In a world of darkness, hope is the only way out.
Watch the original version of The Shawshank Redemption
Prologue:
In the quiet town of Portland, Maine, there was a man named Andy Dufresne. He was a successful banker, a devoted husband, and a well-liked member of the community. But his life would take a drastic turn one fateful night in 1947 when he was accused of brutally murdering his wife and her lover. Despite his protestations of innocence, he was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison at the notorious Shawshank prison. It was a fate that would change him forever.
Chapter 1: “Wrongly Accused”
The courtroom was tense as Andy Dufresne stood before the judge. He could feel the eyes of the jury on him, their gazes filled with suspicion and accusation. He knew his fate was sealed; he was being unfairly judged and sentenced.
“Mr. Dufresne, you have been found guilty of the murder of your wife and her lover,” the judge announced. “The court hereby sentences you to two consecutive life sentences to be served at Shawshank State Penitentiary.”
Andy’s heart sank at the words. He couldn’t believe what was happening. He was innocent, and yet he was being condemned to spend the rest of his life behind bars. He looked over at his lawyer, who gave him a sympathetic nod, indicating that there was nothing more that could be done.
As they led him out of the courtroom, Andy could hear the whispers and murmurs of the spectators. He knew that many of them believed he was guilty, but he couldn’t understand why. He loved his wife, and he could never have hurt her. But the evidence was stacked against him, and he had been unable to prove his innocence.
On the bus ride to Shawshank, Andy felt a sense of despair wash over him. He had lost everything – his wife, his reputation, his freedom. He wondered how he would survive prison when he was an innocent man.
As he entered the prison gates, he was greeted by the sound of clanging metal and the shouts of inmates. He was stripped of his clothes, his belongings, and his dignity. He was given a drab uniform, a number, and a cell. This was to be his new reality.
Andy spent his first few days in prison in a daze. The other inmates gave him a wide berth, sensing that he was different from the others. He spent most of his time in his cell, trying to come to terms with what had happened to him.
But soon enough, he realized that he needed to adapt if he was going to survive in Shawshank. He started to watch the other inmates, learn their routines, and understand the hierarchy of the prison. He discovered that there were some people he could trust, and others he needed to avoid at all costs.
One day, he struck up a conversation with Red, an older prisoner who had been in Shawshank for a long time. Red was cynical and gruff, but he had a certain wisdom and wit that Andy found intriguing. Over time, they developed an unlikely friendship, and Red became a source of guidance and support for Andy.
As the weeks turned into months, Andy found his place in the prison. He worked in the laundry room, using his meticulous accounting skills to keep track of the inventory. He did his best to stay out of trouble and maintain his dignity in the face of the harsh prison environment.
But deep down, he knew that he had to find a way out. He couldn’t spend the rest of his life in prison, and he refused to let despair consume him. He began to dream of a life beyond the walls of Shawshank, a life where he could start anew and leave behind the horrors of his past.
And so, Andy Dufresne resolved to escape. It would be a daring plan, filled with danger and uncertainty, but he knew that he had to try. He would need all his intelligence, his charm, and his courage to pull it off. But he was determined to succeed, no matter what the cost.
Chapter 2: “Surviving Shawshank”
The first thing Andy Dufresne noticed as he entered Shawshank prison was the smell. The musty odour of sweat, urine and despair filled the air in the overcrowded cellblock. Andy’s heart sank as he looked around at his new surroundings. He was a successful banker, educated and wealthy, but all that meant nothing in this place. Here, he was just another inmate, a number.
The sound of a whistle pierced the air and the prisoners began shuffling towards the cafeteria. Andy tried to keep his head down, avoiding eye contact with anyone who might want to pick a fight. He was new, and that made him a target.
As he ate his bland meal, he tried to shut out the noise of the other inmates talking and shouting. But he couldn’t help but overhear their conversations. They were crude and vulgar, full of talk about sex and violence. Andy couldn’t understand how they could talk about such things so casually.
