[Cut from Olivia and Dawson & friends setting off to Baker Street. The camera moves from the sign on the building that reads Baker Street up to a blinded window, where Sherlock Holmes is playing his violin. Down below, Olivia and Dawson have arrived at 221 1/2 Baker Street. Dawson knocks, and Mrs. Judson, the housekeeper, opens the door, her arms full of books, blankets and pillows, as well as a teacup and medieval mace.]
Dawson: (Removes his hat) Good evening, Madam. Is this the residence of Basil of Baker Street?
Mrs. Judson: I'm afraid it is. He's not here at the moment, but you're welcome to come in and wait.
Dawson: Oh, I-I don't want to impose. It's just the girl...
[He gestures towards his side, but Olivia isn't there.]
Big Bird: where'd Olivia go?
[Dawson and Mrs. Judson look inside, where Olivia is already seated by the fireplace examining a magnifying glass with interest. Mrs Judson thruts her load into Dawson's arms and rushes to her side.]
Mrs. Judson: Oh my! You poor dear! You must be chilled to the bone! (She takes off Olivia's hat and wrings it dry, then removes her scarf) Oh ho ho ho, but I know just the thing. Let me fetch you a pot of tea and some of my fresh cheese crumpets.
[Mrs. Judson rushes to the kitchen and shuts the door.]
Dawson: [to the other outside] you guys stay here you're much too big to come inside
Billy: sure thing we got your back doctor
[In the house Mr. Conductor reappeared]
Mr. Conductor: even though my friends won't get into small houses like this I'm still an option
Dawson: you sir are amazing
[Olivia looks around the room, fascinated by what she sees. A small propeller is operating a bellow, and attached to that are several cigarettes and a pipe, all of which are puffing. On another table, four different pairs of shoes are being turned in a circular motion, first being brushed with black paint, and then setting a print on a stack of paper. Dawson is hanging up his coat, but a voice coming from the front door distracts him]
Voice: Ah-ha! The villain's slipped this time! I shall have him! (the door bursts open to reveal a large mouse dressed in Chinese robes. He smiles triumphantly with a gun in his hand as lightning strikes. Dawson is petrified as the mouse bursts inside, rushing towards one of the many tables) Out of my way! Out of my way!
Dawson: I say, who- (he cuts himself off as the mouse's hat is thrown, landing directly on his own head. He takes it off and addresses him once more) who are you?
Mouse: What? (He pauses and turns to Dawson) Oh!
[He reaches up and pulls on what turns out to be a mask to reveal the one and only...]
Basil: Basil of Baker Street, my good fellow.
[Basil smiles at Dawson's confused stare. He pulls at a tab on his robe, which lets air escape to reveal his slender form, surprising Dawson & Mr. Conductor even more. Olivia, on the other hand, is relieved to see him and approaches]
Olivia: Mr. Basil! I need your help, and I-
[Basil is clearly not listening to her as puts on his house robe. He tosses a dart over his shoulder, scoring a direct bull's eye on the board..]
Basil: All in good time.
Olivia: But-but you don't understand. I'm in terrible trouble.
Basil: If you'll excuse me.
[Basil walks by, and Olivia sighs. Dawson steps in.]
Mr. Conductor: uh excuse me Mr. Basil allow me… [Basil passes him]
Dawson: Here, now, now. Now see here! (He shakes a finger at Basil who once more rushes right by the three of them. Dawson pauses momentarily, then regains his wind) This young lady is in need of assistance, I think you ought...
Basil: (handing him the gun) Will you hold this, please, Doctor?
Dawson: Of course. (His eyes closed, Dawson doesn't realize at first what he's holding and points the gun at his head. He opens his eyes, and then nervously holds it out at arms length until Basil retrieves it.) Ah, wait just a moment. How did the deuce did you know I was a doctor?
Basil: (Basil picks up a single bullet and places it in the gun) A surgeon, to be exact. Just returned from military duty in Afghanistan. Am I right? And you sir your name is Mr. Conductor of the Conductor family uses magic gold dust to get anywhere & you tell stories about trains on a UK island right
Dawson: Why, (chuckles) Oh, yes. Major David Q. Dawson.
