INTRO

DANCE MONTAGE:

Isadora, as a half-naked child, dances alone by the ocean.

She pulses with nature: wind, waves, trees, birds, clouds,

ISADORA (V.O.)
The wind? I am the wind. The sea
and the moon? I am the sea and the
moon. Tears, pain, love, bird-
flights? I am all of them.

... a Teen in flowing tunic and scarves dances at dusk and at

moonlight ending in a sacred stance with arms to the sky

ISADORA (V.O.)

Dance, the divine expression of the

human spirit through the body’s
movement.

... Pregnant and walking the beach holding hands with

Eleanora Duse(or mother???).

ISADORA (V.O.)(CONT’D)

...all the great events of my life

have taken place by the sea. My ...
dance certainly came from the
rhythm of the waves.

... Stormy weather by the banks of the Seine River

... Haunting scene of a car being dredged from the river

... She wails in sorrow

ISADORA (CONT’D)
Dance – it is the rhythm of all
that dies in order to live again;
it is the eternal rising of the
sun.”

MONTAGE ENDS

EXT. BEACH ON LEFT BANK PARIS - MORNING

ISADORA DUNCAN (49) walks the beach in flowing tunic and

scarves. Seagulls caw, waves break, wind blows.
 2.

Nearby, excited children giggle and squeal. Isadora forlornly

stares at the children who transition to and from Patrick (3)
and Deirdre (6), her children who died in a freak accident.

INT. ART EXHIBITION - LATE EVENING

Isadora, in purple “draperies” glides through the dimly lit

shop, gulping down punch and slobbering over the artwork.
Spontaneously, she and Robert McAlmon begin intimately
dancing to the background piano music.

ISADORA
I’ve read your novel, Village. You
certainly capture the magic of the
young and lively.

ROBERT MCALMON
It certainly was a joy to research.

ISADORA
You would be the perfect person to
write my biography.

ROBERT MCALMON
I do like adventure.

The music stops and Isadora strolls to the artwork

INT. ART EXHIBITION - MINUTES LATER

Isadora approaches the shop clerk.

ISADORA
Darling, put these two aside for
me. I must have them in my suite.

YOUNG CLERK
Certaiment madam. And your name?

Isadora startled by the question.

ISADORA
(offended)
Duncan, dear. Isadora Duncan.

Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald enter. She dismisses the clerk.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
Oh, look it’s Zelda.
 3.

INT. CENTER OF THE CROWD - MOMENTS LATER

Zelda reaches out to embrace Isadora.

ZELDA
Dear Isadora, I was hoping you’d be
here.

ISADORA
Ernest invited me but then he did
not come.

ZELDA
Men! ha! Let’s slip over to the
bistro. I’m famished.

ISADORA
Lovely idea. Just a moment.

Isadora takes a Greek-style figurine and returns to the

clerk. Zelda turns to Scott Fitzgerald.

ZELDA
Scottie, Dora and I are going to
zip over to the bistro.

SCOTT FITZGERALD
I’ll be waiting with baited breath.

Zelda follows after Isadora and Robert McAlmon turns to

Scott.

SCOTT FITZGERALD (CONT’D)

Look at Isadora packing away the
art? She’s not even holding dance
classes.

SCOTT FITZGERALD (CONT’D)

Ha! She’s not even holding her
liquor.
Both laugh together.

INT./EXT. HOTEL LEFT BANK, FRANCE - MORNING IN AUGUST 1926

MARY DESTI (58) food in hand, dressed in flowing tunic,

cavorts through the lobby and runs into ELIZABETH (58),
Isadora’s somber, motherly sister.

MARY DESTI
Elizabeth! You made it!

Mary grabs Elizabeth’s hand.

 4.

MARY DESTI (CONT’D)

Isadora’s on the beach.

Elizabeth coolly retrieves her hand.

ELIZABETH
It can wait.

MARY DESTI
Oh, of course. You need to freshen
up! We gather here on the veranda.
About noon.

Elizabeth takes her small bag and walks inside the hotel.
Mary flits across the veranda waving to someone on the beach.

INT. HOTEL LOBBY - MOMENTS LATER

Young, brazen and stylish newsman, IRA SAKS (23) chats with,
M. LA MAIN (50s), the hotel owner who has a heavy French
accent.

IRA SAKS
Yeah, my favorite stories are the
new airplanes or maybe racecars.

M. LA MAIN
(French Accent)
Oui, Exciting! Monsieur Falchetto
is about about. You find him?

IRA SAKS
Ehh. They assigned me to drum up a
story on the old, barefoot dancer.
I’m just hoping she takes off more
than her shoes. HaHaHa

M. La Main nods his chin towards Elizabeth and Ira hushes.

Elizabeth turns her nose up at both.
M. LA MAIN
Bonjour Madam, une chambre pour
vous?

ELIZABETH
Oui, One night. Très Clean.

M. LA MAIN
Mais bien sûr, Un moment.

Turning back to Ira.

 5.