After lunch, he was escorted to his cell. It was a small, dark room with barely enough space for a bed and a toilet. The walls were grimy and the concrete floor was stained with years of filth. Andy felt his spirits sink even further. This was going to be his home for the rest of his life.
The first few days were the hardest. Andy had no friends or allies and was constantly harassed by the other inmates. They called him names and made crude jokes about him. He tried to ignore them, but their words cut deep.
In order to survive, Andy had to learn the unwritten rules of the prison. He had to learn when to keep his mouth shut and when to stand up for himself. He had to learn how to avoid the attention of the guards and how to make himself useful to the more powerful inmates.
Luckily, Andy had a secret weapon: his intelligence. He was highly educated and had a great mind for numbers. He used his skills to help the inmates with their taxes and other financial matters, earning their respect and admiration. Word of his talents quickly spread and soon he was in high demand.
As time went on, Andy began to adapt to his new life. He learned how to make small talk with the other inmates and how to avoid trouble. He formed a tentative friendship with an old-timer named Red, who was known for his resourcefulness and connections.
But despite his efforts to fit in, Andy never forgot why he was there. He was an innocent man, wrongfully accused and convicted. He refused to let the darkness of Shawshank consume him.
Instead, he focused on his dreams of freedom. He would spend hours in his cell, thinking about how he could escape. He studied the layout of the prison, memorized the routines of the guards, and planned every detail of his escape.
Sometimes, when he was feeling particularly hopeless, he would turn to Red for support. Red was a gruff old-timer, a lifer who had seen it all. But despite his rough exterior, he had a soft spot for Andy. He saw something in the younger man that reminded him of himself when he first arrived at Shawshank.
Red would listen patiently as Andy rambled on about his escape plans. He would offer advice and guidance, telling Andy what he needed to hear, not what he wanted to hear.
Through his persistence and resilience, Andy started to gain the respect of the other inmates. They saw how he refused to give up, even in the face of overwhelming odds. They saw how he stayed true to himself, no matter what. It was this integrity that made him stand out from the rest.
As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, Andy began to realize that he was no longer just surviving Shawshank. He was thriving. He had found a way to make a life for himself in this place, in spite of everything.
But still, deep down, he longed for freedom. His escape plan was never far from his mind. And so, every day, he worked towards that goal, determined to one day walk out of Shawshank, a free man.
Chapter 3: “Making Friends”
Andy Dufresne had spent his entire life living in luxury, but when he was sent to Shawshank prison, he quickly realized that all that was about to change. Everyone around him was rough, tough, and had no regard for authority. Andy was completely out of place and without friends. He quickly decided to focus on surviving.
Despite the harsh conditions, Andy refused to let his spirit be broken. He began to keep to himself, keeping his head down and avoiding trouble. However, he was drawn to the prison library, where he could lose himself in books and escape from the stark reality of prison life.
It was there that he first met Red, a long-standing inmate who had been in Shawshank for over 20 years. Red was a gruff and cynical person, but Andy sensed that he was not like the other prisoners. He saw in Red something different, something that sparked his interest.
Over time, the two men formed an unlikely bond. Red was initially wary of Andy, seeing him as yet another fragile and naive new arrival who would soon be broken by Shawshank’s harsh realities. But Andy’s quiet determination and intelligence soon won Red over, and the two became confidants.
Andy would often share his thoughts and feelings with Red, and they would spend hours talking about life outside of prison. Red found himself drawn to Andy’s unquenchable sense of hope, which seemed to keep him above the fray of prison life.
As time passed, Andy’s friendship with Red grew stronger. He began to trust Red with his deepest secrets, including the fact that he was innocent of the crimes for which he had been accused. Red was skeptical at first, but as he got to know Andy better, he came to believe in his innocence.
