On public demand , all three episodes in one Making it
Melody , the musical , Part 1 of 4 . Enjoy – forty minutes of funny, happy moments of the shenanigans of the folks from Jungle Land , Cuckoo, Marjorie Hatchery, Monsieur Bull-Brass, King Tweety- Fruity, Banana- Drama, Mr, Cranium, Mr. Jack Dawson , Maggie , and many many more !
Connect to your tv to watch on the big screen though the colours are infinitely better on the iPad !
The wily leopard and his three assistant hyenas try to cure the python and also try to use their talents to save their business.
Pomegranate fruits – Good for your health !
There was a python who just loved to eat and sleep. That is what he would do all day long. Eat and sleep. Eat and sleep. Eat and sleep. Now if you do this all day long and then day after day , then you are going to fall very, very sick. And that is what happened to the silly python . He became very, very sick. His tummy started hurting. Ow ! Ow ! Ow ! He howled. Now, if he had hands he would have clutched his stomach and howled just like you do. But pythons don’t have hands. Just a long body. So, he took his long body and stretched it and decided to crawl to the doctor. As the python was crawling to the doctors’ clinic he felt very hot and tired. So, he decided to rest under a tree. It was a tree with very red fruits hanging from it.
The python was very sleepy. He opened his mouth to yawn. Just then, PLOP, one of the red fruits fell into his mouth. The python gulped down the fruit as was his habit and fell off to sleep. When the python got up he was feeling much better but then, he thought to himself that since I have come so far I might as well see the doctor and find out why my stomach aches all the time. So, he crawled to Dr. Leopards’ clinic and lay down in the waiting room along with the other animals who also had some problem or the other .
Dr. Leopard asked the python to come into his examination room and asked him to lie down. The python said, “I am already lying down since I cannot sit.” Dr. Leopard made a face as he did not like anyone to correct him and said , “Yes, yes, I meant , lie down on the couch so I can examine you . Tell me, what is your problem?”
The python said, “I had a stomach ache but now I am fine. The stomach ache is gone.”
Dr. Leopard was surprised to hear that the python was feeling better without taking any of his medicines which were quite expensive. So he asked the python, ” Tell me Mr. Python, what did you do after you had the stomach ache ?
The python said, “Don’t you want to know how and when I got the stomach ache so you can cure me ?”
The leopard looked very silly in front of his helpers so he he smiled with his very sharp teeth and said,” Yes, yes! Please tell me what you eat and what you did ?”
The python said, “Well, in the morning I swallowed my breakfast in one gulp and went to sleep. Then, at lunch, I swallowed my meal in one big gulp and went to sleep and then, at dinner …….”
The leopard said, “Wait, I am a doctor, I know what you did. You gulped down your dinner and went to sleep!”
All the doctors’ helpers clapped at the doctors intelligence.
The python said, “I have been doing this for many,many days ! But then, yesterday, I had a BIG stomach ache, not the usual small ones. Maybe, it was because I went to a party and gulped down everything .”
“Hmmmmmmmmmm” said Dr. Leopard,” I see the problem now. You don’t chew your food. You must chew your food before you eat it .”
The python was very surprised that the doctor did not know that pythons don’t have teeth. He thought to himself, ” I better get out of here and find some doctor who knows his job. This doctor has a fancy coat but he does not know what he is doing.”
The python said, ” Now, that I am much better, I think I will go home.” He tried to crawl out of the room but Dr.Leopard blocked his way and said, “Wait, wait. You didn’t tell me what happened after the stomach ache. How did you get well? ”
The python was trapped in the room with the doctor and his assistants so he decided to clear the mystery of his wellness. He said, “well, I crawled all the way to your clinic which is quite a distance away. On the way, I was feeling sleepy so I slept under a tree. It was a tree with red fruits. When I yawned one of the fruits fell in my mouth and I gulped it down and then fell asleep. When, I got up I was feeling much, much better.”
Dr. Leopard said, ” It seems to me you slept under an apple tree and that is why you are fine now!”
The python said, ” I am sure it was not an apple tree!”
Dr. Leopard said, ” How can you be so sure that it was not an apple tree. You did say the fruits were red !”
The python said , ” I know it was not an apple tree because we all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away . But, as you can see, here I am with you and you are a doctor and you are not going away and you are not letting me go away too ! So, you see it was not an apple tree . ”
Dr. Leopard was stunned by this intelligent answer. He thought to himself, this python is very smart. Maybe, I can use him to get more patients.
TO BE CONTINUED ……….
ALL RIGHT, HERE’S THE NEXT PART OF THE STORY ….
😮 OMG ! CAN I JUST GO HOME ?
The doctor looked at the python and bared his very sharp, pointy teeth and said, “Well, Mr. Python, you seem to be very smart. I see that you don’t have a job as you told me yourself. So, why don’t you come and work for me ? I will pay you very well. “
The python was very surprised that the leopard was offering a job to him because as far as he knew the animals were afraid of him especially when he was hungry.
He asked Dr. Leopard, “ How will you pay me ? And in return what do you want me to do ? “
Dr. Leopard knew that if he told the python that he was planning to use him to get rid of the animals who refused to get cured by swallowing them he may not agree to work for him. That was his plan to solve his own problem and that of the python.
So he told the python, “ Mr. Python, you don’t have to do much work. You have to be as you were before. Just eat and sleep . The only difference is that you will eat what or who I tell you to eat and you have to do this in my clinic.”
The python thought to himself, “ This leopard is very clever but also very wicked. It’s not good to be with wicked people. So let me try to find a way so that this leopard does not kill off his patients he cannot cure. And there are too many of them. Even I will not be able to swallow so many of them because I only swallow when I am hungry not just for fun ! “
The python looked at Dr. Leopard looking eagerly at him as a solution to his problem of not being able to cure his patients and said , “ Dr. Leopard, why don’t you try some other way to help your patients ?”
Dr. Leopard said, “ Mr. Python, I know there are many other ways but this one is quick and foolproof.”
Actually Dr. Leopard did not know of any other way but he did not want to admit this in front of his assistants who thought Dr. Leopard was the cat’s whiskers. Also his assistants were a couple of hyenas who lived off the leftovers which the doctor could not finish.
Mr. Python said, “ Maybe your way is the quickest and foolproof and with no danger of being sued because there is no one to sue you or no evidence but sooner or later the animals of the jungle will realize what is going on and will stop coming to you. Then what will happen to your practice ? “
The assistant hyenas gasped at this possibility because they lived on the slim pickings left by the leopard and they were already very thin. Dr. Leopard also did not want to lose his very lucrative business ( which means a kind of work in which you make a lot of money ) so he asked Mr. Python, “ All right, what is your idea so that I can cure the patients who come to me ? “
Mr. Python said, “ It’s very simple Mr. Leopard.”
ALL RIGHT , LET ME KNOW WHAT WAS MR. PYTHON’S SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND THE BEST ONE WILL GET TO GO ON A TRIP TO HAWAII PAID FOR BY THEMSELF. IF I HAD THE MONEY I WOULD HAVE GONE MYSELF NOT SIT HERE WRITING THESE STORIES IN DULLSVILLE.” I WOULD WRITE THEM IN HAWAII .
THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE ; THEY WERE GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT, JUST LIKE THE POMEGRANATE ! THIS IS MY VERSION.
AND THERE IS A BONUS STORY , LUCKY YOU ! THE STORY IS CALLED ‘THE PYTHON AND THE POMEGRANATE TREE’ and is somewhere on this website. Oh wait, here is the link
” The solution is that you and your assistants get together and buy a huge farm where you grow many healthy herbs and fruit trees like the pomegranate. You encourage your patients to eat the healthy foods and exercise so that they do not fall ill again. Pomegranate juice is especially good for health so grow a lot of pomegranate trees ”
Pomegranate tree
Dr. Leopard said, ” But that does not solve my problem. If people get well how will I run my practice. I need people to be cured but not completely cured so that they keep coming back to me .”
The python said, ” That’s not a very nice thing for a doctor to wish for but you are a leopard and I guess you won’t change your spots. So I think then there is only one final solution to this problem. The leopard moved forward to the python eagerly. And that’s when the python wrapped himself lovingly around the python and squeezed him. That was the Final Solution.
THE END
PEACOCK TAILS
THE PEACOCK WHO WANTED TO BE A STAR
Mayura wanted to make the world more beautiful but before he could ruin his beautiful feathers by using them as a dust rag Peekaboo arrived to knock some sense into his peacock brain. He also gifted him a new pair of boots to hide his ugly legs ! What are friends for, after all , hmmm.
THE PALACE WAS GRAND AND MAYURA STROLLING IN THE GROUNDS WAS PREOCCUPIED WITH HIS THOUGHTS.
“WHAT IS THE POINT OF LIFE ?
“DO WE HAVE A PURPOSE ?”
“LOOK AT MY FEATHERS, THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL, MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN THE RAINBOW. AND YET, DO THEY HAVE A PURPOSE”
“SHOULDN’T ALL BEAUTY HAVE A PURPOSE?”
MAYURA KEPT WALKING, THINKING PROFOUND THOUGHTS. HE ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. THE CAR SCREECHED TO A HALT. MAYURA QUICKLY RACED ACROSS, HIS HEART BEATING AND FLUTTERING JUST LIKE HIS BEAUTIFUL TAIL FEATHERS.
BUT THIS LITTLE BRUSH WITH DEATH GOT HIM THINKING EVEN MORE DEEPLY.
“WE ALL LEAVE THIS WORLD ONE DAY. SO SHOULDN’T ONE LEAVE IT A BETTER PLACE, A CLEANER PLACE ?”
MAYURA WAS SO TAKEN UP WITH THIS THOUGHT HE IMMEDIATELY STARTED USING HIS FEATHERS AS A BROOM AND STARTED CLEANING UP THE PALACE LAWNS,DUSTING AWAY THE LEAVES AND PUTTING THEM AWAY IN A GARBAGE BAG. HE WAS SO BUSY SWEEPING AND CLEANING,HE DIDN’T NOTICE ANOTHER PEACOCK SITTING GRANDLY ON A BENCH LOOKING AT HIM.
“WHAT ARE YOU DOING ?” HE SAID
“CLEANING UP,” SAID MAYURA, NOT MISSING A BEAT AS HE DUSTED AND SWEPT THE DIRT WITH HIS BEAUTIFUL TAIL FEATHERS.
“WELL, THAT’S JUST FINE AND DANDY BUT WHY USE YOUR TAIL FEATHERS FOR IT ? AND WHY NOT GET ONE OF YOUR PALACE MINIONS ? IT’S NOT YOUR JOB ! “
MAYURA SIGHED DEEPLY, “WHATS’S OUR JOB ? JUST TO LOOK PRETTY? SHOULDN’T BEAUTY HAVE A PURPOSE? BY THE WAY, WHO ARE YOU ?”
THE OTHER PEACOCK BOWED COURTEOUSLY, “PEEKABOO AT YOUR SERVICE. I HAVE COME A LONG WAY TO CHECK OUT YOUR WAY OF LIFE.”
“OH !” SAID MAYURA, “AND WHAT DID YOU DISCOVER? WE ARE JUST LIKE OTHER FOLKS.”
PEEKABOO LAUGHED HARSHLY AND SAID, “NO, MY FRIEND, THAT’S WHERE YOU ARE WRONG. YOU ARE DIFFERENT.”
“HOW?” ASKED MAYURA.
“WELL, YOU GUYS TAKE EVERYTHING SO SERIOUSLY. YOU GOTTA LET THINGS BE. “
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN, LET THINGS BE.”
“THERE IS NO NEED TO GO AROUND CLEANING WHEN THERE IS NOTHING TO CLEAN. YOU HAVE BEAUTIFUL FEATHERS, JUST SPREAD THEM AND DANCE. THAT WILL MAKE THE WORLD BEAUTIFUL TOO. THAT’S YOUR PURPOSE MAN, LOOK BEAUTIFUL AND DANCE.”
MAYURA, “I CAN DANCE THE KATHAK VERY WELL. ITS’S AN OLD DANCE FROM INDIA.”
PEEKABOO JUMPED OFF THE BENCH, “ALL RIGHT THEN. MY EXPERTISE IS TAP DANCE, THAT’S A DANCE FROM WHERE I COME FROM. SHOULD WE HAVE A DANCE OFF THEN ? AND LEAVE THE DARN GARBAGE BAG!”
MAYURA SAID, “ BUT IT’S NOT RAINING. PEACOCKS DANCE WHEN THE CLOUDS THUNDER. LIGHTNING FLASHES, AND RAINDROPS PATTER.”
“DRAT IT MAN. WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BE SO NEEDY. JUST MAKE DO WITH WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE !”PEEKABOO SCREECHED.
THEN HE LOOKED AT A GARDNER WATERING THE LAWN AND SAID, “ THERE’S YOUR RAIN. NOW SHAKE A LEG, MAN. “
MAYURA BOWED AND SAID, “MAYURA AT YOUR SERVICE. AS FOR SHAKING A LEG. I NEVER DID LIKE MY LEGS, THATS’S WHY I SPREAD MY FEATHERS TO DRAW ATTENTION FROM THEM.”
PEEKABOO, “ THERE YOU GO AGAIN , CARPING ABOUT STUFF YOU CANNOT CHANGE. TELL YOU WHAT, I’LL GET YOU A GOOD PAIR OF BOOTS WHEN I VISIT NEXT. FOR NOW JUST DANCE AND FORGET ALL YOUR TROUBLES. “
MOVIE
A for Apple
Once upon a time there was a tree which was laden with fruits, all hanging low that they were easily eaten by all the animals who sauntered and grazed in the orchard in which it was planted.
Many birds too sat in its branches and pecked at its fruits and enjoyed its delicious fruits.
And the bees and the butterflies enjoyed the juice of the broken fruit when they alighted on it.
But the more the birds and the bees and the butterflies hovered around the tree the more fruits it bore. It never ran out of fruits.
Every season it became more and more plentiful. Soon other trees like him also became laden with fruits and the whole orchard smelt heavenly.
One day two people came walking into the orchard. They were a man and a woman. They saw the fruit trees and were delighted.
They eat the fruits and decided they were going to pluck them all and sell them and go into the business of fruit selling . So that is what they did . They plucked each and every fruit from each and every tree, packed them in boxes and sent them to the city to be enjoyed by them.
Apple picking
Now there were no fruits left for the animals, the birds, the butterflies and the bees.
Since they had nothing to eat they decided to leave and find another place where they did not have to be hungry. So they left the orchard.
As soon as they left the apple trees stopped bearing fruits. They were so lonely without their friends who enjoyed their fruits but did not finish all of them at one go.
When the trees stopped bearing fruit the man and woman wondered what to do .
They went to a village to consult a horticulturist who is a person who knows all about planting trees. They told him what had happened and asked him what to do.
The horticulturalist told them, “Ah, you have been very greedy.”
Then he took out a seed from his shed and told them, “Go and plant this acorn and wait for it to grow. Only when it is fully grown will your problems be over. Till then do not go near the apples trees”
The man and woman did what the horticulturist had told them to do. They planted the acorn and waited for it to grow into a tree.
Now the acorn takes a long time to grow and to be fully grown it takes many years. Many years passed while the tree from the acorn was growing slowly.
ACORN
The apple trees, meanwhile had got some rest. Slowly they started flowering and then fruits began to appear. The animals, birds, bees, butterflies came back to enjoy the fruits and the flowers. When they came back the fruits also started multiplying. Soon the apple orchard was as before, plentiful.
The apple tree flowered again
But the acorn was taking so long to become an oak tree that the man and woman were too old to work, plucking fruits, packaging them and sending them to the city to be sold. They had become like aardvarks, slow, ungainly and sleepy.
AARDVARK
So they decided that they were no longer going to be in the fruit business but will manage with whatever they could get to eat and spend the rest of their days meditating about the nature of trees.
Soon they were going to find out that you cannot mess with nature or a horticulturist will come and fix the problem and,maybe, turn them into aardvarks.
MOVIE
A cuckoo who wants to sing…..
EXT.- IN THE SKY ABOVE A JUNGLE – DAY-EARLY MORNING
As we float gently in the sky the silence is broken by the sound of a cuckoo bird.
CUCKOO (O.S.)
Koo hooo
The sound gains in momentum as we slowly pick up speed like a bird descending .
CUCKOO (O.S.) (CONT’D) Koo hoo koo hoo koo hoo
We hover over the canopy of a forest briefly and as we float we move in tandem with the sound which has transformed into a melodious classical song . We follow the sound and reach an anorexic, black cuckoo bird, eyes closed, singing with all the fervor of a prima donna. As she closes her song we hear the sound of clapping. She opens one of her eyes and looks at a fat canary,Stella,clapping fervently.
STELLA
Bravo! Bravo! Cuckoo, bravo! You sing like an angel !
She clasps wings to her breast and continues as Cuckoo opens the other eye and looks at her.
STELLA (CONT’D)
Ah! Such talent, wasted in the jungle, such beauty, wasted in the jungle, so much …..
A sardonic voice interrupts her.
MR. JACK DAWSON
Sucking up..
It is a black jackdaw,Mr. Jack Dawson, looking sarcastically at her. Then a breathless voice
(O.S.),
MAGPIE (V.O.)
Wasted in the jungle.
It is a brown magpie sitting next to him. The canary glares at them even as Cuckoo preens into a mirror placed in her nest.
CUCKOO 
She’s right you know. I am made for bigger things. I am a star. A diamond.
Stella continues for her,
STELLA
Yes, Cuckoo, and your place is in a big palace not in this ugly, untidy nest.
MAGPIE
A little bit of cleaning never hurt anybody. Scrub a dub rub, that is my motto.
MR. JACK DAWSON
Perhaps, yellow Stella here may consider doing that.
He hums, under his breath,
MR. JACK DAWSON (CONT’D)
Yellow, yellow dirty fellow.
Stella glares at him. She looks at Cuckoo who flounces around.
CUCKOO
Oh, be quiet, you brainless bird. Don’t tease the poor thing. She speaks the truth. I can’t be bothered to cook and clean, that is for ordinary folks like Magpie here.
Magpie looks annoyed as Cuckoo strikes a pose in front of the mirror again
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
I am going to be a star. And nothing will stand in the way of my becoming one.
She twirls around and sashays forward and trips and almost falls over an object laying in her path.
MR. JACK DAWSON
Oops!
Cuckoo looks down. A small,speckled egg lies in her way.
She looks at the egg horror struck. She screeches.
CUCKOO
God in Heaven!
All the birds close their ears, pained. Cuckoo stutters
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
What is this?
MAGPIE
I may not be very smart like you Cuckoo but it looks like an egg to me.
MR. JACK DAWSON
Congratulations are in order. Cuckoo you are about to have a baby.
Stella, clapping her wings.
STELLA
A baby ! How wonderful ! How splendid! This is so- so- so exciting Cuckoo!
CUCKOO
Oh be quiet, you bird brain. A baby is not part of my plan. Babies are a bother- feeds and diapers, play schools and lunch boxes. No way Jose, I am not going to put up with all that !
MR. JACK DAWSON
Pardon, my ignorance but now that the baby is here how do you intend to avoid that?
Cuckoo looks at the egg and her eyes narrow as she thinks.
All the birds look at her curiously.
STELLA
Yes, CUCKOO,What are you going to do ?
MR. JACK DAWSON
Yellow, sorry, Stella here is curious,tell her Cuckoo.
Stella glares at him. Then looks at Cuckoo.
Cuckoo rolls the egg back and forth with her feet as she looks at it malevolently. Then a wily expression comes on her face and she smiles. A wicked smile.
CUCKOO
Ah ! I have an idea. Yes. That Is the only way.
MAGPIE
What? What way ? Do, tell us ?
CUCKOO (softly)
I can’t do that. It is a secret, a surprise.