M. LA MAIN (CONT’D)
Champagne pour vous.

Ira holds up two fingers.

IRA SAKS
Two glasses. Deux.

M. La Main rushes to the back room.

Ira ambles over to the artwork.

FLASHBACK - PASSED OVER

Teenage Elizabeth excitedly watches a young fella walking

towards her. Big smile, flowers in hand.

YOUNG FELLA
Good afternoon, Elizabeth? I wonder
if your little sister is about.
Will you kindly introduce us?

Elizabeth is deflated.

BACK TO PRESENT DAY

INT. HOTEL LOBBY - MINUTES LATER

M. La Main raises his voice to get Elizabeth’s attention.

M. LA MAIN
Excuse moi! Sign here, Madam.

She grabs the pen from him and signs.

ELIZABETH
It is Mademoiselle.

EXT. HOTEL DINING VERANDA - NOON

Elizabeth and Mary are seated with a group of highfalutin art

patrons, primarily women. Patrons are chattering. Isadora
floats into the room and all eyes are on her with the
exception of Elizabeth’s.

Ira Saks is seated nearby with a bottle of champagne and two

glasses on his table.

Isadora addresses the group from the head of the table.

 6.

ISADORA
First, a toast.

All raise their glasses.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
To you, my loyal patrons, who
anxiously await the writing of my
memoirs.

They sip in unison. Excited murmurs from the group.

Ira is listening covertly.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
I only wish I could say the task
has been completed, but, I’m still
interviewing writers. While I have
lived a full and passionate life,
writing is not my specialty. It has
taken many years to perfect my
dance techniques
yet++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++ I cannot
expect to take years to perfect a
writing technique. (*QUOTE from My
Life’s foreword.)

PATRON1
I’ve heard you are considering
Zelda Fitzgerald?

Everyone, except Elizabeth, is riveted to her answer.

ISADORA
Well, no, our schedules are
opposed. I have approached Gertrude
Stein, Ernest Hemingway, Robert
McAlmon and others. Choosing the
best person is most challenging.
Madam La Main, the hotel owner’s wife, is serving meals to
the group.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
After we enjoy our lunch, Mary and
I will meet with each of you
individually.

PATRON2
(speaking to server)
Madam, please add a merlot and a
chardonnay on my ticket.
 7.

Madam La Main acknowledges the order.

ISADORA
Oh no, no, dear Nabria. You are my
guest today.

Addressing server.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
Add the bottles to my ticket, s’il
vous plait.

Madam La Main nods with a stern face.

INT. HOTEL KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER

Stomping into the kitchen where M. La Main is prepping food.

MADAM LA MAIN
(French Accent)
She has added two more bottles of
wine!

M. LA MAIN
It is large party. She has many
friends.

MADAM LA MAIN
Ahh! You think she is a Saint!

M. LA MAIN
Well...

MADAM LA MAIN
Well? If you don’t say something
then I will!

M. LA MAIN
Leave it be, woman. She will be
fine.
MADAM LA MAIN
Humph

INT. VERANDA DINING ROOM - MINUTES LATER

Madam La Main is refilling water glasses.

MARY DESTI
Ah, Madam La Main, you must read
Isadora’s palm.
 8.

Madam La Main puts water pitcher down and walks to Isadora

who places her palm face up to be read. With her back to the
other guests, Madam La Main takes the palm and smooths it
flat. Looking at the palm she whispers.

MADAM LA MAIN
Ahh, it is clear. Woman who cannot
pay, cannot stay.

Her eyes rise to meet Isadora’s.

Isadora pulls her hand back then recovers quickly.

ISADORA
Oh my, that is absurd!

The group murmurs with speculations. Isadora addresses them.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
I’m so sorry to say. The hotel has
no more wine to serve.

Madam La Main stands in awe. Group grumbles about how absurd

that a French restaurant has no wine to serve.

MADAM LA MAIN
I will search the cellar, Madam, uh
Mademoiselle. We will find what you
need.

Madam La Main rushes back to the kitchen.

Mary notices Ira jotting notes into a small book.

INT. VERANDA DINING ROOM - MUCH LATER

Isadora consults with a patron. Nearby, Mary consults with

another. Both have a ledger in front of them. Mary’s patron
is gathering belongings to leave.
MARY DESTI
Yes, the school in Germany is self-
sufficient, thank you for asking.

Both stand.

MARY DESTI (CONT’D)

And, your support of The Art of the
Dance is so very appreciated.

Mary kisses the patron on each cheek and the patron leaves.

Mary approaches Ira Saks who is still taking notes.

 9.

MARY DESTI (CONT’D)

Good afternoon, Monsieur. Perhaps
you are interested in becoming a
Patron of Isadora’s Art of the
Dance?

Ira smiles and puts his pen down.

IRA SAKS
Well, I’d like to learn more about
it. For the sake of my publisher.

He tips his hat.

IRA SAKS (CONT’D)

Ira Saks, B&L Publishing.
Mary awkwardly imitates Isadora’s flirty gestures by swishing
her tunic at him.

