EASTER_BUNNY 81pages
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THE BUNNY MOVIE
by
glenn
H. whittaker, jr.
glenn
H. whittaker, jr.
P.O.
Box 188
Glen Carbon, IL
62934
618-692-9347
1.
INT. OFFICE OF MR. CAGE
Among the lavish
furnishings relaxed upon a couch lies multi-billionaire Mr. Cage recanting a
childhood memory to his German psychiatrist.
Dr. Frazzor sits opposite
with a small tape recorder on his lap and a note pad and pencil in hand.
Who said that to you?
FLASHBACK
2.
EXT. BACKYARD OF LARGE ESTATE - MORNING
A distinguished gentleman wearing a three piece suit and top
hat hands a small boy an Easter basket and pushes him toward a group of
children scrabbling to grab eggs from the lawn.
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
Be a winner today.
The young Mr. Cage runs up to many
children grabbing the eggs off the ground before they do.
He bumps into a girl and her basket
falls to the ground. He quickly puts her eggs into his basket. His basket full,
he turns and runs to the patio finish line.
A large white rabbit jumps off the lap
of a watching parent. The rabbit hops in between the legs of young Mr. Cage
causing him to fall. He lands on top of his basket and the eggs break. He gets
up unhurt, but his suit is heavily soiled.
All the watching parents begin roaring
with laughter.
END
FLASHBACK
3.
INT. OFFICE OF MR. CAGE
MR. CAGE
(sits
up)
God,
how I hate white rabbits. God, how I hate eggs.
DR. FRAZZOR
(quick
notes on pad)
The neurosis you have of white rabbits and eggs definitely
stems from your childhood. The trauma caused by your father’s Easter Egg Hunts
will continue to haunt you until you find
a way to put the past behind you.
MR. CAGE
And how do I do that, doctor?
DR. FRAZZOR
I find humor to be a marvelous cure. You should try watching
that amusing film ‘Alice in Wonderland’.
MR. CAGE
Humor, umm, maybe so.
I think I’ve got a copy of that film in my library. I’ll give it a try
over lunch. Thanks.
(putting
his shoes back on)
DR. FRAZZOR
I see that our time is up for today.
The doctor offs the tape recorder and
slips it into the briefcase at his feet.
The doctor walks to the office door while Mr. Cage walks to the chair
behind his desk.
DR. FRAZZOR
(faces
Mr. Cage)
Same time next week Mr. Cage?
MR. CAGE
I’ll have Miss Strudwic contact you, difficult to say what
next week will look like. Good day to
you Dr. Frazzor.
(waving
him to leave)
The doctor gone,
Mr. Cage walks to a wall door access panel. He punches in a coded number. The door opens into his bedroom.
4.
INT. BEDROOM OF MR. CAGE
Mr. Cage walks to the
wet-bar and pours himself a small glass of whiskey and soda water.
At a small desk aside a
large television, Mr. Cage ons a computer screen and enters the video library
menu. Within seconds the television frizzes on and the screen reads, Ready for
viewing, 'Alice in Wonderland'.
He reclines in the
television viewing chair, exchanging
the glass for the VCR remote control on a small table.
The movie begins.
After sipping down half
of the drink, Mr. Cage relaxes back and falls asleep.
5.
INT. SECURITY CAMERA CONTROL ROOM
FADE
IN
A small room illuminated only by the light of half a dozen
televisions monitoring Mr. Cage's personal suites and the adjoining office of
his secretary.
A monitor screen shows Mr. Cage falling asleep.
CAREY
(O.S.)
So dear ol' half brother Mr.Cage
is still hung up on the Easter Bunny. And his psychiatrist has him watching
that psychedelic Alice movie.
FRAN (O.S.)
Look at that. I think he has fallen asleep. How could he?
It's such a, a charming movie.
CAREY
(O.S.)
That gives me an idea. I've been waiting for just the right
moment to make my move. And this looks perfect.
FRAN
(O.S.)
What do you mean? Your move?
CAREY
(O.S.)
Why watch an acid trip movie, when you can live one? And I've
got just what he needs for that. Let's go pay a visit on dear ol' half brother Mr. Cage while he naps.
A white hand holding a dark brown
medicine bottle gradually appears from the bottom of the screen, blocking the
monitor.
FRAN
(O.S.)
Where
did you get that? I thought you were out.
CAREY (O.S.)
(maniacal laughter)
Te he he he he he he, haw, hawr. From one of the lab assistants. He made it for me as a personal
favor.
FRAN (O.S.)
His room is monitored; we'll get caught.
CAREY (O.S.)
Silly girl, you stand in-between me and the camera. We'll
check the tape when we're done. If anything looks suspicious, I'll just edit it
out.
FRAN
(O.S.)
How can you do that?
CAREY
(O.S.)
You ditsy blonde. I am the head of home office security.
Boring job. But it has some advantages. Let's go freshen up his drink. Te he he
FADE OUT
6.
INT. BEDROOM OF MR. CAGE
View of the back of the chair where Mr.
Cage is napping.
Background sounds from the television
movie.
The white hand holding the brown
medicine bottle reaches slowly forward toward the half-full whiskey glass. Two
drops, then two more drops plop into the whiskey.
The
brown bottle withdraws. Carey and Fran leave office.
The
TV screen shows the white rabbit in the woods.
WHITE RABBIT
(sing
song)
I'm late, I'm late for a very important date.
Mr. Cage wakes up, shakes his head,
rubs his eyes with his left hand, then sips down more of the drugged whiskey
with his right hand.
The TV screen is showing the white
rabbit. The white rabbit begins to grow and grow and 'comes out of the screen'
toward Mr. Cage.
MR.
CAGE
(panic
screams)
Ahhhhhhhhhhh, ahhhhhhhhhh, ahhh.
Mr. Cage rolls out of the chair and
quick crawls behind it. He peers over the back of the chair and is greeted by
the grinning white rabbit.
WHITE
RABBIT
(sing
song)
No time to wait. I’m late, I’m late.
I’m late.
Mr. Cage runs to the golf club bag in
the corner and extracts an iron. Twisting around he swings the club at the
phantom white rabbit. The rabbit disappears.
Mr. Cage cautiously looks about the
room. Suddenly smaller versions of the white rabbit begin to loom up from the
white couch, chairs and decorative pillows.
He charges forward swinging and clubbing the furniture,
knocking loose the white cotton stuffing.
He careens into a small table, falling
to the floor. A bowl of sliced peaches
in heavy syrup tips over and spills over his head. He rolls across the floor
covering his face with loose cotton stuffing.
Mr.
Cage stands up facing a tall mirror.
MR. CAGE
(fearful,
pointing)
Ahhhh. The Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny. I've got to get
rid of this damn Easter Bunny!
7.
INT. BATHROOM OF MR. CAGE
Mr.
Cage hurries into the shower, ons the water and washes the sticky mess off his
clothes. Dripping wet he exits into his den.
8. INT. DEN OF MR. CAGE
He
warms himself before the fireplace flames.
MR.
CAGE
(muttering,
then speaking)
Damn Easter Bunny. Got to get rid of it. The Easter Bunny delivers Easter eggs. No eggs, no
bunny. I've got to get rid of the eggs. All the eggs? Birds? Turtles?
Alligators? Fish? No no. Get a grip on yourself man. Just chicken eggs become
Easter eggs. Whew! All the eggs, that would have been impossible. Now that
that's settled, down to business.
He goes to a large desk, extracting a
Plan Pad. Writes very fast. Gets exuberant then frustrated, flailing his arms
and pushing his fingers through his thick dark hair. Finally he sits immobile.
MR.
CAGE
Urreeekaaa!
More fast writing. Suddenly he stands.
MR.
CAGE
(holding
pad close to face)
It's done.
The sound of heavy footsteps catches
Mr. Cage's ear. He twists around to see his half brother, Carey and fiancée,
Fran, looking at him.
CAREY
(grinning)
What's done dear brother?
MR. CAGE
The plan, my plan is done.
CAREY
What plan is that dear brother?
MR. CAGE
(pad to his chest)
My plan, it's my plan. None of your business. Get out of my
den. Both of you. Now!
(hand
gesturing to leave)
Carey and Fran turn to leave.
MR. CAGE
(continuing)
Wait. Wait a second. Tell me what today's date is.
CAREY
(sly grin)
Today is Ground Hog Day, February the 2nd.
Does that give you enough time for your plan?
MR. CAGE
(quick
look at pad)
Yes. Yes it does. Not that it matters to you two. Now get
out. Immediately.
(hand
gesturing to leave)
Carey and Fran leave,
giggling as impish teenagers.
9.
INT. HALLWAY
FRAN
What do you think he is up to?