MR. JACK DAWSON
(under his breath to Magpie) Probably a shock . I hope Cuckoo’s idea is not too much of a shock for the poor baby.
Cuckoo comes out of her reverie and claps her wings peremptorily.
CUCKOO
Enough ! Off with you. Shoo! Shoo ! All of you. I have plans to make. A lot of preparations.
The birds take off and flutter mid air.
MAGPIE
How rude !
MR. JACK DAWSON
Manners was never Cuckoo’s strong point. Maybe the baby IS better off without her.
STELLA
Cuckoo, look what Mr. Jack Dawson is saying about you.
MR. JACK DAWSON
Yellow, yellow dirty fellow AND a sneak.
STELLA glares at him
STELLA
At least I am not a thief like you Mr. Jack Dawson. So there.
She pokes her tongue at the jackdaw.
MR. JACK DAWSON
Thieving is a natural trait of jackdaws and who can fight nature. (under his breath to Magpie) Oh, how I wish I could kick this habit.
MAGPIE (whispering to the jackdaw)
Don’t worry Mr. Jack Dawson. We all know you can’t help yourself.
(MORE)
Something will come up, you mark my words. Magpies are never wrong.
Magpie looks at Stella fiercely and screeches.
MAGPIE (CONT’D)
You horrible, horrible bird to insult such a respectable gentleman. I am going to teach you a lesson.
She flies towards Stella who cowers in fear and screams
STELLA
Help, help me Cuckoo. Magpie is going to..
Cuckoo flies out of her nest in a rage.
CUCKOO
Stop that infernal racket at once. Be off with you, you useless birds. You are behaving like humans.
Jackdaw bows low to Cuckoo.
MR. JACK DAWSON
With pleasure. We will leave you and the yellow canary to yourselves. Come, let us be off my friend, Magpie.
The jackdaw and the magpie fly off. Stella looks at Cuckoo and hops towards her.
STELLA
Oh, Thank you Cuckoo. You are so wonderfully brave.
Cuckoo gives a sigh of exasperation.
CUCKOO
Turn around Stella.
Stellas eyes turn round with surprise.
STELLA
But, but , but
CUCKOO
I said turn around.
Stella turns around slowly still speaking.
STELLA
But , but , but , but
CUCKOO
Exactly !
She gives Stella a kick on her butt who goes flying in the air with a whistling sound and her buts fading away in the distance.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
A big kick on the Butt, that is what was needed.
She turns around and marches into her nest muttering.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
I have enough problems of my own.
She looks at the egg and purses her lips.
CUCKOO(CONT’D)
You have to go baby. Mommy wants to be star.
The egg just sits there as a ray of sunshine falls on it and it twinkles.
EXT.- SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE SAME JUNGLE – DAY
A dishevelled mother crow, Marjorie (Marge) Hatchery sits patiently in her nest. She has a polka dotted red scarf on her head and is fanning herself. A peacock, Peek-a-boo, walks by, his feet thumping in a pair of huge boots.
PEEK-A-BOO
Hey Margie,How’s the egg hatching coming along?
Marge looks at him irritated.
MARGE
It was coming along quite nicely till your thumping disturbed my concentration. What’s With those boots Peek-a-boo?
A Soft “To-whit-too” of an owl calling and we see a erudite looking owl, Ollie, wearing round spectacles,perched on a tree.
OLLIE
The beauteous one is cursed with rather, large, ugly, feet and makes a valiant attempt to hide them. Q.E.D. Or to put it in simple Greek, in the words of Euclid, “Quod Drat demon drat dum bum”!
A monkey, Banana-Drama, swings up side down from a tree .
BANANA-DRAMA
Whatever ! Does everything have to be so complicated PROF. Martin Do – Z- Fat And Furry-Ball ? And I bet my last bunch of bananas that Euclid, whoever, that was, never said that.
Ollie looks annoyed.
OLLIE PROFESSOR MARTIN OODDIIUUSS-DDRROOWWZZYY– SSQQUUEEKKYY-SSQQUUAAWWKKYY– PPIIEBBAALLDDYY-JJAACCKKAASS–FFUUNNYY- FUZZBALL CRITTER. Prof. Emeritus,Ph.D., You ignoramus! PROFESSOR M-A-R-T-I-N, MARTIN , Then a double O, A double D, a double I, a double O, A double U, A double S, ODIOUS, HYPHEN, Then a double D, a double R, A DOUBLE O, a double W, a double Z, a double Y, DROWSY, HYPHEN, HYPHEN. Then a double S.,a double
Ollie blinks twice through his round spectacles as he says each double alphabet.
BANANA-DRAMA
Whoa, stop right there Professor Dozy etc.,etc. We got the picture. But I have just two questions for you Professor Emeritus, with your permission. One, do you see double through those spectacles and is that why everything is double for you? And Question Number two. Why have you left out the other Alphabets from the English Language ? There are just four left.
Ollie looks more annoyed.
OLLIE
Banana Drama
One thing is for sure, you are double trouble. And I don’t need any advice from remix artistes. They are just a bunch of copy cats.
Banana – Drama looks annoyed and jumps up and down on the branch.
BANANA-DRAMA
Hey, hey, watch who you are calling a copy cat. You need to change your spectacles, man. You are talking to the coolest monkey in town.
He starts dancing as he snaps and clicks his finger and thumb.
MARGE gives an exasperated sigh and fans herself more furiously.
MARGE
Do you mind? Will you be quiet ? All this is giving me a headache.
A deer with huge eyelashes trips in daintily. She is FLOW- JO, the fashion conscious deer.
FLOW-JO
Quit it, you guys. Can’t you see Margie needs rest and quiet. She is about to become a Mommy, God help her.
She looks towards MARGIE.
FLOW-JO (CONT’D)
I found the perfect place for baby clothes. Want to go shopping, Margie?
Margie thinks.
MARGE
Well, I do have to buy some clothes for the little one’s. But I can’t leave the eggs for a moment. They are nice and warm and just about to hatch.
BANANA-DRAMA
Why don’t you ask Professor Martin Dozy Fat And Furry – Ball here to sit on them while you ladies go shopping. He can doze off if he wants to.
Ollie eyes become larger and rounder at the thought and he opens his beak to protest.
PEEK-A-BOO That’s a fine idea, my friend. Margie here needs the break.
Flow -Jo clasps her hands together.
FLOW-JO
Well, then, that is settled. Thank you Professor Dozy. You will be real cosy in here. Come on, Margie, lets go. There is a big sale on at Beak-Mart. I need new training shoes. So hop to it.
Ollie’s expression is a sight as he waddles towards Margie’s nest . All the others are trying to stifle their laughter. Ollie takes Margie’s place as she hops out with her large, shabby purse.
MARGE
Thank you , Professor Martin Do Dah ….
She struggles with the rest of his name as the rest are trying to control their laughter in various ways. FLOW- JO is hiding behind a tree, Peek-a-Boo has turned his back and is shaking with laughter. Banana -Drama is standing with his hands on his hips . He has an amused expression and is about to say something when Marge gives him a warning look.
OLLIE
with as much as dignity as he can muster.
OLLIE PROFESSOR MARTIN OODDIIUUSS-DDRROOWWZZYY– SSQQUUEEKKYY-SSQQUUAAWWKKYY– PPIIEBBAALLDDYY-JJAACCKKAASS–FFUUNNYY- FUZZBALL CRITTER. Prof. Emeritus,Ph.D.
MARGE (hastily)
Yes, Yes . The same. Please make yourself comfortable. I will be back in two shakes of a duck’s tail.
A parrot (Peter) and a turtle( Mimi-Tang) walk into the scene. PETER talks very fast and in contrast Mimi-Tang weighs each word as he speaks. His speech is as slow as his walk and he has a slightly effeminate voice. They both look at OLLIE seated in the nest.
PETER
Hey, what’s up, Prof. Martin Dodo…Ding Dong. Darn it, if I can say your name.
Ollie gives Peter a hard stare. All the animals burst out laughing.
MIMI -TANG What’s so funny? Seems to me Professor here is planning to move in with Marge.
Ollie is looking exasperated and puffs up and Marge looking at his expression hastily tries to sooth his ruffled feathers.
MARGE
Stop right there both of you. No smarty- pant stuff from you Peter, and Mimi-Tang, if you don’t want to be on the slow boat back to China you better keep your comments to your self. The Professor here is being neighborly which is more than I can say for you folks. So be off, all of you and leave the good Professor alone.
She looks towards OLLIE and sweetens her voice.
MARGE (CONT’D)
Don’t mind them Professor Martin. They are just jealous because they are not as smart as you are. You just make your self comfortable. Its hot today, have a cold drink, relax. The sun is a little strong today. Why don’t you take my scarf?
She whips off her polka dotted scarf and,before the Professor can say anything, puts it on his head and ties it under his chin in a trice. This too much for the other animals who cannot control their laughter and run away from the scene, shaking and tottering with laughter. Only Peter and Mimi-Tang remain since they have not understood anything. Banana-Drama stays back to say one word.
BANANA-DRAMA
“ Sweet.”
But, at Marge’s glare he too swings off, snapping and clicking his fingers. Peter opens his mouth to say something but Marge silences him with a admonishing finger. Mimi-Tang too opens his mouth but closes it as she glares at him. They both leave, still looking puzzled.
MARGE
I am off Professor MARTIN DO-DO-DO
OLLIE
PROFESSOR MARTIN OODDIIUUSS….
MARGE
Yes, yes. I’ll be back soon. Take care Professor.
She flies off, followed by Flow- Jo who smiles at Ollie
FLOW-JO
Bye-Bye sweetie pie ! I will get back a nice gift for you for being so nice.
Ollie just glares at her .As the two exit they pass by Cuckoo and Stella hiding behind a tree. Cuckoo has a basket with the egg nestling in it.
STELLA (Whispering)
What do we do now Cuckoo ? That fur ball is sitting in the nest.
CUCKOO
Shush, not so loud. He is an owl, they like to sleep during the day. He will doze off any time now.
They both look at Ollie who is already looking sleepy. He gives a big yawn and starts nodding off. Cuckoo looks significantly at Stella who smiles gleefully. Ollie gives a gentle snore. Cuckoo stealthily looks around, then creeps forward with Stella following at a safe distance. A twig cracks and Stella hastily flies back and hides behind a tree. Cuckoo gives her a look and moves forward. She quietly places the egg in the nest just below Ollie who is twitching, snoring and making whistling sounds in his sleep. Cuckoo, then quietly backs off, almost bumping into Stella who gasps and gives a little scream. Cuckoo puts her wings over Stella’s mouth and drags her behind a tree even as Ollie wakes up with a start, looks around, clears his throat and goes back to sleep again.
INT- A HUGE PALACE BELONGING TO KING COO-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, -FRUIT-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT,-SWEET-TOOT-TOOT-TOOT, AL-AMEN – DAY
King Tweety – Fruity is the falcon King who is inordinately found of sweet things. He also likes to have a good time.
The business of governing is left to his able prime minister, Mr. Cranium, an elegant crane, who stands on one leg and keeps shifting his position on different matters according to the exigencies of the situation. At the moment he is watching the King gorging on sweets with a dyspeptic eye.
KING TWEETY – FRUITY
These dough-nuts are divine and the chocolate cake is fine and I can’t keep my hands off the pie and praline.
Mr. Cranium gives a big sigh.
MR. CRANIUM
That is very well but we have a delegation from…..
KING TWEETY – FRUITY
(Grabbing a bowl of ice cream and slurping huge spoonfuls)
Boo to the delegation. Give them some of this wonderful ice cream and they will listen to whatever we have to say.
MR. CRANIUM
It’s not as easy as you think. The problems of the world cannot be solved with ice cream.
KING TWEETY – FRUITY
I agree. Maybe, not only with ice cream. You have to give them chocolate cake and doughnuts and , maybe, some lollipops. An all day sucker will keep them busy.
MR. CRANIUM
(Looking directly to the audience )
Oh boy ! Wish everything was easy as a pie.
KING TWEETY – FRUITY (CONT’D)
Pie. Yes, yes I forgot. Strawberry pie, Pecan pie, Apple pie. (Claps his hand) Get me some apple pie. And don’t forget the vanilla ice cream.
Mr. Cranium shifts his position from one leg to another and also his stance.
MR. CRANIUM
Your highness, COO-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, – FRUIT-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT,-SWEET-TOOT-TOOT- TOOT, AL-AMEN, if you please,
KING TWEETY – FRUITY
Don’t be formal Mr. Cranium, You can call me by my short name, King Tweety – Fruity and that reminds me what about strawberry shortcake. That is my absolute favorite.
MR. CRANIUM
(Looking at the audience again)
Which one is not, I tell you. This King and his sweet tooth is making me go bananas !
KING TWEETY – FRUITY
Bananas, as in Banana split with three, no, no, four, no five scoops of ice cream and don’t forget the toppings, the chocolate syrup and the nuts and the sprinkles. Yummy,yummy
MR. CRANIUM
May I remind you, your highness, that the business of the state is not ruled by your tummy. So many sweets can have a very, very, very, very, very
Even as he says this King Tweety – Fruity’s expression changes to one of pain and he clutches on to his tummy.
KING TWEETY – FRUITY
Ow. Ow. Ow. Ouch.
MR. CRANIUM (To the audience) Yes, this is what happens when you sit on the couch and eat till you burst.
KING TWEETY – FRUITY
Ow ! Ow! Ow! Call the doctor. My stomach takes, I mean my tummy aches I mean, you know what I mean, call the doctor, Mr. Cranium.
Mr. Cranium gives a big sigh and looks at the audience.
MR. CRANIUM
His tummy aches. No more goodies for him, baked or otherwise. It’s going to be soup, dry bread and water. Lots and lots of water.
INT- CUCKOO NEST – NIGHT
Cuckoo watching TV, her feet propped up on the table as she sips water from a glass. Stella sits near her eating buttered pop corn, her beak greasy with butter.
CUCKOO
(Looking at her and raising her eyebrows)
If you eat so much butter you are going to look more of a butter ball than you already do, Stella. Go and get me an asparagus stick.
STELLA
(Hopefully)
With a dip?
CUCKOO
No dip, only stick, you dip-stick.
Stella makes a round with her beak in a moue and hops to it. She Goes to the fridge and takes out an asparagus and waddles back to Cuckoo.
STELLA
(Handing Cuckoo the stick)
I really don’t know Cuckoo how you can live on this stuff. It’s healthy and all I know but it is so little.
CUCKOO
Got to watch my figure,Butter-ball.
STELLA
Well,I never fancied looking like a stick, you know. Pleasantly plump,that’s what I am and….
Cuckoo’s attention is diverted by an announcement on the TV
CUCKOO
Be quiet, Fatty. Let me listen.
Stella makes another moue with her beak.
On the television a giraffe’s head can be seen lying horizontally across the screen. Next to him is a giant panda barely squeezing into the frame
PANDA
Here is an important announcement from the Land Of Birds ruled by the all wise, all powerful, all greed, sorry, all feed, sorry, all,
(He shakes his head )
(MORE)
Whatever, KING COO-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, FRUIT- TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, SWEET-TOOT-TOOT-TOOT, AL- AMEN, affectionately known by his subjects as King Tweety – Fruity. His majesty announces a World- Wide Singing contest – a Song-Festival- open to every bird and beast that roam the earth.
GIRAFFE
(Whose tongue is lolling out as his head is horizontal)
I didn’t know KING SWEET, Sorry, KING TWEET TOOT HOOT BOOT LOOT SOOT ROOT
(His tongue is getting all entangled in the process)
PANDA
(Looking disgusted)
This is what happens when you get a job if your father is an important person and not because you are fit for it. In fact, you don’t even fit where you are supposed to fit, like this TV screen for instance.
GIRAFFE
Well, maybe I can’t fit in vertically but you can’t fit in horizontally. Just because you like to party with important people and get this job does not mean you can boss me around.
The panda tries to push the giraffe out of the screen who is trying to butt him out. CUCKOO switches off the TV in disgust with her remote.
CUCKOO
Politics ! It’s everywhere.
She looks at Stella who is looking in the fridge, only her butt visible as she forages for food.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
(Under her breath )
I am going to double lock the fridge.
CUCKOO
(CONT’D) (To STELLA)
Stella get your butt out of the fridge and come here. I need you to go and get me some stamps , paper and envelopes. I hope that pigeon mail is not on a strike as usual.
Stella comes back, her mouth stuffed with noodles, some of which are dangling out of her mouth.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
Gross. Go to the post office right away and get me some envelopes. I am going to be a star, finally.
STELLA
(Trying to speak with her mouth full)
CUCKOO
( steadily becoming more irritated )
What is it ? Speak up ? Out with it ?
Stella makes a brave attempt to speak that the noodles fly out and are dangling all over Cuckoo’s head and face. Through the veil of noodles Cuckoo’s eyes glare out balefully. Stella looks at her and her beak opens and shuts.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
Screams and lunges at Stella who screeches and flies out of the window. Cuckoo’s voice follows her.
Don’t come back without the envelopes or I will put you on a diet of lettuce leaves and bird seed.
Stella shudders when she hears this, her tiny wings flap harder and she whizzes like a yellow meteor against the blue sky.
EXT.- MARGE’S NEST – DAY
Marge is sitting in her nest , knitting. She is wearing a bonnet and has on her spectacles.
MARGE
One knit, two purl, two knit, two purl,
There is only a short skein of wool left.
MARGE (CONT’D)
Oh , no. Just a few lines to go and my fourth sweater would have been complete.
She looks around and see OLLIE dozing in the tree. Her eyes brighten.
MARGE (CONT’D)
PROFESSOR DODO DOZE BALL…No, no , that’s not it… PROFESSOR DOOZY BALD..no..PROFESSOR DOZE AND HOSE FUR WALL…oh, darn it.
She plucks a fruit from the tree and tosses it at OLLIE who gets up with a start.
MARGE (CONT’D)
You who, you who, you who!
OLLIE
(Looking around)
Too whit who ?
MARGE
You who? You who ? You who ?
OLLIE
(Looking around,dazed)
Too whit who ?
MARGE (Muttering)
Drat it , you nitwit, you who.
Ollie adjusts his spectacles and looks at Marge.
OLLIE
Ah Madame Marjorie Hatchery. A very top of the morning to you. How is the hatching process going on ?
MARGE
It’s going on and on and on. Look Professor Doze And Ball,I mean Professor
OLLIE
PROFESSOR MARTIN OODDIIUUSS-DDRROOWWZZYY– SSQQUUEEKKYY-SSQQUUAAWWKKYY– PPIIEBBAALLDDYY-JJAACCKKAASS–FFUUNNYY- FUZZBALL CRITTER. Ph.D.,Professor Emeritus.
MARGE
Absolutely and all that. I need a little favor Professor. I am knitting these sweaters for the wee ones and I have run out of wool. Do you mind sitting on the eggs till I make a dash and get some from Flow -Jo. I know she has the same color.
Ollie looks around to see if there are any other animals around. Then he waddles towards Marge.
OLLIE (Gallantly)
With pleasure dear lady. But make haste.
MARGE
As the crow flies, I will be back in a jiffy. I am not keeping you from anything important ,am I.
OLLIE
I am expecting a visitor from France. A very important person, Monsieur Bull- Brass.
MARGE
Really, and why is this important person so very important ?
OLLIE
He is an artiste, a musician. His voice is so magnificent that he has to live in a special sound proof house.
MARGE
Oh that is wonderful! I love music and always wanted to be a singer. Oh, but I must fly.
Ollie settles into the nest as Marge hurries off.
MARGE (CONT’D)
(Over her shoulder as she flies off)
I want to meet your friend too. Maybe he can tutor my children while he is here.
OLLIE (Shaking his head)
Her children are not here and she is already making plans for them. Just like a mother.
He settles down comfortably and begins to doze off. We show the inside of an egg. A beak is knocking against the shell.