MARY DESTI
Oh, of course, a newsman. That
explains your dapper style.

She eagerly sits across from him and leans forward.

MARY DESTI (CONT’D)

Isadora is hesitant to speak with
newsmen but I am her closest
confidant and can certainly help
you.

Across the room, Isadora rises and walks towards the beach
looking exhausted. Ira watches her.

IRA SAKS
That would be um, most welcome,
Madam, uh.

MARY DESTI
Desti, Madamemoiselle Desti.
Isadora and I are soul mates and
have traveled far and wide across
the ages.

IRA SAKS
Yes, I see the similarities. I hope
you will introduce us at your
leisure? My publisher has a special
interest.

Ira pulls bottle out of ice. Hands it to Mary along with the
two glasses.
 10.

IRA SAKS (CONT’D)

For now, let me offer this bottle
of champagne.

She takes them eagerly.

MARY DESTI
Oh, that is just what the doctor
ordered. Let me take it to her now.
These meetings so exhaust her.
Won’t you excuse me?

IRA SAKS
Certainly, I look forward to our
next encounter.
She nods with a coy smile.

MARY DESTI
As do I. And I intend to have
Isadora join us.

INT. HOTEL KITCHEN - LATER

M. La Main and wife are speaking in hushed tones.

M. LA MAIN
I told you to keep quiet.

MADAM LA MAIN
I was protecting your dignity! She
said we have no wine.

M. LA MAIN
We do not need another scandal.
Will you never learn?

MADAM LA MAIN
You cannot let her defy you this
way. She needs to pay. Pay in
advance.

M. LA MAIN
When she settles up, I will discuss
it with her. I alone!

EXT. BEACH PATH TO HOTEL - MUCH LATER

Isadora and Mary stumble arm in arm towards the hotel. Mary
points at Ira who is 50 yards away sitting on the veranda.
 11.

MARY DESTI
There he is, our newest admirer.

Isadora glides away from Mary and raises her glass at Ira. He
returns the gesture. Isadora takes a deep bow.

FLASHBACK - ENCORE

Isadora rises after bowing on stage. She gives a short encore

performance of her unique style of dance, a Greek statue come
to life. The footlights hide an eager crowd.

BACK TO PRESENT DAY

EXT. HOTEL’S VERANDA - MINUTES LATER

Isadora and Mary stumble up steps giggling. Isadora glides

over to Ira’s table.

ISADORA
You sure know how to raise a girl’s
spirits but, I will not submit
myself to another interview.

With a sparkle in his eyes.

IRA SAKS
Oh surely you’ll throw a few
tidbits my way. I understand that
your memoirs are on the way.

Isadora sits up straight.

ISADORA
Yes, well. That is of future
relevance.

IRA SAKS
Future? Is your husband supporting
the endeavor? Being a Singer sewing
machine magnate and all.

ISADORA
(stiffly)
You are misinformed, Sir, and I do
not have the patience to enlighten
you.

She begins to walk away.

 12.

IRA SAKS
Awe come on, be a sport. At least
demonstrate how you walk on your
toes! That’s a story in itself.

She looks back at him in disgust then floats away with Mary
trailing behind. Isadora complains over her shoulder.

ISADORA
An excellent illustration as to why
I avoid newsmen!

MARY DESTI
The memoirs would make a great news
story. Might bring more patrons,
more support.

Isadora stops, looks at her scornfully, then continues.

INT. HOTEL FRONT DESK - DAYS LATER

M. La Main hands a receipt to Isadora. Mary is nearby. La

Main refers to a ledger open in front of him.

M. LA MAIN
Oui, mademoiselle, your debt is
clear. However, it is the
arrangement that must now be
reconciled.

ISADORA
Whatever do you mean?

M. LA MAIN
Your suite currently includes meals
but t’is unreasonable, considering
the number of guests you entertain.

ISADORA
I explained that I will not eat
alone. It is against my nature.

M. LA MAIN
I honored the arrangement by
valuing your persona. But, our
small hotel cannot withstand the
cost. Your new agreement will
include your own meals - no
visitors.
 13.

ISADORA
Humph! No need. I will be returning
to Paris for the winter and shall
never inconvenience you again.

M. LA MAIN
Please, Mademoiselle, you have a
place in my heart. If I could, I
would keep the arrange...

ISADORA
Ha! Your heart is not large enough
for someone of my caliber!

She saunters away to her room. Mary skitters along after her.

INT. ISADORA’S SUITE - MINUTES LATER

Isadora pulls out her trunk and begins stuffing it with

clothing.

MARY DESTI
Isadora, darling, you cannot rush
off! Your memoirs...

ISADORA
Hopeless! I’m too old... I’m going
home.

MARY DESTI
Home? Your home is in your heart!
The newest writers are here on the
bank.

ISADORA
Oh, they want all the details. I
can’t. I just can’t.

MARY DESTI
Stop, Stop, you can’t throw it all
away.

ISADORA
I’m going home...

