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Description

Apocalypse Now (Zoetrope, 1979), Third Draft Shooting Script Signed by Writer John Milius. Vintage original 154-page (as paginated) Third Draft shooting script from Apocalypse Now, bound and bradded and retaining red back page of original studio wrap and handwritten "APOCALYPSE NOW" on the spine in black ink. Title page contains handwritten message from writer John Milius to film producer Marv Bloch, "Dear Merv, This is a particularly spirited and demonic version, written sometimes in the middle of the whole ordeal. It has a little of everything in it. Hope you enjoy it. Banzai, John Milius." Nominated in 1980 for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, John Milius and Francis Ford Coppola's adaptation of Joseph Conrad's novella, Heart of Darkness, took audiences on a haunting and harrowing journey through the Vietnam War as Green Beret Captain Benjamin L. Willard (Martin Sheen) embarks on an assassination mission of a fellow Special Forcers officer, Colonel Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando) who has gone rogue in Cambodia. Hired early in the pre-production of the film, meant to be George Lucas' follow-up to THX 1138, Milius saw the project as an opportunity to grow as a writer and quotes his time writing Apocalypse Now as "...the most important decision I made in my life as a writer." Item exhibits expected age and wear, with slight page discoloration, rounded page edges, and minor scuffs and tears throughout. The poster image is for reference only and is not included with this lot. Full LOA from Beckett Authentication Services.

Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.

Auction Info

Proxy Bidding Ends 
December
9th Tuesday 10:50 am CT
Auction Dates
December
9th-10th Tuesday-Wednesday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining 
8 Days 9h 41m 36s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: 20
Page Views: 108

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This lot is in: 1 - Signature® Floor Session (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 38001-38315) - 11:00 AM Central Time, Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]

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2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261

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