Revolution on Auburn Avenue (2019)
Directed by Spike Lee and Martin Scorsese
Produced by Shaka King, Spike Lee, Jordan Peele and Martin Scorsese
_Based on the novel, “Revolutionary Atlanta and The Fall of Marcus Garvey” by Julius Harris*
Revolution on Auburn Avenue_ is a 2019 American biographical crime drama co-directed and produced by Spike Lee and Martin Scorsese, with a screenplay by Kenny and Keith Lucas, based on the 2005 non-fiction book Revolutionary Atlanta and The Fall of Marcus Garvey by Julius Harris. The film follows Caesar Williams (LaKeith Stanfield), a young hustler-turned-revolutionary involved with Harry Haywood (Mahershala Ali) and the Worker’s Party of America, before later befriending and working alongside the influential political activist Marcus Garvey (Winston Duke). The film details Williams’ relationship with both Haywood and Garvey, as tensions soon rise within the end of the Second American Civil War and the establishment of an autonomous black state in the Southern United Republics.
Spike Lee had the idea as he read the book in 2014, but he needed a way to tap into the intrigue and plotting prevalent in the story. One day, while with his friend Martin Scorsese, he brought up the book and the project. Scorsese loved it and offered to join the project to help get it out of development hell. And so, the two Academy Award-winning directors would collaborate for the first time with this project.
- LaKeith Stanfield as Caesar Williams *
- Mahershala Ali asHarry Haywood
- Winston Duke as Marcus Garvey
- Sterling K. Brown as Aaron R. Fisher
- Jesse Plemons as Mason Jackson *
INT. PRISON VISITING ROOM - SAVANNAH - DAY - 1925
Caesar sits in a prison visiting room, awaiting his lawyer, whom he knows somewhat well. He still expects prison time for his charge, though. As he sits expectantly, a man he hasn’t met before - HARRY HAYWOOD - sits down ahead of him.
HAYWOOD
Mr. Williams, is it?
Caesar looks confused as he glances around the room before focusing on Haywood.
HAYWOOD (CONT’D)
Is there a problem, Mr. Williams?
CAESAR
Oh no, it’s just…you’re not my regular lawyer, so I’m a bit shocked.
HAYWOOD
I apologize; I thought someone would have told you before this visit. Harry Haywood, I’m here to represent you in your felony case.
CAESAR
Who sent you here? The local sheriff’s office usually calls up the local defender-
HAYWOOD
Upon seeing your case file, I’ve decided to take it up in his stead. If you are uncomfortable with my services, I can call him back if you like.
Caesar quickly waves his hands, halting that idea.
CAESAR
No! No, I’m very grateful for your help, Mr. Haywood. This all has just caught me off guard. How did they get you involved?
HAYWOOD
The Worker’s Party of America has offered legal defense through the International Labor Defense for men like you and me. And please call me Harry; I would like us to be acquainted.
Caesar still tries to process it all as Harry reads the charges on his file.
HAYWOOD
So, Mr. Williams-
CAESAR
The name Caesar is just fine…if you want to get acquainted.
With a nod, Haywood reads from the file.
HAYWOOD
Says here that you’re charged with assault and intent to harm. Any idea what might lead to these charges?
CAESAR
Some guys thought I was getting too close to a broad. They started to push me around. I fought back, and I was the one left standing.
HAYWOOD
It also says here that you have a previous felony for disorderly conduct. I can imagine the bullshit that came from that case.
CAESAR
Should I just take the deal?
HAYWOOD
That depends. How much do you want to go back to jail?
Caesar shakes his head; he doesn’t want to go anywhere near living in a cold cell for god knows how long. Harry looks at Caesar with a raised look, his face saying everything. But Caesar needs words.
CAESAR
Do you really think we have a chance at winning this?
HAYWOOD
The only way to win this is to fight this , Caesar. You can never win on your knees.
Caesar smiles. He likes Harry. He is going places. He could be an excellent friend to Caesar. It turns out that this would only be the start of this unique relationship.