MARY DESTI
The patrons...

Isadora stops packing and glares at Mary.

 14.

ISADORA
The patrons? They...they have
sucked the life out of me. I owe no
one.

They glare eye to ey for a moment then Mary stomps away.

Isadora gazes at precious family photos. Wrapping them in

delicate clothing, she packs them on top.

INT. TRAIN - DAYS LATER

Isadora is dressed in her finest travel attire with a fancy

hat. Looking out the window.

FLASHBACK - DANCERS ONBOARD

Isadora in her 20s with ten young girls in the dining car of
a train. She and the girls, all dressed in tunics and flowing
scarves. The girls, so excited, can hardly contain
themselves. They chatter, giggle and dance about.

ISADORA
Darlings, what a joy, HaHaHa but,
settle down a bit before the
pullman...

The girls drag her into an impromptu circle dance and she
throws her head back in delight.

Elizabeth comes into the car and the sight of her grim face
causes the girls to shrink back into a shell.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
Elizabeth, dear, won’t you
celebrate with us?

ELIZABETH
We must discuss expenses, sister.
Time you come back down to earth.

The girls sit at their tables. Isadora and Elizabeth sit

down, heads together. Cozy and calm.

BACK TO PRESENT DAY

 15.

INT. ISADORA’S BEDROOM - WINTER MORNING

Isadora gently removes her family photos and places them

around the room. A fire burns and cheery sunshine fills the
air. Isadora’s maid, PEARL, knocks on the door.

PEARL
Miss Isadora, lunch is served in an
hour.

ISADORA
Lovely, Pearl, let’s dine in the
nook. We have so much to catch up
on.

PEARL
Sounds lovely, Miss.

ISADORA
And Pearl, are their doors closed?

PEARL
Oh, of course, have been for ages.

Isadora nods her head and continues to unpack.

INT. PARIS PARLOR - LATE AFTERNOON

Isadora dozes in an arm chair in front of the fire. Wine

glass on the table.

Children are playing outside and one gets hurt.

INJURED CHILD (O.S.)

(wailing)
Mommma! Waaa! Momma!

Isadora jolts awake and runs to Patrick’s bedroom. She throws

the door open and steps back into time. Toddler toys and
clothes are just as they were sixteen years ago when he died.

She sits on the floor and holds his toy bunny. Rocking back
and forth, sobbing. She senses someone has joined her and a
ghostly Dierdre puts an arm around her.

DIERDRE
It’s okay now. Don’t cry momma.

Dierdre transitions into Pearl.

PEARL
Come with me now. It’s okay. Shhh,
Shhh now. It’s okay.
 16.

Pearl leads her back to her arm chair. Isadora still holds
the bunny. Pearl covers her with a blanket and rocks her
while reading Walt Whitman’s poem

PEARL (CONT’D)

Give me a field where the unmow'd grass grows;

Give me an arbor, give me the trellis'd grape;
Give me fresh corn and wheat...

MONTAGE - SLEEPLESS NIGHTS

A screeching cat in heat wakes her. Drowsy, she searches for

the “crying baby”.
Sees clothes wafting in the wind - transitions back and forth
as the children.

Early morning in the garden, sees tricycle moving. Speaks to

the children in hopes they will speak back.

MONTAGE ENDS

INT. KITCHEN - WEE HOURS AFTER MIDNIGHT

Pearl finds Isadora has made a mess and is kneading dough.

PEARL
Miss Isadora, what wakes you?

ISADORA
Oh, again, I cannot sleep. I’m
baking bread. The smell will help.

Pearl takes over kneading.

PEARL
Um, I see. We will get it rising.
Isadora gulps more wine and nibbles on cheese and grapes. The
sun is dawning through the window she peers outside.

ISADORA
Dawn is my favorite.

Pearl sees Isadora’s JOURNAL, chaotic scratches and spilt

food on the open page.

PEARL
Are the memoirs keeping you awake?
 17.

ISADORA
Oh no, no. They are fine. Simply
writing themselves.

She opens the door. Birds chirping.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
Mornings open like a flower.

She swirls in her flowing attire, wine in hand.

EXT. COMÉDIE DES CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES - EARLY EVENING

Isadora and PARIS SINGER, dashing millionaire and Isadora’s

former lover, stroll out of the theatre. The marquee behind
them says “Théâtre des Champs-Elysées”.

ISADORA
Ahh, I needed that My Lohengrin
(nickname for Paris Singer).

Singer lovingly smiles down at her.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
I’ve been going mad in Neuilly.
Quite literally, I am hearing and
seeing things. Hauntings.

PARIS SINGER
Hauntings?

ISADORA
Yes, it’s the children. I thought
that writing would keep my mind
occupied.

PARIS SINGER
The memoirs again?

ISADORA
(coyly)
You are my best patron.

PARIS SINGER
Hmmm, seems I have sponsored these
memoirs countless times, my dear.
To no avail.

ISADORA
Well, you know, my best writing is
done in Montmartre, amongst the
inspiring new writers.
 18.

