Page One: “The Hunt for Red October” (1990)

Screenplay by Larry Ferguson and Donald E. Stewart, novel by Tom Clancy

The movie version of the opening:

One key difference: In the movie, the final sides of dialogue are changed to an enigmatic exchange between Borodin and Ramus:

Borodin: It’s time, captain.
Ramus: It’s time. Time indeed.

Time for what? We don’t know. Hence, the enigma. Underscored as the camera pulls back to reveal Ramus at the helm of a Russian submarine.

You may read the screenplay here.

FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY!

Page One is a daily Go Into The Story series featuring the first page of notable movie scripts from the classic era to contemporary times. Comparing them is an excellent way to study a variety of writing styles and see how professional writers start a story.

For more Page One posts, go here.