Enjoy!
INT. EDISON HOUSE - EDISONS ROOM - DUSK - 1859
A young Edison(only about 11 years old at this time) wakes up abruptly, lights a candle sitting atop a large night-stand and begins getting dressed. Edison picks up a large shoulder bag and begins carefully filling it with fruits and newspapers. Edison scurries through the door to his room.
INT. EDISON HOUSE - EDISONS PARENTS ROOM
Edisons mother wakes suddenly at the sound of her 11 year old child getting ready for work. Mr. Edison also wakes after Mrs. Edison frantically begins sobbing and attempts to get up before Mr. Edison reaches out and sternly, but with sincerity grabs her arm.
Mr. Edison
Let him go honey, Lord knows we can use the money.
Mrs. Edison
But he’s only... 11. We’ll.. Be... Alright. We can find another way.
MR. EDISON
Now you know that's true. Just give me time and I'll get this family back on its feet. In the meantime let him go. We can use the pocket change for dinner in the coming months; you know its the slow season.
MRS. EDISON
...
MR. EDISON
Listen doll, if its the last damn thing I do, I'll get us back on track.
OC the front door squeaks closed. A horse is heard galloping away.
Cut TO:
INT. COMMUTER TRAIN - LATER
Edison is walking up through the aisles of the train asking the passengers to purchase newspapers and/or snacks/sandwiches.
MALE PASSENGER
I’ll take one here.
Edison walks to the front of the train and over hears an older woman comment.
OLDER FEMALE PASSENGER
What kind of parents would send their child on a train half way across the state selling fruits?
Edison acknowledges the comments un-fazed and continues toward the man in the front of the train.
CUT TO:
INT. CUMMUTER TRAIN - BACK OFFICE
Edison reaches the back of the train after selling all of his baskets belongings. He approaches a man who seems to be managing the trains activities.
TRAIN MANAGER
Tommy my boy, how’s business looking today..
Train manager doesn't wait for edison to answer, quickly grabbing a young Edison’s shoulder bag, reaching into the front pocket, revealing a few dollars and some change. The train manager takes a few of the dollars and places his hand above Edison’s head, shaking him in a playful manner.
TRAIN MANAGER
I’ll take this for the day. You know Tommy, I rather enjoy you paying for my lunch everyday. I can get used to this. Just make sure to keep your corner clean. I’m sick of smelling vinegar back there.
CUT TO:
EXT. DETROIT TRAIN STATION - DIRECTLY OUTSIDE THE STATION - LATER THAT DAY
Edison sits against the elaborate walls of the train station facing an empty rail appreciating the large buildings and smoke filled skies of industrial detroit. The busy station leaves young Edisons view of the city limited but his attention remains unscathed. He also glared mindfully through the window of the telegraph office.
DISSOLVE TO
EXT. ELLIS ISLAND - JUNE 6TH 1884
A 28 year old tesla stands in line waiting to be processed through Ellis Island. As he stands in line, he peers into his pockets for the last of his funds, being 4 cents. Tesla then examines his belongings: 1 small handheld bag. He stands in what seems to be a never ending line of immigrants.
CUT TO:
INT. ELLIS ISLAND OFFICE - REGISTRY ROOM 1 - LATER
Tesla stands nearer to the front of the line. An under-enthusiastic medical inspector calls Tesla to him.
MEDICAL INSPECTOR
Next!
TESLA
Yes, hello sir. My name is Nikola Tes...
Tesla was immediately interrupted by the Doctors lack of human acknowledgment and was startled by the lack of depth in the inspection, which took less then a minute.
MEDICAL PRACTICTIONAR
You’re good, move on to the next station please.
The doctor signs Tesla’s paper, and lightly taps him on the back as he walks away, and into the next line.
CUT TO:
INT. ELLIS ISLAND - REGISTRY ROOM 2 - A FEW HOURS LATER
Tesla is now exhausted, he is next to speak with the registrar(legal inspector).