Andy’s friendship with Red proved to be a lifeline for him during his time in prison. Red was a seasoned inmate who knew how to navigate the dangerous waters of prison life, and Andy leaned on him for guidance and support. Red, in turn, was grateful for Andy’s companionship and the hope that he brought into his life.
As Andy and Red continued to forge their friendship, other prisoners began to take notice. They saw something in Andy that they admired and respected, and they began to seek him out for advice and encouragement. Andy had become a beacon of hope in the darkness of Shawshank.
Despite the daily struggles and hardships of life in prison, Andy never lost his sense of dignity or integrity. He refused to let the harsh reality of his situation define him, and instead chose to see the good in people, even in the most unlikely of places.
As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, Andy’s friendship with Red deepened. They became each other’s confidants, sharing their hopes, fears, and dreams for the future. They talked of a life beyond the prison walls, of the things they would do and the places they would go when they were finally free.
Through his unwavering determination, quiet strength, and unquenchable sense of hope, Andy had become a beacon of light in the dark world of Shawshank prison.
Chapter 4: “A Talented Accountant”
Andy Dufresne wasn’t in Shawshank for long before he caught the eye of the warden. It wasn’t just his quiet demeanor and sharp intelligence that impressed the warden – it was his accounting skills. The corrupt warden soon found a use for Andy’s expertise, and he put him to work reshaping the books at Shawshank.
Andy was hesitant to get involved in the warden’s schemes, but he knew he needed to survive. He also knew that he could use his position to his advantage. So he agreed to help the warden, but on his own terms.
At first, Andy’s job was simply to tidy up the books and make them look more presentable. But soon he was asked to do more. The warden began to use Andy to hide the profits he was making from illicit activities like money laundering and kickbacks.
Andy was uncomfortable with what he was doing, but he knew he needed to keep up appearances. He didn’t want to draw any unwanted attention to himself, and he was afraid that if he refused to do what the warden asked, he would be in danger.
As he worked on the books, Andy began to notice a pattern. The warden was skimming money off the top and hiding it in an offshore account. Andy wasn’t sure how much money was involved, but he knew it was a significant amount.
At first, he didn’t know what to do with this information. But as he continued to work on the books, he began to formulate a plan. If he could get his hands on the money, he could use it to escape Shawshank and start a new life.
But he knew that he couldn’t do it alone. He needed help from the outside. So he began to write letters to the state senate, detailing the corruption he had uncovered at Shawshank. He knew it was a risky move – if the letters were intercepted, he would be in serious trouble. But he also knew he had nothing to lose.
Andy’s letters caught the attention of an up-and-coming young lawyer named Tommy Williams. Tommy was fascinated by Andy’s story, and he saw an opportunity to make a name for himself. He began to investigate the corruption at Shawshank, and he soon found evidence to support Andy’s claims.
With Tommy’s help, Andy was able to make a deal with the state senate. In exchange for his testimony against the warden, Andy would be granted a full pardon and released from Shawshank.
It was a risky plan, but Andy knew it was his only chance at freedom. He continued to work on the books, keeping his head down and waiting for the right moment to strike.
Finally, the day arrived. The warden was arrested, and Andy was released from Shawshank. He walked out into the bright sunlight, free at last. He knew that he had risked everything to get to this point, but he also knew that it was worth it.
As he looked out over the world, Andy felt a sense of hope that he had never felt before. He knew that he had a long road ahead of him, but he was ready for whatever lay ahead. He had survived Shawshank, and he was determined to make something of his life.
Chapter 5: “Hope in the Darkness”
As the years pass, Andy’s unquenchable sense of hope keeps him going despite the brutal realities of life in Shawshank. He knows that he has to find a way out of prison if he’s ever to experience true freedom again, and he begins to hatch a daring plan.
Andy’s accounting skills become his key to unlocking the door to freedom. He continues to work for the corrupt warden, shaping the books to his advantage, and squirrels away any extra money he can find. He knows that he’ll need a sizable nest egg to finance his escape.
