Xin(Eve)`s Rewrite for 'A Passage to India’ movie (Draft)

(This movie was made based on the original novel written by E. M Forster, which is full of culture clashes during the time of Britain’s colonisation in India.)
After India was colonised by Britain, a significant number of British officials held very important positions of power and influence in Chandrapore, a city located in the state of Bihar, and founded by the British in 1771 on the wide Ganges River.

The elegant and sophisticated English ladies, Mrs Moore and Miss Adela Quested, have come to Chandropore all the way from Britain to meet the magistrate of Chandrapore who is Mrs Moore `s son Ronny, who also happens to be Adela’s fiancé. These two English ladies have been attracted by the Indian culture even while living in England. While sitting in the carriage of the train, Adela imagined how happy Ronny would be to see her the next day when they would arrive in Chandropore.


“What a trying day we’ve had, my dear!” Mrs Moore commented as she looked into Adela`s eyes warmly and added, “Why don’t we just relax and not bother worrying about Mrs Tutor’s words.” Mrs Moor could see some worry in Adela`s eyes and was trying to comfort her. Somehow she always knew what to say to make Adela feel better. “Yes, dear mother, she is so dreadful, I’m not going to expect her to give us any insightful stories about India on the journey to Chandropore.” Mrs Moore certainly agreed, with a sour face.

“Not to worry now, my dear. You’ll meet your “Mr Charming” tomorrow. Good night” Mrs Moore said as she settled to sleep in the rocking carriage.

“Good night, mother.” Adela replied, and went with a sweet smile into her dream.

The train crossed the hills to arrive safely at the destination, where a large number of Indian and British officers waited to welcome their highly respect passengers. Ronny had waited with great expectation for the impending visit of his mother and fiancé. He was exited to show them his adopted city and place of work. He had missed his fiancé Adela terribly since he had been stationed in India and often recalled the day he met her with her Aunt, when he was with his mother in the Lake District in England. Finally he saw his mother waving to him excitedly. Mysteriously a pair hands covered over Ronny’s eyes from behind and sweetly said: “Hello, gentleman, looking for someone in particular?”. He answered: “Yes, my fiancé. Kindly release me stranger.” Ronny and Adela both laughed happily after he turned and faced Adela looking into her eyes longingly. Mrs Moore had never seen these two individuals happier than this before, and she felt that her trying journey was really worth it the couple reunited.

After dispensing with the formalities of greeting both British and Indian dignitaries and officials, Ronny guided Mrs Moore and Adela to a waiting vehicle which would take them to his residence named “Fairholme” near the famous Marabar Hills. Both ladies were pleasantly surprised by the hustle and bustle of the streets of Chandropore however Ronny tried to shelter them form this as he felt it was overwhelming. Upon their stately arrival at Farholme, one of the many Indian servants prepared the “essentially” British cup tea to wash away the tiredness of the journey for the ladies. Mrs Moore retired to her room for an afternoon nap. Being on their own Ronny and Adela started a conversation and Ronnie asked Adela “How do you feel about the Marabar Hills and Caves?”

“Based on what I have read in England, they are quite magnificent feats of nature, extraordinary mysteries … I’ve been wondering if I would have a chance to see their beauty. You know you are lucky to work in such a beautiful place with such glory Adela commented.. Adela imagination had become intoxicated with the thought of the Marabar Hills and caves and all the mysterious Indian fairytales she had read of before.

“Lucky? After a few days, you wouldn’t say so, my lady” Ronny whispered.

“I’m sorry, beg your pardon.” Adela could not clearly hear what Ronny said a gust of wind blew onto the sheltered balcony where they were standing.

“Nothing, my dear, just afraid it`s too cold here, let`s go inside and have a rest, and prepare for another day coming.” Ronny carefully took his coat off and put it around Adela`s shoulders. Adela could feel a slight rosy heat on her cheeks while Ronny, gently guiding her, as they both moved into the house. Under the Indian moon she had the most peaceful sleep she had had in recent days.

The next day was an exciting and busy day for them. Ronny escorted the ladies to significant sites such as the church, hospital, war memorial museum, and army barracks. To end their journey they accompanied Ronny to the courthouse and sat in the audience while observing him pass the final judgement on an Indian prisoner.

A club party held in honour of welcoming the British guests to the city. The gusts danced to , the sound of tradition classic English music played by a band on stage. Mrs Moore appeared to enjoy it however Adela unfortunately didn’t. She had expected an evening of adventure possible including some Indian. She had listened to this type of such music a thousand times in England, and she was so bored that she almost dozed off in company. Mrs Moore noticed that and gently nudged her and whispered “my dear, I know it is boring for you, however, these English officials miss England so much, this may be their way of not becoming homesick. Believe me, dear, if you were away from home for such a long period of time, you too would miss the things from home and you wouldn’t find it boring at all.” “Yes, mother, I deeply apologize”. Adela felt a bit embarrassed.

