ACT ONE
FaDE IN:
EXT. CEMETERY - EARLY MORNING
SUPER TITLE: BIG IDEA PRESENTS
EBENEZER NEZZER stands alone staring pensively at a headstone. Music builds.
dISSOLVE TO:
EXT. Streets of london - morning
SUPER TITLE: AN EASTER CAROL
Over opening title, dolly down the main city street. Vendors on street corners hawk their wares. The towns people sing of Spring and Easter.
Townsfolk
We sing this tune
As flowers bloom
And snow melts all away
For Spring has sprung
And with it comes
Another Easter day
Cockney Woman
The church bells ring,
And birdies sing
A great cacophony.
Stuffy English Gent
I celebrate
With tea and cake
(spoken)
That's the British way for me.
Little kid
I hunt and beg
For colored eggs
I fill my basket full.
His MOM snatches the basket from him
Kid's mom
Now give that back
It's my new hat
Or I'll call the constable.
She puts it on her head as we hear a CRUNCH. She reacts
The music continues as the camera centers in behind an old man in a top hat, EBENEZER NEZZER. We follow him down the street. LAURA CARROT, a poor young girl in a tattered dress, sells flowers in front of a ST. MICHAEL'S ORPHANAGE SIGN.
JERRY, THE CONSTABLE, is just walking away with a flower. He smells it, tips his hat to Nezzer, then continues on his way.
laura
(to Jerry)
Thank you constable! We sure feel safe with you around!
KID'S MOM
(shouting to Jerry)
Yes - congratulations on your medal!
LAURA
(chorus)
Buy a lily for the orphans,
O help us in our plight,
Just two pennies for a lily
And we'll sleep inside tonight.
(hawking)
Lily for the orphans! Help the orphans, buy a lily!
(to Nezzer)
Tuppence for a lily, gov'ner?
NEzzer
How's that?
lAURA
A lily, gov, for Easter.
Nezzer eyes a lily suspiciously.
nEZZER
This...for Easter?
lAURA
Yes sir. It's a symbol of new life and -
nEZZER
(jovial and condescending)
But it's real. It won't last.
lAURA
'scuse me, sir?
nEZZER
It'll be gone tomorrow. It's too fragile, see?
He shakes the lily violently. It falls apart. Laura scowls. He pulls out a plastic Easter egg.
nEZZER (cont'd)
This is what Easter is about. It's colorful, it's pretty, it's plastic.
Laura looks quizzically at it.
nEZZER (cont'd)
Now, wouldn't you like this instead of your silly lily?
Laura looks back and forth between the egg and her lilies. She takes the egg and studies it.
lAURA
Your Grandmother helped the orphanage. She always bought a lily for Easter.
Nezzer scowls.
nEZZER
My Grandmama made Easter.
Laura rolls her eyes and walks away.
NEZZER (cont'd)
Just a moment, young lady.
Laura turns.
nEZZER (cont'd)
You forgot to pay for that egg.
Stay on Nezzer as the egg bounces off his head.
nEZZER (cont'd)
Ouch.
Nezzer exits. He walks past the Church with a sign out front. The song continues. Nezzer eyes the church building then moves on.
TOWNSFOLK
We sing this tune
As rainbows bloom
On eggs red, green and blue
EXT cHURCH - cONTINUOUS
MRS. ASPARAGUS exits the church with a tray of lemonade. She looks up the LADDER beside the door.
MOM ASPARAGUS
Like colors in
The windows when
The sun comes shining through
MOYER (Scooter) stands atop the ladder reaching up to the BIG ROUND WINDOW on the front of the church. He secures a tarp over it. He sings as he works.
MOYER
The window here,
Is mighty dear,
A precious work of art,
(speak/sing)
(But) patience, Lass,
We'll see this glass
Tomorrow when Easter starts.
Edmund (Junior) and his Father, the vicar, REVEREND GILBERT stand in front of the church changing the letters on the "welcome" sign. It reads: "WINDOW UNVEILING AT EASTER SERVICES TOM." Edmund, holding his crutch and minding the BASKET OF LETTERS, watches Nezzer pass then turns to his Dad.
Edmund
(cough)
Hey, Dad, isn't that Old Man Nezzer?
Reverend Gilbert
Edmund! His name is Mister Ebenezer Nezzer. Could you hand me an O?
EDMUND
Sure. Is he really the richest man in town?
REVEREND GILBERT
Oh, I don't know about that, but his family has owned most of the property around here for generations. How about a couple of R's now. Even the land this old church sits on.
Edmund
Here you go. Why don't we ever see him in Church?
REVEREND GILBERT
I don't really know. I heard he used to come when he was little. His Grandmother would bring him. I need an O now, and a W if you can find it.
Edmund
(cough, cough!)
Why doesn't he come anymore? How about an upside down M? Maybe he doesn't like Easter.
REVEREND GILBERT
Oh sure he does! Why he makes all the Easter Eggs in his factory.
Edmund
Yeah, but why doesn't he ever celebrate Easter with the rest of us. Doesn't he like church? Is he just plain mean?
REVEREND GILBERT
Now, Edmund, he's never done any harm to us. Perhaps one day, he'll come to an Easter service. Tell you what, we'll go see him later and invite him ourselves to see the unveiling of the new stained glass window tomorrow.
Edmund brightens
REVEREND GILBERT (cONT'D)
In the meantime, you be respectful.
Moyer and Mom Asparagus walk up. Moyer carries a tool box.
Moyer
Hey, isn't that Old Man Nezzer?
Rev. Gilbert rolls his eyes as Edmund stifles a smirk.
cUT TO:
EXT. FACTORY - DAY
Shot of the impressive gates of GRANDMOTHER NEZZER'S EGG FACTORY.
TOWNSFOLK
(Bridge)
The hope of Easter is coming
To shine forth in the Morn.
It comes for to bring us hope
Of life and peace reborn.
INT. factory - day
The factory has the typical industrial feel, yet it is punctuated by the trappings of Easter. Somewhere between a grungy assembly line and the "seasonal" aisle at Wal-mart. Rows and rows of MECHANICAL CHICKENS lay plastic Easter eggs which are dropped onto a conveyor belt and elaborately loaded into an enormous egg-shaped silo.
Nezzer's employees, CAVIS APPYTHART (Bob the Tomato) and MILLWARD PHELPS (Larry the Cucumber) stand beside the machinery as the GAUGES border on the RED ZONE.
MILLWARD
You ask him.
Cavis
No, you ask him.
MILLWARD
I'm not going to ask him.
CAVIS
He's your uncle.
MILLWARD
That doesn't mean he likes me.
CAVIS
Look Millward. We've been working for your uncle for more than a year now to pay him back for burning down his factory, right?
MILLWARD
Right.
CAVIS
And has he given us a single day off?
MILLWARD
Nope.
CAVIS
And it was your idea to take Easter Sunday off, right?
MILLWArD
Right.
CAVIS
So we could see the new window, right?
MILLWARD
Right.
CAVIS
So you should him!
MILLWARD
But...
Nezzer enters the big factory door. The music starts again.
nEZZER
Cavis... Millward...
CAVIS AND MILLWARD
Morning Mister Nezzer, sir.
Nezzer pauses, noticing Cavis and Millward are staring at him oddly.
NEZZER
Yes?
Cavis and Millward look at each other. There is an awkward moment of silence.
CAVIS AND MILLWARD
Oh, all our friends
Are metal hens,
At this fine Factory.
They work all day
As eggs they lay
And do it all for free.
NEZZER
Yes, I'm aware of that...
Nezzer heads to his office. Cavis nudges Millward to follow. They walk past robotic arms pushing lawn mowers over plastic grass, which is then caught in Easter baskets.
MILLWARD
Tomorrow's the big day, huh, Uncle Nezzer?
NEZZER
Mmm hmm. Not as big as it'd be if folks didn't spend half the day in church instead of buying more of my eggs!
MILLWARD
Right. Well, see ya!
He turns back, but Cavis catches him.
Cavis
(to Millward)
Oh... let me handle this.
(to Nezzer)
Ahem. Would you like the morning report, sir?
nEZZER
Oh, let me guess.
Cavis
Egg production is up...
nEZZER
Awwww... I said I wanted to guess.
Cavis
I'd say we have eggs a plenty.
They walk past the giant egg-shaped egg storage tank. The gauge reads half full.
nEZZER
Well that depends on how you look at things. Is the egg tank half full? Or half empty?
Cavis
The workers are happy, though a little bit tired.
Cut to smiling chickens.
nEZZER
Ah... the satisfying fatigue of productivity!