INT. COURTROOM - DAY - 1925
At the plaintiff’s table - the state lawyers. At the defense table - Caesar and Haywood, who addresses the court -
HAYWOOD
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, if this were about justice, the prosecution would have gone after the group that forced Mr. Williams into such a situation. A group that harassed him, beat him, and threatened his life. Yet they did not. Instead, in a vindictive case of prejudice, they put false charges against a man who was faced with an impossible choice. Does that sound like a man of guilt to you? I urge you to look at the evidence that we have laid out for you and set an innocent man free.
With that and all else that has been heard, the jury renders judgment -
FOREMAN
We, the jury, find the defendant Caesar Williams…not guilty.
Caesar lets out a breath of relief as Haywood gives him a smile in triumph. Cheers go up from behind them in celebration of the verdict.
CAESAR V/O
I don’t know how he did it, and I wasn’t going to ask. All I know is that Harry Haywood got me out of a case where I should have been a goner.
(…)
INT. ORANGE BAR - NIGHT
Caesar and Harry Haywood enter the bar, laughing and in a cheerful mood. Taking their seats in the corner of the bar, Haywood is more composed than Caesar, who is beaming with pride at his acquittal.
CAESAR V/O
We went to celebrate that night at a nearby bar. It would’ve just been another night celebrating with a new friend. But after that day, especially the trial, part of me felt tied to Harry for as long as possible.
INT. ORANGE BAR - NIGHT - 1926
As the two men drink, Caesar begins to learn more about what Haywood does for a living.
CAESAR
So Harry? You’re with those reds, right? The Communists?
HAYWOOD
That is a known term for the party, yes. You’ve heard of us?
CAESAR
Eh, not that deep into politics. I barely vote; I just make it through life day by day. Never really can tell the difference which big suit’s running the country next.
Haywood nods in understanding, taking in what Caesar is saying. It’s vital to any pathway to responding to Caesar’s political apathy.
HAYWOOD
While I understand your apathy to the white man, Caesar, have you ever thought of trying to make things better? I’ve come to this part of the country, somewhere that, just two years ago, would have had me at a separate fountain and bathroom. But I endure it to make a difference.
CAESAR
Yeah, that works well. Until white robes come to your house and chase ya out of town.
HAYWOOD
Look around, Caesar; what do you see around this bar?
Caesar looks around to see black and white men all around the bar wielding .30 rifles and keeping guard. He’s a bit confused and on guard, but Harry regains his attention.
HAYWOOD
Getting punched means you gotta punch back. This is how we do it. Any of those white cloaks or cops try to thread on us, we turn our weapons on them.
Caesar smiles like a kid in a candy store as he takes in his surroundings, while Haywood smiles alongside him.
CAESAR
Damn, man! So you guys are like fucking Robin Hood or some shit. Steal from the rich, give to the poor, and all that?
HAYWOOD
That’s a simple way to look at it. You ever read?
CAESAR
(shrugging) A bit. I got through school.
Haywood reaches into his case and pulls out two books, one titled THE COMMUNIST MANIFESTO and the other, STATE AND REVOLUTION.
HAYWOOD
Take them home and give them a read; probably the Communist Manifesto first. Whenever you have time, of course.
Caesar looked at the books, grasping THE COMMUNIST MANIFESTO starting as if it was the most peculiar object in the world.
CAESAR V/O
That day with Haywood would be one of the most important days of my life—more important than I can know.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Caesar lays down on his mattress, reading the MANIFESTO under the light of a small lamp.
CAESAR V/O
Now I may not have been one of those high-born know-it-all motherfuckers who knew everything about politics, but I was smart. I knew what the world was like, who thrived, who died, how it all worked. And that book - it was talking sense. All I know is I stopped being a simple bum that day. I was gonna live the revolutionary’s life.
(…)
EXT. ATKINS PARK - NIGHT - 1930
A thunderstorm throws rain down on Caesar as he hurries from his car to the Atkins Park pub.
INT. ATKINS PARK - NIGHT
Haywood and Jackson are lingering at one end of the bar. Caesar is sitting on his own, fiddling with his thumbs to distract himself.
MASON
You sure he was gonna be on time?
HAYWOOD
You know who he is; there would be no reason for him to be late.