CAREY
LSD is a funny thing, hits people differently. I've really
no idea. But I hope it gets him into trouble. Big trouble, the kind that leads
to jail.
FRAN
Jail? Do you really think he'd jeopardize his position and
do something illegal?
CAREY
(wringing
hands, sly grin)
Hope so. I don't want to wait until he dies to get my hands
on the corporation. We'll keep an eye on him and when the time is right we'll
inform the Board of Directors.
FRAN
(approving
nod)
And the law.
10.
INT. OFFICE OF MR. CAGE
Mr. Cage repositions a chair to the
left front of his desk. He sits behind
his desk, eye balling the view of the chair.
He ons the large, wall tele-viewer.
Punches button for his secretary.
The tele-viewer shows attractive red
head at her desk.
MISS STRUDWIC
(smiling)
Good day Mr. Cage. How may I help you?
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
Miss Strudwic. Would you please bring your pad in for some, dictation?
MISS
STRUDWIC
(flutters
eye lashes)
My pleasure sir. Be just a moment.
As the tele-viewer fades, Miss Strudwic
is undoing her top two blouse buttons.
Mr. Cage sits back, takes a deep
breath, slowly exhales.
The office door opens and Miss Strudwic
struts across the room to the dictating chair.
She exaggerates sitting, exposes her
thigh, glances to see him watching.
Mr. Cage quick looks back to his Plan
Pad on the desk, then back to her thigh.
MISS STRUDWIC
I’m ready sir.
MR. CAGE
(averting his eyes)
The company is going to expand into poultry. I want detailed
research of all the poultry feed providers. I want a list of every USA company.
(makes a note on pad)
And in Europe, Asia,
South America. I want a detailed break down of the market share each
manufacture has.
MISS
STRUDWIC
Got it. Anything
else sir?
MR.
CAGE
Tell the research department I want it today. Drop
everything else. Today, I want it today. Got it!
(eyes
back to her thighs)
MISS
STRUDWIC
(reading
from notes)
Corporate research department a thorough report of the poultry feed manufactures. Complete breakdown of their market share by
the end of the day. Anything else sir?
(smiles at him)
MR. CAGE
(averts eyes)
That's it. You've got it. Very good, now go.
(hand gesturing to leave)
Licks
his lips to the sway of her hips as she retreats to the office door.
Mr.
Cage takes a deep breath, slow exhales.
Then fingers through the Rolodex cards. Holding one still he punches in
a number on the tele-viewer.
Middle-aged male in white lab coat
twisting mustache appears on tele-viewer.
DR. HOPPKISS
Lab. Dr. Hoppkiss here. How can I be of assistance to you
today Mr. Cage?
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
Dr. Hoppkiss, I’m beginning a new project today. I need your
best, your brightest genetic biologist in my office within the hour. Do you
follow?
DR.
HOPPKISS
(nods)
Yes Mr. Cage. I understand. I've got just the man for you.
Billy Toge. I'll send him right over.
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
Very
good.
The
tele-viewer fads to black.
Mr. Cage notes in his Plan Pad. Adjusts
a small alarm clock. Puts the Plan Pad
on his chest. Arms over the pad, he closes his eyes and nods off to sleep.
DREAM
11.
EXT. LAWN OF CAGE ESTATE - MORNING
Small children running
about the lawn picking up Easter eggs then throwing them at young Mr.
Cage. He runs away. The children turn
into small white rabbits that grow to the size of the adults on the patio.
DISSOLVE
12. INT. BEDROOM OF MR.
CAGE
Mr. Cage is looking at
the tall mirror. His face gradually
turns into a large white rabbit. He smashes the mirror.
END DREAM
13. INT. OFFICE OF MR.
CAGE
The tele-viewer buzz
startles Mr. Cage's eyes open. He reaches forward to the on button.
As the
tele-viewer picture clears Miss Strudwic finishes applying her lipstick.
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
Yes
Miss Strudwic?
MISS
STRUDWIC
You said to buzz you when the manufactures' information came
in. All the data is assembled. Do you want it
now?
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
Now?
Yes now. Very good. Bring it to me
quickly.
The
tele-viewer fads to black.
The
office door opens. Miss Strudwic slowly struts to the front of his desk.
She
extends the folder but keeps her fingers closed on it even after he takes
it. His eyes question hers.
MISS
STRUDWIC
(seductive
smile)
Will
there be anything else sir?
MR. CAGE
(tugs
folder loose)
That will be all for now. Thank you Miss Strudwic.
(hand gesturing to leave)
Again his focus is upon
her swaying hips. With the door closed he sighs deeply.
He
opens the folder and reads.
MR. CAGE
(smiling)
Yes. Yes. Very Good. This I can do. Four in USA. Two in
Europe. Two in South America. Two in Asia.
Mr.
Cage ons the tele-viewer.
As
the tele-viewer picture clears Miss Strudwic adjusts a bra strap.
MISS STRUDWIC
(girlish)
Is there something else I can do for you sir?
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
Miss Strudwic the information is superb.
MISS
STRUDWIC
(flutters
eye lashes)
Thank you sir. I do
my best work for you.
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
Please focus Miss Strudwic.
This is very important. Contact Carl Higgins at the Corporate Brokerage
office and instruct him to buy all of the outstanding stock in each of those
ten companies.
MISS
STRUDWIC
(notes
on pad)
Yes sir. Carl
Higgins. Buy all outstanding stock in those ten companies. Effective what day,
sir?
Tele-viewer picture switches to show
Mr. Cage’s stern face and hand gestures for action.
MR.
CAGE
Today. Immediately. No matter where the market is. Price is
no object. Understand?
MISS
STRUDWIC (O.S.)
Yes sir. I understand. You want to purchase all the
outstanding stock in these ten companies . . .
FADE
OUT
14.
INT. SECURITY CAMERA CONTROL ROOM
FADE
IN
Carey, holding a phone receiver,
punches in a speed dial number.
CAREY
Rocko. This is Carey Cage. I want you to immediately
liquidate 90% of my portfolio. Buy as much stock as you can in any of these ten
companies. Got a pencil handy?
He
then plays a tape recording of Miss Strudwic listing the ten company names.
MISS STRUDWIC (O.S.)
Ralston Purina, Belly Full, Livestock Feed, Monsanto, Euro
Feed, Britain's Best, Brazil Feed, South American Stock and Feed, Asian Livestock
Feed, Taiwan Tongue.
CAREY
(continuing)
Did you get those names? Good. Call me
at my private number when you're done.
15.
INT. OFFICE OF MR. CAGE
Mr.
Cage writing in his Plan Pad.
MR. CAGE
How do you spell that Taiwan Tongue? Oh. I've got it right.
Very good Miss Strudwic. Have Higgins contact you when he is done.
MISS
STRUDWIC (O.S.)
Higgins contacts me when done. Anything else sir?
MR.
CAGE
The next thing I want you to do is to contact the manager in
Corporate Acquisitions.
(looks
at tele-viewer)
Tele-viewer picture shows Miss Strudwic
leaning forward, showing cleavage, finger flipping through a Rolodex.
MISS STRUDWIC
Jonathon Stirk is the manager of Corporate Acquisitions.
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
(softly)
Oh my, oh my.
MISS STRUDWIC
(looks up)
Excuse me sir. What did you say?
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
Tell Jonathon to determine the cost of
buying just the poultry feed departments of those ten companies. Then have him
make a 10% increase offer to the Board of Directors at each company.
MISS STRUDWIC
You said a 10% increase? That much? Are
you sure?
Tele-viewer switches back to stern
faced Mr. Cage fingering through his notes.
MR. CAGE
No. Not 10% but a 20% increase over
their selling price. That's 20% if and only if they agree to sell within the
next two weeks. Understand?
MISS STRUDWIC (O.S.)
Corporate Acquisitions to buy just the poultry feed
departments of the ten companies. Offering them a 20% increase over their
selling price if agree to sell within the next two weeks.
MR.
CAGE
Yes.
A 20% increase over the current projected purchase price. Understand?
MISS STRUDWIC (O.S.)
Yes sir. 20% over projected purchase price if within the
next two weeks. Anything else sir?
MR. CAGE
That's
all for now.
16.
INT. SECURITY CAMERA CONTROL ROOM
Fran enters. She joins Carey
on the couch opposite the
monitoring screens.
One screen shows Miss
Strudwic at her desk. Another screen shows Mr. Cage at his desk. Their
conversation is about the 20% increase over purchase price.
FRAN
(frowns)
This is sort of boring. Just more dull business
stuff.
CAREY
(twirls mustache)
Maybe
not as boring as you'd think. Offering 20% over the normal purchase price of a
company is not normal. I'm sure that LSD still has him over the edge. I'm sure
the Corporate Board would not
CAREY
(cont)
condone that type of purchase. Especially for chicken feed
companies. And what do you think he's going to do with that genetic biologist?
