38
Pretty women
Are a wonder.
Pretty women.
Sitting in the window or
Standing on the stair,
Something in them
Cheers the air.
Pretty women…
JUDGE
Silhouetted…
TODD
Stay within you…
JUDGE
Glancing…
TODD
Stay forever…
JUDGE
Breathing lightly…
TODD
Pretty women…
BOTH
Pretty women!
Blowing out their candles or
Combing out their hair…
They sing simultaneously:
JUDGE
Then they leave…
Even when they leave you
And vanish, they somehow
Can still remain
There with you,
There with you.
TODD
Even when they leave,
They still
Are there.
They’re there.
BOTH
Ah,
Pretty women…
TODD
At their mirrors…
JUDGE
In their gardens…
TODD
Letter-writing…
JUDGE
Flower-picking…
TODD
Weather-watching…
BOTH
How they make a man sing!
Proof of heaven
As you’re living–
Pretty women, sir!
The music approaches a feverish crescendo as Todd prepares to
finally kill the Judge and they sing simultaneously:
JUDGE
Pretty women, yes!
Pretty women, sir!
Pretty women!
Pretty women, sir!
TODD
Pretty women, here’s to
Pretty women, all the
Pretty women–
Just as the music reaches a climax, Todd raises his arm in a
huge arc and is about to slash the Judge’s throat when–
Suddenly–
Anthony bursts in–
ANTHONY
Mr. Todd! I’ve seen Johanna! She said
she’ll leave with me tonight–!
The Judge jumps up, away from Todd–
JUDGE
You! — There is indeed a higher power
to warn me thus in time–
He tears off the sheet as he advances savagely on Anthony:
JUDGE
Johanna elope with you? Deceiving
slut! — I’ll lock her up in some
obscure retreat where neither you nor
any other vile creature shall ever lay
eyes on her again–!
He spins with venom to Todd:
JUDGE
And as for you, barber, it is all too
clear what company you keep. Service
them well and hold their custom — for
you’ll have none of mine.
He strides out.
Todd stands, frozen.
ANTHONY
Mr. Todd — you have to help me —
I’ve talked to Johanna and–!
Todd suddenly turns on him with a ferocious ROAR:
TODD
OUT! OUT, I SAY!
Utterly stunned at his friend’s ferocity, Anthony backs away,
leaves the shop.
Music begins, very agitated, as Todd stands motionless.
In shock.
His mind cracking apart.
Mrs. Lovett hurries in:
MRS. LOVETT
All this shouting and running about,
what’s happened–?
TODD
I had him — and then–
MRS. LOVETT
The sailor busted in, I know, I saw
them both running down the street and
I said–
Todd interrupts wildly:
TODD
I had him!
His throat was bare
Beneath my hand–!
MRS. LOVETT
There, there, dear. Don’t fret–
TODD
(spins on her violently)
No, I had him!
His throat was there,
And he’ll never come again!
MRS. LOVETT
Easy now.
Hush, love, hush.
I keep telling you–
TODD
When?!
MRS. LOVETT
What’s your rush?
TODD
Why did I wait?
You told me to wait!
Now he’ll never come again…
The music becomes ferocious as Todd’s wrenching insanity,
always close to the surface, finally explodes:
TODD
There’s a hole in the world
Like a great black pit
And it’s filled with people
Who are filled with shit
And the vermin of the world
Inhabit it–
But not for long!
He suddenly looks to Mrs. Lovett — she starts back —
alarmed by the pure madness in his eyes–
TODD
They all deserve to die!
Tell you why, Mrs. Lovett,
Tell you why:
Because in all of the whole human race, Mrs. Lovett
There are two kinds of men and only two.
There’s the one staying put
In his proper place
And the one with his foot
In the other one’s face–
Look at me, Mrs. Lovett,
Look at you–
He suddenly lurches and grabs Mrs. Lovett tightly–
TODD
No, we all deserve to die!
Even you, Mrs. Lovett,
Even I.
Because the lives of the wicked should be–
(slashes at the air
violently)
Made brief.
For the rest of us, death
Will be a relief–
We all deserve to die!
He clutches her to him very tightly as he suddenly keens, a
howl of pure agony:
TODD
And I’ll never see Johanna,
No, I’ll never hug my girl to me–
He hurls Mrs. Lovett away from him–
TODD
Finished!