MASON
Well, time’s ticking, ain’t it?
EXT. ATKINS PARK - NIGHT
An entourage exits out of a car, an umbrella in the middle, and there is MARCUS GARVEY.
INT. ATKINS PARK - NIGHT
Garvey enters the bar with a bombastic flair.
GARVEY
Well! Looks like the weather is a bit more troublesome than I thought.
Garvey goes around the bar, warmly greeting anyone approaching him.
CAESAR V/O
Before Nixon, Hampton, or Davis, people knew two names that black America knew: Du Bois, who was over with the NAACP, and Marcus Garvey, the President of Africa.
EXT. Birmingham - DAY - 1921 - FLASHBACK
Garvey comes through a large crowd of workers eager to shake his hand.
CAESAR V/O
Not many people remember him unless you’re in the South. But back then, there wasn’t a brother alive who didn’t know who Garvey was. At one point, he was the face of black nationalist America.
BACK AT ATKINS PARK
As Garvey finishes greeting the bar, he walks to Ceasar and Mason. Haywood stays near the side.
GARVEY
Well, it’s nice to meet a fellow brother here. What’s your name?
CAESAR
I go by Caesar around here.
GARVEY
Caesar, huh? Well, Veni, Vedi, Vici, am I right? Oh, you look like a joy to be around.
MASON
You’re late. You were supposed to be here 15 minutes ago.
GARVEY
I’m sorry, was I supposed to give a shit what you think, snow bunny?
Before Mason can get up to confront Garvey, Haywood puts a hand on his shoulder to calm him down.
HAYWOOD
You’re here now, which means we can get down to business. Take a seat if you don’t mind.
Flash forward a short while later, in the middle of the conversation.
GARVEY
So your Spartacus League can deal with protection?
HAYWOOD
Should the need arise, the Spartacus League is more than adequate in dealing with state troop forces.
GARVEY
Well, that’s great. But I think with our cooperation more needed than ever, we need a liaison between us.
HAYWOOD
A liaison? How would that work?
GARVEY
Just have one of your guys work alongside me for a while, helping coordinate things faster and all that jazz.
CAESAR
Hey Harry. (leaning in to whisper) This job feels like something I can do. You know, you got a lot on your plate with the party, and I know Mason doesn’t like him. It couldn’t hurt.
Haywood considers it before addressing Garvey.
HAYWOOD
All right then. My comrade Caesar can be the liaison here in Atlanta. Is this agreeable to you?
GARVEY
Excellent! Business as usual! Celebrate with a drink?
HAYWOOD
Unfortunately, Mason and I have a train to Chicago to catch tomorrow. But Caesar will be with you tomorrow to get things started.
As Garvey drank and cheered with the rest of his entourage, Caesar, Mason, and Harry sat at a nearby table, just out of earshot.
MASON
Every time we see him, he lords over us like a fucking king. Guy thinks we’re his lackeys.
HAYWOOD
Garvey’s a man with a massive personality, you know that.
MASON
Yeah, but look at him. The guy’s just as rich as the capitalist pigs in D.C.
CAESAR
Eh, man. He ain’t a foe for us right now; he’s after the same people as us.
A silence followed, but it asked the same question: For how long?
HAYWOOD
Caesar, if you’re staying here as a liaison for Garvey, you may as well keep close touch with one of our local comrades.
CAESAR
What about Fisher?
EXT. ATLANTA - NIGHT - 1923 - FLASHBACK
A Klansman is surrounded by the Spartacus League, kneeling on the ground, blood seeping from a head wound. He’s panting, either from exhaustion or fear. Approaching, flanked by two men, is Aaron R. Fisher.
CAESAR V/O
Any Klansmen who lived in the South or who thought about lynching some unlucky brother just for looking at him wrong, there was no man that they shit their pants harder than at the mention of Aaron R. Fisher.
Fisher kneels face-to-face with the man, who, in defiance, spits in Fisher’s face. As one of Fisher’s men slams the butt of his rifle on the man’s head in response, Fisher stops him.
FISHER
Nah. You don’t do it like that. We send a message.
