"LITTLE
MERMAID 3:
ARIEL’S
MELODY"
An
animated script submission from
HUNTINGTON
CREDENZA
@2001
HUNTINGTON CREDENZA
Fifth
draft 11-18-02
EXT:
DAY, OCEAN
A
corvette is cutting through the water. It is a choppy day at sea and the sails
billow frantically. The main sail has a giant stylized eye on it.
Behind
the ship, near the horizon, a major storm is brewing. The ship shudders and
pitches.
ANGLE
ON THE DECK
On
the bridge, the CAPTAIN is trying to pilot the ship, but she’s fighting back.
He is an old salt of the sea, with a full, gray beard, but portly from his
years on the briny.
As
he wrestles with the wheel, another man comes up behind him, also pitched
around by the waves. This is MEPHISTO.
He
is wearing a long topcoat that nearly covers his feet. Slender and tall, he
sports a pencil-thin mustache, and looks like the magician David Copperfield.
The collar of the topcoat is turned up, but is flapping in the wind.
CAPTAIN
Things are getting rough.
The
ship is hit with an oblique wave and Mephisto is sent sliding across the wet
deck. He grabs onto the rope attached to the clapper of the ship’s bell. The
bell CLANGS loudly, far too close to his ear. He is momentarily dazed.
As
he staggers to his feet, he is hurled towards the side railing on the bridge.
As he gets there, a giant wave sends up a fountain of water.
Mephisto
comes face to face with a fish that was caught in the wave. They hold for a
moment, and then SCREAM in terror.
Mephisto
has had it. He storms over to the Captain, using the slippery deck and tilting
ship to get there quickly. As he talks, he squeegees water out of his hair.
MEPHISTO
You
said the waters were calm this time of year. Well, if this is calm, I’d just
love to see what a hurricane looks like!
Mephisto
burrows right into the Captain’s face, who remains unmoved. A drop of water
hangs off of Mephisto’s nose. The Captain jerks his thumb over his shoulder.
CAPTAIN
You’ll get your wish soon
enough.
Mephisto
heads to the aft portion of the bridge to see the storm. He returns to the
Captain.
MEPHISTO
You
were hired for your sailing knowledge, but I could pilot this barge better than
you can!
Another
crashing wave hits the ship, drenching Mephisto. Looking dour, he doesn’t even
try to dry off. Why bother?
CAPTAIN
The rate that storm is gaining,
we’ll never make it to Boldoni.
The
Captain grabs Mephisto and has him steer the ship. Mephisto is horrified as the
wheel slams him about.
The
Captain pulls out a telescope and scans the far horizon.
CAPTAIN
Blast this weather. Makes it
hard to see if…
The
Captain stops as he focuses the telescope. Mephisto looks on with interest.
MEPHISTO
Well?
The
wheel spins maniacally as Mephisto leaves it and he approaches the Captain, who
hands him the telescope.
CAPTAIN
See for yourself.
The
Captain returns to the wheel, which is rotating with great speed. The Captain
puts out his hands to catch it. He grabs the wheel and it stops dead. The ship
is righted.
Mephisto
puts the glass up to his eye, trying to focus it.
MEPHISTO
I know there’s a trick to make
this work.
MEPHISTO’S
POV THROUGH TELESCOPE
There’s
something in the distance, but it slides in and out of focus.
EXT:
SHIP, DAY
As
Mephisto tries to work the telescope, another wave crashes into the ship. A
finger of water smacks the end of the telescope, collapsing it into Mephisto’s
face.
From
Mephisto’s POV through the telescope, is a crisp and clear picture of Eric’s
castle, still bathed in sunshine, although the weather is turning foul there as
well.
CAPTAIN
That should fit your needs.
Any port in a storm, eh?
Mephisto
removes the telescope with a noisy PLOIP and hands it back to the Captain.
Adjusting himself, trying for some degree of dignity, he gets ready to leave.
MEPHISTO
Yes. Fine. Good.
As
Mephisto heads down the stairs, the Captain starts barking out orders to the
crew, who scramble about the deck. Mephisto adroitly avoids them as he makes
his way below.
MEPHISTO
I don’t care where we go,
just somewhere that’s dry.
A
massive wave crashes into the ship, sending a cataract of water across the
deck. Mephisto is not only soaked, kelp fronds hang from him and fishes flop
about at his feet. He says nothing; his expression is enough. He goes below.
Zooming
back, up and away from the ship, attention turns to the castle. MUSIC swells
and the OPENING CREDITS begin.
The
background fills with views of the sea as we soar above it like a bird. Sea
life is leaping out of the water and the waves are heading towards the beach.
We
tilt up and slow down as Eric’s castle closes in. A small shaft of sunlight
hits the beach, but it is slowly swallowed up by the storm clouds.
The
TITLES end and the MUSIC finish with a grand flourish. At Mermaid Rock, a wave
CRASHES against it.
Ejected
by the spray is FLOUNDER and SEBASTIAN. They are propelled high into the air,
then splash back under.
EXT:
DAY, OCEAN
Under
the sea, Flounder regains his bearings and hunts for Sebastian, who is buried
headfirst into the ocean floor.
Horrified,
Flounder swims over and grabs hold of Sebastian’s legs to pull him free.
Sebastian shakes his head with an AYEAYEAYE and knocks some mud from his ears.
SEBASTIAN
I
tell you, mon, dis is gettin’ to be a real chore.
FLOUNDER
But the King is counting on us.
SEBASTIAN
(Resolved)
I
know. I just wish he’d count on someone else.
Sebastian
clamps on to Flounder’s back fin and they continue to the beach.
EXT:
DAY, BEACH
It
is a view of the sea from the beach. The storm clouds are gathering and the
ocean is frothing up. There is still some sunlight, but it is rapidly
retreating. There is still enough light, however. Whitecaps CRASH angrily on
the shore.
In
silhouette, someone is walking. They are bundled up against the howling wind.
As they look out to sea, Sebastian and Flounder break the surface. The hood
comes off. Close-up reveals Ariel.
She
is wearing a hooded cape gown with slits for her arms. It is a medium weight
garment, more designed for protection against the wind. Ariel goes to the
water’s edge as she sees her friends.
ARIEL
Flounder! Sebastian!
FLOUNDER
Ariel! Ariel!
Ariel
gets down on all fours as the two come up to her. She is elated at their visit.
ARIEL
Awwww! You know you don’t have
to do this.
FLOUNDER
But we want to.
SEBASTIAN
Besides, your faddah told us
to do so.
Ariel
giggles.
ARIEL
I
can just hear him now. ‘Ariel needs constant super-vision’.
FLOUNDER
‘And you’re just the crab to do it.’
All
laugh. Ariel looks at her friends with longing and homesickness.
ARIEL
I’m a big girl now.
SEBASTIAN
But
you’ll always be his little mermaid.
ARIEL
I know. He does this because he
loves me and misses me.
FLOUNDER
We all do, Ariel.
Ariel
stands up. A huge wave slams into Flounder and Sebastian, driving them onto the
beach. Ariel recoils from the strength of the wave, then hurries to get both of
them back into the water.
ARIEL
(To
Flounder)
You’d
better get back to Atlantica. It looks like bad weather.