But he also knows that he can’t do it alone. Andy reaches out to Red, his closest and most trusted friend in prison, and asks for his help. Red is initially skeptical, having been beaten down by the system for so long, but Andy’s unwavering belief in their ability to escape inspires him.
Together, they begin to lay the groundwork for their escape. Andy pores over maps and blueprints of the prison, memorizing every nook and cranny. He studies the routines of the guards, learning their habits and weaknesses. And he begins to gather the tools he’ll need to make his escape a reality.
Red, meanwhile, serves as Andy’s eyes and ears on the inside. He keeps tabs on the other inmates, listening for any whispers of unrest or sabotage. He helps Andy acquire the tools he needs, sneaking them into the prison one piece at a time.
The escape plan is risky and complex, requiring Andy and Red to navigate the perilous terrain of prison politics and enlist the aid of some unlikely allies. But they know that they have no choice if they want to taste freedom again.
As the day of their escape draws near, the tension is palpable. Andy and Red make their final preparations, going over every detail of their plan to ensure that nothing goes wrong.
And then, at last, the moment arrives. Andy and Red embark on their daring escape, navigating through the labyrinthian passages of Shawshank with a stealth and precision that only comes from years of planning and preparation.
As they draw closer and closer to the outside world, Andy and Red feel a sense of exhilaration that they’ve never experienced before. They know that they’re taking a leap of faith, but they’re both filled with a sense of hope and possibility that they haven’t felt in years.
Finally, after what seems like an eternity, they emerge from the darkness of Shawshank into the bright light of day, free at last. They look at each other, their eyes filled with a mixture of relief and disbelief, and they both know that their lives will never be the same.
But even as they leave Shawshank behind, they know that their past will always be with them, shaping who they are and what they can become. They know that they can never forget the lessons they learned within those walls, and that they’ll always carry a piece of Shawshank with them, no matter where they go.
Chapter 6: “The Escape Plan”
Andy was a man with a plan, and his plan was to escape from Shawshank, no matter the cost. He knew that it was a long shot, but he was determined to make it work. He needed the help of his friend, Red, and a few other key players to pull it off.
Andy and Red had become close during their time in prison. They were two men from very different backgrounds, yet they shared a common bond of hope and determination. Andy knew that he could trust Red with his life, and that he would do whatever it took to help him escape.
But Andy also knew that he couldn’t do it alone. He needed a team of like-minded individuals who were willing to take the risk and help him escape. He began to scout out potential allies, watching their every move, looking for signs of potential weaknesses, and assessing how they might be able to help.
One of the first people that Andy approached was a fellow prisoner named Tommy. Tommy was young and naive, but he had a heart of gold. Andy saw something in Tommy that he knew could be useful in their escape plan. He began to train Tommy in the art of survival, teaching him how to spot danger, how to plan ahead, and how to keep his cool under pressure.
As Red and Andy began to assemble their team, they knew that one of their biggest challenges would be getting their hands on the supplies they would need. They needed rope, tools, shovels, and a host of other items that were difficult to come by in the prison. They began to forge relationships with the corrupt guards and sneaking in supplies whenever they could. But it wasn’t enough, and they knew that they would have to take more drastic measures if they were going to get everything they needed.
One day, Andy approached the warden with a proposal. He told the warden that he had been doing some research on the stock market and had discovered a way to make some massive profits. He proposed that the warden invest some of the prison’s funds into the stock market using his research, and promised to give the warden a cut of the profits. The warden, greedy and corrupt, agreed to the plan, and allowed Andy to access the prison’s funds.
But Andy had no intention of investing the money in the stock market. Instead, he used the money to buy a vast arsenal of supplies that he would need to execute his escape plan. Over the course of months, he and his team carefully and meticulously hid the supplies away, waiting for the right moment to put their plan into action.