Cut to a scene in the day, where the Klansman’s body is found hanging on a branch, with the sign ‘REACTIONARY’ around his neck.
CAESAR V/O
Fisher fought in the Great War back in France, but to him, the war never ended. The enemy just had a different face. But I was a guy who stayed on his good side, so at least I knew that I wasn’t on his shitlist.
(…)
INT. DIRTY BIRD SOCIAL CLUB - 1932
Caesar listens to a radio broadcast about the upcoming election as Garvey talks on the phone in the background.
CAESAR
Yo Marcus! Everything alright back there?
Garvey keeps taking on the phone.
GARVEY
Well, I don’t give a shit! Shit’s going to go down, so you might as well get what you can!
Hanging up, Garvey walks over to Caesar.
GARVEY
You know, whoever fights for control of this country. Dems, Republicans, Commies, or whoever else in that fucking Capitol; they don’t care about us.
CAESAR
What do you mean?
GARVEY
They’re concerned about America, and the people are part of that, but not us. You and me. Negroes.
CAESAR
Well, come on, Marcus. You know Harry’s doing his best. He cares.
GARVEY
If he cared, he wouldn’t surround himself with that cocksucker Jackson and all that. You think the Reds would let us get a nation of our own? Fuck no, it’d just be like Russia.
CAESAR
Marcus, you’re my friend. We’re buddies. So I’m just saying that some people…
Garvey notices Caesar’s pause.
GARVEY
Some people, what?
CAESAR
That some people are a little worried about who you’ll side with. Some people, not me.
GARVEY
Who? Haywood? Jackson? You know I never gave a spit about what he thinks.
CAESAR
It’s nothing; there was no point in me saying it.
GARVEY
Well, you said it; you may as well tell it.
CAESAR
Fisher.
That person means something to Garvey.
GARVEY
I understand their concerns, but we are united in our goals regardless. I don’t care who said it, and they’re not going to shut me up. Somebody can tell Fisher that.
(…)
INT. NEW AFRIKA HALL - MONTGOMERY - NIGHT - 1935
Servers set down plates for hundreds of attendees, who were all here to celebrate Juneteenth in the newly built New Afrika Hall.
W.E.B. Du Bois, Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, and A. Philip Randolph converse at one table.
Jackson and Haywood are sitting with some close friends at another.
Caesar and Garvey greet each other at another table, embracing as close friends do – Garvey giving Caesar a pat on the shoulder.
Haywood, Fisher, and Jackson regard Garvey from a distance.
MASON
He’s not even the goddamn Secretary-General and he’s holding up people’s land.
HAYWOOD
Are you sure?
MASON
I’m sure.
HAYWOOD
And how’s he doing that?
MASON
Because his guys are holding up land redistributions in New Orleans, Columbia, and Charleston.
HAYWOOD
And what’s the Politburo doing about it? Montgomery should help with this.
MASON
Marcus has some sympathizers in the local Soviets, not a majority, but a presence. The Agricultural Secretariat is supposed to send some folks down, but Garvey’s guys in the Soviet have been bureaucratically filibustering the appointments to carry them out.
HAYWOOD
Son of a…I thought this was already taken care of.
MASON
Do you know what he told somebody? When he gets the chance, he’s going to reverse all the land and property redistributions and give it to “Nergo businessmen.” Can’t have that.
HAYWOOD
He said that?
MASON
Yes.
HAYWOOD
You sure that is what he said?
MASON
Everything I’m telling you, he said. I mean, who does he think he is? Hoover?
Garvey can’t hear what they’re saying over there, but he doesn’t shy away from looking them in the eye when they look at him.
INT. NEW AFRIKA HALL - LATER - NIGHT - 1935
As ANC and UNIA members mingle in the hall, few people catch the conversation between Haywood and Garvey, who are speaking in confidence, in the corner of the room.
HAYWOOD
I don’t understand the trouble because you’ve got the nation you’ve been advocating for and the rights you’ve long desired. What is it? Is it money?
GARVEY
It’s not about money.
HAYWOOD
Well, then, I’m really having trouble figuring out your issue right now.
GARVEY
It’s my nation.
