CINDERELLA: THE UNTOLD STORY
ACT 1: SCENE 1
INT. GHIRADELLI HOUSE (FLEET STREET) – EVENING
A spotless and elaborately decorated house, clearly designed to show off wealth.
PRISCILLA wanders around the house, holding a soiled handkerchief as she mumbles to herself and occasionally shouts ELLA's name.
PRISCILLA
Where is that useless girl? She has so much to do! Dust the china! Wash the drapes! Sweep the floors! Polish the silver! Mend the dresses! Cook the dinner! Get this disgusting stain out of my hanky! Oh, where is she?
(yelling)
ELLA!
PRISCILLA pauses, notices LILAC and VIOLET standing near the door.
PRISCILLA
(sweetly)
Girls! Where are you going darlings?
ELLA rushes in.
ELLA
I'm here, stepmother, what do you need?
PRISCILLA
(angry)
What? I never called you. Get out of here! Get back to work!
ELLA sighs and walks out.
PRISCILLA
(sweet again)
Sorry about that, sweets. Now, where were you going?
LILAC
To the bookshop, mummy dearest. And perhaps to the milliner's afterwards.
PRISCILLA
Oh that sounds like such fun. You enjoy yourself, Violet darling. I do envy you girls and your freedom.
She sighs wistfully and looks off into space for a moment.
VIOLET
Well we'll be going now. I love you, mother.
PRISCILLA
Yes, yes, just remember, don't do anything Lavender would do.
BOTH
(walking out the door)
We won't!
VIOLET AND LILAC go out the front door. PRISCILLA looks down at the soiled handkerchief in her hand and makes a disgusted face.
PRISCILLA
(shouting)
Ella!
(to herself)
Where is that girl?
ELLA rushes in again.
ELLA
Yes, stepmother?
PRISCILLA
Why haven't you cleaned this hanky yet? It's disgusting!
ELLA
I'm sorry! I was busy letting out your new dress!
PRISCILLA
(frantic)
Shh! Not so loud! I don't buy them two sizes smaller so that you can blab to the whole world how fat I am!
(gasps)
Now you've made me say it! Get out of my sight, you horrid girl, and take this thing with you!
PRISCILLA throws the handkerchief at ELLA and stalks out of the room. ELLA picks it up gingerly and exits.
ACT 1: SCENE 2
EXT. LONDON STREET – EVENING
LILAC and VIOLET walk down the street, a couple blocks from the house now. VIOLET pulls her hair out of its bun and it falls down over her shoulders.
LILAC
(chuckles)
You're so improper.
VIOLET
Bitch, you know I'm fabulous.
LAVENDER walks out of an alley to join them.
LAVENDER
Yes, Vi, we all know you're fabulous.
LILAC
Hello, Venny. Sorry you had to wait for us.
VIOLET
It'd be so much easier if mum would let me leave the house with you.
LAVENDER
It's alright.
(LAVENDER links her arm through VIOLET's)
Now let's go get you laid.
LILAC
And that's where I take my leave. I'll be at the bookstore if anyone needs me.
VIOLET
Stop by the milliner's and buy me a ribbon or something so mum doesn't get suspicious.
LILAC
Alright, meet back at the bookshop when you're finished.
VIOLET
You really should join us sometime!
LILAC
Appealing as that offer sounds, I'll stick to my books.
VIOLET
Yeah, but books don't—
LAVENDER
(pulling VIOLET along)
Never mind her. See you later, Lil!
VIOLET
(calling over her shoulder loudly)
I hope you find your books pleasing!
ACT 1: SCENE 3
INT. HOOTER'S – EVENING
LAVENDER & VIOLET enter the tavern's main room. People sit at tables eating, drinking, and gambling. Waitresses weave between tables, serving people. A few stand off to the side, eyeing customers coming in.
EMMA is standing not far from the door, looking a little nervous.
LAVENDER
Do you want me to wait with you til you find someone, Vi?
VIOLET
(looking at Emma)
No, no, go find your man. I got this.
LAVENDER
Alright, we'll be in his office when you're ready to go.
LAVENDER exits. VIOLET goes over to EMMA.
