BEGIN ACT 1.
FADE IN
INT: GADGET'S WORKSHOP -- DAY
The Ranger Plane is here with its balloon deflated, and Gadget is tinkering
with it. She has pulled out the instrument panel out and is squeezed halfway
into its housing. Chip and Dale are leaning against opposite sides of the
Plane, "helping" her. Dale is bemusedly staring at Gadget's tail.
CHIP
Hey, Gadget! Have you heard about this new plane the
government's building?
GADGET (MUFFLED)
Huh-uh.
CHIP
It's invisible to radar! Isn't that great?
PAN from the smiling Dale over to Monty, who is lying against one wall. He is
holding up a piece of mirror and trimming his mustache with a tiny pair of
clippers. Zipper is perched on the mirror.
CHIP
...Hey, Gadget, maybe we could fix up the Ranger Plane
like that! It's not invisible to radar, is it?
GADGET (MUFFLED)
Not really, no.
CHIP
Well, wouldn't that be a good idea?
Gadget backs out of the dashboard, holding pliers and a tiny penlight. She
stares at the dangling wires.
GADGET
...Well, not really. I mean, we look just like a seagull
on radar. So no one pays attention to us anyway.
She flips over and wriggles into the recess again. Dale gives a sardonic
thumbs-up to Chip. Chip reddens and adjusts his hat.
GADGET (MUFFLED)
Hey, Dale, remember when I asked you to file all my parts
and wires and stuff for me?
Dale grins wider and winks at Chip, who does an angry take.
DALE
Sure I remember, Gadget.
GADGET (MUFFLED)
Well, could you go get me my wire cutters?
Dale suddenly starts to sweat. Chip grins at him nastily.
DALE
Uh, well, I, uh, just got started.
Monty has been watching this snappy exchange. He shakes his head and goes back
to trimming his mustache.
Gadget works her way out of the dashboard again. She hands her pliers and light
to Chip and Dale and glares at the panel.
GADGET
If only Zipper knew how to do this! I can't see a thing
back there... Has anybody got a mirror? And where did I
put those wire cutters?
CHIP
I bet Dale filed them away somewhere!
DALE
Uh ...
Monty examines his mirror and clips, then hands them to Zipper.
MONTEREY
Go to it, Zipper me lad.
Zipper lugs the mirror and clips over and gives them to Gadget.
GADGET
Why, thank you, Zipper! You're very helpful.
She burrows into the panel again. Zipper tilts a smug smile to Chip and Dale,
then buzzes away. The chipmunks glare after him. Gadget resurfaces with some
kind of bizarre-looking widget.
GADGET
Got it! Looks like it's blown; we'll need another one.
CHIP
(with smug smile)
Go on, Dale, go get one ... use your filing system!
GADGET
(scrutinizing widget)
Don't bother, Dale. I haven't got any more of these.
We'll have to go parts hunting, I guess. I need some
other stuff anyway. Anyone want to come along?
CHIP
I will!
DALE
Wait...! Wait~! I wanna go!
CHIP
I was first! Come on, Gadget.
Chip helps Gadget climb down from the wing to the ground. Dale angrily pulls a
lever and elevates a wing flap in Chip's path, knocking him down.
DALE
Forget it, Chip! You always get to go on parts hunts.
CHIP
That's not true! Is it, Gadget.
GADGET
(studying widget with magnifying glass)
Oh, why don't both of you come along. I might need you
to carry something heavy, or something.
Dale slides off the wing with a whoop. Chip grits his teeth.
Monty and Zipper watch the others leave. Zipper shakes his head sadly. Monty
puts his hands behind his head.
MONTEREY
Th' boys sure do fight over her, don't they? Tell me,
Zipper: do you think all their squabblin' might spell
the end of th' Rangers some day?
Zipper thinks, then shrugs: Could be.
MONTEREY
Well, little fella, appearances are deceivin' ye know.
You was the last one to join the Rangers. Did I ever
tell you the story of 'ow Gadget became a Rescue Ranger?
Zipper shakes his head and makes a querulous sound.
MONTEREY
Well, it's a story worth hearin', Zipper me lad.
Happened right after I joined up. Seems like yesterday...!
The screen wavers. Then a scene from the past swims into focus in a WIPE, with
Monty's voice providing the only sound.
EXT: TREE'S FRONT DOOR -- DAY -- FLASHBACK
We see Chip hammering the Rangers' symbol into place above the treehouse door.
This symbol is an earlier version, without the lightning bolt. Dale holds the
ladder and Monty watches. Dale wanders away. Chip wavers, then falls, and the
ladder smashes to bits. Dale, oblivious, peers hawkishly into the distance.
Chip, battered and scratched, stomps over and kicks Dale off the tree limb.
Monty claps his hand over his eyes.
MONTEREY (V.O.)
Things weren't goin' on too well by any means ... Dale
and Chipper fought all th' time, even when we weren't on
duty. And when we were on duty ... oh, it was awful! We
could never get our act t'gether.
INT: A DARK CORRIDOR IN A WAREHOUSE -- NIGHT -- FLASHBACK
Fat Cat and his sniggering minions scurry along the corridor carrying
ill-gotten goods. They pass beneath Dale, who is hidden on a box overhead. He
casts a net and manages to snare Chip and Monty, who were following close
behind the villains. They glare at Dale; Dale grins sheepishly. Chip and Dale
begin to squabble as Monty taps his fingers patiently.
MONTEREY (V.O.)
And forget about timing! We couldn't even get ourselves
fixed up right. Nothing we built ever worked. We were
about as 'elpful as th' Keystone Kops.
INT: WORKSHOP -- DAY -- FLASHBACK
We see Chip cranking a ramshackle winch to hoist up something offscreen to the
right. He brakes the winch and walks offscreen to the right. Dale enters from
the left and looks at the winch, which suddenly springs apart; the rope goes
slack, and the ground shakes briefly. Then Chip's hat, with Chip's feet
sticking out, wobbles onscreen and runs in circles while Dale points and laughs
wildly.
MONTEREY (V.O.)
I can't even remember how many times they just up an'
quit ... but somehow, I always talked 'em out of it.
We see the chipmunks fighting; Chip pounds Dale and stalks away. Monty heads
him off and talks to him. At length Chip relents and goes over to apologize to
Dale. Monty slumps into a chair and shakes his head wearily.
MONTEREY (V.O.)
Th' worst part of it was, I wanted t' quit too. This
couldn't go on much longer. Somethin' had t' change.
WIPE TO:
EXT: BASE OF RANGERS' TREE -- DAY
A sign on a root reads:
VISITORS WELCOME
KEEP OUT!
~ THIS MEANS YOU ~
Gadget, carrying a sort of duffel bag, is reading this. She looks upward
uncertainly. She is also holding a piece of paper.
INT: TREE'S MAIN ROOM -- DAY -- STACK OF BOTTLECAPS
With a sharp CRACK ~ the first sound heard in the flashback besides Monty's
voice-over ~ the tip of a bullwhip knocks the top bottlecap from the stack.
Chip, in the treehouse's living room, coils the bullwhip for another try. (This
is before he gave up on the whip.) He casts again and gets himself in the rear
end -- CRACK!
Monty is watching from a chair nearby.
MONTEREY
Chipper, ye've got t' learn t' relax. If ye insist on
usin' that fool thing, ye have t' loosen up a little.
Chip glares at the whip. He casts again and misses -- CRACK.
CHIP
With this thing I could've had Fat Cat last time.
MONTEREY
Pally, I doubt he'd've even noticed, even if ye hit him
in the eye. HEY!