We suddenly slash to–
39
EXT. STREET — DAY
39
–In Todd’s mind.
We are moving with him as he stalks relentlessly, holding his
razor, striding down a busy street like a tiger.
The many pedestrians he passes don’t even notice him. He is
invisible to them, a wolf among the sheep, as he beckons–
TODD
All right! You, sir,
How about a shave?
Come and visit
Your good friend, Sweeney–!
Todd continues to stride, beckoning to another man:
TODD
You, sir, too, sir–
Welcome to the grave!
I will have vengeance,
I will have salvation!
41
EXT. ANOTHER STREET — DAY
41
Todd continues to stride, beckoning to another man:
TODD
Who, sir? You, sir?
No one’s in the chair–
Come on, come on,
Sweeney’s waiting!
I want you bleeders!
42
EXT. ANOTHER STREET — DAY
42
Todd continues to stride, beckoning to another man:
TODD
You, sir — anybody!
Gentlemen, now don’t be shy!
Not one man, no,
Nor ten men,
Nor a hundred
Can assuage me–
I will have you!
43
EXT. ANOTHER STREET — DAY
43
Todd continues to prowl…
TODD
And I will get him back
Even as he gloats.
In the meantime I’ll practice
On less honorable throats–
44
EXT. ANOTHER STREET — DAY
44
Todd suddenly falls to his knees, keening in anguish–
TODD
And my Lucy lies in ashes
And I’ll never see my girl again,
But the work waits, I’m alive at last
(a final exalted cry)
And I’m full of JOOOOOOY!!
He raises his razor high on the soaring last note as we pull
back … our view is suddenly obscured by a strange, frenzied
fluttering of black wings … We continue to pull back … We
discover the black wings are pigeons, thousands of them,
flying up in a great cloud…
We continue to pull back to finally discover that Todd is
kneeling in the heart of a church square…
Empty but for him.
As his cry ends we slash back to–
45
INT. BARBER SHOP — DAY
45
— Todd is kneeling, sweat pouring through his clothes,
panting for air.
Mrs. Lovett stands, looking down at him intently.
MRS. LOVETT
That’s all very well, but what are we
going to do about —
(kicks the chest)
— the dear departed?
Todd remains kneeling, motionless. She goes to him, firm:
MRS. LOVETT
Listen! Do you hear me? Get a hold of
yourself!
She slaps his cheek — he looks up at her, barely seeing her.
MRS. LOVETT
Oh, you great useless thing, come on–
She hauls him up and drags him out…
46
INT. PIE SHOP — DAY
46
She pulls him in.
MRS. LOVETT
Sit down.
He thumps down, still in his own dark world.
She quickly glances around for Toby and then goes into her
parlor…
47
INT. PARLOR — DAY
47
She discovers Toby is asleep on the sofa before the fire.
She quickly snatches up a bottle of gin from the sideboard
and returns to the pie shop…
48
INT. PIE SHOP DAY
48
She pours Todd a tumbler of gin, hands it to him:
MRS. LOVETT
There, drink it down — all the way —
that’s right …
(he does so)
… Now, we got a body molderin’ away
upstairs, what do you intend we should
do about that?
TODD
Later on, when it’s dark, we’ll take
him to some secret place and bury him.
MRS. LOVETT
Well, yes, of course, we could do
that. I don’t suppose he’s got any
relatives going to come poking around
looking for him…
A chord of music. A beat. An idea. He looks at her
uncomprehendingly.
MRS. LOVETT
Well, you know me, sometimes bright
ideas just pop right into my head, and
I keep thinking…
Seems a downright shame…
TODD
Shame?
MRS. LOVETT
Seems an awful waste…
Such a nice plump frame
Wot’s-his-name
Has…
Had…
Has…
Nor it can’t be traced.
Business needs a lift–
Debts to be erased–
Think of it as thrift,
As a gift…
If you get my drift…
(Todd has no idea what she
is talking about)
No? (She sighs)
Seems an awful waste.
I mean,
With the price of meat what it is,
When you get it,
If you get it–
Todd suddenly understands:
TODD
Ah!
MRS. LOVETT
Good, you got it.
(She warms to the idea)
Take, for instance,
Mrs. Mooney and her pie shop.
Business never better, using only
Pussycats and toast.
And a pussy’s good for maybe six or
Seven at the most.