VIOLET
I haven't seen you here before. Are you new?
EMMA
(surprised)
Um, kind of.
VIOLET
So, uh, see anything you like?
EMMA
(checking VIOLET out)
Yeah, I think I might.
VIOLET
You know, the prices can be a little steep here, but I'm free.
EMMA
I'll take you up on that offer.
VIOLET
Back room?
EMMA
Will they let us use it?
VIOLET
My sister's dating the owner. I think we can get away with it.
VIOLET & EMMA exit.
ACT 1: SCENE 4
INT. BOOKSTORE – EVENING
Books line the shelves and lay piled on tables. An old man sits behind the counter, reading. LILAC walks between the shelves, occasionally picking up a book and flipping the pages.
JASPER is walking down the same aisle. They both walk towards the middle, eventually bumping into each other.
JASPER
(apologetic)
Oh! Excuse me! I wasn't paying attention.
LILAC
(snarky)
Obviously.
JASPER
(caught off guard)
E-excuse me?
LILAC
I made a rude comment. This is where you walk away.
JASPER
What if I don't want to?
LILAC
Shh! People are trying to read!
LILAC begins walking back down the aisle.
A bell over the door RINGS as VIOLET & LAVENDER walk in, chatting.
VIOLET
I'm just saying, elephants are very intelligent creatures.
LAVENDER
That may be, but their abilities as maids are still questionable.
LILAC
Do I want to know?
VIOLET
Well you see-
LAVENDER
No, you really don't.
LILAC hands VIOLET a small package wrapped in brown paper.
LILAC
Here, I got you a couple of ribbons and some more pins.
VIOLET
Thanks, that should keep mum happy.
EMMA walks in, slowing slightly as she passes the sisters. She glances at VIOLET for a minute then blushes and speeds up, embarrassed. She joins her brother.
LILAC, LAVENDER & VIOLET exit.
ACT 1: SCENE 5
INT. GHIRADELLI HOUSE PARLOUR – LATER IN EVENING
ELLA goes to get the mail, flipping through it. She stops at an official-looking envelope. It's an invitation to Prince Nicholas's annual ball.
PRISCILLA comes up behind ELLA and sees the invitation.
PRISCILLA
(snatching it away)
Little snoop, looking through other people's mail! Ought to be grateful I even let you live here.
ELLA
(muttering)
It was my father's house.
PRISCILLA reads the letter, eyes getting wider as she goes.
The door opens and LILAC, VIOLET, and LAVENDER walk in.
PRISCILLA
(excited, holding out the letter)
Girls, girls, look here!
VIOLET
What is it?
PRISCILLA
Violet, darling, it's what's going to make our dreams come true!
LILAC
(reading the letter)
It's an invitation. To a ball.
LAVENDER
Who's ball?
LILAC
The prince's. Prince Nicholas.
PRISCILLA
Isn't it exciting?
ELLA
Can I go?
PRISCILLA laughs.
LAVENDER
(reading over LILAC's shoulder)
It says "the women of the Ghiradelli household" are invited
PRISCILLA glares at LAVENDER, then laughs and smiles.
PRISCILLA
But of course they don't mean her.
ELLA
I'm more of a Ghiradelli than any of you are!
PRISCILLA
You're not going!
ELLA
I have a right to go!
PRISCILLA
No! You don't have anything. You'll never have anything! The day we got stuck with you was a curse on this house!
ELLA
It was my house!
PRISCILLA
Well it's not anymore!
ELLA
I'm going to the ball!
PRISCILLA
You're not! And that's final!
ELLA looks at PRISCILLA for a moment, tears in her eyes, before running to her room.
ACT 2: SCENE 1
INT. GHIRADELLI HOUSE – THE DAY OF THE BALL (ONE WEEK LATER)
VIOLET, LILAC, and LAVENDER stand around a mirror primping themselves. They wear ball gowns. ELLA stands off to the side in her usual rags, looking at the floor.
PRISCILLA
(also dressed up)
Are you ready girls?
VIOLET
Ready, mummy!
LILAC
All set!
PRISCILLA
(ignoring LAVENDER)
Remember, darlings, tonight is important for two reasons and two reasons only, and their names are Prince Nicholas and Prince Jasper. You have to make them notice you, make them fall in love with you.