SEBASTIAN
We’ll let your faddah know
everyt’ing’s all right.
FLOUNDER
Good bye, Ariel.
Ariel
waves good-bye as they disappear under the surface. She continues waving long
after they are gone. She puts her hood up and walks along the beach.
A
vicious gust scoops off the hood. Her long red hair flails about. She does not
put the hood up; rather, she turns into the wind to get pummeled by the fury of
the on-coming storm.
She
is barefoot and wades into the edge of the waves. Her feet and cape hem get
soaked. She smiles a happy, contented smile. The more ferocious the storm is,
the happier she is.
Sea
spray coats her and the ocean becomes a constant ROAR. The breakers SMASH onto
the beach, demonstrating their fury.
Blithely
walking along the shore, she sings, her dulcet tones drowning out the noise:
ARIEL
How long has it been since I left? Have
I spent that much time on the land?
I’ve been in a completely different world
Which, at times, I can’t understand.
To know about fire and footwear,
The wind and the rain and the sun,
Though difficult and enjoyable,
Both a challenge and also quite fun.
For no matter where I may go,
My heart belongs to the sea
But now, I live upon the land
And this is the place for me.
I love my Eric completely
The kindest man I have known
He’s been by me through the tears and the
joy
And the compassion that he’s shown
Ariel holds at the water’s edge, as froth and foam cascade about. As she wades back in, she looks down at her feet for a moment, then out to the gathering storm.
But there are times I wish I could be
A mermaid again for a while
Then I look about at what I have
And I give myself a great smile
I do miss my father and sisters
I’d just enjoy hearing their voice
But this is the life I have chosen
And I know this is the right choice
For no matter where I may go,
My heart belongs to the sea
But now, I live upon the land
And this is the place for me.
On land is where I will be.
Ariel
watches as wave after wave crash over Mermaid Rock. She smiles wistfully, but
her reverie is interrupted by..
ERIC (VO)
(From a distance)
Ariel! Ariel!
Ariel
turns to see Eric running down the beach. He catches up with Ariel, but cannot
speak, as he is panting. Ariel watches with love as Eric makes the long run.
ERIC
No
one saw you leave
and
we were worried.
Ariel looks distant.
ARIEL
I
just needed to take
a
walk. Get some air.
ERIC
We
were concerned about
you. Both of you.
Eric
kneels down in front of Ariel and parts her cape to reveal that she is
incredibly pregnant. Ariel, almost beatific in her radiance, smiles as Eric
gingerly puts his head to her tummy. He smiles with pride as he listens.
Suddenly, his head makes a shudder. Eric grins even wider.
ERIC
He kicked me. My son kicked me.
Eric
jumps up and begins to dance a jig around Ariel, singing, “He kicked me” over
and over. Ariel laughs. Eric stops and holds Ariel close and very passionately.
ERIC
I love you so very much.
They
start to kiss, but an immense gust kicks up and blows them aside. Eric catches
Ariel and he looks out to sea.
ERIC
We’d better get back inside.
It’s going to be a howling storm.
Cradling
Ariel protectively, they make their way back to the castle. Ariel puts her hood
on. As they leave, on the horizon is the shadow of Mephisto’s ship heading into
port.
INT:
CASTLE, NIGHT
Eric
struggles to close and lock a window against the vicious wind. Just as he does
it and turns away, SCUTTLE is slammed against the window.
Scuttle
holds for a moment and quickly slides away. Eric turns to see nothing. He
shrugs, thinking it’s the wind.
They
are all in the nursery, a cavernous room filled with stacks of shelves and
cabinets. Ariel is sitting on a fainting lounge, feet up, swathed in pillows. A
roaring fire casts the room in a warm glow.
Around
her are CARLOTTA and GRIMSBY. Four other people are off to one side. On a table
in front of her are yards of fabric, wallpaper, paint swatches and other plans.
We hear Grimsby nattering on, standing near a covered something.
GRIMSBY
This is the bassinet. Made
by one of the finest companies
in Europe. Real French Oak.
Grimsby
pulls the sheet off. It is immense, looking less like a cradle and more like a
ship. Ariel is feeling out of sorts. This is nice, but it’s a bit more than she
wanted.
ARIEL
I..don’t know what to say.
Eric
walks over and looks at the cradle, then shows it to MAX, his dog. Both of them
think it’s great. Max is sniffing the legs deviously.
ERIC
This will be fine, Grim.
As
they examine the riotous wallpaper strips, a beautiful sea-green background
with a pattern that looks like a fish stops Ariel. It shimmers in the
firelight.
She
picks it up and gazes at it. It transforms into images of her sisters and her
life beneath the sea. Smiling blissfully at it, her half-lidded eyes mist over.
Then..
ERIC
Then it’s settled. This one.
Ariel
is shaken back to reality as Eric makes the final decision on the wallpaper, a
boldly masculine gold-and-maroon design with a lighter red pattern.
Before
Ariel can speak, the sample is whisked away. The four people off to one side
are the wallpaperers, who begin work immediately. Ariel tries to get up but is
gently restrained.
CARLOTTA
Now, now, your Highness, you
shouldn’t get up. You need to
save your strength.
All
around her, plans and activities are being made, but Ariel is excluded. To add
to the insult, Ariel is covered with a drop cloth and left behind.
Eric
and Grimsby appear outside the room to hordes of servants, eager to do
anything. They start to sing.
SERVANT
#1
What
can we do?
SERVANT
#2
How
can we help?
SERVANT #3
This
hasn’t happened in many a year.
ALL
SERVANTS
Now
there’s a chance
To
all do our part
And
welcome the new child here.
GRIMSBY
(Rex
Harrison-sings)
Come
along people, no time to tarry,
Tide
and time wait for no one
We
must get ourselves fully prepared
Prince
Eric is having a son.
Back
in the nursery, Ariel manages to disentangle herself from the drop cloth. The
workmen are shocked that they covered her. Ariel scampers after Eric, but
trails him.
GRIMSBY
It’s a most joyous time in the castle
Activity is at fever pace
As we must have everything ready
And everything in its place
Even
at this hour, the castle is a hive of activity. The castle is being cleaned and
polished up with a joyful franticness bordering on zealotry.
One
servant cleans up and, moments later, another servant cleans again. The palace
is alive with lively colors, brightening up the dull walls.
CHORUS
The
Kingdom is getting a child
An
heir to the royal throne
And
we will make this place perfect
For
his highness’ brand new home
Ariel
pursues, dodging craftsmen and servants who dance and wheel about. Going high,
going low, she can’t get a clear pathway to Eric and Grimsby, who are seemingly
oblivious to the action about them and to Ariel’s plight.
As
the servants sing, Ariel tries to move. Every time she makes a little progress,
she is quickly placed into another seat. It takes her some time to cross the
room.
ALL
We
will polish the windows
Until
they glisten and shine
GRIMSBY
But
please, you all have to hurry
There
just isn’t very much time
A
sea of people surrounds Eric.
ERIC
Decisions,
decisions,
Hundreds
have to be made.
What
kind of clothes will he wear?
Where
will his head be laid?
Eric
makes these decisions, much to Ariel’s horror. She reaches out to Eric, but is
swirled away by another phalanx of helpers.