The whip's tip has just missed Monty's head. He glares at Chip.
CHIP
Sorry. That was an accident.
MONTEREY
Just calm down, bucko. Someday ye might get it.
Chip coils up the whip again and takes careful aim.
GADGET (OFF)
Excuse me?
They look at the door. It is open and Gadget stands there timidly.
CHIP
(very unfriendly)
Yeah? What do you want?
GADGET
Uh, well, is this the headquarters of the -- um --
Rescue Rangers?
Chip's whip scores a bulls-eye on the paper in Gadget's hand, snapping it into
fluttering fragments. Gadget jumps.
CHIP
(coiling whip; shortly)
You bet it is! But we're taking some time off from doing
missions right now. Why don't you come back tomorrow.
GADGET
But ... but I saw this ad on a tree and ...
She gestures hesitantly at the paper fragments, but Chip moves over to her and
begins to hustle her out the door.
CHIP
Sorry, ma'am, but we're busy training. We'll help you
with whatever you need tomorrow; right now we're busy.
Gadget is at the door and about to leave before Monty reaches them. He blocks
the door with his body and speaks to Gadget.
MONTEREY
Hold it, hold on a minute here ... you saw an ad?
GADGET
Yes, a help-wanted ad. It was on a tree and ...
MONTEREY
I put that ad out! Crikey, Chip, she wants t' join up!
She wants t' join th' Rangers!
CHIP
(not too swift)
...Oh. Really? You do? No kidding?
Gadget nods. Chip blinks at her, then tosses the whip away and smiles broadly.
He clasps Gadget's hand in both of his.
CHIP
In that case, come in! Make yourself at home, ah ...?
GADGET
...Gadget.
CHIP
(looking her over avidly)
...Gadget! Of course, we'll need to see what you can do,
but that's ... just a formality, you know...
Dale walks in and ogles Gadget. He goes over and elbows Monty.
DALE
Hey Monty - who's the babe?
MONTEREY
(clears throat)
That there young lady is interested in joinin' up.
DALE
No kiddin'? Wow!
Dale immediately elbows between Chip and Gadget. He grabs Chip's hat, puts in
on his own head, and tips it at Gadget.
DALE
Howdy doody, ma'am! I'm Dale. What's your name?
CHIP
(snatches hat back)
Her name's "Gadget," Dale. And I'm showing her around!
DALE
Oh no you're not. You're way too busy, like always.
CHIP
Dale, if you don't get out of here...!
Gadget waves to attract their attention. She holds up her bag.
GADGET
~Look, uh, don't I have to pass some kind of test?
CHIP & DALE (IN UNISON)
Why?
GADGET
...To join up.
CHIP
...Oh yeah! Yeah, that's right. A test.
(pause)
Uh...so what can you do?
Gadget unzips the duffel bag and takes out a flimsy-looking contraption
resembling a perfume atomizer.
GADGET
Well, I build all kinds of stuff. This is something I
thought you guys would like ... it sprays fingerprinting
dust. You know, to look for fingerprints.
DALE
Hey, neat! How does it work?
GADGET
Well, you just do this.
She pushes a plunger in and white dust EXPLODES in all directions. Everything
in sight is coated white. Gadget coughs.
GADGET
Uh ~ but it's not working incredibly well today. Um, let
me take it home and work on it some more, okay?
DALE
I'll go with you!
CHIP
(sneezes)
No, I will!
They hustle Gadget offscreen. Monty follows, coughing.
TRANSITION TO:
EXT: HARDWARE STORE -- INNER CITY -- DAY
Hackwrench Hardware has seen better days, and busier ones too. PAN down to an
alley next to the hardware store. The Rangers and Gadget are in the alley, at
the base of the wall.
GADGET
This is where I live. Isn't it a terrific location?
MONTEREY
(glances around at the grime)
It ain't th' greatest neighborhood.
GADGET
Watch this! This door is another thing I built.
Gadget takes a tiny remote control from her duffel bag and aims it at the wall.
A cinder block sinks inward, then begins sliding to one side. However, it jams
and stops almost immediately.
GADGET
Oh, shoot! We'll have to push it open, guys. Help me.
The chipmunks and Gadget strain at the brick. Then they fall in a heap as it is
pushed effortlessly aside. GOLIATH stands in the doorway.
Goliath is light brown and massive, even larger than Monty, and exudes fit,
competent virility. He is smiling pleasantly, his habitual expression. His
voice is smooth and melodious and always pleasant and unperturbed ~ a cross
between Richard Gere and ArnoldSchwarzenegger. He wears ragged shorts and a
cutoff T~shirt with a lightning bolt design.
GOLIATH
Hello, Gadget. I was wondering where you were. Who's
your friends?
Gadget gets hastily to her feet, as do the chipmunks. The chipmunks are
appalled by Goliath's presence.
GADGET
Oh, just, uh, some guys. -Guys, this is my friend, Goliath.
MONTEREY
(tips his cap, a little awed)
Ah ... hello.
GADGET
I'm just here to get my rocket pack. I wanted to show it
to these guys.
GOLIATH
Aw, that's cute. You're always inventing stuff.
(pats Gadget on head)
I was just showing your rocket pack to some of the
fellows from work. Listen, I've got to go out; could you
clean the place up a little?
GADGET
Sure, Goliath.
Goliath waves as he walks away. Then Gadget looks inside her flat and groans.
GADGET
Oh, gosh, what a mess.
She goes inside. The Rangers follow cautiously.
INT: GADGET'S FLAT -- DIM LIGHT
This place is low and crowded with ramshackle furniture. Bulbs dangle from
wires over the detritus of a party ~ dirty cups and plates and shirts and
socks, cards, spilled drinks, etc. A small radio stands in one corner. Gadget
is gathering up clothes.
GADGET
Could you hold on a second? I'm just cleaning up this
place a little.
CHIP & DALE (IN UNISON)
Okay.
The chipmunks glance around, then jump as Monty pokes them.
MONTEREY
(whispering)
Don't just stand there! Offer t' help 'er out!
Chip straightens his hat and advances before Dale does.
CHIP
I'll help you, Gadget!
DALE
We'll help you, Gadget.
The Rangers tidy up around them, marveling at the mess. Chip gathers up the
dirty dishes and dumps them in the crude sink. Monty gets most of the debris
off the floor. Dale collects the dirty clothes and puts them into a bag Gadget
holds open for him.
GADGET
There, that's enough for now. I'll do laundry tomorrow.
MONTEREY
What ye got for us t' see this time, Gadget?
GADGET
My rocket pack! It really works. Oh, no ...
She picks up a device from a corner. It looks like it came from THE ROCKETEER.
But it has been heavily damaged in the party. Wires and things are hanging out.
GADGET
...Shoot; it looks like the guidance system is all
broken. Oh well; I'll show you guys my Food-Finder
instead. I need to find dinner for tonight anyway.
Gadget goes to a cluttered workbench and gets out a device that looks like a
flimsy metal detector. She takes off her goggles and hands them to Dale.
GADGET
Here, hold these, would you, Chip?
She puts the Food-Finder's headphones on.
DALE
Uh, he's Chip. I'm Dale.
GADGET
(holds headphones away from ear)
Beg pardon?
DALE
...Nothin'.
Dale puts the goggles on his head and moves off after the others.
EXT: ANOTHER ALLEY -- DAY
Gadget walking along an alley. The others follow at a short distance. Gadget is
pointing her Food-Finder all about her. We can hear a faint twittering coming
from the Food-Finder's headphones.
MONTEREY
Well, fellas, what d'ye think? Can we use Gadget or not?
