FRODO throwing clothes into a knapsack...Gandalf watches him, making plans...
GANDALF:
You must leave, and leave quickly. Get out of the Shire.
FRODO:
Where? Where shall I go?
GANDALF:
Make for the village of Bree.
(CONTINUED) 31.
FRODO:
Bree? What about you?
GANDALF:
I will, be waiting for you at the Inn of the Prancing Pony. Frodo packs his food into his knapsack.
FRODO:
And the ring will be safe there?
GANDALF:
I don't know, Frodo. I don't have any answers. I must see the Head of my Order. He is both wise and powerful.
Trust me, Frodo. He'll know what to go.
CUT TO:
INT. BAG END LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT Frodo is preparing to leave.
GANDALF:
You'll have to leave the name of Baggins behind you...for that name is not safe outside the Shire. GANDALF helps FRODO into his coat.
GANDALF (CONT'D) Travel only by day and stay off the road.
FRODO:
(thinking) I can cut across country easily enough.
Gandalf looks at the young Hobbit, moved by his courage.
GANDALF:
My dear Frodo, Hobbits really are amazing creatures. You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet, after a hundred years, they can still surprise you.
SUDDENLY! A SOUND from outside.
GANDALF (CONT'D) Get down!
GANDALF FREEZES... he moves quietly towards the window, eyes wide with tension. He raises his staff above the window, and slams it down on the intruder. THERE IS A YELP OF PAIN!
(CONTINUED) 32.
CONTINUED:
Gandalf hauls a small figure into the room...SAM GAMGEE sprawls across the floor! He looks up in terror as Gandalf looms over him.
GANDALF (CONT'D) (angry) Confound it all! Samwise Gamgee, have you been eavesdropping?
SAM:
I ain't been dropping no eaves, sir!
Honest. I was just cutting the grass under the window there, if you follow me...
GANDALF:
It's a little late for trimming the hedges, don't you think?