Ariel
gives up trying to get to Eric and decides to wait for him to get back in her
direction. CHEF LOUIS shows Ariel his ideas.
CHEF
LOUIS
This
child will get to enjoy
The
finest food anywhere
A
palatial meal for him every night
A
marvelous bill of fare
Ariel
is appalled to see such adult meals like escargot, veal, goose liver, items
more for a four-star restaurant than a baby’s simple tastes. Before Ariel can
say a word, it’s whisked away and she spins off in another direction.
Every
time Ariel tries to eat something, it is taken from her as not being good for
her. A basket of fruit is whisked away and a piece of bread is left in its
place. Before she can get to the bread, it, too, is removed and a glass of
water sits in its place.
She
has little time to react, as the water departs and a hunk of cheese bounces
into view. Ariel views that with alarm, owing to the way it bounced. That, too,
is removed, replaced with the bowl of fruit at the beginning.
Ariel
is getting angry. She quickly snatches an orange, but it’s taken from her and
she gets a potato. The frustration builds as the music increases in tempo.
CARLOTTA
What
about diapers?
What
about diapers?
Are
we all set when I ask
What
about diapers?
Behind
her, an army of servants with piles and piles of fluffy white diapers are at
the ready. Carlotta signals them and they follow her. Ariel reaches out to
Carlotta, but she mistakes it for a greeting and waves, passing Ariel by.
Too
many do-gooders are over-attending Ariel, who feels trapped and suffocated.
Grimsby
and Eric are directing traffic as forests of flowers appear out of nowhere and
are plunked down. Ariel finds herself in a jungle, trying to stem the tide of
rising hysteria.
GRIMSBY
Get
it all ready
ERIC
Make
it all nice
GRIMSBY
Be
sure it’s all pretty
ERIC
Check
it all twice.
GRIMSBY
No
detail will be overlooked
ERIC
Nothing
is left to chance
GRIMSBY & ERIC
The baby will be entranced.
Ariel
extracts herself from the foliage and is nearly bundled up by the bunting
people, as festoons of ribbon bedeck the walls and halls. Ariel is treated more
like a piece of furniture, moved about and out of the way.
The
colors are getting to the point of garishness in their brightness. Ariel is
steered farther and farther away from the center of action.
Ariel
ends up in a seat, near an easel. The COURT PAINTER is trying to capture the
flavor of the event and when he sees Ariel, starts to put her in the painting,
capturing in a few brush strokes her anguish and spiritual exhaustion.
She
pauses for a moment, and then steels herself. She will accomplish her
task.
Samples
are showcased of everything, whether or not it is even practical. A virtual
parade of items passes in review in front of Eric and Grimsby.
ERIC
He’ll
only be bathed in the softest soaps For
washing the royal hair,
GRIMSBY
The
fluffiest towels to cuddle and dry him
To
show him that we all care.
An
explosive fury of music and dance detonates as it all races along out of
control.
CHORUS
The
Kingdom is getting a child
An
heir to the royal throne
And
we will make this place quite perfect
For
his Highness’ brand new home
Do
we have enough?
And
is it all here?
The
last two lines are repeated again and again, picking up speed. Ariel fights
against the tide of people, pushing her way through the crowd. She reaches her
limit.
ARIEL
(Booming)
STOP!
Everything
stops dead. All eyes are riveted on Ariel, angry and hurt. Eric steps forward,
genuinely unaware of any problem.
ERIC
Ariel, is there something wrong?
Ariel’s
eyes widen in rage as the servants all take several steps back, leaving Eric
alone to face Ariel’s wrath.
ARIEL
Wrong?
Wrong? How could anything be wrong? You’re having a child and the whole kingdom
is celebrating.
We
can’t wait for this child to get here. This child will have everything. This
child will be perfect. This child is going to be the best. This child this.
That child that.
Well..what
about me, the mother?! Remember me, the other half of this?
What
do I get to do? Aren’t I part of this? Am I part of it?
I
can’t choose my child’s wallpaper, or crib or even the name. I assume that’s
been taken care of as well!
Ariel
leans into Eric, snarling fury and hurt. Eric gulps. One servant with a poufy
hat carefully closes a book and puts away his quill, tucking it into the hat.
Another
servant gets Ariel’s chair and slowly pushes it towards her, SCRAPING it
horridly across the floor. Like fingernails on a blackboard, the noise causes
everyone to wince. Only Ariel is unmoved by the din.
ARIEL
I will be involved in this!
In all of it!
Ariel
furiously kicks over the chair, stamping her foot hard. The sound echoes
throughout the castle.
ARIEL
I am tired of being told
what to eat and when to
rest and what to do! I
will make my own…
Ariel
suddenly goes silent as her face has a look of total confusion and uncertainty.
She is experiencing something completely alien. Her whole body shudders.
The
room is deathly quiet; no one is certain what to do. The storm howls and the
thunder cracks. Ariel slowly puts a hand on her stomach and her mouth widens.
ARIEL
(Done
very quietly)
Ow.
Ariel
looks very scared. Eric leaps into action, going to Ariel and placing his hand
on hers.
ERIC
(Yelling)
Get the doctor!
INT:
CASTLE, NIGHT
In
the hallway just outside a bedroom, Grimsby sits on a chair while Eric paces
frantically. The flashes of lightening occasionally light the area.
The
thunder booms, the wind howls and rain pelts against the window. The room is
sedate, with only a couple of hall candle sconces lighting them.
ERIC
I should be in there with her.
Eric
starts to go, but is restrained by Grimsby, who speaks in reassuring tones.
GRIMSBY
If the doctor needs you, he
knows where to find you.
Eric
stares at the massive wooden doors. He wants to go in so much, but hold back.
Grimsby senses his feelings of loss and confusion and counsels him.
GRIMSBY
Things
like this have been going on since..well, forever. They know what to do.
ERIC
But
this is the first time for me and for Ariel. I want to do what’s best.
GRIMSBY
And
what’s best is to let those who know what to do take care of things.
Grimsby
leads Eric from the door. Eric walks to the edge of the hall and stands by the
window, a massive, cathedral-like, floor-to-ceiling structure.
Staring
into the storm. Eric looks very small, as he is lost within his thoughts.
Grimsby tries to occupy Eric’s mind.
GRIMSBY
As
the Royal Consort to the child, we need to address some issues.
Raising
his hand, Eric has him hold.
ERIC
That
can wait. A few days won’t matter for my son.
Eric
has a pregnant pause, mulling over what he has said.
ERIC
My son. My son.
Eric
begins to experiment with the way he says that.
ERIC
My son. MY son. MY SON.
I’m going to have a son.
Grimsby
nods appreciatively. Eric sings.
ERIC
I’ve
had this dream all my life,
I
suppose every father does,
Of
having a child of your very own,
We
have these hopes all because
It’s
just part of being human
The
best that could ever be done
The
feeling of wonderment total
The
joy of having a son
A
son who one day will be
The
ruler of all he surveys
A bright shining beacon of courage and hope
That
follows throughout all his days
I
will show my son the path
To
be a person, a monarch, a man,
And
with compassion and strength and heart To
give to him all that I can
Eric,
in a fantasy sequence, is playing with his child. His face is never seen as
Eric does these activities with him.
