Romeo & Juliet [Script & Behind the Scenes]

Script: Follow after?

EXT. CHURCHYARD. DAWN 65B

A big, towering man charges his horse towards Benvolio who tries to run away. There’s no escape. The boy is cornered. He turns round.

WATCHMAN

Benvolio?

What trouble brings you here at such an hour?

INT. CAPULET TOMB. DAWN.

The voices outside are growing nearer and louder.

FRIAR LAURENCE

The Watchman. My lady, come away.

But Juliet is not listening. Instead, she takes the phial from Romeo’s dead fingers. It’s empty.

JULIET

Unkind! To drink it all and leave no drop

So I could follow after.

The Friar snatches the phial from her hand, dashing it down.

FRIAR LAURENCE

Nay, good my lady! Listen now, and come!

I’ll hide you in a sisterhood of nuns.

Stop not to question why! We must away!

JULIET

You go. But I must bid farewell to Romeo.

FRIAR LAURENCE

Stay then, until you are at peace.

But linger not.

I’ll hold back the Watchman.  

JULIET

I’d kiss my love for one last time.

Then follow you at once.

He nods, completely trusting her words, then hurries off to hold back the Watchman. We can almost make out their voices coming from the churchyard above.

FRIAR LAURENCE (V.O.)

I will explain. The boy has come here at my bidding.

WATCHMAN (V.O.)

And why exactly have you summoned him?

Juliet strokes Romeo’s hair back from his face.

JULIET

Just one kiss

In case some venom lingers on your lips.

She kisses him tenderly.

JULIET (CONT’D)

Your mouth is warm.

There is sound on the staircase nearby. 

WATCHMAN (V.O.) 

Show me the way!

FRIAR LAURENCE (V.O.)

Have patience now.

We should not disturb this holy quiet.

JULIET

Somebody’s coming? Then I’ll be brief. Oh, happy dagger.

She snatches Romeo’s dagger from his belt.

JULIET (CONT’D)

This is thy sheath.

With a savage effort, she stabs herself.

JULIET (CONT’D)

There rust, and let me die.

As her hands go free, she leans closer to the love of her life . . .

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Why do you believe that "Romeo and Juliet" is recognized as one of the most dangerous love stories ever told?