LEGAL INSPECTOR
Hello and welcome to the United States of America. My name is Dan Orefeild and I'm with the Bureau of Immigration. I am here to help you complete the final steps in legally immigrating into America. Can you provide me with your papers, please.
TESLA
Yes, hello, my name is Nikola Tesla, aboard the ship I my luggage, money, and belongings seem to have been stolen. I do not know what the proper...
The Legal inspector seems resistant to Tesla’s questions, and interrupts.
LEGAL INSPECTOR
Sir, can you please provide me with your papers.
TESLA
Yes, here they are.
Tesla stands patiently waiting. Frustrated, but contained.
LEGAL INSPECTOR
And what is your business here in America.
TESLA
I have been employed by Edison Continental in Paris, France. I have come here to work closer to Edison.
The legal inspector remains un-impressed, and signs his papers.
LEGAL INSPECTOR
Yes, okay. Everything here seems to be in line.
Tesla appears to be disappointed, but refrains to mention the stolen luggage again.
LEGAL INSPECTOR
Look a little excited son, your in America now.
TESLA
Yes; my apologies. Thank you very much.
LEGAL INSPECTOR
Just follow the signs and you’ll be on American soil in no time.
Tesla grabs his small hand bag and begins to walk toward the next stop.
CUT TO:
EXT. DOWNTOWN NEW YORK - JUNE 7TH 1884 - MORNING
Tesla walks the streets of New York admiring the architecture and innovative downtown shops. He stumbles across a machine shop and notices the foreman getting frustrated trying to repair one of the electrical machines. Tesla notices that this is a machine that he is familiar with and decides to enter the shop.
INT. MACHINE SHOP
TESLA
Hello... hello, excuse me.
Tesla attempts to get the foremans attention. The foreman is very frustrated with his work and doesn’t notice Tesla come in.
FOREMAN
Yes? You don't see that I'm busy? What do you need?
TESLA
Excuse my uninvited entrance sir, I just happened to notice that you were attempting to repair this machine. I am familiar with it and may be able to assist you... If you would like.
The foreman gives Tesla a long stare as if trying to figure him out. He is obviously not used to this kind of gesture. After spending a few moments staring the foreman reaches out his hand, and introduces himself.
FOREMAN
The name’s John, John Gregory. They shipped this here, ‘wreck’ from Europe somewhere and it just don't seem to work. Hop on over, and take a look.
Tesla walks around the counter and begins to inspect the machine.
INT. MACHINE SHOP - 1 HOUR LATER
Tesla finishes screwing in the last screws and starts the engine of the machine. The foreman, who is now sitting behind Tesla, looks in amazement.
TESLA
Their you go. That should fix the problem.
FOREMAN
Well thank you Mr. Tesla. Here let me get my wallet. I believe this type of work deserves some kind of compensation.
TESLA
John, compensation will not be necessary.
The foreman refuses to take no for an answer and reaches for his wallet. He pulls out $20.00 Dollars and hands it to Tesla.
FOREMAN
Now I ain’t taking no for an answer. Without you, I would have been out a few hundred dollars. The least I can do is give you this.
TESLA
Well thank you very much Mr. Gregory. I highly appreciate it.
Tesla reaches for a rag which is sitting on the work table. Just before he picks it up, he hesitates when he notices that it has been previously used.
TESLA
I must apologize, I do have an important meeting I must tend to. I am on my way to meet with Edison actually. You wouldn’t happen to know where 65th street is would you?
The foreman stares blankly for a moment, surprised by tesla’s statement.
FOREMAN
Yea... yea... As a matter of fact I do know where that is, it’s actually only a couple of blocks north of here. You can probably make it there in a couple of minutes.
TESLA
Thank you.
Tesla exits the machine shop and begins to walk down the street.
CUT TO:
INT. 65TH AVENUE(EDISONS LAB) - LATER
Tesla walks in to the darkened laboratory crowded by strange machines and at least 20-30 men. He is confused as to who to talk to, but spots a man working near him.
