Sweeney Todd
EXT. MANSION — ALLEY — DAY
The Beadle drags Anthony through a rear door of the mansion and flings him into a filthy alley. Anthony pulls himself up. Stunned.
BEADLE Hyde Park is that way, young sir … A right and then a left, then straight on, you see? …
BEADLE (cont’d) … Over there. Flustered, Anthony turns to look– The instant Anthony’s back is turned, the Beadle swings his lethal billyclub and SLAMS him from behind brutally, in the kidneys — Anthony’s knees buckle– The Beadle then SLAMS Anthony across the back of the neck — Anthony falls hard– The Beadle then uses one dainty foot to roll Anthony over– Anthony gazes up at him, panting for breath, in agony–
BEADLE You heard Judge Turpin, little man. He presses the end of his billyclub into Anthony’s forehead, grinding it hard–
BEADLE Next time it’ll be your pretty brains all over the pavement. With that, the Beadle returns to the mansion and slams the door. Anthony slowly pulls himself to his knees, doubled over, coughing up blood. A long beat as Anthony gets his breath, wiping blood from his face. Still doubled over, he sings with burning intensity:
ANTHONY I’ll steal you, Johanna, I’ll steal you! Do they think that walls can hide you? Even now I’m at your window. I am in the dark beside you, Buried sweetly in your yellow hair. He pulls himself up, every movement is agony. He makes his way down the alley, leaning on the wall for support. 20
EXT. EXCLUSIVE STREET — DAY
20 The music swells as Anthony emerges from the dark alley into the bright sunlight. He makes his way along the sidewalk:
ANTHONY I feel you, Johanna, And one day I’ll steal you. Till I’m with you then, I’m with you there, Sweetly buried in your yellow hair… The soaring music continues as Anthony stops at a park across the street from Turpin’s mansion, bravely gazing up at Johanna’s window. 21
EXT. STREET LEADING TO ST. DUNSTAN’S MARKETPLACE — DAY
21 Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett are moving quickly, she struggles to keep up with his long, loping stride. He carries his razor case, she carries a shopping basket.
TODD He’s here every Thursday?
MRS. LOVETT Like clockwork. Eyetalian. All the rage he is.
TODD Not for long. 22
EXT. ST. DUNSTAN’S MARKETPLACE DAY
22 They round a corner and move into the bustling marketplace. A steady mercantile hum as the cries of merchants and wandering coster-mongers fill the air. Todd and Mrs. Lovett move toward a hand-drawn caravan dominating one corner of the marketplace. It is painted like a Sicilian donkey cart and on its side a sign declaims: “Signor Adolfo Pirelli — Haircutter to His Royal Majesty the King of Naples.”
MRS. LOVETT Oh Mr. T., do you really think you can do it?
TODD By tomorrow they’ll all be flocking to me like sheep to be shorn– He stops abruptly when he sees– The Beadle casually strolling through the crowd. Todd is transfixed, his ancient enemy so close.
MRS. LOVETT (seeing the Beadle, pulling his arm) Come along now, dear, he might recognize you–
TODD I will do what I have vowed to do … (he continues to glare at the Beadle, his voice low) … Come closer, my friend, closer… Then, TOBY — a 13-year-old boy, a bit small for his age, malnourished and consumptively pale — emerges from Pirelli’s caravan. He bangs on a tin drum, drawing customers. A crowd begins to gather at the caravan as:
TOBY Ladies and gentlemen! May I have your attention, perlease? Do you wake every morning in shame and despair To discover your pillow is covered with hair Wot ought not to be there? Well, ladies and gentlemen, From now on you can waken at ease. You need never again have a worry or care, I will show you a miracle marvelous rare, Gentlemen, you are about to see something wot rose from the dead! (A woman gasps, he smiles and wiggles a finger no) On the top of my head. He dramatically doffs his cap, revealing mountains of hair which cascade to his shoulder.
