Hey, guys. This is a short chapter but this is an important detail dedicated to Marvin Acme and his reasons for issuing out his will to the toons before he was murdered by Judge Doom a couple years later. It's going to be touching and bittersweet as you read on. Then again, it will all come in full circle as you get to know Acme's character here.
Note that this takes place before Beasley caught wind of the upcoming gala. Who Framed Roger Rabbit belongs to Disney not me. Let's get it.
=====Chapter 6: Who Guards The Guardians?========
In Toontown, many of the inhabitants were living their lives being their toon selves. Buildings stretched themselves and ringing in the day, toon citizens socializing and going to and fro to their destinations and the usual wackiness the town's known for. However, two humans were at a park bench watching the whimsical adventures of this wonderland play out before their very eyes.
Marvin Acme who created the place for toons to call home and an elderly attorney with a walking cane and business suit looking as jolly as his longtime pal. They greeted the toons passing by them such as The Three Little Pigs, Hunky and Spunky, Tinkerbell, The Reluctant Dragon and others. The two old men chuckled to themselves as If they remembered yesteryears. Marvin turned to his friend with a smile before talking about the scene before.
"George, can you believe it? My dream of a place for toons to call home is a reality?", the benefactor told his friend with pride and sense of accomplishments. George chuckled agreeing with the jolly man.
"Oh I remember. Those were the days. Back then, people thought you were crazy for such an idea. Well, I say they haven't seen nothing yet. And you haven't given up one bit.", the lawyer smiled to the benefactor. Marvin just imagined looking back on his younger years when Toontown was just a figment of his wild imaginations.
Many people who didn't share his vision mocked him and thought he was odd and looney. All to the point that some of the women that were in his life left out because of his supposed obsessions with such an idea of toons calling a whimsical place home.
It was a mystery on how toons came to life and when they came about. But the fact they coexist with humans and animals was a phenomenon within itself. Marvin and George were one of the exceptions to the rule from other people who deemed it bizarre and very close-minded. The fact both were fascinated with the evolution of animation and art as a whole fueled their passions while growing up together. Over the years, plans for a construction of a city for toons happened in stages until finally it rested within the city of Los Angeles standing proudly waiting for it's arrivals to call it home. From then on, every toon that was either born or drawn were welcome with open arms to Toontown. In Marvin's eyes, they were as human as he is. In fact, they were a mirror of anyone with strengths, weaknesses, quirks, flaws and the whole nine yards. After all, art imitates life and vice versa as the world of Toontown expands, shapes and form new universes within it.
Marvin and George snapped out of their train of thought as the lawyer pulled out the book of papers. The jolly lawyer turned to the benefactor with a curious look.
"So, Marv. What's the pleasure of us being in Toontown? Care for me to sue anyone? Who is it? I'll be on them before you say Bob's your uncle.", George chuckled making fighting poses causing Marvin to chortle.
"Oh, George. You know how to be young at heart. Marvin sighed and told George his reasons for a very important legal matter.
"George, look around us. We were passionate for cartoons and comics giving us laughter and joy. Well, that was the reason I built this place for toons to call home. To give back in return for what they gave us. And over the years, many toons were born and drawn from various studios of people that gave them life.", the benefactor explained. George raised an eyebrow at his buddy in wonder of where this is going.
"That's true. It was a wonderful and spectacular thing you can do for toons. But tell me where this is going.", George encouraged Marvin. The Toontown benefactor cleared his throat gathering his thoughts before continuing.
"The truth is that toons live forever being themselves as they live, worry, feel, learn, love and grow like us humans. I seen it all happen before my very eyes and yours too. But the truth is that human life is short and fleeting and animation is a never-ending finish line or rather entertainment as a whole. I'm afraid our lifespan's not enough to see it all happen and evolve over time. Which is why I'm writing my will. To get my affairs in order before it's too late.", Marvin explained his reason for George and himself to come down here. The lawyer cleaned his glasses before putting them back on.
"I see. Well, let's get your will in order. Shall we? First, who are the beneficiaries?", George asked readying his pen.
"As you know, I have no living relatives to my knowledge to be my successor.", Acme noted as George took notes.
"No relatives alive. Okay. How about a business or a cartoon studio that would be in great hands?", the lawyer asked as Acme shook his head.