LAVENDER
(rolling eyes)
They know. You've said it about a hundred times since that invitation came last week.
PRISCILLA
Shut up you little whore! You cast your lot in life when you started banging that no good tavern boy.
LAVENDER
(muttering under breath)
Rather be a whore than a bitch like you.
PRISCILLA
(sweetly)
Now Violet darling, remember, Prince Nicholas is your goal. A prince as charming as he is would be perfect for you. And Lilac, Prince Jasper is for you. They say he's slightly less charming, but, well, I think you can see why that's a good fit.
VIOLET
Yes, mummy, we understand.
PRISCILLA
Good, good.
(to ELLA, sharply)
Remember, girl, we'll be leaving the ball at midnight, and I expect to find this place spotless when we return!
ELLA
(defeated)
Yes, stepmother.
PRISCILLA
And don't even think of trying to sneak out you worthless little piece of shit.
ELLA
I won't.
PRISCILLA
(happy)
Alright, come along darlings! This night is going to be perfect, I just know it!
PRICILLA, LILAC, LAVENDER, and VIOLET leave. ELLA begins crying after they're gone, wandering out into the street.
ACT 2: SCENE 2
EXT. STREET – LATE EVENING
A few people walk by, but none pay much attention to ELLA.
ELLA
(wiping her eyes)
Why should I bother going? I am a worthless piece of shit. I don't even have a dress. I live in a pile of cinders. What prince would want me?
FREYA
(coming upon ELLA)
Is that my little cousin Ella? What are you doing here?
ELLA
Just crying over my sad existence. You?
FREYA
I was just on my way home from the opera.
ELLA
With your husband?
FREYA
Oh no. He died.
ELLA
Another one?
FREYA
Quite a tragedy, really.
ELLA
What is that, seven men who've married you and then tragically died?
FREYA
Yes, yes. It's quite strange, really. But you said something about a miserable existence. How can I help?
ELLA
Well, unless you can conjure up a prince for me, I doubt you can.
FREYA
Well, I can't. But a nice dress and a good pair of heels might do the trick.
ELLA
Freya. I have no money.
FREYA
Sweetheart, I didn't marry seven men to be poor.
ELLA
Should I be worried?
FREYA
Are you planning on marrying me?
ELLA
Uh, no.
FREYA
Then you have nothing to worry about. Come on. We have work to do.
(snaps fingers)
Kartik, come now.
KARTIK (a handsome Indian man) appears at FREYA's elbow. She links her arm through ELLA's and they head off down the street. They come up to the opium den.
FREYA
Here we are, dear!
ELLA
Freya, this is, uh, this is an opium den. I don't think that's going to solve my problems.
FREYA
You'd be surprised sweetie, but that's not what we're here for. This is where I live.
ELLA
Why on earth would you live in such a place?
FREYA
I own it, hadn't I told you?
ELLA
No, never came up.
FREYA
Oh, well I do, inherited from my fourth husband. I see your stepmother here quite a lot, actually. Anyhow, I don't live here all the time, of course, but I keep some clothes here in case of a fashion emergency.
(looks ELLA over)
This definitely qualifies.
ELLA
Oh Freya, I appreciate what you're trying to do here, but it really isn't any use. My stepmother expects the house to be spotless by midnight! If she comes home and it isn't done, I, I don't know what'll happen.
FREYA
Kartik, dear, would you do me a favor and get some friends to go clean up the poor girl's house? You know I always return favors.
KARTICK nods and leaves.
ELLA
(raising eyebrows)
Should I be worried about him?
FREYA
Hm? Oh no, deary, he's far too poor to marry. Now come along. We'll need to get you cleaned up in a hurry if you want to have any time at the ball.
ACT 2: SCENE 3
INT. BALLROOM – NIGHT
LILAC, LAVENDER, and VIOLET stand together, looking around the crowded room. A HERALD enters and blows a horn to get everyone's attention.
HERALD
Presenting, his royal highness Prince Nicholas, his royal highness Prince Jasper, and her royal highness Princess Emmaline.