TOBY ‘Twas Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir, That’s wot did the trick, sir, True, sir, true. Was it quick, sir? Did it in a tick, sir? Just like an elixir Ought to do! How about a bottle, mister? Only costs a penny, guaranteed. (Pours a drop on the bald man’s head) Does Pirelli’s
Stimulate the growth, sir? You can have my oath, sir, ‘Tis unique. (Applies the bald man’s hand to the wet spot) Rub a minute, Stimulatin’, i’n it? Soon you’ll have to thin it Once a week! More customers are stepping up and buying bottles. Todd opens a bottle of the Elixir, takes a whiff. Disgusting. He smiles to Mrs. Lovett, his plan falling into place.
TODD Pardon me, ma’am, what’s that awful stench?
MRS. LOVETT Are we standing near an open trench?
TODD Must be standing near an open trench! The crowd responds to Todd and Mrs. Lovett, looking askance and sniffing at the bottles. Toby nervously tries to distract them:
TOBY Buy Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir: Anything wot’s slick, sir, Soon sprouts curls. Try Pirelli’s! When they see how thick, sir, You can have your pick, sir, Of the girls! Want to buy a bottle, missus?
TODD (sniffing bottle of Elixir) What is this?
MRS. LOVETT (sniffing another customer’s bottle) What is this?
TODD Smells like piss.
MRS. LOVETT Smells like — phew!
TODD This is piss. Piss with ink. The music speeds up — Toby is getting desperate:
TOBY Let Pirelli’s Activate your roots, sir–
TODD Keep it off your boots, sir– Eats right through.
TOBY Yes, get Pirelli’s! Use a bottle of it! Ladies seem to love it–
MRS. LOVETT Flies do too! Suddenly, the curtains on the caravan are dramatically flung
wide to reveal–
PIRELLI, a flamboyant Italian with a velvet suit, thick wavy hair and a dazzling smile. Pirelli poses splendidly for a moment. Then:
PIRELLI I am Adolfo Pirelli, Da king of da barbers, da barber of kings, E buon giorno, good day, I blow you a kiss! And I, da so-famous Pirelli, I wish-a to know-a Who has-a da nerve-a to say My elixir is piss! Who says this?!
TODD I do. (Todd moves forward boldly.) I am Mr. Sweeney Todd of Fleet Street. I have opened a bottle of Pirelli’s elixir, and I say to you that it is nothing but an arrant fraud, concocted from piss and ink.
The crowd gasps. Pirelli is about to respond, outraged, but Todd continues–
TODD And furthermore — “signor” — I have serviced no kings, yet I wager I can shave a cheek with ten times more dexterity that any street mountebank. He snaps open his razor case and holds it up for the crowd to see, turning to display the wondrous razors:
TODD You see these razors?
MRS. LOVETT The finest in England.
TODD I lay them against five pounds you are no match for me. You hear me, sir? Either accept my challenge or reveal yourself as a sham.
MRS. LOVETT Bravo, bravo. The crowd is enjoying this now, whispering eagerly about the bold challenge. In the crowd, we see a quick flash of the meek TOURIST we saw earlier. Pirelli studies the razors for a moment and then turns to the crowd with a confident smile:
PIRELLI You hear zis foolish man? Watch and see how he will regret his folly! Music begins as Todd moves into action, preparing the challenge:
TODD Friends, who’s for a free shave? Two men step forward. A plain wooden chair is brought for Todd as he moves into the boldest part of this plan… He carefully turns to … The Beadle.
TODD Will Beadle Bamford be the judge?
Mrs. Lovett’s eyes shoot to Todd, alarmed– The Beadle moves toward Todd …. Todd smiles amiably, but quivers internally at being so dreadfully close to his prey… Mrs. Lovett watches, concerned. Will the Beadle recognize the features of Benjamin Barker…? Apparently not. The Beadle stops right before Todd and smiles.
BEADLE Glad, as always, to oblige my friends and neighbors … Let the challenge commence! One man sits in Todd’s plain chair as the other moves to an elaborate chair on Pirelli’s caravan. Pirelli shakes out a fancy bib with a flourish and covers his man. Toby prepares Pirelli’s ornate shaving supplies as Todd takes a plain towel and tucks it around his man’s neck.