FRAN
(eyes
widening)
Make bigger eggs?
17.
INT. OFFICE OF MR. CAGE
Mr.
Cage writing in his Plan Pad. The tele-viewer buzzes. He ons the
screen.
As the
tele-viewer picture clears Miss Strudwic is licking her lips.
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
Yes Miss Strudwic, what is it?
MISS STRUDWIC
There’s a Mr. Billy Toge here. Says he was told to report
directly to you. Should I send him in?
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
By all means. Thank you Miss Strudwic.
As
the tele-viewer fads to black the office door opens slowly.
Billy Toge gradually appears. His face
displays a twinge of discomfort with each step. His right foot scrapes the
floor as he pulls it forward with his right hand.
Miss Strudwic closes the
door after Toge clears the opening.
When
Billy Toge finally reaches the front of the desk, Mr. Cage stands and gestures him to sit.
MR. CAGE
You're the genetic biologist from the lab?
BILLY TOGE
Yes. I got here as fast as I could.
MR. CAGE
Your limp? Permanent? Painful?
BILLY
TOGE
(grimaces)
Yes a motorcycle accident last year. The insurance policy
wouldn't pay for the necessary repairs. I couldn't afford a lawyer. So I move a
little slower now. But it doesn't affect my work in the lab. In fact, I devote
more time and energy to my work now.
MR.
CAGE
(sympathetically)
Could your injuries still be, ahh, repaired?
BILLY
TOGE
(rubbing
his leg)
Maybe. I think so. I've been doing some research at the
cellular level in my free time. But I really haven't the time or money it's
going to take.
Mr. Cage waves his Plan
Pad.
MR. CAGE
I think we can help each other. I've got the money and the
researchers you'll need.
BILLY
TOGE
(leans
forward)
What would I have to do in return?
MR. CAGE
I need a new genetic modifying drug for poultry feed. Within
two weeks. This is a secret plan. Very secret.
BILLY
TOGE
I’m very good at keeping secrets.
MR. CAGE
Only you and I will ever know of it. I'll give you one
million dollars tax free to begin immediate work. And another million more if
you produce a drug within two weeks that works. And you must remain silent of
this deal for the rest of your life.
BILLY
TOGE
(eyebrow
raised)
Two million dollars. I'd be a fool not to agree. But how do
I know I can trust you?
MR.
CAGE
I'll put the money in a Swiss account for you. Only you and
the bank will know your bank account number.
BILLY
TOGE
(nodding
approval)
How do I know you won't have me killed afterwards?
MR.
CAGE
(scratches
head)
Well to be honest, you won't. What I need is the new drug. I
don't need you dead.
BILLY
TOGE
That makes sense.
MR.
CAGE
I might even need your services in the future. Besides we
all have to die someday. And with the money in your Swiss account at least
you'll be leaving your loved ones a very sizeable inheritance.
BILLY
TOGE
What you say has a ring of truth to it. I accept. What is
this new drug suppose to do?
MR.
CAGE
Well what it has to do, is why it's a
secret and why you'll be getting such a large bonus. Will you agree to these
terms no matter what the drug is suppose to do? Remember I will also have your
injuries repaired.
BILLY TOGE
(touching his leg)
I wasn't sure I wanted to live this way. Didn't think I
could endure the pain. Thought it would go away, it hasn't. To be honest I still
TOGE
(cont)
don't know how long I can stand it. I think it can be
repaired at the cellular level, especially with your research staff helping.
But there are even some things I won't do. You understand that?
MR.
CAGE
What I want, need this drug to do, isn't horrible. In fact
it's only to have a temporary affect.
BILLY
TOGE
A temporary affect?
MR.
CAGE
It won't have any real permanent damage. Does that sound
like something you could do?
BILLY
TOGE
(strokes
his chin)
Only a temporary affect? Well I could agree to something
like that.
MR.
CAGE
Do you agree to my terms?
BILLY
TOGE
(rubbing
his leg)
Yes. What am I to make?
MR. CAGE
A modification to chicken feed that will stop all laying
hens from laying any eggs for two months.
BILLY
TOGE
(slightly
incredulous)
No eggs for two months. And then the
hens go back to laying eggs?
MR.
CAGE
That's the assignment. Can you do it?
BILLY
TOGE
(strokes
chin)
Well maybe. Probably. Actually this doesn't sound that
difficult now that I think on it. Still it is a challenge. No eggs for two
months. Huh? Can I ask why?
MR.
CAGE
(Plan
Pad to chest)
You can ask, but you won't hear an answer. It's company
business, do you follow?
BILLY
TOGE
I follow. A million cash in a Swiss account to start and
your staff will repair my leg?
MR. CAGE
If your leg can be repaired, my medical staff will fix you
right up.
BILLY TOGE
(extends right hand)
It's a deal.
Mr. Cage extends his left
hand, shaking Toge’s right hand.
Mr.
Cage flips through his Rolodex, finds a card, then dials the number.
Dr.
Hoppkiss wearing his white lab coat appears on the tele-viewer.
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
Good to see you again doctor.
DR.
HOPPKISS
Yes sir. How may I help?
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
Dr. Hoppkiss. I have just given Billy Toge a special
assignment. A secret, private assignment for the company. I want you to give
him a private laboratory room and all the equipment and materials he may
require. Do you understand?
DR.
HOPPKISS
(notes
on pad)
Yes sir. We have an empty room that I am sure will fill his
needs. I’ll get right to it.
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
Very good. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Mr. Cage pushes a
tele-viewer button. Dr. Hoppkiss fads and Miss Strudwic appears pencil and pad
in hand.
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
Miss Strudwic. Contact the company doctor, I think his name
is Felix. Tell him that Mr. Billy Toge from research is on his way. Spare no
expense in repairing his injured leg.
MISS
STRUDWIC
Yes sir. Dr. Felix to fix Billy Toge's leg. Spare no
expense. Immediately sir?
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
Exactly.
Mr.
Cage offs the tele-viewer then faces Toge.
MR. CAGE
The company doctor is waiting for you. Do you know where his
office is?
BILLY
TOGE
(rubbing
his leg)
Yes, I've been there before.
MR.
CAGE
You'll have my feed additive within two weeks?
BILLY
TOGE
(hesitant)
Within two weeks, yes. But how will I know if the drug only
stops them laying for just two months if I have to turn in the research within
two weeks?
MR.
CAGE
Well I don't know. That's your job. But the bottom line is,
the new feed drug will definitely stop the hens from laying eggs immediately
and for at least two months.
BILLY
TOGE
(frustrated)
Okay. But what if they don't start laying eggs again. Ever
again?
MR.
CAGE
(agitated)
Well then the farmers will just have to get new laying hens.
BILLY
TOGE
But how would they do that?
MR.
CAGE
I don't know. Don't care. That's what roosters are for.
Don't the farmers always have a new batch of baby chicks growing to replace the
old hens?
BILLY
TOGE
Yea, I think that's right.
MR. CAGE
So no need to worry about the chicken population.
Mr. Cage stands, walks
around the desk, then points at Toge’s right leg,
MR.
CAGE
(continuing)
You
want your leg fixed and the million or what?
BILLY
TOGE
Yea. I guess that's right about the new batch of baby
chicks. I'll do it.
MR. CAGE
Then go. Now. See the doctor first. I
want the new drug in my hands by noon of the 14th.
Mr.
Cage points to the door and gestures him to leave.
BILLY TOGE
(gets
up slowly)
Fine, no eggs for two months, got it.
Toge
drags his right leg to the office door. At the door he turns and faces Mr.
Cage.
BILLY
TOGE
What about opening my Swiss account?
MR.
CAGE
(notes
in Plan Pad)
Come back tomorrow at 6pm. Well have supper and discuss your
research plan and set up your Swiss account.
FADE
OUT.
18.
INT. SECURITY CAMERA CONTROL ROOM
Monitor
shows Mr. Cage at his desk. Carey and
Fran watching monitor. Carey slaps his
knee.
CAREY
(laughs)
Ha ha ha ha te he he he he.
FRAN
Can he do that? That's got to be illegal. No eggs for two
months. What am I going to do for breakfast?
CAREY
(faces
Fran)
Breakfast? Breakfast? Te he he he he haw! What about the stock
market? I could make a mint if they pull this off. Then I'll contact the Board
of Directors and have his job.
FRAN
I'm sure what they're planning is illegal. We should contact
the law. They'll put them in jail.
CAREY
(laughs)
Te he he he he haw. He's getting rid of the eggs so there
won't be any Easter Bunny egg hunts. He has totally freaked. Alice and the
white rabbit and the LSD flipped him out. And we've got to keep him that way.