The royals enter, one after the other, and the crowd applauds, then goes back to chatting. MUSIC plays and some begin to dance.
LILAC sees JASPER and recognizes him from the bookshop.
LILAC
(trying to hide behind VIOLET)
Shit! That guy was in the bookshop last week! I was an ass to him!
VIOLET sees EMMA and recognizes her from the tavern.
VIOLET
(trying to hide behind LILAC)
You think that's bad? I slept with that girl in the brothel last week!
LAVENDER
Yeah, Vi wins.
Both try to hide behind her. LAVENDER sighs.
LAVENDER
This really isn't very effective.
PRISCILLA
(seeing them)
Girls! What are you doing? Don't let that little slut get all the attention! Get out there and win those princes' hearts!
LILAC & VIOLET reluctantly step out from behind their sister. They're about to go out on the dance floor when the doors open again and ELLA walks in, accompanied by FREYA. They don't recognize her in her fancy clothes.
LILAC
Who is that?
VIOLET
I don't know, but she's hot.
LAVENDER
I don't think I've ever seen her before, but she seems awfully familiar.
FREYA
(from ELLA's side)
Alright, dear, you're not going to get any princes just standing here. Get out there!
FREYA gives ELLA little push and she walks out into the room shyly.
NICHOLAS approaches ELLA.
NICHOLAS
Good evening, m'lady. Care to dance?
ELLA
(surprised)
O-of course your highness.
NICHOLAS holds out his hand and ELLA takes it. They move out onto the dance floor and begin to dance.
NICHOLAS
I don't think I've seen you at any of the other balls.
ELLA
No, I don't go out very often.
NICHOLAS
Well that's a shame. You're an excellent dancer.
ELLA
I see why they call you Prince Charming. You're a very good liar.
NICHOLAS
(chuckling)
Well I have to be, don't I? So many ladies are so easily offended.
ELLA
You'll find that isn't the case with me.
NICHOLAS
And you'll find that I don't have much reason to lie for you.
They continue dancing. The sisters see them.
VIOLET
Look! Prince Nicholas is dancing with her!
LILAC
Mum is not going to be happy with that.
LAVENDER
Maybe you ought to…
JASPER walks over and holds out a hand to LILAC.
JASPER
(smirking slightly)
Would you like to dance?
LILAC blushes but looks over and sees that PRISCILLA is watching intently. PRISCILLA nods her head vigorously.
LILAC
Apparently, I'd love to.
They start to dance.
JASPER
Perhaps you don't remember, but we ran into each other in a book store last week.
LILAC
Oh, I remember.
JASPER
(smirking)
You were quite rude to me.
LILAC
(holding chin up)
I know I was. I won't apologize for it.
JASPER
Good. You shouldn't.
LILAC
What?
JASPER
No woman has ever talked to me that way.
LILAC
So?
JASPER
So, I kind of like it.
They continue dancing.
NICHOLAS
I don't think I caught your name.
ELLA
It's Ella, just Ella.
NICHOLAS
So who are you here with?
ELLA
I came with Freya O'Reilly.
NICHOLAS
Oh really? How do you know her?
ELLA
She's my cousin. Well, really, her husband was my cousin.
NICHOLAS
Her husband? Which one?
Both laugh.
NICHOLAS
So, Miss Ella, if you aren't going to balls all the time, what do you like to do?
ELLA
Oh, well, I read and sing and play piano, of course, but…
NICHOLAS
But what?
ELLA
What I really like to do is act.
NICHOLAS
Like in theatre?
ELLA
(blushing)
Yes, in theatre. I haven't had much chance to do it, but it's always been a sort of dream of mine.
They continue dancing. Off to the side, VIOLET catches EMMA's eye.
LAVENDER
(noticing)
Go talk to her.
VIOLET
(embarrassed)
I can't do that! And what would mum say if she saw me? I'm supposed to be talking to the prince, not the princess.
LAVENDER
The prince is occupied at the moment, and no proper lady would cut in. Might as well make a good impression on the rest of the family until he's free.
VIOLET
I think I've already made quite an impression on the princess. Whether it was good or not is questionable.
LAVENDER
You'll never know if you don't go talk to her.