Cavis
...and there will be a beautiful service at St. Bart's tomorrow.
nEZZER
You'd think so, wouldn't you?
Cavis
All in all, this should be a glorious Easter!
(half a beat)
What?
nEZZER
Oh, nothing.
They arrive at Nezzer's office door.
Cavis
So, um...Mr. Nezzer?
nEZZER
Don't you have chickens to tend?
Cavis
M-may I ask you a question?
nEZZER
(thinks)
No.
INT. NEZZER'S OFFICE - DAY (continuous)
Nezzer goes into his office. Cavis and Millward follow. The office is full of frivolous decor. But there are shelves of items enshrined under glass domes - a plastic egg, a wind-up chick, a chocolate bunny, etc. Nezzer is in Easter bliss. Millward starts looking around at all the baubles His eyes wander up to a COUNTER on the wall. It is keeping track of how many Easter eggs have been produced.
Cavis
Well... Everything is going so well...so couldn't we... um...close up shop ... Just for Easter?
Strike one. Nezzer snaps from his jovial demeanor and glares at him.
NEZZER
What? Close up shop? Do you know what that would mean?
Cavis
Um...
Nezzer pulls back the window curtain. Light streams in and reveals a wall sized portrait of GRANDMOTHER NEZZER. There is an egg-shaped MUSIC BOX sitting on the mantle under it. Nezzer regains his composure.
He stares up at the painting. Close in on his face as he mists over.
nEZZER (cont'd)
My Grandmother started this factory...
Cavis
(to himself)
Oh no. Here comes the speech again.
(to Nezzer)
112 years ago, I know, sir.
Cavis starts to glaze over. He has heard this speech many times before.
nEZZER
...113. She was making Easter before you were born!
Nezzer starts showing Cavis and Millward framed tin-type photos of his Grandmother.
NEZZER (cONT'D)
One hundred thirteen years ago
With one chicken and a coop.
My Grandma started dyin' eggs
For the local girl scout troop.
She started makin' money
And as her business grew,
She got more hens and colors,
And she knew just what to do.
(chorus)
She built herself a factory
To do what she loved best.
She kept on dyin' Easter Eggs,
But then you know the rest.
Cavis
Yes sir, she...
NEZZEr
I suppose it was bound to happen,
Her age she couldn't hide.
More than a hundred years of livin',
And then one day... she died.
Nezzer is visibly shaken at this mention of her demise.
But before she drifted off that day,
She whispered in my ear.
Those words I never shall forget,
I still hear them loud and clear.
Nezzer
She said, "Ebbie" She always called me Ebbie. "Ebbie,
I've taught you the fam'ly business,
And with my dyin' breath.
I say, 'You tell every single person,
Easter means no more death.'"
Now at first that all confused me.
Til then I realized
That as long as I keep makin' Easter Eggs
It's like she's still alive!
(chorus)
She built herself a factory
To do what she loved best.
And I'll keep on makin' Easter Eggs,
My one and only quest.
The music continues as Cavis and Millward look at each other confused. Nezzer is escalating in his speech.
NEZZER (cONT'D)
Tomorrow the world will see how I'm gonna make Easter even bigger and better!
(sentimental)
And Grandma will live forever! Just like she wanted!
(calmer)
So you see, we can't just stop the factory. That would let Grandma down.
Cavis
But Ebbie, er... Mister Nezzer, sir, I...
There is a knock at the door. Reverend Gilbert pokes his head in.
revEREND GILBERT
Hello there! Mind if we come in?
nEZZER
(to Cavis and Millward)
That will be all! Now get back to work.
The Reverend and Edmund come in. The Reverend follows Nezzer while Edmund hangs back at the door.
revEREND GILBERT
But I don't work here.
NEZZER
Well, I'm not hiring either.
rEVEREND GILBERT
Oh, no. That's not why we're here. We came to...
Nezzer turns around and sees who it is.
neZZER
Oh, you're that church fella, aren't you?
REVEREND GILBERT
Why yes, I guess I am...
Cavis and Millward stick around to see what happens.
NEZZER
Why are you here?
REVEREND GILBERT
Well sir, I know your Grandmother used to bring you to church. She loved Easter so much...
NEZZER
Yes.
rEVEREND GILBERT
Then you'll come?
nEZZER
No.
rEVEREND GILBERT
But you said...
NEZZER
I said "Yes, my Grandmother loved Easter". What's not to love with the eggs and the candy...?
reVEREND GILBERT
Oh, but Mister Nezzer, we miss you at the Easter service.
NEZZER
If you ask me, you've got enough people locked up already! Sitting in those pews when they should be out buying more eggs!
REVEREND GILBERT
(confused)
I'm sorry?
NEZZER
Look - I know my Grandma liked that old church... but I have no idea why. I need to make Easter bigger to keep her alive, and that church is just in the way!
REVEREND GILBERT
(shocked by the logic)
What?
Nezzer walks across his office to a small table.
NEZZER
That's why I'm working on this!
Nezzer goes over to a scale model of the town laid out on the table complete with a few paper doll style people. Everybody else follows. MUSIC starts for a reprise of Nezzer's song.
everybody
OOooooooooo.
Millward
(indicating one of the paper dolls)
Is that one supposed to be me? 'Cause I'm not that fat.
Nezzer turns and eyes Millward.
MILLWARD
Sorry.
Nezzer goes over to a huge safe. He opens it as he speaks and we see several BAGS OF MONEY inside. But he reaches for another object.
nEZZER
Tomorrow is my Grandma's birthday
And she gave me but one job to do, So I've been savin' all my money
To make her Easter dream come true.
He brings out a ROLLED UP SET OF BUILDING PLANS. He unrolls it and reveals a building elevation vaguely of a casino with a big sign on front reading: EASTER LAND.
NEZZER (cont'd)
Easter Land! Where Easter is forever! Don't you just love it?
edmUND
Easter Land? What's that supposed to be?
Nezzer is giddy with excitement as everyone else panics.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT fantasy environment - cONTINUOUS
As Nezzer sings about EasterLand we enter a infinity set and Nezzer's vision of his new creation surrounds them all. Two dimensional images float by illustrating his words. Kind of Victorian postcards.
NEZZER
Oh, you're really gonna love this.
I'll make Easter last all year long!
We'll have Easter egg hunts every day.
To please the massive throng.
MILLWARD
Thong?
CAVIS
Throng. It means "lots of people".
NEZZER
Every one will buy my eggs
And I'll give them more to munch
They'll buy my chocolate bunnies
for breakfast, dinner, lunch.
Grandmama will be so proud of me For keeping her alive and dear
Y'see Church was her favorite place to go.
So Easter land will be right here.
CUT TO:
INT Nezzer's office - cONTINUOUS
On the word "here" we are back in the "real world". Nezzer drops a paper model of "Easter Land" on top of the church model. It is bigger so the church slips inside it, though we here the 'crunch' of the steeple getting smashed.
(chorus)
She built herself a factory
To do what she loved best.
And so I'm building Easter Land!
My one and only quest.
Cavis
B-But that's not what she meant! You can't do that.
NEZZER
(to himself)
Of course, I'll have to build a chocolate bunny factory , too.
Millward
Y-y-you can't tear down the church!
NEZZER
Don't be silly. That land has been in my family for generations.
Nezzer puts the plans back in the safe and closes the door.
REVEREND GILBERT
If you just came to the service, you'd realize...
Cavis
(to Millward)
You gotta talk to him!
Millward
(ahem)
Uncle Ebenezer, Easter is a time when-
nEZZER
When I am always interrupted
By people buggin' me
To come to church and save the orphans!
And shut down my factory!
But early tomorrow morning,
A crew will start at eight -
On knocking down that little church And building something great!
And folks'll come from miles around
By train, on bikes, on legs...
And Grandma will last forever! Just like my little plastic eggs!
Everyone protests Nezzer's plan vehemently.
everyone
[What? You can't do that! We can't let you tear the church down! Have you lost your mind? Etc.]
Nezzer pushes them back through the door as his song and mood intensifies.
InT FACTORY - cONTINUOUS
Nezzer pushes them all down the production line as he sings and rants over their protests.
nEZZER
I don't care about your service
Or your windows and your glass
I'm gonna build the world a place Where Easter is a blast.
cAVIS
(in Nezzer's face)
We won't let you do this!
NEZZER
(exploding)
Begone from me, naysayers!
If you won't help me with my deed Get out of here and don't come back!
I'll go unaccompanied!
