The Good, The Bad and The Phantom by Petra Michelle

 

FADE IN:

EXT. SAD HILL CEMETERY. LATE 1860's - NIGHT

BLONDIE, a subdued bounty hunter, and his partner, TUCO, have been riding for hours in search of gold, purportedly buried at Sad Hill Cemetery.

Visibility is blinding in the storm-ridden night; clouds weighing heavily under the stars and over their heads.

BLONDIE Here's as good as any to set up camp.

They dismount and gather their sleeping gear from the rear of their horses. Tuco spreads their blankets while Blondie builds a fire. As the fire grows, it illuminates an encircled cemetery just a few hundred feet away. Tuco's eyes widen at the sight. He grows uncomfortable.

TUCO Did you hear that?

BLONDIE Hear what?

TUCO Listen.

Blondie stops stirring the pan of beans. Nothing.

BLONDIE (irritated) Get the bread.

As Tuco reaches for his pack, he hears a MOAN.

TUCO You didn't hear that?

BLONDIE You're gettin' on my nerves. Go on, eat.

Bolts of lightening flash across the sky causing Tuco more uneasiness as he reaches for his gun.

BLONDIE If you don't cut it out, I'll slug you one.

Tuco glares at Blondie, then stands, squinting into the fog. He takes a few steps; disappears. Blondie quickly stands, drawing his gun.

BLONDIE I said, cut it out. (silence) I ain't kiddin'.

It begins to pour.

PHANTOM (O.S.) He ain't comin' back.

Blondie turns in every direction, gun cocked.

BLONDIE Who's there?

PHANTOM (O.S.) Your reward.

BLONDIE Reward?

PHANTOM (O.S.) I'll give you three clues.

Blondie steps cautiously to his horse as the Phantom's voice grows nearer.

PHANTOM (O.S.) One. My first name is Arch. Two. My last name is Stanton. Three...

Solving the riddle in a flash,

BLONDIE Where's the gold?

Face-to-face with the skeleton of Arch Stanton,

SKELETON (laughing maniacally) There ain't no gold.

Blondie retreats.

BLONDIE What do you want?

SKELETON (seriously) A part.

BLONDIE A part?

SKELETON (grimaces) I always wanted to be an actor.

As it throws its skeletal arm around Blondie's shoulder,

SKELETON You think Clint's got anything for me?

FADE TO BLACK