My
son whom I can teach
How
to play and read and learn
The
proper approach that a prince should take And the proper direction to turn
To
have care and concern for those
He
governs and leads and rules
To
be able to understand people
Seeking
wisdom, avoiding fools
He’ll
carry the name that we give him
Holding
it high and with great pride
To
understand fully his place in the world
And
to never be haughty or snide.
To
be the kind of person
Projecting
dignity and respect
To
know when to follow a cause
And
when it’s time to forget
I will show my son the path
To
be a person, a monarch, a man,
And
with compassion and strength and heart To
give to him all that I can
A
son who will always remember
That
once he was..my son.
As
Eric sings, he goes through the motions, acting out his nobility. He is filled
with awe on the mystery of life and how both wonderful and scary it is.
Just
as he finishes, a magnificent flash of lightening is seen, as a tremendous
crash of thunder shakes the castle.
The
door opens and the DOCTOR comes out. He is a man who has delivered hundreds of
babies, and is tired from the exertion. Eric accosts him.
DOCTOR They are both doing fine.
However, she needs her rest.
You can have a few minutes
with them, but speak in
quiet tones. But…
Before
the doctor can finish, Eric scampers into the room. Grimsby follows, but stops
to talk to the doctor.
INT:
BEDROOM, NIGHT
Ariel
is in bed, bedraggled from giving birth. Despite her exhaustion, she still
looks radiant.
The
room has many candles about and it far warmer and friendlier than the hallway.
Ariel gives a lack-of-energy smile to Eric.
Holding
a bundle, it is their child, swaddled fully. Eric comes over to her and
gingerly sits on the side of the bed, looking at the child.
Carlotta
is folding up some towels rapidly and looks concerned, but forces a smile.
Everything is done quietly.
ERIC
How..how are you?
Eric
holds one of her hands and brushes some wisps of hair from her face.
ARIEL
I’m feeling fine.
She
is tired, but he senses a great relief. Ariel cradles up the bundle and unfolds
the top. Eric is bursting with anticipation, but keeps his movements small and
slow.
ARIEL
Here is our child.
Eric
stares into the bundle. A shock of black hair adorns the head of the
now-sleeping baby.
ERIC
My son.
ARIEL
Our daughter.
Eric
freezes for a moment, as he feels let down. Carlotta reacts and she feels Eric
is depressed over the sudden change of events. He wanted a son; he REALLY
wanted a son.
Then,
Eric shrugs and smiles. It’s OK he has a daughter. It really wasn’t all that
important. He plays with her.
ERIC
My daughter.
ARIEL
Our
daughter Melody.
Eric
mulls over the name. He wasn’t expecting a girl, so he has no name of his own.
He still smiles.
ERIC
My daughter…Melody.
Ariel
smiles, as Eric has accepted the name and their child. He begins to look at
her.
ERIC
My daughter Melody, with
her ten little fingers…
Eric
takes one of her fingers, which looks huge against Eric’s hands.
ERIC
…and her ten little toes.
Eric
removes the baby from Ariel. Ariel tries to react.
ARIEL
Eric, there’s something
you need to know before…
Too
late, Eric unwraps Melody. Eric is now confronted with an orange fin flapping
up and down. Pole-axed, Eric’s eyes follow every movement of the fin.
ERIC
My daughter Melody…
He
is in shock as he carefully hands Melody back to Ariel and turns towards
Carlotta. He makes a goofy grin.
ERIC
My daughter Melody the mermaid!
He
turns and starts to leave, but passes out, crashing to the floor. Grimsby rushes
to Eric, the doctor following. Ariel and Carlotta stare at each other. Carlotta
doesn’t know what to do, so she wrings her hands over and over.
CARLOTTA
(Forced
gaiety)
Well, that went well.
FADE
OUT, HOLD BLACK FOR A MOMENT
EXT:
DAY, CASTLE
It
is a blazingly magnificent day. The storm has passed and everything looks
marvelous. With a bird’s eye view of the castle, the terns wheel about,
gracefully soaring on the thermals.
Another
bird rockets into view. It has to be Scuttle, as he flies so badly. Chasing the
other birds away, he loops and dips, finally crashing into a window of the
castle.
SCUTTLE
I have got to do something
about that.
Scuttle
slides down, squeaking against the window.
INT:
CASTLE, DAY
The
other side of the window Scuttle has slammed into is Eric’s room. In bed, he
turns fitfully, then bolts awake. Eric sees he is in his own bed. Feeling
assured, he sighs in relief. He pulls a cord by his bed and rises to get
dressed.
He
crosses over to the balcony window and opens it. The door squashes Scuttle.
Moments later, Grimsby arrives and Eric reenters the room. Scuttle rights
himself and begins to listen.
GRIMSBY
Your majesty..
Eric
goes over to the wardrobe and begins to dress for the day, putting on a shirt.
ERIC
I
guess Ariel got up early. That’s good, because I cannot begin to tell you the
horrible
dream I had last night.
Grimsby
looks at Eric with apprehension. What could have been worse than last night?
Eric is working with one sock on and the other in his hand.
ERIC
I
got Ariel really, really mad at me and did she let me have it. With the entire
castle staff watching on as well.
Then,
she had the baby, but it wasn’t a baby baby, but a mermaid baby. Can you
imagine anything so ridiculous in all ..your..life.
Eric
relates the tale, as Grimsby looks more and more dour. As Eric continues,
Grimsby shakes his head ‘no’ slowly. Eric, dejectedly, flops into a chair.
ERIC
It’s all true?
GRIMSBY
(Nods
agreement)
Every single word of it.
Eric
is crestfallen and emotionally bereft.
ERIC
I have a daughter who’s a mermaid.
GRIMSBY
Your wife is a mermaid.
Eric
quickly corrects Grimsby.
ERIC
WAS a mermaid.
Grimsby
realizes Eric’s vulnerable state, but he must remain true to the facts.
GRIMSBY
You
may take the mermaid out of the water, but you can’t the water from the
mermaid. She is what she is.
Carlotta
comes in, bringing fresh clothes. Scuttle takes advantage of this diversion to
try and sneak into the room to get an earful of this news.
CARLOTTA
And what a wonderful day it is.
Carlotta
heads over to the window to take in the breeze, done more for Eric’s benefit.
She takes in a huge amount of air, holds it for a moment and lets it out.
Scuttle
goes under Carlotta’s dress to hear everything, but gets enmeshed between
petticoat layers.
CARLOTTA
How is the brand-new father?
Eric
looks down. Carlotta will not stand for this.
CARLOTTA
Hmmph! You should be happy.
You have a wonderful baby
daughter.
Eric
does nervous work with his hands, cleaning under the nails and picking at them.
He is very dejected.
ERIC
I have a..a fish.
CARLOTTA
(Livid)
You have a daughter, Melody!
I have known you since you
were born. I’ve seen hundreds
of princesses, tsarinas,
duchesses, earlesses and
all other kinds of royalty.
Ariel was, and is, the best
you ever saw. And now, when
she needs you the most, you
just..just..just do nothing!
