THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY
screenplay adaption by
Richard LaGravenese
MARCH 24, 1994, FIRST DRAFT
Our story begins in 1965, on a hot afternoon in August.
FADE IN
EXT. IOWA LANDSCAPE - DAY
Rolling green hills, lush farmland, vast open space. Not a
house or sign of life in sight. On a long dusty road, a TRUCK
is driving across the screen. Clouds of dirt follow in its
tracks -- its motor, the only sound we hear.
INT. TRUCK - DAY
FRANCESCA JOHNSON is sitting in the front seat of the pick-up
truck. Her expression is distant. Her eyes are sad, as if
hiding a burden she can hardly bear. Her husband, RICHARD
JOHNSON, is driving.
RICHARD
You feeling better Franny?
FRANCESCA
Yes. I'm fine. It's just this heat I
think.
He nods, satisfied. He turns on the radio as the VOICE OF
DINAH WASHINGTON sings a bluesy, haunting love song, "I'LL
CLOSE MY EYES."