BEADLE Ready?
PIRELLI Ready!
TODD Ready.
BEADLE The fastest, smoothest shave is the winner. He blows his shrill whistle. Agitated music begins. Pirelli strops his razor quickly, Todd in a leisurely manner. Pirelli keeps glancing at Todd in various paranoid ways throughout, frightened of Todd’s progress. He starts whipping up lather rapidly:
PIRELLI Now, signorini, signori, We mix-a da lather But first-a you gather Around, signorini, signori, You looking a man Who have had-a da glory To shave-a da Pope. Mr. Sweeney-so-smart– (Splatters the customer with shaving cream) Oh, I beg-a you pardon — ‘ll Call me a lie, was-a only a cardinal– Nope! It was-a da Pope! Unexpectedly, Todd still shows no signs of starting to shave his man. He merely watches Pirelli’s performance. Mrs. Lovett looks at him nervously, wishing he would get on with it. Pirelli, now feeling he can take his time, sings lyrically as he lathers and shaves with rhythmic scrapes and elaborate gestures of wiping the razor.
PIRELLI To shave-a da face, To cut-a da hair, Require da grace Require da flair, For if-a you slip, You nick da skin, You clip-a da chin, You rip-a da lip a bit Beyond-a repair! Todd strops his razor slowly and deliberately — shoop, shoop, shoop — disconcerting Pirelli and drawing the crowd’s attention.
PIRELLI To shave-a da face Or even a part Widout it-a smart Require da heart. Not just-a da flash, It take-a panache, It take-a da passion For da art. Todd is unconcerned. He just continues to slowly strop his razor — shoop, shoop, shoop — which flusters Pirelli.
PIRELLI To shave-a da face, To trim-a da beard, To make-a da bristle Clean like a whistle, Dis is from early infancy Da talent give to me By God! (Crosses himself with his razor) It take-a da skill, It take-a da brains, It take-a da will To take-a da pains, It take-a da pace, It take-a da graaaaaace… While Pirelli holds this note elaborately, Todd, with a few deft strokes, quickly lathers his man’s face, shaves him and signals the Beadle to examine him.
BEADLE The winner is Todd. Pirelli deflates.
MRS. LOVETT (feeling the customer’s cheek) Smooth as a baby’s arse! — (to Todd) – – Well done, dear! The crowd laughs and applauds Todd as Pirelli goes to him:
PIRELLI Sir, I bow to a skill far defter than my own.
TODD The five pounds. Pirelli produces a distinctive chatelaine purse and removes a five pound note, gives it to Todd:
PIRELLI Here, sir. And may the good Lord smile on you — — Until we meet again. He bows his head quickly and then moves away, beckoning to Toby:
PIRELLI Come, boy.
TOBY We’re pulling out, sir? Without warning, Pirelli SLAPS Toby viciously across the face –Toby almost falls–
PIRELLI We’re pulling out, yes. Quickly. Mrs. Lovett has observed all of this as she moves away with Todd, who is making his way inexorably toward the Beadle. Some eager customers surround Todd, among them is the TOURIST.
EAGER CUSTOMER Mr. Todd, sir, do you have an establishment of your own? Mrs. Lovett is on him like a hawk:
MRS. LOVETT He certainly does. Sweeney Todd’s Tonsorial Parlor — above my meatpie emporium in Fleet Street. Todd has led them right to the Beadle:
TODD I thank you for your honest adjudication, sir. You are a paragon of integrity.
BEADLE Well, I try to do my best for my friends and neighbors … Your establishment is in Fleet Street, you say?
TODD Yes, sir.
BEADLE Then, Mr. Todd, you will surely see me there before the week is out.
TODD You will be welcome, Beadle Bamford, and I guarantee to give you, without a penny’s charge, the closest shave you will ever know.