O.S. Voice of a baby crow –
Hey, Open up. It’s dark in here. And I am hungry too.
Then another voice( O.S.) – Mom, Mom. Are you there ?
Then a third voice -Is this a joke or what ?
Fourth Voice – The joke’s on us, clown. Push hard.
Sharp rat-a -tat sound
A beak emerges from under Ollie and pecks at him hard and he takes off like a rocket.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
(Rubbing his butt)
Ouch, that hurt.
He perches at the edge of the nest and looks at the four crows who look at him curiously. Then one of the crows says
CROW
Mama ?
Sound of laughter. OLLIE’S Neck swivels around to see Banana-Drama.
BANANA-DRAMA
Hey Professor Dozy Do Dumb Ball. Those four critters think you are their Mama.
Peek-a-Boo clumps in.
BANANA-DRAMA (CONT’D)
Hey, Peek -a -Boo, Marge’s kids have adopted Professor Doozy Fun Dong Ding
All the crows start hollering for food .
CROWS
I am hungry . I am thirsty. Mama. Mama. Caw-Caw.
Ollie is going crazy trying to control them.
OLLIE
Stop this racket , I say. I am not your mother, children. Where is Margie ?
The crow kids make such a racket that all the animals collect.
PETER
Hey, where is Marge ? Why is the Professor Do That And The Other always in her nest?
MIMI -TANG Maybe they are planning to get married. How romantic.
Ollie fluffs up in disgust.
OLLIE
Stuff and nonsense. I was baby-sitting, I mean egg-sitting, when
FLOW-JO
How eggs-citing for you Professor Doing Do Fuzzy Wool !
OLLIE
Precisely, that is what Marge has gone to get…
He suddenly notices that Flow-Jo, is here.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
Hey , She went to you to get wool. What are you doing here? And where is Marge ?
All the animals look at each other. The silence is suddenly broken by a deep, loud croak. We see MARGE arriving with a large bull-frog, Monsieur Bull-Brass.
MARGE (Gushing)
Oh Professor Do Doing Woozy Fool
OLLIE
(Exasperated and still trying to hold on to the shreds of his dignity.)
PROFESSOR MARTIN OODDIIUUSS-DDRROOWWZZYY– SSQQUUEEKKYY-SSQQUUAAWWKKYY– PPIIEBBAALLDDYY-JJAACCKKAASS–FFUUNNYY- FUZZBALL CRITTER. Ph.D.,Professor Emeritus. What took you so long ? Your children are hungry and thirsty and they want their Mama.
Marge notices the crows and shrieks in delight.
MARGE
My babies !
She clasps them to her bosom. The babies caw in delight.
MARGE (CONT’D)
Oh ! This is a wonderful Day. Today my babies came into this world and on this blessed day Monsieur Bull Brass has come into our lives.
Monsieur Bull Brass puffs up with pleasure.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
(Speaks in a French accent )
You are too kind, Madame Marjorie Hatchery. I am but a humble musician.
MARGE
Oh , no, no. You are divine messenger from God. All my life I have craved to be a singer but it is was not to be. But now that you are here my children can follow my dreams and become artistes like you.
All the animals look at each other. Banana-Drama raises his eye brows to Peek-a-Boo as if to say this doesn’t bode too well.
MARGE (CONT’D)
Oh ! Do say you will teach my little ones to sing. Please Monsieur Bull-Brass. I want them to be as famous as you.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
(Bowing low as much as his girth will permit him)
It will be an honour to teach your off- springs Madame.
Marge clasps her wings and looks heavenwards.
MARGE
Oh happy, happy Day. Thank you Lord.
She pulls the four crows towards her on both sides with her wings and says solemnly
MARGE (CONT’D)
Today, in honour of Monsieur Bull Brass and his Music I name my four children, (Touching each one of them) DO-RAY, ME-FAR, SO-LA and TI-DO, after the seven notes of music.
All the animals clap enthusiastically when they all hear a crack and fall silent looking at each other. Marge peers into her nest and looks astonished as she beholds a egg split in the middle and a tiny ,black bird looking at her and blinking with enormous eyes.
TINY BIRD
Mama ?
PEEK-A-BOO
Shiver me feathers ! I thought you were going to have four children
OLLIE
(Interjecting)
Quadruplets !
PEEK-A-BOO
Yes, yes. The same. Where did the fifth one come from ?
BANANA-DRAMA
Hey ! Professor Do Dah Dit Dumb Fool, did you , but you are a
OLLIE
Yes, it is not possible as I am a man
MIMI -TANG
I thought he was an owl.
PETER
A man-owl or a owl-man.
MIMI -TANG
I see, like I am a man -turtle or a turtle-man.
PETER
I am not sure about that. But if you say so you are.
Since Marge is looking stunned at the sudden turn of events Flow-Jo walks up to her and hugs her.
FLOW-JO
Margie, this is like a bonus. You know five for the price of four. Beak-Mart is having a sale this week end and they have advertised so.
Marge who has been paralysed with shock so far comes to with a start.
MARGE
Yes, yes , of course. Welcome my child.
BANANA-DRAMA
What are you going to call her Marge since you have used all the notes of music once and one twice.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (Clears his throat.)
If I may make a suggestion ?
MARGE (Gushing)
Yes, of course Monsieur Bull Brass. It is your prerogative. After all, they are all going to be your students.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (Bowing low )
You are too kind Madame. I name the little one , Melody.
All the animals clap.
Melody looks at everyone and says
MELODY
CUCKOO.
All the animals look at each other. Marge looks surprised.
ESTABLISHING SHOT
EXT – LAND OF BIRDS – DAY
There are posters of the forthcoming Song-Festival, many featuring King Tweety -Fruity.
We see rich birds in fancy attire whizzing around in their fancy cars. Their homes are shaped like golden cages.
We linger on a large poster featuring CUCKOO clad in a gown with a boa around her shoulders and pearls at her throat.
The poster reads
CUCKOO-COOL
OUR BELOVED COURT SINGER CHALLENGES
THE PARTICIPANTS TO A FINAL ROUND.
THE WINNER WILL TAKE HER PLACE AS THE COURT SINGER.
We zip through the streets of the LAND OF BIRDS lingering over Clubs that say – ADMITTANCE – STRICTLY FOR THE BIRDS and other interesting monuments with signs like FREE- BIRDS, FEATHER-REPORT, EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT, HOT CHICKS, FLY TO THE SKY AIRMAIL, TWEET MALL, ON A WING AND A PRAYER ( outside a place of worship ) etc.
As we cruise we see birds of various kinds doing pretty much the same things as humans do till we finally reach the large palace gardens of King Tweety – Fruity. We cruise through the place grounds and passages till we reach the Main Hall where King Tweety – Fruity is ensconced on a cushioned throne being fanned by two pink flamingoes, his prime minister Mr. Cranium by his side and Cuckoo-Cool performing on a stage.
CUCKOO
SONG
I AM A CREATURE DIVINE
WHO LOVES THE GOOD TIMES
TRAVEL TO FAR AWAY LANDS
IN FOUL WEATHER AND FINE
IN MANY SEASONS AND CLIMES
JUST GIVE ME A GOOD TIME
ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY,
AND I WILL BE FINE
WE WILL DRINK FINE WINE
AND WE WILL LIE SUPINE
CHOCOLATES AND SWEETS
WILL BE OURS TO DINE
( here King Tweety – Fruity perks up )
SO GIVE ME A GOOD TIME
A GOOD TIME
A VERY GOOD TIME.
She stretches the last part of the song to a crescendo but her throat can’t take it and she starts coughing.
The courtiers look at each other. Stella claps her wing to her mouth distressed. Mr. Cranium raises his eyebrows.
KING TWEETY – FRUITY (popping a sweet in is mouth)
What is the meaning of this ? What is wrong with your voice?
(MORE)
Is that how you are going to compete with the challengers. As a court singer you have a responsibility which you have forgotten.
Cuckoo looks crushed.
MR. CRANIUM
You haven’t actually been drinking the fine wine you are singing about, have you. You know it is forbidden in our kingdom.
KING TWEETY – FRUITY
I am sure it is ice cream she has been indulging in. Greedy bird.
He says this even as he pops in another sweetie in his mouth.
MR. CRANIUM (conciliatory)
Well, sire, if she does that she is in a very big problem. No more court singer means No more mansions, no more big cars, no more nice clothes, no more fancy furs and no more tasty treats.
Here STELLA sticks out her tongue, distressed.
CUCKOO-COOL (abashed)
Forgive me, Sire. This will not happen again.
MR. CRANIUM
It better not. His highness patience is running thin.
Stella is slyly foraging in a bowl lying behind and he catches her at it and slaps her wing with his cane.
Then he hooks his crane around Stella’s neck and pitches her so she goes flying off.
AL CRANIUM
And take this greedy bird with you. She is a disgrace to birds.
Cuckoo-Cool sashays off with as much dignity as she can muster.
EXT. – IN THE JUNGLE – DAY
Monsieur Bull-Brass is hopping along singing a dreadful tune when he is waylaid by Banana-Drama.
BANANA-DRAMA
Ah, if it is not the great maestro himself.
Monsieur Bull-Brass hops to one side but Banana -Drama shifts too. They do this a couple of times.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
Be off you pesky monkey. I am not going to be diverted by you. The last time you sent me on a wild goose chase to the swamps for tasty mosquitoes. Every day is not a Sunday.
Banana-Drama looks to the other animals hiding behind various bushes and trees making wild gestures to prevent Monsieur Bull-Brass from going any further.
BANANA-DRAMA
Ah but today is Friday and there are week- end specially on Fridays. Mac Birdies has the tastiest fried worms and stuff.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
Non ! No ! I don’t eat worms or anything crawling on the ground. That is so unhygienic. Only flying delights for me.
He eyes a fly hovering in the air.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (CONT’D)
Bon appetite!
He flicks his tongue and catches the fly and smacks his lips.
BANANA-DRAMA
Gross. I mean what a tasty bite.
He looks at the animals signalling to him. They even hold up a banner which says STOP THE FROG FROM SINGING.
Monsieur Bull-Brass cleverly side-steps Banana-Drama and hops on. All the animals rush to Banana-Drama.
PEEK-A-BOO
I should have known a simple task would be beyond you. That bull frog has ruined the peace and quiet of the jungle.
BANANA-DRAMA
Well,I tried ! But he says he’s determined to make the Caw-Band win the contest in Bird-Land.
PETER
(pointing to Banana-Drama’s walk man covering his ears)
You have these to cover your ears, but what about us ?
All the animals nod their heads vehemently.
BANANA-DRAMA (Pointing to FLOW -JO)
Well she has her trainers to run away (and pointing to Mimi-Tang’s shell) He just hides in his attached house. So what’s the big deal, man.
Suddenly a raucous cacophony fills the air and all the animals rush to see the four offsprings of Marge Hatchery cawing under the tutelage of Monsieur Bull Brass’s booming voice. Marge watches her four children with pride and joy while Melody holds her hand/wing and sucks her thumbs.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
All Together now.
THE FOUR CROWS WE ARE
THE CROWS FOUR WHO ARE TOGETHER EVERMORE,
WE SING ANY SONG AND WE TAKE THE WORLD ALONG
ON A MUSICAL JOURNEY TO NEVER- NEVER LAND.
Monsieur Bull Brass joins in, his voice booming while the animals react. Flow-Jo runs around in circles, Mimi-Tang withdraws into her shell, Peter bangs his head against a tree, Peek-a-Boo parts his feathers and tries to stuff them in his ears,Banana-Drama looks at the reaction of his friends and he hangs up side down from a branch with his tail in front of Monsieur Bull Brass
BANANA-DRAMA
Mouse,Mouse Bull-Brass. Your good friend Professor Lucy Goosy and Dozy Fur-Ball is calling you. Something urgent.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
First of all it is not Mouse- Mouse , you barbaric ape, it is Monsieur. And, second, your tactics are not going to work. The Professor is in a conference and will be back only later this afternoon. So, be off with you and let us continue our practice.
Banana -Drama is at his wit’s end. He looks at the four crows and says,
BANANA-DRAMA
How come they get to sing and not she.
He points to MELODY.
Banana-Drama appealing to MARGE
BANANA-DRAMA (CONT’D)
It’s really not fair. She is your child too. She needs a fair chance too.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
(opening and shutting his mouth a few times stupefied)
Singing needs Melody and rhythm. Little black birds cannot sing. Le peau noir oiseau.
FLOW-JO
Flow -Jo
Well, if little black birds cannot sing, how come they are singing.
She points to the four crows on the band, each one manning a different instrument.
PETER
Fair’s fair
Moose-Moose. You have to give her chance too.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
It’s Monsieur ! And I have no problem, it is up to her mother to decide.
MARGE (pushing Melody forward) Go on, my dear child.
Melody takes a few hesitant steps forward and stands near Monsieur Bull-Brass.
MARGE (CONT’D) (whispering to Flow-Jo)
She is not very pretty, unlike the other four. Maybe she has this talent which will take her forward in the world.
Flow-Jo bats her eyelashes.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
All right then let us hear you. Can you sing the first seven notes of music. Here let me show you. Do, Ray, Me, Far, So, La, Ti, Do.
Monsieur Bull Brass sings and all the animals react.
MELODY
Do, ray, Me, Far, So, La, Ti, Do.
Melody sings and the animals are entranced but the frog reacts in the opposite way.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
Stop ! Stop ! What is this ? Abominable.
Melody stops, stricken. All the animals glare at him.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (CONT’D)
I mean, my dear child, with practise you will learn to sing like us, your brothers and I. But as of now, I can see years and years of practise ahead of you to come to my level. Now sing after me – DO , RAY, ME , FA, SO , LA, TI , DO.
All the animals close their ears.
MELODY
DO, RAY, ME FA, SO, LA, TI DO.
Monsieur Bull-Brass shuts his ear.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
Allors! Allez! Stop ! Stop ! This is insupportable. You cannot sing, not in a million years.
Melody starts crying and runs away.
MARGE
Melody, my child, stop. Come back.
PEEK-A-BOO
PEEKABOO
(To MONSIEUR BULL BRASS)
Now, see what you have done. You have hurt the poor child’s feelings. She can sing better than all of you.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
(puffing up in anger) And what do you know about singing ? Your harsh voice can scare the children. Is that why you are called Peek-a-Boo?
Peek-a- Bo looks crestfallen so Banana-Drama jumps into the fray. He jumps in front of Monsieur Bull Brass.
BANANA-DRAMA
That’s my best friend you are being rude to, Mousey
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (correcting him)
MONSIEUR!
BANANA-DRAMA
Whatever !
MARGE (clapping her wings)
Stop it, stop it right now. Banana-Drama. Monsieur Bull Brass is our guest. Is that the way you behave with an honored guest from another country ?
She attempts to soothe the frog who has puffed up so much that he is in the danger of bursting.
MARGE (CONT’D)
Forgive us Monsieur. This is all a big mistake. You are the greatest singer in the world. Don’t worry, Melody will be fine.
She looks at Banana-Drama sternly
MARGE (CONT’D)
Banana-Drama, I think an apology is in order.
BANANA-DRAMA (walking to the frog and looking contrite)
(MORE)
Sorry, Mousse, mousse.. Oh, what the, sorry.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (patronizingly)
It’s all right. I don’t expect remix artistes to know much about music.
Banana-Drama starts to lose his cool. Marge notices this and tries to diffuse the situation.
MARGE
All right , all right. Everyone off to their home. Do-Ray, Me-Far, So-La AND Ti- Do, time for a nice snack and cold drink. I have noodle-worms for you and beetle- juice for Mossy here.
DO-RAY Mom,
Can’t we have a pizza today.
MARGE
Nope, you got to eat healthy. It’s going to be noodle-worms with some grains and grit.
BANANA-DRAMA (walking away with Peek-a- Boo)
Gross!
PEEK-A-BOO
Why? What’s wrong. I like snake nuggets.
BANANA-DRAMA
You are my best friend. But there is a lot I need to learn about you.
Peter walking away with Mimi-Tang
PETER
Thank God, we are vegetarians.
MIMI -TANG (looking at FLOW-JO)
She told me she’s one too. We should party more often. I think , she’s cute.
PETER
Hey,Hey, Hey. Slow down.
(Then corrects himself as he sees him puffing as he tries to catch up with him)
PETER (CONT’D)
Maybe, not. If he goes any slower we would meet ourselves on the way back.
SENOR JULIO
EXT.- SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE SAME JUNGLE – DAY
Melody is running and crying when she bumps into a brown bird. This is Senor Julio, the brown thrush, who is blind. He wears thick, black glass and carries a white tipped cane.
SENOR JULIO
Oh, watch it my friend. You could get hurt if you don’t watch where you are going.
MELODY
Oh! I am sorry. I couldn’t see for the tears. But, what about you ? How come you didn’t see ?
SENOR JULIO
Because, nina, I can’t see. I am blind.
MELODY
Oh ! I’m so sorry.
SENOR JULIO
It’s quite all right, nina, you were not to know. By the way, , why were you crying ?
MELODY
My name is not Nina and I was crying because, because….
She starts weeping.
SENOR JULIO
Please don’t cry….what is your name?
MELODY
It is Melody.
SENOR JULIO
That is a very pretty name, Melody. I was calling you nina because nina means little girl in Spanish. But you are a very, very little girl so I will call you chiquita. (he bows low) Senor Julio at your service. So, tell me, Melody, why were you crying?
(MORE)
And, what are you doing alone in the forest, it is not safe for little girls to wander alone in the forest.
MELODY
Because, Monsieur Bull Brass does not like my voice. He said I can never be a singer.
SENOR JULIO(clicking his tongue)
That is too bad, mi pobre chiquita, I mean, my poor little girl, the little Melody. Let me hear your voice. I may not be as grand as your Mossy Bull Pat, but I have knowledge of music too. So, let us hear you.
Melody sings Twinkle,twinkle little star.
SENOR JULIO (CONT’D)
Santa Maria! You sing like an angel. Charming! But your voice needs training.
MELODY (with tears in her eyes)
But who will teach me ? I am scared of Monsieur Bull Brass. He has a very loud voice. Oh, but I do want to learn.
SENOR JULIO
Teaching is not the problem. But I do not want you to come alone through the forest, little one. Do you have any friend who can bring you here.
MELODY shakes her head dismally and then brightens.
MELODY
I know, I can ask Banana -Drama. He is a very, very sweet monkey and also a musician, just like you so he’s sure to help me.
SENOR JULIO
Very well then. You talk to your friend. I will meet you at the edge of the jungle in the morning and we can begin your classes. You have natural talent, my child. A little training is all you need.
MELODY
What do you say to thank you in Spanish.
SENOR JULIO
Gracias. Muchos gracias. A big Thank you.
MELODY
Muchos gracias, Senor Julio! I will be there.
SENOR JULIO (laughing)
You are good child, Melody. It will be a pleasure to teach you. Come, I will drop you off to the edge of the jungle so you don’t get lost.
Senor Julio uses his white-tipped cane as he flies through the branches with Melody following behind him.
EXT – EDGE OF THE JUNGLE – DAY- VERY EARLY MORNING
BANANA-DRAMA is pacing up and down with MELODY standing near him, sucking her thumb.
BANANA-DRAMA
What have you got me into Melody, my child ? Who is this Senor Julio and why has he agreed to teach you singing?
MELODY (taking out her thumb from her mouth)
I told you he’s a teacher and he’s blind. And he told me to bring a grown-up with me as he doesn’t want me coming alone in the jungle.
BANANA-DRAMA
Yes, yes, yes. That is why I came. He seems like a sensible person. But where is he ?
Suddenly they hear a screech and a bat appears before them. He wears a cape. Banana-Drama screams and jumps up to a branch.
MELODY (calmly) Who are you ?