Mr. Conductor: and yes I am Mr. Conductor at your service
Dawson: But how could you possibly-
Basil: Quite simple, really. (holds up Dawson's arm to reveal a stitch mark on his jacket) You've sewn your torn cuff together with the Lembert stitch, which of course, only a surgeon uses. (He continues speaking as he gathers several pillows) And the thread is a unique form of catgut distinguished by it's (leaning down to whisper to Olivia) peculiar pungency (she's confused) and found only in the Afghan provinces. And you Mr. Conductor? It's quite obvious considering that outfit you have there
[One by one, Basil tosses the three pillows at Dawson. Dawson holds them against his body, his face mostly covered.]
Dawson: (muffled) Amazing!
Basil: Actually... it's elementary, my dear Dawson.
[Basil spins the revolver and aims it at the pillows. Dawson looks around in terror and throws the pillows onto an armchair. As Basil calmly readjusts his aim, Dawson jumps behind the opposite chair, seizing Olivia's arm and bringing her behind it. And Mr. Conductor disappears to avoid the gunshot. The gun fires, and pillow feathers fly as they cautiously peek out. Mrs. Judson rushes back out.]
Mrs. Judson: What in heaven's name? (Distraught) Oh! Oh! My- (she spits out several feathers) my good pillows!
[She glares angrily in Basil's direction. He's kneeling in the chair, tossing the feathers aside.]
Mrs. Judson: Mr. Basil! (He pops his head above the chair as she spits out more feathers) How many times have I told you-
Basil: There, there, Mrs. Judson, it's quite all right. Ah (he sniffs) mmm! I believe I smell some of those delightful cheese crumpets of yours. (Gently pushes her back to the kitchen) Why don't you fetch our guests some?
Mrs. Judson: (She protests as Basil shuts the door) But, ah, but, but...
Basil: Now... (He gets on his hands and knees and searches on the floor) I know that bullet's here somewhere- (Olivia has found it and is holding it up for him. He takes it.) Thank you, Miss...
Olivia: Flaversham. Olivia Flaversham.
Basil: (Distracted) Whatever.
Olivia: Yes, but you don't understand-
Basil: Shhh!
[Basil opens a small box and pulls out another bullet. Taking the one he just fired, he puts them under a mircroscope and compares their markings.]
Basil: (the markings match) Yeah... (Another match) yes! (This time, the markings go off in separate directions) Noo! Drat! (Depressed) Another dead end.
[Dejected, Basil tosses the extra bullet aside and slowly walks over to his chair.]
Basil: He was within my grasp.
[He flops into his chair and slowly reaches for the violin sitting beside him. As he plays, Dawson nudges Olivia encouragingly, and she walks towards him, determined to make him listen.]
Olivia: Now will you please listen to me? My daddy's gone and I'm all alone.
Basil: (Pauses play) Young lady, this is a most inopportune time.
Mr. Conductor: you know a friend of mine on Sodor lost his pride with tenders
Basil: let me guess his name is Henry right?
Mr. Conductor: well uh yes
Basil: and thanks to an engine named Duck he was given scrap tenders?
Mr. Conductor: well that's right
Basil: how about you tell the story Mr. Conductor?
Mr. Conductor: well uh ok [blows story whistle & the screen was full of steam again]
"Tender Engines"
Mr. Conductor: one morning Gordon was in the yard taking on a large supply of coal
[James puffs up]
James: that's the 3rd load of coal you've had today Gordon
Mr. Conductor: said James
James: some might say you're being rather greedy
Gordon: I'm an important engine
Mr. Conductor: replied Gordon
Gordon: important engines need plenty of coal but I doubt if you would understand that James
Mr. Conductor: James snorted & went about his work later Gordon was taking on water from a stand pipe because the water tower was under repair
[Duck then comes up]
Duck: I wouldn't drink too much of that water if I were you Gordon it might give you boiler ache
Gordon: PEH!