With that he throws the chicken switch to VERY HIGH. The Chickens go faster and the song changes keys.
cavis
We're fired?
NEZZER
Effective immediately!
(chorus)
At 8AM the church comes down!
I'll show you, without guilt,
How the world would be a better place
If that church was never built!
Nezzer has backed the whole group out of the factory and slammed the door on them.
He stands silently in his lonely factory. The only noise is the sound of the chickens. He turns and hops back to his office.
dISSOLVE TO:
eXT. FACTORY GATES - cONTINUOUS
Reverend Gilbert, Edmund, Cavis and Millward stand outside the factory, shocked.
cAVIS
(shaken)
I can't believe it...
eDMUND
(disbelief)
Old Man Nezzer... he's cancelled Easter!
The Reverend tries to calm the crowd.
rEVEREND GILBERT
(to Edmund)
That's Mister Nezzer. And he hasn't done anything... yet.
EDMUND
What are we gonna do?
The Reverend looks off - pensively.
REVEREND GILBERT
Well, we just need to have hope.
He looks down at Edmund and forces a smile, then picks him up and puts him on his 'shoulder.' The group trudges toward home.
dISSOLVE TO:
eXT. FACTORY -lATER
LS factory at night. We hear the rumble of the chickens. The rest of the town appears asleep. We see lights on in Nezzer's office windows.
dISSOLVE TO:
iNT. NEZZER'S OFFICE -cONTINUOUS
Nezzer sits at his desk, pouring over the drawings of Easter Land. He looks tired. His Grandmother's portrait hangs directly behind him.
nEZZER
(mumbling to himself, sleepily)
The concession stand will go here... and the gift shop...
(pause)
It's gonna be great, Grandma. You'd really like it...
(eyes droop)
I'll put your portrait... [yawn] right over the door...
His head hits the desk. He's out. After a pause, we hear soft snoring. A few shots of details around the room... the clock (10:45PM)... a tin-type photo of grandma... another detail... then back tight on Nezzer sleeping on his desk. The only sound in the room is his breathing and the ticking of the mantle clock. Suddenly a voice breaks the stillness.
GRANDMA
Ebenezer! Wake up!
Nezzer startles awake.
NEZZER
(startled)
Huh? Who's there?
The unseen voice continues.
GRANDMA
It's me, Ebbie! C'mon... wake up, already!
Nezzer sits up stick straight - eyes wide.
NEZZER
(very nervous)
Uh... Grandma? Is that you?
Nezzer's eyes scan furtively back and forth... seeing nothing. The voice seems to be coming from (gulp) behind him.
GRANDMA
Course it's me! Only been gone a few months... forget my voice already?
It has dawned on Nezzer that the voice seems to be coming from the general vicinity of the portrait behind him. That thought does not comfort him. He rises slowly from his desk chair and starts turning toward the portrait, terrified of what he might see.
NEZZER
Uh...
He sees his grandmother in the painting, standing still. As soon as his eyes rest on hers, she leans in and rather aggressively yells...
GRANDMA
Surprise!
Nezzer screams and scrambles away, but tumbles over his desk and lands in a heap on the other side.
NEZZER
Aaaah! [Oof!]
Behind the desk, a terrified Nezzer sits up against the far side of the desk out of sight of the portrait, like a panicked policeman under fire behind his car.
NEZZER (CONT'D)
It's a ghost!
GRANDMA
Nonsense! Didn't I teach you there's no such thing as ghosts?
NEZZER
Oh yeah. Well, what are you, then?
GRANDMA
You're havin' a vision!
NEZZER
(confused)
A what?
GRANDMA
A vision! It's like a dream - with a point!
Nezzer musters enough courage to peek out from behind the desk at the portrait.
NEZZER
A point?
GRANDMA
Which is exactly what you've missed!
NEZZER
Huh?
GRANDMA
Oh, Ebbie... why didn't you listen?
NEZZER
Huh? To what?
GRANDMA
Oh...
Grandma seems a little annoyed that she has to resort to singing. But so be it. The music starts...
GRANDMA (CONT'D)
(singing)
You didn't listen Ebenezer...
NEZZER
(talking in response)
To what? To who?
GRANDMA
To what I wanted you to learn...
NEZZER
Huh? I don't remember...
GRANDMA
I'm like the guy ignored by Caesar...
NEZZER
What? Caesar?
GRANDMA
Who knew that Rome was gonna burn!
NEZZER
What's Rome gotta do with...
GRANDMA
You didn't listen Ebenezer...
NEZZER
Yeah - you said that...
GRANDMA
That's why my nose is out of joint!
NEZZER
Wha? Your nose looks fine...
GRANDMA
I know you aren't a people pleaser...
NEZZER
I guess that's true...
GRANDMA
But you really missed the point!
Song ends. Nezzer looks around, confused.
NEZZER
Uh... what point?
GRANDMA
Easter! The point! Ya got it all backwards and upside down!
NEZZER
Whadya mean? How's it s'posed to go?
Grandma thinks for a minute.
GRANDMA
(after a pause)
I'm not gonna tell you.
NEZZER
What?
GRANDMA
"A lesson learned is soon returned.
A lesson lived is wisdom gived."
NEZZER
(perplexed)
"Gived?"
GRANDMA
What? I'm dead! Cut me some slack!
(takes a formal aire)
Ebenezer - you are in for a wild ride!
NEZZER
Huh?
GRANDMA
(very ominous)
At the stroke of midnight, you will receive a second visit!
Nezzer's eyes widen as he glances nervously around.
GRANDMA (CONT'D)
(leans in)
Hold on tight!
Tight on Nezzer. Maybe lightning flash?
GRANDMA (CONT'D)
Oh, and wind up the music box before you lie down again.
NEZZER
Huh? The music box? Why do I need to...
Nezzer has been looking at the music box on the shelf. When he turns back to the portrait, it has returned to normal.
NEZZER (CONT'D)
Hmm...
He walks over to the music box and eyes the key.
NEZZER (CONT'D)
Okay...
With one eye on the portrait, he winds the box, then glances around nervously to see if anything will happen. Nothing. He walks over to the couch near the window.
NEZZER (CONT'D)
Another visitor, huh? Maybe I'll just stay awake...
He turns around and sits down on the couch, his eyes wide open. The clock ticks. He glances around the room. Suddenly there is a clatter just outside his window, startling him.
NEZZER (CONT'D)
Ah! Who's there?
He turns and looks at the clock, which reads 10:55.
NEZZER (CONT'D)
(nervously)
If - if you're the visitor... you're early!
Nezzer peers out the window into the darkness.
CuT TO:
ACT TWO
ext factory -cONTINUOUS
Outside Nezzer's window. We see him peering out, unable to make out anything. Crane down from the 1st floor window to reveal Cavis and Millward huddled beneath, trying hard not to be seen.
cavis
(whisper shouting)
Does he see us?
millward
(peeking up)
No, I don't think so!
CAVIS
Well, would you try to keep it down?
MILLWARD
Sorry.
(looks behind him)
I think I stepped in a gopher hole.
CAVIS
(looks down incredulously)
On the sidewalk?
MILLWARD
(looking around)
Or... something...
CAVIS
Come on... we don't have a lot of time...
The two start moving up the sidewalk toward the front gate of the factory.
MILLWARD
Why do we want to break into the factory again?
CAVIS
We have to get those plans! No plans, no Easter Land! No Easter Land, and they don't have to tear down the church! It's bad enough that we burned down the theater... I'm not going to let the church come down, too!
Hop, hop. Millward thinks.
MILLWARD
I don't feel very good about stealing the plans.
Cavis spins to him.
CAVIS
Millward, we're not STEALING the plans... we're just BORROWING the plans!
Millward has heard this before, and he's skeptical now.
MILLWARD
Right...
(they continue hopping)
It's just that the last time we stole - uh, borrowed something, it didn't work out so well.
CAVIS
Millward, we've gotta save that church! Come on now, hoist me up.
MILLWARD
Okay...
Millward tries to give Cavis a "leg" up over the gate. The attempt is quite clumsy and looks more like a wrestling match.
MILLWARD (CONT'D)
You're stepping on my... Ouch!
CAVIS
Just a little higher...
MILLWARD
Ow...you're slipping!
CAVIS
If you could just...
Cavis slides out of Millward's grip and lands off screen with a CRASH and a CAT'S MEOW.
MILLWARD
Sorry.
(beat)
Try again?
cut TO:
nezzer's office int -momENTS LATER
Tight on Nezzer's face. He is still sitting bolt upright on his couch. He looks very, very sleepy.
Cut to Clock. 11:50.