PARIS SINGER
Sixteen years, Isadora. It’s been
sixteen years. Craig and I have
moved on. You should.

Ignoring him, she runs towards a fountain.

ISADORA
The electric lights are on. Hurry
“L”! Come see.

He strolls to meet her, lighting a cigarette.

INT. DINING - EARLY MORNING

Isadora and Mary sip coffee together.

ISADORA
Bless you for coming, my dearest
Mary. He has denied me again. I
don’t know what to do.

MARY DESTI
How could he? What did he say.

ISADORA
It’s what he didn’t say. Oh, I need
to get out of this house, Mary.

Isadora paces then looks directly at Mary.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
I’m going mad, Mary. Literally mad.

Mary stands and puts her arms around Isadora in a long,

soulful hug.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
Not a penny of my own. Patrons are
dwindling and even Irma will not
answer my appeals. I am just a
burden. What am I doing here?

Mary continues the hug and speaks into her ear.

MARY DESTI
Think of all the broken hearts
should you pass before your time.
We must preserve the magical
memories of this fantastical life
that has blessed us.

Isadora is sobbing now.

 19.

MARY DESTI (CONT’D)

Yes, get it out. Let it go.

Isadora continues to sob and Mary just rocks her in their

embrace.

INT. KITCHEN - DAWN

Isadora and Mary are busying around the kitchen, gathering

food and drink.

MARY DESTI
Where shall we picnic?

ISADORA
We’ll just walk and wander until it
feels right. Grab the tablecloth.

Mary does so and they both skip out the door.

EXT. ARTIST’S ALLEY - MORNING

Carrying their baskets, they bounce towards jazzy music. A

group is painting in the park. A young, vagrant artist, LIAM,
catches Isadora’s eye. He is dressed vibrantly and looks
quite intense. Isadora looks on as he works.

ISADORA
You have some queer shades here.

LIAM
It’s my own unique style.

MARY DESTI
You’re American.

LIAM
Last time I checked.
ISADORA
Join our picnic. Bring your work.

LIAM
Umm, I am hungry.

Isadora tugs his hand. He quickly packs his work. Canvas goes
on his back so it will not get smudged. The three giggle down
the alley together.
 20.

INT. KITCHEN - LATER AFTERNOON

The three stumble into the kitchen where Pearl is seated at

the table in the kitchen nook.

PEARL
Well, hello.

Isadora gestures to Liam.

ISADORA
Looky what we found.

She and Mary giggle. Liam makes some clever, mime-like moves.
Pearl looks disapprovingly at Mary. Mary puts her hand to her
chest and shakes her head “it wasn’t me”.

PEARL
Welcome, Sir.

ISADORA
He’s joining us for dinner, Pearl.

PEARL
Yes, miss.

Looking at Liam.

ISADORA
I’m not sure where he plans to
sleep.

LIAM
No plans here.

MARY DESTI
Then you must...

Pearl jolts a look at her.

ISADORA
Of course. Liam. You will stay in
the chauffer’s quarters as long as
you like.

They skip along towards the parlor.

INT. ISADORA'S BEDROOM - LATE EVENING

Isadora and Mary are in bed robes. Isadora pulls Mary’s hand
and leads her to the bed.
 21.

ISADORA
Keep me safe, dear Mary. I must
escape these night terrors.

MARY DESTI
Sure, Issy. I’ll keep you cozy.

They lay together with the lights off and moonlight streaming
in. They look at the ceiling as they chat.

MARY DESTI (CONT’D)

Do you remember the newsman we met
on the bank?

Isadora points her legs to the ceiling and makes fluid

gestures.

ISADORA
Sure, Ira. What a cutie.

MARY DESTI
I’ve spoken with him recently. His
publisher is a longtime admirer. He
wants to sponsor you.

ISADORA
Oh bother! I am so tired of this
discussion. The memoirs are
hopeless. I cannot remember
everything... nor do I want to!

MARY DESTI
Remember when you and I first met?

ISADORA
Hmm.... Such magic.

MARY DESTI
Yes, one way or another, we’ve been
entwined over 25 years. Together,
recreate the magic. For posterity.

ISADORA
I suppose but how will we live? My
patrons are...

MARY DESTI
Ira’s publisher has a very
intriguing offer. Probably an
advance to begin with. We could
live comfortably on royalties
alone.
 22.

Isadora takes Mary’s hand in hers.

ISADORA
I’m so tired of being embarrassed.

They lay quietly together for a time.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
If we can make it to 100 pages then
I‘ll speak with the publisher.

MARY DESTI
Beautiful. Promise?

ISADORA
Promise.
Isadora rolls and puts her back to Mary who spoons her in a
cozy snuggle.

EXT. GARDEN PATIO - LATE MORNING

Isadora is holding a pose while Mary, with pen and paper,

prompts her. Liam is chewing a cigar while painting Isadora.
The camera sees only SKETCHES on Liam’s canvas.

MARY DESTI
When did you begin to dance?