As the night of the escape drew near, tensions in the prison began to rise. The guards were growing increasingly suspicious, and Andy knew that they would have to act fast if they were going to avoid getting caught. He and his team prepared for the escape, going over every detail, and rehearsing each step until it was second nature.
Finally, the night of the escape arrived. Andy and his team moved swiftly and quietly, using the supplies they had amassed to dig a tunnel beneath the walls of the prison. It was a dangerous and risky move, but they were determined to succeed. As they neared the end of the tunnel, they could feel their hearts beating in their chests. They knew that one wrong move could mean the difference between freedom and death.
But as they emerged on the other side of the wall, their spirits soared. They had made it. They were finally free. They raced across the open field, and as they made their way towards the woods, they looked back at the prison that had held them captive for so long. They knew that they would never forget what they had been through, but they also knew that they were stronger for it. They had survived Shawshank, and they had come out the other side – free and alive.
Chapter 7: “The Escape”
The night of the escape arrived, and Andy and Red were tense. They had spent months planning and preparing, and now it all came down to this. As they made their final preparations, they tried to quell the rising sense of panic that threatened to consume them.
The first step was to gather the necessary tools. Andy had managed to get his hands on a rock hammer, which he had slowly but steadily used to dig a hole through the wall of his cell. Red had secured a length of rope and a flashlight, which he had smuggled in from the outside.
Their plan was simple but risky. They would use the hole to crawl through to the sewage pipe that ran beneath the prison. From there, they would crawl through the pipe until they reached a point outside the prison walls. Then, they would use the rope to climb up and over the wall, and make their escape.
As they crawled through the narrow, stinking pipe, Andy and Red couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread. The pipe was tight and cramped, and the smell was overwhelming. They had no idea what lay ahead, but they knew that they had to stay focused and keep moving.
After what felt like an eternity, they finally reached the end of the pipe. They emerged into a small chamber, where they took a few moments to catch their breath and adjust their eyes to the dim light. They could hear the sound of footsteps and voices from above, and they knew that they had to act quickly.
“Okay, Red, let’s do this,” Andy said, his voice low and urgent. “Give me the rope.”
Red handed over the rope, and Andy quickly tied one end to a metal rung on the wall. He tested the knot, then tossed the other end over the edge of the chamber. They could see the faint outline of the prison wall in the distance.
“Looks like about sixty feet,” Red said, his voice tight. “You sure you can make it?”
“I have to,” Andy replied. “It’s our only chance.”
With that, Andy began to climb up the rope. He moved slowly and carefully, keeping his eyes fixed on the top of the wall. His hands and arms burned with exertion, but he refused to give up. He could feel Red’s eyes on him from below, urging him on.
Finally, Andy reached the top of the wall. He looked down to see Red staring up at him, his face tense with anticipation.
“Come on, Red! You can do it!” Andy shouted.
Red began to climb up the rope, but he struggled to make progress. His hands were sweaty and his muscles were weak from years of confinement. He looked up to see Andy reaching out to help him, but he knew it was too late.
“Go on without me, Andy,” he said, his voice hoarse. “Save yourself.”
“No way, Red!” Andy shouted back. “I’m not leaving you!”
With a surge of strength, Andy began to pull Red up the rope. He could feel his own muscles straining, but he refused to let go. Finally, Red made it to the top of the wall, and they collapsed into each other’s arms.
They lay there for a moment, panting and gasping for air. Then, they looked out into the darkness, and saw the world spread out before them. They were free.
As they made their way into the night, Andy and Red knew that their lives would never be the same. They had escaped the walls of Shawshank, but they would always carry the scars of their past with them. Nevertheless, they walked forward, hand in hand, ready to embrace the future with all the hope and promise that it held.
Chapter 8: “Freedom at Last”
Andy and Red climbed through the sewage tunnel and emerged into the rain. The moment they stepped foot outside of Shawshank, they were free from the oppression and violence of prison life. They looked out into the open sky and breathed in the fresh air. It was a moment they had both dreamt of for years.