More acid for brother. Te he he he.
19. INT. OFFICE OF MR. CAGE
Mr.
Cage napping in his desk chair. The desk alarm clock rings, jerking him awake.
While reaching for the off button, his right hand slips on the Plan Pad. He
slides off the side of the desk onto the floor. He stands up and rubs his
elbow.
MR.
CAGE
(grimacing)
Damn it. That hurts.
I need a drink.
He leaves the office and
goes to his bedroom.
20.
INT. BEDROOM OF MR. CAGE
He walks over the pillow cotton pieces
to sit in his TV viewing chair.
He ons the VCR with the remote control.
As it rewinds he sips the whiskey.
When Alice in Wonderland begins again,
the LSD in his drink begins to affect him.
MR. CAGE
(restless)
Big white talking rabbit worried about the time. Time, never
enough time. That's for sure. Why would a rabbit care about time? If I were a
rabbit time would be the last
MR.
CAGE
(cont)
thing on my mind, wouldn't it? Ummmm? I wonder what's it
like to be a rabbit?
Mr.
Cage looks at the pieces of pillow cotton strewn about the room.
He
gets up, goes to a large desk, opens a drawer and extracts a large bottle of
wood glue.
MR. CAGE
This
should work.
He goes to his clothes closet, and
takes out a gray double-breasted business suit.
He lays the coat over the back of the
TV chair.
He picks up pillow cotton pieces and
puts them on the chair until the seat is full,
He pours glue on the suit coat, then
carefully spreads the cotton onto the glue. Coat done, he decorates the pants.
Satisfied with his handy work, he offs
his day suit and ons the ‘bunny suit’. Then checks his reflection in the
full-length dressing mirror.
MR. CAGE
(frowning)
No ears. Ummm? What to do? I have to have long floppy ears.
I just have to.
He goes to the dresser, opens drawers
throwing garments to the floor.
He holds up a pair of white socks,
putting one sock aside each ear.
MR. CAGE
Too floppy. Ahhhh, I need to stick them onto a hat.
He hurries to the closet, extracting a
top hat and a wire coat hanger.
Bends, twists, and wraps the wire into
the socks and about the hat. He pours glue, then spreads the pillow cotton all
over the hat. Returns to the mirror.
MR. CAGE
(places hat on head)
Yes. Now there's a fine looking white rabbit. Now just what
do rabbits do?
He squats, taking the on-all-fours
position, then hops and hops about the floor. Then he hops onto the TV chair
seat and watches Alice for awhile.
He turns around in the chair and hops
onto the back of it. The chair falls over and he bumps his head on the hardwood
floor, knocking himself out.
21.
INT. SECURITY CAMERA CONTROL ROOM
Carey and Fran are laughing at Mr. Cage
on the monitor in his cotton bunny sit hopping on the chair. After he falls
over to the floor, they roar in laughter.
FRAN
(subsides)
Stop it. Stop it. Quiet. He's still on the floor. He may be
dead.
CAGE
(leans
close to screen)
Dead? Ummm? Well dead would be alright too. Let's go check
on him.
Carey
and Fran hurry down hallway to Mr. Cage’s hallway bedroom door.
22.
INT. HALLWAY DOOR OF MR. CAGE
Carey slides a security card into a wall
panel.
CAREY
Medical emergency. Carey Cage.
The door pops open,
CAREY
(softly)
Brother dear, are you alright?
Mr.
Cage lays immobile.
Fran
hurries to Mr. Cage and checks his neck pulse.
FRAN
Still alive.
CAREY
(walks
over to Fran)
Drunk. Knocked himself out. He won't need any more of this.
Using a handkerchief, he takes the
drugged whiskey glass from the table. Pitches the remains into the wet bar
sink, replaces the empty glass back on the table.
Carey grabs Fran's hand.
CAREY
Let's go. Let him sleep it off.
They leave the suite.
FADE
OUT
23.
INT. BEDROOM OF MR. CAGE
FADE
IN
The TV pre-set alarm begins the day's
network business news at 6:30am, awakening Mr. Cage.
He takes himself to the bathroom
rubbing his eyes.
24.
INT. BATHROOM OF MR. CAGE
He lifts the stool lid, pees. Goes to
the basin, runs cold water, splashing his face awake. Eyes dry, he notices the
cotton pasted to his suit coat.
MR. CAGE
(shrieks)
Rabbit, white
rabbit!
He throws off his clothes. Takes a
shower. Then goes to his clothes closet and dresses for his workday.
25.
INT. DEN OF MR. CAGE
At 7:45am, Mr. Cage is sitting at the
small dining table in his den.
Miss Strudwic brings in his breakfast,
setting the dishes about the table.
MISS STRUDWIC
(smiling)
Did you sleep well?
MR.
CAGE
(returns
smile)
Ahh. Yes. Yes I did. Thank you for asking.
Miss Strudwic pours coffee into his cup.
MISS STRUDWIC
Could there be anything else I could do for you this
morning?
MR.
CAGE
(averts
his eyes)
Ahh, yes. Have house keeping clean up the mess in my bedroom.
And replace the damaged furniture,
MISS
STRUDWIC
Sir, what happened? Are you alright?
MR.
CAGE
I'm fine. Just got a little carried away with a, a, an art
project I was experimenting with. Just have them clean it up and replace the
furniture.
(gestures
her to leave)
MISS STRUDWIC
Yes sir. Very good sir, I'll leave you to your breakfast and
have house cleaning take care of it.
FADE
OUT
26.
INT. LABORATORY OF BILLY TOGE
Tables of lab equipment with background
of chickens in wire pens.
A very large calendar with the dates of
February 3,4, 5, 6, circled in black ink.
The dates of 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 are crossed out with red ink.
Billy Toge checks the chicken
pens. They are again empty of
eggs.
He circles the calendar number 12 with
red ink.
BILLY TOGE
(eyes wide, exclaims)
Eureka, it works! It works. Six days straight. No eggs.
Toge
punches in a tele-viewer number and Miss Strudwic soon appears on his wall
screen.
MISS STRUDWIC
(smiling)
Mr. Cage’s office. How may I help you today Mr. Toge.
BILLY TOGE (O.S.)
Quick, let me speak with him.
MISS STRUDWIC
(formal)
Sir. Do you want to
speak with Mr. Cage?
BILLY TOGE (O.S.)
(excited)
Yes. Yes. With Mr. Cage.
MISS STRUDWIC
Just a moment please. I’ll see if he is available.
Toge’s tele-viewer fads to gray.
27. INT. OFFICE OF MR. CAGE
Mr. Cage at his desk. Tele-viewer
buzzes, he ons it.
As his tele-viewer picture clears Miss
Strudwic is arranging her long hair.
MISS STRUDWIC
(smiling)
Sir. Billie Toge wishes to speak with you. Shall I connect
him?
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
Yes. Put him through.
Thank you Miss Strudwic.
Mr. Cage’s tele-viewer changes to gray
briefly, then clears to show Billy Toge.
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
What news do you have for me today Toge? Good news I hope.
BILLY
TOGE
(very
excited)
The best! It works. My formula works.
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
(excited)
Excellent work Toge. That is good news. Say no more over the phone. Bring your
results to my office immediately.
BILLY TOGE
(calm)
Yes sir. Be there as quick as I can.
Mr.
Cage’s tele-viewer turns gray briefly then Miss Strudwic appears.
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
Miss Strudwic contact Jonathon in Acquisitions. I want to know how the negotiations are
proceeding.
MISS STRUDWIC
Yes sir Mr. Cage. I’ll contact him now.
Be just a moment sir.
Mr.
Cage s tele-viewer turns gray briefly. A youthful athletic male sporting a red
necktie appears.
JONATHON
Good day Mr. Cage. The pre-final negotiations to purchase
the ten poultry feed companies have been completed.
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
What is the total amount for all ten companies?
JONATHON
(checks notepad)
$240 million. Total purchase price sir.
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
That’s $240 million. You’ll have my
answer by 3pm today.
Mr.
Cage’s tele-viewer turns gray briefly, then Miss Strudwic appears.
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
Let me know as soon as Billy Toge
arrives.
MISS
STRUDWIC
(smiling
wide)
He just walked in the door. Should I
send him in?
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
Yes Miss Strudwic. Thank you.
The tele-viewer fads to black.
Mr. Cage’s office door opens and Toge
walks quickly to Mr. Cage's desk showing only a hint of a limp.
MR. CAGE
(gestures)
Please sit down. Let
me see the data.
Quickly arranged in the chair, Toge
opens a briefcase extracting a small metal bottle and a folder.