After ten minutes, she dozed off again. “I am sorry mother.” She again apologised. Mrs Moore smiled and comforted her saying: “no need to apologise my dear, it`s boring for you young girls just fresh from England. I understand that you are looking for some adventure in a foreign land”. Adela smiled and nodded as she had found a bosom friend. She was so surprised that her mother-in-law knew her so well, and was so easy to talk to. “I have been to your age, and I know what you are expecting, however life rarely gives us what we want at the moment we consider appropriate. Adventure does happen, but not punctually. Mrs suggested that Adela excuse herself from the party rather than stay and feel bored as it was becoming noticeable.

Adela looked at Mrs Moore and, feeling released, asked: “Really? May I leave at once? I really want to see what the Marabar Hills and caves look like under the moon.” Mrs Moore closed her eyes and saying nothing nodded her head indicating that Adela was excused from her company.

Upon leaving the party Adela walked to the Mosque as it was surrounded by a beautiful garden and had a good view of the Maraba Hills.

Dr Aziz had had a bad day with English people socially, his bicycle had a puncture, and also Aahibi Major A. Calendars did not keep his appointment without even leaving a message to say that he cancelled his appointment. After that, two English ladies rudely took his Tonga away and he had to make his way home on foot.

Dr Aziz washed himself clean as he was preparing himself to pray in the mosque. As he was settling down, he heard slow and gentle footsteps coming towards him, like a woman`s step, or maybe a ghost.

The footsteps came closer and closer and as he turned around he was startled to see a woman in the garden of the mosque. “May I ask who you are, Madam?” He could clearly see the lady`s face and expression, even though he was still not sure if she was a person or a ghost. The lsady`s face was clear in the moonlight, serious but honest, and she was English. “What on earth was she is doing here?” Dr Aziz wondered.

“Miss Adela Quested. I have come with my mother in law to visit her son Ronny, the magistrate of this city.” Adela explained.

“Oh, you mean Mr Headslop?” Dr Aziz confirmed with her.

“Yes, you know him?” Adela said.

“Yes, I am sorry to say so, but I must say it is not a good idea to walk all alone here, Mrs Quested. This is a mosque, and there are many snakes and also leopards coming here from the Marabar Hills.”

“I know, but I really want to see the Marabar Hills from this view. They must be so beautiful.” Mrs Quested said.
“Yes, they are.” Dr Aziz said with pride. “Not only the Marabar Hills and caves, but also the rivers, even though sometimes I see a dead bodies floating past from Benares. There are crocodiles you know.”

“Oh dear me, crocodiles… What a terrible river! But, look how beautiful it is! How did India`s God of nature create this?” Adela replied.

Silver Moonlight lit the river`s surface while a gentle wind blew from the Marabar Hills and caves to the river, making small rippling waves. The Benares River looked even more beautiful than during the day, as if even a rupee dropped in it would break the peace and elegance of the river.

“Adela!” someone shouted. “Adela! Where are you?” again. “Adela, can you hear me?” Adela recognised the voice as that of Ronny and hastily bid Dr. Aziz farewell as she turned away she saw Ronny walk toward her. He had a look of panic on his face and clearly was suspicious of the Indian man talking to his fiancé. Adela noticed this and quickly introduced Dr Aziz to him. Ronny politely shook hands with the doctor however there was a tense feeling in the air. As Ronny ushered Adela away from Dr Aziz he gently told her that it was unsafe and not proper for an English lady to be seen speaking to an Indian man in public. He warned her not to let this happen again.

Adela became annoyed at Ronny’s warning and she told him that she did not agree with his point of view and that she would choose to socialise with whoever she wanted. This was the first time in their relationship that they had disagreed on something and was a turning point for Adela.

The vacation continued as normal for both ladies with much site seeing and events for them to attend however Mrs Moore began to feel uncomfortable with the manner in which her British countrymen interacted with the local people. This situation came to a head at a tea party which was arranged by Mr and Mrs Tutor so that Adela and Mrs Moore could have the opportunity to meet local Indian people. Mrs Moore felt that the Indian people at the tea party were ill treated and this was not the way guests were treated by English standards. Ronny felt that Mrs Moore did not realise that the British culture was superior to the Indian culture and that colonisation was the only way to improve India.

