EXT. CUNARD PIER - NIGHT

(FLASHBACK) Several reporters eagerly approach Molly Brown as she departs from the Carpathia.

CAL (VO)
She became an instant celebrity after the Titanic sank, and was now accepted in the highest of social circles. Reporters gather around Molly, pencils poised against paper in anxious anticipation. REPORTER Tell us, Mrs. Brown... to what do you attribute your survival?

MOLLY
Typical Brown luck. We're unsinkable! The reporters delight in her comment.

INT. DINING ROOM - 1811 WALNUT STREET - DAY - OCTOBER, 1912

Cal and Molly eat lunch together. Molly chats away. Cal appears cold and aloof.

CAL (VO)
Her coarse manner and abrasive peculiarities were now seen as rugged individualism by all... but she was a bit too rugged for me, especially at this nadir in my life. I suspected it was her flair for gossipmongering and unscrupulous exaggeration that was the source of my near heroic status in the newspapers, so I did my utmost to make myself unappealing.

MOLLY
...and the best part was they had a luncheon in my honor, hosted by Mrs. Crawford Hill!After all the grief those Denver society ladies have given me!

CAL
Well, it seems you are thoroughly enjoying your newfound fame, madam.Not many have fared as well as you... like the Duff-Gordons, for example. The dreadful gossip about them has dragged on long enough.

MOLLY
I'm no expert on etiquette, Cal, but you have to admit what they did was pretty tasteless.

CAL
The man merely offered to pay for those firemen's kits. They said they'd lost everything.

MOLLY
But there were people dying all around them. You'd think they'd be talking about going back to save some of them. Molly is unsure if Cal's defense of the Duff-Gordons is motivated by tolerance or by callousness. Given his demeanor, she decides on the latter. She feels disappointed in Cal. A little boy (2), runs in to the room. He trips and lands face down on the floor, but appears unscathed. The tension in the room breaks. Molly laughs.

MOLLY
Hey, watch it there, buster! Sheila rushes in. She leads the boy back out of the room. SHEILA Sorry, sir. A big smile comes to Molly's face. She loves children.

MOLLY
So there's one of your little tikes! Are all of them still here? Cal nods absently. Molly's faith in Cal returns.

MOLLY
Where do you find room for them all? I'm surprised I don't see more of them.

CAL
They stay upstairs. Most are off at school. The younger ones are in the ballroom, which we've converted to a nursery.

MOLLY
How do you manage? Why, seventeen kids would wear the pants off of anybody!

CAL
The women you sent me are excellent caretakers. I don't see much of the children. Mrs. Bingham comes in to serve up seconds.

CAL (VO)
Margaret Brown was a good- hearted woman, and I could tolerate her presence, if only she were not such an unabashed and tenacious meddler.It wasn't long before I became one of her projects.

MRS. BINGHAM
Mr. Hockley! You've hardly eaten anything.

CAL
And that is my prerogative, is it not, Mrs. Bingham?

MRS. BINGHAM
(sheepishly) Yes, sir. Molly waves Mrs. Bingham over to get seconds, to show her efforts are appreciated.

MOLLY
She's right, Cal. That meat's delicious... and you haven't touched your asparagus.

CAL
(petulantly) Mrs. Brown! When the position of mother to me comes open, I assure you, you'll be the first I'll call. But for the time being, Mrs. Bingham fulfills the role more than adequately! Mrs. Bingham sees she is dismissed, and bows out. Rendered speechless by his little display, Molly watches Cal stare sulkily at his plate, as he cuts himself a piece of ham.Molly sees people have taken to managing Cal's affairs for him, since he doesn't seem capable of doing it himself. Molly generously offers a sympathetic ear.

MOLLY
What's going on Cal? You're not your old self. You're still real torn up about Rose, aren't you? Cal squirms. He sees Molly's genuine concern as an intrusion.

CAL
I have too many people meddling in my affairs. That is what is wrong.

MOLLY
Not enough people, it looks like. Don't you ever have anyone over, or go out and do anything? Cal angrily slams down his fork.

CAL
I will tend to my own business, thank you! Molly falls silent, shocked by this almost violent outburst. Cal grabs his fork and resumes staring at his plate. Molly glances cautiously in his direction as he angrily stuffs a piece of food in his mouth.

MOLLY
I'm sorry, Cal. I just wanted to make sure you're all right, that's all. A sense of embarrassment over his rude behavior overcomes him.

CAL
My apologies, Mrs. Brown. You are most kind.

INT. CAL'S BEDROOM - DAY

Cal packs a suitcase.

CAL (VO)
Mrs. Brown returned to her summer home in Newport, and I was once more allowed some measure of solitude. Soon after, however, I got word that my father was ill, and I was obliged to visit him at his new vacation home in Atlantic City.

EXT. NATHAN HOCKLEY'S HOUSE - ATLANTIC CITY - DAY

, OCTOBER, 1912 Max grabs a single suitcase from the trunk of his car, and follows Cal to the front door.