TESLA
Excuse me... Sir... Excuse me.
LAB WORKER
Yes, can I help you with something?
Tesla approaches the man working vigorously atop a wooden table.
TESLA
My apologies for interrupting your work. I myself am an machinist and I understand the necessity for concentration.
The lab worker reaches his hand out to shake Tesla’s hand.
LAB WORKER
Please don't apologize. What can I do for you?
TESLA
My name is Nikola Tesla, I am here under guidance of a Mr. (????) of Edison Continental in Paris France.
OC Edison
No, God Damn way. I told them it would be a few days. We’ll get that damn ship out of East river if it’s the last thing I do. I’ll be there first thing in the morning. You tell them that.
LAB WORKER
Your in luck, that’s him there. I'll go let him now. You don't wanna surprise him at a time like this.
The lab worker gets up and walks around the corner into what seems to be an office.
OC LAB WORKER
Hey, Tom. There’s a man...
EDISON
What’s that your saying? You’re gonna need to speak up.
OC LAB WORKER
There is a man here to see you. Says he is from Paris.
OC EDISON
Yes. Yes. He’s in the front now?
OC LAB WORKER
Yes, he’s right out there.
OC Edison gets up out of his chair and begins to walk out of his office. He walks directly toward Tesla and reaches out to offer him a firm handshake. The lab worker follows but promptly returns to his work station.
EDISON
Mr. Tesla, we have been expecting
you.
Tesla responds eagerly to Edisons questions with careful and meticulous wording. He speaks louder than then usual to accommodate Edisons hearing disability.
TESLA
Hello Mr. Edison. My trip, unfortunately was less than likable, I am happy to be back on land. I was instructed to give you this letter upon arrival. It is from Mr. Batchelor in Paris.
Tesla hands Edison a note which reads, “In my life I have known of two great men; you are one of them. The other is this young man.” Edison reads slowly raising one eyebrow, to peak at Tesla for a moment before responding.
EDISON
That some recommendation. Let me show you around the lab.
TESLA
Yes, I noticed that...
Edison begins walking toward the back, past a lot of men working vigorously. He interrupts Tesla.
EDISON
You see here, Mr. Tesla; I have created something here that not many people on earth would imagine possible. I created here, essentially a machine, powered by humans. Not in the way a telegraph is, but in an entirely new way.
TESLA
Yes. I believe this laboratory is very impressive.
EDISON
You probably haven’t seen anything like it, coming from Paris.
TESLA
Actually...
EDISON
Speaking of Paris, how’s our system working there.
TESLA
I worked mostly redesigning dynamo’s and I was instructed to move here, if I had any intention of moving forward in my career.
EDISON
Dynamo’s... Ok, that seems to be the issue with a ship we just contracted. We lit up the whole damn thing but the dynamo’s seem to be out of commission. I’m traveling there myself to fix it. You see Tesla, even in a position such as the one I am in, I still go out and do the work, because I love to do it. I’m a working man, and I cant stop myself from getting my hands dirty, and to be honest, if I didn’t go out and do this kind of work every once in a while, it simply wouldn't get done.
TESLA
Yes I see. Your reputation is far from exaggerated.
EDISON
Take a walk with me Mr. Tesla.
Edison begins walking toward the door, holding it open for Tesla to exit first.
CUT TO:
EXT. DOWNTOWN NEW YORK
Tesla exits the machine shop, quickly followed by Edison. Edison begins walking forward with no regard for Tesla. Tesla quickly follows.
EDISON
This is one of the largest and most innovative cities in the world right now. If I have anything to do with it, New york will be the first city that is solely powered by electricity.
TESLA
Yes, this is precisely why I have chosen to come work for you directly. I have plans for a new system, which far exceeds the efficiency of Direct current. With this new model...
Edison stops abruptly in the street and focuses his eyes directly through Tesla, as if thinking.
EDISON
New model you say? What exactly are you talking about there?
