Christopher Columbus: The Discovery: screencaps
King Ferdinand (Tom Selleck) and Queen Isabella (Rachel Ward) receive Cristobal Colon and hear his request for
their support for his plan to reach the Indies by a westerly route.
Meanwhile, the Inquisitor’s Spy (Michael Gothard) lurks in the background, taking mental note of what is said.
That night, armed men take Cristobal away by carriage, and bring him through a torture chamber to a private
room, where the Inquisitor’s Spy greets him.
Cristobal is questioned by the Inquisitor, Torquemada (Marlon Brando), and his agent. Cristobal asks whether the
Queen knows about this, and is told that the proceedings are secret, like the Confessional.
Cristobal is asked whether he takes the Sacraments. He says he does, and asks why his faith is being questioned.
Torquemada tells him that St Augustine says the ocean cannot be crossed. To go against this could be construed
as heresy.
Cristobal says St Augustine was mistaken in other pronouncements. He can’t believe it could be heretical to
take the message of Jesus to those who haven’t heard it before. He is allowed to go free.
When the Queen leaves on a military campaign, Cristobal is called before an official commission; the Inquisitor’s
Spy informs him that Torquemada has made his decision - that St Augustine is right, and the ocean may not be
crossed.
Cristobal appears to have no choice but to accept the decision.
When Queen Isabella returns, victorious, she meets with Cristobal again, clearly minded to support him; the
Inquisitor’s Spy is seen in the background.
Later, he and Torquemada watch Crstiobal’s ship set sail; Torquemada expresses the hope that he never returns,
and the conviction that Spain will still be of one faith when this voyage is forgotten.
To the chagrin of the religious establishment, Cristobal returns, bringing treasure and new ‘converts’ to Christianity.