CHIP
(off guard)
Uh, well ... I don't know ... her inventions don't seem
to work very well. She's got to pull her own weight...
MONTEREY
What's this? How come yer so particular all of a sudden?
DALE
Aw, you're just scared of that Goliath. But I'm not! I
could take him, easy!
Dale shadowboxes. Chip flares up angrily.
CHIP
That's ridiculous! Gadget probably doesn't like him
anyway! ~I, I mean, ...
He trails off as Gadget wanders past with her Food-Finder.
GADGET
Excuse me, guys. Hey, how am I doing so far?
CHIP & DALE (IN UNISON)
Great, Gadget!
Gadget smiles and moves off. Chip and Dale look after her, then move after her
together, their argument forgotten. Monty watches them go. He frowns
thoughtfully.
MONTEREY
Hm.
Gadget moves her Food-Finder around, with the chipmunks following.
GADGET
I hope this thing is working today. Goliath doesn't
like it when I don't bring anything home for dinner.
CHIP
Goliath? How come he can't get his own food?
GADGET
Goliath? Uh, well, he's got lots of stuff to do.
DALE
So do you! That's not fair.
GADGET
(holds headphones away from ear)
What? I'm sorry.
A BEEEP! distracts her. She points the Food-Finder ahead of her.
GADGET
There! It found something! I wonder what?
They run off.
EXT: ANOTHER PART OF THE ALLEY -- DAY -- BANANA PEEL
A dirty banana peel lies on the dirty ground. DRAW BACK to reveal Gadget and
the Rangers. Gadget's face falls.
GADGET
Oh, no! That's not right. Maybe the processor's off.
(fiddles with Food-Finder)
Let's try again, okay?
As they move off, Dale turns to look at Monty. Monty shrugs.
TRANSITION TO:
EXT: A DIFFERENT ALLEY -- DAY -- CANDY WRAPPER
The empty black candy wrapper reads "TREACLE BRITTLE." DRAW BACK to reveal
Gadget and the Rangers.
GADGET
Oh, rats! Not again! Maybe there's something wrong with
the shape tables.
DALE
(tapping his head, to Monty)
Maybe there's somethin' wrong up here.
MONTEREY
(angrily)
Shhhh! What kinda comment is that?
DALE
She can't hear me.
GADGET
(as she fiddles some more)
Shoot...! Let's try again. I'm sure it's just a glitch.
Chip looks at the Food-Finder skeptically. They move off.
TRANSITION TO:
EXT: EMPTY SIDEWALK -- LATE AFTERNOON -- APPLE CORE
Chip and Gadget, Food-Finder slung at her shoulder, roll an apple core along.
Dale and Monty bring up the rear.
GADGET
(ruefully)
It wasn't working too well today, I guess. But I'll fix
it soon, no problem! Really, I will, Dale.
CHIP
I'm Chip. He's Dale.
(pats her on the shoulder)
Don't worry, Gadget. I'm sure it's just a temporary
problem. You'll do better tomorrow.
PAN to show Dale and Monty trailing behind. Monty shakes his head.
MONTEREY
This don't look good at all. Poor lassie.
DALE
What's Lassie got to do with this? She's a dog.
EXT: DOOR TO GADGET'S FLAT (CLOSED) -- LATE AFTERNOON
Gadget and Chip roll the apple core up to the door. Gadget tries her remote
again; there is only a BUZZ.
GADGET
This darn thing! It was working this morning.
The door is opened from inside by Goliath. He waves pleasantly.
GOLIATH
Hello there. Gadget, you're home late; I was worried.
GADGET
(nervously)
Oh ~ hi, Goliath. Uh, I was just bringing home dinner.
GOLIATH
That's the best you could do, huh? Hang on, I'll get it
inside for you.
Goliath picks up the apple core easily and carries it inside.
GADGET
(to the Rangers)
Listen, guys, tomorrow will be different, I promise.
Meet me in the morning by the hollow tree in the park.
CHIP
Sure, Gadget.
She goes into the flat. The Rangers turn and walk away.
EXT: ENTRANCE TO ALLEY BESIDE STORE -- DUSK
DALE
I don't like that Goliath character. He's shifty.
CHIP
Well, maybe he is busy all day. I mean, Gadget must see
something in him...
MONTEREY
Eh, come on, Chip. You think it's fair? It's criminal
for her to 'ave t' forage for that big bloke.
CHIP
Well ...
(casts about, notices DALE's goggles)
Dale, aren't those Gadget's goggles?
Dale pulls Gadget's goggles off and stares at them.
DALE
Whoops. Guess I better give 'em back.
Dale turns and runs back to Gadget's flat.
EXT: ALLEY NEXT TO GADGET'S FLAT -- DUSK
As he draws near, Dale hears voices through the open door. He stops and
listens.
GADGET (OFF)
But it's not my fault! My Food-Finder just didn't work.
EXT: DOOR TO GADGET'S FLAT (OPEN) -- DUSK
Goliath and Gadget sit in the doorway. Goliath is using a razor blade to carve
the apple core to pieces. He speaks patiently.
GOLIATH
Yes, but you didn't have to use that thing. You could
have used your instincts, or whatever most mice use.
GADGET
But when it works ...
She sighs. Goliath deposits a tiny helping of apple next to her.
GOLIATH
There, that's your share.
GADGET
But that's hardly any!
GOLIATH
(mildly)
Well, I worked hard today.
He crunchs a seed in his teeth. She puts her hands on her hips.
GADGET
What about me? It took me all day to find that ...
GOLIATH
(mouth full)
And I'm a lot bigger than you; I need more food. Stop
bellyaching, willya? There wasn't much to go around.
Goliath, arms full of his lion's share, sits down against the wall. There is a
sound of BREAKAGE. Gadget jumps up in horror.
GADGET
No! You sat on it! You sat on my Food-Finder!
Goliath stands up; he has indeed flattened the Food-Finder. He examines the
debris with a bland expression.
GOLIATH
Well, it didn't work very well, did it? Maybe next time
you'll have better luck.
Goliath gathers up the smashed Food-Finder and tosses the wreckage out the
door. It KONKS Dale on the head and knocks him into a puddle, but Gadget and
Goliath don't see this. Goliath rubs a dejected Gadget on the top of the head
and walks into the flat.
Dale rights himself, rubbing his head, and studies the Food-Finder. Gadget goes
out into the alley.
GADGET
Oh, maybe I can salvage something~
She runs into Dale and knocks him into the puddle again.
GADGET
(very startled)
Oh! Chip! What~ what are you doing here?
DALE
I'm Dale. You, uh, forgot these.
He hands the goggles to Gadget. She is extremely jittery.
GADGET
Uh, thanks. Uh, well, bye, Chip. See you tomorrow.
She retreats inside and the door grates shut. Dale frowns deeply.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT: LARGE HOLLOW TREE IN PARK -- MORNING
The Rangers are sitting in a big arched cavity in the tree's base.
MONTEREY
I tell ye, lads, this Goliath character's lookin' mighty
suspicious t' me.
CHIP
Well, it's not like he threw her out, or anything. He
didn't even yell at her, did he, Dale?
DALE
Aw, c'mon, Chip! He just don't care about Gadget at all.
I was there; I could tell.
MONTEREY
Yes, well, you ain't exactly impartial, Dale.
DALE
I am so impartial! ... Or I would be if I knew what it
meant.
MONTEREY
(ignoring him)
Still, yer ol' pal Monty's been round th' block a few
times. I've known characters like this Goliath. Nice
enough finish on the outside, nothin' but bad wood on
th' inside.
CHIP
Look, there's Gadget!