Mr. Conductor: said Gordon
Gordon: what's this? Educating Gordon Day? First James, now you Duck big engines have big needs, little engines are just annoying
Duck: [leaving] don't say I didn't warn you
Mr. Conductor: laughed Duck later Gordon steamed into the yard at the big station
[After Percy passed by Gordon saw 2 huge tenders the front tender said LNER & the back tender said 4472]
Gordon: that's what I need!
Mr. Conductor: exclaimed Gordon there emerging out of the sheds were 2 shiny tenders
Gordon: now if I had 2 tenders
Mr. Conductor: said Gordon
Gordon: I wouldn't need to stop so often & I wouldn't have to listen to silly little engines!
Gordon's driver: those tenders belong to a visitor
Mr. Conductor: replied his driver Diesel sidled up alongside
Diesel: everyone knows that tenders are a mark of distinction but I'm afraid that no amount of tenders will save you in the end we diesels are taking over & we don't need tenders to make us important not even one
Mr. Conductor: Gordon was most upset he was feeling just the same next day
Gordon: I'm not happy
Duck: I know!
Mr. Conductor: said Duck
Duck: it's boiler ache
Gordon: it's not boiler ache!
Mr. Conductor: protested Gordon
Gordon: it's…
Henry: of course it is!
Mr. Conductor: interrupted Henry
Henry: that water's bad have a good washout then you'll feel a different engine your boiler must be full of sludge!
Gordon: don't be vulgar!
Mr. Conductor: huffed Gordon he backed down onto his train hissing mournfully
STH: cheer up Gordon
Mr. Conductor: said Sir Topham Hatt
Gordon: I can't sir is it true what Diesel says sir?
STH: what does he say?
Gordon: that diesels are taking over?
STH: don't worry Gordon that will never happen on my railway
Gordon: one more thing sir why did the visitor have 2 tenders?
STH: because he lives on a railway with long distances between coaling depots
Mr. Conductor: Gordon felt better
[Gordon huffs away & then we cut to Henry at the coaling plant]
Mr. Conductor: but Henry started complaining he banged some cars angrily
Henry: I always work hard enough for 2!
Mr. Conductor: he puffed
Henry: I deserve another tender!
Mr. Conductor: Duck whispered something to Donald he was going to play a trick on Henry
Duck: Henry?
Mr. Conductor: he asked
Duck: would you like my tenders?
Henry: yours? What have you got to do with tenders?
Duck: alright
Mr. Conductor: said Duck
Duck: the deal's off would you like them Donald?
Donald: I wouldn't deprive you of the honor
Mr. Conductor: replied Donald
Duck: it is a great honor
Mr. Conductor: continued Duck thoughtfully
Duck: but I'm only a tank engine perhaps James might…
Henry: I'm sorry I was rude
Mr. Conductor: said Henry hastily
Henry: how many tenders have you & when can I have them?
Duck: uh hmm I have… six & you can have them this evening
Henry: 6 lovely tenders!
Mr. Conductor: chortled Henry
Henry: what a sight I'll be!
Mr. Conductor: Henry was excited all day
Henry: do you think it will be all right?
Mr. Conductor: he asked for the umpteenth time
Duck: of course
Mr. Conductor: said Duck
Duck: they're all ready now
[Later that evening]
Mr. Conductor: the other engine s waited where they could each get a good view but Henry wasn't a splendid sight at all his 6 tenders were very old, dirty & full of boiler sludge
Gordon: had a good washout Henry?
Mr. Conductor: called a voice
Gordon: that's right you'll feel a different engine now!
Mr. Conductor: Henry was not sure but he thought the voice belonged to Gordon
[As the story ended the screen filled up with steam again as we return to the main story]
Basil: even thought it was a good story I'm still not at all proud still (He resumes playing, but after Olivia's sad face, decides to humor her) Surely your mother knows where he is.
Olivia I- I don't have a mother.
(Basil screeches the violin as he abruptly sits up)
Basil: Well... um... well, then perhaps... (Firmly) See here! I simply have no time for lost fathers.
[He turns away. Olivia is now annoyed, and puts her hands on her hips.]
Olivia: I didn't lose him. He was taken, by a bat.
[Basil's eyes widen and he leans towards Olivia intently]
Basil: Did you say... bat?
Olivia: Yes...
Basil: Did he have a crippled wing?
