet on a long stretch of green lawn. Skiffs drift lazily
on a meandering river.
Alice and her mother stand on the steps. Her mother gently
straightens her unruly hair. Alice musters up a weak smile as
LORD and LADY ASCOT approach.
LADY ASCOT (0.5.)
There you are, at last!
Lord Ascot is stately, aristocratic and kind man. His wife,
however, is all airs and superiority.
ALICE’S MOTHER
Lord and Lady Ascot.
LADY ASCOT
Helen. Alice, dear. You’re looking
as lovely as ever. Hamish has
been waiting to dance with you.
Her mother nudges her. With a sigh, Alice goes to join the
other young people of marriageable age.
LORD ASCOT
She’s not doing well, is she?
ALICE’S MOTHER
Alice and her father were
very close.
LADY ASCOT
Poor dear. I hope it’s not too
long before she’s herself again.
ALICE’S MOTHER
I’m sure this afternoon will lift
her spirits immeasurably.
Lady Ascot pats her hand.
LADY ASCOT
I’m certain of it.
LORD ASCOT
Madame, in this world, there are
very few people with vision.
Your husband had vision.
LORD ASCOT (CONT.)
Charles Kingsley could see oppor-
tunity in the most strange and
exotic places.
ALICE’S MOTHER
That he could.
LORD ASCOT
It’s a shame you have to sell
his company.