Gadget droops into view. She looks tired and bedraggled.
GADGET
Hi, guys. Look, I'm really sorry I'm late. It's just~
MONTEREY
Forget it, Gadget luv'. Listen, do ye mind if we ask ye
a couple questions about that friend o' yers?
GADGET
Goliath...? Well ... like what?
DALE
~What's he like?
GADGET
(sighs)
Well, he's kind of big and he's awful strong ... and he
lets me work on my inventions and stuff, most of the
time. He's real nice once you get to know him ...
MONTEREY
Does 'e do any work? I mean, does 'e have a job?
GADGET
Well, he's working today at the Storm Drain; that's a
club downtown. Listen, guys, can we talk about this
later? I'd really like to get going.
CHIP
Going where?
Gadget moves to the back of the cavity and slides back a concealed bark
partition. Behind it is a prototype Ranger Plane (propellers, no balloon). She
smiles proudly as the Rangers gape.
GADGET
Anywhere we want! What do you think?
MONTEREY
Strike me starkers! Does that thing actually fly?
GADGET
Sure! I've flown it before, even. Let's get started!
They wheel the Plane out into the sunlight and climb aboard.
EXT: RANGER PLANE PROTOTYPE -- MORNING
Gadget sits behind the wheel and lowers her goggles. Monterey looks about him
dubiously. Gadget turns on the ignition.
MONTEREY
You're sure this contraption's safe?
GADGET
(cranking engines)
Sure! It works as well as anything I've ever built.
CHIP
Uh ...
One engine catches, than the other. The Plane bounces away over the ground and
lifts off into the morning air.
DALE
Wow! This is great! We're flyin' like a bird. YIKES!
Dale nearly falls out as the Plane banks sharply, does a barrel roll, and
wobbles back on course.
GADGET
Whoops! Just testing. I meant to do that. No problem!
MONTEREY
Gadget, just 'ow much pilot trainin' 'ave you had?
GADGET
(cheerfully)
Oh, I've never had any. You just have to understand the
principles involved. I've only crashed this thing once.
There is a loud CHUFF! sound. One engine coughs, emits black smoke, and
feathers slowly to a stop. Everyone stares.
MONTEREY
(plaintively)
Gadget -- tell me that ain't what 'appened the one time.
GADGET
(with a trace of panic)
Okay, guys, don't panic. I can land us on one engine.
The other engine promptly quits. Gadget boggles at it.
GADGET
What...? But~ but that's impossible! How could they both
go at the same time?
DALE
Uh, how much gas have we got?
Everyone looks. INTERCUT a fuel gauge on E. Gadget gulps.
GADGET
Whoops.
EXT: RANGER PLANE -- OVER STREAM THROUGH PARK -- MORNING
The Plane, nearing the stream, begins its dive toward the ground. They pass
over the Rangers' tree.
CHIP
Do you have any parachutes?
GADGET
Well ~ I had one, but Goliath used it for a toga party.
MONTEREY
Where's th' seat belts?
GADGET
Golly ~ I wish you'd been around when I built this
thing. Maybe I would've put some in.
CHIP
This is awful! We'll be killed!
GADGET
Listen, guys, I'm going to try to land us in the stream.
DALE
Oh boy! We're goin' swimming!
MONTEREY
Swell! Instead of crashin', we'll drown.
GADGET
No problem! We'll make it... We'll make it...
The Plane is losing altitude too quickly. The ground approaches faster than the
stream. Gadget gulps again.
GADGET
Ulp! We won't make it.
CHIP
Everybody hold on!
EXT: STREAM -- MORNING
The Plane SPLATS into the soft streambank. Everyone is thrown free to land
safely in the water. They crawl gasping to the shore.
DALE
Wow! That was better than a roller coaster.
CHIP
(angry)
Will you shut up, Dale? We're lucky to be alive!
Monty wrings out his hat. He moves to comfort Gadget, who is sitting on a
sandbar holding her head in her hands.
GADGET
Oh, I can't stand it! How could I have been so stupid?
MONTEREY
There, there, Gadget, luv'. You were just tired.
GADGET
No kidding! I never should have been flying today!
She kneads her forehead in frustration. Monty glances at the sadly crumpled
Plane, then pats her on the shoulder.
MONTEREY
Don't take it so hard, luv'. We'll walk ye home.
GADGET
No, forget it. It's out of your way. And I've got a lot
farther to go than you guys. Listen, I'll see you later.
Gadget droops dejectedly off. Chip and Dale join Monty.
MONTEREY
Poor lassie. Well, now what, lads?
DALE
I still don't like that Goliath guy. I think we oughta
go spy on him.
CHIP
Dale, that's a terrible thing to do! Isn't it, Monty?
MONTEREY
Chip, me lad, sometimes a Rescue Ranger's got t' break
the rules a bit to do the right thing. I vote we go pay
a visit to the place that Goliath bloke works.
CHIP
The Storm Drain? Why?
MONTEREY
'Cause I've been there before. There ain't a tougher
joint in town. Anybody who works at that place ain't
exactly as innocent as a baby, if ye get my meaning.
DALE
But how would we get into a place like that? Goliath
might see us!
MONTEREY
We'll just try out some of them fool disguises Chip's
been workin' on. Maybe this time they'll do th' job.
CHIP
Hey ... yeah! My disguises! Let's go get them!
DALE
I dunno about this ...
Monty pulls Dale offscreen after Chip.
END ACT 1.
BEGIN ACT 2.
EXT: FRONT OF "STORM DRAIN" -- DAY
This appears to be a tough biker bar located in a storm drain. Tough-looking
mice lounge nastily around the entrance, dressed in outlandish clothes.
PAN to the Rangers, moving along the gutter toward the club. They are disguised
as pirates ~ Dale has an eye patch, for instance ~ but they do not look too out
of place here.
MONTEREY
(whispers, to Chip)
Y'know, Chip, I was worried yer costumes'd be a little
out o' date. Now I'm wonderin' if we went far enough.
This place's got worse since I was 'ere last.
PAN across the door crowd; they are an odd bunch, replete with eyepatches,
headbands and colorful jackets. One scarred mouse even has a hook and a pegleg.
They all stare at the Rangers sullenly.
INT: ENTRY TO "STORM DRAIN" -- DIM LIGHT
Monty leads them into the entry. The BOUNCER, a lean, glossy black mouse as big
as Monty, surges to his feet and bars their way.
BOUNCER
Hey, not so fast. I don't recognize you brightly colored
waifs.
MONTEREY
Hey there, Whitey! Don't ye recognize me?
BOUNCER
(squints at Monty)
Ahhh ... nope, I don't. Beat it, fats.
MONTEREY
Lemme jog yer memory, kid. Shake!
Whitey blinks at Monty's extended hand. CUT to the chipmunks, who flinch as a
body slams against the floor. CUT to Monty, who has flipped Whitey onto his
stomach and is sitting on him.
MONTEREY
Anythin' comin' to ye?
BOUNCER
Monty! Cor, it's been ages! Where you been?
MONTEREY
I went overseas for a while. But I'm back! These 'ere
chipmunks are some, ah, clients o' mine.
BOUNCER
(pumping Monty's hand)
Well, welcome back, Jack; even if youse are associatin'
with the riffraff now.
INT: STORM DRAIN -- BADLY LIT
Monty leads the chipmunks into the club, which is full of tough, embittered
rodents, in garish dress a leg up on the door crowd.
Dale looks at two PUNK RATS nearby. One sports a glowing mohawk.
DALE
Boy, look at all these funny-lookin' guys.