VIOLET
Would you shut up?
LAVENDER
No. Now get over there.
VIOLET sighs and walks over to EMMA, smiling sheepishly.
LILAC
Do you know that people say you're less charming than your brother?
JASPER
Seems I'm less everything than my brother.
LILAC
Surely not everything.
JASPER
That's how it feels sometimes.
LILAC snickers.
JASPER
Well, I don't mean that. It's just-
LILAC
I know what you mean. I'm just messing with you.
They dance in silence for a while.
LILAC
My older sister is the favorite of the family too.
JASPER
Is she going to rule a country?
LILAC
With mother's plans, who knows.
JASPER
(chuckling)
Your mother sounds like an interesting woman.
LILAC
You could say that.
JASPER
What are her plans for you?
LILAC
You.
JASPER
What?
LILAC
Well if your older sister marries a prince, wouldn't it follow that you should marry one too?
JASPER
I don't often have to think about marrying princes.
LILAC
(raises eyebrows)
Are you sure?
JASPER
Positive.
LILAC
Good. That would be disappointing.
JASPER
Yes, I'm sure your mother would be very upset.
LILAC
I'd be upset too you know.
JASPER
Is that a compliment?
LILAC
Yes. Don't count on another one.
The dance ends and everyone claps. Dance partners switch. LILAC and ELLA are with some random guys. VIOLET is with NICHOLAS and LAVENDER is with JASPER.
They dance, but NICHOLAS's eyes are on ELLA and JASPER's are on LILAC. VIOLET looks at EMMA. LAVENDER just looks bored. PRISCILLA hyperventilates and flaps her hands like a little girl on the sidelines. FREYA laughs and hands her a glass.
FREYA
Here, darling, have a drink before you wet yourself.
PRISCILLA takes the glass and downs it in one gulp, too busy watching her daughters to pay attention to FREYA's comment.
The dance ends and ELLA goes back to dancing with NICHOLAS and LILAC with JASPER. LAVENDER and VIOLET move off to the side again. PRISCILLA comes over.
PRISCILLA
(to VIOLET)
What are you doing? You're supposed to keep dancing with him!
LAVENDER
She can't dance with him every time. It's tacky.
PRISCILLA
He's dancing with that other girl again!
LAVENDER
And Violet will get her chance again in a minute.
VIOLET
If I want it.
PRISCILLA
What? Why would you not want to dance with him? That's our dream!
VIOLET
Your dream bitch, not mine.
PRISCILLA
What did you say to me?
VIOLET
I said, and I quote, "Your dream bitch, not mine."
PRISCILLA
But you've always wanted to marry a prince!
VIOLET
I'd be happier with the princess, actually.
PRISCILLA
Excuse me?
VIOLET
I-I prefer the company of women.
PRISCILLA
(rationalizing)
You don't know what you're talking about. You're just being a silly, rebellious little girl. Yes, that's it, you're confused.
LAVENDER
I think you're the one who's confused.
PRISCILLA
(snapping)
Stay out of this you little slut!
LAVENDER
Fuck this shit. I'm going to the tavern.
LAVENDER leaves.
LILAC
(watching as she dances with JASPER)
Uh-oh
JASPER
What is it?
LILAC
Mum's about to rip Vi a new one.
JASPER
Are you going to go help her?
LILAC
I don't want her to me a new one!
JASPER
Why is she so upset?
LILAC
I think she just told her that she'd rather marry your sister than your brother.
JASPER
(chuckling)
Well isn't that fortunate.
LILAC
What?
JASPER
I'm sure Emma would prefer to marry her as well.
LILAC
Trust me, I know.
JASPER
What? How?
LILAC
You might want to ask her some of these questions. Not really my secret to tell.
JASPER looks over at EMMA, who's watching the scene between PRISCILLA and VIOLET and blushes.
EMMA approaches the two.
EMMA
Excuse me, but is there a problem here Vi?
PRISCILLA
(gesturing towards EMMA)
Is this your little whore then?
EMMA
Yes, yes I am. Now get the fuck out.
VIOLET
Bitch.
EMMA snaps her fingers in a Z formation and motions two security guards forward. They grab PRISCILLA's arms and carry her out.