Cut back to Nezzer.
nEZZER
(a little slurred)
I'm just gonna stay awake... right here...
His facial expression remains unchanged, but very slowly he rolls right out of the frame, onto his side on the couch. After a pause we hear SNORING.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT FACTORY GATES - eVENING
Still another attempt. Cavis is balancing precariously on Millward's head, almost out of frame.
CAVIS
Just a little bit...
MILLWARD
I can't quite...
CAVIS
... Just an inch or two...
MILLWARD
I'm trying as hard as...
CAVIS
Got it. Millward?
MILLWARD
(gasp!)
Act casual.
At that moment Millward notices something and snaps to a very casual pose, leaving Cavis' rump dangling at the top of the screen. A policeman enters, walking his beat. He and Millward exchange smiles and nods. Millward watches him exit.
Cavis slips and falls on top of Millward. They end up in a heap.
ext chuRCH - nIGHT
Moyer is locking up the front doors to the Church. He looks up at the old building and gets a little misty. He turns surprised to see Laura, the lily girl standing there.
MOYER
Ach! You're up awfully late, lassie!
LAURA
Yes, sir. But is it true what they're saying about the church?
MOYER
Aye, Lass. It's true.
LAURA
But what's going to happen? What about the orphanage?
Moyer just stares at her hopelessly and sighs.
MOYER
Let me see you home, Lass.
As they walk off, we...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT Edmund's bedroom - nIGHT
Rev. Gilbert and Edmund are just finishing up their bedtime prayers.
REVEREND GILBERT
Amen.
Edmund
(cough)
Amen.
REVEREND GILBERT
Now, you get to sleep. It's late and we've all got a big day tomorrow.
Rev. Gilbert starts to go.
Edmund
Dad?
REVEREND GILBERT
Yes?
Edmund
I'm still really worried about Old Man- I mean Mister Nezzer tearing down the church. What'll we do?
REVEREND GILBERT
Now, Edmund, as crazy as it sounds, you have to have hope.
Edmund
Hope? Hope for what?
REVEREND GILBERT
Hope that no matter what happens, God is taking care of us. Anything could happen between now and tomorrow!
Edmund
I guess so, but -
REVEREND GILBERT
"Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see."
Goodnight, Edmund. I love you...
Edmund
I love you too, Dad.
Edmund closes his eyes. Rev. Gilbert smiles after him, but gives a worried look as he closes the door.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT aSPARAGUS HOME (Looking in)- nIGHT
Looking in the window, we see Rev Gilbert approach his wife. They exchange concerned glances.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT street - nIGHT
Angle on St. Michael's orphanage sign. Moyer and Laura walk by.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT church - nIGHT
Angle on the church. Policeman walks by.
DISSOLVE TO:
iNT. factory - midnight
The clock on the wall strikes twelve.
The portrait stares down at Nezzer
The key in the side of the egg begins to turn. As it slowly plays its simple tune, the egg opens up revealing a little ANGEL (HOPE). The shell of the egg becomes a skirt for her. She looks around, stretches, and flies over to the head of the couch and looks down softly at the sleeping Nezzer. She taps his head as he snores.
He turns his back to her.
She whacks him on the head with her key.
nEZZER (CONT'D)
(waking up and seeing Hope)
Wha-? Hey! Wha-? It's a BUG! A BIG bug!
Hope flies up to Nezzer's face.
hope
Do I look like a bug to you?
NEZZER
(confused)
Hmm? You're... you're...
HOPE
(dramatic)
... your worst nightmare!
(chuckles)
Oh, I've always wanted to say that!
Nezzer figures it out, and gasps.
NEZZER
[gasp] You're... you're... the VISITOR!
HOPE
Ding ding! Give the man a prize! Maybe you aren't as dense as they say...
NEZZER
(nervous)
So what are you doing here?
HOPE
... or maybe you are. Did you hear anything your grandmother said?
Throughout this scene Nezzer is trying to backpedal away from Hope. Hope keeps advancing toward him. Nezzer is CLEARLY uncomfortable with the 'visitation.'
NEZZER
Uh... something about me missing the point... or something...
HOPE
Yes, Ebenezer - you've missed the point! The point of Easter... the point of that church over there...
NEZZER
Oh, I know the point of that church! They try to keep people locked up all Easter so they can't buy my eggs! That's why we'll all be better off without it!
Hope just stares at him.
HOPE
And I thought we could do this the easy way. Here, wind me up and let's go. We've got some ground to cover.
He winds her up and puts the key on the mantle. A sweet little TUNE begins to play ("Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"). As it begins, the scene melts away and they are flying together over the rooftops of London. Nezzer is terrified.
NEZZER
(panicky)
What are we doing up here? Take me back!
HOPE
Not so fast, big fella. I've got lots to show you...
NEZZER
W-well... could ya put it in a picture book... or maybe some slides?
HOPE (cont'd)
Nice try. Look, Ebenezer, you're going to see many things tonight. But mostly you're going to see that you are a first-class stinker. Oh, you're not a miser or a scrooge or anything like that. You just don't see what's right in front of you.
NEZZER
Look out!
They just miss running into the church steeple.
HOPE
Whoa! Here we are! Buckle up for landing!
They go down.
ExT church - NIGHT
They touch down on the front steps of the church.
NEZZER
Is this place still here? This is where I'm building Easter Land, you know...
HOPE
So I heard. After you.
CUT TO:
INT cHURCH - DAY (past)
They enter the sanctuary. ORGAN MUSIC is playing. Nezzer spies an usher by the door.
nEZZER
(whispered - to usher)
Hey! You gotta help me! I've been kidnapped by a bug!
Hope watches amused as the usher fails to respond.
nEZZER
What's the matter with that guy?
hOPE
He can't hear you, Ebenezer. You're not really here.
NEZZER
Hmm?
(spots something)
Hey... it's Grandma!
Nezzer rushes over to Grandma's pew. Hope follows.
NEZZER
Grandma! You're ok! What are you doing here?
HOPE
She can't hear you.
NEZZER
(louder)
Hi Grandma! You feeling okay?
HOPE
You're not really here, Ebenezer. This is Easter Past.
NEZZER
Easter Past?
He looks around. It dawns on him.
NEZZER (cont'd)
Oh. That's Grandma, alright. But, I don't remember that funny lookin' kid.
They look down and see a red-haired YOUNG EBENEZER looking over an Easter basket filled with treats including the egg music box.
HOPE
That's you. Now hush up and listen.
NEZZER
Ooo! That's my first Easter basket! I remember that!
Young Ebenezer opens up one of the eggs.
Young ebenezer
Hey! It's empty.
GrANDMOTHER NEZZER
Yes, just like the tomb in the story. Now listen, Ebenezer. This is important!
Angle on Nezzer at these words - they remind him of the portrait message.
YOUNG EBENEZER
But there's nothing here.
GRANDMOTHER NEZZER
Oh look! Look!
YOUNG EBENEZER
Not even a jelly bean.
The sanctuary fills with sunlight and a beautiful window illuminates. Ebenezer, Nezzer and Hope look up. The window portrays a Nativity scene. Young Ebenezer glances up for a moment.
YOUNG EBENEZER (cont'd)
Christmas?
He goes back to his basket.
NEZZER
I Thought this was about Easter.
GRANDMOTHER NEZZER
Yes, that's where the story begins. You can't have one without the other. You see...
Her voice trails off as Young Ebenezer just turns to the KID next to him.
YOUNG EBENEZER
Hey, buddy. Wanna buy an Easter egg?
This infuriates Nezzer.
NEZZER
Boy, listen to your Grandma! She's only trying to help you, you know.
(to Hope)
He won't listen to anybody.
Hope just stares at him.
HOPE
Yeah, I noticed. Come on. Nothing more to see here.
Nezzer looks again at Young Ebenezer. His basket is empty (except for the music box) and he is counting his money. They walk toward the door.
NEZZER
I still don't understand that Christmas thing. Sure was a pretty picture, though.
HOPE
(dryly)
Too bad you're going to knock it down.
NEZZER
(not getting the sarcasm)
Yeah. Can I go home now?
They exit into...
CUT TO:
INT nEZZER'S OFFICE - DAY (a few months ago)
Nezzer looks around a little surprised that his journey is over so soon.
NEZZER
Oh! Great! Well, thanks for a very lovely evening! I sure did learn a lot... but I've got a business to run, so be sure to say 'hi' to your little bug friends for me!
He turns around and sees somebody is already there.
The stranger turns around. It is EBENEZER (We will refer to past Nezzer as Ebenezer.