Haywood looks confused, almost baffled.
HAYWOOD
”Your nation?” What do you mean? What are you talking about right now?
GARVEY
I’m saying that this was supposed to be our victory! For us, our people! The result of what all this shit was about.
HAYWOOD
And what? Was MacArthur going to be the next great emancipator to you? You think he would even fight for this republic we have?
Nothing from Garvey.
HAYWOOD
Some people - not me - are a little concerned. Some people - not me again - feel you might be -
GARVEY
I might be what?
HAYWOOD
That you might be demonstrating a failure to show loyalty.
GARVEY
I’m displaying a failure of loyalty?
HAYWOOD
Some people - not me - might think so.
GARVEY
I’ve been behind bars. I’ve made speeches to other brothers and sisters in this room!
HAYWOOD
I know. You were good.
Garvey glances over to where Mason Jackson is sitting, talking with an ANC cadre.
GARVEY
I had to put up with that Tennessee cracker’s fucking bullshit when all I wanted was to finish my brisket. I’ve had to put up with all that, and I’m not showing loyalty?
HAYWOOD
According to some people - not me.
GARVEY
Well, I know it’s not you! Some people? Some people are saying I ain’t displaying loyalty - well then fuck them!
HAYWOOD
I’m trying to help you here.
GARVEY
I know. But nobody threatens Garvey.
As Garvey walks away, everything in the room seems to slow down. From a distance, Caesar watches, more than a little concerned.
(…)
INT. NEW AFRIKA HALL - LATER - NIGHT - 1935
Back at Garvey’s table, Marcus watches Caesar and Harry from a distance, who have found a semi-private spot to talk across the room. He pays back attention to the party, expecting nothing from that conversation.
Harry hands Caesar a small jewelry box. Inside lies a gold pin with a fist as the emblem.
HAYWOOD
Only three people in the world have one of these. I have one. Foster has one. And now you. (pause) Try it on.
Caesar is taken back, his face full of emotion.
CAESAR
I don’t know what to say. I’m honored, Harry.
Harry smiles and then hugs him. Like a father would for a son.
HAYWOOD
I’m proud of you, Caesar. You’ve come a long way.
Caesar puts on the pin. It stands out. The band starts another song. Caesar looks at Garvey from a distance, who is in conversation with someone else.
HAYWOOD
There’s something else. Things just got out of hand with our friend. Some people have a serious problem with him, and it’s at a point where you have to tell him: It’s what it is.
Caesar seems a bit confused.
CAESAR
It’s what it is?
HAYWOOD
Yeah. I know you’re close to him; maybe he’ll listen to you.
CAESAR
I’ll do it, but you know as well as I do, Harry. He’s a tough nut to talk to.
HAYWOOD
Unfortunately for him, this is beyond his control—Hoover’s thinking of getting involved.
That fact stuns Caesar for a moment.
CAESAR
Hoover? Wait, do we really need Public Safety here? I mean, you know, Garvey’s one of us.
HAYWOOD
(shakes head) Not like this. Caesar, if a president can be taken out, what is different about the president of a Nergo party?
As Caesar takes the words in, he understands one message: things have gotten severe now.
CAESAR
I gotta make this knucklehead listen. I’ve gotta this time.
INT. NEW AFRIKA HALL - LATER - NIGHT - 1935
As the celebrations continue, Caesar and Marcus, off by themselves, have a chat.
CAESAR
I just spoke to Harry. He just spoke to Mason. He means what he’s saying.
GARVEY
Who? Harry?
CAESAR
Mason.
GARVEY
Well, I mean what I say. He can’t seem to get that through his cracker head; well, I don’t care.
Marcus notices how ashen-faced Caesar looks.
GARVEY
Don’t look so worried.
CAESAR
I’m a little worried.
GARVEY
They should be concerned, not you.
CAESAR
They are. They’re more than a little worried. There’s widespread concern. They’re close to losing their shit.
CAESAR (CONT’D)
They told Harry to tell me to tell you: It’s what it is.
Garvey looks stunned for once.
GARVEY
It’s what it is?
CAESAR
It’s what it is.