While
Carlotta is lambasting Eric, Scuttle raises the hem of the dress to get more of
the details. This is just too incredible to believe.
Carlotta
wheels about to get to Eric and Scuttle is sent skittering across the floor and
out to the balcony.
Carlotta
grasps Eric’s arm to pull him out of the chair, but he is inert. Carlotta,
fuming, grasps the bottom of the chair. She hoists it up and tumbles Eric to
the floor. She points towards the door.
CARLOTTA
You
get out there right now to see your wife and child! They are waiting in the
nursery!
Carlotta
goes over to the wardrobe and begins to fling clothes out. Grimsby fumes.
GRIMSBY
Really, Carlotta, I don’t
think that this kind of
behavior is appropriate.
Grimsby
gets a faceful of trousers. He pulls it off to confront Carlotta, who is still
flinging clothes.
CARLOTTA
And which kind of behavior
IS appropriate?
Scuttle
looks around the edge on the door as Eric does his best to put himself
together.
Scuttle
soars off the balcony. Flying ungainly, he scans the waters and sees two
recognizable figures. He dive-bombs Flounder and Sebastian, as they appear
closer and closer.
EXT:
DAY, BEACH
Flounder
and Sebastian are waiting for Ariel, but just sit. Flounder becomes intent.
FLOUNDER
Do you hear something?
Sebastian
cranes his neck to hear better, then sees a shadow growing larger around him.
He looks up to see Scuttle crashing down. Sebastian screams and tries to
escape.
Flounder
dives under the water. Sebastian manages to elude Scuttle, just as he
pile-drives into the water. The resulting wave lands Sebastian on the beach. He
is furious as Flounder resurfaces.
Scuttle
is in a pile, as sand and mud hang off his beak. Sebastian angrily scurries up
to him.
SEBASTIAN
No doubt about it, you
have got to do somet’ing
about your flying!
Scuttle
rights himself and sneezes out some sand.
SCUTTLE
I’m working on that. Now,
what was I going to say?
I knew it just before I
got here..
Scuttle
fumbles about; Sebastian is not impressed. Flounder hangs at the ready.
SCUTTLE
It has something to do
with someone and..
Flounder
tries to help.
FLOUNDER
Is it about Ariel?
The
light bulb turns on.
SCUTTLE
Yeah, that’s it. Ariel.
Ariel
and her baby, Melody.
Both
are stunned. News this important and Scuttle can’t remember? Sebastian sputters
as Flounder does loops.
FLOUNDER
Yippie! Hooray!
SEBASTIAN
What! How! When? Who?
Scuttle
frees himself from the muck and bends down to Sebastian.
SCUTTLE
And not only that..
Scuttle
whispers to Sebastian, whose expression goes from anger to total incredulity to
complete rejection of it. This is Scuttle we’re talking about.
FLOUNDER
What? What? Tell me! I’m
her friend, too.
Sebastian
shakes his head in disbelief.
SEBASTIAN
Are you sure on this?
SCUTTLE
I’ll show you.
Before
Sebastian can react, Scuttle takes to the air, grabbing Sebastian. Scuttle dips
and weaves while Sebastian, who howls, is nearly crab-caked by the misses.
SCUTTLE
Say, you wouldn’t know where
the nursery is, do you?
Sebastian
is in abject fear. As Scuttle gets close to a balcony, he puts out his feet to
land. Sebastian soars through the air and smacks against a window while Scuttle
alights perfectly.
INT:
CASTLE, DAY
Squashed
against a window, Sebastian opens his eyes to see a tiny baby with an orange
fin splashing about in a huge glass punch bowl, being watched over by Ariel.
Sebastian smiles as he sees Ariel so happy, being with her daughter.
As
he continues to watch, Eric enters very slowly. Ariel picks up Melody.
Sebastian cannot hear their conversation clearly, just muffled talk.
However,
the actions reveal that Eric is reticent to embrace Melody or Ariel. His hands
tremble with uncertainty.
Eric
cannot bring himself to hold Melody. He backs out of the room quickly. Ariel is
heartbroken as she settles herself onto the bed, quite depressed. Sebastian is
sad.
SEBASTIAN
I’ve
seen enough. Take me back, please.
Scuttle
salutes Sebastian, completely unaware as to the events that have just occurred.
SCUTTLE
Aye aye, Captain.
Scuttle
grabs Sebastian. The ride down is more frightening than the ride up, but
Sebastian is so lost in thought that he doesn’t even realize that Scuttle is
spiraling out of control until they both slam into the water. Both resurface.
SEBASTIAN
Scuttle,
we’re depending on you to keep up informed. We want to know every detail. What
ever happens at any time,
day or night, we want to know.
Scuttle
is still in the water, gurgling away.
SCUTTLE
You can rely on me.
Sebastian,
putting on his best face, motions for Flounder. No need for others to know
about the unhappy parts.
SEBASTIAN
Let’s
get back to the King
and tell him the good news.
Sebastian
clamps onto Flounder’s tail and they sail off, their voices fading.
FLOUNDER
So, you can tell me.
What was it all about?
SEBASTIAN
I don’t know. You can be
such a big mouth bass.
FLOUNDER
You can tell me, really you can.
This
is the last line heard distinctly. They fade from view as we hold. Then, clear
as a bell and just as loud.
FLOUNDER
Ariel had a merbaby!?
SEBASTIAN
Shhhhhhhhh!
EXT:
DAY, OCEAN CASTLE
The
shining spires of Atlantica’s Coral Castle glisten as the sun filters through
the azure waters. In the lower corner, Flounder and Sebastian come into view
and disappear into the great folds of the castle.
INT:
THRONE ROOM, DAY
KING
TRITON is at his throne, working on some important papers. Two of his
daughters, AQUATA and ARISTA, are there, watching intently as Triton explains
what he does as King.
AQUATA
Why aren’t you signing this paper?
ARISTA
You said it was important.
TRITON
It is. But I want to make sure
there’s enough money in the
Royal Treasury to be able to
do this right and..
SEBASTIAN
(OS)
Your majesty…
All
three look up to see Flounder exhausted and Sebastian hanging on for dear life.
Flounder crashes to the floor, as Sebastian sidles up to the King. Triton bores
in on him.
TRITON
Well, what news from Ariel?
SEBASTIAN
She’s a you..I mean you have
an Ariel, who’s you and..that
is, I mean to say that the news
I have is news and..
Triton
looks bored as Sebastian fumbles. The two daughters giggle as they help
Flounder. They grab him playfully.
SEBASTIAN
..it involves Ariel, to whom
the news is about, which is..
Suddenly,
the two daughters squeal in glee as they swing Flounder about in joyful
exhilaration.
FLOUNDER
Hellllllllllpppppppppp!
Triton
turns to the still-bumbling Sebastian.
TRITON
May I assume by their reaction
that I’m a grandfather?
Sebastian
looks on in total dismay, then sheepishly.
SEBASTIAN
Didn’t I say that?
The
noise from the throne room has the rest of the daughters come in. Once they
hear the wonderful news, Flounder is bounced about. He lands into Triton’s
arms.
FLOUNDER
AAAAAAAAGH!
He
peels out, only to crash into Sebastian.
TRITON
Let a proclamation go out
that on this day, we have
a new Atlantican, my grandchild.. my
grandchild..