BAT VAN FRIDAY
(who now has a lugubrious expression)
I have no idea. Some say I am a bird and some say I am a beast.
(MORE)
But, I am not sure if I am either. At present, I am, however, Senor Julio’s batman, his assistant and his carrier. I have come from him to escort you to his home where he awaits Miss Melody and her escort Mr. Banana-Drama.
He looks up to Banana-Drama as he says this. Banana-Drama comes down from the tree sheepishly.
BANANA-DRAMA
You gave me scare, man. Appearing out of nowhere.
BAT VAN FRIDAY
Well, lets be off, my friend, while its still dark. I find it easier to find my way in the dark though I have recently got a Global Positioning System, to help me find my way at any time. Ah, the wonders of technology!
Bat Van Friday takes off with Melody following closely behind and Banana-Drama swinging from branch to branch behind them. They arrive at Senor Julio’s home where he’s waiting for them sitting next to a piano placed near the window. Banana-Drama is quite red in the face and panting.
BANANA-DRAMA
Man, I mean Van, your name is Van, but you are travelling like a rocket. You just took off. (wiping his face with a large hanky) I have to get my breath back.
Senor Julio, Bat Van Friday laugh and Melody giggles.
SENOR JULIO
Well, well, well. You must be Banana- Drama, the famous remix artiste.
Banana-Drama bows.
BANANA-DRAMA
The same. And you must be Senor Julio, the well known singer who had disappeared many years back from public life.
Senor Julio bows
SENOR JULIO
The same. And this is Bat Van Friday, my trusty Man Friday and long distance carrier.
BANANA-DRAMA
I met him, your harrier plane and your fine friend. He seems to be a double in many things, like a double delight. There some sort of confusion here. Is he a bird or a beast, is he a plane or a helper ?
BAT VAN FRIDAY
Yes, I have an identity crisis. I do not know who or what I am.
BANANA-DRAMA You should meet the other double delight, Professor Dozy, Do-Do Fuzz Ball Kind of Confused Critter. Maybe, he can help him. He claims to be very wise.
Bat Van Friday bows low and then looks up and smiles, showing his vampire like teeth.
BANANA-DRAMA (CONT’D)
Some dental work could help to make you popular too.
Senor Julio taps his cane impatiently on the leg of the piano.
SENOR JULIO
All right, let’s begin the lessons. No time to waste.
BANANA-DRAMA
That’s cool, bro. I mean SENOR JULIO, you go on and teach Melody. I want to see Mr. Dozy-Ball, Fuzzy-Wall’s face when Melody wins the contest.
SENOR JULIO
Contest ? What contest ?
BANANA-DRAMA
The one that the frog, Mousey Bull And Back, is training that CAW-BAND for, if you get my drift.
SENOR JULIO
No, I don’t. But do not worry, by the time Melody is done here she will be a singer to be reckoned with, capable of performing anywhere. (he turns to MELODY) All right child, let us begin.
Senor Julio strikes the keys of the piano and his voice rises clear and pure, followed by Melody’s sweet one. At first he sings and Melody follows. They they sing this hymn together.
SENOR JULIO (CONT’D)
Spirit of God in the clear running water Blowing to greatness the trees on the hill.
Melody repeats.
SENOR JULIO (CONT’D)
Spirit of God in the finger of morning Fill the earth bring it to birth And blow where You will
SENOR JULIO/MELODY
Blow, blow, blow till I be But breath of the spirit blowing in me…
Down in the meadows the willows are moaning
Sheep in the pasture land cannot lie still
Spirit of God Creation is groaning…
Spirit of God, every man’s heart is lonely
Watching and waiting and hungry until
Spirit of God man longs that You only…
INT -CUCKOO COOL’S ROOM – NIGHT
Cuckoo is pacing in her room. Stella sits on the couch licking two ice creams, one in each hand.
CUCKOO
How dare he? So he thinks he can insult Cuckoo Cool and get away. I will show him who I am?
STELLA
Everyone knows who you are. You are Cuckoo Cool, the greatest singer in the world.
CUCKOO
That I am. But it is time to make that stuffed shirt Mr. Cranium realize that. I have to make plans.
Her attention is diverted by an advertisement on the TV.
TELEVISION
A nightingale appears singing. Suddenly, she makes a gagging sounds and clutches her throat. A voice says: CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE ? Then a vial appears floating in air with a green liquid sparkling in it. It floats up, the nightingale opens her mouth and the vial pours out the green liquid in her mouth. Her voice restored she starts warbling again. The voice says as the following letters appear on the screen: FAIR IS FOWL, THE MAGIC POTION FROM THE SING SONG COMPANY OF CHINA. COMING SOON. Awaiting patent from the FOUL DRUG ADMINISTRATION(FDA).
CUCKOO
(turning around and snapping her fingers)
That’s it. That’s what I need.
She looks at Stella and makes a disgusted face.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
Stella, you have to stop eating everything in sight. You’ll burst like a balloon one day. Now go away and don’t come back till you find Mr. Jack Dawson and Magpie.
Stella flies off, still licking her ice cream.
CUCKOO (CONT’D) (still pacing the floor)
I will see who can win against me.
EXT.- NEAR SENOR JULIO’S HOUSE – DAY
Melody AND Senor Julio are practising. As Melody sings we can see the reaction of the jungle animals. Even the trees wave and grass rustle with joy. As Melody’s voice soars up to a crescendo Senor Julio claps.
SENOR JULIO
Ah, chiquita ! You sing like angel. No singer in the world can hold a candle to you. The world awaits you. You are ready for the contest.
MELODY
But I only sing because I like to sing. A contest is not my dream. I am too shy.
SENOR JULIO
No, no, do not say that, my child. That is an insult to the talent that God has given you. It is your duty to sing for his glory and let the world listen and honour. Talent, which hides away from the sun of audience applause and appreciation, withers and dies. So, go and take your place in the sun, chiquita.
MELODY
I will have to ask mama.
BAND OF CROWS
EXT./ NEAR MARGIE’S NEST /DAY
While Marge watches the CAW-BAND is practising under Monsieur Bull-Brass’ direction. The other animals are roaming nonchalant, seemingly unaffected by the din. She looks up to see Melody approaching with Senor Julio and Banana-Drama. The animals also look up, curious, and remove their ear plugs, cotton wool,and whatever else they may have used to shut out the din of the frog and crow singing. Banana-Drama walks up to Marge with the other two.
BANANA-DRAMA
Hey, Margie, we have a confession to make. Melody here has been learning to sing with Senor Julio here.
All the animals gasp and Monsieur Bull-Brass puffs up indignantly.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
Mon Dieu ! This is abominable. She cannot sing.
BANANA-DRAMA
As if you can.
Monsieur Bull-Brass starts puffing with indignation.
MARGE (hastily)
Please Mussy Hair, let me get to the bottom of the matter.
SENOR JULIO (bowing low)
Senora, let me introduce myself. I am Senor Julio, trained and established singer, now retired from public life.
PEEK-A-BOO (to the others)
I know him, he used to be very famous and then at the height of his fame decided to retire when he went blind due to some strange reason.
All the animals make sympathetic sounds.
MARGE
Yes, Senor Julio, but what is my Melody doing with you ? She cannot sing.
SENOR JULIO
Melody can not only sing but she is a rare talent. Believe me, I am a trained singer too.
BANANA-DRAMA
And she is going to take part in the contest, no matter what some Most Of Bully Blast has to say about it.
Monsieur Bull-Brass starts puffing up with anger.
MARGE
Please be quiet Banana-Drama. It is not your decision to make.
SENOR JULIO
I’m sorry if I have offended you, Madame, but when Melody came to me crying I could not stop myself from lending a helping hand. Now, it is your decision whether Melody should be in the contest or not.
All the animals shout that Melody should be allowed to participate too. Even the four crows join in.
OLLIE
I think, Marjorie, it is in the child’s interest that she, too, participates.
(MORE)
It will give her confidence which she is sadly lacking.
BANANA-DRAMA
Hear, hear Professor Do-Doing Something Right For A Change Critter. Marge, you got to listen to the Professor.
Marjorie looks at Monsieur Bull-Brass, afraid to offend him. All the others catch on to her dilemma.
BANANA-DRAMA (CONT’D)
Ah, but we must first have to take permission from, Mo,Mu,Mi, Most Full And Last Greatest Singer In The World.
Flow-Jo titters while the other animals take up Banana- Drama’s refrain with Please, Don’t say No, You are the greatest. Monsieur Bull-Brass looks gratified.
OLLIE
Yes, my friend. Your permission will clear the air, so to speak. And will put the little bird on the path to success. She will bring glory to Jungle-Land.
BANANA-DRAMA (to SENOR JULIO)
He can never speak straight. But his heart is in the right place as you can see.
Senor Julio nods.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
Oui, I mean Yes. I am not one to stand in the way of le peau oiseau’s, I mean the little bird’s, success.
All the animals cheer but stop when he raises one finger.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (CONT’D)
But I have a condition too.
The animals listen with bated breath as he addresses Marge.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS (CONT’D)
She may have to take a few lessons with me.
(MORE)
I cannot undo everything that has been taught but I can certainly pull her back from the wrong direction and put her in the same league as her brother’s here.
All the animals look crestfallen and look towards Senor Julio to see how he as taken this insult. Senor Julio, merely smiles.
SENOR JULIO (bowing low)
I agree with and applaud your decision.
Monsieur Bull-Brass smiles at him patronizingly.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
You have done a good job on her Senor Julio and I insist she is your protege. I only intend to tweak a few wrong notes.
SENOR JULIO
I fully comprehend. Now I must take your leave. He bows low and turns to go.
BANANA-DRAMA (whispers in his ear)
You are the best, Senor Julio. And don’t worry ( he takes out a pair of ear plugs ) I have a special pair of small ear plugs for Melody which will take care of this problem
SENOR JULIO (smiling and flying off)
Adios.
AlL the animals wave to him shouting, Adios Senor Julio,
Muchas Gracias Senor Julio.
Melody hugs Marge.
MELODY
Thank you Mom, you are the best.
INT – CUCKOO COOL’S ROOM – NIGHT
Cuckoo Cool is lounging on a settee when Stella ushers in Mr. Jack Dawson and Magpie. Magpie, as usual is chattering thirteen to a dozen.
MAGPIE
Cuckoo, by all that is wonderful. Where have you been ? We all left Jungle-Land together and then when we reached the Land Of Birds you disappeared.
(MORE)
Then, of course, we have been following your success story. We did try to get in touch with you , trying to call you by phone, by mail, in person but no. There was always an answering service and no one would let us in. We were so happy to see Stella when she came to call us and I said to Mr. Jack Dawson here that it is unlikely that Cuckoo would forget us. She is just busy, what with being such a famous star and all. And,you know what he said ? He said that,
CUCKOO (interrupting)
I need you to do something for me.
MAGPIE (gasping)
Oh, how did you guess? That’s exactly what he said.
CUCKOO
I need you to help me to get the magic potion FAIR IS FOWL from the SING-SONG COMPANY of China.
MAGPIE (gasping)
You want us to go to China !
CUCKOO
Don’t be silly, you twit. The head offices of the company is here. You Just have to steal it from there. (smirking) Mr. Jack Dawson here has a natural flair for that kind of work.
MR. JACK DAWSON
You have always been very good at taking advantage of someone’s weakness, Cuckoo. But that is beside the point. We’ll need money, not only for our services but also for incidentals and an expense account. We have many expenses and Magpie here has a family to support.
MAGPIE
Oh, yes cuckoo. By God’s grace I have seven children. Would you like to know their names ? They are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
CUCKOO (sarcastically)
I can guess the other three names. Now stop your foolish chattering, you twit, and off with you. Of course I will pay you and well. Go now. Stella show these two out and yes, (she addresses Mr. Jack Dawson ) Mr. Jack Dawson, kindly put back the silver you picked up and put in you pocket in your way in.
Mr. Jack Dawson takes out the silver bric-a-brac and places it on the console.
MR. JACK DAWSON (sourly)
Force of habit, Cuckoo, as you well know.
Stella shows them out.
CUCKOO (to herself)
Just my luck to be surrounded by a foolish, chattering Magpie and a thieving rascal.
Then she rubs her hand in glee.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
Ah! But they have their uses.
Stella comes fluttering in.
STELLA
Cuckoo, when is dinner ? I am starving.
CUCKOO (looking irritated again)
But I am still trying to figure out what is your use and why do I tolerate you, tub of lard.
STELLA
I am your friend CUCKOO.
CUCKOO (shuddering)
That remains to be seen.
Cuckoo turns her back on Stella and walks away.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
Well, I am off to bed, tubby. Got to watch my figure. You fend for your self.
Behind her Stella wails as she walks away.
STELLA (O.S.)
Cuckoo, dinner !!!!!!
Cuckoo rolls her eyes heavenwards and continues to walk away.
EXT -IN THE JUNGLE – DAY
Melody is helping her brothers to pack their instruments.
DO-RAY
Hey, Melody, what do you want from us when we win. Of course, you know, we are going to share our prize with you.
ME-FAR
Yes, Melody, don’t bother about Monsieur Bull-Brass. He’s a pompous old ass.
SO-LA
Me-Far, you are going too-far as usual, as Mom says. There is no need to talk about your teacher like that.
TI-DO
Got to respect the dude , bro. Anyway, tell us Melody,what do you want ?
FLOW-JO (popping her head in)
And what if Melody wins ? Why do you take for granted that only you will win. Melody can win too.
All the crows have a hearty laugh. Marge walks into the room smiling.
MARGE
Well, let’s not get Melody’s hopes up too much. I am sure she will win one day but she has still much to learn. Monsieur Bull-Brass has promised to give extra coaching to Melody.
FLOW-JO
Huh! That’s interesting. I am sure BANANA- DRAMA would be most interested.
(MORE)
Marge, actually everyone wanted to talk to you about something important. That is why they sent me to call you.
MARGE
I’ll be out in a jiffy. You go ahead.
FLOW-JO (leaving)
Bye kids. Have a good one.
MARGE picks up a few cookies.
MARGE (V.O.)
A tasty bite for everyone. They have been such a support. I wonder what they want?
She leaves and as she nears the door she turns around.
MARGE (CONT’D)
Kids, I will be back soon. Be good.
ME-FAR (grinning)
Mom, can I be bad. Just for a change
MARGE (laughing)
Don’t go too far ME-FAR.
All the kids laugh. MARGE leaves and the door shuts behind her.
DO-RAY
That’s what you wanted to hear, didn’t you?
ME-FAR
It’s kind of cool, bro.
MELODY
I think I have the coolest brothers in the world.
They all hug her.
EXT – IN THE JUNGLE – DAY
All the animals are collected on a grassy knoll near a flowing stream. Marge approaches them with some trepidation wondering what is the matter. She waves to them and walks over.
MARGE (offering the cookies)
I have brought some cookies for everyone,freshly baked this morning.
FLOW-JO (taking a small nibble)
Got to watch my figure but I can never resist your delicious cookies MARGE. You are such a joy Marge. And that’s why we have all collected here to make a proposal to you. I do hope you will say Yes.
OLLIE
Hear, hear. Yes, Madame Marjorie Hatchery, We are happy with your decision to enter your children in the contest and would be overjoyed if they were to win. And, it is our greatest wish to be there for you to support you in your endeavours.
BANANA-DRAMA
Professor Doze-Ball, Fur-Ball Critter, can you speak in simple English ? Marge here is wondering what you are talking about.
OLLIE
It is simple English, you ignorant whippersnapper and, it is PROFESSOR MARTIN OODDIIUUSS-DDRROOWWZZYY– SSQQUUEEKKYY-SSQQUUAAWWKKYY– PPIIEBBAALLDDYY-JJAACCKKAASS–FFUUNNYY- FFUZZBALL CRITTER. Ph.D.,Professor Emeritus.
PEEK-A-BOO
All right, all right. Let’s not stray from the topic. Marge, in a nut shell, what Professor (pauses and then rushes before the PROFESSOR can object) Dodo Doing Fuzzy Woozy Fool was trying to say that we would all like to come with you to the Land of Birds and cheer your kids. If you don’t mind ?
PETER
Yes, Marge, it will be a nice vacation for all of us.
MIMI -TANG
Yes , the last time I took a vacation when I went back home to China, two hundred years back.
PETER
That’s because you were too cheap to spend on a ticket and decided to walk so about, so 199 were spent in travelling.
MIMI -TANG
Well, there were no planes back then.
FLOW-JO
Oh let’s not get diverted from the topic again. So, Marge, what do you think of the idea ?
Everyone looks towards Marge. She is crying.
BANANA-DRAMA (alarmed)
Hey, Marge, why are you crying. We won’t come , if you don’t want us.
MARGE (blowing her nose in an oversized hanky)
Don’t be silly Banana-Drama, these are tears of joy. I am so happy I have such good friends.
FLOW-JO (rushing to her and hugging her)
Oh, Margie, you are so sweet. That’s why we all love you. (she turns to everyone) Don’t we love her guys.
ALL THE ANIMLS (shouting)
Yay !
BANANA-DRAMA
Three cheers for MARGIE. Hip, hip,
ALL THE ANIMALS
Hurrah !
A Montage of all the Jungle-Land animals flying by TWEET- AIR to and arriving in the Land of Birds. They are taking in the sights and sounds of the place as they travel by the GREY-BUSTARD Bus. They arrive at their hotel- THE PELICAN HOTEL – and are shown to their rooms which theyare sharing. The CAW-BAND stay in one room, Peter and Mimi-Tang in another, Flow-Jo and Marge share one room, Monsieur Bull-Brass and Ollie in one, Banana-Drama and Peek-A-Boo share a room. Melody has a little room attached to her Mom’s. They are shown up to their rooms by little Robin red-breasts who busy themselves helping them to arrange their luggage.
INT – CUCKOO COOL’S ROOM – NIGHT
Cuckoo is getting her fitting of the gown she is about to wear for the Musical Contest Night. Stella hovers around her eating chips from a huge bag of potato chips. Stella makes huge crunchy sounds which is getting on Cuckoo’s nerves.
CUCKOO
Do you mind ? I am trying to get a fitting here.
STELLA
Cuckoo, Is anything the matter ? Why are you in such a bad mood ?
CUCKOO
Because, I am trying to get a fitting here and your crunching is driving me crazy. Moreover, where have those numbskulls, Jack Dawson and Magpie disappeared ? They were supposed to get the magic potion, FAIR IS FOWL for my throat and they are not here yet and the contest in a week’s time.
(There is a knock on the door)
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
Come in !
A portly penguin is at the door.
FREEZER (speaking in Icy Tones)
A couple of vagabonds to see you , Madam. They say they have completed your errand. A Mr. Jack Dawson and Mrs. Magpie.
CUCKOO ( waving peremptorily )
Yes, Freezer, let them in and (she looks towards Stella who giggles ) You know what to do ?
Stella hastens away while Freezer goes to call Dawson and Magpie. He returns and ushers them in.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
That will be all Freezer.
He goes away even as
Stella comes forward and giggling nervously puts a tape on Magpie’s beak even as she opens it to start her chattering and staples Dawson’s wings.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
Just a few precautions. One , to stop her chattering which never fails to give me a head-ache and two, to stop, Mr. Nimble Fingers here, right in his track.
Magpie is going blue in her face in an effort to talk and Mr. Jack Dawson is very insulted.
MR. JACK DAWSON
If you will hand us our payment we will be on our way.
CUCKOO
Not so fast, my friend. Let us see the goods first. (Then taking stock of his stapled wings and smiling ) Oh, yes. We do have a minor technical problem here. Never mind, Stella here will be happy to help.
Stella waddles to the jackdaw giggling, puts her hand in his coat pocket and takes out a vial. As she hold up the vial to the light it sparkles and Cuckoo gives a hiss of delight.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
Yes. Give it to me Stella. This will make me the undisputed queen of the music world.