Isadora swishes her hand dramatically.

ISADORA
Why, in my mother’s womb.

LIAM
Hold your pose, Issy.

ISADORA
Probably as a result of the oysters
and champagne - the food of
Aphrodite.

Isadora’s gaze turns to the sky. Liam stops painting.

LIAM
My kind of womb.

MARY DESTI
I know that you children enjoyed
such freedom. Let’s see, Father
disappeared in a scandalous frenzy.
Mother was alone to raise the four
of you.
 23.

ISADORA
No governess. No nursemaid. We
explored in places she would never
guess.

Isadora takes a defensive stance.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
Scandalous Frenzy?

MARY DESTI
Well, we can touch it up later. We
just need to keep writing for now.

INT. KITCHEN NOOK - SAME TIME

Pearl is placing three meals on the table and putting a
napkin atop each. Looking worriedly out the window, she
notices Liam take a SYRINGE from his paint box.

LIAM
Break time. I’ve, I’ve gotta pee.

The women continue working.

MARY DESTI
We’ll be right here.

Isadora speaks with her body. Demonstrating her dance.

ISADORA
On the beach, I divined the art of
the dance. Interpreting nature: the
Waves, the Wind, the Birds.

FLASHBACK - CHILDHOOD ON SAN FRANCISCO BEACH

Wearing only underwear, Six year old Isadora chases the waves
and swirls in concert with seagulls. Her older siblings,
Elizabeth, Augustus and Raymond, are hiding nearby. They
sneak up from all sides.

YOUNG ELIZABETH
Baby Dora, come home right now.

Isadora darts away but the brothers block her.Raymond shows

her berries in his shirt.

YOUNG RAYMOND
Look, huckleberries were ripe.

Isadora reaches takes a few berries.

 24.

YOUNG RAYMOND (CONT’D)

Dinner time. I’ll race ya.

They all run off together.

BACK TO PRESENT DAY

Isadora and Mary lumber to the kitchen.

INT. KITCHEN NOOK - MINUTES LATER

Looking about. Isadora shouts towards the restroom.

ISADORA
Liam, you alright? Hungry?

No Answer. Mary and Isadora sit at the kitchen nook and

remove the napkins from their meals.

MARY DESTI
If we can work like this every
morning we’ll have 100 pages before
we know it.

ISADORA
And back at the beach by Spring.

Liam slides into his seat.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
Liam, you are a real inspiration.

Liam doesn’t acknowledge the compliment.

LIAM
Hungry? Much! We will devour this
yumm yumm and come back for more in
four.
The women look at each other then break into giggles.

LIAM (CONT’D)
These grapes are so, so violet.
Save your skins for me. Save them.
I will grind them to make a new
violet for my paint box.

He brushes his fingers under Isadora’s chin.

LIAM (CONT’D)
Violet for your eyes, mademoiselle.
Save your skins.
 25.

Isadora leans into his hand, petting his hand with her face.

ISADORA
Ummm you smell of turpentine and
cigar. I like.

He pulls her into a lingering kiss. Pearl frowns from a

distance. Mary watches in delight.

INT. PARLOR IN FRONT OF THE FIRE - MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

Isadora and Liam snuggle and smooch on the couch while Mary
plays the piano.

After a time, the two begin to dance slowly and erotically.

The dance and music become two halves of a whole. Mary began
reciting lyrically while gently tapping keys.

MARY DESTI
(lyrically)
Psyche was fearless.
On to Hades.
Do not, Do not open the box, dear
Psyche.
But, you did, you did open the box.
And fell fast asleep.
Your beloved Eros came for you.
And Zeus was amazed by the love you
share.
Zeus gave you immortality
That you and Eros could be lovers
forever more.

Inside, the fire dwindles. Outside, the sky brightens.

Isadora takes a hand of both her friends and leads them to
the patio.

EXT. GARDEN PATIO - AT DAWN

As the sun rises, Isadora guides Mary and Liam in a

trancelike dance to celebrate the sacred morning.

INT. ISADORA'S BEDROOM - MID DAY

Mary had pen in hand. Isadora is in a reclining position.

ISADORA
Perhaps we should speak of the trip
on the cattle boat?
 26.

MARY DESTI
Brilliant. I will put it here, just
after the fire in New York.

Mary writes in the journal then stops in thought.

MARY DESTI (CONT’D)

Do I recall you were introduced to
Auguste Rodin about that time.

ISADORA
Oh yes, just off the boat, he had
his own, private World’s Fair
exhibit. HaHa

EXT. STREETS OF PARIS - AFTERNOON

Isadora and Mary walk through the park. Mary has the journal
in her arms. They sit on a park bench.

ISADORA
Please make note that we must tell
of being discovered by the elite.
Raymond and I were a sight to see.

Mary jots in the journal.

MARY DESTI
And of the time we were held
hostage by the Armenians?

ISADORA
Yes, we barely survived that
fiasco.