Triton
pauses. It seems he never got a name.
TRITON
Sebastian!
Sebastian
nervously approaches Triton, who glowers at him. Sebastian speaks in a tiny
squeak.
SEBASTIAN
Yes? (AHEM!) Yes, your majesty?
TRITON
I
assume my grandchild has a name.
SEBASTIAN
(Laughs
nervously)
Oh, ho, ho, ho. Her name is Melody.
Triton
continues his royal edict.
TRITON
Let is go out to all parts of the Kingdom to
celebrate my first granddaughter, Melody.
The
throne room erupts in celebration. Triton sees the exaltation of his family,
and then beckons Sebastian to him. Sebastian slowly nears.
TRITON
I have a very special job
for you, Sebastian. I need to
to be the liaison between us
and Ariel. To arrange a time
so I can see my new grand-
daughter. Say, next week.
Sebastian
squeaks. This is not what he wanted. However, Arista somehow hears this and
quickly swims to Triton.
ARISTA
Oh, Daddy, please let me make
the arrangements. I want to
be the liaison.
Upon
hearing this, the other daughters come over and argue about who gets to go to
the castle. Triton comes up with a solution. He gets his trident and holds it
pointy side down.
TRITON
Whoever gets last grab on the
staff may be the Official Liaison.
Triton
holds it outwards and the hands start to grab it, going higher and higher. It
is so quick that it’s over hardly after it began. The winner is Arista.
Arista
swims around in circles, as she’s so glad to have won. The other sisters are
envious, but not resentful. Triton gestures Arista over.
TRITON
You are to make arrangements
so we can all see Melody. We will
arrive next week, as I want to give
the parents a chance to settle in
and for Ariel to recover.
ARISTA
I’m on my way.
TRITON
Take Sebastian with you, as
he knows how to get there.
Arista
looks anxiously at Sebastian. He clamps onto Arista’s tail and off they go.
SEBASTIAN
Noooooooo! You’re going too
faaaaaaaaaaaast!
Sebastian’s
voice fades into the waters as Arista speeds out of sight. Triton sits in his
throne and mulls over the prospect of being a grandfather. He is so happy.
EXT:
ERIC’S CASTLE, DAY
At
the pier that is attached to the castle, a bell rings.
Mounted
in such a way, it can only be rung by merfolk. There is a ladder that reaches
from the pier to a low dock.
Arista
is ringing the bell, but nothing is happening. She is getting perturbed.
ARISTA
How long do I have to ring this?
Maybe it’s better if I just drag
myself up the steps?
SEBASTIAN
Oh, well, you know humans. They
probably can’t hear us.
We
hear footsteps on the pier. Arista looks up.
ARISTA’S
PERSPECTIVE
Peering
over the pier is Grimsby, who is a little shocked to see a mermaid. We reverse
to show Arista waving at him.
GRIMSBY
(To himself) Oh, just marvelous. (To
Arista) I’ll be right down,
my dear.
Grimsby
starts the climb down the ladder. He is muttering, but we cannot hear it fully.
Arista watches him with great fascination. She turns to Sebastian.
ARISTA
How do they make those things
work? I’d much rather have fins.
Arista
starts to preen and pretty herself.
SEBASTIAN
I’m sure you get used to it.
They
look at each other and laugh. What a silly idea!
Grimsby
negotiates the pier, as the last rung is a bit higher than the bottom of the
pier. His foot wavers about, trying to find the floor. He eventually succeeds.
GRIMSBY
Yes, my dear, what can I do for you?
ARISTA
Good day. I am Princess Arista.
As
the official liaison for King Triton, I have been asked to set up a royal
appointment for the King to see his new granddaughter next week.
Grimsby
is shocked. How could they have known so quickly? He tries to stall out.
GRIMSBY
Well, (AHEM) the Princess
is still recovering and I’m
not certain if a week will
be enough time.
Arista
is not going to be put off by this.
ARISTA
If you let Ariel know, I’m sure
she’d be very anxious to see her father, the
King, and her sisters, the princesses, as we are to see her new baby daughter,
Melody.
Grimsby
sees that he is not going to win this discussion.
GRIMSBY
We can work on this. Next week
at this time?
ARISTA
it over in the cove on the other side of the
castle.
It is secluded enough from prying eyes and Ariel
can easily get to it. We’ll be here at 9 in the
morning, as Ariel will be rested.
Grimsby
is surprised at her acumen. He feels all mermaids are kind of spaced out and is
surprised when they aren’t.
GRIMSBY
I will pass this information
on to the Highnesses.
ARISTA
I have an idea. If you will leave
a basket here, with the infor-
mation in it, we can communicate better.
Grimsby
is taken aback. That is a great idea. He could also send one of the young bucks
to deposit the bottle or basket.
GRIMSBY
That is a wonderful idea.
I will leave a note here
tomorrow for you.
ARISTA
Thank you. So until then,
good day.
Arista
waves good-bye and splashes off, her flukes shimmering in the sun. Grimsby gets
a bit of spray from her push off. This is just grand!
INT:
DAY, CASTLE
Grimsby
comes into Ariel’s room, where she is holding Melody and singing a fragment of
“Part of Your World” to her. Ariel is seating in a rocking chair.
She
has recovered from the morning, but is still depressed. She is seated so if
Eric returns, she can get him quickly.
ARIEL
I heard the bell, Grimsby.
Who was it?
Grimsby
cannot handle these mermaids, as they are so aware of their environment. He
couldn’t sneak anything past them.
GRIMSBY
It was one of your sisters,
uh, Ariadne, Amelia, Alicia,
Amanda, Agamemnon…
Ariel
starts to giggle. It can’t be all that hard to remember those names. Grimsby
gives up.
GRIMBSY
In any case, she is setting
up a royal appointment for
her and your father the King
to see Melody.
Ariel
brightens up immediately. This is the best news ever.
ARIEL
When? Where? For how long?
This is great! Maybe I can
get Daddy to make Melody human.
The
barrage of questions from Ariel overwhelms Grimsby. It sounds like a dull roar.
Then he realizes it IS a dull roar. Ariel hears it, too. They both go to the
balcony.
Grimsby
is surprised to see a knot of people yelling and cheering their
congratulations. Ariel smiles as she holds Melody up. Grimsby is beside
himself.
GRIMSBY
I guess everyone knows by now.
Delightful.
EXT:
DAY, STREET
Mephisto
is striding through the streets, oblivious to the celebrations around him. A
man with a purpose, he heads, without error, to his moored ship and strides up
the gangplank.
INT:
SHIP, DAY
In
the galley of the ship, a variety of people are eating. But what a variety of
people! They are human oddities.
A
beautiful bearded lady; a man shooting out a stream of fire at a glass, then
eating it; an immense man with skin like a snake; a trio of midgets; and two
more.
One
is wearing a turban and a loincloth, the other is dressed in regular clothes,
but his hands are gooey. They are hearing hundreds of people speak at the same
time.
Mephisto
sits at the table, but does not eat. FELICITY, the bearded lady, speaks first.
FELICITY
What’s going on out there?