Stella waddles over to Cuckoo and gives her the vial.
MR. JACK DAWSON If you could pay us, we will be on our way.
CUCKOO
Yes, of course. I am sure you are not going to do anything for free.
(MORE)
(looking towards Stella)
Stella !
Stella is busy popping grapes in her mouth from the fruit bowl and when she hears Cuckoo’s stern voice she comes scurrying forward dropping all the fruits in the process.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
Stella, you greedy bird, stop eating and give them their money.
STELLA
(rummaging through Cuckoo’s purse and taking out the money)
But Cuckoo I was eating fruits. That’s healthy and all, you said.
CUCKOO
Oh, for beaks’ sake, if you eat only the fruit and not with the chocolates and the ice creams. Now give them the money and release them, I say.
Stella scurries to do her bidding. As Dawson and Magpie leave, Cuckoo can be seen holding up the vial of sparkling liquid and smiling.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
Ah, victory is mine.
INT – VARIOUS HOTEL ROOMS – DAY
Monsieur Bull-Brass is practising with the CAW-BAND while the animals are showing their distress in the usual way by running to stuff their ears with cotton , ear plugs or whatever object happens to be handy. An irate customer, an eagle, Sam Spread-Eagle, calls up the manager, a fat turkey, Mr. Gobble.
SAM (on the phone)
This is Sam Spread-Eagle here from room 1001. I haven’t traveled all the way to have my ears blasted to the moon. If you don’t stop this infernal racket right away I am going to call the NOISE POLICE.
MR. GOBBLE (on the phone)
I will look into the matter, Sir.
SAM
You better. Or we have ways to deal with all kinds of weapons of mass disruption. I don’t like invasion of my piracy, I mean, privacy. Got it.
MR. GOBBLE
Very well sir. We will do our best to pour oil over troubled waters.
SAM
Good, you better. (bangs down the phone) Darn foreigners, don’t know how to treat their guests. Got to teach them every thing.
INT – HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Melody is getting ready to go out, humming a tune.
MELODY
Mom, all of us are going to see where we are going to perform. You want to come with us?
MARGE
No sweetie, Flow-Jo and I are off for some shopping. There is any early bird sale going on at TWEET-TRADE CENTRE. You go ahead. Is Monsieur Bull-Brass going too?
MELODY
After last night when the manager came to him to stop practising in the hotel because the guests were getting disturbed he wants to see if he can practice in the hall. He also wants to check out the a- coo, a-coo
MARGE
Acoustics, which is the way in which the sound bounces off the walls and comes to our ears.
BANANA-DRAMA (popping in his head)
Oh ! I hope he does not get bounced off from there as he got bounced off from here.
MARGE
Banana-Drama, promise you will see that he does not get offended in any way.
BANANA-DRAMA
Anything for you Margie. Come, Melody, lets be off.
MELODY
Bye, Mom.
MARGE
Bye, Melody. Enjoy.
The door shuts as the two leave and MARGE picks up her bag.
(Marge (CONT’D)
(to her-self)
Poor child. I hope she will not be too disappointed if she doesn’t win the contest.
INT -MUSIC-HALL -DAY
All the animals from Jungle-Land except Marge and Flow-Jo have collected at the venue where the show is going to be held. It is very grand and they are quite awe-struck. They file through the aisle and reach the stage.
BANANA-DRAMA
Awesome !
PEEK-A-BOO
A most enchanting experience.
PETER
PETER PARROT
If the empty hall is so wonderful, I wonder what it will be like when it is full of birds and beasts from all over the world.
MIMI -TANG
Yes, it will be something to write home about.
ME-FAR
Yes, they will get to know in about 100 years by the time you write the letter, mail it and then remember, you forgot to put the stamp.
PETER
He doesn’t forget . He’s just too cheap.
OLLIE (to ME-FAR)
Didn’t your mother tell you not to go too far, Me-Far.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
Why are we wasting time on silly talk when there is important work at hand. I would like to check the acoustics of this place so that I am sure the sound reaches the furthest corner of this hall.
BANANA-DRAMA
(with a sour expression to Peek-A-Boo)
With his noise it is going to reach the four corners of the world. Hope we don’t get thrown out of this place. Better stop him before it is too late.
PEEK-A-BOO (hastily to Melody)
Melody, why don’t you go on stage and try out your voice.
Banana -Drama winks at the other animals and they all, except Ollie, who is anyway trying out the comfort of the seats and has dozed off, take up the refrain. “Yes Melody, go ahead . Don’t be shy. It’s good practise for you.” Even as they push her towards the stage. Melody climbs up the stage, turns around and looks at the vast, empty hall with a scared expression. She closes her eyes and sees Senor Julio
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT.- IN THE JUNGLE- DAY
SENOR JULIO
Melody, my child. Talent that is hidden away from the world is like a plant without sun. It becomes stunted. So be like the sunflower and bask in the sunlight of audience approval and sing for glory, the glory of God.
BACK TO THE MUSIC HALL STAGE
MELODY (singing)
Spirit of God in the clear running water Blowing to
greatness the trees on the hill
Spirit of God in the finger of morning
Fill the earth bring it to birth And blow where You will
Blow, blow, blow till I be But breath of the spirit
blowing in me…
Down in the meadows the willows are moaning
Sheep in the pasture land cannot lie still
Spirit of God Creation is groaning…
Spirit of God, every man’s heart is lonely
Watching and waiting and hungry until
Spirit of God man longs that You only.
Melody opens her eyes at the sound of all the animals clapping and shouting Bravo Melody, all except Monsieur Bull-Brass who has a pained expression on his face and is shaking his head. Behind a pillar stands Cuckoo, seething with anger, staring at Melody with malevolence.
CUCKOO (walking away) Melody, something will have to be done about you.
KING TWEETY FRUITY
INT.- KING TWEETY – FRUITY’S PALACE HALL – DAY
King Tweety – Fruity is having high tea with Mr. Cranium watching him with an exasperated air.
MR.CRANIUM
KING COO-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, FRUIT-TWEET- TOOT-TOOT, SWEET-TOOT-TOOT-TOOT, AL- AMEN,if you please.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY
(taking a bite of a chocolate covered apple)
King Tweety – Fruity to you, just like this yummy sweet fruit.
MR.CRANIUM It seems to me you have forgotten last times tummy ache, Sire.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY (expression darkening)
Dare you remind me of that awful time when three bottles of the bitterest medicine was not enough to kill the pain. It is not your place, Mr. Cranium.
MR.CRANIUM (hastily and a little scared)
Forgive me, Sire. I did not mean to distress you. But Cuckoo Cool, your court singer is here with a request.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY
(sipping loudly as he drinks a milk shake)
What does she want ? You know how I hate to be disturbed when I am busy with my sweeties.
MR.CRANIUM (looking at the audience)
Which means nothing will ever get done for when is he not busy with his sweeties, as he calls them. (turning to the King ) Sire, she will take a minute of your time.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY
All right, all right, send her in. But not more than a minute.
MR. CRANIUM signals to the flamingo at the entrance who announces
FLAMINGO
Cuckoo Cool enters in the royal presence of KING COO-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, FRUIT-TWEET- TOOT-TOOT, SWEET-TOOT-TOOT-TOOT, AL-AMEN
Cuckoo-Cool sashays in with an air of false bravado.
CUCKOO
Your highness, it is so gracious of you to give me an audience. I am deeply honored.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY (cutting her short)
Get to the point. I don’t have all the time in the world to listen to your drivel.
CUCKOO
(thrown off balance but recovering quickly)
It is my humble request, Sire, if we should entertain the contestants at my mansion to welcome them.
MR.CRANIUM
An excellent idea.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY
Why ? so she can figure out the competition and find ways to beat or bribe them into submission ?
CUCKOO (fluttering)
Oh, no, no, Sire that is not my intention at all.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY (going back to his eating)
I know you too well Cuckoo Cool but, I don’t care. Just don’t waste my time with your conniving tactics. Do what you want to. Now go. I have important matters to attend to, like this huge mound of sweeties.
MR. CRANIUM
Mr. Cranium looks disgusted as Cuckoo Cool backs out and then turns away to go.
MR.CRANIUM (looking at the audience) His fondness for sweets is going to get him in such big trouble that all the medicines of he world will not be enough to cure him.
I/E / A HUGE LIMOUSINE /NIGHT
Melody and her four brothers are travelling in a swanky limousine. They take in the sights and sounds of the city in the night.
I/E. /CUCKOO’S MANSION / NIGHT
The limousine sweeps into the portico where the door man opens the door of the car and a handful of liveried flunky’s usher them into a huge hall ablaze with lights and awash with the din of chattering contestants.
Cuckoo moves among the guests, birds and beasts of every shape and size, chattering and laughing but she has noticed Melody’s arrival from the corner of her eyes.
Freezer is moving among the guests with queries of “ Some ice ? “ His eyes meets Cuckoo’s and he glides towards Melody.
FREEZER
A cold drink for Miss.
Melody is reaching out for the drink when her brother interrupts
SO-LA
Melody, cold drinks are bad for your throat.
Melody withdraws her hand. Cuckoo who was watching anxiously draws in her breath. Freezer looks significantly at her. Cuckoo signals with her eyes for him to follow her to the kitchen as she walks away.
INT.-CUCKOO’S KITCHEN – NIGHT
Cuckoo goes into the kitchen, takes a vol-au-vent, opens it and fills it with chillies and is waiting for Freezer when he walks in.
CUCKOO (handing him a plate of snacks)
Here, Freezer, these hot and spicy snacks should do the trick. And don’t forget to have a glass of extra cold iced water with you and place an ice cream cup on the table near by. I am going to draw her away from her brothers, they always look out for her.
FREEZER (giving a cold smile)
It will be done, Madame Cuckoo.
(he turns to go but stops when he hears Cuckoo’s voice)
CUCKOO
Hang on a second, Freezer. One more thing. Tell Stella to draw the bath water and fill it with extra chilly water. Throw in a few ice cubes too.
FREEZER
Very well Madame.
Freezer leaves and Cuckoo swishes behind him humming.
INT.- PARTY HALL – CUCKOO’S MANSION – NIGHT
Melody is looking around wonder struck when Cuckoo sweeps up to her and puts her arm around her shoulder.
CUCKOO (drawing her towards the table)
Come my dear. I want to ask you how you thought of becoming a singer ? Is your mother a singer too ?
MELODY (shy, hesitant and awe – struck)
No-o-o. Nothing like that. I just had to sing. Singing is my life.
CUCKOO
How amazing. I felt the same way. I just had to sing. We are so much like each other. And you are so unlike your brothers.
(she shoots a look of dislike towards crows as she says this harshly)
MELODY (drawing away from CUCKOO)
Oh, but they are very sweet and I love them.
CUCKOO (quickly pulling her towards herself and sweetening her voice)
Oh, I am sure you do. Just that I am sure they can’t hold a candle to you.
MELODY
How can you say that ?
Cuckoo is flummoxed but by then Freezer has reached them with his tray.
CUCKOO
(hastily) Ah, Freezer, my good man. What tasty bites. Melody, you must try some.
She picks up one with the chillies.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
Let me. Open your mouth, child.
Melody opens her mouth and Cuckoo pops in the hot snack. Melody chews and then gasps, her eyes watering. There is the sound of sizzling coming from her mouth.
MELODY
Oh , its hot. My mouth is burning.
Cuckoo grabs the chilled water from Freezer’s tray.
CUCKOO
Here, drink this.
Melody gulps the water. But still the sound of sizzle persists. Cuckoo grabs the ice cream.
CUCKOO (CONT’D)
Here, eat this. It will cool of your mouth.
She feeds Melody ice cream and as she is doing so drops the bowl on her with the ice cream splattering down her front.
MELODY
Oh ! Oh !
She starts crying. Stella comes into the hall and as Cuckoo looks at her, Stella winks.
CUCKOO (drawing Melody away)
Come my child, we’ll clean you up and you will be good as new.
Melody and Cuckoo leave the hall.
INT. – HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Melody is lying in bed coughing with a cold water compress on her forehead. All the animals are ranged round her, looking worried.
MARGE
(taking out the thermometer from her mouth and looking at it)
Gracious! Melody what made you have so much cold stuff. Didn’t your brothers stop you ?
DO-RAY
We couldn’t see her anywhere.
ME-FAR
One minute she is with Madame Cuckoo- Cool, and next minute, whoosh, vanished.
SO-LA
Who goes to a party and has a bath?
TI-DO
That too with cold water.
MARGE
Yes, child . I understand the ice cream fell on you but wasn’t there any hot water? And how can she serve such spicy, hot stuff to kids. I am going to have a word with her.
FLOW-JO
Yes, Melody, tell us. We need to get to the bottom of this business.
BANANA-DRAMA
A very, very nasty business. Mind you, there is something wrong here, I can feel it in my tail.
OLLIE
That’s a far-fetched tale.
MARGE
Oh ! Don’t start, you two, now. Melody, speak up.
MARGE, MELODY, CUCKOO
Melody is trying to speak and only rasping sounds emanate from her throat. All the animals look at each other, shocked.
INT-SENOR JULIO’S HOUSE-DAY
Senor Julio is tinkling on the piano when Bat Van Friday brings him a juice.
SENOR JULIO
Thank you, Bat Van. You are a good man Friday.
BAT VAN FRIDAY
Wasn’t he the one who was Robinson Crusoe’s helper when he was marooned alone on an island.
SENOR JULIO
The same. And you are my ray of light when I am alone in this sea of darkness.
BAT VAN FRIDAY
Isn’t it strange that a blind bat is helping a blind bird ?
SENOR JULIO
Strange are the ways of the lord. But I am sure there is a hidden meaning in all of this. Only we cannot see it at present.
BAT VAN FRIDAY
How will we see it if we don’t have eyes?
SENOR JULIO
To see , you don’t need eyes, you need a heart. And you have a very big heart.
BAT VAN FRIDAY
Yes, but it is concealed in this very ugly body which does not know whether it is a bird or a beast.
SENOR JULIO (laughing)
You will find out one day. But for the time being, be of good cheer, your shining soul will be an example for all of creation one day.
Senor Julio takes a sip of the juice and it goes the wrong way and he starts coughing. Bat Van Friday strokes him on the back and the coughing subsides.
SENOR JULIO (CONT’D)
You know, my heart says, Melody is in some big trouble. She needs me. Why don’t you start packing ? We are going on a journey.
He is overcome by a coughing fit again.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. -HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Melody is coughing. Banana-Drama and Peek-A-Boo are looking at her worried.
BANANA-DRAMA
Man, the contest in two days and Melody in this condition. Coughing up a storm and her throat completely jammed. She can’t speak a word, how is she going to sing ?
PEEK-A-BOO
(fanning her with his tail feathers and wiping Melody’s brow.)
There, there child.
One of his feathers tickle her nose and she sneezes.
BANANA-DRAMA
Man,you got to stop using your beautiful tail feathers as a hand-kerchief or a mop or a feather duster or whatever comes to your mind.
PEEK-A-BOO
Sorry, force of habit. But it is my feeling that all beauty should have a purpose. It’s not enough just to look good.
BANANA-DRAMA
You are one strange dude, man. But I like you. But what are we going to do? I am going bananas just thinking about it.
PEEK-A-BOO
Well, they say when in doubt, shout to God. There is house of Prayer just around the corner. Why don’t we take Melody along and see if God gives us some ideas or shows us a way.
BANANA-DRAMA
(looking at Melody sniffling)
Desperate times calls for desperate measures. Lets go, bro.
(MORE)
Come on Melody,let’s put on a jacket on you and see if our prayers will do the trick.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT – HOUSE OF PRAYER – DAY
We pull back from a board which says ON A WING AND A PRAYER to include three figures, Peek-A-Boo, Banana-Drama and Melody in a red hooded jacket looking up at the HOUSE OF PRAYER with two wings folded in prayer above it.
BANANA-DRAMA
Is this place strictly for the birds or what ?
PEEK-A-BOO
No, places of worship are for everyone. You think there are special Gods for each kind ? A bird- God, a beast-God, a Man- God ? No, there is only one God. And his heart and home is open to all.
BANANA-DRAMA
You may look tatty sometimes Peek-A-Boo but you sure say some very wise things. All right, let’s go in and pray for our wee Melody here.
The three go in.
I/E -JEWEL SHOP -DAY
Mr. Jack Dawson is wearing a security guard uniform and standing at the door of a jewel shop. Just then four badgers wearing trench coats and slouch hats enter the door. As Dawson stands out side the door he hears a commotion and rushes into the shop . The four badgers are holding up the cashier with pistols, the customers are on the floor and the manager, a fat kiwi bird, is quaking in the corner. One of the badgers is scooping the jewelry and stashing it in his bag. Dawson takes a flying leap and tackles the badger holding the pistol. The other badgers attack him but he fights bravely. In the mean time the manager has pressed the alarm and the BIRD- POLICE arrives with wailing sirens. Taking advantage of the commotion one of the badgers slips in a diamond necklace into Dawsons’ pocket. As the thieves are being hustled away the badger who had slipped in the necklace points to Dawson and says
BADGER-BANDIT
He’s with us. Check his pocket.
KIWI-MANAGER
He got you arrested.
BADGER-BANDIT
Check his pocket. He was afraid we would not keep our side of the bargain. So he decided to blow the whistle on us. But being a jackdaw, he couldn’t resist and flicked a necklace. Check his pocket. You will find proof.
Everyone looks at Mr. Jack Dawson who puts his hand in his pocket and turns it out and looks at the necklace with a stupefied expression.
BIRD-POLICE INSPECTOR
Arrest him.
Mr. Jack Dawson makes a break for it, the necklace still in his hands. He runs out of the shop with the police and others hot on his heels. As he is running he sees the HOUSE OF PRAYER and runs in and bumps into Banana-Drama, Peek-A-Boo, and Melody who are coming out of the door. They all go flying in different directions and the necklace clatters to the floor. Banana-Drama takes one look at the necklace and then looks at the crowd yelling and running, “ Thief , Thief” through the door which is ajar and understands the matter at once.
BANANA-DRAMA
Yo, brother. You are the thief. Have to do my bit as a law abiding citizen and give you up.
MR. JACK DAWSON
I have been framed. This is the first time I didn’t steal and have been caught with the goods on me.
PEEK-A-BOO
Are you trying to tell me that you , a jackdaw, notorious for picking up shiny objects, is not responsible for this, (pointing to the necklace) Business. I don’t believe you brother.
MR. JACK DAWSON
You can believe what you like. I know we jackdaws have a bad reputation. And I want to change, to fight my nature. But this one I did not do.
BANANA-DRAMA
Well, I am sorry for you brother and all that but we got to do what we got to do.So,
He marches towards the door when he feels a tug on his arm. He looks around.
BANANA-DRAMA (CONT’D)
Melody, what gives ?
MELODY (hoarsely)
Banana-Drama, please don’t. Please give him a chance.
Banana-Drama, Peek-A-Boo AND Mr. Jack Dawson look amazed.
BANANA-DRAMA
Melody, he’s a felon, a dangerous criminal. You want to give him a chance?
MELODY
God gives everyone a chance, my Mom says. No matter who ? So why not him.
BANANA-DRAMA (looking at the jackdaw)
All right then, you can go. We can’t break Melody’s heart, not when she is ill and all that.
Mr. Jack Dawson, gets up and dusts himself.
MR. JACK DAWSON Thank you. I won’t forget this kind gesture.
He is about to leave when he stops at Peek-A-Boo’s voice.
PEEK-A-BOO
Wait. Your necklace.
MR. JACK DAWSON
It’s not my necklace and I don’t want it. I am not a thief. It’s just a disease for which there is no cure.
He looks very sad.
BANANA-DRAMA Hey brother, looks like you were speaking the truth. Don’t take it to heart.
(MORE)
You are standing in place of prayer, God is listening to you. He’ll come up with something.