EXT. GARDEN PATIO - EARLY MORNING WEEKS LATER

Isadora poses. Liam’s CANVAS is nearly finished. Mary

prompts.
MARY DESTI
I remember the day we first met.

ISADORA
Oh yes, Mother rescued you from
that dreadful landlord.

MARY DESTI
Mr. Downey. Agh!

Mary set her pen down.

 27.

MARY DESTI (CONT’D)

You and Raymond danced circles
around baby Preston and I.

FLASHBACK - SOULS MEET - SPRING 1901

Popping in the door is a sparkly eyed MOTHER DUNCAN (52),

Mary (29) and her son, Preston (18mos)

MOTHER DUNCAN
Isadora, A surprise for you! Mary
and her baby.

As if seeing a long, lost friend, Isadora (24) and

Raymond(27) dance in a circle around Mary and her baby.
ISADORA AT 24
We’ve been waiting, waiting,
wondering when!

MARY DESTI AT 29
We’re home now - hearts afire!

Mary twirls inside the circle, with baby in arms.

BACK TO PRESENT DAY

ISADORA
Our souls are kindred.

MARY DESTI
Bound by silver threads.

With flare, Mary plops her notebook onto the table and leaps
up to hug Isadora.

MARY DESTI (CONT’D)

And we made it! I’m a writer,
Isadora, a writer. Made it to 100
pages! Wait until we tell Ira!

ISADORA
We did? Already?

Liam LISTENS intently but doesn’t join in. The women sweep up
their glasses and dance into the parlor for more wine.

INT. PARIS PARLOR - MINUTES LATER

Mary picks up the telephone and dials.

 28.

ISADORA
Don’t sound too eager now. Keep him
at arms length.

MARY DESTI
Operator, Ira Saks at Hotel Belle
Amie, por favor.

Putting her hand on the mouthpiece.

MARY DESTI (CONT’D)

I didn’t want to tell you how close
we were. Wanted to surprise you.

Isadora danced about.

ISADORA
I’m thrilled. To be free of my
patrons. Oh, I do hope the
publisher likes me!

INT. KITCHEN - MUCH LATER

Mary is pacing the floor and snaps at Pearl.

MARY DESTI
You should have told us
immediately!

ISADORA
Mary, she didn’t know Liam was
taking the memoirs.

MARY DESTI
He was urgently packing. That’s
reason enough.

ISADORA
It’s just not meant to be. We must
accept...
MARY DESTI
No! The memoirs are destined and

Glaring at Pearl.

MARY DESTI (CONT’D)

She should have stopped him.

Pearl is quietly crying in the corner.

 29.

ISADORA
What’s done is done. Just cancel
our meeting with the publisher.

MARY DESTI
No! No! No! You promised, Isadora.

Isadora turns to walk out of the room.

ISADORA
Well, you can’t go without me.

THUNDER and LIGHTENING accentuate her leaving.

INT. ISADORA'S BEDROOM - MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

A storm rages outside until shutters fly open and the window
jars loose. Isadora wails.

ISADORA
Noooooo! Noooooo! Noooooo!

Pearl runs into the room, locks the window and rocks Isadora.

PEARL
Now, now, it’s just the storm.

Mary rushes to the room but stands at the doorway.

INT. KITCHEN NOOK - MORNING

Isadora looks bedraggled as she sips coffee. Mary sits

stoically nearby.

ISADORA
I did not sleep well.

MARY DESTI
I gathered.

Pearl served muffins and oranges. The women eat in silence.

MARY DESTI (CONT’D)

Excuse me, I need to use your
telephone to make some plans.

ISADORA
Plans? Well. Okay. Help yourself.
 30.

INT. KITCHEN - MINUTES LATER

Pearl enters the kitchen from the parlor.

PEARL
Miss Isadora, a telephone call for
you.

ISADORA
Me? Who is it.

PEARL
Your brother, Augustus, Miss.

Isadora strolls to the telephone fussing with her hair.

ISADORA
(on the phone)
Gus, dear. What brings you to call?

Isadora fiddles with the phone cord.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
(on the phone)
No, no problems. The memoirs are
coming right along. Why, we just
hit a milestone on yesterday.

She talks with her hand.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
(on the phone)
I have no idea why Mary would say
such a thing.

She stands rigid.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
(on the phone)
Mary knows no bounds when she aims
to get what she wants.
Isadora listens then gives an exaggerated laugh.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
(on the phone)
Yes, perhaps she did [learn it from
me] but I’m much better at it.
HaHaHa

She hangs up. As she walks away, the phone rings again and
Isadora answers.
 31.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
Hello?

RAYMOND
(over the phone)
Sister, it is so good to hear your
voice.

ISADORA
I just spoke with Gus. Are you also
calling about the memoirs?

RAYMOND
(over the phone)
What if mother had given up?
ISADORA
That’s not fair.

RAYMOND
(over the phone)
It’s the truth. She followed you
through thick and thin. Almost
starving in Chicago.

ISADORA
We both almost starved.

RAYMOND
(over the phone)
Fair enough. But, she never gave
up. Every time she was dealt a
challenge, she took the bull by the
horns.