Todd and Mrs. Lovett are walking away from the marketplace. She chatters happily:
MRS. LOVETT … Like to give me a coronary right there! What if he had recognized you! Lord, my heart was beating a mile a minute, just like a little finch it was. Aren’t those lovely birds now? Always so twittery and happy… She continues chattering… But Todd is not listening. His eyes dart to the side to see– The Gentleman is walking next to him, whispering, subtle, insinuating…
GENTLEMAN Sweeney pondered and Sweeney planned. Like a perfect machine ‘e planned… The Banker moves in next to the Gentleman…
BANKER Barbing the hook, baiting the trap, Setting it out for the Beadle to snap… The General joins them…
GENERAL Slyly courted ‘im, Sweeney did, Set a sort of a scene ‘e did…
GENERAL Laying the trail, showing the traces, Letting it lead to higher places… Sweeney… The last word echoes … And then they are gone … disappearing from Todd’s mind … swallowed up by the crowd of pedestrians… Todd looks to Mrs. Lovett and she continues chattering:
MRS. LOVETT … Suppose it’s just me gentle heart, but I do hate to see a boy treated like that, no better than your Aunt Doreen’s dog — Mr. Todd, are you listening to me?
TODD Of course. But then his eyes dart again — looking for the specters. He only sees strangers. 24
INT. JOHANNA’S ROOM — MORNING
24 Johanna sits, framed by the window, quietly cutting out silhouettes. Aimless Victorian handicrafts. But we see there are tears in her eyes. She steals a glance across the room. We see a small hole in the wallpaper. Through this hole, the Judge is watching her from another chamber. Lascivious. Perverse. Johanna finally stands and casually glances out from between the shutters at her window. She sees… Anthony, standing at the park across the street, keeping up his lonely vigil, gazing up at the mansion. She watches him for a moment and then makes her decision. She moves to a table and opens a drawer. Reaches in and removes something… 25
EXT. TURPIN’S MANSION — MORNING
25 Anthony sees a figure at the shutters — then hears a clinking sound. Metal on pavement. He quickly moves across the street and looks… A key, dropped from above. He looks up to the shutters and smiles, then snatches up the key and hurries off. 26
INT. JOHANNA’S ROOM — MORNING
26 Peering through the shutters, Johanna watches him go. We linger on her face and then dissolve to another face, also watching… … Her father. Todd’s face, staring out the window, intense and brooding. Seething with discontent. Mrs. Lovett chatters as she moves around behind him:
MRS. LOVETT … It’s not much of a chair, I’ll grant, but it’ll serve. Was me poor Albert’s chair. Sat in it all day long he did, after his leg give out from the gout, poor dear. He moves from the window and paces like a caged tiger in the small barber shop. Though it has been cleaned, it is still a spartan room. A tatty parlor chair. A large chest. A few counters with meager bottles of tonsorial supplies. And his gleaming razors, always waiting.
TODD Why doesn’t the Beadle come? “Before the week is out,” that’s what he said.
MRS. LOVETT And who says the week’s out? It’s only Tuesday. Todd moves away from her, she pursues, trying to calm and soothe him…
MRS. LOVETT Easy now. Hush, love, hush. Don’t distress yourself, What’s your rush? Keep your thoughts Nice and lush. Wait. Hush, love, hush. Think it through. Once it bubbles, Then what’s to do? Watch it close. Let it brew. Wait. He does not respond. She dares to move closer…
MRS. LOVETT I’ve been thinking, flowers– Maybe daisies– To brighten up the room. Don’t you think some flowers, Pretty daisies, Might relieve the gloom? Ah, wait, love, wait. Todd sourly tosses himself into the chair, he picks up his largest razor and looks at it intensely:
TODD And the Judge? When will we get to him?