NEZZER (cont'd)
Wha- who?
Nezzer glances between Hope and the other Nezzer suspiciously.
NEZZER
Well now you messed things up! I've got TWO of me!
HOPE
Hang on... This is still Easter Past. A year ago. Last Easter. Don't you remember this day?
Nezzer turns to watch. EBENEZER looks up to the egg counter. It reads 317. He turns to Grandmother's portrait.
Ebenezer
Oh, Grandma, the chickens have been slowing down since you... Um..since you...
He can't quite say "died"
EBENEZER (cONT'D)
But I've got a plan.
There is a loud knock at the door. Ebenezer, Hope and Nezzer turn.
SEYMOUR SCHWENK (Pa Grape) enters. (The same costume from "The Star of Christmas, but maybe with a flower in his lapel since it's Easter). As the door opens, we hear the sound of dozens OF clucking chickens. Seymour enters carrying a strange mechanical contraption... like a chest with little mechanical rabbits and Easter lilies on top. It is activated with a large lever on the side, making the rabbits and lilies dance on a small stage.
EBENEZER
Oh, Seymour! Thanks for coming!
(notices box)
What's that?
sEYMOUR
Ah! My latest invention! The Easter-ma-phonia! I'm delivering it to the church!
EBENEZER
(eyes widen)
Oooh! How's it work?
SEYMOUR
Just throw this lever and watch the fun!
Seymour throws the lever and the contraption clacks out a strong tempo as the bunnies and lilies frolic mechanically. Ebenezer takes a fancy to the tempo.
EBENEZER
Mmmm... I like that crazy beat!
He starts subtly groovin' to the beat.
seymour
So... you called for an inventor?
Ebenezer responds, and the conversation falls naturally into the cadence of the machine, a la "He Doesn't Know the Territory" from "The Music Man."
EBENEZER
Why yes I did, Seymour. Ya see I got a little problem.
SEYMOUR
Problem?
EBENEZER
Problem.
SEYMOUR
Problem.
EBENEZER
Yes I got a little problem with my chickens.
SEYMOUR
Chickens?
EBENEZER
Birds.
SEYMOUR
Boids.
Well, I don't know why you called me, then. I'm an inventor, and I don't know nothin' much about boids.
HOPE
Boids.
NEZZER
Boids?
Nezzer is becoming slightly entranced at what he is witnessing.
SEYMOUR
Yup, I don't know nothin' much about boids.
EBENEZER
Well, that's exactly why I called you, friend. You see, I need a way to make eggs round the clock. These real chickens are always needing a rest. Ya see, they don't last.
SEYMOUR
But where do I come in?
EBENEZER
Well I hear you're a whiz when it comes to inventin'.
SEYMOUR
Inventin'?
EBENEZER
Inventin'. Mechenization. Industrialization.
SEYMOUR
Inventing things sure is fun.
EBENEZER
Well, what I need my friend is a row of chickens.
SEYMOUR
Chickens?
EBENEZER
Chickens. Mechanical chickens as far as the eye can see.
SEYMOUR
Boids.
EBENEZER
You catch on quick.
SEYMOUR
But what about the eggs?
EBENEZER
Eggs?
SEYMOUR
Eggs! Eggs!
EBENEZER
What about the eggs?
SEYMOUR
Can a tin chickens lay real eggs?
EBENEZER
Plastic.
SEYMOUR
Plastic?
HOPE
(dryly, almost accusingly to Nezzer)
Plastic.
EBENEZER
Plastic, my friend. In whatever color you can think it.
SEYMOUR
Plastic.
EBENEZER
Yes, with mechanical chickens and plastics eggs I can make Easter bigger than before.
SEYMOUR
Easter?
EBENEZER
Easter. Yes, Easter.
SEYMOUR
Wait a minute.
Seymour turns off the Easter-ma-phonia.
SEYMOUR (cont'd)
You can't make Easter bigger with plastic eggs!
Ebenezer grabs the lever and turns it back on.
EBENEZER
But, what I said my friend...
Seymour grabs it back and shuts off the machine.
SEYMOUR
No, no, no... You got it all wrong.
EBENEZER
What do you mean?
Nezzer listens intently, as if it were the first time he's heard this.
SEYMOUR
Easter's not about plastic eggs and bunnies and baskets.
Nezzer thinks a moment.
EBENEZER
But isn't Easter supposed to last forever?
SEYMOUR
Of course.
EBENEZER
And doesn't plastic last forever?
SEYMOUR
Yeah, but...
EBENEZER
Well, I don't see the difference.
Seymour can't quite get around this logic.
SEYMOUR
Well, it's kinda...
Nezzer jumps on his chance. He grabs the lever and turns the Easter-ma-phonia back on.
EBENEZER
Inventing things sure is fun.
SEYMOUR
How's that?
EBENEZER
I said inventing things sure is fun.
SEYMOUR
Plastic?
EBENEZER
Plastic.
HOPE
Plastic.
EBENEZER
Chickens.
SEYMOUR
Boids?
EBENEZER
Chickens. Laying eggs all night long.
They exit the office (carrying the box) reciting the mantra leaving Hope and Nezzer alone.
Hope just glares at Nezzer.
NEZZER
What?
HOPE
Did you even pay him?
NEZZER
I gave him an annual pass to Easter Land. 10% off at the gift shop.
HOPE
Oh, that's generous.
Hope opens the office door.
NEZZER
Ya think?
HOPE
Out you.
They exit into...
Cut TO:
EXT FACTORY GATES - nIGHT
...The Street just outside of the big impressive factory gates.
NEZZER
Oh my. It's night again. You keep messing with the lights.
He looks around some more.
NEZZER
Now I don't remember this at all. What happened here?
HOPE
This isn't your past, Ebenezer. This is the present.
Behind them, at the gates, Cavis (still trying to break into the factory) swings in on a ROPE and slams into the gate. Millward hops in to check on him.
CAVIS
Oof.
NEZZER
A present? For me? Awww... You shouldn't have.
Cavis ambles out of frame. Millward just watches.
HOPE
No, not a present, the present. Easter Present. The here and now.
Bob comes bounding into frame again, hits the gates (a little higher this time) and slides to the ground. Millward hops off as Cavis lies there.
Hope shakes her head at Nezzer's denseness.
HOPE
Let's go for a ride.
She touches Nezzer's coat and they rise out of frame.
Millward returns to the gate carrying a rocket from Seymour's rickshaw.
MILLWARD
How about one of Seymour's rockets?
CUT TO:
I/E. street/asparagus home - nIGHT (present)
They land in the street in front of a house. Nezzer looks around.
NEZZER
What's this place?
Hope motions to the window.
HOPe
Listen.
They walk over to a brightly lit window. It is the home of the ASPARAGUS FAMILY. Nezzer and Hope watch from outside.
DAD and MOM ASPARAGUS sit in their living room with MOYER.
mOYER
Well if Nezzer really knew how his Grandmother felt, he wouldn't touch that old church.
NEZZER
I wouldn't?
Reverend Gilbert
No, she sure loved that old place. Did you know she paid for all those beautiful windows herself?
MOYER
Aye. And the new window we were going ta unveil tomorrow - she commissioned it just before she passed away.
REVEREND GILBERT
She sure would've loved everyone to see it. Now Nezzer's gonna knock the whole thing down...
(sigh)
I should've talked with him more.
Mom asparagus
Dear, this isn't your fault.
MOYER
No, it's that old sour Nezzer's fault. Why I'd like to take that old coal scuttle and teach him a thing or two. I'd weave his Easter basket inta a pretty kettle of fish, I'd...
He notices Rev and Mom staring at him.
MOYER
(ahem)
I guess he just needs to get out of that factory and find out what Easter is all about.
NEZZER
What a ninny. The factory is what Easter is all about. The eggs, the baskets...
Hope turns to Nezzer aggressively.
hOPE
You don't get it, do you? They're talking about the hope of Easter! The hope of Easter changes everything!
(pause)
Take it away, and you won't like what you'll get.
NEZZER
I'll get a lot more time for folks to buy eggs, that's what I'll get! And I'll get to build Easter Land and keep my Grandma alive forever!
Hope turns away in frustration.
HOPE
Hrrrrg!
Something catches Nezzer's eye, and he turns back to the window. Coughing, Edmund steps into the room in his pajamas.
Edmund
Mom? Dad?
REVEREND GILBERT
Edmund! You're supposed to be asleep.
Edmund
I know, but I couldn't sleep and, well... I've been thinking.
REVEREND GILBERT
Yes, son?