BILLY TOGE
Here is your new drug. Here is the formula.
(hands folder forward)
Mr. Cage takes the folder. Opens and
reads it.
MR. CAGE
So it works? No eggs?
BILLY TOGE
(grinning)
Yes.
MR. CAGE
(looking
up)
Every time, every day, every laying hen?
BILLY TOGE
(grins
confidently)
Yes. 30 hens tested, no eggs. I think they will begin laying
in a couple of months, but time did not permit me to verify those results.
Toge puts bottle on desk. Mr. Cage
grabs it.
MR.
CAGE
How much of this needs to be added to say, a 50-pound bag of
poultry feed?
BILLY
TOGE
One eyedropper full.
MR.
CAGE
How quickly does it take effect?
BILLY TOGE
(beaming)
In every test, that's 30 hens, it took only a week.
MR.
CAGE
(nods
approval)
How long does it take to make a new batch. Say, a gallon?
BILLY TOGE
A gallon? About an hour, if I've got all the materials at
hand.
MR. CAGE
(hand gestures)
On a massive scale, say, a 1000 gallons?
BILLY TOGE
(stares in thought)
If I've got the materials at hand and I
increase the equipment size, mmmmm, maybe a couple of days.
MR. CAGE
On a super grand scale?
Mr.
Cage punches numbers into his desk calculator.
MR. CAGE
(continuing)
Say 5,000, no, 10,000 gallons?
Toge
hesitates, uses his index finger against the palm of his left hand to
calculate.
BILLY TOGE
A typical large tank holds 2,000 gallons, say a batch in 20
hours. 10,000 gallons? Should take 5, maybe 6 days.
Mr. Cage notes in his Plan Pad. Looks
up at Toge.
MR. CAGE
Then if I say go, how long to set up the equipment if the
materials are at hand?
BILLY TOGE
Considering your resources, we could have a lab up and
running in a week, tops.
Mr.
Cage makes more notes in his Plan Pad.
MR. CAGE
A week to set up. Then a week in production. A week for
deliveries and another week before it takes effect. That's 4 weeks from today.
(fingers desk calendar)
MR.
CAGE
(cont)
14 February to 14 March. Too much time. You said a
2,000-gallon batch. Could you make the entire 10,000 gallons in one batch?
BILLY TOGE
Well yes. In just one day, if I had a tank that big.
MR. CAGE
(smiling)
Good,
you'll have it.
Mr.
Cage circles 7 March on desk calendar. He punches in a tele-viewer number.
As
the tele-viewer picture clears Miss Strudwic sits with pad and pen in hand
smiling.
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
Miss Strudwic. Please contact Jonathon in Acquisitions. Tell
him it's a go. Today. I want it done today.
MISS
STRUDWIC
(quick
notes on pad)
Yes sir. Tell Jonathon it’s a go. Buy those ten companies.
Do it today. Anything else sir?
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
That will be all for now. Thank you Miss Strudwic.
FADE
OUT
28.
EXT. LABORATORY - AFTERNOON
Two large gasoline tankards with copper
pipes running into their tops. Heating equipment is underneath the tankards.
Large hoses from underneath the tankards run into the side of a large metal
building and empty their fluid into blue 50-gallon drums.
The full blue drums are then moved onto
large semi-trucks. Loaded semi-trucks are leaving the area.
`
Men in white lab coats are monitoring
gauges on the sides of the tankards.
Billy Toge instructs a group of young
people dressed in blue jump suits.
BILLY TOGE
In teams of two, you inspectors will be sent to the feed
manufacturing plants. You will ensure that this new additive is put into the
feed mixture. This new additive will reduce the possibility of bacteria and
increase the size of the eggs. Any bags of old feed still at the manufactures
are to be ground up and put back into the new feed mixture process.
Toge looks up from his clipboard,
eyeballs group.
BILLY
TOGE
(continuing)
The new owner wants 100% compliance with this new additive
procedure. Any trouble by plant employees will be grounds for immediate
dismissal. The manufactures have been informed of this new change so you should
have no difficulties. Any questions? No? Good. I expect full reports at the end
of each week.
A
male wearing thick safety glasses raises hand.
GLASSES
What about the FDA? Has this additive been cleared by them?
BILLY
TOGE
The FDA approval is still pending. But I can personally
assure you that this additive will have no ill affects on any human.
Toge eyeballs the group, his pencil
ready.
BILLY
TOGE
(continuing)
Anyone troubled by this can resign now. Anyone? No? Any
other questions?
Toge slowly eyeballs the group.
BILLY
TOGE
(continuing)
I want to be sure each team is at their assigned site before
the new additive arrives there. If any of you have any trouble in transit,
contact me immediately so I can notify the plant manager of the delay. Got it?
Good, now go.
Toge hand gestures them to leave.
The group breaks into teams of two.
In the distance Carey and Fran use a
powerful telephoto camera to film the tankards, processing equipment, blue
50-gallon drums being loaded into the delivery trucks.
FADE
OUT
29.
INT. POULTRY FEED MANUFACTURE - MORNING
Carey and Fran using a powerful
telephoto camera.
FADE
IN
The blue 50-gallon drums being emptied
into the feed mixing processing equipment.
At the end of the processing equipment
blue feed bags are filled, then stacked onto pallets, then loaded onto blue
delivery trucks.
FADE
OUT
30.
EXT. LOADING DOCK OF RETAIL STORE - AFTERNOON
Carey and Fran using a powerful
telephoto camera.
FADE
IN
A blue delivery truck parked against
the loading dock. Two males in blue uniforms empty the blue feed bags onto the
store loading dock.
FADE
OUT
31.
EXT. RAILROAD LOADING PLATFORM - AFTERNOON
Carey and Fran using a powerful
telephoto camera.
FADE
IN
A blue delivery truck parked against
the railroad-loading platform. Two males in blue uniforms empty the blue feed
bags onto the railroad-loading platform.
FADE
OUT
32.
EXT. SHIPYARD LOADING DOCK - AFTERNOON
Carey
and Fran using a powerful telephoto camera.
FADE
IN
A blue delivery truck parked against
the shipyard loading dock. Two males in blue uniforms empty the blue feed bags onto
pallets.
FADE
OUT
33.
EXT. COUNTRY FEED STORE - AFTERNOON
Carey
and Fran using a powerful telephoto camera.
FADE
IN
A farmer in overalls loads blue feed
bags into old truck. The farmer drives
down gravel road. The farmer throws
feed from blue feed bag into chicken’s yard.
FADE
OUT
34.
INT. SECURITY CAMERA CONTROL ROOM
Carey puts a video tape into VCR. Then sits
beside Fran.
CAREY
This video documentary will prove to
the Board of Directors and the cops if necessary, that dear brother, Mr. Cage, has flipped and poisoned all
the laying hens in the world.
FRAN
But shouldn't we stop him now, before the hens stop laying
eggs. I mean, like, no eggs for months. What will I do for breakfast?
CAREY
Don’t be a childish snip. If you have to have eggs for
breakfast we'll just stock up the freezer. Keep your mind on the big picture.
When we expose dear brother, Mr. Cage,
he'll go to jail or the nut house. And then I, we, will run the corporation.
35.
INT. OFFICE OF MR. CAGE - MORNING
Mr. Cage laying on his couch talking to
Dr. Frazzor.
MR. CAGE
Sorry I had to cancel our last couple of weeks. This new
project has had me pretty busy. Real busy.
Dr. Frazzor carefully watches Mr.
Cage's reaction to his questions.
DR. FRAZZOR
Well that's okay. I'm glad to hear that you've gotten
involved in a new venture. No better medicine than a new project to take away
the troubles and worries of the past. How's the tension? Muscles tight? Nerves
frayed? How's your appetite? And are you getting enough rest? Sleeping at
night? Any disturbing dreams?
Mr. Cage nods appropriately to each
question. When the doctor asks of disturbing dreams, Mr. Cage tightens up.
MR. CAGE
No problems doctor. I feel like a new man. Food tastes
great, bowels working fine. Eight hours shut eye a night.
Dr.
Frazzor reviews his jotted notes.
DR. FRAZZOR
Well that's certainly good. What about dreams? Anything
disturbing? Or unpleasant been happening in your dream world?
MR. CAGE
(fretting)
Well, there was this incident a couple of weeks ago. But I
got over it. Got into this new venture and it all just went away. Now I sleep
like a baby.
DR.
FRAZZOR
(pressing)
Sounds pretty disturbing to me? Was it frightening?
MR.
CAGE
Well yes. Very frightening. Thought I was losing my mind.
DR.
FRAZZOR
Maybe we should talk about it for awhile. Tell me. What do
you remember?
MR.