ISADORA
I can’t do it, Raymond. Just being
here in the house with the
children. I am becoming unhinged.

RAYMOND
(over the phone)
You can write or not write. I just
ask that you consider what mother
would do.

ISADORA
I must go now, Raymond.

She hangs up. Turns around to see Mary watching her. Isadora
glares at Mary but speaks to Pearl who is in the kitchen.

ISADORA (CONT’D)
Pearl?
 32.

PEARL (O.S.)
Yes, miss?

ISADORA
If I should get another phone call,
I am unavailable. Even if it is
family.

PEARL (O.S.)
Alright, miss.

Isadora walks past Mary without speaking, goes into her

bedroom and slams the door.

INT. KITCHEN NOOK - MORNING

Isadora looks refreshed and is sipping tea. Mary joins her at

the table.

ISADORA
I have given it considerable
thought.

Mary sits a bit higher.

MARY DESTI
Yes?

ISADORA
Well, I am curious to meet with the
publisher. Did you cancel the
appointment?

MARY DESTI
I did not, we are expected this
Friday at 9am. You will go?

ISADORA
(coyly)
What have we got to lose?

Mary explodes into a hug for Isadora as they are reunited.

INT. PUBLISHER’S OFFICE - MORNING

Isadora and Mary float into the office wearing Greek tunics.
Ira and MR. LIVERIGHT stand until the women are seated. Mr.
Liveright’s gaze follows Isadora in adoration.
 33.

IRA SAKS
It’s wonderful to see you gain
ladies. Let me introduce Mr. Horace
Liveright.

Isadora nods coolly.

MARY DESTI
Likewise, Mr. Saks. Good to make
your acquaintance, Mr. Liveright.

Mr. Liveright eagerly leans forward.

MR. LIVERIGHT
As a teenager I saw the glory of
your dance, Miss Duncan. You were
the fairy in Mid Summer’s Night
Dream.

ISADORA
Oh my, that was the beginning of my
career. How could you see? Was the
stage dark?

MR. LIVERIGHT
Oh, I could see. The audience,
especially myself... we were awe
struck.

ISADORA
You must have seen our opening
night. The manager would not light
the fairy scene after our first
night.

MR. LIVERIGHT
It was. When you finished, the
entire theatre was totally silent.
Seemed like five minutes. And then
we exploded into applause.

ISADORA
That’s amazing. And here you are in
Paris. Such a small world.

MR. LIVERIGHT
Yes, I’ve followed you through the
years. Even in my youth, I knew.

Isadora dips her head coyly.

MR. LIVERIGHT (CONT’D)

History in the making.
(MORE)
 34.

MR. LIVERIGHT (CONT’D)

And your fans deserve to hear your
story - directly from you.

ISADORA
But, I am no writer. It has taken
many years to divine my art of the
dance.

MARY DESTI
Oh, but, I can help you, Isadora.

Isadora addresses Mary.

ISADORA
Even so, dear.

MR. LIVERIGHT
I’ve thought about the time it may
take. I am prepared to wait, but
not too long. Let me explain.

All eyes on Mr. Liveright.

MR. LIVERIGHT (CONT’D)

My offer is to pay you half the
purchase price as an advance.

ISADORA
Okay?

Mr. Liveright stands up. In command.

MR. LIVERIGHT
My chosen secretary will assist you
in the writing.

Mary looks distraught.

MR. LIVERIGHT (CONT’D)

Upon finishing we will pay the
remainder plus royalties for the
next 25 years. Should you finish
within eighteen months, we will
double the royalties.

ISADORA
The sooner the better.

MR. LIVERIGHT
Exactly. Your fans are eager.
 35.

ISADORA
That sounds well and good, Mr.
Liveright, but you may have
noticed, I prefer living on the
Left Bank. How can you help with
that aspect?

MR. LIVERIGHT
Hum, let me step away to the
telephone.

He goes into an outer office.

MARY DESTI
We are a team?

ISADORA
Yes, but, won’t it be nice to have
help?

Mary stands behind Isadora to massage her shoulders.

MARY DESTI
I suppose.

They silently gaze out the cloudy windows. Moments later, Mr.
Liveright returns. Mary stops massaging on his return.

MR. LIVERIGHT
Thanks for your patience, ladies.
Well, I have an associate with a
new hotel in Montmartre. He is
willing to provide a suite. This
shall be yours along with meals and
a telephone.

Isadora nods her head coolly. Mary is hiding excitement.

MR. LIVERIGHT (CONT’D)

Will you accept, Miss Duncan.
Isadora offers her hand to Mr. Liveright.

ISADORA
Please, (call me) Isadora. It is in
the stars, Mr. Liveright

He kisses her hand. She rises.

 36.

FLASHBACK

The crowd lifts a carriage onto their shoulders. It holds 25

year-old Isadora in her usual Greek tunic. They parade her
through the crowded streets. The crowd is cheering her name.

FLASHBACK ENDS