And I’m sure they can’t compare
As far as taste–
TODD
Mrs. Lovett,
What a charming notion,
The music builds as they sing simultaneously:
TODD
Eminently practical and yet
Appropriate as always.
Mrs. Lovett, how I’ve lived without you
All these years I’ll never know!
How delectable!
Also undetectable.
How choice!
How rare!
MRS. LOVETT
Well, it does seem a
Waste…
It’s an idea…
Think about it…
Lots of other gentlemen’ll
Soon be coming for a shave,
Won’t they?
Think of
All them
Pies!
A triumphant waltz theme begins:
TODD
For what’s the sound of the world out there?
MRS. LOVETT
What, Mr. Todd,
What, Mr. Todd,
What is that sound?
TODD
Those crunching noises pervading the air?
MRS. LOVETT
Yes, Mr. Todd,
Yes, Mr. Todd,
Yes, all around–
TODD
It’s man devouring man, my dear,
They sing simultaneously:
TODD
And who are we
To deny it in here?
MRS. LOVETT
Then who are we
To deny it in here?
Music continues under:
TODD
Ah, these are desperate times, Mrs.
Lovett, and desperate measures are
called for.
She goes to the counter and comes back with an imaginary pie:
MRS. LOVETT
Here we are now, hot out of the
oven…
She holds the imaginary pie out to him with a sly and wicked
smile.
TODD
What is that?
MRS. LOVETT
It’s priest.
Have a little priest.
TODD
Is it really good?
MRS. LOVETT
Sir, it’s too good,
At least.
Then again, they don’t commit sins of the flesh,
So it’s pretty fresh.
TODD
(looking at it)
Awful lot of fat.
MRS. LOVETT
Only where it sat.
TODD
Haven’t you got poet
Or something like that?
MRS. LOVETT
No, you see the trouble with poet
Is, how do you know it’s
Deceased?
Try the priest.
TODD
(“tasting” it)
Mmm. Heavenly.
MRS. LOVETT
Not as hearty as bishop, perhaps, but
not as bland as curate, either.
Mrs. Lovett presents another imaginary pie:
MRS. LOVETT
Lawyer’s rather nice.
TODD
If it’s for a price.
MRS. LOVETT
Order something else, though, to follow,
Since no one should swallow
It twice.
TODD
Anything that’s lean.
MRS. LOVETT
Well, then, if you’re British and loyal,
You might enjoy Royal
Marine.
Anyway, it’s clean.
Though, of course, it tastes of wherever it’s been.
TODD
(looking past her to
imaginary oven)
Is that squire
On the fire?
MRS. LOVETT
Mercy no, sir,
Look closer,
You’ll notice it’s grocer.
TODD
Looks thicker.
More like vicar.
MRS. LOVETT
No, it has to be grocer — it’s green.
Todd laughs as the glorious waltz theme returns:
TODD
The history of the world, my love–
MRS. LOVETT
Save a lot of graves,
Do a lot of relatives favors…
TODD
–Is those below serving those up above.
MRS. LOVETT
Everybody shaves,
So there should be plenty of flavors…
TODD
How gratifying for once to know–
BOTH
(indicating barber shop
above)
–That those above will serve those down below!
The music continues under:
MRS. LOVETT
Since marine doesn’t appeal to you,
how about rear admiral?
TODD
Too salty. I prefer general.
MRS. LOVETT
With or without his privates? —
“With” is extra.
Todd chortles as Mrs. Lovett offers another pie with a
particular, flamboyant panache:
TODD
What is that?
MRS. LOVETT
It’s fop.
Finest in the shop.
Or we have some shepherd’s pie peppered
With actual shepherd
On top.
And I’ve just begun.
Here’s a politician — so oily
It’s served with a doily–
Have one?
TODD
Put it on a bun.
(She looks at him
quizzically)
Well, you never know if it’s going to run.
MRS. LOVETT
Try the friar.
Fried, it’s drier.
TODD
No, the clergy is really
Too coarse and too mealy.
MRS. LOVETT
Then actor–
That’s compacter.
TODD
Yes, and always arrives overdone.
(he is suddenly dark and
purposeful)
I’ll come again when you
Have Judge on the menu…
The music vamps deliciously as:
MRS. LOVETT
True, we don’t have Judge — yet —
but would you settle for the next best
thing?
TODD
What’s that?
She offers him a butcher’s cleaver:
MRS. LOVETT
Executioner.