At a chance meeting Mrs Moore and Adela meet Dr Aziz and Professor Amritrao while visiting Mr Fielding. At this meeting the subject of re-incarnation comes up and it is clear that both ladies are very interested in learning more. At the spur of the moment, Dr Aziz invites the group and Ronny to dine at his home the next evening. Both ladies are extremely excited to have the opportunity to experience a traditional Indian dinner party and Adela is exited to share the news with Ronny.

Dr Aziz is nervous about having British guests visit his home and he makes a great effort for everything to be perfect for the dinner party. He instructs his man servant to prepare the very best Indian delights and use the best table settings he has to offer. Upon arrival the guests are asked to remove their shoes at the door and they are shown into the dining room. The guests are inviting to seat themselves on the cushions provided. Ronny does not feel comfortable with having to move out of his comfort zone and having to experience something different.
Ronny’s reservations a clearly noticed by the other guest and Mrs Moore and Adela encourage Ronny to at least be polite and make an attempt to accept Dr Aziz’ hospitality. Dr Aziz has gone to the trouble of preparing separate food for Professor Amritrao and once the guest have started dinner it is clear that everyone is enjoying themselves. After the dinner party, Ronny tanks Dr Aziz for the enjoyable evening and tries to offer him money to show his appreciation and help expenses. Dr Aziz is taken aback and refuses the gift from Ronny explaining to him that in the Indian culture one cannot pay for hospitality and that this is a gift shared among friends. This creates a sense of curiosity for Ronny to learn more about the Indian culture and surprises him that this is a similarity between Dr Aziz’ culture and his own.

As his guest are departing, Dr Aziz suggests that the group make the journey to the Maraba Hills together as he knows it is the desire of both ladies to explore the caves. Ronny excuses himself from the trip because he feels it would give a bad impression for the magistrate to be seen as socialising on a personal level with locals. Secretly he wishes that his mother and Adela would also not go along however he remembers the last argument he had with Adela and does not want a repeat of this.

Dr Aziz meets Mrs Moore and Adela at the station and they board the train however Mr Fielding and Professor Amritrao miss the train and so only the three companions begin the journey together. The trip is a great success and all three of companions enjoy themselves.

Late at night Ronny receives a call from the police commander advising him that the father of one of the female Indian servants of Mr and Mrs Tutor has come to the police station and reported that Mr Tutor has sexually assaulted his daughter. It is protocol for the police to take the alleged offender into custody when such a serious accusation is made however the police commander is afraid to do this because Mr Tutor is a British subject. Ronny advises him that the law must be followed regardless of who the offender is. Subsequently, Mr Tutor is taken into custody and remains in prison until the court hearing.

This decision by Ronny causes anger and outrage among the British community in Chandropore. Ronny, Mrs Moore, Adela and Mr Fielding are ostracised by their own countrymen because they agree that what Mr Tutor has done is wrong however the others feel that the matter is not so serious because the servant is Indian. This mentality makes Ronny feel ashamed that his fellow countrymen could behave in this way.

At the court hearing hundreds of Indian supporters turn up to support the victim. The court room is filled to capacity and the crowds line the streets chanting loudly their support for the servant girl. Inside the court room there are also British supporters of Mr Tutor. As Ronny enters the noisy court room silence falls and everyone is attentive to the proceedings. A number of witnesses are called by the prosecutor who is representing the victim and much of the evidence given points to Mr Tutor’s guilt. Finally the young girl is called to testify and tell how events took place. She breaks down emotionally and speaks of the terrifying event and how this will affect her for the rest of her life and has changed her destiny forever. She tells of the shame that this has brought on her family and how she cannot live with the thought.

The build up of these proceedings causes Mr Tutor to stand up and admit he is guilty of the crime he has been accused of. He breaks down and facing the young and her family, he apologises for his actions and ask says that he hopes someday she will be able to forgive him what he has done to her. The girl’s father stands up and breaking the icy atmosphere of the court, he states that this incident is not the fault of his daughter and tells her that she should have no shame. The shame belongs to Mr Tutor for his appalling actions. These are not the actions of a culture that is superior or more advanced or better than the Indian culture. Her father tells her that he loves her now as he loved before the incident and that nothing could ever change that.

After a short break, the court resumes for the verdict to be handed down by Ronny. The court room is so quiet that you could hear a penny drop. Ronny enters the court room, takes his seat, and directs the audience to stand. He finds Mr Tutor guilty of sexual assault on the young woman and sentences him to leave India and never return. He also strips him of his title and orders him to pay the young girl and her family compensation of Thirty Thousand rupees.

There is a gasp from the British gallery and a eruption of cheer and celebration from the Indian gallery. News spreads out onto the streets like wild fire and there is an instant eruption as the streets of Chandropore come alive with celebration. This is not only a victory of good over evil but also a victory of justice over injustice and equality over inequality.

THE END