CAL (VO)
Though I was alone in the world otherwise, I did still have a father. I thought perhaps I could discuss my situation with him. There WERE times the old badger seemed almost human.

INT. NATHAN HOCKLEY'S STUDY - DAY

Cal sits with his father, NATHAN HOCKLEY. Bundled in a bath robe, Nathan scolds a business associate over the phone.

NATHAN
Well, tell him we'll see to it he's out of office if he can't do any better than that! Nathan slams the receiver down. NATHAN Idiots! Not one of them worth a damn, except for Crumpton! Nathan struggles to stand, then shuffles over to his liquor cabinet. Nathan pours himself a drink. He offers Cal a drink, then a cigarette. Cal declines both with a taciturn nod.

NATHAN
Oh, don't be such a drudge, Caledon!It's time to pick up and move on with your life. Cal still refuses both. Nathan gives it up, unable to understand his son. Cal sees an opportunity to talk about his problems and prepares to speak, but his father cuts him off.

NATHAN
Now, where were we? Ah, yes... I must concede that your move to hire on those Titanic survivors was a good call. You've diverted negative attention from yourself with the skill of an old master.

CAL
Uh, thank you, sir-- NATHAN (snickering condescendingly) But about these orphans, Caledon... don't you think you've gone, well, a little overboard, shall I say? And haven't you found homes for them yet? Where will you hold your parties, put up your guests?

CAL
Uh... I'll work on it, father. Nathan begins to pace.

NATHAN
Whatever possessed you to take in those little ragamuffins, and so many of them?! Why, how many are there, a dozen? More?

CAL
I didn't realize quite what I was getting in for at the time, sir, but they--

NATHAN
Well, be more careful next time!You must learn to think of every- thing as a business decision. Think of what you have to gain and what you have to lose... and for God sake, read the fine print! Sentimentality is all very well and good, but it will get you nowhere in this world. It's like that girl, Rose, son. Cal wilts in his chair.

NATHAN
I told you you were not getting enough with that match, but you wouldn't listen to your father, no! And look where you ended up!Embarrassed by an ungrateful little wretch who runs off with some gutter snipe that sleeps under bridges!Ha! You must learn to do better than this! Nathan has worked himself up into a frenzy, and feels ill. He stops pacing, and supports himself on the liquor cabinet.Cal's energy has been sapped by every sentence his father has turned out.

CAL
Perhaps you should get some rest, sir.

NATHAN
Now, just look at what your antics do to me! Hmmph! Children! You give them so much and get so little in return. They're just a bad investment! He grumbles to himself, as if his 30 year old child were not even in the room. He lets out a raspy cough. Pushed to his limits, Cal rises from his chair.

CAL
I had better be going. Nathan shoos Cal out the door. NATHAN Fine. Get your father all worked up, and then leave him when he turns ill. But don't expect any more support from ME! Cal makes his way to the door instantly, with a bound of angry energy. Cal lingers in the doorway. He turns around, as if to speak. He realizes it's hopeless, and shuts the door in disgust.

EXT. NATHAN HOCKLEY'S HOUSE - DAY

Cal slings his suitcase in the back of the car, then gets in and slams the door. Max drives off.

CAL (VO)
Although I was, in those days, thoroughly ravaged by remorse, my father could not make me feel in the least bit guilty, no matter how hard he tried. At that moment, I resolved never to be like him.

EXT. PHILADELPHIA CEMETERY - DAY

- LATE NOVEMBER, 1912 Cal stands alone under an umbrella at his father's funeral, on a cold, dismal, rainy day. His face is vacant and expressionless.

CAL (VO)
That was the last time I was ever to see him. The old curmudgeon died of a heart attack a month later. I think he did it just to spite me. Nathan's old BUSINESS ASSOCIATES (ages 55-65) surround Cal like a flock of buzzards. The minister's eulogy falls on deaf ears, except for Cal and JOHN BLAIR (45). Mr. Blair is the only one who feels for Cal. The others are all soulless husks.

CAL (VO)
It was just me and the men from the steel business. There was not a complete personality among the lot of them combined, with the notable exception of Mr. John Blair. I remembered liking him when my father took me to the steel plant as a child. He was the only one who knew how to smile. Blair is the only upper manager, within the oppressive Hockley regime, who has a social conscience. His gentle nature imparts a positive attitude to those under his direction. It is also he who has the best knowledge of the plants' operations. He is the Thomas Andrews of the steel company.

INT. HOCKLEY STEEL OFFICE - MARKET STREET - DAY

- NOVEMBER, 1912 Two middle managers talk and laugh.

CAL (VO)
It wasn't long before I took my father's place as the most feared man in Philadelphia. He had built an empire that stretched across the state of Pennsylvania, and his reputation as a steel man in certain aspects of character as well as in profession, stretched well beyond the state's boundaries. MANAGER 1 I hear he's a chip off the old block. MANAGER 2 Heaven help us! They become deadly serious, as Cal grimly walks in the door, followed by two stodgy old geezers, MR. CRUMPTON (65) and MR. PEEBLES (60). Cal has overheard the managers, but just gives them a quick nod as he walks past. The men shrink in deference to their new master. MANAGERS G'morning, sir.