Olivia: I don't know. But he had a peg leg!
Basil: (stands up on the arms of the chair, his arms wide) Ha!
Mr. Conductor: do you know him Basil?
Basil: (now sitting on the top of the chair) Know him? That bat, one Fidget by name, is in the employ of the fiend who was the very target of my experiment! The horror of my every waking moment. The nefarious Professor Ratigan!
[Basil points his bow in the direction of the fireplace, where a picture of a well dressed rat sits on the mantle frame. The flames in the fire burst and lightning strikes as we see a close up of Ratigan's sinister grin.]
Dawson: Uh, Ratigan?
Basil: (leaning over the top of the chair) He's a genius, Dawson. (he ducks down and reappears at the side) A genius... twisted for evil. (Moves in front of the chair) The Napoleon of crime!
Dawson: As bad as all that, eh?
Basil: (Now behind them, poking his head through a banister) Worse! For years, I've tried to capture him and I've come close, (he stands and holds his fist out towards the picture) so very close. But each time he's narrowly evaded my grasp.
[Basil is now VO as the camera takes us deeper and deeper through London's sewers.]
Basil: Not a corner of London's safe while Ratigan's at large. There's no evil scheme he wouldn't concoct! No depravity he wouldn't commit.
[We come to an empty barrel on it's side, and an iron door with bars.]
Basil: Who knows what dastardly scheme that villain may be plotting even as we speak.
[Inside the prison, a mechanical robot is pouring tea into a cup. Flaversham is working at a podium, controlling it's movements. Ratigan is at the door, monitoring his progress.]
Ratigan: (chuckles evilly) Quite an ingenious scheme, eh, Flaversham? And aren't you proud to be a part of it?
Flaversham: This whole thing...i-i-it's monstrous!
[He continues working at the controls, getting the robot to pour a spoonful of sugar into the teacup and stir.]
Ratigan: We will have our device ready by tomorrow evening, won't we? You know what will happen if you... fail?
[In Ratigan's hands is a small gold bell which obviously holds a certian threat. He rings it once, but instead of being afraid, Flaversham becomes angry and defiant.]
Flaversham: I-I-I don't care!
[He jerks hard on the controls, making the robot dump the cup of tea on it's head. The robot seizes the teapot and pours that onto its head as well, then hurls it towards Ratingan, who dodges just in time. The robot is flailing around and finally stops, but not before squirting oil out, which lands on Ratigan's coat.]
Flaversham: You can do what you want with me. I won't be a part of this... this... this evil any longer!
[Ratigan has wiped the oil away breathes out his cigarette smoke. He smiles.]
Ratigan: Mmm... very well. If that is your decision. Oh, uh, by the way, I'm taking the liberty of having your daughter brought here. (He pick's up Olivia's ballerina doll and winds it up.)
Flaversham: O-Olivia?
Ratigan: Yes. Hm hm, yes. (He sets the doll down and watches it dance) I would spend many a sleepless night if anything unfortunate were to befall her.
Flaversham: You... You wouldn't!
[Ratigan picks up the doll again, and squeezes it until it breaks. He gazes at the doll in mock sorrow, then lunges threateningly at Flaversham].
Ratigan: FINISH IT, FLAVERSHAM!
[With a heavy heart, Flaversham does as he's told. Outside, Ratigan is humming to himself as he writes a list.]
Ratigan: Oh, I love it when I'm nasty.
[He looks above the doorway to another barrel, where Fidget is hanging from the faucet, sleeping.]
Ratigan: Fidget. (Fidget is still asleep, so Ratigan screams in his ear) Fidget! (Startled, the bat falls from his perch and rolls down the stairs at Ratigan's feet.) Bright and alert as always. Here's the list. You know what to do, and no mistakes!
Fidget: No, no. No mistakes, sir. (reading the list) Tools, gears, girl, uniforms.
Ratigan: (Yelling from the doorway) NOW, Fidget! And I'm also going to send an assistant to help you NOW GO!
Fidget: I'm going, I'm going! I'm going!
[Fidget rushes over to a drain grate. He lifts it up and disappears below.]
To Be Continued…