She
motions outside. Before Mephisto can answer, the turbaned man grabs his own ear
and stretches it to make a megaphone. This is HAMMAL, the Rubber Man.
HAMMAL
It appears to be a celebration
for the birth of the Royal Princess.
Mephisto,
again, tries to speak, but is overridden by a hulking, Amazonian woman, the
Strongest Woman Alive, SAMPO.
SAMPO
A baby? A baby girl?
Sampo
immediately grabs a length of thick metal and shapes it into a heart very
quickly. The others applaud. Mephisto again tries to speak, but the MIDGETS
stand one atop the other and speak in unison.
TOM, DICK & HARRIET
You know what that means?
We could get a chance to
perform in town!
They
proceed to do some tumbling. Tom is flipped too hard and heads towards a
porthole, which he could easily pass through.
Abruptly,
a hand lands on his head and he is stopped cold. A little bit of slimy ooze
dribbles down his face. On the other end is GREG, the Human Fly.
GREG
You have got to be more careful.
It just wouldn’t be right to
have the act be a duet.
TOM
My head is all sticky! It’ll
take forever to clean this up.
GREG
Would you prefer the alternative?
Greg
thrusts his arm out the porthole. Tom hangs pre-cariously over the ocean,
screaming frantically. Greg holds for a moment as he counts to five, and then pulls
him in. Saying nothing, Greg pleasantly rolls his hand off of Tom.
TOM
You weirdo.
Greg
is not offended by the line and smiles broadly.
GREG
I prefer to think of myself
as a human superlative.
Everyone
is nattering and commenting between themselves. Mephisto attempts to restore
some order.
MEPHISTO
Oh, people. Fellow actors.
You guys…QUIET!
As
Mephisto yells, everyone stops and turns to him. Preening himself, he speaks.
MEPHISTO
Yes, it is true. The Prince
and Princess have had a new
baby daughter. And if we play
our cards right, we could get
to perform at the palace!
There
are various stages of shock and delight around the table. What an opportunity.
MEPHISTO
I go to make the arrangements.
This will be our greatest
performance ever!
Mephisto
leaves while everyone talks on. A few of them get up and head to their rooms.
Mephisto goes to his quarters.
INT:
DAY, MEPHISTO’S ROOM
Mephisto
is making himself presentable when we hear a rap on the door. It is a special
rap. The door CREAKS open. Mephisto doesn’t turn around; he knows who it is.
MEPHISTO
Yes, I heard those stories,
too, about the baby. And if
they are true, even the
tiniest bit, we’ll have
a new member in our family.
Mephisto
gives a small, sinister laugh.
EXT:
NIGHT, CASTLE
A
few days have passed. The castle is ablaze with lights and banners. The
celebration continues. A fireworks show is proceeding above the castle.
INT:
NIGHT, CASTLE
The
Grand Ballroom is crowded with people. A giant curtain is across a portion of
the room to mask the performers. Eric and Ariel are there, and Melody in her
crib. She is heavily swaddled, so no one sees the fin portion.
From
behind the curtain Mephisto gazes at the crowd. He is not nervous at all. The
others are restless, except Greg, who sits, reading a book, although the pages
stick together. Mephisto turns to them.
MEPHISTO
This is just like any other show.
SAMPO
Except
for the diversion.
Mephisto
blanches for a moment.
MEPHISTO
What diversion?
SAMPO
Playing before the Prince
and Princess.
Mephisto
relaxes; his plan is safe.
MEPHISTO
They’re like other people,
so, play your parts well!
I want a good show from you.
Mephisto
leans into the last line. There is a drum roll. Mephisto holds for a moment,
and then bursts from the curtains.
ARIEL’S
PRESPECTIVE
Mephisto
looks stunningly magnificent as he acknowledges the applause of the crowd. Arms
stretched upwards, he does a small turn. As the applause dies down, he speaks.
MEPHISTO
Ladies and gentlemen, dignitaries,
Royal personages. Welcome to this
Command Performance of Mephisto’s
Amazing Circus of Human Oddities…
GREG
(VO)
Human Superlatives!
As
the crowd laughs, Mephisto fumes. He can do nothing about it. He continues.
MEPHISTO
What you will see may shock
or surprise or even amaze you.
But you will never forget what
goes on here tonight.
The
crowd is sufficiently awed. Ariel is very intent, although she keeps an eye on
Melody. Eric is rather bored; he’s seen things like this before. Ariel never
has.
MEPHISTO
How do you define strength?
How do you define beauty?
Can the two exist together?
You tell me, as we present
Sampo!
Out
steps Sampo, dressed in a very feminine outfit. This cannot disguise the fact
that she is huge in stature. She does some graceful ballet moves. As she twirls
about, she stops. A table is blocking her way.
She
grasps the table. In doing so, the dress is shredded off as she flexes her
muscles. People gasp as her rippling shoulder and back muscles burst through
the dress, revealing an outfit better suited for weight lifting.
Holding
the table firmly, she lifts it up and easily transports it over several feet
from where it was, and then gently places it back down. Mephisto brings out a
chair.
MEPHISTO
We see here an ordinary chair.
He
approaches Eric and proffers the chair.
MEPHISTO
Your majesty, I would like you
to examine this chair. Please
note that it is a solid chair,
and that it has not been weakened
or tampered with in any way.
Eric
checks the rungs and the seat back, then knocks on the seat portion itself. He
is satisfied it is the genuine article. Mephisto give it back to Sampo, who
proceeds to juggle it about.
MEPHISTO
If I could have a volunteer
from the audience.
Out
of nowhere, Grimsby is pushed into the area. He tries to escape, but Mephisto
is all over him.
MEPHISTO
You’re a very brave man to
do this. She might even get
it right this time.
Grimsby
looks horrified and protests, to no avail.
GRIMSBY
Now, see here, my good man,
I haven’t got time for
something this silly and..
Grimsby
is plunked into the chair. Sampo comes from behind, grasps one of the rungs
with her teeth and hoists the chair, and Grimsby, into the air. Grimsby is
terrified as what is going on.
Once
the chair is as high as it can go, Sampo then balances it in her hands, but on
two legs. She makes it wobble and teeter, as if it’s going to fall, but it
doesn’t.
She
then starts to twirl it about, faster and faster. Grimsby holds on for dear
life. Suddenly, it’s flung into the air and Grimsby is ejected. Sampo grabs
both Grimsby and the chair.
As
the crowd applauds, Sampo proceeds to crush the chair with her other arm. She
puts Grimsby down and he scampers back into the crowd.
As
Sampo takes a bow, a black man with a broom comes out to clean up the mess. He
proceeds to sit down and eat the chair. This is IRONGUT.
He
pulls out a pair of swabs and lights one, then proceeds to spit fire at the
chair to char it a bit before he dines some more.
Backstage,
Mephisto speaks to a shadowy figure.
MEPHISTO
You know what to do.
All
we see is a pair of eyes, white against the dark. The shadow steals away as
Mephisto goes out to introduce the next act, shooing away Irongut.
MEPHISTO
Now we move from the massive to
the minute. A trio of personages
no bigger than your thumb, but
full of vim and vigor. Here are
Tom, Dick and Harriet!