MELODY
I know who can help him. Professor .
BANANA-DRAMA
You mean that Dodo Ding-Bat can help this poor bird. More likely he will confuse him so much he will graduate from petty thieving to grand larceny and become a major robber.
MR. JACK DAWSON
Look, I am so desperate I will give anything, anyone a chance.
BANANA-DRAMA
All right then, if you want to take a chance. Don’t blame me later on. Let’s go.
They all leave and we see them bathed in a pool of shining light as they walk out of the door.
INT. – HOTEL LOBBY – DAY
All the animals are collected in the hotel lobby along with Mr. Sam Spread-Eagle. Marge is gesticulating and talking with Mr. Gobble.
MARGE
Mr. Gobble, my daughter is missing, don’t you understand. She is not well and this is a big place where no one knows her and you say you can’t do anything. What kind of answer is that ?
OLLIE
This turkey is speaking gobble – gobble gobbledygook.
SAM
I say we organize a search party. Darn foreigners. Got to help them with everything.
MARGE (frantically)
Mr. Gobble, you have to do something, please. My poor Melody, alone, God knows where.
She starts crying and all the animals rush to comfort her.
FLOW-JO
There, there Margie, don’t cry. We will find Melody.
PETER
Yes, even if we have to search every nook and corner of Land OF Birds.
MIMI -TANG
Yes, I have some experience in that matter. I say we begin right away.
PETER
Doggone Turtle, if we let you do the searching we’ll be hundred years old by the time you reach the front door.
SAM
Look , no point wasting time. Talk, talk, talk, that’s all you foreigners do. It’s time for action.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
I agree with you. In France, we, too, believe in action. Viva la France.
SAM
You are French ? Parlez vous Francais ? (But actually mispronouncing and saying pail-lay woo France ways)
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
Pour quoi ! What did you say ? What language was that ?
SAM
You are from France and you don’t know Parlez vous Francais ? (again mispronouncing and saying pail-lay woo France ways) This guy is an imposter.
Monsieur Bull -Brass starts swelling up in anger.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
You call me an imposter, you vulgar American. I will not tolerate it. I will bring this up in the UNITED NATIONS.
SAM
Go right ahead, my friend. I can’t wait.
Ollie notices Melody, Peek-A-Boo, Banana – Drama and Mr. Jack Dawson walking through the door.
OLLIE
Stop this war of words immediately. There is Melody.
MARGE rushes to MELODY and hugs her.
MARGE
Melody, my child, where have you been I have been sick with worry.
BANANA-DRAMA
We went to the House of Prayer to pray for Melody’s good health.
MARGE (looking at PEEK-A-BOO)
Peek-A-Boo, you are , at least a responsible person. Couldn’t you leave a message at the desk with Mr. Turkey, I mean, Mr. Gobble.
PEEK-A-BOO (looking contrite)
I am sorry Marge. We just didn’t think what with the contest coming up and Melody in this state.
MARGE(smiling forgivingly)
It’s quite all right, it’s nice of all you to be so concerned. (Then looking at Mr. Jack Dawson) And who is this gentleman ?
MR. JACK DAWSON
Mr. Jack Dawson at your service.
BANANA-DRAMA
He has some business with Professor Dink Do Fuzzy And Cool Critter.
OLLIE (with dignity) PROFESSOR MARTIN OODDIIUUSS-DDRROOWWZZYY– SSQQUUEEKKYY-SSQQUUAAWWKKYY– PPIIEBBAALLDDYY-JJAACCKKAASS–FFUUNNYY- FFUZZBALL CRITTER.
(MORE)
Ph.D.,Professor Emeritus. (bowing to Mr. Jack Dawson) And how can I be of service to you ?
BANANA-DRAMA
It’s private business.
OLLIE
In that case I will give you an appointment for 3 this afternoon, right after lunch.
MR. JACK DAWSON
Thank you, kind Sir. (He bows to Ollie) I take your leave. And will be back at 3 sharp. (He bows to everyone and finally, taking MARGE’S hand kisses it) And let me compliment you , Madame, on the fine child you have raised,
He looks at Melody sucking her thumb.
MR. JACK DAWSON (CONT’D)
A most kind-hearted and generous girl, Bless you all.
He takes leave. All the animals admiringly watch him leave.
SAM
He’s the goods. That’s for sure. I think I can arrange for him to come to the U.S. We need fine folks like him.
MARGE
Birds like him are welcome everywhere. (taking Melody by the hand) Now come on child, you need to rest.
BANANA-DRAMA (to Peek-A-Boo)
We’ll meet in Professor Ding-Dong’s room at 3. (patting his tummy) Time for lunch. I believe it is banana nut bread today. My favorite.
SAM
A chocolate- mouse for me. Yummy
PETER (to Mimi-Tang)
Yuck !
They all disperse with Mimi-Tang lagging behind till Peter turns around.
PETER (CONT’D)
We are going for lunch, not dinner. Can you step on it ?
Mimi-Tang craning her neck and trying to walk faster, huffing and puffing at the same time.
MIMI -TANG
I think I need some mechanical device to help me.
PETER
Give me a break.
MIMI -TANG
Not a break, an accelerator which will make me go faster.
PETER
(throwing up his hands in he air.)
Ye gods!
We see his hands in the air as they all file out.
BANANA-DRAMA
(V.O) I have a great idea for you Mimi-Tang.
INT- OLLIE’S ROOM – DAY
Ollie is perched on a sofa with his wings steepled as Mr. Jack Dawson sits in front of him with a woebegone face.
OLLIE
(taking out and polishing his spectacles and putting them back on again)
So you say you have this problem only when you see shiny objects. You just get blinded by the shine and then you don’t remember what happens till you see the object in your pocket or where ever you choose to put it. Interesting.
MR. JACK DAWSON
Yes, yes. I am by nature a very honest person but when it comes to shiny objects, somehow I cannot help myself. I have to take them.
OLLIE
Yes, it is a common problem, especially with women. They just can’t resist shiny objects, the shinier the better, like diamonds, for example.
MR. JACK DAWSON
Yes, but they know what they are doing.
OLLIE
You will be surprised. But,anyway, we are here to sort out your problem. And I think I have the solution, a simple one but effective.
He whips out a pair of dark glasses.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
I am going to do a simple experiment with you which, unknown to you, I have already set up. (handing Dawson the glasses) Here, put on these.
Dawson wears the glasses.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
Now walk out of the door. And come back in two minutes.
MR. JACK DAWSON (looking sceptical)
I hope you know what you are doing.
Jack Dawson goes out.
CONTINUOUS
INT- PASSAGE – JUST OUTSIDE OLLIE’S ROOM – DAY As Mr. Jack Dawson stands outside Ollie’s room Banana-Drama and Peek-A-Boo come walking by. They spot the jackdaw standing outside Ollie’s room with his shades on
BANANA-DRAMA
Hey man, what happened ? I thought Ollie was supposed to help you. Why are you looking as if you have been punished ?
PEEK-A-BOO
Yes, and what’s with the dark glasses man. You look like funny.
MR. JACK DAWSON
Don’t ask me. He’s doing some kind of experiment and asked me to wear this and come back in two minutes.
BANANA-DRAMA (to Peek-A-Boo)
I think that owl has lost it. He’s gone cuckoo.
PEEK-A-BOO
He’s an owl, he can’t go cuckoo. Cuckoos go cuckoo. You know (he makes his voice sweeter like a cuckoo) cuckoo, cuckoo.
OLLIE (from inside)
To -whit -who
PEEK-A-BOO
Nothing, I am just saying (again he makes his voice like a cuckoo as he says) Cuckoo, cuckoo.
OLLIE
Too-whit who
BANANA-DRAMA
Drat it, this owl is making me go bananas. Let’s get out of here. (to JACK DAWSON) You go on in. And let us know what happened. We are going to Melody’s room to see how she is doing. Her room is 1111, that is double one , double one.
MR. JACK DAWSON
Got it. I will be there. If I am cured of my habit of stealing things I have to thank her. It was her idea.
(MORE)
(he opens the door and looks back before going in and says) Wish me luck.
BANANA-DRAMA
All the best, brother. All the very best.
CONTINUOUS
INT -OLLIE’S ROOM -DAY
Mr. Jack Dawson walks in. He looks at Ollie
MR. JACK DAWSON
Well ?
OLLIE The experiment is a success. You are cured.
MR. JACK DAWSON (looking amazed)
How ? When ? Where ? Why?
OLLIE (smiling)
Take off your glasses and turn around.
Mr. Jack Dawson takes off his glasses and turns around. A shiny silver salver with some small silver objects winks at him.
OLLIE (CONT’D)(V.O.)
Do you see all those shiny objects. They were lying there and you did not pick them up as you left the door. Because the dark glasses were cutting the glare so they were no longer shiny. You are cured.
MR. JACK DAWSON
Hallelujah ! Beat Does that mean I have to wear these glasses all the time.
OLLIE (laughing)
Who..who..who, To wit who, of course not, my good man. It is only for sometime. Then you will be cured.
MR. JACK DAWSON
I can’t thank you enough. Surely you are a wise owl. Tell me, what can I do for you. Anything. Tell me what do you want ?
OLLIE
What I want, you can’t do for me. So, it’s quite all right, my man. I am happy my experiment worked. For a man of science that is enough.
MR. JACK DAWSON At least tell me. You never know the power of goodness. Just tell me. I will do anything in my power to return the good you did to me.
OLLIE
Well, there is only one thing I want. I want Melody to sing in the contest. Marge is a dear friend of mine and I know all the friends of Jungle-Land will be very disappointed if she is unable to sing. They were so looking forward to it. But as you know her throat is damaged ever since she went to Cuckoo Cool’s party and was made to have all that cold stuff.
MR. JACK DAWSON (throwing up his hand/wings)
Cuckoo, I should have known it. She would be behind it. But, wait I have a plan to foil her. Yes, Melody will sing. You can bet your last dollar on it. I have to go but I will be back. Tell Melody and the others not to lose heart.
Mr. Jack Dawson opens the door and leaves the room.
OLLIE
(putting his wings together and pursing his lips)
Who ! Who ever thought that some one who everyone thought was a thoroughly bad fellow would turn out to be so nice. And now if he can only find a way to help Melody she would be a role model for those who believe in the power of goodness.
I/E. CUCKOO’S ROOM AND OUTSIDE CUCKOO’S WINDOW – NIGHT
CUCKOO is on the phone. STELLA is sitting next to her looking at a magazine – FOOD FOR TWEETS and drooling over the photos of goodies.
CUCKOO
Yes, I am calling on behalf of Cuckoo Cool. Yes, she is willing to relocate to London if she gets what she wants. Good money, housing, health insurance and (looking at Stella) Food stamps for my staff. How many do I have on the staff for food stamps ? (again as she looks at Stella) Oh ! I would say about six, no make that eight. Food for eight people. Oh, you are putting me on hold. All right, I will wait till you ask the SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOWL MUSIC.
Outside the window we get a glimpse of Mr. Jack Dawson, wearing his glasses, as he swings wildly on a creeper . We see this intermittently as the scene continues.
STELLA
Cuckoo, why do you want to leave Land Of Birds. This is as good as it gets. We have a great life here.
CUCKOO
Because I want to teach that snooty Mr. Cranium a lesson and also that greedy pig King Tweety -Fruity.
STELLA
But he won’t let you go. You are under a contract.
Now we see a toffee nosed Englishman picking up the phone. He is about to say something when Cuckoo’s following dialogue reaches him.
CUCKOO
Who cares about contracts ? Once I am in London he can take his contract and eat it with his sweeties for all I care.
ENGLISH GENTLEMAN
I heard that Madame Cuckoo Cool. I’m afraid we do not desire the services of one who does not honour her contract.
(MORE)
And I think I will be getting in touch with King Tweety – Fruity about this. We royals should stick together.
He puts down the phone with a resounding thud which assails Cuckoo’s ears. She puts down the phone and glares at Stella.
CUCKOO
(screeching and lunging towards Stella )
All because of you !
Stella rushes pell-mell out of the room pursued by Cuckoo.
Mr. Jack Dawson who has been wildly swinging, clutching to a creeper now jumps in. He goes to Cuckoo’s dressing table and starts rummaging. But he can’t see the bottle. He is frantic. Then he hears the sound of Cuckoo returning and leaps out of the window. He peers in again and looks at Cuckoo picking up the bottle and looking at it speculatively and then pouring the contents down her throat. Mr. Jack Dawson is puzzled and then it occurs to him. He takes of his glares and the bottle sparkles into focus. But it is almost over. Just a quarter is left when Cuckoo stops and puts the stopper and puts it in her clutch bag which she shuts with a snap.
CUCKOO (CONT’D) (to herself)
Ah ! Some for tomorrow. Poor Melody, so you thought you could compete with Cuckoo- Cool.
INT.- HOTEL ROOM – DAY
All the animals have collected in Marge’s room. It is the day of the contest and the animals are dressed in their finery debating what to do. Melody is in bed with a thermometer stuck in her mouth. Marge takes out the thermometer, looks at it.
MARGE
It’s still high enough for Melody to not attend the function. She needs to rest. Anyway, her throat is not in the condition to sing even if she made the effort.
MELODY
I wanted to see my brothers perform.
DO-RAY
We don’t want to perform any more.
MARGE
Of course you have to perform. So many of us have come all the way for this.
SO-LA
I think Melody can perform if she tries.
MARGE
No, I don’t want her too. Not if her throat is in the condition it is now. It would not serve any purpose. Look, why don’t you all go ahead and I will stay back with Melody and nurse her.
TI-DO
Mom ! How can you come all the way and not see the show.
ME-FAR
We will not go if you are not going to come with us. That is final.
MARGE
Me-Far, you are going too far now.
MELODY
Mom, please go . I will feel much better if you do.
MARGE
Melody, you know that is not possible. I can’t leave you alone.
BANANA-DRAMA
Look, Marge, you go ahead. It’s not fair since your kids are performing. I will stay back with MELODY.
MARGE
But,
OLLIE
He is right you know. The CAW-BAND will perform much better if they know you are there, watching them.
MARGE
But,
MELODY
Please go, Ma. I beg of you.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
Yes, Madame Marjorie Hatchery, in case there is a crisis or mishap when the CAW- BAND performs the mother should be around.
BANANA-DRAMA
Well, there is no need to be so negative man. It’s bad enough that Melody can’t perform, now you are thinking there could be a crisis with the CAW-BAND.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
Well, one must think of all possible things that can happen.
BANANA-DRAMA
Be positive man. That’s when things work out. And keep the faith.
OLLIE
Hear, hear. (looking at the clock ) The event is scheduled to begin in three hours. I think we should leave in an hour. There is bound to be traffic and we need to get early to get good seats.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
We’ll be leaving even earlier. I want the CAW-BAND to become comfortable.( He says this in the French way as come-for-tab- lay.)
MIMI -TANG
Come for what ? Can anyone figure out what that man talks.
PETER
You can if you are French. Otherwise its just better to listen and nod. If you say something there will be another crisis and we’ll be all fighting.
PEEK-A-BOO
This is a sad state of affairs. But lets make the best of it. I think Melody needs to rest so let’s be on our way.
All the animals file out giving sympathetic looks to Melody. Mimi- Tang is on skates from now on. Only Flow-Jo lingers to give Melody a peck.
FLOW-JO
Rest well, my child. Remember it is always darkest before dawn.
Melody shuts her eyes and nods. In the darkness there is a Voice.
MELODY’S (V.O.)
Please God, let my brother’s win.
I/E. – VENUE OF CONTEST – NIGHT
There is huge crowd outside the venue . Flash bulbs are popping as photographers take photos of the crowd streaming in. A red carpet is laid out for the contestants. An Ostrich wearing a halter gown and chandelier ear-rings, O-Zee Van Too Die-Rich Two stands in front of the venue facing a television camera operated by the PANDA and the mike by the GIRAFFE who is so tall the mike keeps shaking and moving and appears in the frame much to the disgust of the PANDA who keeps making disgusted sounds and signalling to him frantically.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO
It’s a glorious day in the LAND OF BIRDS. Musicians from all over the world are streaming in to participate in this fabulous contest organized under the benevolence of the wise and kind ruler of this land, the all gracious, all wonderful, KING COO-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, FRUIT-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, SWEET-TOOT-TOOT- TOOT, AL-AMEN, loved by all, and affectionately called King Tweety-Fruity by his loving subjects. Let us talk to a few of the participants who are now coming in and ask them their feelings on this momentous occasion. Ah here’s the lovely Luke-Loo Lark-Wings.
An ethereal looking lark appears, on the TV screen as well .
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (CONT’D)
Hi Luke-Loo Lark-Wings, what are your thoughts on this momentous occasion. Are you nervous?
LUKE-LOO LARK-WINGS
Hi, I am here for a lark. So no question of any nervousness.
She gives a tinkling laugh and sweeps away.
An elephant is arriving holding a little trumpet.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO
Ah, here’s Patch-Edam. Hey Patch-Edam, how come you are alone. Where’s the rest of your team ?
PATCH-EDAM
I am blowing my own trumpet this time.
He lumbers off. O-Zee laughs.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO
I guess he didn’t realize what he just said. But, look whose here ? THE BEAR-ALL BAND. Let’s see what they have to say.
Four brown bears are lumbering in holding different instruments including a bag-pipe.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (CONT’D)
Will you be playing a Scottish tune tonight?
ONE OF THE BEARS
Not really, but this bag pipe makes a fine bag to carry sundry items like bee hives. See the bee are inside and can’t get out but we can just tilt this and (he demonstrates) Out comes the honey. Which we need to restore our self in this gruelling contest.
They lumber off.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO
What an interesting invention. I am sure their song will be just as interesting. I believe its called, “ Grin and Bear It”. Ha ha, I hope we won’t be doing that through the song.
Then she gives and exclamation.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (CONT’D)
Oh, look, it’s the court singer, Cuckoo- Cool. Let’s get a few words of advice from her for the other contestants.
Cuckoo can be seen arriving with Stella hovering in the background.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (CONT’D)
Madame Cuckoo Cool, great to see you here. Any wise words for our contestants.
CUCKOO Well, I wish them all the best. But, it is survival of the fittest and I am feeling as fit as a fiddle. But at least the others will learn something from me so that they can try and wrest the crown from me next year. That’s show-business.
She sweeps away holding her clutch purse above her head to say bye to O-Zee who turns back to face the camera
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO
More like show-off business, in her case. I tell you. It’s almost time for KING COO- TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, FRUIT-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, SWEET-TOOT-TOOT-TOOT, AL-AMEN, alias King Tweety-Fruity to arrive. But wait, we have time for one more interview. Here is the CAW-BAND with their teacher Monsieur Bull-Brass.
We see the CAW-BAND and Monsieur Bull-Brass puffed up with importance standing.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (CONT’D)
Ah ! Monsieur Bull-Brass, a few words from the leading singer from France.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
(so excited he can hardly speak) CROAK, CROAK, CROAK.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO
What was that, I couldn’t quite understand. I’m afraid I don’t understand French.
She turns away. Monsieur Bull Brass deflates.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (CONT’D)
Yes, we have run out of time. Let’s move inside the hall.
(MORE)
I believe our beloved ruler, KING TWEETY- FRUITY, has also arrived.
The PANDA lowers the camera and crooks his finger to the giraffe who has been holding the mike in the frame intermittently. The PANDA is seething.
PANDA
Because of you we have lost the job to be on screen. Now, with your inefficient ways I can see that we are going to lose this job too. Why can’t your father get you a job like picking fruit or something more suitable.
GIRAFFE
He did.
PANDA
Then what happened ?
GIRAFFE
I kept eating the fruits we were plucking.
The PANDA is trying to pull the mike from the giraffe who is resisting.
EXT – SKY – NIGHT
Senor Julio is perched on Bat Van Friday’s back and they are making good time.