PRISCILLA
(yelling as she's removed)
What? You can't do this to me! Violet! Violet!
VIOLET
(to EMMA)
Thank you for that. I'll have to deal with her later, but it's saved the evening at least.
EMMA
You're welcome. Now, may I have this dance?
EMMA and VIOLET start to dance.
The clock begins to CHIME midnight. ELLA looks up from where she's dancing with NICHOLAS.
ELLA
Oh, I have to go!
NICHOLAS
What? Why?
ELLA
I just, I have to go!
ELLA kisses NICHOLAS on the cheek and then runs out, FREYA coming after her. As she leaves she drops her glasses. ELLA stops to look for them but FREYA pulls her along.
FREYA
No time for that, dearie!
ACT 2: SCENE 4
EXT. LONDON STREET – NIGHT
KARTIK drives the carriage with ELLA and FREYA inside.
PRISCILLA stands in the street, wandering back and forth, muttering to herself and occasionally shouting.
KARTIK
Out of the way!
PRISCILLA
Violet? Lilac?
KARTIK
Look out!
PRISCILLA SCREAMS, just seeing the carriage, but can't get out of the way in time. She gets run over.
ELLA
(to FREYA)
I think we hit something.
FREYA
Never mind, dearie, we're in a hurry! Keep going, Kartik!
KARTIK nods. The carriage continues on, pulling up to the Ghiradelli house.
ELLA gets out and rushes through the door.
ACT2: SCENE 5
INT. GHIRADELLI HOUSE – MORNING
LILAC, LAVENDER and VIOLET enter, still wearing their party clothes. They find ELLA curled up next to the fire in her usual rags.
VIOLET
(cheerfully)
Wake up, Ella! Don't waste this beautiful morning sleeping!
ELLA
(sleepily)
Wh-what?
LILAC goes over to ELLA and hugs her.
LILAC
It's so good to see you!
ELLA
(confused)
Who are you, and what have you done with Lilac?
LAVENDER
Haven't you heard?
ELLA
Heard what?
VIOLET
Mother's dead!
ELLA
Really?
LILAC
Isn't it wonderful?
ELLA
Is that why you're being so nice to me?
VIOLET
Well, that, and some of us just got laid.
LAVENDER
Anyway, we have a present for you.
LAVENDER gives ELLA her glasses. She looks at them but doesn't put them on.
ELLA
Um, thank you, but how did you get these? I dropped them at the…
LILAC
The ball, yes, we know.
VIOLET
And that's only half the present.
ELLA
Well, what's the other half?
NICHOLAS walks in from the other room. ELLA is surprised.
ELLA
H-How did you find me?
NICHOLAS
Well, I was so upset after you left last night, I went over to talk to my brother about it, and your stepsister here recognized your glasses.
NICHOLAS takes the glasses from ELLA's hand and puts them on her, pushing her hair back out of her face.
ELLA
I-I…you shouldn't have come here. I'm not a princess.
NICHOLAS
(smiling)
I can fix that.
SISTERS
Awwwwww.
ELLA turns and gives them an "are you fucking kidding me?" look.
ELLA
Don't ruin it guys.
LAVENDER
We'll just go.
The sisters exit, leaving ELLA and NICHOLAS alone.
NICHOLAS
So…would you like to be a princess?
ELLA
I'd love to.
ELLA and NICHOLAS kiss. They hear CLAPPING from the other room.
EPILOGUE
EXT. CEMETERY – AFTERNOON
ELLA, NICHOLAS, EMMA, VIOLET, JASPER, LILAC, LAVENDER, MORDECAI, FREYA, and KARTIK stand around a gravestone. All wear black but none look sad.
ELLA
(to FREYA)
Thank you so much, Freya, for everything.
FREYA
No problem, honey, and remember, if he gives you any trouble, just let me know.
VIOLET
Can we get out of here? It smells like death.
MORDECAI
Your mum smells like death.
LILAC
Yes, yes she does.
Everyone laughs and walks off happily, the couples holding hands or linking arms.
HERALD enters with trumpet.
HERALD
And they all live relatively happily ever after. Except for Priscilla.
FIN