As they walked along the road, they kept a low profile, avoiding any attention that could bring unwanted trouble. They had no possessions or money, but they had each other and a plan to start a new life.
The journey to Zihuatanejo, Mexico was long and tiring, but they persisted. They walked through dark nights and hot days, surviving on whatever they could find on the way. But the hope of freedom kept them moving forward.
One day, they stumbled upon a deserted field where they found a rusty bus. It was a sign of hope, and they decided to fix it and use it to reach their destination. They worked tirelessly, putting their skills to use, and finally, after weeks of hard work, the bus was ready to run.
They had a small amount of money, just enough to get them to Mexico. The journey was filled with challenges and obstacles, but they overcame them one by one. They crossed borders, avoided checkpoints, and drove through the rough terrains of the desert.
Finally, they arrived at Zihuatanejo, an idyllic town by the sea. They were enamoured by the beauty of the place, the sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and the warm hospitality of the locals.
They decided to rent a small fishing boat and set up a shrimping business. With the help of a few locals, they started catching shrimps, packing them, and selling them to markets. It was hard work, but it was fulfilling.
Over time, they found a small patch of land, and with their savings, they built a small house. It was modest but filled with love and care. The house overlooked the ocean, and they spent hours sitting on the porch, watching the sunset, and talking about life.
Andy had found redemption in his escape, and he had found a new purpose in life. He realized that life was not about the money or the power, but about the moments we spend with the people we love. He had found that in his friendship with Red.
Red, on the other hand, found a new lease on life. He was finally free from the routine of prison, and he had discovered the beauty of living in the moment. He spent his days fishing, reading, and enjoying the simple things in life.
Years passed, and they grew old together, but their friendship remained as strong as ever. They were a symbol of hope and resilience, of the power of the human spirit to overcome even the bleakest of circumstances.
As they sat on the porch, watching the waves, Andy turned to Red and said, “Remember Red, hope is a good thing, and sometimes, it’s the best of things.”
Red smiled and replied, “Andy, you’re damn right.”
They sat there, content and at peace, knowing that they had made the most of their second chances in life. They had come a long way from the darkness of Shawshank, and now they had found their own version of paradise.
Some scenes from the movie The Shawshank Redemption written by A.I.
Scene 1
Characters:
1. Andy Dufresne – an upstanding banker who is wrongly accused of murdering his wife and her lover.
2. Red – an older prisoner and friend to Andy.
3. Warden Norton – the corrupt warden of Shawshank prison.
Setting: The year is 1947, and the story takes place primarily within the walls of Shawshank prison.
Scene 1: “Wrongly Accused”
FADE IN:
EXT. ANDY’S HOUSE – NIGHT
The house is dark and the windows are boarded up. Andy Dufresne sits alone at the kitchen table, staring blankly ahead as he drinks his whiskey. The telephone rings, and he hesitates before answering it.
ANDY: (bitterly) Hello?
POLICE OFFICER: (over phone) Is this Andrew Dufresne?
ANDY: Yes, who’s calling?
POLICE OFFICER: (over phone) This is the police. I’m afraid I have some bad news. Your wife and her lover have been found murdered at your house.
Andy’s eyes widen in shock and horror.
ANDY: (frantically) What? That’s not possible! I didn’t do it!
POLICE OFFICER: (over phone) I’m sorry, Mr. Dufresne, but you need to come with us. You’re under arrest for the double murder of your wife and her lover.
Andy drops the phone in disbelief. Cut to:
INT. COURTROOM – DAY
Andy sits at the defendant’s table as the jury delivers their verdict – guilty. The judge slams his gavel down and sentences him to life in prison at Shawshank.
CUT TO:
INT. SHAWSHANK PRISON – DAY
Andy is led into the prison, where he is stripped of his clothes and possessions. He is left standing in his boxers as the other prisoners jeer and taunt him. Cut to:
INT. CELL BLOCK – DAY
Red, an older prisoner, approaches Andy in his cell.