The rats look at Dale quizzically. Chip pulls Dale offscreen.
PUNK RAT 1
(to PUNK RAT 2)
They're sure letting some funny-looking guys in here.
INT: STORM DRAIN -- NEAR BAR
CHIP
Where's that Goliath?
MONTEREY
First things first, Chipper me lad. Let's get settled.
The Rangers make their way to the bar and sit next to a cluster of large mice
TOUGHS, laughing about something. Monty pounds the bar.
MONTEREY
Service! Come on, Larry, where are ye?
The bartender is Goliath. He moves out from behind the clustered group,
laughing pleasantly. He doesn't recognize the Rangers.
GOLIATH
Ha ha ... what'll it be, fellows?
The Rangers all stare. Monty finally overcomes his surprise.
MONTEREY
Oh ... er, what 'appened t' Larry, the old bartender?
GOLIATH
He had an accident. Come on, what'll it be?
MONTEREY
... Ah, well ... just root beers all 'round.
Goliath pumps out three root beers for them and returns at once to the adjacent
discussion. Chip leans toward Monty.
CHIP
The disguises worked! He didn't recognize us.
MONTEREY
Shhh! Let's listen t' these fellows.
The discussion group is LAUGHING coarsely again. Goliath's smooth CHUCKLE is
audibly different from the rest.
FIRST TOUGH
...So then I said, I said to her: 'This purse yours,
lady?' And she says, 'Yes.' And I go, 'Just askin'!'
The party roars with laughter. A SECOND TOUGH waves for attention.
SECOND TOUGH
Wait, wait, guys; we tell Goliath what we decided?
FIRST TOUGH
Not yet!
SECOND TOUGH
Hey, big guy; we been takin' a survey on who's got the
best girl. Guess who won?
GOLIATH
Why, I've no idea.
Everyone points to Goliath. Goliath smiles humbly.
GOLIATH
Me? Really? That's nice.
The others guffaw. Chip starts to get down from his barstool.
CHIP
Well, he likes her. Let's go.
MONTEREY
(pulls CHIP back)
Siddown, Chip! Let's hear this.
The first tough hits Goliath on the shoulder.
FIRST TOUGH
Gadget's terrific, man! My girl's always tryin' to get
me t' do nice stuff for her. Gadget just does whatever
youse want! And she ain't half-bad lookin' either, and
plus she also builds all that cool stuff too.
SECOND TOUGH
Yeah, and you can even break it, if you want.
The tough demonstrates by shattering his glass on the bartop. Everyone laughs.
The Rangers exchange glances.
SECOND TOUGH
Yeah. An' Gadget ain't nosy. I mean, I look twice at
another girl ... WHAMMO! But Gadget, she's totally
clueless. She don't know what you're doin' all day. You
could have twenty girls if you wanted. Goliath, you're
the luckiest guy in town!
The group guffaws again. Goliath shakes his head, smiling.
GOLIATH
You fellows are so crazy. How about a round of root beer
on the house?
TOUGHS
YEAH! ALL RIGHT!
Goliath, still chuckling, begins pulling root beers and passing them out. He
speaks to the Rangers as he does this.
GOLIATH
You fellows want to join us?
He turns to the Rangers' place, but only their root beers remain, untouched.
Goliath blinks, shrugs, then grabs the Rangers' drinks and passes them to his
discussion group as well.
EXT: FRONT OF "STORM DRAIN" -- FAR SHOT -- DAY
Around a nearby corner, the Rangers are shedding their disguises.
MONTEREY
Well, that's all I want t' hear o' that nonsense. We've
got to do somethin', I reckon.
CHIP
Monty -- are you sure we should do anything? She thinks
he's a nice guy; you heard her.
DALE
Are you kiddin'? Chip, we're Rescue Rangers!
MONTEREY
Too right, Dale. And we've got our rescue cut out fer us
this time; we've got t' save Gadget from herself.
EXT: HACKWRENCH HARDWARE -- LATE AFTERNOON
A sign in the window reads: GOING OUT OF BUSINESS.
EXT: DOOR TO GADGET'S FLAT (CLOSED) -- LATE AFTERNOON
Gadget, shagged out, is slumped wearily next to her closed door. She tries her
remote control a few more times, eliciting only BUZZES, then tosses it to land
in the wreckage of her Food-Finder.
GADGET
(quietly)
Dumb thing.
GOLIATH (OFF)
(genially)
Who are you calling dumb? That's not very nice.
Gadget stands up hurriedly to face Goliath, who has come up next to her. He is
carrying a foil packet of peanuts. He puts an arm around her and slides the
flat's door open with his other hand.
As Gadget and Goliath talk in the doorway, we glimpse Chip, Dale, and Monty
edging as close as possible to the door, pressed against the alley wall.
GOLIATH
Where have you been all day? I was looking for you.
GADGET
Oh, uh... well, I was, you know, getting parts, stuff
like that. I'm really sorry I didn't get dinner ...
GOLIATH
Oh, don't worry about me. I went out and got my own.
He tilts the rest of his peanuts into his maw.
GADGET
(timidly)
Um ... is there any of that left?
Goliath crumples up the wrapper and tosses it from hand to hand.
GOLIATH
Not really. Sorry about that. Boy, you know, finding my
own dinner really perks me up. I feel like ... juggling!
He tosses the balled-up wrapper onto the floor and walks into the flat. Gadget
jumps up suddenly.
GADGET
No...! Goliath, please don't!
She dashes inside. The Rangers edge closer and cup their ears.
GADGET (WITHIN)
Please, Goliath! That stuff is really delicate!
INT: GADGET'S FLAT -- WORKBENCH -- BRIGHTLY LIT
Gadget's workbench is covered with complex knicknacks. Goliath is pleasantly
juggling some delicate-looking vacuum tubes. Gadget stands imploringly next to
him, but he is apparently oblivious.
GOLIATH
She loves me, she loves me not. She loves me ... she
loves me not. Whoops!
He drops a tube and it shatters with a POP! He grins at her.
GOLIATH
Aw... she loves me! That's sweet.
GADGET
Please... please, Goliath, please don't do that. I'll
find some food tomorrow, I promise! Please put them down
... it's so hard to find vacuum tubes nowadays.
Goliath catches the tubes in one hand and holds them high over his head. He
smiles guilelessly at her.
GOLIATH
Guess it must be easier than finding food, huh?
GADGET
(desolate)
I promise. Please?
Goliath sets the tubes down carefully on the workbench, but one rolls off and
SHATTERS. He grins at her and rubs her head.
GOLIATH
Gosh, sorry about that. Won't you please forgive me?
He ambles off. Gadget sighs. She falls to her knees despondently and begins to
sweep the mess onto a piece of cardboard.
EXT: DOOR TO GADGET'S FLAT (OPEN) -- LATE AFTERNOON
Gadget takes the piece of cardboard to the doorway and shakes the fragments
onto the ground. The Rangers appear next to her.
MONTEREY
(whispering)
Ssst! Gadget!
Gadget is startled out of her wits. She drops the cardboard.
GADGET
Yii!
CHIP
(whispering)
Gadget, we've got to talk to you for a minute!
Gadget looks fearfully behind her, then steps down into the alley.
GADGET
Listen, guys, you can't stay here~ Goliath doesn't like
it when I bring friends over ...
MONTEREY
Goliath, eh? Gadget, after a bit o' observin' and
calculatin', we Rescue Rangers 'ave found out a little
somethin' about that friend o' yers. Care to hear it?
GADGET
Oh, guys, will you stop this? Goliath's nice ...
MONTEREY
Gadget luv', he ain't! E's a worthless good-for-nothin'
sponge. Surely ye can see that!