CAGE
(twisting about)
Well, it's sort of real fuzzy. I guess I forgot most of it.
DR.
FRAZZOR
Well it seems you've gotten over some it. Yet it may be a
good idea to delve a little deeper into your unconscious. Hypnosis might be
more revealing.
MR.
CAGE
Hypnosis? I don’t know.
DR.
FRAZZOR
If it turns out to be something we should discuss, fine. It
it's nothing or best left forgotten, I'll say no more of the matter.
MR. CAGE
(very
reluctant)
Well. Okay.
Dr.
Frazzor uses a swinging chain to talk him into a trance.
DR. FRAZZOR
You are getting sleepy. Very very
sleepy. Just relax. Relax. You will
remember back couple of weeks ago. You will remember the disturbing dream you
had. You recall it. Tell me about your dream.
MR. CAGE
(very agitated)
I was watching the TV movie ‘Alice in Wonderland’, like you
told me. Then I was making an Easter Bunny suit to wear. Then I was hopping
around the room like a giant rabbit.
DR. FRAZZOR
This was a dream?
MR. FRAZZOR
Sort of, but it was more like I was drunk and wild.
DR.
FRAZZOR
I see. Go on.
MR.
CAGE
I awoke on the floor and my suit was covered with cotton.
The furniture was all torn. I had to have it replaced. It was horrible, terrible.
DR. FRAZZOR
Yes yes I’m sure it was.
But everything is alright now. You are safe here. You are
DR.
FRAZZOR
(cont)
calm and very relaxed. You will slip into a deep sleep. When I snap my fingers you will awake
refreshed.
Mr. Cage closes his eyes. Dr. Frazzor makes some notes and then snaps
his fingers.
MR. CAGE
What happened? What did I tell you?
DR. FRAZZOR
Yes
indeed, you certainly had a bizarre dream. Undoubtedly stemming from your
childhood neurosis of Easter Egg Hunts. But I must tell you, your story reminds
of some of my other patients when they were having a psychotic episode induced
by drugs.
MR.
CAGE
(defensive)
Drugs?
I don’t take drugs.
DR.
FRAZZOR
It is
difficult to fathom that watching the Alice in Wonderland movie would have
triggered such an episode. Is it possible that you took some medicine by
mistake?
MR.
CAGE
No. I
haven’t taken any type of medicine in months.
DR.
FRAZZOR
Maybe
someone drugged you?
MR.
CAGE
Actually
I did wonder if I had been drugged. I considered an investigation by in-house
security, but then I got real involved with this new venture and forgot the
incident.
DR.
FRAZZOR
(agreeable)
Blocking the memory was much easier than contemplating the
alternatives. Can I inquire into the nature of this new venture?
Mr. Cage sits up, eyes wide with sudden
awareness of the consequences of his past weeks actions.
MR. CAGE
Not just now doctor. I've just remembered a very important
meeting. Sorry to have to cut our session short today. We can continue next week.
Thanks.
Mr. Cage gestures the doctor toward the
door.
As
the doctor exits the office door, Mr. Cage sits down behind his desk.
Mr.
Cage unlocks a drawer, extracting the Plan Pad.
MR. CAGE
Today is March 15. Most of the hens have been eating the new
feed for a week. Any day now the hens will stop laying eggs and the farmers
will begin complaining. To whom? Oh my god, what have I done?
Mr. Cage drops his head into his hands.
36.
INT. SECURITY CAMERA CONTROL ROOM
Carey,
watching Mr. Cage’s monitor, dials phone number.
CAREY
Rocko. This is Carey Cage. I want you to sell off my poultry
feed stock. Not a panic sell, but a fast one. Dump 80% in two days. Got it?
Keep 20% in the USA companies. Got it? Good.
37. INT. OFFICE OF MR. CAGE
Mr. Cage ons the tele-viewer.
As the tele-viewer picture clears Miss
Strudwic is bent down adjusting a shoe. She stands, turns to the screen.
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
(softly)
My oh my oh my.
MISS
STRUDWIC
Excuse me. What did you say?
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
Miss Strudwic, please contact Billy Toge in his private lab.
Have him see me immediately.
MISS
STRUDWIC
Yes sir. Billy Toge to see you immediately. Anything else I
can do for you today sir?
(flutters
eye lashes)
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
Not now. Buzz me when he arrives.
FADE OUT
FADE IN
Billy
Toge quickly strides to Mr. Cage's desk.
MR. CAGE
(gestures)
Sit down please. Is your leg better?
BILLY TOGE
(hits
his leg)
Yes sir. Completely healed. I don't
know how to thank you. What can I do for you today? Another new additive?
Mr. Cage fingers his Plan Pad.
MR. CAGE
Well, sort of. How do we get those hens to start laying eggs
again?
BILLY TOGE
Initially you told me to make a drug that only had a
temporary affect. No eggs for just two months, it's only been a day or so that
they've begun to stop laying.
MR. CAGE
Yes you're correct, I said for two months, but...
BILLY TOGE
(interrupts)
So I did what you told me. But I wasn't sure for how long
they'd stop. Do you remember I said that?
MR. CAGE
Yes. That was fine back then. But things have changed. Now I
want the hens to lay eggs
BILLY TOGE
(pensive)
While the outside lab was making the new additive and
transporting it, I stopped feeding the additive to the hens down in my lab. I
put them back on their original feed. After a week of being on their old feed,
they all began laying eggs again.
MR. CAGE
(delighted)
Is that right! Very good.
BILLY
TOGE
(relieved)
Yes sir. All the farmers have to do is stop feeding them the
new additive feed. And the hens will begin laying again.
Mr. Cage makes a note in his Plan Pad.
MR. CAGE
Fine. Then do that. Send your teams out to the manufactures
to ensure they stop using the additive.
BILLY
TOGE
But sir. The entire additive has been used already. My teams
asked me what to do when it was gone and I told them to go back to the original
feed mixture formula. And that's what the manufactures have been doing for the
past week. There really isn't anything else for us to do.
MR.
CAGE
Well that's certainly good news. But, but when will the
farmers run out of the new additive feed?
BILLY
TOGE
Well sir, I have no idea. I guess it depends on how much
each farmer has bought. Certainly they would use all of the feed they have on
hand before buying more. Wouldn't they?
MR.
CAGE
Why yes. Of course, that's what a businessman does; he uses
existing inventories first. Unless, unless we inform them that there is
something wrong. And we send them replacement feed.
BILLY
TOGE
Yes sir, that would be the moral thing to do. But sir, you
would be admitting company error and would have to pay millions in lost incomes
and damages to the egg farmers. Does the company have that type of money?
Mr. Cage making quick notes in his Plan
Pad.
MR. CAGE
I doubt it. Mr. Toge, you have a fine head for business.
Right now I'm sort of flustered. Any suggestions?
BILLY
TOGE
Other than let nature run her course? Maybe you could run a
sale on feed. Get them to buy
BILLY
TOGE
(cont)
sooner than usual. Though until all the new additive feed is
gone, the hens won't be laying any eggs. This idea of yours doesn't seem to
have been very well thought out, does it sir. If you don't mind me saying so.
MR.
CAGE
I had my reasons.
BILLY
TOGE
Since I made the additive, under your directive, is it
possible I could be in legal trouble.
MR.
CAGE
Don't play the fool Toge. You're a bright man. If the law
prosecutes, we all go down, including your million in the bank.
BILLY
TOGE
Yes sir. I can see that. But what if the additive I was
making was suppose to have killed bacteria and increased the size of the eggs,
just like I told my inspector teams?
MR.
CAGE
(self
muses)
That is a good idea. Should have thought of that.
BILLY
TOGE
But something went wrong in the batch brewing. Maybe the
tankards were contaminated and no one knew.
(winks)
MR.
CAGE
(winks
back)
Well that must have been what happened, but won't some FDA
biologist want to see that original formula of yours?
BILLY
TOGE
Yes.
Yes they would. Seems as if I've got some quick re-work to do. I'll get you a
copy of the corrected original formula as soon as I can.
MR.
CAGE
What about the additive lab equipment?
BILLY TOGE
Yes, all of the equipment will have to be sanitized. Then
I'll make up a batch of the correct additive. They can take samples of that.
Sir, I am truly sorry about those contaminated tankards.
(winks)
MR.
CAGE
(winks
back)
We're only human, accidents happen. Get me that new formula
and the new batch. The sooner the better. Any day now the farmers will begin to
complain to the FDA. Then the FDA will be knocking on my door. On your door
too!
Billy
Toge sprints to the door. Stops in
thought, then faces Mr. Cage.
BILLY TOGE
What about my Swiss account? I'm due my second payment.
Mr. Cage shakes his head negative.