"I'm afraid I'll have to say no to those offers. You see, when I gave the toons a home, I want them to live and grow like the rest of us without any interference from the studios. I don't want them making money off of the toons way of Life outside of their work. So I've decided that when I pass on and fly to the pearly gates, the toons will inherit Toontown forever.", Acme said making his decision. George's eyes bugged out at his friend's decision as if he went left field for a second. He did a double take before asking Marvin unsure of what transpired.
"Why, Marv. Are you sure about this? Everything you worked for? Toontown? Your stocks, bonds, cash, and your prized Blue Pearl? All to the toons?", George asked flabbergasted.
"Yes, indeedy. The toons inherit everything for a better life. And the Blue Pearl I'm donating at the gala two weeks from now will be displayed at the ballroom for everyone to remember who gave them a home, a person who made a difference and gave them a fair chance. The toons are more than just mirrors of ourselves, George. They're my most beloved treasures more valuable and cherished than my wealth. I have to admit that I did some things that I'm not proud of and I have a lot to answer to when I meet the Big Guy. But I do believe that out of all the things I've done in my life, this here is something I've done good and made a change for the better. Now that's how I'm going to be remembered leaving behind a legacy. And one last thing of advice.", Marvin explained as George was deep in shock and bewilderment.
"Marv, I don't know how to think of this. But you're firm on your decision like you were many years ago. I always respect that about you. But what's the advice for anyone out there wanting to make a difference like yourself?", George wondered as Marvin had a smile on his face.
"If someone talks about the good that you impacted on their lives for 2 minutes each before they put you to rest, you're definitely doing something right. And that's how I want the toons and everyone else to remember me by when it's my time to go.", Acme chuckled giving the thumbs up showing no regrets. The lawyer understood his reasons and supported his friend's final decision by writing the will for the toons. They each signed on the lines indicating that the will is final and Acme finally had his affairs in order. He looked at Marvin with a question of the future.
"Marv, since you trust Toontown to the toons, are you worried about what the future holds for them? I mean, once we're gone, how will they move on and adapt to the never ending progress? Do you ever remember the phrase "Quis custodiet Ipsos custodiets"?", George asked concerned for the future of the toons and humans coexisting in the real world and Toontown itself.
"Who guards the guardians? I remember it all too well. I believe that toons and humans are alike and if either were to go astray, they have each other to help in times of need. Whether by chance or a twist of fate. I leave it all up to them. We did our part in giving toons a chance of life and a future. It's all up to them individually on what they make of it. Don't worry. They got it covered.", Marvin assured George as the two old friends watch on as toons live peacefully around them feeling proud of the legacy impacted for the citizens.
The words from Acme rang true for he did his part along with George and the future is up to the toons and new generations that will come along once Marvin, George and the rest of the previous generations pass on. It's a never ending finish line for entertainment and the advancement of society of toons and humans. They have a long way to go but they will improve and coexist peacefully. The Toontown Gala plans are set in motion.
A/N: That's a short chapter, folks. But I figured I explore Marvin Acme's character and his reasons for writing the will to the toons. Once you read this chapter and watch the movie, it'll all make sense on why he did so. It's pretty touching between old friends similar to how Adelaide and George OAutcourt from The Aristocats were interacting which I got Inspired from writing this piece.
The line "Quis custodiet ipsos custodiets" means who guards the guardians. It makes sense if you think about it. Roger Rabbit looked out for Eddie in the movie along with the other toons as the detective tries to get over the pain and the death of his brother. Also regaining the love for toons he had lost because of that. Not only that, Judge Doom's a toon himself and yet he almost committed a mass genocide in Toontown with the Dip machine over a freeway destroying everything Acme stood and built for. So it all goes full circle with toons looking out for humans and vice versa if they ever go astray. In reality, Roger and Eddie saved Toontown's future which may show up in the upcoming Rescue Rangers film on Disney plus. Hopefully, they can have a plaque or something to remember Eddie and Acme by since the former obviously passes on by the time that movie's released. Oh and the new film can show an example of "Who guards the guardians" as toons adapt and struggle in society especially Dale.
Anyway, leave a review and I'll see y'all in the next one.
===Cameos====
Tinkerbell: Peter Pan
Reluctant Dragon: The Reluctant Dragon
Three Little Pigs: Silly Symphonies
Hunky and Spunky: Hunky and Spunky cartoons
Little Audrey and Little Lulu: Terrytoons