He takes the cleaver, feels the heft of it. Feels good.
Then he picks up her wooden rolling pin, hands it to her, as
the music builds into the triumphant waltz:
TODD
Have charity towards the world, my pet–
MRS. LOVETT
Yes, yes, I know, my love–
TODD
We’ll take the customers that we can get.
MRS. LOVETT
High-born and low, my love.
TODD
We’ll not discriminate great from small.
No, we’ll serve anyone–
MRS. LOVETT
We’ll serve anyone–
BOTH
And to anyone
At all!
The music builds to a climax as they joyously brandish their
“weapons. ”
49
INT. JOHANNA’S ROOM — EVENING
49
Small, white hands … removing some clothes from a drawer
… putting them into a portmanteau … locking the case…
Johanna, wearing traveling clothes, is packing to leave when
a voice surprises her:
JUDGE
So it’s true.
She turns. The Judge stands in the doorway.
JOHANNA
Sir … A gentlemen knocks before
entering a lady’s room.
JUDGE
Indeed he does … But I see no lady.
He enters, dangerously quiet. And terrifically hurt.
JUDGE
I told myself the sailor was lying …
I told myself this was a cruel fiction
… That my Johanna would never betray
me. Never hurt me so.
He moves toward her. She stands her ground.
JOHANNA
Sir … I will leave this place.
JUDGE
I think that only appropriate. Since
you no longer find my company to your
liking, madam, we shall provide you
with new lodgings.
He stands very close to her. Still she holds her ground.
JUDGE
Until this moment I have spared the
rod … And the ungrateful child has
broken my heart. Now you will learn
discipline…
The large form of the Beadle fills the doorway. She glances
to him, disquieted.
JUDGE
When you have learned to appreciate
what you have, perhaps we shall meet
again. Until then … Think on your
sins.
He nods to the Beadle — the Beadle surges forward and grabs
Johanna brutally–
She screams and fights like a tiger — to no avail–
The Beadle covers her mouth with one of his huge hands and
hauls her out–
50
EXT. TURPIN’S MANSION — EVENING
50
Anthony is racing toward the front of mansion when he sees–
A hansom cab is just pulling away — Johanna’s terrified face
looking at him through the window–
ANTHONY
JOHANNA!
Anthony sees the Beadle pulling her away from the window as
the carriage clatters off–
Judge Turpin stands on the steps of the mansion — Anthony
goes to him in a murderous rage:
ANTHONY
Where are you taking her?! Tell me or
I swear by God–!
The Judge spins and roars — a hellish howl that echoes–
JUDGE
WOULD YOU KILL ME, BOY?! HERE I STAND!
Anthony’s eyes burn into the Judge — but he is no killer.
He turns and races after the hansom cab. It rounds a corner
and is gone.
The Judge watches as Anthony pursues the cab, disappearing
around the corner.
And we fade to…
51
EXT. FLEET STREET — DAY
51
…The face of the Beggar Woman.
She sits, crouched on her haunches, peering up from under her
few greasy locks of hair.
She is watching something intently. A few pedestrians move
quickly down the sidewalk past her, excited. They chatter
back and forth eagerly…
The Beggar Woman uncoils and follows…
And we finally see what the Beggar Woman has been watching so
intently…
52
EXT. PIE SHOP — DAY
52
Mrs. Lovett’s wretched establishment has been transformed!
She has created a modest outdoor eating garden with tables,
surrounded by glowing Chinese lanterns. A fresh coat of
paint, a few bushes in pots and birds in cages add to the
feeling of upward mobility.
A new sign hangs proudly over the entrance to the pie shop:
“MRS. LOVETT’S WORLD FAMOUS MEAT PIES!” And then in smaller
letters: “LIKE MOTHER USED TO MAKE.”
The eating garden is already crowded, the benches at the
tables are filled and other customers stand and mill about.
All eating, eating, eating…
…The most delicious looking meat pies you could ever
imagine. Crispy crust. Thick, luxurious gravy. Tart and tangy
meat.
The customers take great, hungry mouthfuls; the steaming
gravy oozing down greedy faces.
Chomp. Chomp. Chomp.
The Beggar Women stands across the street, ravenously hungry.
She finally gets the nerve to approach when–
Toby — wearing a spiffy new outfit with apron — bursts from
the shop and circulates through the customers:
TOBY
Ladies and gentlemen,
May I have your attention, perlease?
Are your nostrils aquiver and tingling as well
At that delicate, luscious ambrosial smell?
Yes they are, I can tell…
He moves through the greedily eating customers in the outdoor
garden and toward the street as:
TOBY
Well, ladies and gentlemen,
That aroma enriching the breeze
Is like nothing compared to its succulent source,
As the gourmets among you will tell you, of course.
He arrives at the street and drums up some more business:
TOBY
Ladies and gentlemen,
You can’t imagine the rapture in store–
(Indicating the pie shop)
Just inside of this door!
There you’ll sample
Mrs. Lovett’s meat pies,
Savory and sweet pies,
As you’ll see.
You who eat pies,
Mrs. Lovett’s meat pies
Conjure up the treat pies
Used to be!
Just then Mrs. Lovett sweeps from the pie shop with a tray of
hot, steaming pies.
Like her shop, she has been transformed as well. She wears
her somewhat gauche notion of a “fancy dress.” Buckets of
decolletage. And her hair has been dyed a rather unique
aubergine color.
MRS. LOVETT
Toby!
TOBY
Coming!
(pushing past a customer)
‘Scuse me…
MRS. LOVETT
(indicating a beckoning
customer)
Ale there!
TOBY
Right, mum!
MRS. LOVETT
Quick, now!
The customers suddenly exclaim their joy through awkward
mouthfuls of pie:
CUSTOMERS
God, that’s good!
Toby scurries inside to get a jug of ale, whisks back out and
starts filling tankards as Mrs. Lovett circulates grandly.
She is a bundle of activity — serving pies, collecting
money, giving orders, addressing the patrons individually and
with equal buoyant insincerity:
MRS. LOVETT
Nice to see you, dearie…
How have you been keeping?…
Cor, me bones is weary!
Toby–!
(Indicating a Customer)
One for the gentleman…
Hear the birdies cheeping–
Helps to keep it cheery…
She spots the Beggar Woman approaching and responds with
unusual ferocity:
MRS. LOVETT
Toby!
Throw the old woman out!
CUSTOMERS
God, that’s good!
Toby shoos the Beggar Woman away, but she soon comes skulking
back.
MRS. LOVETT
(continuing to customers)
What’s your pleasure, dearie?…
No, we don’t cut slices…
Cor, me eyes are bleary!…
(As Toby is about to pour
for a drunken customer)
Toby!
None for the gentleman!…
I could up me prices–
I’m a little leery…
Business
Couldn’t be better, though–
CUSTOMERS
God, that’s good!
MRS. LOVETT
Knock on wood.
She does.
53
INT. BARBER SHOP — DAY
53
Music continues as Todd works busily. Sawing, drilling,
screwing, hammering. Doing something we cannot see to his
barber chair. Making adjustments, tinkering, building,
feverish. Happy.
54
EXT. PIE SHOP — DAY
54
Mrs. Lovett continues to circulate:
MRS. LOVETT
What’s your pleasure, dearie?
(Spilling ale)
Oops! I beg your pardon!
Just me hands is smeary–
(Spotting a freeloader
trying to sneak out
without paying)
Toby!
Run for the gentleman!
Toby catches him, collects the money, as Mrs. Lovett turns to
another customer:
MRS. LOVETT
Don’t you love a garden?
Always makes me teary…
(Looking back at the
freeloader)
Must be one them foreigners–
CUSTOMERS
God, that’s good that is delicious!
MRS. LOVETT
What’s my secret?
(To a woman)
Frankly, dear — forgive my candor–
Family secret,
All to do with herbs.
Things like being
Careful with your coriander,
That’s what makes the gravy grander–!
The customers are getting more rabid now — stuffing in the
gorgeous meat pies in great fistfuls–
CUSTOMERS
More hot pies!
More hot!
More pies!
55
INT. BARBER SHOP — DAY
55
Music continues as Todd makes the final adjustments to his
chair. He stands back. Seems delighted with the results of
his tinkering. The ratty old parlor chair has been
transformed into a sleek, Victorian barber chair — with
unique refinements.
He leaves the barber shop…
56
EXT. PIE SHOP — DAY
56
Todd stands at the top of the stairs, watching the street
hungrily. As, below, Mrs. Lovett smiles to another customer:
MRS. LOVETT
Incidentally, dearie,
You know Mrs. Mooney.
Sales’ve been so dreary–
(She spots the Beggar
Woman again)
Toby!
(Continuing to the
customer, about Mrs.
Mooney)
–Poor thing is penniless.
(Indicating Beggar Woman
to Toby)
What about that loony?
(To the customer as Toby
shoos the Beggar Woman
away again)
Lookin’ sort of beery–
Oh, well, got her comeuppance–
(Hawklike, to a rising
customer)
And that’ll be thruppence — and
CUSTOMERS
God that’s good that is de have you
MRS. LOVETT
So she should.
CUSTOMERS
Licious ever tasted smell such
Oh my God what more that’s pies good!
MRS. LOVETT AND
TOBY
Eat them slow and
Feel the crust, how thin I (she) rolled it!
Eat them slow, ‘cos
Every one’s a prize!
Eat them slow, ‘cos
That’s the lot and now we’ve sold it!
She hangs up a “Sold Out” sign.
MRS. LOVETT AND
TOBY
Come again tomorrow–!
She spots a man in need of a shave approaching:
MRS. LOVETT
Hold it–
CUSTOMERS
More hot pies!
MRS. LOVETT
Bless my eyes–!
She sees the man going up to the barber shop. Todd is still
standing at the top of the stairs. He smiles secretly to Mrs.
Lovett as he ushers the man in.
MRS. LOVETT
Fresh supplies!
The man goes into the barber shop as she happily takes down
the “Sold Out” sign and turns again to the customers:
MRS. LOVETT
How about it, dearie?
(expecting more pies)
Be here in a twinkling!
Just confirms me theory–
Toby–!
God watches over us.
Didn’t have an inkling…
Positively eerie…
TOBY
(simultaneous with above)
Is that a pie
Fit for a king,
A wondrous sweet
And most delectable
Thing?
You see, ma’am, why
There is no meat pie–
CUSTOMERS
(simultaneous with above)
Yum!
Yum!
Yum!
Yum! Yum!
Yum!
Mrs. Lovett then spots the Beggar Woman approaching again,
she spins to Toby with truly shocking viciousness:
MRS. LOVETT
Toby!
Throw the old woman out!
Mrs. Lovett watches intently as Toby leads the Beggar Woman
away.
The Customers, meanwhile, are building to a pure frenzy of
mastication — chewing and gulping and snapping at the
heavenly pies:
CUSTOMERS
God, that’s good that is de have you
Licious ever tasted smell such
Oh my God what perfect more that’s
Pies such flavor
God, that’s good!!
The music comes to a rousing conclusion as Mrs. Lovett stands
at the door to her shop. Triumphant.
57
INT. BARBER SHOP — NIGHT
57
Todd is alone. He sits in the barber chair, smoking a pipe.
He is holding an old Daguerreotype; creased, stained and
bleached-out.
The image shows his wife, Lucy, smiling and holding Baby
Johanna. The child’s features are almost completely obscured
by a stain on the picture.
He looks at it deeply.
Then church bells echo in the distance…
58
EXT. MAYFAIR — NIGHT
58
… The church bells continue as we discover Anthony,
searching through the streets for Johanna. We see him in long
shot as he moves through the contours of the city.
He starts his search in a luxurious area of wealth. His
journey through the city will take him lower and lower, into
the darkest corners of London.
ANTHONY
I feel you, Johanna,
I feel 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,
Johanna…
He continues walking…
59
INT. BARBER SHOP — NIGHT
59
…Todd gazes quietly at the Daguerreotype:
TODD
Johanna…
And are you beautiful and pale,
With yellow hair, like her?
I’d want you beautiful and pale,
The way I’ve dreamed you were…
60
EXT. DOCKS — NIGHT
60
…We see the figure of Anthony, walking along the docks.
TODD (V.O.)
Johanna…
ANTHONY
Johanna…
61
INT. BARBER SHOP — DAY
61
…Todd shaves a customer. We recognize the customer
instantly: it is the GENTLEMAN.
The Daguerreotype now rest on the counter.
Todd remains wistful, detached, dream-like.
TODD
And if you’re beautiful, what then,
With yellow hair, like wheat?
I think we shall not meet again–
(He quietly slits the
Gentleman’s throat)
My little dove, my sweet…
…We see the figure of Anthony, walking past hanging
carcasses of the busy meat market.
TODD (V.O.)
Johanna…
ANTHONY
I’ll steal you,
Johanna…
63
INT. BARBER SHOP — DAY
63
…The dead Gentleman is slumped in the chair.
TODD
Goodbye, Johanna,
You’re gone, and yet you’re mine.
I’m fine, Johanna,
I’m fine!
He pulls a lever on the newly adjusted chair — the chair
becomes a slide — and the Gentleman disappears through a
trapdoor in the floor, down a chute — Todd pulls the lever
again and the chair returns to its normal position.
64
EXT. SLUM — DAY
64
…We see Anthony moving past a crowded tenement, redolent of
cholera.
ANTHONY
Johanna…
65
INT. BAKEHOUSE STEPS — DUSK
65
…Music continues as Mrs. Lovett descends a long and very
claustrophobic series of steps down to the bakehouse. She
unbolts and pulls aside a heavy iron door and enters.
We remain outside. A fiery red glow spills out — the roar of
the oven within is thundering.
66
EXT. FLEET STREET — DUSK
66
…The Beggar Woman stands on Fleet Street. The hellish
metropolis glows, the smoke from a thousand chimneys creating
a great pall over the city.
BEGGAR WOMAN
(in a demented rage)
Smoke! Smoke!
Sign of the devil! Sign of the devil!
City on fire!
(to disgusted passers-by)
Witch! Witch!
Smell it, sir! An evil smell!
Every night at the vespers bell–
Smoke that comes from the mouth of hell–
City on fire!
City on fire…
(She begins to scuttle
off)
Mischief! Mischief! Mischief…
67
INT. BARBER SHOP — DUSK
67
…The red glow of sunset fills the shop as Todd ushers in
another customer and prepares to shave him:
TODD
And if I never hear your voice,
My turtledove, my dear,
I still have reason to rejoice:
The way ahead is clear…
68
EXT. ALLEY — DUSK
68
…We see the figure of Anthony moving down a dark alley.
Shadowy figures lurk along the alley walls.
TODD (V.O.)
Johanna…
ANTHONY
I feel you…
Johanna…
69
INT. BARBER SHOP — DUSK
69
…Todd continues to prepare to shave the customer:
TODD
And in that darkness when I’m blind
With what I can’t forget–
It’s always morning in my mind,
My little lamb, my pet…
70
EXT. GRAVEYARD — DUSK
70
…We see Anthony moving past an lonely graveyard.
TODD (V.O.)
Johanna…
ANTHONY
Johanna…
71
INT. BARBER SHOP — DUSK
71
TODD
You stay, Johanna…
(He quietly cuts the
customer’s throat)
The way I’ve dreamed you are.
(Todd notices dusk outside
the window)
Oh look, Johanna-,
(Pulls the lever and the
customer disappears)
A star!
(Tossing the customer’s
hat down the chute)
A shooting star!
72
EXT. GRAVEYARD — DUSK
72
…Anthony continues to move past the graveyard.
ANTHONY
Buried sweetly in your yellow hair…
73
INT. BAKEHOUSE STEPS — DAY
73
…Music continues as Mrs. Lovett emerges from the bakehouse
with a rack of hot pies.
She walks out of frame, up the steps, as we push in on the
crack in the door. The fiery roar of the oven within is
overpowering.
74
EXT. FLEET STREET — DAY
74
…The Beggar Woman is scuttling madly along Fleet Street.
BEGGAR WOMAN
(pointing to the smoke
over rooftops)
There! There!
Somebody, somebody look up there!
(the passers-by continue
to ignore her)
Didn’t I tell you? Smell that air?
City on fire!
She approaches the pie shop, the agitated music matching her
increasing frenzy. She grabs a stunned Toby — who is
carrying some packages toward the pie shop:
BEGGAR WOMAN
(panicked)
Quick, sir! Run and tell!
Warn ’em all of the witch’s spell!
There it is, there it is, the unholy smell!
Tell it to the Beadle and the police as well!
Tell ’em! Tell ’em!
She spots Mrs. Lovett emerging from the pie shop and explodes
in desperation, pointing madly:
BEGGAR WOMAN
Help!!! Fiend!!!
City on fire!!!
Toby pulls away from her, as she begins to scuttle off:
BEGGAR WOMAN
City on fire…
Mischief … Mischief … Mischief… Fiend…
She appeals to other pedestrians as she goes:
BEGGAR WOMAN
Alms! … Alms! …
Toby turns to consider the horrible black smoke belching from
the chimney of the pie shop. Something about the foul, ebony
smoke troubles him.
75
INT. BARBER SHOP — DAY
75
…Todd is standing alone, contemplative, slowly and
methodically stropping his razor.
TODD
And though I’ll think of you, I guess,
Until the day I die,
I think I miss you less and less
As every day goes by…
76
EXT. LIMEHOUSE — DAY
76
…We see the figure of Anthony trudging past the sinister
opium dens and depraved taverns of the East End.
TODD (V.O.)
Johanna…
ANTHONY
Johanna…
77
INT. BARBER SHOP — DAY
77
…Todd completes shaving a customer. The customer’s wife and
daughter are waiting.
TODD
And you’d be beautiful and pale,
And look too much like her.
If only angels could prevail,
We’d be the way we were.
Johanna…
The customer pays. With a pleasant smile, Todd ushers them
out..
78
EXT. ASYLUM — NIGHT
78
…Anthony wanders past the high and impenetrable walls of a
madhouse, the demented souls within can be seen moving about
in silhouette behind barred windows.
ANTHONY
I feel you…
Johanna…
Something makes him stop. He turns to consider the asylum…
79
INT. BARBER SHOP — MORNING
79
…Todd shaves another customer. A beautiful morning outside
the window.
TODD
Wake up, Johanna!
Another bright red day!
(He slits the customer’s
throat)
We learn, Johanna,
To say…
Goodbye…
As the note continues, he pulls the lever and the customer
disappears down the chute…
80
EXT. ASYLUM — MORNING
80
…Anthony stares up at the asylum.
ANTHONY
I’ll steal you…
81
INT. BARBER SHOP — MORNING
81
…As the music concludes, Todd picks up the faded
Daguerreotype and again sits in his barber chair.
He gazes at the picture, lost in revery.
82
EXT. HAMPSTEAD HEATH — DAY
82
Mrs. Lovett and Todd rest on a picnic blanket, just like any
other couple out enjoying the fine day.
The remains of a nice picnic lunch are scattered around them
and Toby can be seen flying a kite a bit away.
Mrs. Lovett watches happy couples moving about … dogs and
kids running hither and yon … military officers squiring
their ladies … nurses with prams…
Todd is distinctly ill at ease, brooding, as she chatters:
MRS. LOVETT
… which is not to say we couldn’t
get some nice taxidermy animals to
bring a touch of gentility to the
place. You know, a boar’s head or
two…
(glancing at the
unresponsive Todd)
Mr. T., are you listening to me?
TODD
Of course.
MRS. LOVETT
Then what did I just say?
TODD
(back in his somber
reflections)
There must be a way to the Judge!
MRS. LOVETT
(snaps)
The bloody old Judge! Always harping
on the bloody old Judge!
(she massages his neck)
We got a nice respectable business
now, money coming in regular and —
since we’re careful to pick and choose
— only strangers and such like wot
won’t be missed — who’s going to
catch on?
No response from Todd. She leans across and pecks him on the
cheek:
MRS. LOVETT
Oooh, Mr. Todd–
(Kisses him again)
I’m so happy–
(Again)
I could–
(Again)
Eat you up, I really could!
You know what I’d like to Do, Mr. Todd?
(Kisses him)
What I dream–
(Again)
If the business stays as good,
Where I’d really like to go–
(No response)
In a year or so…
(No response)
Don’t you want to know?
TODD
(couldn’t care less)
Of course.
MRS. LOVETT
Do you really want to know?
TODD
(forces a pained smile)
Yes, yes, I do, I do.
The music continues as she leans back comfortably, beginning
to imagine a wonderful, domestic future…
MRS. LOVETT
I’ve always had this dream of living
at the seaside … I got a picture
postcard from me Aunt Nettie once. Oh,
it seems like such a grand place…
(notes Toby flying his
kite)
And all that fresh aquatic air’s bound
to be good for the lad’s poxy lungs…
By the sea, Mr. Todd,
That’s the life I covet;
By the sea, Mr. Todd,
Ooh, I know you’d love it!
You and me, Mr. T.,
We could be alone
In a house wot we’d almost own
Down by the sea…
TODD
(grumbles)
Anything you say.
MRS. LOVETT
Wouldn’t that be smashing?
And we go to…