MRS. LOVETT Can’t you think of nothing else? Always broodin’ away on yer wrongs what happened heaven knows how many years ago… Don’t you know, Silly man, Half the fun is to Plan the plan? All good things come to Those who can Wait. Her gentle words have calmed him considerably. She moves even closer. Risks touching him softly…
MRS. LOVETT Gillyflowers, maybe, `Stead of daisies… I don’t know, though… What do you think? Then Todd tilts the razor in his hand– SUDDENLY — the face of the GENTLEMAN — a flash — reflected in the razor– Then– A bell rings from outside the shop — the effect is electric — Todd bolts up, senses alert — Mrs. Lovett spins to the door– Todd holds his razor open as he moves strategically toward the door– We hear footsteps ascending the stairs outside quickly– Then– Anthony enters, breathless–
ANTHONY Mr. Todd! Thank God I’ve found you — (Todd turns, closing the razor, as Anthony sees Mrs. Lovett) … Oh, I’m sorry, excuse me…
MRS. LOVETT Mrs. Lovett, sir.
ANTHONY A pleasure, ma’am — — You see, there’s a girl who needs my help — such a sad girl, and lonely, but beautiful too and–
TODD Slow down, Anthony.
ANTHONY Yes, I’m sorry … This girl has a guardian so tyrannical that he keeps her locked away. But then this morning she dropped this … … It must be a sign that Johanna wants me to help her — that’s her name, Johanna — and Turpin that of her guardian. A judge of some sort… Todd and Mrs. Lovett exchange a quick glance as Anthony continues:
ANTHONY … I’ve met him, Mr. Todd, and he is – – unnatural … Once he goes to court, I’m going to slip into the house and release her — and beg her to come away with me. Tonight.
MRS. LOVETT Oh, this is all terribly romantic.
ANTHONY Yes, but — you see — I don’t know anyone in London — — and I need somewhere safe to bring her till I’ve hired a coach to take us to Plymouth. He looks at Todd deeply:
ANTHONY If I could keep her here, just for an hour or two, I would forever be in your debt. Todd stares at him, his mind racing to figure out how this new twist might aid in his plans. It is Mrs. Lovett who smoothly replies:
MRS. LOVETT Bring her here, dear.
ANTHONY Thank you, ma’am … … Mr. Todd? A beat.
TODD The girl may come.
ANTHONY Thank you, my friend. He goes.
MRS. LOVETT Seems like the fates are favoring you at last, Mr. T. What is it, love? You’ll have her back before the day is out.
TODD For a few hours? Before he carries her off to the other end of England?
MRS. LOVETT Oh, him? Let him bring her here and then, since you’re so hot for a little — (makes a throat-cutting gesture) — that’s the throat to slit, dear. Todd moves again to his post at the window, he stares out, deep in thought. Meanwhile, she happily moves around the shop, straightening things up and trying to make it all a bit more cozy:
MRS. LOVETT Poor little Johanna. All those years without a scrap of motherly affection. Well, we’ll soon see to that…
TODD What’s this? Mrs. Lovett joins him at the window. Below, they see Pirelli approaching with Toby in tow.
MRS. LOVETT Look at that face, he’s up to mischief.
TODD Go — keep the boy below with you. She nods and scurries out. We go with her… 28
EXT. PIE SHOP — DAY
28 … Mrs. Lovett quickly moves down the steps outside the barber shop to greet Pirelli and Toby as they are about to ascend. We see a new sign on the stairs: “Sweeney Todd’s Tonsorial Parlor.”
PIRELLI Signora, is Mr. Todd at home?
MRS. LOVETT Plying his trade upstairs, don’tcher know … (she stands on the staircase, blocking their way, looking at Toby)
MRS. LOVETT (cont’d) … Would you look at it, now! Don’t look like it’s had a kind word since half past never!
TOBY Ma’am…?
MRS. LOVETT You wouldn’t mind if I gave him a nice juicy meat pie, would yer?
PIRELLI Yes, yes, whatever you like. Pirelli climbs the stairs, as she takes Toby by the hand and leads him toward the pie shop door:
MRS. LOVETT Come with me now. Your teeth is strong, I hope? They go into the pie shop. 29
INT. BARBER SHOP — DAY
29 Todd is standing, arms folded. Waiting. Pirelli enters.
PIRELLI Mr. Todd.