GARVEY
They wouldn’t dare. They wouldn’t fucking dare.
CAESAR
Don’t say that, Marcus. Don’t say they wouldn’t dare.
GARVEY
Something funny happens to me, they’ll have a war on their hands. If the right people know, and people know what shit they do, and all this will come crumbling down. And all these red motherfuckers know it.
CAESAR
Marcus, what am I supposed to do? I got to go back and tell the old man—what? That you’re still not listening to him? He ain’t used to people not listening to him.
GARVEY
Neither am I.
Caesar is running out of ways to make Marcus see the reality of the situation.
CAESAR
Then I don’t know, you should maybe keep some brothers around for protection.
GARVEY
Maybe, but we’ll see. You know I love ya, Caesar, like my own brother. And you also know that I’m not a man who backs down.
Marcus leaves Caesar to be with his wife at the table. Caesar stands there, grappling with his being stuck in two different directions.
(…)
INT. CAESAR’S HOME - DAY - 1972
A sad look is on the elderly Caesar’s face. Then -
CAESAR
Marcus was my friend, but he was hard-headed. He always loved the French Revolution; he called himself “Negro Robespierre.” That day in Atlanta, key war effort business was being conducted there. But that wasn’t the only business that day.
INT. TRAIN STATION - GEORGIA - 1940
Caesar gathers his things as he approaches a phone station nearby to make a call.
CAESAR V/O
Harry was over in Russia fighting the Nazis, so he had to send guys like me to talk to Marcus. Atlanta was a peace mission, especially with all the fallout of the Rankin raid a while back.
INTERCUT with Marcus calling from his home in Athens, Georgia.
CAESAR
I just got into the city. I’m going to meet with Fisher now, and I’m hoping we can work things out.
GARVEY
Fisher wants to work things out?
CAESAR
Yeah, he wants to work things out. Everyone wants to work this out, Marcus. We can meet anywhere you like.
GARVEY
From day one, I wanted to work this out.
CAESAR
I know, Marcus.
GARVEY
From day fucking one.
CAESAR
I know.
GARVEY
Just the three of us? Not the Tennessean.
CAESAR
Of course, he has to be there.
GARVEY
No. Just the three of us.
CAESAR
There’s no point in just the three of us.
GARVEY
I’m not sitting down with that fucking cracker.
CAESAR
It’s time to sit down, Marcus. Everybody says so.
Marcus hangs up to Caesar’s visible frustration. But he does not have an outburst; instead, he leaves the phone to leave the train station.
INT. ATKINS PARK - ATLANTA - DAY - 1940
Caesar enters the sparsely-populated Atkins Park, where Fisher is there to greet him.
FISHER
Caesar! You just got here?
CAESAR
Yeah, just got here on the rails an hour ago.
FISHER
You probably missed the radio here a bit ago: Harry’s got the Krauts surrounded at Smolensk.
CAESAR
For real?
FISHER
Yeah, that man takes to war like a greyhound takes to running. But we have his work to do here. Have you called Garvey yet?
CAESAR
Yeah, he said he was thinking about it.
FISHER
Maybe you should give him another call? See where his mind is at.
EXT. ATKINS PARK - ATLANTA - LATER - DAY - 1940
Caesar in a phone booth just outside Atkins Park, again INTERCUT with Marcus at his Athens home -
CAESAR
Marcus, it’s me.
GARVEY
Hey, Caesar. You settling back in Atlanta well?
CAESAR
Yeah, just getting in the groove again.
GARVEY
Good, because I changed my mind about the thing earlier.
CAESAR
You did?
GARVEY
Yeah, I’m meeting with the Tennessean tomorrow.
CAESAR
The Tennessean? Mason?
GARVEY
Yeah, Sam Hill set it up.
CAESAR
Where did he set it up?
GARVEY
In public, at the Curb Market down at Auburn. You’ve been there before?
CAESAR
Marcus, you know Sam Hill is Jackson’s brother-in-law, right?
GARVEY
Really? Where you learn something new, I suppose. But I like him, he seems good.
CAESAR
Marcus, I think I should be there.