RED: What’re you in for?
ANDY: (sullenly) Murder. But I didn’t do it.
RED: (nodding) None of us did, Andy. But here we are.
Andy looks around at the grim surroundings of the prison, and a sense of hopelessness settles over him.
FADE OUT.
Scene 2
EXT. SHAWSHANK PRISON – DAY
Andy Dufresne, a well-groomed and confident banker, steps out of the bus and looks up at the imposing walls of Shawshank. He inhales deeply and adjusts his tie before stepping forward to begin his new life behind bars.
INT. SHAWSHANK PRISON – DAY
Andy is greeted by the harsh reality of prison life as he steps into his new cell. The walls are grey and the air is thick with the smell of sweat and despair. He looks around at his fellow inmates, many of whom are glaring at him with suspicion and hostility.
BULL, a muscular and aggressive prisoner, approaches Andy with a sneer.
BULL
What are you in for, pretty boy?
ANDY
(somberly)
Murder.
Bull laughs and saunters off, leaving Andy alone with his thoughts.
INT. SHAWSHANK PRISON – NIGHT
Andy is lying in his bunk, unable to sleep due to the constant noise around him. Suddenly, a group of inmates burst into his cell, led by the menacing figure of Bogs Diamond.
BOGS
We need to teach you a lesson, new fish.
Andy tries to fight back, but he is overpowered and beaten within an inch of his life. He lies on the floor, battered and bruised, as Bogs and his gang walk away laughing.
INT. SHAWSHANK PRISON – DAY
Red, a gruff and weathered inmate, approaches Andy with a slight nod of his head.
RED
You’re the new guy, right?
ANDY
(grimly)
Yeah.
RED
I’ve been here a while. Let me give you some advice – keep your head down and stay out of trouble.
Andy nods, grateful for any guidance he can get in this hostile environment.
INT. SHAWSHANK PRISON – NIGHT
Andy lies in bed, his body aching from the beating he received earlier. But despite the pain and the hopelessness of his situation, he refuses to give in to despair. He thinks of his wife and the life he once had, and vows to survive, no matter what it takes.
Scene 3
FADE IN:
INT. SHAWSHANK PRISON – DAY
Andy Dufresne sits alone in the prison yard, lost in thought. He looks up as Red approaches him.
RED: Hey there, new fish. What’s your story?
ANDY: (smiling wryly) I’m innocent, just like everyone else here.
RED: (chuckles) Sure you are. You’re a banker, right? What brings a guy like you to Shawshank?
ANDY: (sighs) A moment of weakness. I found my wife cheating on me, and in a fit of rage, I did something stupid.
RED: (nods sympathetically) Tough break. But let me tell you something, Andy. In here, it doesn’t matter what you did or didn’t do. All that matters is how you carry yourself.
ANDY: (curious) What do you mean?
RED: (leans in) You gotta make yourself useful. Show the guards you’re worth something. That’s how you survive. That’s how you get respect.
ANDY: (pauses, considering) I have a talent for accounting. Maybe I could help with the books.
RED: (raises an eyebrow) The books? You mean the warden’s books?
ANDY: (nods) Why not? It’s not like there’s anything else to do in here.
RED: (skeptical) I don’t know, Andy. The warden’s a shady character. You don’t want to get mixed up with him.
ANDY: (smirks) I’ll be careful. Besides, what’s the worst that could happen?
RED: (shakes his head) Famous last words.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
INT. SHAWSHANK PRISON – DAY
A group of inmates are gathered around Andy, watching him as he works on the prison’s books. Tommy, a young prisoner, approaches Andy.
TOMMY
Hey, Andy, what are you doing?
ANDY
Just balancing the books. Making sure everything adds up.
TOMMY
You’re really good at that stuff. You could be doing something much better than this.