TODD Signor Pirelli.
PIRELLI (reverting to his natural Irish) Call me Danny. Daniel Higgins’ the name when it’s not professional … I’d like me five quid back, if’n ya don’t mind.
TODD Why?
PIRELLI Because you entered into our little wager on false pretenses, me friend … And so you might remember to be more forthright in the future, you’ll be handing over half your profits to me, share and share alike… Todd shakes his head, amused, and begins to turn away when Pirelli says:
PIRELLI … Mr. Benjamin Barker. Todd freezes. 30
INT. PIE SHOP — DAY
30 Mrs. Lovett hands Toby one of her grisly pies, he devours eagerly.
MRS. LOVETT That’s my boy, tuck in. But her attention is almost entirely on the roof above … the muffled voices …. the sound of shoes walking… Her eyes keep darting up as she chatters distractedly with Toby:
MRS. LOVETT Like to see a man with a healthy appetite. Reminds me of my dear Albert, like to gorge himself to bloatation, he did. He didn’t have your nice full head though–
TOBY To tell the truth — (he pulls off the wig which covers his own short-cropped hair) — it gets awful hot. 31
INT. BARBER SHOP — DAY
31 Pirelli is expansively strolling around the shop, taking it all in, savoring every second:
PIRELLI … yes, this will do very nicely … You don’t remember me. Well, why should you? I was just a down and out Irish pug you hired for a couple of weeks — sweeping up hair and the like — (He picks up one of Todd’s razors) But I remember these — And how could I ever forget you, Benjamin Barker?
PIRELLI (cont’d) I would sit right there and watch you, and dream of the day I could be a proper barber meself … You might say you were an inspiration to me. Todd glares at him.
PIRELLI So, do we have a deal, or should I run down the street for me pal Beadle Bamford? What do you say to that now, Mr. Sweeney T–? Without a word of warning– Like a thunderbolt– Todd is on him. He leaps across the shop and brutally grabs Pirelli by the neck — violently strangling him — Pirelli is surprisingly strong and puts up a desperate struggle — they thump awkwardly around the shop– 32
INT. PIE SHOP — DAY
32 Mrs. Lovett hears the muffled sounds of the struggle above. She nervously begins to shift and clang some things around as she cleans the counter, trying to cover the sound, chattering:
MRS. LOVETT My my my, always work to be done. Spic- and-span, that’s my motto. Cleanliness is next to whatever-it-is. So, ah, how did you end up with that dreadful Eyetalian?
TOBY Got me from the workhouse ‘e did. Been there since I was born. Got no mum, got nobody. A wasted soul, that’s what I am — — Oh God! He’s got an appointment with his tailor– He bolts up, clearly terrified of Pirelli–
TOBY If he’s late, he’ll blame me–!
MRS. LOVETT Wait–! But he is gone– 33
EXT. PIE SHOP — DAY
33 Toby vaults up the stairs to the barber shop– 34
INT. BARBER SHOP — DAY
34 Todd is standing calmly when Toby bursts in–
TOBY Signor, you got an appointment… He stops when he realizes Pirelli is nowhere to be seen.
TODD Signor Pirelli has been called away. You better run after him.
TOBY Oh no, sir. I better wait for him here or it’ll be a lashing. He’s a great one for the lashings. He moves past Todd to the large chest and sits– Only now do we see one of Pirelli’s hands protruding from the chest, dangling limply. Toby doesn’t notice it. Todd at this moment, however, does. He smiles nervously.
TODD So, hmmm, Mrs. Lovett gave you a pie, did she?
TOBY She’s a real lady. Model of all true Christian virtue. Then Pirelli’s hand … twitches. Toby doesn’t notice. Todd does, stares at it anxiously.
TODD That she is … that she is. But if I know a growing boy, there’s still room for some more pie, eh?
TOBY I’d say, sir — (pats his stomach) — An aching void. Pirelli’s hand begins to twitch more desperately now, perilously close to where Toby’s hand rests…
TODD Then why don’t you run downstairs and wait for your master there? There’ll be another pie in it for you, I’m sure… Pirelli’s hand is twitching closer to Toby’s now…
TOBY No, I should stay here.