TESLA
Alternating current. I have developed a system of alternating currents which allow levels of voltage and current to be readily transformed, allowing distribution of power over distances of hundreds of miles. Mr. Edison, it is my dream to power the world, and with this new system, with your guidance and support we can fulfill this dream. We can do things that have been deemed impossible with direct current.
EDISON
Now hold up one second! Spare me that nonsense. It’s dangerous. We’re set up for direct current here in America. We like it, and I'll tell you right now, it’s all I'll ever fool with. If you have any plans to make it here in this country you’ll get used to that thought and forget about all that alternating current junk.
Tesla observed Edison for a moment with surprise and disappointment.
TESLA
Yes Mr. Edison, I understand.
Edison let out a slow but dominating chuckle. Then set his hand on Tesla’s shoulder.
EDISON
Now that's not to say I am not willing to extend my arms, and embrace my employees from all over the world, especially those with such high regard. Now you were saying, you worked redesigning dynamo’s for Batchelor did you?
TESLA
Yes sir, I did.
EDISON
Well, I’ll tell you what. Why don't you get started on that ship I was telling you about. That should be a couple weeks of work, and by that time we’ll line up some more work for you to do.
TESLA
Will you be...
Edison interrupts, continuing from his last sentence, not acknowledging that Tesla had begun to speak.
EDISON
Feel free to go check out the ship tonight if you’d like. Maybe take some notes, that's what I like to do. Let the thoughts just kind of come to you overnight, then get a fresh start in the morning.
TESLA
Yes sir, I will inspect the scene immediately.
INT. S.S. OREGON - ELECTRICAL ROOM - MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
Telsa works feverishly into the late hours of the night repairing faulty dynamo’s riddled with short circuits and breaks. The crew immediately upon his arrival acknowledged his knowledge, and voluntarily supported him.
TESLA
Please hand me the commutator.
A ship worker hands Tesla the commutator and watches anxiously with the others. Then as the air becomes thick with excitement, Tesla starts the machines and the lights become ignited. The ship is illuminated victoriously, only highlighted by the beginnings of a rising sun.
EXT. DOWNTOWN NEW YORK - NEAR EDISONS LAB - DUSK
Tesla walks through the abandoned New York streets toward the hotel room which he had rented, only blocks away from Edisons laboratory. He see’s Edison and 2 men exiting the lab and is happily surprised to see them.
EDISON
Who’s that there?
EDISON’S WORKER
Is that the new hire?
EDISON
Is it our new Parisian? Is that you Nikola Tesla?
Tesla raises his hand.
TESLA
Yes, hello.
The men ignite in laughter.
EDISON
Not even one day here, and our Parisian is already running around through the night.
EDISON’S WORKER 2
This city is quite overwhelming.
EDISON
Yes it is. Hope you’ll be able to make it up to East River in the morning, or should I say in a couple of hours.
TESLA
Actually, Mr. Edison, that is where I have been. I am just on my way back from the S.S. Oregon. Me and the crew of the ship were able to successfully repair the faulty dynamo’s and get the ships electrical components running successfully.
A silence fell over the men, and their laughter quickly turned into admirable starring. Edison hesitated to speak and just stared directly at Tesla; squinting. Edison began walking past Tesla, without speaking another word. Tesla heard him speak softly as he was walking away.
EDISON
That’s a damn good man, there.
CUT TO:
INT. 65TH AVENUE(EDISONS LAB) - A MONTH LATER - MID-DAY
Men are working harder than ever consistently in the lab, alongside the regulars Tesla sits and works at his station. Better dressed than the rest of them, he sticks out sorely. Edison walks in threw the front of the building and begins to yell at some of the others. Then storms into his office slamming the door. Tesla gets up from his desk holding on to a folder filled with blueprints and begins to walk toward the office, hesitating to move forward, he knocks.
OC EDISON
Yes? Who is it?
TESLA
It is me sir, Nikola.
OC EDISON
Yes. Yes. Come in.
INT. 65TH AVENUE(EDISONS LAB) - EDISONS OFFICE
Tesla walks in on a distraught Edison.