MR. CAGE
If I pay you any more cash, at this point it will appear as
if I approved of the additive that stopped the eggs. That might hang us both.
BILLY
TOGE
(thoughtful)
Yes yes you’re probably right.
MR.
CAGE
It will be a wiser move to give you stock in the feed
companies. Then you’d have a vested interest.
BILLY
TOGE
(agreeable)
How much stock?
MR.
CAGE
Plenty. Enough that no one would suspect you to sabotage the
feed of a company you owned so much stock in. Having the stock should exonerate
you from blame.
BILLY
TOGE
(thoughtful)
Yes that is a good cover up plan. You're giving me the stock
today?
(demanding)
MR.
CAGE
(notes
on pad)
My secretary will handle the arraignments today.
Toge smiles and leaves the office.
Mr. Cage picks up his Plan Pad and the
formula folder and goes to the den.
38.
INT. DEN OF MR. CAGE
Mr. Cage turns up the fireplace flames.
When the Plan Pad and formula folder
are in ashes he returns to his office.
39.
INT. OFFICE OF MR. CAGE
Mr. Cage ons the tele-viewer.
As the tele-viewer picture clears Miss
Strudwic is not at her desk. She hurries into view arranging her skirt.
MISS STRUDWIC
(bashful)
Sorry sir, had to use the powder room. What do you need me to do?
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
(softly)
Need. Need. I remember need.
MISS
STRUDWIC
(grinning)
Excuse me. What did you say?
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
Miss Strudwic. Has Jonathon completed purchase of the
poultry feed companies yet?
MISS STRUDWIC
(checks notepad)
He is to contact me when it’s done. He has not called yet. Sir do you want to
buy or sell any more poultry feed stock?
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
(mild
panic)
Sell? Sell? No. Definitely not. It would be better to just
ride out the storm.
MISS STRUDWIC
Sir, what storm?
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
That will be all Miss Strudwic, thank you.
Mr. Cage’s tele-viewer fads to black.
He goes to the couch and lies down in
thought. In a very few minutes he quick sits up.
MR.
CAGE
Dr. Frazzor suggested that I might have been drugged. Just
how could that have happened?
Mr. Cage hurries from the couch into
the TV bedroom.
39. INT. BEDROOM OF MR. CAGE
Mr. Cage opens a small door that
appears as books. He then reaches in and extracts a video tape from a VCR.
He takes the tape to the VCR beside the
television, inserts it and sits back in his new viewing chair with the remote.
Mr. Cage ons the VCR. He punches in the
date 2 February and the VCR whirs fast forward, stops, displaying that date.
The television screen shows him fixing
a whiskey drink, then sitting down in the viewing chair and punching the VCR
remote control buttons.
The movie of Alice in Wonderland begins
on the screen.
He sees himself sipping the drink, then
nodding off to sleep.
He speeds the tape forward until a male
form moves quickly across the room. He slows the tape to normal and sees that
his brother, Carey, is pouring something into his whiskey glass. Then Fran and
Carey leave.
He fast-forwards through his wild rage
of tearing up the furniture and the gluing of the bunny suit.
He slows the tape when Carey reappears
in the room. He watches Carey empty the whiskey glass into the fireplace.
He then fast-forwards the tape until
the next morning when he goes into the bathroom and emerges in a clean new
suit.
MR. CAGE
So that's why I went nuts, he drugged me. That's what caused
the crazy egg plan. I made him home office security chief and this is how he
repays me. He is evil, just like dad always said. Security monitors in each
room. He knows about the Plan; he's got it all on tape. Why didn't I think of
that? Must have been that damn drug he put in my drink. I'll have his hide for
this.
Mr. Cage pops out the tape in the VCR
and then puts it in his wall safe.
He returns to his office desk.
40.
INT. OFFICE OF MR. CAGE
Mr. Cage ons the tele-viewer.
As the tele-viewer picture clears Miss
Strudwic is stretching backwards at her chair.
MR.
CAGE (O.S.)
(softly)
Oh my oh my hot mama.
MISS
STRUDWIC
Excuse me. What did you say?
MR. CAGE (O.S.)
Miss Strudwic! Will you please contact my brother, Carey and
have him report to me immediately?
MISS
STRUDWIC
Sir,
he and his fiancée just walked in . .
.
The office door pops open and slams
against the wall.
CAREY
(hollering)
My hide! You and what army?
Fran
carefully closes the door.
Mr.
Cage and Carey face each other ready to fist fight.
MR. CAGE
You drugged my drink. I gave you your job. I trusted you!
CAREY
(angry)
Job? That's not a job, it's watching TV all day. Watching
you all day!
FRAN
(defensive)
And you are boring, very very boring.
Mr.
Cage looks at Fran, then back at Carey.
MR. CAGE
(alarmed)
You let her watch
the monitors?
CAREY
(smiles
at Fran)
She's my fiancée. She's as much a part of this family as I
am. Besides, she is right, you are very boring.
Mr. Cage starts to swing, but checks
himself and steps back.
MR. CAGE
The point is that you drugged my drink. You could have killed
me or put me in an asylum.
CAREY
(gradually
lowers fists)
Not to worry dear ol' brother, it was just a very mild drug.
We do it for fun every weekend. You don't see anything wrong with us, do you?
MR.
CAGE
(snickers)
That's a matter for debate.
FRAN
(accusing)
You're the one doing wrong. You and
that Billy Toge are stopping hens from laying eggs.
MR. CAGE
(fearful)
She knows about that. What else does she know?
CAREY
(grins)
I told you she is family. She knows everything I know and I
know everything you have been doing.
MR.
CAGE
(indigent)
I'll deny it. It'll be you drug fiends' word against mine.
You'll lose.
CAREY
(righteous)
Don't be an idiot. We've got the whole additive process on
tape. Start to finish. Safely tucked away. So it won’t be us going down, it’ll
be you going to jail.
FRAN
(sneers)
Or to the nut house, dear brother.
Mr. Cage drops his hands to his side
and staggers back to rest on his desk.
MR. CAGE
(despondent)
Nut house, jail? What have I gotten myself into? Wait just a
minute. I’ve got a tape of you putting that drug in my drink. It was that drug
that made me temporarily crazy. It will be you two going to jail, not me. Ha!
(revived)
FRAN
(frightened)
You've got a tape of us drugging you?
MR.
CAGE
Yes I do. A private camera you didn't know about and the
tape is in a very safe, safe place.
CAREY
You've got a tape locked away, do you? Well no matter. That
was over a month ago and you've been doing your Plan ever since.
MR.
CAGE
Not my fault. You drugged me.
CAREY
And what about today, huh? Instead of notifying the
authorities, you and Billy boy have worked out a cover up.
FRAN
(accusing
finger)
Yea brother dear. A cover up. Either the cops will lock you
up or the board will throw you out. And we'll be running this place then.
MR.
CAGE
You two drugged me. And you didn't call the authorities or
the board either, did you?
FRAN
Well, ah, no, not yet. But we were going to, weren't we
lover?
(kisses Carey)
CAREY
Ahh! He has a tape of us drugging him. We could go to jail
for that. We haven't notified the board yet and they might not like that.
(sits on chair arm)
MR. CAGE
(sarcastically)
Well brother dear. I think we have a Mexican standoff. We
keep quiet. We don't tell anyone. If the authorities come knocking, it was Billy
Toge, the biologist, who made the mistake.
CAREY
Ummm. That might just work. Without the tapes they couldn’t
prove different.
FRAN
What about all those egg farmers?
MR.
CAGE
The corporation might have to pay some fine or buy off some
farmers. The hens will begin laying eggs again very soon. I've got a monopoly
now and the price of eggs will rise. The stockholders will end up making money
and the Board of Directors will be happy.
Carey
stands up.
CAREY
(elated)
You're right. We just keep quiet. I'll burn all the tapes.
They can't make us talk, they can’t cause we're brothers. It's our company.
Fran, shaking her head worried, goes
behind the desk.
FRAN
Well maybe they can't make you two brothers talk, but I'm
just a fiancée. A grand jury could force me to talk, couldn't they?
Both of the Cage brothers turn and face
her, then glance at each other, then back to Fran.
The voice of Miss Strudwic on the
tele-viewer cuts through the tense silence.
They turn and face the tele-viewer.
MISS STRUDWIC
The law can't make a wife testify against her husband, Mr.
Carey.
The
two brothers look at each other, then back to Fran.
Carey
goes over to Fran and holds her close.
CAREY
Lover, what do you say about getting married, say
tonight.
(kisses her ring finger)
FRAN
(giggles)
Yes, of course. I thought you'd never ask. Thanks Miss
Strudwic,
(winks at tele-viewer)
MR.
CAGE
Miss Strudwic. I’m surprised at you. You know I don’t
approve of ease dropping.