DALE
You said it! Gadget, you gotta dump that bozo.
GADGET
(pulls her hair)
Oh, why are you doing this to me? I finally get somebody
to like me and now you come and try to ruin everything!
CHIP
Gadget, he's just using you! He treats you like dirt.
GADGET
No he's not! He's really nice. I mean, well, sometimes
he gets a little mad, but even then he's still nice! He
really isn't like that! Why don't you believe me? ...
Monterey puts his hand on her shoulder.
MONTEREY
Now, wait a bit, Gadget; listen up. Yer ol' pal Monty,
he's been around a long time. He's seen th' good and th'
bad in the world. And believe me, luv' ~ that big bloke
in there is bad. But you don't believe it yet; so here's
what you do. Just go in there ... and ask him to do
something for you.
GADGET
... Do something? What?
MONTEREY
Anythin'! Just one thing, anything at all. And you see
what he says. All right?
GADGET
Yeah, okay, I guess. Maybe. ... Listen, you guys ...
MONTEREY
Right ~ we're goin' now. Come on, lads.
Monty moves off, and the chipmunks leave reluctantly. Gadget stares after them.
She scratches her head.
EXT: SIDEWALK -- LATE AFTERNOON
The Rangers are walking home. The chipmunks are fighting mad, but Monty is
almost serene.
CHIP
I can't stand it! We didn't even tell her what we heard!
MONTEREY
It wouldn't help, Chip. She needs t' hear it 'erself.
DALE
Let's go back there and clobber ol' Goliath!
MONTEREY
Patience, lads. Let's just go home and wait 'til
tomorrow. Trust me.
INT: GADGET'S FLAT -- WALL MIRROR -- GOLIATH ADMIRING HIMSELF
Goliath is combing his hair and humming to himself. Gadget advances timidly
toward him from behind.
GADGET
Goliath?
GOLIATH
(not looking her way)
Yes, dear?
GADGET
Listen, Goliath ... I was wondering if we could ... if
you'd do something for me? Just one thing.
GOLIATH
Like what?
GADGET
Uh ... take a walk with me? In the park?
Goliath examines himself in the mirror. He cocks a rakish eyebrow.
GOLIATH
Errrrrrmmmmm... nahh. Not tonight; I'm tired.
GADGET
Oh, Goliath! We used to do it almost every night.
GOLIATH
(turns to her, smiling again)
Yeah, but it was my idea those times. Remember?
He pats her on the head. She raises her eyebrow.
GOLIATH
Listen, I'm going to sleep. You sleep on the couch
tonight, okay, Gadg? G'night.
He ambles off to the bedroom. Gadget remains where she is, staring after him,
frowning slightly.
Finally she goes over to her workbench and picks up a soldering iron. She looks
once more after Goliath, then puts down her goggles and goes to work.
END ACT 2.
BEGIN ACT 3.
SLOW TIME TRANSITION: SAME SCENE
Gadget is now curled up on the couch. On the workbench sits a small, flimsy
radio assembly, with antenna and speaker. A yawn offscreen heralds Goliath's
entry.
GOLIATH
Rise and shine, Gadg'! It's another great day!
He shakes Gadget gently awake. She blinks blearily at him.
GOLIATH
You sleep okay?
GADGET
Uhhh ... I was up late.
GOLIATH
(reasonably)
Well, that's your own fault, right? Listen, Gadg', are
you going to see your little friends today?
GADGET
(rubs eyes)
Uh, yeah, I've got another invention to show them. If I
can find them ...
GOLIATH
Well, good luck. I'll be here all day; I've got some
serious lounging around to do.
He pads over to the radio and turns it on; CLASSICAL MUSIC flows out. Then he
flops down on the sofa and starts reading a magazine.
Gadget lifts the radio from the workbench. Under it is an outrageously gaudy
necklace with a large gold pendant. A little grille in the pendant is open. She
closes the door, then picks up the pendant and slips it into a pocket, glancing
at Goliath.
EXT: RANGERS' TREE -- FAR SHOT -- MORNING
DALE (O.S.)
I just don't think we shoulda left her there!
INT: TREE'S MAIN ROOM -- DAY
Monty is lounging on the sofa, reading a magazine. Chip is sitting in a chair,
very uptight. Dale is pacing.
DALE
I mean, we go to all that trouble to find out that
Goliath guy's a jerk, and then we don't do nothin'?
MONTEREY
Be patient, lads. She'll be by eventually.
CHIP
...If we're right. I mean, what if we're wrong? We
really don't have any proof. I'll bet they're sitting at
home laughing at us!
There is a KNOCK on the door. Chip and Dale jump. Monty coolly checks his
watch, smiling slightly.
MONTEREY
There she is ... right on schedule.
Dale runs to open the door. Gadget enters with her duffel bag. She looks worn
out, but acts motivated.
GADGET
Hello, guys. Listen, I need your help with something.
CHIP
(cutting off DALE)
Sure, we'll help, Gadget. What's up?
GADGET
It's just a little experiment. Uh ... which one of you
guys is the strongest?
The chipmunks look at each other, then over at Monty. He waves.
EXT: DOOR TO GADGET'S FLAT (OPEN) -- DAY
Monty's hand KNOCKS on the door peremptorily. DRAW BACK to show Monty. He is
wearing the necklace with the large, outrageously gaudy gold pendant that
Gadget was working with earlier. Monty examines the pendant, then KNOCKS again.
MONTEREY
Hey, you in there! Open up!
The door slides open to reveal Goliath. He blinks sleepily.
GOLIATH
Oh, it's you. I remember you... What's up?
MONTEREY
Just somethin' I was wonderin' about. Gadget's told me
you're th' strongest mouse in this neighborhood.
GOLIATH
(shrugs)
I could be.
MONTEREY
Well, bucko, ain't nobody calls 'imself that 'round 'ere
without beatin' ol' Monterey Jack at arm-wrestle first.
Now, come on! Let's settle this right now.
Monterey hunkers down and puts his elbow on the doorstep. Goliath scratches his
head, puzzled.
GOLIATH
Well ... I don't know. This is a little strange ...
MONTEREY
Come on now! What are ye, a man or a mouse?
Goliath blinks. Then he obligingly stretches himself full length and clasps
Monty's hand.
INT: TREE'S MAIN ROOM -- DAY
Monty's voice is coming tinnily from the little radio assembly Gadget brought
with her. The radio is on the table. Gadget is adjusting a knob and tautly
listening, as are the chipmunks.
MONTEREY (OFF) (STATIC)
All right now; one ... two ... three ... go!
Tinny GRUNTS come through the speaker. Dale waves his fists.
DALE
Go for it, Monty! You can do it!
A THUD is heard. Monty's voice pants.
MONTEREY (OFF) (STATIC)
Blimey...! Uncle! Uncle! I give up, mate. You win.
DALE
Aw, shucks.
GADGET AND CHIP (IN UNISON)
Shhhh!
EXT: DOOR TO GADGET'S FLAT (OPEN) -- DAY
Goliath helps Monty to his feet.
GOLIATH
Hey, I've got to hand it to you! Nobody ever lasted that
long against me before. You're pretty good.
MONTEREY
(rubbing arm)
Ah, pally, ye should've seen me in me younger years.
GOLIATH
Come on inside, Monty, why don't you. Have a root beer.
MONTEREY
Now yer talkin', me lad.
Goliath puts a friendly arm round Monty's shoulders as they go in.
INT: GADGET'S FLAT
Monty sits at the table and glances around as Goliath hands him a cracked mug
of root beer.