Edmund
Mom, Mr. Nezzer isn't a bad man.
Mom Asparagus
You don't think so?
NEZZER
What a sweet little boy. I like him.
Edmund
No. He just doesn't have something that the we all have. The thing that let's us celebrate Easter all year long...
This starts to sink into Nezzer. Suddenly, Edmund has a coughing spasm. This momentarily diverts Nezzer's attention. Edmund regains his composure to the relief of his parents. His mother leads him back to bed.
mom asPARAGUS
Come on, Edmund... you shouldn't be out of bed...
NEZZER
What's going on? That little boy, how sick is he?
Hope has returned to his side and is watching as well.
HOPE
Very sick, I'm afraid.
NEZZER
Is he gonna...
HOPE
There's medicine, but it's very expensive. If the folks at the church can't collect enough money...
(quietly)
This will be his last Easter.
Nezzer is visibly shaken. He actually likes the little guy. He looks at Edmund's parents, who seem calm and peaceful.
NEZZER
(shaken)
Well - when are the doctors gonna tell his parents?
HOPE
(calmly)
They already know.
This is beyond Nezzer's comprehension.
nEZZER
(deeply confused)
Wha-? They know?
(he looks at them again)
But they're so calm! How can they be so calm? I don't... I don't understand!
He's speechless. He's so confused he looks terrified - like a child. Hope looks at him firmly but gently.
HOPE
Ebenezer - are you ready to listen?
Nezzer just nods his head, eyes wide. Hope touches his coat, and as the camera spins around them, the street scene melts away to black limbo.
dISSOLVE TO:
church int -unknown
Nezzer stands confused in a small, dim pool of light. Hope floats 10-12 feet away, seemingly self-illuminated.
NEZZER
(looking around, scared)
Wh-where am I?
Hope begins to sing. As she does, stained glass windows begin to illuminate around him, illustrating the story of the life of Christ. We see that they are in the church. Nezzer looks up at the Nativity image from his youth.
HOPE
There's a story that started on Christmas
When a baby was born in the night And those who came far Ð who followed the star
Were seeing a heavenly sightÉ
a heavenly sight.
Previous stanza: The Christmas window animates. Wisemen arrive with gifts for the child - the star shines brightly - Mary and Joseph look down at Jesus lovingly.
hOPE
Well the years hurried by, and the boy, now a man,
Could make the blind see with a touch of his hand
He was born to be King Ð he was Rabbi and Priest
But the best that he had, he gave to the leastÉ
he gave to the least.
One or two windows. Adult Jesus walks into first window, heals blind man. Continues on to second window, but stops and lets the crowd pass to kneel down with an old beggar woman on the street.
He was born and he died Ð almost 2000 years ago
He laughed and he cried Ð he felt all the fears we know
But what does it matter? A story so strange Ð
Even if it is true Ð what does it change?
For this previous section we focus on Hope singing to Nezzer. No windows.
hOPE
Well he spoke like a prophet Ð like no one they'd heard
This simple young carpenter Ð crowds hung on every word
He hated injustice Ð He taught what is right
He said, "I'm the way, and the truth, and light."
Window showing Jesus speaking to crowd. Crowd amazed.
hOPE
His friends soon believed that he was the one.
The SaviorÉ MessiahÉ in fact, God's own son.
But others, they doubted, they did not agree
So they took him, they tried him, he died on a treeÉ
he died on a tree.
Two windows - in first window disciples are around Jesus. Then Judas enters with soldiers, arresting Jesus. They lead him out, leaving disciples sorrowful. Pan over to last window to see Jesus on the cross. He looks down sadly, lovingly. Soldiers mingle around the base.
Hope looks from the window to Nezzer. Nezzer is clearly shaken. He has been wrapped up in the story, his face growing progressively brighter, until now.
nEZZER
(crestfallen)
That's it? They killed him?
(pause)
Where's the hope in that?
HOPE
If that was the end of the story, there'd be no hope.
(brightens)
But it isn't.
Nezzer seems confused. Then a light begins illuminating directly behind him - at the back of the church. He notices, his eyes widening slightly. Nezzer turns slowly to see a strong light gradually illuminate the huge, round window at the rear of the church, showing Jesus risen. Hope sings as Nezzer turns...
hOPE
God has made a way...
For all who mourn and grieve.
Death will never be the end
If you just believe.
Nezzer sees the full window. The score swells as the light streams around Nezzer. Hope sings with the full orchestra...
hopE
There is nothing left to fear,
Nothing Heaven knows.
For He died for us to give us life,
and to give us hope He rose.
As Nezzer stares at the window, soaking in the meaning, he notices the entire space is now flooding with light. He turns back around to see Hope, shining brightly, with about 30 more, bigger "Hopes" floating behind her (male and female), forming an angelic choir. The choir repeats the last chorus bigger and more celebratory than before.
choir
There is nothing left to fear,
Nothing Heaven knows.
For He died for us to give us life,
and to give us hope He rose.
Hope comes toward Nezzer, as the rest of the angels float behind.
hOPE (CONT'D)
He didn't stay dead, Ebenezer. He rose. "O death, where is thy victory. O grave, where is thy sting?" The hope of Easter is life everlasting. If you believe.
nEZZER
(thoughtfully)
You mean I don't need to build Easter Land to keep my Grandma alive?
HOPE
Ebenezer, your grandmother believed. And her mother. And her mother's mother before her. They're all together now... and some day, you'll join them. If you believe.
Nezzer begins to smile, warmed by his new understanding of Easter.
NEZZER
I've been meaning to ask you... what's your name, anyway?
Hope smiles, then softly and sweetly...
HOPE
Hope.
Nezzer smiles. Hope suddenly grows darker, changing the subject.
hOPE (CONT'D)
Of course, we all have to live with our decisions...
nEZZER
(worried)
Huh?
HOPE
(quoting Nezzer)
"The world would be a better place if that church was never built!"
NEZZER
(nervous)
What? Oh... that... I...
HOPE
I'm afraid it's time to see what this town would be like without the hope of Easter...
Nezzer looks around, scared. The light in the church has dimmed. The other "Hopes" are gone.
NEZZER
Uh... oh...
HOPE
Welcome to Easter Future.
Just then there is a thunderous crash, as a wrecking ball smashes through the large stained-glass window behind them. Nezzer spins to see shards of colored glass fall like confetti. He is frozen in terror.
hOPE (CONT'D)
Come on! We've got to get out of here!
Ext cHURCH - cONTINUOUS
They run out into the street, to see several workmen running the wrecking ball, demolishing the church.
nEZZER
Oh, no!
A voice interrupts.
laura
Please sir, would you buy a pencil?
Nezzer spins to see Laura, looking much dirtier and more disheveled than before, with a tin cup full of pencils.
NEZZER
(startled)
You can see me?
Just then a workman steps by Nezzer and tosses a coin into her cup.
workman
Allright, ya street urchin... now go home!
lAURA
I've got no home, sir... but bless you!
Hope comes up beside Nezzer, who is confused.
NEZZER
What? I don't understand... isn't the orphanage taking care of her?
hoPE
It was, but this orphanage - like most orphanages - was founded by folks filled with the hope of Easter. They believed there was more than this world... than this life... so they gave freely to help others. No Easter, no hope - no orphanage.
Nezzer's face shows his growing alarm. Suddenly laura yells.
lAURA (o.S.)
Hey! My pencils!
Nezzer looks up to see a thief (Milk Money Bandit?) running off with Laura's pencil cup.
bandit
Ha ha ha!
nEZZER
Hey! Somebody stop him!
The thief runs right by the Police Officer from Act 1, who notices him pass and blows his whistle.
nEZZER (CONT'D)
Oh! He'll get him! He's been honored for his bravery!
officer
Stop thief!
The thief stops and turns to the officer.
banDIT
(taunting)
What are you gonna do about it?
The officer looks around nervously, and slowly shrinks back.
OFFICER
Uh... nothing...
BANDIT
Ha ha ha!
The thief laughs as he runs off into the night.
nEZZER
(confused)
I don't get it! Wha...
hOPE
What do you think made him brave in the first place? Without the hope of Easter... why would anyone risk their life for someone else?
The truth is crashing in on Nezzer. It is almost more than he can bear.
NEZZER
No more... Hope - show me no more...
Hope looks truly sorrowful about what Nezzer must see next.
HOPE
We're not finished, I'm afraid...
CUT TO:
EXT cemetery - cONTINUOUS
She turns Nezzer around. He finds himself in the cemetery behind the church. Just ahead is Reverend Gilbert, facing away, head down. He isn't wearing his collar.
