The Production GuideScript To Screen: Guardian Of Piri
by Martin Willey
The Production GuideThe storyline from 9th April 1974 was expanded to a full 64 page script, dated 29th April. It now had the title Guardian of Piri. This script is the plot and dialogue we recognise from the final episode, but there were many minor amendments before filming started on 8th May.
This is the first page from the 29 April script. This page will be revised a week later in the blue page amendments, below.
"GUARDIAN OF PIRI"
HOOK
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE SKY. SFX. 1
Alpha seen in relation to a distant planet - Piri.
2 INT. MAIN MISSION. 2
KANO strides, smiling, up to KOENIG at his console.
KANO
This looks like it, Commander.
Long range data shows the planet
promises everything we need.
KOENIG
(smiling)
I'll believe that when I see it.
3 EXT. SPACE SKY. SFX. 3
A reconnaissance Eagle about to enter Piri's atmosphere.
4 INT. EAGLE COMMAND MODULE. 4
Astronaut Pete IRVING is at the controls. His co-pilot
Ed BARKER is beside him.
IRVING
Moving into low orbit for final
descent now, Paul.
5 INT. MAIN MISSION. 5
MORROW
(puzzled)
Confirm final descent now,
Pete?
IRVING (V.O.)
Yeah. We made good time.
MORROW
(glances at KANO who is
returning to his desk)
Or Computer made a bad mistake.
CARTER
They're two hours ahead of schedule.
CONTINUED:
On 6th May, blue page amendments were issued. A new title page declared only "For BARKER read DAVIS throughout.", although the next blue page (below) still calls the copilot "Barker". There were 3 pages of line amendments, deleting or altering specific pieces of dialogue. There were also 23 new blue pages, replacing original white script pages; some, like the following, expand and split over 2 pages.
The initial dialogue in scene 2 is changed. Koenig was cautious but smiling in the original white pages, the new blue page establishes something is wrong from the start. It also shows Kano's pedantic character, with a subtle sense of humour. This scene would be shot on Friday 10th May.
"GUARDIAN OF PIRI"
HOOK
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE SKY. SFX. 1
Alpha seen in relation to a distant planet - Piri.
2 INT. MAIN MISSION. 2
KOENIG strides to KANO at the Computer Console.
KOENIG
Kano, Computer must be almost swamped
with data. Why is it not offering
any prediction about this planet's
ability to support life?
KANO
It has been scanning the data
continuously, Commander, ever
since we became aware of the planet's
existence. But it still reports
it to be insufficient.
KOENIG
I don't understand how it can know
enough to control a reconnaissance
flight to the surface, and at the
same time not know enough to say
whether the surface can sustain
life.
KANO
(smiles)
In neither case, Commander, would
Computer be so irrational as to
guess.
3 EXT. SPACE SKY. SFX. 3
A reconnaissance Eagle about to enter Piri's atmosphere.
4 INT. EAGLE COMMAND MODULE. 4
Astronaut Pete IRVING is at the controls. His copilot
Ed BARKER is beside him.
IRVING
Moving into low orbit for final
descent now, Paul.
5 INT. MAIN MISSION. 5
MORROW
(puzzled)
Confirm final descent now,
Pete?
CONTINUED:
"GUARDIAN OF PIRI" 6th May, 1974.
1A
5 CONTD.
IRVING (V.O.)
Yeah. We made good time.
MORROW
(glances at KANO who is
returning to his desk)
Or Computer made a bad mistake.
CARTER
They're two hours ahead of
schedule.
CONTINUED:
"GUARDIAN OF PIRI" 6th May, 1974.