MONTEREY
Ye know, this is a pretty nice place ye've got 'ere.
GOLIATH
Yeah, it's pretty good. And it's maintenance-free, too.
MONTEREY
Beg pardon?
GOLIATH
(chuckles)
Gadget keeps it clean for me. I've got a really good
deal going there, you know.
MONTEREY
(in a friendly way)
Oh yeah? She does work for ye, then?
GOLIATH
(very pleasant tone)
Does she work? She does all the work. It's great. I
mean, that's what girls are good for, right? Working for
their guys. So many girls nowadays don't know that.
INT: TREE'S MAIN ROOM -- DAY
Gadget is listening in astonishment. She rears back from the radio and stares
at it as though it were a rattlesnake.
GOLIATH (OFF) (STATIC)
Listen, Monty, let me ask you something.
INT: GADGET'S FLAT
GOLIATH
Those chipmunks you were hanging around with before. Are
they friends of yours or something?
MONTEREY
Chipmunks...? Oh, they're just some fellas I know. I
dinna know 'em that well, I guess. Why?
GOLIATH
(nods)
That's good. Chipmunks are kind of inferior, you know.
They really don't have what it takes. They're lazy, and
you can't rely on them, if you know what I mean.
MONTEREY
(weird smile, but normal voice)
Yeah, ain't that th' truth? And they're always fightin'.
INT: TREE'S MAIN ROOM -- DAY
Gadget is hugging herself, deeply troubled. The chipmunks are staring at the
radio with some anger.
MONTEREY (OFF) (STATIC)
Ye can never trust 'em to cooperate either. Can't trust
'em with anything, seems like.
DALE
Hey, watch it!
CHIP
Be quiet, Dale! He's just playing the part.
GADGET
Guys, this is really awful! I'm really sorry about this!
MONTEREY (OFF) (STATIC)
Gadget seems to build lots o' stuff. How do ye feel
about her doin' that?
GOLIATH (OFF) (STATIC)
Her inventions? They're great!
Gadget clasps her hands together and starts to smile happily.
GOLIATH (OFF) (STATIC)
It's so funny! She builds all this silly stuff all the
time and it never works. It's a gas!
Gadget loses her smile.
INT: GADGET'S FLAT
GOLIATH
(laughing silently)
She builds the dumbest things. Like that Food-Finder. I
mean, you saw that, right? Even the name sounds like a
joke, you know? I did let her play with that for a while
before I broke it.
MONTEREY
(neutral voice)
I ... thought ye just sat on that accidentally?
GOLIATH
Yeah, right. Just like I didn't mean to do this, right?
Goliath reaches over to the radio against the wall. He pulls a knob off with a
pop and tosses it away. He waggles his eyebrows.
GOLIATH
Gadget thinks she's so smart, but she's so dumb. She's
like a little puppy dog. Check this out.
Goliath easily picks up the radio. He tosses it from hand to hand.
GOLIATH
I can break this radio right now if I want to. I'll just
tell her it fell over somehow. She'll fix it, and when
it bugs me I'll break it again. It's fun. It's like
making her do tricks!
Goliath guffaws as he tosses the radio down. Monty winces as itcrashes down,
damaging itself. The CLASSICAL MUSIC fades and the radio expires. Goliath,
still laughing, reaches out and kicks it.
INT: TREE'S MAIN ROOM -- DAY
Gadget picks up the giggling receiver and smashes it to the floor. Parts roll
away from it as she stands shaking, fists at her sides.
CHIP
Gosh, Gadget ...
DALE
... we told you. Yowch!
Chip stomps on Dale's foot. Gadget ignores them. She runs for the door. The
chipmunks scramble to follow. Chip grabs his bullwhip.
INT: GADGET'S FLAT
Monty is fingering the cracked radio as Goliath muses.
GOLIATH
Yeah, I like you Monty. You can really appreciate how
incredibly simple it all is. We're two of a kind.
Monty smiles at Goliath. As Goliath turns away to take a sip of root beer,
Monty turns away and gags in utter disgust.
Suddenly, Gadget, Chip and Dale appear in the doorway. Gadget has a stony
expression; it looks distinctly odd on her. The chipmunks just look angry.
GADGET
GOLIATH!!
Goliath stands up in order to bow graciously.
GOLIATH
Oh, hi there, Gadget; Monty and I were just talking
about you, weren't we, Monty? I see you brought your
little friends along ...
He trails off as Dale advances until he is face to face with him.
DALE
Mister, you stink. You're a dirtbag.
Dale stomps on Goliath's foot. Goliath howls in pain, grabs his foot, and hops
upward, slamming his head on the low ceiling. He rounds on Dale angrily.
GOLIATH
Why, you little ground squirrel, you should be ...
Here Monty SMASHES the broken radio down over Goliath's head and shoulders,
pinning his arms and hiding his face.
GOLIATH (MUFFLED)
Monty? What the...?
Monty pushes Goliath forward; he trips over Dale, who is on his hands and knees
behind him. Goliath lands with a crash and is knocked loopy. The whole process
has taken only a few seconds; everyone is acting in silent, deadly earnest.
Chip grabs Goliath's hands and ties them with his whip, using a ridiculously
complex knot. Gadget goes over and picks up the damaged rocket pack.
MONTEREY
(panting)
Th' bigger they are ...
CHIP
(panting)
... the harder they fall!
Gadget comes back with the rocket pack. She and Dale strap it onto Goliath's
back. Goliath is beginning to wake up slowly.
GOLIATH
Hey, wow ...what's going on?...I feel sick. Listen, I
really don't feel so good. Maybe I should go lie down.
Gadget bends down to talk into Goliath's face, inside the radio.
GADGET
(without a trace of sincerity)
Golly, Goliath, I'm sorry you have to fly like this.
GOLIATH
(woozily)
Hey, Gadget...you're not coming in real clear...
MONTEREY
Is 'at so? Le' me adjust yer fine tuning a bit!
He plugs Goliath's mouth with the radio's missing knob.
GADGET
Goodbye, Goliath.
She flips a switch on the rocket pack. It shudders, then takes off with its
cargo. A couple of seconds after it zooms out the door, a huge EXPLOSION wafts
hot air in from outside.
DALE
Good riddance!
CHIP
Hey, way to go, Gadget.
Gadget ignores them. They look at her uncertainly.
DALE
Gadget?
She rounds on them suddenly, less angry now, but more confused.
GADGET
You! You get away from me! You've ruined everything!
Just go away! How could you do this to me?
DALE
Uh oh. I'm outta here.
Dale turns and hurries out the door. Monty stares at Gadget.
MONTEREY
Hey now, what's this? What did we do?
GADGET
You destroyed my life! I was happy till you came around
and messed everything up! How could you?
CHIP
But, Gadget! Your whole life was just this big lie!
Gadget wilts suddenly.
GADGET
Yeah, maybe. But it was fun while it lasted. When I
didn't know. Don't you get it? I didn't know!
CHIP
Gadget, wait a minute.
GADGET
NO! Go away! Get away from me!
She runs out the door. Chip hesitates, then starts after her.
MONTEREY
Chip! Don't bother, me lad. We've messed up.
Chip stops, looks back, then keeps running after her. Monty shakes his head
sadly.
EXT: DOOR TO GADGET'S FLAT (OPEN) -- DAY
The walls all around are covered with soot from the explosion earlier, but of
Goliath there is no sign. Dale is lying in thepuddle. He pulls his head out and
shakes it dry. Chip glances at him as he runs past, toward the street.
Monty walks up, the pendant swinging from his hand. He and Dale watch Chip run.