NEZZER
Reverend Gilbert... he's not wearing his collar...
(thinks)
Right. No church.
Just then the Reverend somberly turns and walks away, revealing the headstone he was standing before. Nezzer looks down and sees what he dreads - "Edmund Gilbert." Nezzer's face falls.
nEZZER (CONT'D)
(hushed)
Oh no... Don't tell me...
hOPE
Ebenezer - If there's nothing bigger than this... if this life is all we've got... well, "Eat, drink and be merry. For tomorrow we will die." Without the hope of Easter, everyone spends their money on themselves! When Edmund's parents tried to collect for the medicine, no one would give.
Behind Nezzer's back, Hope begins to wind down. Her colors fade, and she slowly sinks from view.
NEZZER
(not seeing Hope)
No... What have I done? It can't end this way... we have to change it... Hope -
Nezzer turns to Hope, but finds the music box folded up on the ground, lifeless.
nEZZER (CONT'D)
Hope? Tell me it can change! Tell me it doesn't have to be this way! Hope! We need you!
Nezzer looks up at the church. The sounds of demolition are still in the air.
NEZZER (CONT'D)
I've got to stop them!
He takes off in a sprint toward the church.
NEZZER (CONT'D)
Stop! Stop! We need hope!
As he nears the church, there is a huge crash. Nezzer stops and looks up, to see the church steeple falling... directly toward him...
NEZZER (CONT'D)
No! Hope! I need you!
CUT TO black:
FADE IN:
ACT THREE
i/e NEZZER'S OFFICE/street - mORNING
Nezzer wakes up on the couch with a start - sitting bolt upright. He looks around, breathing hard.
nEZZER
Huh? Hope! Is it too late?
Panic-stricken, he runs to the window and looks out. It's a beautiful Spring morning. He sees Laura Carrot walking by, still holding her lilies.
NEZZER
You there! Girl!
LAURA
Yes, gov?
NEZZER
What day is it?
LAURA
Today?
NEZZER
Yes, yes, yes today. What day is it?
LAURA
Why it's Easter Sunday.
NEZZER
(ecstatic)
Easter Sunday! Easter Sunday! It never sounded sweeter! It's not too late after all!
LAURA
Buy a lily, gov'ner?
NEZZER
Oh, yes... yes... you wonderful little girl! Why, I'll buy ALL your lilies!
Laura looks on confused as Nezzer disappears for a moment, then returns, tossing a small bag of money out to the surprised girl.
LAURA
(eyes wide)
Oh - thank you, gov'ner!
NEZZER
No... thank you!
Nezzer runs out of his office excitedly. We watch him run through the factory and out the door, where the chickens are still running insanely high. As Nezzer disappears out the door, we pan over to see a pressure gauge, with the needle buried in the red zone. The needle shudders, and a spray of steam suddenly bursts out of the base of the gauge.
CuT TO:
EXT FACTORY GATES - cONTINUOUS
Millward and Cavis stand there exhausted at their attempt at breaking in.
mILLWARD
(fatigued beyond belief)
I can't go on... I can't go on...
cAVIS
No... we can't give up, Millward! There must be some way to get in there!
Just then Nezzer bursts through the gate, leaving it wide open. He doesn't even slow down.
nEZZER
Good morning, Cavis and Millward! Happy Easter!
Cavis and Millward stare off after Nezzer in disbelief. Just then a small pipe bursts inside the factory behind them, releasing a larger stream of steam. Cavis and Millward startle, then turn and stare into the open factory door.
CAVIS
Oh dear.
They look at each other, wondering what they should do.
cut TO:
ext cHURCH - cONTINUOUS
A small team of workmen (peas?) with sledgehammers stand on the steps of the church. A wrecking ball is set up on whatever sort of a device they used to demolish buildings in the 1880's. We hear Reverend Gilbert inside addressing the assembled congregation.
rEVEREND GILBERT (o.S.)
Thank you for coming so early, everyone, to what will be the last Easter Sunday we celebrate in this church.
cut TO:
int cHURCH - cONTINUOUS
Close-ups of several parishioners looking at each other sorrowfully as a murmur rises from the congregation.
rEVEREND GILBERT
Moyer is talking to the workmen right now, to see if they'll give us just a few minutes...
Just then Moyer steps inside the main doors. He looks at the Reverend and shakes his head sadly. The Reverend's face falls and he looks aside.
rEVEREND GILBERT
(disappointed)
Hmm.
Just then the doors burst open, and 3 or 4 sledgehammer weilding peas enter.
jean Claude
We are very sorry, Reverend, but we have our orders!
phillipe
Ze church must come down!
The crowd stirs, turning to see the workmen.
rEVEREND GILBERT
Oh... gentlemen...
The peas take up positions along the back wall, and raise their hammers.
jEAN CLAUDE
It is a crying shame, but you cannot stand in the way of progress!
The congregation watches in horror as the hammers rise... then suddenly...
nEZZER (o.S.)
Wait!
Everyone startles and looks up. Who said that?
nEZZER (o.S.)
Wait!
Just then Nezzer appears in the doorway, out of breath. The audience gasps... some members look on angrily.
NEZZER
Don't touch this church!
Reverend Gilbert steps down from the platform, confused.
rEVEREND GILBERT
Mr. Nezzer... What did you say?
NEZZER
I said don't touch this church!
The peas lower their hammers. Nezzer slowly walks down the aisle, explaining.
nEZZER
I know I told you to tear it down... that we'd all be better off without it... but I was wrong! I know that now!
(a rise from the crowd)
I thought Easter was about eggs and candy. But it's more than that! It's about hope! The hope that this life isn't all there is... that dying isn't the end... it's a new beginning... if you believe. That's what my Grandma was trying to tell me! That's what this church has been telling people since before I was born!
(people smile)
I've seen what life would be like without the hope of Easter! And believe me, you don't wanna go there! No, this church is staying right here, so everybody can hear about the hope of Easter!
(pause)
Just like my Grandma would want it!
Smiles all around. Rising score... hopeful... then...
mILLWARD (o.S.)
Somebody! Anybody!
Everyone turns to see Millward, out of breath and dirty, leaning in the back door.
mILLWARD
(panting)
The factory! The chickens! It's all gonna blow!
The crowd gasps.
nEZZER
What?
MILLWARD
We tried to turn off the chickens... but they're too hot. I got out okay... but Cavis is still inside! He's trapped!
The crowd reacts.
rEVEREND GILBERT
Someone call the police!
moYER
Call the fire department!
Tight on Nezzer, who is thinking hard. Comes to a conclusion.
nEZZER
(resolute)
I've gotta save him!
cUT TO:
iNT. FACTORY -momENTS LATER
The factory is a steaming, hissing mess. Camera shakes throughout. Steam hisses - shooting randomly. Chickens whirr like maniacs. The central egg storage tank, a giant egg-shaped iron tank, is filled beyond its capacity. The pipes around it shake violently, as more eggs try to stuff themselves into the overfilled tank. Nezzer steps into the factory through a side door 15 feet up on a catwalk, looking around in alarm.
nEZZER
Cavis! Can you hear me?
Cavis looks up from across the factory floor, surprised.
cAVIS
Mr. Nezzer? Wha- How'd you get in here?
Nezzer hops down a flight of steps toward the factory floor.
NEZZER
The fire escape... on the back! Are you okay?
CAVIS
Yeah... I think so... I forgot about that old fire escape!
Nezzer and Csvis meet on the factory floor. Nezzer looks toward the front door and sees that it is blocked by a tank that has fallen over. He looks back at the fire escape.
NEZZER
(laughing)
It's a good think I remembered, or we'd BOTH be trapped in here! Come on!
They turn to the fire escape, but are rocked by an explosion. A small tank below the catwalk has ruptured. They watch it shoot up into the air, knocking out the catwalk and stairs leading to the fire escape door. The catwalk collapses with a crash to the factory floor. Now the door taunts them, unreachable, from 15 feet in the air. They are trapped. They stare at the door, then turn and stare at the pressure gauge on the giant egg tank. The needle is perilously close to the red.
nEZZER
Once that needle hits the red, we've got no more than 10 seconds.
cAVIS
Until what?
Nezzer gives him a look that tells him all he needs to know. Doom.
cAVIS
Oh, Mr. Nezzer! If I hadn't tried to turn off the chickens, you wouldn't be in here right now!
Nezzer calmly looks at Cavis.
NEZZER
Cavis, no matter what happens, I've got hope.