GARVEY
I agree; I was asking what time you would be there.
CAESAR
What time is the meetup?
GARVEY
3 o’clock. Around that time or within the hour.
CAESAR
I’ll be there at 3.
GARVEY
Perfect.
Marcus hangs up, but Caesar feels relief in the aftermath, unlike last time. However, he is puzzled at how quickly and easily that change happened. Marcus was usually more stubborn than that. Caesar walks back inside Atkins Park.
FISHER
What did he say?
CAESAR
He’s meeting with Mason. Apparently, Hill set it up.
FISHER
That’s good.
And that was all—not another word of it, which Caesar finds a bit unusual, considering the trials and tribulations involved in making this happen.
CAESAR V/O
Whatever it was, you’d think Aaron would’ve asked when the meeting was, where it was, whether he was supposed to come or not. Something. Anything.
Caesar simply watches Fisher sip his drink and eat some meat bites on his plate, content.
CAESAR V/O
But he didn’t ask anything.
(…)
INT. DINER - ATLANTA - NIGHT - 1940
Caesar and Fisher wait at a table in a diner, awaiting a third guest. That guest arrives as Mason enters the restaurant and heads towards them.
MASON
Caesar! Fisher!
Both Fisher and Caesar embrace their comrade as they prepare for their dinner.
CUT TO: Later in the night, as all three men are dining on their dessert plates. Mason has a tall sundae, Fisher a red velvet cake, and Caesar with apple pie with a scoop of ice cream.
MASON
By the way, there’s been a change of plans. We’re needed in DeLeon-Debs tomorrow; we’ll get on a train there tomorrow afternoon.
CAESAR
I told Marcus that we would meet him there at 3.
MASON
We know.
CAESAR
We have that meetup with him tomorrow afternoon.
MASON
We know.
Caesar seems confused but is internally reeling at the fact that they’re standing Garvey up.
CAESAR
Fisher, help me out here. I told him I’d be there.
Fisher glanced at Caesar, then at Mason before turning back to Caesar.
FISHER
We did all we could for him, Caesar.
Caesar can only just stare as the words set in. Mason simply takes another spoonful of his sundae before saying coldly.
MASON
Don’t call him.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT - 1940
Caesar stares at the ceiling, his sleep evading him. There was no phone in his apartment, even if he wanted to make a call.
INT. DELI - MORNING - 1940
Caesar enters the deli as Mason waits for him. On his table, he has a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich.
CAESAR
Morning, Mason.
MASON
Morning.
CAESAR
You got an extra sandwich?
Mason hands Caesar an extra breakfast sandwich on his side. As Caesar eats, Mason asks him a question.
MASON
How well do you know Auburn Avenue?
CAESAR
Been there a few times, I know it well. Did a few jobs there.
MASON
That’s good. We need to handle one thing down there.
CAESAR
(confused) But I thought we were headed to D.C. today.
MASON
We are; we’ll leave when you’re done. You’ll head there, come to the train station, and then we’ll take the ride there, seeing the sights and all that jazz.
Caesar has no idea what he’s talking about but doesn’t like it, whatever it is.
MASON
Caesar, I know this is an awful situation, but this is what it comes to. This is going to happen. Either way, he’s going.
Mason looks towards the despondent Caesar.
MASON
We’ve made our mistakes by allowing enemies in our midst: MacArthur, Rankin, Mussolini, and Hitler. Either he goes…or the revolution that we worked for ends.
Mason sips his coffee. Caesar barely moves. He can’t even finish his breakfast.
INT/EXT. FORD - ATLANTA - MOVING - DAY - 1940
Caesar drives on the busy streets of Atlanta, heading through Auburn Avenue. Opening the tool pouch on the side door, he notes the Colt Model 1903 and checks the time on his watch: 2:15 pm.
As he drives down the avenue, he notices Marcus about to enter the market.
EXT. SWEET AUBURN MARKET - SAME TIME - 1940
Marcus notes the changed market, where products and goods are no longer being sold for profit. The businessman in him scoffs at the concept. He doesn’t notice Caesar’s Ford drive past him.