ANDY
(smiling)
Thanks, Tommy. But I’m happy here. Keeps me busy.
Tommy nods and walks away. Red approaches Andy.
RED
Hey, Andy. The warden wants to see you in his office.
ANDY
(sighing)
What now?
Andy follows Red to the warden’s office. The warden is sitting at his desk, looking at a stack of papers.
WARDEN
Andy, good to see you. How’s everything coming along with the books?
ANDY
Everything’s in order, sir. I’ve balanced the accounts and there are no discrepancies.
WARDEN
(smiling)
That’s what I like to hear. You’re a valuable asset to this prison, Andy. Keep up the good work.
Andy nods and starts to leave the office.
WARDEN
Oh, Andy, one more thing. I have a special project for you. Something that will really put your accounting skills to the test.
ANDY
(uneasy)
What kind of project?
WARDEN
(smirking)
Let’s just say it involves a little creative accounting. I’ll fill you in on the details later.
Andy leaves the office, feeling uneasy. He knows that the warden is up to something, and he doesn’t like it.
Scene 5
INT. ANDY’S CELL – DAY
Andy is seated on his cot, poring over a stack of financial ledgers. Sweat beads his forehead as he feverishly calculates numbers.
RED (O.S)
What’s eating ya, Andy?
Andy looks up to see Red standing in the doorway.
ANDY
Just trying to make sense of this mess.
RED
(laughing)
That’s what they pay you for, ain’t it?
ANDY
(sighing)
I just wish I could use my skills for something other than cooking books for the warden.
RED
You know what they say, ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same’.
ANDY
(smiling)
Thanks for the profound insight, Red.
Red chuckles and turns to leave, but stops at the door.
RED
You know, I’ve been thinking about your idea.
ANDY
(surprised)
What idea?
RED
(laughing)
You forget, I’m not as senile as I look. The one about the mouse and the rock hammer.
ANDY
(excitedly)
Have you figured something out?
RED
(nodding)
I might have a lead on a guy who could get us some used rock hammers.
ANDY
(grinning)
That’s great, Red. We’re one step closer to being out of this place.
RED
(smiling)
We sure are, old friend. We sure are.
Red exits, leaving Andy to his calculations once more. But this time, his hope is renewed, and he knows that he’ll keep fighting until he’s free.
Scene 6
FADE IN
INT. PRISON YARD – DAY
Andy and Red stand in the corner of the yard, hidden from view by the other prisoners. They are deep in conversation, their faces illuminated by the sun.
ANDY
We’re going to need some help if we’re going to pull this off.
RED
I’ve got a few guys in mind. But they’re not going to come cheap.
ANDY
I’ve got a little something saved up. We’ll make it worth their while.
RED
You’ve always been resourceful, Andy. I’ll see what I can do.
Suddenly, they hear the sound of approaching footsteps. They turn to see Hadley, the brutal head guard, and a group of his cronies making their way towards them.
HADLEY
What the hell are you two doing over here?
ANDY
Just having a chat, officer.
HADLEY
Well, you better make it quick. I’ve got work to do.
He turns to leave, but Red speaks up.
RED
Actually, officer, we were wondering if we could make a request.
Hadley raises an eyebrow.
HADLEY
What kind of request?
RED
My buddy Andy here could really use a new rock hammer. You know, to keep himself busy.
Hadley looks skeptical, but Red presses on.
RED
I figure it’s a small thing to ask. And we’d be awfully grateful.
Hadley looks between them for a moment, sizing them up. Finally, he nods.
HADLEY
All right. I’ll see what I can do.
He turns to leave, but pauses.
HADLEY
But if I catch you two plotting anything, I’ll make sure you both regret it.
He stalks away, and Andy and Red exchange a tense glance.
ANDY
We’ve got to be careful. If he catches wind of our plan…
RED
Don’t worry, Andy. I’ll make sure everything goes smoothly.
FADE OUT.