Cavis' face brightens as he realizes what Nezzer means by this. They share a moment, then both look confidently around for a way out. Cavis eyes the huge factory windows 20 feet off the ground.
CAVIS
If only we could fly...
Nezzer looks at the windows, then gets an idea...
NEZZER
Maybe we can!
CAVIS
What?
Cavis follows Nezzer's gaze to the "egg cart crane" in the center of the factory floor. It is basically a big arm that picks up egg carts and spins around its axis to deposit them on different tracks. Cavis looks very confused.
Cut to Cavis and Nezzer settling into an egg cart moments later. The cart is held by the end of the arm. Cavis is still confused, but Nezzer seems to be enjoying himself. The factory rattles and shakes. Every now and then, a large pipe falls with a clatter.
cAVIS
(frantic)
I don't get it! How is going around in circles going to get us out of here?
Nezzer settles in and hands Cavis the wired control box for the crane. (two or three buttons)
nEZZER
You'll see! Just hang onto this and don't push the yellow button until I say so!
Nezzer pushes a button as he hands the box to Cavis, and the crane starts rotating... gradually going faster and faster.
CAVIS
(nervously)
Sh-shouldn't YOU have the controls?
NEZZER
No! I have to watch that gauge!
Cavis looks over and sees the needle nearly touching the red.
cUT TO:
eXT. FACTORY GATES - cONTINUOUS
A small crowd stands outside the gates, which are again closed.
mILLWARD
(frantic)
All the exits are blocked! How are they gonna get out?
rEVEREND GILBERT
Don't worry! Our police officer is one of the bravest on the force!
With a yell, Officer Jerry (?) runs at the gate from across the street.
officer jerry
Aiiiiiaaaaa!
In a sequence that repeats one of Cavis' entry attempts, Jerry flies through the frame, smacking soundly into the gate well below its top. He slides down the bars, moaning.
oFFICER JERRY
[moan]
Reverend Gilbert and his wife look on, frozen, for a beat, then the Reverend turns to his wife...
rEVEREND GILBERT
Did we start the prayer chain?
Millward looks up at the factory windows, nervously.
cut TO:
iNT. FACTORY -cONTINUOUS
The crane arm is now spinning furiously. Nezzer and Cavis fly around like test pilots, cheeks flapping. Cavis looks up, shaking violently, then down at his yellow button.
cAVIS
Is it time, yet?
nEZZER
No! We aren't going fast enough!
CAVIS
How's the needle?
NEZZER
Almost there...
The needle hits the red, and the giant egg tank starts shaking. Steam bursts out of the gauge stem.
nEZZER
Here we go! 10-9-8-7-
Cavis' cheeks flap in the wind as he tightly clutches the control box. Pipes fall around them. The din is maddening. Nezzer looks up at a particular window as they spin around, obviously trying to time something.
NEZZER
6-5-4-3-2... Hit it!
Cavis' eyes go wide as we hear the button click! Cut to metal pins pulling out from the sides of the cart, releasing it from the spinning arm! The cart is launched into the air with incredible speed!
nezzer and cavis
Aaaaaaaahhhhhh!
Close-up of the gauge exploding... rivets pop out of the giant tank... She's gonna blow!
cut TO:
eXT. FACTORY GATES - cONTINUOUS
The crowd looks up, silenced by the great rumbling they hear...
Cut to the huge factory window. After a beat, we hear a huge explosion. In slow-motion, every pane of glass immediately blows out from the force, followed very quickly by two screaming vegetables in an egg cart that sail out of the window, pursued by a flock of flying plastic eggs.
nEZZER AND CAVIS
Aaaaaaaaahhhhh!
From the ground, the townspeople crane their necks, mouths agape, as the two fellow citizens shoot across the street high overhead.
Dramatic shot: Track ahead of the egg cart, watching the screaming veggies as the factory explodes in the background.
Low-angle: The cart hits the ground and slides, spinning, to a dramatic stop. Score crescendoes as the relieved veggies slump back in the cart.
nEZZER
(relieved)
Oh! We made it!
cAVIS
Whoo whoo whoo! That was amazing!
Then Nezzer peaks out and notices something disturbing. They aren't on the ground at all, but rather are balanced precariously on the peak of the church roof. They landed on the church roof! The cart teeters as Nezzer moves.
NEZZER
Uh... Cavis... uh...
Cavis peaks over the edge. The cart starts to tip...
CAVIS
What?
NEZZER
No! Get back! Stay over there!
Cavis moves across the cart, terrified. The cart balances again. Townspeople gather beneath them on the street, staring up perplexed.
nEZZER
I think we're okay...
Cut to Cavis, who relaxes, chuckling.
cAVIS
Heh heh... heh...
Suddenly his nose twitches. He sniffs. Nezzer freezes and looks on nervously.
cAVIS
(after a pause)
Achoooo!
Cavis jerks tremendously with his sneeze, and the cart tips rapidly.
nEZZER AND CAVIS
No... no... no!
Down the steeply pitched roof they race! The townspeople look on in horror!
nezZer anD CAVIS
Aaaaaahh!
Near the bottom of the roofline, the cart hits a dormer which throws it up into the air again, sending it sailing across the street and over a shorter building. The townspeople scramble in pursuit! Nezzer and Cavis scream all the way!
Across that building, they land on the incline of another roof, and their momentum carries them close to the peak. They don't reach the peak, though, and instead hang for a pregnant moment on the side of the roof as the townspeople gather below, and then head back down the roof backwards!
NEZZER AND CAVIS
Aaaaaahhh!
Directly below, two shopkeepers discuss opening up from across the street.
shopkeeper 1
Good morning Jeffrey! Lovely day!
shopKEEPER 2
Certainly is, Ronald! Bit bright, though!
He flips a lever, releasing his awning, which unrolls in one quick movement. Just then an egg cart with two veggies falls into the frame, bouncing off his awning. The townspeople track the cart across the street, headed straight for shopkeeper 1. Unaware, he opens his awning, and the cart bounces off. This pattern repeats several more times down the street, as shopkeepers open their awnings to block the morning sun, and a small band of townsfolk zig zag down the street in pursuit of their bouncing friends.
Cut to tradesman from "Christmas," walking away from his laundry cart.
tradesman
Why does everyone want their laundry picked up on Easter Sunday, all of a sudden?
The small egg cart lands perfectly in his laundry cart, which skitters across the street a bit before finally coming to a rest in front of a startled shopkeeper. The townspeople run up to the cart concerned, but relax and smile as they see Nezzer and Cavis are unhurt. Before anyone can speak, a strange sound attracts their attention.
It is eggs... plastic Easter eggs, falling all over the neighborhood. Everyone looks up, amazed. It's raining eggs! The shopkeepers step out into the street, bewildered. Cavis seems concerned that Nezzer's eggs are being given away for free.
cAVIS
Your eggs...
Nezzer just smiles.
nEZZER
Hmm... I guess they're free this year!
People wander into the street to see the phenomenon. The KID from the opening song holds out his Mom's hat like an Easter basket catching eggs.
Edmund notices Nezzer's music box on the ground and picks it up.
EDMUND
Mister Nezzer?
Edmund approaches and gives Nezzer the music box. Nezzer brightens.
EDMUND
So... hat are you going to do?
NeZZER
(looking off, distracted)
What am I gonna do? I'm gonna do what matters most!
He spots the Reverend in the crowd and hops out of the egg cart.
nEZZER
Reverend? With whatever money I've got left, I'm gonna help you fix up that church, and I'm gonna make sure that boy gets his medicine!
The Gilberts look at each other excitedly.
rEVEREND GILBERT
Your grandmother would be proud.
Nezzer smiles and glances toward heaven.
NEZZER
I think she is!
Nezzer looks around at the crowd.
nEZZER
Well why are we standing around here? It's Easter Sunday!
The crowd yells, and everyone heads for the church to celebrate. The Reverend puts Edmund on his 'shoulder.'
eDMUND
God blessed us, everyone!
Townsfolk
We sing this tune
As flowers bloom
And snow melts all away
For Spring has sprung
And with it comes
Another Easter day
The hope of Easter is coming
To shine forth in the Morn.
It comes for to bring us
Life and hope reborn.
All the birdies sing
And church bells ring,
Announcing the New Birth
We celebrate,
this joyous date
of Heaven here on Earth
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT cEMETERY - mORNING
Where we opened, Nezzer stands at the headstone. Now we see that it is Grandmother Nezzer's grave site. He puts a lily on her grave, smiles and exits.
CU on the Lily as the MUSIC builds and we
FADE OUT.
ROLL CREDITS