SENOR JULIO
I think we are almost there. I can see the lights of he venue where they are going to perform.
BAT VAN FRIDAY
How can you see ? I thought you were blind like me.
SENOR JULIO
I am. But when ever there is an intense light as in the stadium below my pupils react to the light. This leads me to think that my affliction is not incurable even though none of the doctors can find the nerve that was damaged.
BAT VAN FRIDAY
Well, you never know what can happen with these things.
(MORE)
Though I wish I could find out what I am. This not knowing is driving me nuts. I don’t know where I belong, with the birds or with the beasts
SENOR JULIO
It’s called an identity crisis. You will find out. Now, step on it, I have a feeling Melody needs us.
There is a sound of engine revving and Bat Van Friday zooms off.
INT.- MUSIC-HALL – NIGHT
Cuckoo is walking along imperiously with Stella trying to keep pace when her way is blocked by Magpie and her seven children.
MAGPIE
Cuckoo, how wonderful. I was just telling my children here that one of the contestants is my friend. And here you are. Meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and (pointing to one of them) Guess, what’s his name?
CUCKOO (sourly)
I can guess.
STELLA (from the back ground)
I know, it must be December.
CUCKOO (shaking her head)
Confused as usual. All right what is it you want Magpie ?
MAGPIE
Oh, Cuckoo, can you give the children your autograph. (then she looks at Stella and says) Stella, they are giving free ice creams in the lobby behind.
Before Cuckoo can say anything Stella zooms off.
STELLA
(V.O) Back in a jiffy.
Cuckoo gives and exasperated sigh.
CUCKOO
All right, give me the autograph books.
The Magpie children clamor around her handing her their autograph books but Cuckoo’s hand is holding the clutch bag. She looks around for a place to put it.
MAGPIE
I’ll hold it.
Cuckoo hands her the bag and begins to sign the autographs. Magpie quietly slips out the vial of MAGIC POTION. Then she hustles her children.
MAGPIE (CONT’D)
All right children, that’s enough. Let’s go or we’ll be late.
The children snatch their autograph books from Cuckoo and follow their mother. Cuckoo is flabbergasted.
MAGPIE (CONT’D) (handing her the bag)
All right Cuckoo, got to run.
She rushes off with Cuckoo glaring at her back, rushing off with her children. She spots Stella returning with a huge cone of ice cream.
CUCKOO
Stella, don’t you ever leave without taking my permission. You are so bad for my image, look at you.
Stella tries to rush, trips and the whole ice cream splatters on CUCKOO’S face and dress.
STELLA
Oops !
Cuckoo glares at her balefully through the ice cream and seeing her expression Stella turns to flee even as Cuckoo gives a shriek and lunges after her. A mocking bird and couple of hyenas laugh gleefully.
EXT.- MUSIC HALL- NIGHT
Mr. Jack Dawson waits outside when MAGPIE comes rushing out with her brood.
MAGPIE (handing him the vial)
Here it is. You better rush, Not a moment to be lost.
MR. JACK DAWSON
Yes. I have to get to Melody in time.
He rushes off. As Magpie turns to go she see Stella being chased by Cuckoo.
MAGPIE (to her children)
As you can see it never pays to be with selfish, greedy people. They will always get you in trouble. Let’s go in. It’s almost time for the show.
She flutters in with her children.
INT.- HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Melody is lying in bed while Banana-Drama sits on the couch. They are both watching the events at the MUSIC HALL. They see King Tweety-Fruity arrive with Mr. Cranium. He has an all day sucker with him which he licks intermittently, even as he waves to the crowd.
BANANA-DRAMA
Man, you should have been there. This is too bad.
MR. JACK DAWSON(V.O.)
She will be there.
Melody and Banana-Drama turn and see Mr. Jack Dawson.
BANANA-DRAMA
Yo man, You gave us a scare turning up from no where.
MR. JACK DAWSON
There is not a moment to be lost. (he holds up the vial. It has FAIR IS FOWL written on it and below in tiny letters COUGH SYRUP)
(MORE)
This is the magic potion which will make Melody sing again. Quick, Melody, gulp it down and then we have to fly to the hall.
BANANA-DRAMA
What about me , man.
MR. JACK DAWSON
You can take a cab. Now hurry, we have no time to waste on foolish chatter. (Here Banana-Drama gives him a glare) Come on Melody, drink up.
He hands Melody the vial and she gulps it down.
MR. JACK DAWSON (CONT’D)
Let’s be off. We have no time to waste. The concert has already started.
INT. – MUSIC-HALL – NIGHT
All the animals are seated and there is huge commotion which slowly tones down as O-Zee Van Too Die Rich Two slithers on to the stage.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO
The moment is here. The moment when the contest to choose the future court-singer of the LAND OF BIRDS held at the behest of and with the benevolent eye of our beloved royal highness (here she looks at King Tweety -Fruity who is busy with his sucker) KING COO-TWEET-TOOT-TOOT, FRUIT-TWEET- TOOT-TOOT, SWEET-TOOT-TOOT-TOOT, AL-AMEN, popularly known as King Tweety-Fruity and his able minister Mr. Cranium. So without further delay let’s begin the show. Our first contestant is a well known group from Africa, the BOUNCING BABOONS with their lead singer Bongo. They are going to perform a hit single from their latest album called, (here she consults her paper) “ I am going Ape over you .” How appropriate.
The band starts performing.
EXT.- LAND OF BIRDS.-OVER THE CITY – NIGHT
We see Mr. Jack Dawson and Melody rushing towards the lights of the music hall. We zoom down to see Banana- Drama in a variety of situations trying to get to the venue. He is hailing a cab, not getting a response, he is sticking his thumb out for a lift, running, bumping into birds and beasts. Finally, a car screeches next to him. It is Sam Spread-Eagle.
SAM
What’s the rush?
BANANA-DRAMA
The rush. The concert has started and Melody’s rushing there to perform.
SAM
So why are you rushing like a monkey gone bananas.
BANANA-DRAMA
Because I want to see her perform and bring glory to Jungle-Land.
SAM
Whose Glory? I thought it was Melody to perform.
BANANA-DRAMA
There is so much confusion in your mind about everything, no wonder you can never do anything right.
SAM
I can do one thing right, I can give you a lift.
He opens the door and Banana-Drama gets in.
SAM (CONT’D)
And on the way you can explain to me whose Glory !
The car takes off with a screech.
BACK TO:
INT. – MUSIC-HALL-STAGE – NIGHT
The four bears are performing in a gruff voice. King Tweety-Fruity is yawning. He turns to Mr. Cranium.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY
Listen, this is turning out to be a waste of time. Not a decent singer in this motley lot. There is no Melody, only rhythm. Where is Melody ?
MR.CRANIUM
I believe there is a singer named Melody but she is indisposed. Too much ice cream in Cuckoo’s party, it is rumored.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY
I should have guessed CUCKOO would be behind it. As it is I got a call from the royal family in Britain, a Prince Charles, that Cuckoo has been trying to get in touch with them regarding employment. She wants to sing for them.
MR.CRANIUM (trying to mollify him)
She is an artiste, Sire. They will sing for their supper anywhere.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY
Yes , but not at my expense. Where is she? Call her.
Mr. Cranium signals to a flamingo standing behind them.
MR.CRANIUM (to the flamingo)
Go and tell 0- Zee Van Too Die-Rich Two that his highness would be to like to have a word with Cuckoo as soon as possible.
The flamingo bows and goes away.
BACK TO THE STAGE
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO
And now to perform for you is a group from Jungle-Land, the CAW-BAND.
All the animals from Jungle-Land clap enthusiastically. The CAW-BAND begins to perform. Their music is so atrocious that there is a stunned silence for a moment . Then a number of little birds fly off to the ceiling and some animals are seen stampeding to the exit. Even King Tweety-Fruity is galvanized. Utter chaos reigns but the CAW-BAND continue blithely unaware of the reaction around them. Mr. Cranium is staring stupefied with his beak/jaw hanging open.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY
What, what is the meaning of this atrocious sound . Stop them immediately.
MR.CRANIUM
No, no sire. We can’t do that. If we you do that you will become very unpopular. Press from all over the world is here. (handing him a pair of cushions lying beside them) Here, use these to close your ears.
King Tweety – Fruity uses both the cushions to shut out the fearful din. Mercifully, the number comes to an end and O-Zee Van Too Die-Rich Two comes on stage.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH
That was quite an earful. Monsieur Bull- Brass beams. And now since we are going country wise, another singer from Jungle- Land, Melody Hatchery.
The animals from Jungle-Land look at each other and at Marge who can barely hold her tears back.
MARGE (whispers to herself)
My poor Melody.
EXT. – SKY-CLOSE TO THE VENUE – NIGHT
Melody and Mr. Jack Dawson are flying furiously, beads of sweat dropping from the brow.
BACK TO THE MUSIC HALL STAGE
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO
Melody Hatchery. This is the second call for Melody Hatchery.
There is a stir among the audience. Then Magpie, looks around and quickly flies to the stage.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (CONT’D)
Ah here is Melody Hatchery.
MAGPIE
Did you say Melody ? I heard Magpie. I am so sorry, what with seven kids and me a single mom.
(MORE)
They were making a fine old racket and I thought I heard you say Magpie when actually you were saying….
EXT. – MUSIC HALL – NIGHT
We see Melody and Mr. Jack Dawson pushing through the crowds and hurrying up the stairs of the music hall.
BACK TO THE STAGE.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO (tapping her feet impatiently)
Yes, yes, my good woman, we understand. Now can you leave the stage and let us go on with our function.
MAGPIE
(giving a desperate look at the door)
Oh, there is no need to be so uppity, Mrs. O-Zee Van Too Die-Rich Two, we are all not married into the lap of luxury
The audience titters.
KIWI-MANAGER
(sitting in the audience leaning towards his friend, Mr. Gobble)
Several times, in fact. I should know. She does the shopping for all her jewels and baubles in my store.
MAGPIE
I am a single mom and its not easy, making ends meet, looking after seven kids
She spots Melody and Mr. Jack Dawson rushing in.
MAGPIE (CONT’D)
Anyway, here is your contestant. I must fly, my children are alone.
She flies off just as Melody stumbles on the stage, panting. The Jungle-Land animals give a rousing cheer that King Tweety-Fruity, who was nodding off, gets up with a start.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY What, what happened ?
MR.CRANIUM
Melody is here.
Melody stands on the stage.
O-Zee Van Too Die Rich Two hands her a mike and swishes off.
MELODY (singing)
Spirit of God in the clear running water Blowing to
greatness the trees on the hill
Spirit of God in the finger of morning
Fill the earth bring it to birth And blow where You will
Blow, blow, blow till I be But breath of the spirit blowing in me…
Down in the meadows the willows are moaning
Sheep in the pasture land cannot lie still
Spirit of God Creation is groaning…
Spirit of God, every man’s heart is lonely
Watching and waiting and hungry until
Spirit of God man longs that You only.
The audience is entranced. The sound reaches Bat Van Friday as they travel overhead, Cuckoo-Cool and Stella as they make their way towards the hall. Cuckoo-Cool has changed into another gown. It reaches Banana-Drama and Mr. Sam Spread-Eagle as they race into the hall to hear the last part of the song. The song closes and the audience erupts in a frenzy of clapping and cheering. Even King Tweety-Fruity is happy and clapping. Marge is wearing a happy smile even as Monsieur Bull-Brass leans over to one of the birds sitting next to him ( a colorful macaw).
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
My student.
Peek-A Boo and Peter give each other significant glances. Flow-Jo titters.
SAM The bird sure can sing. I think I need to start working on her visa right away.
BANANA-DRAMA
How do you assume she wants to come to your country. She’s quite happy in Jungle- Land.
SAM
But everyone wants to come to the good old U.S.A. Don’t they ?
KING TWEETY-FRUITY
Mr. Cranium, I think we need to draw a contract right away. I think we have found our court singer.
MR.CRANIUM If your Majesty, could be a little patient. There is still Cuckoo Cools’ challenge song.
We can see Cuckoo Cool sashaying towards the stage.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY
Oh, forget her. Who wants her and her tantrums and her constant whining, in any case.
MR.CRANIUM
We can’t do that Sire. Protocol.
King Tweety-Fruity makes a face and starts throwing pea- nuts and catching it in his mouth.
O-Zee Van Too Die Rich Two has sashayed on to the stage followed by Cuckoo Cool.
O-ZEE VAN TOO DIE-RICH TWO
It is time now for the challenge round. Cuckoo – Cool will sing and the judges will give marks to all the contestants followed by the audience vote.
CUCKOO
There is need for that. I have decided to withdraw from the contest.
There is a collective gasp from the audience . Even King Tweety -Fruity sits up.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY
Has she gone cuckoo?
MR.CRANIUM
Let’s see what she has to say.
CUCKOO
For a long time I have been thinking of retiring and giving this crown to a worthy singer. And now I have found her. It is none other than my own daughter, Melody.
Everyone is stunned and we see the reaction of the different animals in the audience.
MARGE
What is that woman saying . Melody is my daughter.
CUCKOO
Long ago I left her in Marjorie Hatchery’s nest as I had no time to look after her , busy as I was with my career.
The Jungle-land animals look at each other. Banana -Drama whistles.
MARGE (getting up and shouting)
She lies ! Melody is my daughter. How can you say that Melody is your daughter ?
CUCKOO
I only knew her as MELODY. The moment her complete name was announced I knew it was her. And then I saw you sitting there with (she points to Ollie) that Fuzz-Ball
OLLIE (interrupting)
PROFESSOR MARTIN OODDIIUUSS-DDRROOWWZZYY– SSQQUUEEKKYY-SSQQUUAAWWKKYY– PPIIEBBAALLDDYY-JJAACCKKAASS–FFUUNNYY- FFUZZBALL CRITTER. Ph.D.,Professor Emeritus. If you please.
CUCKOO
Whatever. The moment I saw the two of and the CAW-BAND I put two and two together and knew that the talented singer on stage is none other than my own daughter, Melody. (she opens out her arms to Melody) Come , my child. Come and hug your true and only Mom.
MELODY
(shouts) No,no, no. You are not my mother. You are mean and cruel. You left me. It was (pointing to Marge) She who looked after me and took care of me. She is my mother, not you.
Cuckoo looks discomfited. There is clapping from the balcony. It is King Tweety-Fruity.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY
Well said Melody. So Cuckoo, no more court-singer means no more mansions, no more fancy furs, no more wines and delights you are always singing about. Melody is going to be the new court singer. She will be given citizenship of LAND OF BIRDS. Cuckoo, you may kindly vacate the mansion for Melody to move in right away.
MELODY
If you please, Sire, I was very happy to win the contest but I do not wish to stay here. I realize now I was happiest in Jungle-Land.
All the Jungle-Land animals smile.
BANANA-DRAMA (to SAM)
See what I told you. Everyone doesn’t want to leave their home.
MARGE
And there is school. I have been studying the system of education here and it is not the way we teach in Jungle-Land.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY (getting annoyed)
That is not possible. Once I have decided she is going to be the court-singer there is no way she is going to leave this place. And only her mother is allowed to stay with her, the rest have to go.
MARGE
But I have four other kids, I can’t leave them.
KING TWEETY-FRUITY
It is decided. The discussion is closed unless you want to be clapped in a dungeon.
MR.CRANIUM
Guards, escort Melody Hatchery to the private chambers where she will be held till the other members of her group leave the country.
The animals of Jungle-Land are nonplussed. Marge is frantically look around. Suddenly there is a loud screech. It is Bat Van Friday with Senor Julio atop.
SENOR JULIO
( holding out his curved stick as Bat Van swoops down)
Melody, hold on to this.
Melody jumps up and holds on to the stick. Bat Van Friday flies off with a screech while everyone looks stunned. Mr. Cranium is the first to recover.
MR.CRANIUM (to King Tweety Fruity who is expostulating and gesturing wildly)
Best to accept what has happened gracefully or you will look like a fool. (to the audience) Ha ha . Looks like the matter is no longer in our hands. Bon Voyage Melody. (looking at Cuckoo Cool) Cuckoo Cool will remain our court-singer.
Cuckoo Cool curtsies and a thought runs through her mind.
CUCKOO (V.O.)
Only till I get a better job. I hear there are some good opportunities in the U.S.
EXT – IN THE JUNGLE- NIGHT
All the animals are celebrating. There is bonfire and music playing which is being operated by Banana-Drama. Everyone is dancing.
Bat Van Friday and Ollie are sitting together deep in discussion.
OLLIE
So, you see my dear man, and you are their kind, you have been needlessly worried. You are neither a bird nor a beast but a mammal, the same way human beings are.
BAT VAN FRIDAY
It is a relief to know. But, now I feel I don’t belong anywhere. (looking at all the animals enjoying themselves) Neither with the birds nor with the beasts. And human beings are scared of me. They think I suck blood. Whereas I am a fruit-bat, I only eat fruits.
OLLIE (clicking his tongue sympathetically)
If I were you, my good man, I wouldn’t give a hoot. You can enjoy the facilities of all three clubs.
Bat Van Friday grins showing his teeth.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
And, maybe, a visit to the dentist would dispel your reputation as a blood-sucker.
They hear the tap- tap of a cane and look up. Senor Julio is looking at them and smiling.
SENOR JULIO
And what is the topic of discussion ?
BAT VAN FRIDAY
I know what I am. I am a human being. I am a guy.
OLLIE
No, no. You are from the species of mammal of which humans are a part.
BAT VAN FRIDAY
I don’t care, as long as I am not a vampire.
SENOR JULIO
You are a fruit bat, in any case. You only suck the juice of fruits. Well, I am glad that has been cleared up finally.
(MORE)
Now if only we could find a way for me to regain my sight then I would be able to see and hear Peek-A-Boo’s amazing tap dance.
We see Peek-A-Boo dancing.
OLLIE
Perhaps, I can help. Tell me, what were you doing when you lost your sight.
SENOR JULIO
I remember the day so well.
DISSOLVE TO:
FLASHBACK
Senor Julio is singing when a there is a short circuit and the mike in his hand becomes electrified. There is a flash and then black with Senor Julio shouting
SENOR JULIO (V.O.)
I can’t see.
DISSOLVE TO:
BACK TO PRESENT
OLLIE
I see. The electricity damaged one of the nerves in your brain. Again there is a simple solution to it.
Bat Van Friday and Senor Julio waited with bated breath.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
It is like this. You have been wearing these dark glasses for so long your eyes have forgotten to see. Your eye sight was probably restored in a couple of months but you chose to remain blind by wearing these thick glasses. It is rightly said there are none so blind as those who choose not to see.
SENOR JULIO (excited)
That’s right. I told Bat Van Friday the time we were flying over Land Of Birds that I can sense the light.
OLLIE
Do not see the world through dark glasses or even rosy spectacles. And you will see light.
SENOR JULIO
Thank you, thank you, Professor Martin O, (he hesitates)
OLLIE
Never mind. Just call me Ollie.
There is a clapping sound and they look up. It is Banana- Drama.
BANANA-DRAMA
Attention folks. On everyone’s request Melody is going to give us a song.
MELODY (sings)
Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright; Round yon virgin mother and Child, Holy Infant, so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar; Heavenly hosts sing alleluia Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born! Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.
A hush falls over the animals. Then a clearing of throat.
MONSIEUR BULL BRASS
Very good, very good. Since everyone seems to be in the mood of music I would call upon the CAW-BAND to sing to a special number prepared by me.
All the animals start to disperse.
FLOW-JO
Got to run. I have some early morning sales to catch.
SENOR JULIO
I must fly too. I have to lose these glasses. Come on Bat Van Friday.
PETER
Hey Mimi-Tang, catch me if you can.
MIMI -TANG (following behind him)
Not fair, you got an early start.