EDISON
Yes, Nikola. What can I do for you.
TESLA
Well sir, I have been examining the dynamo’s...
EDISON
Nik before you continue, didn’t we talk about your attire before. Your making the others as well as myself quite uncomfortable with all the formal wear. Try wearing a pair of sneakers; you have to remember where you are. You’re not in Paris anymore. You’re in America.
TESLA
Yes. Sir I am sorry.
EDISON
Not to worry. Now what were you saying, about the dynamo’s?
TESLA
Yes. I have been examining the dynamo’s that we currently have in commission and I have come up with a series of redesigns which will...
Edison interrupts.
EDISON
Woa.. Woa.. Wait a sec. What are you saying now? Redesigning the dynamo’s? Why would we go and do that? They seem to be working just fine.
Tesla acknowledges Edisons statement. Then begins to pull out his plans. Edison becomes aggravated and is not pleased with Tesla’s plans.
TESLA
Yes. They are working just fine at the moment. But if we go through with these plans and refurbish the dynamo’s to these specifications we would not only improve their service but would also save a lot of money for the company.
Edison begins to listen.
EDISON
Here let me take a look at that.
TESLA
Yes please do. You can see in page 2 what I mean.
EDISON
This isn’t exactly another overnight job.
TESLA
No it isn’t. In fact this would be quite a project if we decide to go through with it.
EDISON
Yea, you can say that. How long do you suppose a refurbishing like this one might take?
TESLA
A rough estimate might leave us any where from 8-12 months.
EDISON
I’ll tell you what, I'm leaving you responsible for this assignment. IF you can get it done in that time, there will be fifty thousand dollars in for you.
Tesla’s eyes light up with excitement, as Edison gently reaches across his desk to offer a handshake.
TESLA
Thank you sir, I will do my best.
INT. 65TH AVENUE(EDISONS LAB) - 4 MONTHS LATER - DAWN
The sun begins rising as Tesla and a select few men in Edisons Lab work vigorously through the night. OC Edison is heard yelling in his office out of frustration.
EDISON WORKER 1
Well that's about all I can handle here. Nik you gonna be leaving soon?
TESLA
Yes. I just need a few more hours to finish this. I will see you back here in the afternoon.
EDISON’S WORKER 2
Yea, i’m with Jeff.
The Men surrounding Nikola Tesla begin to pack their things and walk proceed to exit the building. Edison hears the commotion and comes out of his office thinking that all the men have left only to see that Tesla is still working, harder than ever. He pauses and stairs for a few moments then approached Tesla.
EDISON
What are you working on there?
TESLA
I am just working out some calculations for the renovation of the 12th dynamo.
EDISON
Writing out, huh. Well I wont argue with you, every machinist has his technique. But I can tell you right now, I never would have gotten anywhere ‘writing things out.’ Invention and renovation come solely from experimentation; and to me, ‘writing all those calculations out is just a waste of time.
TESLA
Yes sir, but one thing that I have learned in my years of university...
Edison interrupts.
EDISON
Just leave it at that Nik. I have no interest in what you learned in University.
TESLA
Yes sir. I am sorry.
Edison gets up, flabbergasted and walks back into his office. Tesla continues writing in his notebook.
CUT TO:
INT. 65TH AVENUE(EDISONS LAB) - MAIN ROOM - 5 MONTHS LATER - MIDDAY
Tesla sits eagerly, to hear from Edison. He has completed the task of renovating 24 dynamo’s and is waiting to redeem his check for what was promised to him 9 months prior. His renovation has saved Edisons general electric company over $100,000 and everyone who works there knows it. Tesla gets up off of his desk with a display of anger(first time so far that tesla displays any kind of unprofessional behavior). He approaches Edison at his work station.
EDISON
Hey Nik what can I do for you?
TESLA
Mr. Edison, I have redesigned 24 dynamo’s creating an efficient system of direct current power supply, fully equipped with automatic controls. All together...