EXT. ATLANTA - DAY - 1940
Caesar drives through Auburn Avenue and towards Peachtree, a short distance away. As he drives down the street, a man wearing a cadre uniform and cap.
CAESAR V/O
Sal was the getaway driver. He was the fastest driver we knew, and he had done jobs like these before.
Caesar moves to the passenger side as Sal enters the driver’s seat. Before moving, Caesar takes out his pistol and places it in his coat pocket. Sal looks over.
SAL
Don’t fuck it up.
INT/EXT. FORD - MOVING - DAY - 1940
The ride is silent as Caesar looks ahead, the task consuming his mind. Sal, on the other hand -
SAL
Silent drives are unusual for me, so we may as well talk.
CAESAR
I don’t feel like it.
SAL
Just offering to take your mind off it.
Caesar stays silent.
EXT. SWEET AUBURN MARKET - DAY - 1940
The Ford pulls up on the sidewalk across from the market. Caesar exits out of the passenger seat as Sal drives away.
CAESAR V/O
Sal knew he would drop me off, circle the block, and pick me up. It would take 45 seconds, the fastest, maybe 90 seconds at its possible longest.
EXT. AUBURN AVENUE - CONTINUOUS - DAY - 1940
Caesar walks towards the market, checking his watch: 3:01—on time. He crosses the street at a quick pace as he looks for Marcus around the market. Caesar finds him taking a call in a phone booth. No way that he was carrying a gun with him, based on his look. As he leaves the booth, he sees Caesar.
GARVEY
Caesar! You came right on time.
Marcus goes for the embrace, and Caesar returns it.
GARVEY
Did Hill or the Tennessean come with you?
CAESAR
Nah, I came to see you first, but they’ll be here soon.
GARVEY
Good, I’m glad to have you here with me, brother.
As the two of them begin to walk towards the market, Marcus hears a honk as a car approaches from behind him.
The motion slows to a stop.
CAESAR V/O
I don’t know if he knew something was up or that he thought that Sal was Mason and Hill arriving.
The image begins to move again. Caesar reaches into his pocket, pulling out his pistol.
CAESAR V/O
If you ask me, he knew something was up.
Caesar aimed at the back of Marcus’s head.
CAESAR V/O
Just not my part in it.
As Marcus faces away, Caesar fires two shots behind the back of his head. Marcus collapses, and people scream and flee while Caesar leaps into the car as it speeds away from the scene with a screech. Leaving Marcus behind as his blood spills down a city drain.
INT/EXT. FORD - MOVING - DAY - 1940
As Sal speeds away, Caesar barely holds himself together as he breathes erratically, tears threatening to spill from his eyes. No one says a word as the car drives towards the train station; the deed now done.
EXT. TRAIN STATION - ATLANTA - DAY - 1940
The car pulls forward to the train station as Caesar steps out towards the entrance. Mason and Aaron are waiting at the gate, the latter nodding towards Caesar. Caesar doesn’t nod back.
All three get aboard the train, with Caesar pauses to glance towards the city of Atlanta before heading into the train.
In the background, news comes out from the radio:
RADIO:
It has been confirmed: Marcus Garvey, leader of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League, has been assassinated in broad daylight on Auburn Avenue. The assailants are unknown and were only seen speeding away from the scene. To reiterate: Marcus Garvey is dead at 52 years of age.
(…)
EPILOGUE
- Harry Haywood rose to General of the Army after the war, eventually serving as Premier of the UASR from 1966-70. He died in 1985, aged 86. His reputation remains divisive.
-** Mason Jackson became Premier of Tennessee in 1952 before being forced to resign in 1954. He would later work in Public Safety until 1963. He died of stomach cancer in 1966, aged 51.
- Aaron R. Fisher became a warrant officer and served the AFNR Red Guards until 1947. He died in 1985 at the age of 90.
- Caesar Williams was elected as a delegate to the All-American Congress of Soviets from 1948 to 1960. He died in 1992 at the age of 90. He kept his involvement in Garvey’s death a secret up until his death, only revealing it in his personal journals.**
*[WPA]: Works Progress Administration
*[NBI]: National Bureau of Investigation
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