The
three tumblers roll out and perform a series of back flips and pyramids and
hurl themselves through the air and at each other. Everyone is so taken, no one
notices a figure stealthily snaking its way behind the crowd.
It
arrives behind the thrones, near the cradle. As it nears the crib, one of the
tumblers spins in the air for an abnormally long time. All eyes are riveted on
them.
CLOSE-UP
OF MELODY IN CRIB
Melody
is wriggling about. A gloved hand comes in and rapidly unwraps the bunting.
When the tail flukes appear, the child is merely covered over and the hand
leaves.
Backstage,
Mephisto looks out at the tumblers, then turns as he hears a sound. We hear the
whispered information. An evil smile appears. It’s all true! The act ends to
riotous applause.
Ariel
is applauding madly, and then turns to Melody to see her fluke is exposed. No
one can see in. Ariel quickly re-bundles Melody, but looks around
apprehensively.
Then
comes a montage of acts. Felicity is an adept knife thrower and lock picker;
Hammal ties his body into impossible configurations; Lizard Lad slithers
through a 90-degree pipe with ease; Greg scales the walls of the ballroom.
Finally,
Mephisto comes out.
MEPHISTO
What you have seen is amazing,
but ask yourself, was it real?
Did I actually see what I think
I saw?
Mephisto
pulls out a large, seemingly solid, ring and hold it up. He shakes it and
another ring appears, hanging from the first. He spins the second ring and a
third appears.
A
series of rings are produced and he constructs fabulous sculptures with the
rings. Suddenly, he shakes the rings violently and it returns to one ring. The
crowd goes nuts. Mephisto puts the ring away.
MEPHISTO
You have been mesmerized by
what we have done. But you
haven’t seen real Mesmerization!
I need a volunteer from the
audience.
Mephisto
strides up to Eric.
MEPHISTO
Perhaps his Royal Highness would
care to be a volunteer?
Eric
is hesitant at first, but heads down. The crowd claps as a chair is placed on
the floor. Before Eric sits on it, he checks it out, as it’s identical to the
one Sampo destroyed. The crowd laughs. Eric sits.
MEPHISTO
Prince, look into my eyes.
Mephisto
does over-exaggerated motions, making it look like he is a really bad
hypnotist. Eric crosses his arms, bored.
ERIC
I’m not easily mezmerized.
MEPHISTO
What about when you met the
Princess for the first time?
The
crowd roars with delight. Ariel blushes. Eric smiles.
MEPHISTO
And you also remember the first
time you went to SLEEP NOW!
Instantaneously,
Eric falls asleep, slightly sprawled in the chair. The crowd goes “ooooo”, as
it happened so fast. Mephisto calms the crowd.
MEPHISTO
The prince is all right. He is
just in a deep slumber. (To Eric)
You hear only the sound of my
voice and you will do as I ask.
Sleep deeper.
Mephisto
places him palm of Eric’s forehead and he sleeps deeper. Mephisto turns to the
audience.
MEPHISTO
I cannot make the Prince do
anything that may hurt or
injure
himself, but I can
give other suggestions.
(To ERIC) Prince, you will not
be able to remember your name.
At any time, when I say,
“One, two, three, awake!”
and snap my fingers, you
will come out of your trance.
(Puts hand on Eric’s forehead).
Prince, you are alert.
Eric
comes around, but is still hypnotized.
MEPHISTO
Your Highness, how do you feel?
ERIC
I feel fine.
MEPHISTO
Are you Mesmerized?
ERIC
I said I wasn’t easily Mesmerized.
MEPHISTO
So
you did. (Points to Ariel). And who is that radiant vision on the throne?
ERIC
That is my wonderful wife, Ariel.
MEPHISTO
I see. And that gentleman
over there? (Points to Grimsby)
ERIC
The Royal Advisor Grimsby.
MEPHISTO
And that one?
ERIC
That is Padraic, the Court Painter.
MEPHISTO
And you are?
ERIC
I am……I am…I..
A
look of consternation crosses Eric’s face as he struggles to recall. The crowd
titters, and then laughs as Eric cannot recall who he is. When the laughter
reaches its peak, Mephisto places his hand on Eric’s forehead.
MEPHISTO
Sleep.
Eric
goes under. The crowd applauds wildly. Mephisto props Eric up, but whispers
quickly.
MEPHISTO:
Mephisto
comes up slowly and faces the crowd.
MEPHISTO
We can also examine the very core
of what a person feels.
Mephisto
turns to Eric.
MEPHISTO
Prince, awake. How do you feel?
ERIC
I feel fine.
MEPHISTO
I understand that there is
cause for celebration. True?
ERIC
Very true.
MEPHISTO
(Ponders for a moment) It’s
a new child!
ERIC
Yes that’s right.
MEPHISTO
What kind of baby?
ERIC
(Grumbles)
It was a girl.
Some
people titter uncomfortably. This isn’t the Eric they know.
MEPHISTO
A baby girl.
ERIC
Yes. Didn’t you hear what I said?
Ariel
puts on a brave face. The rest of the acting troupe gets concerned as the
tension grows.
MEPHISTO
What is the name of your baby?
ERIC
(Mockingly)
Her mother calls her Melody.
Ariel
pants and wheezes, as the embarrassment is getting too much for her. Mephisto
plays his part with mock chagrin, as he “realizes” he’s going too far.
MEPHISTO
Well, we’ll talk about other things.
ERIC:
That would be nice!
MEPHISTO
I shan’t talk further about the baby.
Eric
detonates and launches into a screed.
ERIC
I hate them both!
MEPHISTO
What did you say about your
wife and baby?
ERIC
I hate them both! I hate them
Both! I hate them both!
The
words sting and cut deeply. Ariel is pole-axed and doesn’t know what to do.
Mephisto holds for a beat, then..
MEPHISTO
One, two, three, awake!
Mephisto
snaps his fingers and Eric comes around, completely unaware of what has
transpired. Mephisto pretends to be remorseful for his “discovery”. Eric sees
Ariel, tears pouring down her face. She grabs Melody and flees.
Eric
looks about seeing faces in shock, or anger. The crowd breaks up. Mephisto
disappears into the screened-off area. Eric is at a complete loss.
Backstage,
the troupe immediately packs up to go. We hear the murmuring of the crowd,
transfixed at the events. Mephisto hurries them along, but smiles slyly.
Grimsby
takes Eric and moves him off to a part of the room, away from everyone. It is
an animated discussion.
EXT:
PALACE, NIGHT
A
wagon being loaded up and the last of the troupe get on. Mephisto helps them
up.
GREG
(Grimacing)
How wonderfully pleasant.
SAMPO
Who’d have thought it?
IRONGUT
That’s royalty for you.
MEPHISTO
Head
back to the ship. I want to express my condolences for
the incident.
HAMMAL
How will you get back?
MEPHISTO
Don’t worry about that. Just go.
The
wagon lurches out. Mephisto heads back to the castle.
INT:
CASTLE, NIGHT
In
the darkened nursery, Ariel sobs. A gently tapping comes at her door.
ARIEL
Please..please go away.
CARLOTTA
It’s just for a moment.
It’s the Mesmerizer.
ARIEL
I don’t wish to see anyone!
MEPHISTO
It will take only a moment.
Please, your Royal Highness.