TODD I know — why don’t you tell Mrs. Lovett I said to give you a nice big tot of gin?
TOBY Gin, sir?! Thanking you kindly, sir! You’re a Christian indeed! He races out happily and clatters down the stairs. A beat as Todd gets his breath. Then he goes to the trunk, leans down to open it, the camera follows him down and up again, when he rises– The GENTLEMAN is standing right behind him! Todd turns. The Gentleman’s face is completely impassive. He is not spectral. He does not disappear. He just stands there. Todd looks at him. Then the Gentleman’s eyes slowly move to a counter… Todd follows his look to see… His largest razor. A long beat as Todd looks at the razor. The point of no return. Todd strides to the razor and he snaps it open with a sharp, quick flick of his wrist– Then he moves to the chest and– With great ferocity he hauls Pirelli up– Pirelli’s eyes snap open– And Todd SLASHES his throat– The piercing factory whistle SCREAMS– Todd remains standing over Pirelli as the painful whistle echoes into music… We see that the Gentleman is still standing there, watching Todd…
GENTLEMAN His hands were quick, his fingers strong. It stung a little but not for long. The dashing Oxford Student is now leaning against a wall, arms folded, looking at Todd…
STUDENT And those who thought him a simple clod Were soon reconsidering under the sod… The Tourist stands by the window…
TOURIST Consigned there with a friendly prod From Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
TOURIST See your razor gleam, Sweeney, Feel how well it fits As it floats across the throats Of hypocrites. The last word echoes to silence as we cut to: A high-angle shot of the room. The ghosts are gone. Todd stands alone over Pirelli’s body. Blood dripping from his razor. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Judge Turpin lurks over the proceedings. He sits, the personification of power, very high at the bench. He glares down a wasted wretch of a BOY. The Beadle stands next to the boy.
JUDGE This is the second time, sir, that you have been brought before this bench. Though it is my earnest wish to ever temper justice with mercy, your persistent dedication to a life of crime is an abomination before God and man. He places a black cloth on his head:
JUDGE I therefore sentence you to hang by the neck until you are dead and may the Lord have mercy on your soul. The wretched boy collapses in sobs. The Beadle is pleased with the verdict. The Judge removes the black cloth and tosses it casually on his desk:
JUDGE This court is adjourned. 36
EXT. — STREET — OUTSIDE THE OLD BAILEY — DAY
36 The Judge and the Beadle walk away from the impressive edifices of the Old Bailey.
BEADLE Thank you, your Honor. Just the sentence we wanted.
JUDGE Was he guilty?
BEADLE Well, if he didn’t do it, he’s surely done something to warrant a hanging.
JUDGE What man has not?
BEADLE Sir?
JUDGE No matter — Come, walk home with me. I have news for you, my friend. In order to shield her from the evils of this world, I have decided to marry my dear Johanna.
BEADLE Ah, sir, happy news indeed.
JUDGE Strange, though, when I offered myself to her she showed a certain … reluctance. The Beadle proceeds with exquisite and obsequious delicacy:
BEADLE Excuse me, my lord, May I request, my lord, Permission, my lord, to speak? Forgive me if I suggest, my lord, You’re looking less than your best, my lord, There’s powder upon your vest, my lord. And stubble upon your cheek, And ladies, my lord, are weak. As they round a corner, the Judge feels his chin:
JUDGE Stubble, you say? Perhaps at times I am a little overhasty with my morning ablutions…
BEADLE Fret not though, my lord, I know a place, my lord, A barber, my lord, of skill. Thus armed with a shaven face, my lord, Some eau de cologne to brace my lord And musk to enhance the chase, my lord, You’ll dazzle the girl until She bows to your every will.
JUDGE A barber, eh? Take me to him.
BEADLE I am honored, my lord. His name is Todd … Sweeney Todd. And he is the very last word in barberin’. They head off. 37