EDISON
Now wait just a second. What exactly are you asking about here.
Edison speaks loudly. The room begins to silence as the men listen with anticipation.
TESLA
You promised to pay me the sum of $50,000. It has been over 2 weeks since the final dynamo has been constructed and I still have not received any word of payment.
EDISON
$50,000? What in Gods green earth would possibly make you think that I would pay you $50,000 for doing the job I hired you to do? Redesigning dynamo’s just like you were doing in...
TESLA
You offered me this sum, when I showed you the plans. You are the one who made the offer.
The room is completely silent as Edison stairs blankly at Tesla as if trying to remember. Vaguely the vision of the offer begins to come into Edisons mind. Edison sits back into his chair and begins to let out a piercing laugh. The men of the lab begin to stair blankly at one another as if trying to communicate their confusion.
TESLA
...
EDISON
Tesla my boy, you don't seem to understand our American humor.
Edison continues to laugh as Tesla respectfully begins to get up.
TESLA
Thank you for the opportunity to work here, but I must be leaving now.
Edison continues to laugh. OC Edison is heard mocking Tesla, “$50,000! Can you believe that?” As Tesla collects his things and exits the building.
CUT TO:
INT. LABORERS OFFICE - MANAGERS ROOM - WEEKS LATER
The room reeks of dead mice, horribly kept. Papers are scattered across the floor, Tesla notices, as he is attempting to step over them and in front of the interviewee's chair. The interviewer waves him in, and gets comfortable behind his desk, frowning at how well kept Tesla appears to be.
INTERVIEWER
Well you certainly dressed for the occasion.
TESLA
Yes thank you.
INTERVIEWER
Nevermind...
The interviewer chuckles. Tesla remains flat faced.
INTERVIEWER
Mr. Tesla, I’m gonna be honest with you. I know times are tough, but this kind of work is vigorous. We don't usually get your type applying.
TESLA
Please sir, I only need a well paying job for months time.
INTERVIEWER
You saving up to move back to... move back home?
TESLA
No. I am saving up to experiment and develop a proper A/C induction motor model. Patents for these kinds of things are quite expensive.
INTERVIEWER
Alright, just show up in the morning, and I'll introduce you to the boys. But don’t act like I didn't warn you. This kind of work is tough, not usually for men of your stature, but I wont stop you.
The man reaches to shake Tesla’s hand, Tesla hesitates when he notices the mans hand is filthy. The mans hand remains lifted for a few moments, and tesla quickly reaches out and shakes it, in fear of losing his newly acquired job.
INTERVIEWER
See you in the morning.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEW YORK CONSTRUCTION ZONE - WEEKS LATER
Tesla hammers and digs at the hard floor, accompanied by like men. Sweating in the blistering son, he works hard, in the difficult environment.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEW YORK CONSTRUCTION ZONE - IN THE SHADE - LATER
Tesla sits with another man as he eats from a loaf of bread. They eat in silence. Once Tesla is finished eating his bread he rolls up his sleeves and pulls a comb out of his pocket, proceeding to fix his appearance. He then returns to the ditches and continues digging. The other man notices his overly compensated appearance, and chuckles to himself in a playful/non-threatening manner as he shakes his head.
DITCH DIGGER 1
Your the best kept man out here, I’ll tell you that much.
Tesla looks at the man, with a slight nod, then continues digging.
CUT TO:
INT. TESLA’S APARTMENT - MAIN ROOM - MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
Tesla screws together bolt to bolt working feverishly through the night to develop his A/C induction motor. He goes from screwing in one piece to writing out calculations in his notebook. Back and forth.
CUT TO:
INT. NEW YORK PATENT OFFICE - MAIN LOBBY - MONTHS LATER
Tesla attempts to submit his patents for the A/C induction motor, revealing all of the remainder of his money. He hands the patent manager this money with slight hesitation.
PATENT MANAGER
Alright that’s all we are gonna need for now Mr. Tesla. You’ll be hearing from us in 6-8 weeks.