PEEK-A-BOO
My feet are killing me.
He clumps off.
OLLIE
Oh I better turn in too. I have an early morning meditation session.
BANANA-DRAMA
Oh, is that what you were doing. I thought you were dozing, Professor Do-Do
OLLIE
Ollie will suffice please. Good night. Thanks for a swinging time.
BANANA-DRAMA
Anytime Professor. You are quite a hoot in your own way.
OLLIE (flying off)
And you are a swinging dude. Good night
MARGE
Come on Do-Ray, Me-Far, So-La, Ti-Do. Come on Melody. It’s bed- time.
We see them going into her nest. Melody is holding her hand.
MELODY (V.O.) I love you Mama.
THE END.
Story & Screenplay
SHIPRA SHUKLA
The wily leopard and his three assistant hyenas try to cure the python and also try to use their talents to save their business.
Pomegranate fruits – Good for your health !
There was a python who just loved to eat and sleep. That is what he would do all day long. Eat and sleep. Eat and sleep. Eat and sleep. Now if you do this all day long and then day after day , then you are going to fall very, very sick. And that is what happened to the silly python . He became very, very sick. His tummy started hurting. Ow ! Ow ! Ow ! He howled. Now, if he had hands he would have clutched his stomach and howled just like you do. But pythons don’t have hands. Just a long body. So, he took his long body and stretched it and decided to crawl to the doctor. As the python was crawling to the doctors’ clinic he felt very hot and tired. So, he decided to rest under a tree. It was a tree with very red fruits hanging from it.
The python was very sleepy. He opened his mouth to yawn. Just then, PLOP, one of the red fruits fell into his mouth. The python gulped down the fruit as was his habit and fell off to sleep. When the python got up he was feeling much better but then, he thought to himself that since I have come so far I might as well see the doctor and find out why my stomach aches all the time. So, he crawled to Dr. Leopards’ clinic and lay down in the waiting room along with the other animals who also had some problem or the other .
Dr. Leopard asked the python to come into his examination room and asked him to lie down. The python said, “I am already lying down since I cannot sit.” Dr. Leopard made a face as he did not like anyone to correct him and said , “Yes, yes, I meant , lie down on the couch so I can examine you . Tell me, what is your problem?”
The python said, “I had a stomach ache but now I am fine. The stomach ache is gone.”
Dr. Leopard was surprised to hear that the python was feeling better without taking any of his medicines which were quite expensive. So he asked the python, ” Tell me Mr. Python, what did you do after you had the stomach ache ?
The python said, “Don’t you want to know how and when I got the stomach ache so you can cure me ?”
The leopard looked very silly in front of his helpers so he he smiled with his very sharp teeth and said,” Yes, yes! Please tell me what you eat and what you did ?”
The python said, “Well, in the morning I swallowed my breakfast in one gulp and went to sleep. Then, at lunch, I swallowed my meal in one big gulp and went to sleep and then, at dinner …….”
The leopard said, “Wait, I am a doctor, I know what you did. You gulped down your dinner and went to sleep!”
All the doctors’ helpers clapped at the doctors intelligence.
The python said, “I have been doing this for many,many days ! But then, yesterday, I had a BIG stomach ache, not the usual small ones. Maybe, it was because I went to a party and gulped down everything .”
“Hmmmmmmmmmm” said Dr. Leopard,” I see the problem now. You don’t chew your food. You must chew your food before you eat it .”
The python was very surprised that the doctor did not know that pythons don’t have teeth. He thought to himself, ” I better get out of here and find some doctor who knows his job. This doctor has a fancy coat but he does not know what he is doing.”
The python said, ” Now, that I am much better, I think I will go home.” He tried to crawl out of the room but Dr.Leopard blocked his way and said, “Wait, wait. You didn’t tell me what happened after the stomach ache. How did you get well? ”
The python was trapped in the room with the doctor and his assistants so he decided to clear the mystery of his wellness. He said, “well, I crawled all the way to your clinic which is quite a distance away. On the way, I was feeling sleepy so I slept under a tree. It was a tree with red fruits. When I yawned one of the fruits fell in my mouth and I gulped it down and then fell asleep. When, I got up I was feeling much, much better.”
Dr. Leopard said, ” It seems to me you slept under an apple tree and that is why you are fine now!”
The python said, ” I am sure it was not an apple tree!”
Dr. Leopard said, ” How can you be so sure that it was not an apple tree. You did say the fruits were red !”
The python said , ” I know it was not an apple tree because we all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away . But, as you can see, here I am with you and you are a doctor and you are not going away and you are not letting me go away too ! So, you see it was not an apple tree . ”
Dr. Leopard was stunned by this intelligent answer. He thought to himself, this python is very smart. Maybe, I can use him to get more patients.
TO BE CONTINUED ……….
ALL RIGHT, HERE’S THE NEXT PART OF THE STORY ….
😮 OMG ! CAN I JUST GO HOME ?
The doctor looked at the python and bared his very sharp, pointy teeth and said, “Well, Mr. Python, you seem to be very smart. I see that you don’t have a job as you told me yourself. So, why don’t you come and work for me ? I will pay you very well. “
The python was very surprised that the leopard was offering a job to him because as far as he knew the animals were afraid of him especially when he was hungry.
He asked Dr. Leopard, “ How will you pay me ? And in return what do you want me to do ? “
Dr. Leopard knew that if he told the python that he was planning to use him to get rid of the animals who refused to get cured by swallowing them he may not agree to work for him. That was his plan to solve his own problem and that of the python.
So he told the python, “ Mr. Python, you don’t have to do much work. You have to be as you were before. Just eat and sleep . The only difference is that you will eat what or who I tell you to eat and you have to do this in my clinic.”
The python thought to himself, “ This leopard is very clever but also very wicked. It’s not good to be with wicked people. So let me try to find a way so that this leopard does not kill off his patients he cannot cure. And there are too many of them. Even I will not be able to swallow so many of them because I only swallow when I am hungry not just for fun ! “
The python looked at Dr. Leopard looking eagerly at him as a solution to his problem of not being able to cure his patients and said , “ Dr. Leopard, why don’t you try some other way to help your patients ?”
Dr. Leopard said, “ Mr. Python, I know there are many other ways but this one is quick and foolproof.”
Actually Dr. Leopard did not know of any other way but he did not want to admit this in front of his assistants who thought Dr. Leopard was the cat’s whiskers. Also his assistants were a couple of hyenas who lived off the leftovers which the doctor could not finish.
Mr. Python said, “ Maybe your way is the quickest and foolproof and with no danger of being sued because there is no one to sue you or no evidence but sooner or later the animals of the jungle will realize what is going on and will stop coming to you. Then what will happen to your practice ? “
The assistant hyenas gasped at this possibility because they lived on the slim pickings left by the leopard and they were already very thin. Dr. Leopard also did not want to lose his very lucrative business ( which means a kind of work in which you make a lot of money ) so he asked Mr. Python, “ All right, what is your idea so that I can cure the patients who come to me ? “
Mr. Python said, “ It’s very simple Mr. Leopard.”
ALL RIGHT , LET ME KNOW WHAT WAS MR. PYTHON’S SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND THE BEST ONE WILL GET TO GO ON A TRIP TO HAWAII PAID FOR BY THEMSELF. IF I HAD THE MONEY I WOULD HAVE GONE MYSELF NOT SIT HERE WRITING THESE STORIES IN DULLSVILLE.” I WOULD WRITE THEM IN HAWAII .
THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE ; THEY WERE GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT, JUST LIKE THE POMEGRANATE ! THIS IS MY VERSION.
AND THERE IS A BONUS STORY , LUCKY YOU ! THE STORY IS CALLED ‘THE PYTHON AND THE POMEGRANATE TREE’ and is somewhere on this website. Oh wait, here is the link
” The solution is that you and your assistants get together and buy a huge farm where you grow many healthy herbs and fruit trees like the pomegranate. You encourage your patients to eat the healthy foods and exercise so that they do not fall ill again. Pomegranate juice is especially good for health so grow a lot of pomegranate trees ”
Pomegranate tree
Dr. Leopard said, ” But that does not solve my problem. If people get well how will I run my practice. I need people to be cured but not completely cured so that they keep coming back to me .”
The python said, ” That’s not a very nice thing for a doctor to wish for but you are a leopard and I guess you won’t change your spots. So I think then there is only one final solution to this problem. The leopard moved forward to the python eagerly. And that’s when the python wrapped himself lovingly around the python and squeezed him. That was the Final Solution.
THE END
SHORT STORY FOR CHILDREN 4 to 7 years
This is the story of a python . The python was a very strange looking fellow. He loved to do strange things too . Every day he would swallow an animal and go to sleep. Now if you only eat and sleep 😴 and eat and sleep 😴 💤 you are going to fall sick. And that is why the python got very very sick 🤒. And his tummy hurt.
So his wife, Mrs Python said, ” Why don’t you go to the doctor Mr. Python ?”
So Mr. Python set off to get himself treated by Doctor Cheetah.
Now we all know that pythons do not have feet so he started to crawl to Dr. Cheetah’s clinic. He crawled and he crawled. It was very hot so he got very tired and lay down under the shade of a tree which had many red fruits hanging on its branches . One of the fruits fell on the python’s head. The python, as was his habit, gulped down the fruit in a jiffy.
After some time Mr. Python felt that he was feeling well. He also had no stomach ache. But by now he had crawled to Dr. Cheetah’s clinic.
Dr. Cheetah, who was always very troubled about his work asked Mr. Python, “Mr. Python, what is your problem ? ”
The python said , “I had a stomach ache but now I am all right . I was feeling very sick but now I am fine.”
Dr. Cheetah said, ” How come you are feeling fine. I have not given you my medicine ? ”
Mr. Python said, “I don’t know. I crawled all the way here. On the way I slept under a tree and when a fruit from the tree fell on me I eat it up. ”
Dr. Cheetah said, “What did the fruit look like ? ”
The python said, ” It was round and red. Inside the fruit there were many tiny red seeds. It was very sweet but it’s skin was very thick .
Dr. Cheetah said, ” It seems to me you eat a pomegranate. The pomegranate fruit is very good for your health. Besides this you came crawling all the way here which is good exercise . Exercise is very good for health . Now bear in mind, eat some fruits and vegetables and also exercise. All right then, give me my fees now. ”
The python said, ” Fees ? Why should I give you fees. I got well on my own.”
Dr. Cheetah thought to himself that if the animals of the jungle start getting well on their own just like this python then what will happen to me, how will I put food on my table ? ”
Dr. Cheetah quickly opened Mr. Python’s mouth and popped in a burger. As soon as the burger went into the python’s stomach it started aching . He started crying loudly, ” Help me, save me ! It feels like a hundred rats are jumping inside and biting my stomach. He started to cry, “Ow !Ow !Ow !”
Then Dr. Cheetah said, “Should I give you some medicine ? ”
Mr. Python understood that Dr. Cheetah was being clever and only wanted to take his money.
Mr. Python said, ” No, I will crawl back home. On the way I will eat a pomegranate. I do not need your services. ”
The other animals who had come to get treated heard what Mr. Python said and were very happy. They thought to themselves , this is an excellent idea. If we can keep ourselves healthy then we don’t have to give Dr. Cheetah his very hefty fees. In a trice they got up and followed the python but kept their distance from him for they did not want to be swallowed by the python in case he got hungry.
When the animals reached the pomegranate tree they all started jumping up to pluck the pomegranate fruits and pop them in their mouths.
Pomegranate fruits – Good for your health !
The pomegranate tree had no fruits left. He thought to himself , ” Goodness gracious , one fruit tree and a hundred impatients! Now what will happen to me if I fall ill ? Boo boo ! ”
A butterfly 🦋 who was flitting by saw the pomegranate tree crying and said, ” Brother Pomegranate tree, don’t worry. The few flowers which are left on you will soon become fruits. That is our job. We will fly from the flowers of one tree to the flowers of another one so that we can help them to become fruits. ”
The pomegranate tree was very happy. He thought to himself, ” It’s quite all right if the animals plucked all my fruits and eat them up. Now they will be cured soon. And, I, too will be well for the person who helps another person stays always well for God helps him. Yes, but God punishes those who rob from other people for no reason at all. Just like that cheetah who is called cheetah for a reason . Now he will always be worried that now that the animals have cured themselves who will come to me for treatment and how will I put food on my table ”
That is why it is said , ” ‘ Cheetahs’ never prosper . ”
THIS STORY IS INSPIRED BY MY FATHER, COL. B. C. SHUKLA WHO GAVE UP ALL HIS FRUITS TO HELP THE ANIMALS OF JUNGLE LAND .
Here is a poem written for him ( on the left and a poem by him , ‘MARTYRDOM’ ( on the right )
The wily Dr. Leopard and his three assistant hyenas try to cure the python of his stomach ache and also try to use his talents to save their business .
There was a python who just loved to eat and sleep. That is what he would do all day long. Eat and sleep. Eat and sleep. Eat and sleep. Now, if you do this all day long and then day after day , then you are going to fall very, very sick. And that is what happened to the silly python . He became very, very sick. His tummy started hurting. Ow ! Ow ! Ow ! He howled. Now, if he had hands he would have clutched his stomach and howled just like you do. But pythons don’t have hands. Just a long body. So, he took his long body and stretched it and decided to crawl to the doctor. As the python was crawling to the doctors’ clinic he felt very hot and tired. So, he decided to rest under a tree. It was a tree with very red fruits hanging from it.
The python was very sleepy. He opened his mouth to yawn. Just then, PLOP, one of the red fruits fell into his mouth. The python gulped down the fruit as was his habit and fell off to sleep. When the python got up he was feeling much better but then, he thought to himself that since I have come so far I might as well see the doctor and find out why my stomach aches all the time. So, he crawled to Dr. Leopards’ clinic and lay down in the waiting room along with the other animals who also had some problem or the other .
Dr. Leopard asked the python to come into his examination room and asked him to lie down. The python said, “I am already lying down since I cannot sit.” Dr. Leopard made a face as he did not like anyone to correct him and said , “Yes, yes, I meant , lie down on the couch so I can examine you . Tell me, what is your problem?”
The python said, “I had a stomach ache but now I am fine. The stomach ache is gone.”
Dr. Leopard was surprised to hear that the python was feeling better without taking any of his medicines which were quite expensive. So he asked the python, ” Tell me Mr. Python, what did you do after you had the stomach ache ?
The python said, “Don’t you want to know how and when I got the stomach ache so you can cure me ?”
The leopard looked very silly in front of his helpers so he he smiled with his very sharp teeth and said,” Yes, yes! Please tell me what you eat and what you did ?”
The python said, “Well, in the morning I swallowed my breakfast in one gulp and went to sleep. Then, at lunch, I swallowed my meal in one big gulp and went to sleep and then, at dinner …….”
The leopard said, “Wait, I am a doctor, I know what you did. You gulped down your dinner and went to sleep!”
All the doctors’ helpers clapped at the doctors intelligence.
The python said, “I have been doing this for many,many days ! But then, yesterday, I had a BIG stomach ache, not the usual small ones. Maybe, it was because I went to a party and gulped down everything .”
“Hmmmmmmmmmm” said Dr. Leopard,” I see the problem now. You don’t chew your food. You must chew your food before you eat it .”
The python was very surprised that the doctor did not know that pythons don’t have teeth. He thought to himself, ” I better get out of here and find some doctor who knows his job. This doctor has a fancy coat but he does not know what he is doing.”
The python said, ” Now, that I am much better, I think I will go home.” He tried to crawl out of the room but Dr.Leopard blocked his way and said, “Wait, wait. You didn’t tell me what happened after the stomach ache. How did you get well? ”
The python was trapped in the room with the doctor and his assistants so he decided to clear the mystery of his wellness. He said, “well, I crawled all the way to your clinic which is quite a distance away. On the way, I was feeling sleepy so I slept under a tree. It was a tree with red fruits. When I yawned one of the fruits fell in my mouth and I gulped it down and then fell asleep. When, I got up I was feeling much, much better.”
Dr. Leopard said, ” It seems to me you slept under an apple tree and that is why you are fine now!”
The python said, ” I am sure it was not an apple tree!”
Dr. Leopard said, ” How can you be so sure that it was not an apple tree. You did say the fruits were red !”
The python said , ” I know it was not an apple tree because we all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away . But, as you can see, here I am with you and you are a doctor and you are not going away and you are not letting me go away too ! So, you see it was not an apple tree . ”
Dr. Leopard was stunned by this intelligent answer. He thought to himself, this python is very smart. Maybe, I can use him to get more patients.
TO BE CONTINUED ……….
ALL RIGHT, HERE’S THE NEXT PART OF THE STORY ….
😮 OMG ! CAN I JUST GO HOME ?
The doctor looked at the python and bared his very sharp, pointy teeth and said, “Well, Mr. Python, you seem to be very smart. I see that you don’t have a job as you told me yourself. So, why don’t you come and work for me ? I will pay you very well. “
The python was very surprised that the leopard was offering a job to him because as far as he knew the animals were afraid of him especially when he was hungry.
He asked Dr. Leopard, “ How will you pay me ? And in return what do you want me to do ? “
Dr. Leopard knew that if he told the python that he was planning to use him to get rid of the animals who refused to get cured by swallowing them he may not agree to work for him. That was his plan to solve his own problem and that of the python.
So he told the python, “ Mr. Python, you don’t have to do much work. You have to be as you were before. Just eat and sleep . The only difference is that you will eat what or who I tell you to eat and you have to do this in my clinic.”
The python thought to himself, “ This leopard is very clever but also very wicked. It’s not good to be with wicked people. So let me try to find a way so that this leopard does not kill off his patients he cannot cure. And there are too many of them. Even I will not be able to swallow so many of them because I only swallow when I am hungry not just for fun ! “
The python looked at Dr. Leopard looking eagerly at him as a solution to his problem of not being able to cure his patients and said , “ Dr. Leopard, why don’t you try some other way to help your patients ?”
Dr. Leopard said, “ Mr. Python, I know there are many other ways but this one is quick and foolproof.”
Actually Dr. Leopard did not know of any other way but he did not want to admit this in front of his assistants who thought Dr. Leopard was the cat’s whiskers. Also his assistants were a couple of hyenas who lived off the leftovers which the doctor could not finish.
Mr. Python said, “ Maybe your way is the quickest and foolproof and with no danger of being sued because there is no one to sue you or no evidence but sooner or later the animals of the jungle will realize what is going on and will stop coming to you. Then what will happen to your practice ? “
The assistant hyenas gasped at this possibility because they lived on the slim pickings left by the leopard and they were already very thin. Dr. Leopard also did not want to lose his very lucrative business ( which means a kind of work in which you make a lot of money ) so he asked Mr. Python, “ All right, what is your idea so that I can cure the patients who come to me ? “
Mr. Python said, “ It’s very simple Mr. Leopard.”
ALL RIGHT , LET ME KNOW WHAT WAS MR. PYTHON’S SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND THE BEST ONE WILL GET TO GO ON A TRIP TO HAWAII PAID FOR BY THEMSELF. IF I HAD THE MONEY I WOULD HAVE GONE MYSELF NOT SIT HERE WRITING THESE STORIES IN “ DULLSVILLE.” I WOULD WRITE THEM IN HAWAII .
CRAZY CUCKOO – Story , in the previous post and elsewhere on the blog .
This book, targeted for four- to seven-year-olds, is filled with a number of moral messages, including these:
It is not your skin color that counts, but your skills.
Never, ever give up.
Everyone has a unique talent that needs to be developed.
If you do not practice your gifted talent, you will lose it.
Selfish people end up very lonely.
An adopted mother who loves and cares for you is more important than the mother who gives birth to you and then abandons you.
A cage is a cage, even if it is a golden one. Fly free!
Interview of the author SHIPRA SHUKLA by Brian Feinblum of MEDIA CONNECT