DALE
Gee whiz! I'll never understand girls.
Monty looks at the pendant, then tosses it into the puddle. It shorts out with
a tiny ZAP! and a puff of smoke.
EXT: HACKWRENCH HARDWARE -- STOREFRONT -- DAY
Chip skids to a stop at the mouth of the alley. He looks around, but Gadget is
gone. He starts off in the direction of the park.
PAN up to the storefront. It is dark and silent. A sign on the door reads
CONDEMNED in red letters.
TRANSITION TO:
EXT: STREAM IN PARK -- CRASHED RANGER PLANE -- AFTERNOON
The brook sparkles in the sun. PAN over to the crashed Ranger Plane. Gadget is
sitting in the Plane, staring at the water flowing past.
Chip appears on the other side of the plane. He hesitantly climbs into the seat
beside her. She doesn't look at him. He looks at her, then at the water.
GADGET
Chip ... are Monty and Dale your friends?
She still doesn't look at him. Chip pauses, then nods.
CHIP
Sure.
GADGET
How do you know?
CHIP
Well ... they're nice guys, I guess.
GADGET
Goliath was nice.
CHIP
Well ... I just know they are. You can tell.
GADGET
No, I can't. I can't tell when someone's my friend. I
never could.
(sighs)
I can build anything, almost. It's so easy. I could
build a rocket and fly to the moon if I could just keep
my mind on my work. But I can't make a real friend. Not
even one.
(looks off into distance)
Why is everyone so mean? I just want people to like me.
Why can't I find a real friend? Someone who likes me
because I'm me?
(finally looks at Chip)
Where is everybody, Chip?
Chip looks down and twiddles his thumbs. He looks back at her.
CHIP
Are you just gonna go back home after this?
Gadget looks back at the water. She shakes her head.
GADGET
No. No way. Not where he lived.
CHIP
(very, very carefully)
Well ... you know, Gadget ~ if you don't have anyplace
to go ... you could maybe stay with the Rangers.
Gadget looks at him sharply.
GADGET
You mean, become a Ranger?
CHIP
...Well... I mean, you could join up, maybe, but ... but
if none of your inventions work ...
GADGET
... Then I'd just be there to clean house! Right?
CHIP
No! No! ... I just meant ...
Gadget stands up suddenly.
GADGET
Listen, could you go away? I've got something to do.
CHIP
But listen, Gadget...! If you wanted to --
GADGET
Please go! I'm tired of talking. Shoo!
She opens the glove compartment, removes an oily bag from it and takes a wrench
out. Chip is staring at her plaintively.
GADGET
You still here?
Chip heaves a great sad sigh, gets up and goes away. Gadget selects a few more
tools, then swings down over the Plane's nose, suddenly full of energy.
TRANSITION TO:
EXT: RANGERS' TREE -- TIME GOES ON
Slowly, as the following argument proceeds: the sun goes down, it gets dark,
and the sun comes up.
CHIP (O.S.)
I didn't chase her away! Dale, I tried to convince her
to come with us!
DALE (O.S.)
And you messed up! You chased her away! Like I said.
CHIP (O.S.)
Oh, yeah? And what did you do?
DALE (O.S.)
Me? I didn't do nothin'!
CHIP (O.S.)
Like I said.
INT: TREE'S MAIN ROOM -- MORNING
Chip and Dale are close to blows. Monty sits glumly at the table, losing at
solitaire.
DALE
You gotta lotta nerve!
CHIP
Well, you don't. Especially not in your head.
DALE
Hey, stop that! I'm sick and tired of bein' insulted.
CHIP
Well, don't blame me. Blame yourself for being stupid.
Dale growls and hurls himself at Chip, and they SCUFFLE.
Monty jumps up, scattering his cards, and pries them apart.
MONTEREY
Fellows, can't ye please try t' settle this in a
civilized fashion?
CHIP & DALE (IN UNISON)
I quit!
Dale stomps toward the hall. Chip swipes at him with his hat.
CHIP
You said it first, Dale!
Chip storms off for the door leading outside.
MONTEREY
Oh no. Oh, c'mon, pallys ...
He runs after Chip.
EXT: LIMB OF TREE -- MORNING
MONTEREY
Listen, Chipper, ye canna quit now! Things were just
startin' t' work out.
CHIP
Oh yeah? How do you figure? We finally rescue someone,
and she hates us for doing it!
MONTEREY
Aw, Chipper, give Gadget a chance, will ye? Maybe she'll
come back when she thinks it over.
CHIP
Hah! Fat chance. If we see her again, I'll eat my hat!
MONTEREY
Blimey! Look out!
They duck as something zooms by, almost skimming the limb's surface. They
stare at the Ranger Plane, now fixed and flying.
INTERCUT a FAR SHOT of Gadget waving to them from the cockpit.
Monty glances at Chip.
MONTEREY
Bon appetit.
Chip wordlessly removes his hat and stuffs it into his mouth.
Dale appears at the door behind them with a packed carpetbag.
DALE
Phooey! I'm leavin' for good this time. Hey...!
He stops next to the others. They watch as the Ranger Plane performs intricate
stunts against the clear sky. It waggles, spirals, then approaches the tree and
loops twice around the limb they are standing on.
Gadget steers in a tight, rising spiral, losing velocity, then levels out and
drifts down to a perfect three-point landing on the limb. She rolls to a stop
next to them, removes her goggles and gives a timid grin.
GADGET
Anybody want to hire a pilot?
The Rangers look at each other. Chip swallows his hat. Dale throws his
carpetbag away.
CHIP & DALE (IN UNISON)
Welcome to the Rangers!
They run forward and help her down from the Plane, each pulling on one of her
arms.
CHIP
I'll show you around!
DALE
Th' heck you will!
Gadget suddenly sags; the chipmunks grab her. She smiles weakly.
GADGET
Actually, guys, I haven't eaten hardly anything in two
days. Could I see your kitchen first?
DALE
Oh boy! I'll make you a feast!
CHIP
You'll poison her, Dale! You let me handle this!
They move off, still arguing. Monty looks after them. Then he ambles over to
the Ranger Plane and pats it affectionately.
MONTEREY
(softly)
A mighty good job, ye did.
One of the Plane's wheels falls off. Monty jumps, bites his fingers, looks
around frantically, then bends to stick it back on.
The scene swims into nothingness. Then another one replaces it.
INT: GADGET'S WORKSHOP -- AFTERNOON -- PRESENT DAY
Zipper is sitting on a chair, fascinated. Monty claps his hands.
MONTEREY
And that's th' amazing story of 'ow Gadget happened t'
join th' Rangers. What did ye think, Zipper me lad?
Zipper sighs happily. Then Monty pricks up his ears; the chipmunks can be heard
faintly SQUABBLING outside.
Zipper and Monty go over to the window and look down.
EXT: BASE OF TREE -- FROM ABOVE (MONTY'S POV) -- AFTERNOON
Gadget and the chipmunks are returning from their parts hunt. Chip and Dale are
fighting over who gets to carry the sack of parts.
INT: GADGET'S WORKSHOP -- AFTERNOON
Monty pats Zipper on the head.
MONTEREY
And there's th' moral of me tale, Zipper; sometimes th'
best thing that can come between two friends, is the
right girl, at the right time.
INTERCUT the chipmunks squabbling as he says this; Gadget is trying to fit two
widgets together nearby, oblivious.
Monty jerks his thumb over his shoulder.
MONTEREY
Well, Gadget seems t' 'ave th' boys under control.
C'mon, let's go help 'er out.
They go off to help their friends.
FADE OUT
END ACT 3.
|