CUT TO:
INT. TESLA’S APARTMENT - MAIN ROOM - HOURS LATER
Tesla sits behind his work station, again working feverishly at the now almost completed A/C induction motor model. He bolts in the last of the screws and begins the engine. It rattles and works exactly how he wanted it to. Tesla’s eyes light up in triumph.
LONG DISSOLVE TO:
INT. AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS(COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY) - 2 YEARS LATER IN 1888 - MIDDAY
Tesla is well dressed but is now revealed with more confidence. We see only him as he speaks.
TESLA
I cannot find words to express how deeply I feel the honor of addressing some of the foremost thinkers of the present time, and so many able scientific men, engineers and electricians, of the country greatest in scientific achievements.
A light pause occurs amongst the crowd. We still see only him.
TESLA
In the presence of the existing diversity of opinion regarding the relative merits of the alternate and continuous current systems, great importance is attached to the question whether alternate currents can be successfully utilized in the operation of motors. The transformers, with their numerous advantages, have afforded us a relatively perfect system of distribution, and although, as in all branches of the art, many improvements are desirable, comparatively little remains to be done in this direction. The transmission of power, on the contrary, has been almost entirely confined to the use of continuous currents, and notwithstanding that many efforts have been made to utilize alternate currents for this purpose, they have, up to the present, at least as far as known, failed to give the result desired.
Whispers are heard through the crowd.
TESLA
Unfortunately enough due to the undesired results of the utilization of alternating currents, society, thus far, has decided to solely rely on Direct currents. That is why I am here before you today, to announce a new age. An age of invention, renovation, and improvement. An age of success in the use of alternating currents, and the development of a brushless A/C induction motor, which will make the transmission of electricity over long distance not only possible, but a reality.
Tesla walks to the table where an A/C induction motor model lays. He begins to power it up. The crowd begins to gasp with admiration as the motor starts flawlessly.
CUT TO:
INT. AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS - AFTER SPEECH
Tesla stands amongst a group of men socializing and discussing his A/C motor. George Westinghouse is viewed admiring Tesla from afar, waiting for his opportunity to approach him alone. The group begins to dismantle, and Westinghouse takes the opportunity to approach Tesla.
WESTINGHOUSE
Mr. Tesla... Mr. Tesla?
TESLA
Yes, How do you do?
The men shake hands.
WESTINGHOUSE
My name is George Westinghouse of Westinghouse Electric.
TESLA
Yes. It is an honor to meet you.
WESTINGHOUSE
It is an honor to meet you Mr. Tesla. I’m a big fan your system.
TESLA
Thank you.
WESTINGHOUSE
In fact, I’ve been an advocate of A/C currents for some time now.
TESLA
That is interesting to hear, Mr. Westinghouse.
The men continue discussing matters.
CUT TO:
INT. WESTINGHOUSE’S OFFICE - WEEKS LATER
Tesla sits behind a desk signing papers, as Westinghouse and his lawyers hover above him. The men all appear to be in celebration. Tesla then gets up, and the men all begin to shake hands.
EXT. 5TH AVE. TESLA’S NEW LAB(BLOCKS FROM EDISON’S) - MONTHS LATER
Westinghouse shows Tesla around the laboratory as hired men unload cars filled with parts to be used in Tesla’s experimenting.
INT. 65TH AVENUE(EDISONS LAB) - THAT DAY
Edison is seen sitting at his desk disturbed at the recent news of the Westinghouse/Tesla merger.
EDISON
Who do they think they are? That son of a bitch used to work for me.
EDISONS ASSOCIATE
Yes he did sir.
EDISON
Can we do something legally. Shouldn’t I have him under contract?
EDISONS ASSOCIATE
No, unfortunately. I have already looked into the legal aspects, we can’t do anything. They formed their union legally.
EDISON
God damn that Westinghouse. He should have stayed in railways where he’s comfortable.
EDISONS ASSOCIATE
Did you hear about Westinghouse’s plants?
EDISON
He’s converted them... To produce polyphase systems.