MISS STRUDWIC
(smiles)
Sir. You left the tele-viewer on. I assumed you wanted me as
witness. Now I know all the sorted details of your mad egg plan. But, I am just
a secretary. A grand jury could easily force me to talk, to tell all.
FRAN
But they can't force a wife to testify against her husband.
Can they, Mr. Cage?
(winks
at tele-viewer)
MISS
STRUDWIC
(winks
back)
No.
No they can't force a wife to testify. Can they, Mr. Cage?
(smiles
sly at him)
Mr. Cage ambles timidly to face Miss
Strudwic on the tele-viewer.
MR.
CAGE
I've
loved you from afar, for far too long. Will you give me the honor of your hand
in marriage, Miss Strudwic?
(down
on one knee)
Miss Strudwic disappears from the
tele-viewer.
The office door opens and she hurries
to Mr. Cage still on his knee.
While still on his knee Mr. Cage grabs
her about the waist.
MISS
STRUDWIC
(radiant)
Yes sir. I will marry you. We can make it a double ceremony.
The company jet can have us in Reno in just a few hours, if that meets with
your approval sir.
MR.
CAGE
Miss Strudwic you are amazing. I’m the happiest man in the
world.
FRAN
Wow whew. I love Reno. I love jets. Let's go!
Fran tugs Carey's hand toward the door.
CAREY
We'll meet you on the plane. I've got some video tapes to
destroy first.
Miss
Strudwic goes to Mr. Cage’s desk and punches in a telephone number.
MISS STRUDWIC
Charlie. This is Miss Strudwic at the home office. Have the
jet ready to fly to Reno, Nevada. A party of four. Mr. Cage is going to take a
holiday. We will be there within the hour. Understand? Very good.
FADE OUT
41.
INT. WEDDING CHAPEL
Two
males wearing tuxedoes and two females wearing white wedding gowns face a
minister holding bible.
MINISTER
I now pronounce you husbands and wives. You may now kiss.
The
Cage brothers kiss their new wives, Fran and Miss Strudwic.
The foursome runs from the chapel
laughing while dodging thrown rice.
42.
EXT. AIRPORT - AFTERNOON
Mr.
Cage, Miss Strudwic, Carey, Fran climb steps into leer jet.
43.
INT. AIRPLANE OF MR. CAGE
The
foursome sits on large soft chairs around a table.
MR. CAGE
Miss Strudwic, excuse me dear, Mrs. Cage. Where would you
like to go on our honeymoon?
MISS
STRUDWIC
I hear Acopoco is a nice romantic place.
FRAN
Yes indeed. That's where I want to go too. Can we lover?
(nestling
Carey)
CAREY
Anything you want lover.
(nibbles
her ear)
Mr. Cage takes the intercom phone.
MR. CAGE
Pilot. This is Mr. Cage. Set a course for Acopoco. Very
good.
Mr. Cage hangs up phone. Leans close to
Miss Strudwic,
MR. CAGE
We'll be there in a few hours.
FRAN
(giggles)
I know just what we can do until we get there.
CAREY
(unbuttons
his shirt)
So do I lover. So do
I.
FRAN
We can play a game.
MISS
STRUDWIC
Oh goody. I love
games.
MR.
CAGE
(takes
off necktie)
Well dear, if you’re game, then I’m game.
Fran opens her suitcase, extracts a
box, then puts it on the table.
FADE
OUT
44.
INT. AIRPLANE OF MR. CAGE
FADE
IN
The
foursome is intently staring at the center of the table. A monopoly board game is dotted with green
houses and red hotels.
Mr.
Cage rolls the dice.
FRAN
(excited)
Three. Far out! That puts you on Park Place. That’s mine. You owe me $1000.00 Pay up.
Mr. Cage fingers through a small stack
of play money.
CAREY
(laughs)
Looks like you’re short a couple hundred. Bankrupt!
An overhead red sign flashes: Please
take your seats.
The
foursome looks out the jet windows.
MR. CAGE
This doesn't look like the Acopoco airport.
The pilot's cabin door opens. Two men
dressed in white rabbit suits, one sporting a thick beard, are pointing guns.
They speak with Mexican accents.
BEARDED MAN
(waves
gun)
If you haven't guessed by now, you have been kidnapped. You
will contact your corporate headquarters to arrange for the ransom money.
MR.
CAGE
Is this some kind of a sick joke? Did my psychiatrist put
you up to this?
2ND KIDNAPPER
The joke is on you. These costumes got us through your
security.
CAREY
You got to be kidding.
We’re on our honeymoon.
BEARDED
MAN
(waves
gun)
No joke.
FRAN
(pleading)
Don’t shot. Don’t shot. He’s rich. He’ll pay.
MR.
CAGE
She’s right. I am rich. My company is very rich. Just don’t
shot anyone. I’ll pay. How much do you
want?
BEARDED
MAN
We know you are very rich. We want ten million dollars for
the four of you. When the money has been transferred to
BEARDED
MAN
(cont)
our Swiss bank account you will be free to go.
MISS STRUDWIC
Where are the pilots?
Did you shot them?
2ND
KIDNAPPER
(belly laughs)
Haw Haw Haw! The pilots? They got off
in Reno. They should be waking soon. I gave them a strong sedative injection.
BEARDED MAN
(waves gun)
Get the director of the board on your phone viewer right
now!
CAREY
(nervous)
Go on, call him. The company has plenty of money.
Mr.
Cage punches up the tele-viewer phone. Director Johnson wearing white suit
appears on the tele-viewer.
MR. CAGE
Johnson. This is Mr. Cage. We have been kidnapped by some,
some bearded Mexicans in rabbit suits. They've got guns. We're in the jet at
some foreign airport.
DIRECTOR JOHNSON
(frowning)
Are you for real Mr. Cage? What kind of prank are you
pulling now?
The
bearded man goes over to the tele-viewer and puts his gun against Mr. Cage's
head.
BEARDED MAN
This is no prank senior. While Mr. Cage was getting married in Reno, we overpowered
his pilots and have kidnapped your president, his brother and their new wives.
If you want to see them alive again, you will pay us 10 million dollars. I will
give you the Swiss bank account number to transfer our money.
DIRECTOR JOHNSON
(laughs)
Ha ha ha ha ha. That's very rich Mr. Cage. Look here mister kidnapper, we at the corporate
board don't care what you do to them. Kill them or keep them, we don't care.
MR. CAGE
(outraged)
What the hell are you saying Johnson? When I get back there
I'll nail your hide to my den wall.
DIRECTOR
JOHNSON
(laughs)
Ha ha. If you come back here, you'll be going straight to
jail, do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dollars.
MR.
CAGE
(apprehensive)
What the hell are you talking about? Have you gone off your
rocker?
DIRECTOR
JOHNSON
(serious)
Today’s board meeting was rudely interrupted by a federal
Marshall, a member of the securities commission and a FDA inspector. They've
been at your new laboratory questioning your man, Billy Toge. He confessed
everything to them. Your plan to stop the world's production of eggs, quite
ingenious and quite crazy.
Johnson is nudged aside by a FDA
Inspector Barker wearing a black suit and shirt.
BARKER
Bob Barker of the Federal Drug Administration. Some very serious allegations have been
brought against you Mr. Cage. I am going to have to ask you to return
immediately sir to clear up this matter.
DIRECTOR
JOHNSON
(nudges
Barker)
Mr. Barker. Do you mind. This is a private conversation. Mr.
Cage has only been accused, not convicted.
MR.
CAGE
Thanks Johnson. What exactly has that nut Billy Toge said?
DIRECTOR
JOHNSON
Toge played them a tape of your conversation putting a
million into his Swiss bank account and a million more when the additive was
perfected. Do you remember that?
MR.
CAGE
I assigned Toge to make a feed additive for bigger, better
eggs. I thought a million would keep
him quiet till I cornered the feed market.
DIRECTOR
JOHNSON
So you say. Toge says you wanted to get rid of the eggs. The
FDA and a few hundred farmers and their lawyers are out for blood. Your blood.
MR.
CAGE
Toge is a liar. He
made some kind of mistake with the . .
BEARDED
MAN
(waves
gun)
We want our money or we will kill them all. No joke.
DIRECTOR
JOHNSON
I don't know what this kidnapping scam is about and I don't
care. Speaking for the board, the company would be better off if you never
returned. So if you have been kidnapped, well then, too bad for you, but good
for the company.
CAREY (O.S.)
He bugged your conversation? They've got a tape? Man, you
are toast.
Mr. Cage punches the MUTE button and
the tele-viewer screen fuzzes silent.
MR.
CAGE
It must have been during our second meeting.
FRAN
(O.S.)