INT. HOCKLEY STEEL OFFICE MEETING ROOM - DAY

Cal enters the large, echoey room, and finds himself at the head of a vast empire. He feels incredibly awkward, being the center of attention, but attempts to summon an authoritative air.Cal claims the chair at the end of a long table, one as far away from Crumpton as possible. Crumpton makes a play at crushing him. CRUMPTON Your father always sat at this end, sir.

CAL
(annoyed) Fine. Cal resolves not to let the old vultures push him around, as he takes his seat at the head of the table. Mr. Blair sits at a seemingly infinite distance, midway down. Cal examines some papers, then turns to his right, toward Crumpton.

CAL
Please advise me of our current situation, Mr. Crumpton. Crumpton blathers on in a condescending tone, as a seasoned professional breaking in a greenhorn. CRUMPTON Our new machining facility in Kensington...

CAL (VO)
I wanted nothing more than to leap out of that room and land somewhere where they would never find me, but I had duties to perform. I made the decision to do the unthinkable, the unexpected... to do what was right for a change. CRUMPTON ...and our Pittsburgh facility is running at full capacity--

CAL
That will be all, Mr. Crumpton.Gentlemen, a good portion of Titanic's construction was Hockley Steel. I want our entire process re-evaluated until we are certain we are turning out a quality product. That will be all. Cal stands and readies himself to leave the room. The old men are shocked and up in arms. CRUMPTON But sir... our products are already of as fine a quality as is available anywhere.

CAL
But that might not be quite good enough. Mr. Blair, it is time for a tour our new plant.

BLAIR
Yes, sir.

INT. KENSINGTON MACHINING PLANT - DAY

Mr. Blair and Cal examine a machine that has a large unguarded pulley that whirls around ominously fast. Blair ventures to test out his new employer, and puts a word in for the workers.

BLAIR
I've had some concerns about this area. There's a high risk of injury here. A couple of workmen walk close by the machine.

CAL
Yes, I see. I suppose my father has historically ignored your admonishments? Blair nods, encouraged by his new boss's receptivity. Cal takes Blair aside, and leans conspiratorially toward him.

CAL
Mr. Blair... John... I have been told Crumpton is retiring.

BLAIR
Yes, in about three weeks, sir.

CAL
Then, I will need to appoint a new vice-president, will I not?

BLAIR
Yes, sir. Peebles has the most seniority sir. It is probably expected--

CAL
I don't plan to always do what is expected, Mr.Blair! I want you to take over the job.

BLAIR
ME, sir?

CAL
I will have it no other way. I trust your judgment, and I cannot say that of the others. I know you'll set things right. Cal and Blair shake hands, warmly.

CAL (VO)
Perhaps I would be regarded as a traitor to my class, but I felt, then, that I could only justify my eminent position, indeed my very existence, by improving the lives of the people around me. If someone needed my help, they only needed to ask, or sometimes, not even that.

INT. DINING ROOM - 1811 WALNUT STREET - NIGHT

- DECEMBER, 1912

CAL (VO)
I did my best not to look like a champion of the ill-fated in the process. For the look of admiration in the eyes of others, under such false pretenses, only served to make me more reprehensible in my own. Cal and Ruth eat dinner together. Ruth soon plans to disappear from Philadelphia society forever, her life in ruins. She hasn't revealed her troubles to Cal, fearing he will realize she pressured Rose to marry him for his money. Cal does not let on that he already knows all this, and tries to look as casual and flippant as possible.

CAL
Ruth... I have heard that you are moving. Have you managed to sell your place yet? Ruth flushes with embarrassment. She tries to make light of it. RUTH
Yes, just last week... to new money, I'm afraid.

CAL
And what for you now? Joining the exodus out to the Main Line? RUTH
Oh, my plans haven't been finalized. I think I will travel some, see the world.

CAL
Well, I have a business proposition for you... once you tire of travel, of course. I was wondering if you would consider doing me a monstrous favor. I need someone of breeding and taste to supervise the decoration of my father's house in Atlantic City. I have been told I have no artistic sensibility... Cal and Ruth smile weakly at this reference to Rose.

CAL
...then to keep an eye on the place. I don't know what to do, you see. I'm really in quite a pickle. Cal sips his coffee, looking expectantly over his cup at Ruth.Ruth is overwhelmed with gratitude, but tries not to show it. RUTH
Cal, I--

CAL
I hope you will accept a salary as well. I know we are friends, but I must insist upon this. RUTH
Why, yes. I will certainly give it some thought. Ruth would like to get up and click her heels, but maintains her equanimity. She knows he must really be doing this for her. She begins to form a new impression of him.