EDISONS ASSOCIATE
What are you gonna do Tom?
EDISON
What am I gonna do?
Edison gives his associate an anger filled stare.
EDISON
I am going to cut the floor out from beneath them.
EDISONS ASSOCIATE
The floor?
EDISON
We’re gonna expose Westinghouse, Tesla, and this so called revolutionary invention for exactly what it is. Westinghouse has no idea what he has coming for him.
The man stares blankly at Edison.
EDISON
That son of a bitch is gonna wish he never stepped into the field of electrical engineering.
EXT. MADISON SQUARE - MONTHS LATER - MIDDAY
Edison stands in front of a crowd of onlookers speaking of the negative aspects of alternating current. A boy approaches him from the rear, with a stray cat in hand.
EDISON
Phillip, my boy... There you are. I was wondering if you were going to make it.
PHILLIP
Sorry Mr. Edison. Took me a while to find him.
EDISON
Not to worry. Here you go... For your trouble.
Edison hands Phillip a quarter.
PHILLIP
Thank you.
Phillip runs off.
EDISON
My fellow New Yorkers. As you know, electricity is not amongst the safer commodities this world has to offer. Through lightning we see the true nature of this magnificently powerful gift.
The crowd begins to grow and gather closer together. Edison begins to attach a special collar on the stray cat.
EDISON
But if we were to harness this power, savor it... responsibly; as I have with the invention and implementation of direct currents, it may be the most glorious and prized commodity this world has ever seen.
Edison connects the color to a specially made short leash which is attached to the table.
MAN IN CROWD
Now what’s this about Tom?
EDISON
Now please, be patient with me. To shorten up what I am saying and get on with this simple demonstration I will say this: Westinghouse believes that he, a man of the railways, a rich man, with no prior experience in electricity believes that he can come into this field and trick you, the people, into believing he has found an alternate to direct currents. Now I assure you, ladies and gentlemen he will be leaving out certain information that he himself does not understand, like the dangers of his so called alternating currents. It is not his fault... But it is up to people like me, the inventor of the light bulb, the sole creator of everything electrical thus far in history to show you these dangers. To keep you from his allure. To save you from the fate that you may be so unlucky as to see if you do go with his system.
The crowd is now silent observing every movement of Edison.
EDISON
As you know, in the field of science, experiments must be had, and sometimes creatures must be sacrificed in order to prove the dangers of the product. Now this experiment might not have been necessary if it were just between me and you people here today, but unfortunately people like George Westinghouse, and the so called Nikola Tesla have forced me to seek proof. Proof of the fears I have been staying up night after night envisioning. This fear is fueled by the information that I have, being an electrical engineer. The truth that alternating current holds in its power a voltage high enough to disintegrate a living human in a matter of seconds. Now this kind of claim may seem bizarre, and may seem exaggerated, but that is precisely why this demonstration today is completely necessary. I need to know, for myself, for you, that these fears of mine, are not just an old inventor becoming paranoid, but the fears of an electrical engineer who has single handedly began powering all of New York city with the same light bulb he invented years prior. I need to know that these fears are legitimate enough to go to congress with, because if they are, that is exactly where I will be going. We live in the most advanced nation in the world, we can’t just sit back and allow this injustice to humanity to occur, I wont let it happen, not to Westinghouse, and most certainly not to an inventor from Paris.
Edison attaches the positive and negative of the wires to the cats collar and pulls, from underneath the table an alternating current generator.
EDISON
What I have here before you, is an alternating current power generator. The same generator that the Westinghouse electric company is attempting to produce out of his many newly updated manufacturing plants. At this time ladies and gentleman, I would like to ask those of you who are weak of stomach to please turn away.
Edison switches the generator on, and steps back as the cat begins to squeal and falls onto the table twitching erratically. The cat begins smoking from its collar.
EDISON
Ladies and gentleman I believe my point has been made.
The crowd turn and complain to one another. Whispers and talking can be heard.
CUT TO:
