BUGTIME ADVENTURES

“You’re All Wet”
(The Story of Elijah)

SCRIPT #13

LOG LINE: Be careful who you follow.

									Written by:
									Mark Young

This script is not for distribution, publication, duplication or reproduction in any form or by any means.  Unauthorized distribution, publication, duplication or reproduction is strictly prohibited.
©2001 Santa Fe Communications, Inc., d.b.a. Lightning Bug Flix.

BUGTIME ADVENTURES
“You’re All Wet”
SCRIPT #13

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

INSECT CHARACTERS

ANTONI
MEGAN
IGGY
MAYOR GREEN
GINA
WALLY
RODERICK
DEX
KAYLA
SPUD
PRISSY
ASSORTED MEGAN’S STUDENTS
BUG CROWD

HUMAN CHARACTERS

ELIJAH	Elderly prophet who looks scraggly, and wears an old, tattered robe.
JEZEBEL	Queen in her mid-thirties.  Dark hair, a scheming, wicked-looking woman.  
KING AHAB			King in his mid-forties. Overweight.
THIRSTY GUARD		Male, in his early twenties. Thin.
BAAL PRIESTS	And assortment of male priests (should look like dozens. They are of all ages ranging from mid-twenties to the sixties.  They look very rich for being priests, wearing fine robes and ornamentation.

OTHER

NARRATOR

BUGTIME ADVENTURES
“You’re All Wet”
SCRIPT #13

ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. THE BROOK CHERITH – DAY
PAN across the dry, parched land. This land has been struck by a drought; all vegetation is dried out. The WIND BLOWS, kicking up dust clouds.
1.	narrator (Vo)
During the reign of Ahab, the Israelites left the one God to worship other, false gods.
STOP PAN on ELIJAH who sits by the side of the BROOK CHERITH with his tattered old robe wrapped around him.  He has it wrapped so that we cannot even see his face. 
The brook has been reduced to mostly a dry riverbed, with only a little bit of water flowing in it.  Dust cloud swirls around Elijah and tugs at his robe.
2.	narrator (VO/cont)
A three-year drought was sent to the northern kingdom of Israel.
tighter on elijah at the side of the road
3.	god (os)
Elijah. Let me see your face.
Elijah unwraps his robe to reveal his face.  He turns and looks up to the sky.
4.	elijah
Yes Lord, I am your servant.
5.	narrator (VO)
Elijah, an elderly prophet, was called upon by God to leave his home and go to King Ahab.
WIDEN as Elijah continues to walk away from CAMERA.  SUPER the title: “You’re All Wet”
9.	narrator (VO/cont)
This is the story of Elijah and the Priests of Baal.
dissolve to:
ext. high above buggelsville – mount carmel - day
There is a (SFX) WHIZZING SOUND as what looks like a large POTTERY BALL FLIES UP INTO FRAME and explodes, sending colorful YELLOW DUST into the air.
TILT DOWN to reveal Buggelsville below.  The bug village is suffering from drought conditions as well.  The dry wind swirls through the town, kicking up spirals of dust clouds.
ground level angle on buggelsville – on antoni & his catapult
ANTONI stands by his catapult invention.  MEGAN walks up to one side of the contraption as the yellow dust rains down INTO FRAME.
12.	megan
How is this crazy thing supposed to make it rain?
tighter on antoni
13.	antoni
(recovering) Well, uh -- Spud has a very interesting theory.
Antoni reaches OS and pulls SPUD INTO FRAME.
14.	spud
Yes, I have a postulation that water vapor, ergo H-2-O, attaches itself to dust particles floating in the atmosphere.
Spud EXITS FRAME.
15.	antoni
(chuckle) Impressive, huh?
16.	antoni (cont)
So, logically, if I placed more dust --
wider angle on antoni & his invention  
17.	antoni (cont)
up into the air then more and more water would attach itself –
18.	antoni (cont)
and the dust would get so heavy —
Antoni pulls the lever, the contraption lets fly, and the pottery sails UP and OS.
19.	antoni (cont)
it would fall to the ground as rain!
high angle above antoni & his invention
As before, the pottery flies up, reaches its apex and then (SFX) EXPLODES.
angle back on megan, antoni & his invention 
The powdery substance floats down into frame.
20.	antoni (cont)
It’s kind of like “seeding” the air, you know, hoping that it’ll, uh “grow” rain? (ha)
ON megan
The substance makes Megan cough.  She puts her hand to her mouth.
21.	megan
(coughs) Uh, yeah, right.  
She turns to walk away from Antoni.
22.	megan (cont)
(sarcastically)  You just keep blowing dust in the wind, I’m going to join the others and help gather water the old fashioned way.
DISSOLVE TO:
SUN beating down.
DISSOLVE TO:
A LARGE, COMMUNAL WATER TANK standing in the center of town.  There is a “filling hole” on the top, which has a FUNNEL in it.
tighter angle on water tank – on mayor green
MAYOR GREEN has his ear up to the water tank.  He (SFX) RAPS on the side of the tank and gets a (SFX) HOLLOW, ECHO SOUND BACK.
23.	mayor green
(to himself) Oh, dear me.  There’s hardly any water at all in here. Say, Spud.
SPUD walks INTO FRAME.
24.	mayor green (cont)
The water crisis should definitely be the first thing we discuss at today’s town meeting. 
26.	mayor green (CONT)
(louder, to the crowd OS) Let’s pick up the pace everyone! 
angle on buggelsville water BRIGADE
A GROUP OF BUGGELSVILLIANS and MEGAN’S STUDENTS (favoring KAYLA) stand in line. They are handing buckets and cupped leaves, and all sorts of containers down the line.
27.	mayor green (os/cont)
That’s right, keep the line moving!
tighter on the water tank
Megan stands at the end of the line taking the containers and lifting them up to PRISSY, who lifts them up to GINA, who pours the water into the water tank.
IGGY (SFX) BUZZES through frame and waves at Gina.
28.	iggy
More water comin’ at ya!
tighter on iggy – following
The happy-go-lucky bee is carrying an ACORN SHELL BUCKET of water into the tank. Once he’s over the tank he tips it – but only a few drops drop into the funnel.
29.	iggy (cont)
Wel,l uh, make that just a few drops comin at ya.
BACK ON MAYOR GREEN
The disappointment is evident on his face. He turns to look off in a different direction.
30.	mayor green
Oh dear. Maybe Wally is having more luck finding water.
angle on wally on the ground
WALLY is holding a POLE, which has a homemade screw, drill-bit attached at one end.  He stomps on the ground, as if testing how firm it is, then jams the pole into the ground and starts screwing it into the ground.
tighter angle on the pole jammed in the ground
31.	wally
(ad lib straining sounds)
Wally strains as he YANKS the pole from the ground, creating an instant hole.  He bends down into frame, reaches into the hole then frowns as he looks at his hand.
32.	wally (cont)
Sorry Mayor Green, nothin here.
ON MAYOR GREEN
His shoulders drop and he looks disappointed.
wider angle on wally
CAMERA FOLLOWS as Wally resumes his “stomping around”.  He walks past RODERICK and DEX who sit idly by, resting in the shade.  Roderick is fanning himself.
33.	wally (CONT)
What about you, Roderick? You and Dex find any water yet?
ON RODERICK
34.	roderick
(mimicking Wally) You and Dex find any water yet?
on roderick & dex
35.	roderick (cont)
Paaaaalease.  Don’t any of these “do gooders” know that they’re talking about hard work and that can be – well, hard?
36.	dex
You got that right, Boss.
on roderick
The cockroach raises a PIECE OF FRUIT to his mouth.  He (SFX) CHOMPS into the fruit then screws up his face and spits the bite out.
37.	roderick
(chomp, spits fruit out) Ahhh, this mango is completely dried out. (spit, spit)  This drought is such an inconvenience.  We wouldn’t be in this mess if there had been proper planning. 
TIGHTER ON RODERICK
He gets a “scheming” expression on his face.
38.	roderick (cont)
Which just happens to give me an idea.
on mayor green & spud
Roderick enters and points angrily at the mayor.
39.	roderick (cont)
As a citizen of Buggelsville, I demand we don’t delay and hold our town meeting right now to discuss what we’re going to do about this terrible water shortage!
tighter on mayor green
The good mayor looks a bit flustered by this request.
40.	mayor green
Oh, ah, oh, well yes, certainly Roderick, let’s call everyone together.
dissolve to:
ext. front of mayor green’s house
The mayor stands on the platform in front of his house and gestures for the gathered BUG CROWD to quiet down.
40-a BUG CROWD
(general walla)
41.	mayor green
(clears throat) Please! (clears throat) Our first order of business today is the – uh, uh, uh, yes – the drought.
reverse, down angle on the bug crowd
42.	bug crowd
(general, concerned, agreeing walla)
Roderick STEPS FORWARD.
43.	roderick
You’ve failed at your job, Mayor Green!
reverse on mayor green
He recoils, stung by the criticism.
ON BUG CROWD
The Bug Crowd REACTS.
44.	bug crowd
(ad lib gasps)
back on mayor green
45.	mayor green
Um (clears throat). Well, I I I recognize Roderick to, uh, speak first.
REVERSE angle to include roderick
46.	roderick
I say the leadership of Buggelsville should have foreseen this drought and made proper plans for it.
Roderick angrily slams his fist into his palm.
back on mayor green
49.	mayor green
Yes. Perhaps Roderick’s criticism has some truth to it.  As your mayor –
WIDER TO INCLUDE SPUD
50.	spud 
It pains me to interrupt you Mayor Green.
51.	spud (cont)
But the temporal allotment for your term of office has ceased.
52.	mayor green
(flustered) What? Uh, Spud, what are you jabbering about now?
on spud beside a sundial
A circular, organically designed SUNDIAL is built into the ground. The SHADOW of the center prop piece is directed at the top of the circle. Spud adjusts his glasses as he speaks.
53.	spud
Well sir, your time’s up. As of eleven seconds ago, your time as mayor of Buggelsville has expired. 
BACK ON MAYOR GREEN
He smiles.
54.	mayor green
(chuckles) Yes. Funny how quickly time goes by when you’re enjoying your job.
angle on antoni & megan
They REACT.
55.	megan
Mayor Green’s no longer mayor?
back on mayor green & spud
56.spud
Uh yes, but today’s town meeting is for holding our annual elections.
on antoni
He looks relieved.
58.	antoni
Mayor Green, you’re gonna to be re-elected just like you have been for the past 12 years. I say we get back to solving this drought business.
back on mayor green & spud
59.	spud
Just one final formality, Antoni.
The little bug holds up an old, rolled-up PARCHMENT.
60.	spud (cont)
As you know Mayor Green, (reading) “any bug in Buggelsville has the right to run for the office of mayor”.
62.	spud (CONT)
(clears throat) And so I formally proclaim that nominations for the office of mayor can commence!
63.	megan’s students (os)
(high-pitched squeals) Ohhh ohh!
angle on megan’s students in the bug crowd – favor kayla
She steps forward and raises her hand.
64.	kayla (cont)
We wanna nominate Mayor Green!
65.	megan’s students
(ad-lib agreement)
back on mayor green
66.	mayor green
(chuckle) Thank you children.  It will be an honor for me to serve our fine community for another –
67.	dex (os)
Not so fast there! I know someone who’ll do a better job as mayor.
angle on the bug crowd
They all turn to look at each other.
68.	bug crowd
(ad libs: Huh? What? Who could that be?)
angle on dex & roderick
He steps forward and raises his hand dramatically.
69.	dex
I nominate Roderick for mayor of Buggelsville!
different angle on the bug crowd
They all REACT.
70.	bug crowd
(stunned crowd gasp)
fade out
end act one

act two
fade in:
angle on bug crowd
They look confused as Roderick steps over to Dex.
71.	bug crowd
(general walla – then grows silent)
72.	roderick
Thank you, friend Dex. (clears throat) If I am elected mayor, great things will happen in Buggelsville. And that’s a promise!
on mayor green
He clearly looks flustered.
73.	mayor green
Well, I, this is most unexpected, uh, uh, uh, let me put it this way –
Antoni STEPS INTO FRAME to stand beside Mayor Green.
74.	antoni
I’ll tell ‘em for you, sir. (louder, to the crowd) (clears throat) As Mayor Green’s new campaign manager, he accepts the challenge!
As Antoni raises Mayor Green’s hand high in the air, the crowd goes wild. 
angle on the bug crowd
75.	bug crowd
(loud cheer)
PAN to Roderick and Dex, who are walking away from the crowd. 
76.	dex
Did I do good, boss?
77.	Roderick
You were perfect.
tighter angle on dex
He stops smiling and then gets a quizzical look on his face and scratches his head.
78.	dex
Good. (BEAT) So tell me again, why do you want to be mayor? 
wider angle to include roderick
He and Dex are now standing in front of Roderick’s STORAGE SHED.
79.	dex (cont)
Sounds like work to me. Ooft.
Roderick smacks his oafish sidekick.
80.	roderick
You luggish lout. Once I’m in office, I’ll control every business in Buggelsville.
Roderick gestures to his storage shed.
81.	roderick (cont)
My storage shed will be over flowing with money.  Why I’ll be wealthy beyond my wildest dreams.
82.	dex
That would be good. 
back tighter on dex  
83.	dex (cont)
So, now that you’re in the election, how ya gonna win the election, Boss?
Roderick LEANS INTO FRAME and smiles wickedly. 
84.	roderick
Oh, I have a plan that will absolutely guarantee my victory.
angle on mayor green & antoni
Mayor Green is bending forward, shaking hands with the members of the Bug Crowd.
85.	roderick (os/cont)
The former Mayor Green will never know what hit him.
dissolve to:
int. palace of king ahab – on a royal guard - day
The young, ROYAL GUARD looks thirsty.  He stares OS and licks his lips.
86.	king ahab (os)
What are you staring at, guard?
PAN to JEZEBEL and KING AHAB who sit, side-by-side on a PAIR OF THRONES.  An elderly BAAL PRIEST stands beside Jezebel. 
Both King Ahab and Jezebel hold SILVER GOBLETS.  Jezebel also has a feathered fan, which she uses to cool herself.  The royal couple drinks greedily from their SILVER GOBLETS.
back on the guard
90.	thirsty guard
Can’t you do something about this drought, sire?  
on jezebel
She wipes some water from her lips as she spots something OS.
91.	jezebel
(giggles) You fool, don’t blame your king.
Jezebel points OS.
92.	jezebel (cont)
Blame HIM!
wider angle on throne room
ANOTHER GUARD escorts Elijah before the royal couple. 
ON KING AHAB
He TAKES and does a “SPIT TAKE”.
93.	King Ahab 
(chokes and spits on drink of water) (flustered) Why Elijah, what a surprise to see you here again.
angle on elijah – ots jezebel
94.	jezebel
Business as a prophet must not be working out for you, poor Elijah.
angle on jezebel and baal priest 
Jezebel gestures to the Baal Priest who stands beside her.  He is wearing expensive robes and gold ornamentation.
95.	Jezebel (cont)
You are wearing rags. Why our poorest priest is dressed in more finery than you.
PAN to King Ahab.
96.	king ahab
He might be painfully poor, my sweet, but I have to admit he is very brave.
tighter on king ahab
97.	king ahab (cont)
I’m surprised you even show your face here.  All of Israel’s troubles have been caused by you.
reverse on elijah
98.	elijah
If, by troubles, you mean the drought, King Ahab. I did not bring it to Israel.
wider two shot to include king ahab and elijah
100.	king ahab
Wasn’t it you who stood before me three years ago? 
101.	elijah
Yes.
102.	king ahab
And wasn’t it you who swore that the Lord God of Israel lives, there will not be dew nor rain for years, unless you say the word?
tight angle on elijah
He steps forward defiantly.
103.	elijah
And it is the very same God who commands that I stand before you today.  King Ahab, you only have yourself to blame for your people’s woes. 
WIDER angle TO INCLUDE on king ahab & jezebel
104.	elijah (cont)
You have not followed the commandments of the Lord
reverse on elijah – ots king ahab
105.	elijah (cont)
but, instead, follow the false god, Baal!
angle on jezebel & baal priest
106.	jezebel
But my husband has chosen very wisely  The almighty Baal, God of the Storm, is the greatest god of all the gods.
In response, the Baal Priest bows to Jezebel as she rises from her throne.
angle on elijah
Jezebel, still holding her goblet, STEPS INTO FRAME and throws water into Elijah’s face.  
107.	jezebel (cont)
He is the one who will one day bring us rain again.
TIGHTEN on Elijah as he wipes the water from his face.  
108.	elijah
If that’s what you think, then I propose a contest. 
reverse on baal priest, jezebel & king ahab – ots elijah
Jezebel sits back on her throne.
109.	elijah (cont)
How many Priests of Baal do you have?
110.	jezebel
At last count, 850.  Why?
reverse on elijah
111.	elijah
Bring all of them together and we will finally see which god is the true god.  
on jezebel
She smiles and claps her hands together.
113.	jezebel
I just love playing games.
angle on a nearby window
Elijah ENTERS and points out the window.
114.	elijah
Then the contest will be held on Mount Carmel!
angle through the window – on mount carmel
CAMERA TIGHTENS on the distant mount.
dissolve to:
ext. buggelsville – mount carmel – on mayor green & antoni – day
Antoni holds out a SHEET OF PAPER to Mayor Green.
116.	antoni
Here are just a few ideas for getting you re-elected mayor, Mayor Green.
tighter on antoni
He pauses for a BEAT.
121.	roderick (os)
Gather round my friends!
Antoni turns to look OS.
angle on roderick & dex
Roderick stands inside a WOODEN CART. He gestures dramatically as he is being pushed in front of a SMALL CROWD OF BUGS by Dex. 
122.	roderick (cont)
(oily) May I call you my friends? Of course I may.
reverse angle on bug crowd 
They do not look very convinced.
123.	PRISSY / WEBSTER / GINA / IGGY
(low moan)
tighter angle back on roderick
124.	roderick 
The first thing I promise to you is to never promise anything I cannot deliver. Cross my heart and hope to die.
reverse angle on bug crowd – favor iggy
125.	PRISSY / WEBSTER / GINA / IGGY / KID SPIDER / KAYLA
(disgruntled moans and groans: Yeah sure. Tell us about it.)
126.	iggy
Give it up, Roderick.  You can’t win against Mayor Green!
on antoni & mayor green
127.	antoni
You tell him Iggy!
128.	mayor green
Oh my. I’m afraid this is going to turn into a popularity contest, isn’t it?
back on roderick & dex
Roderick gestures and Dex pushes the cart into a new spot.  The crowd follows then crowds around Roderick.
129.	roderick
Here is my second promise! If I am elected to serve as your mayor I will (PAUSE FOR EFFECT)
on bug crowd
130.	bug crowd
(in unison) Promise what?
back on roderick
131.	roderick
To shorten your workweek!
132.	dex
YeaH! Let’s hear it for “short” work!
on bug crowd
133.	bug crowd
(mild cheers) Yeah.
wider angle on roderick, dex & bug crowd
Again, Roderick gestures and Dex pushes the cart into a new spot.  The crowd follows.
134.	roderick
And as your mayor, the third thing I promise to do is build a new sports arena where you can play flutterball and eight-leg hop anytime you want!
135.	dex
Yea! Sports arena!
ON BUG CROWD
136.	WEBSTER / GINA / IGGY / GINA / SPUD
(louder cheers) Yeah!
TIGHTER on iggy
He smiles at that prospect.
137.	iggy
Gee, I love to play flutterball.
on antoni & mayor green
138.	antoni
(concerned) Hmmm, that’s a pretty big cheer.
back on roderick & dex
Again, Roderick gestures OS and Dex pushes the cart off in a new direction.
on the water tank
Dex pushes Roderick up against the water tank and the Bug Crowd follows INTO FRAME.  
tighter angle on roderick
The cockroach hits the side of the container with his hand.
139.	roderick
But most important of all, if I am elected, I promise that there will be enough water for every bug in Buggelsville!
Dex raises Roderick’s hand high into the air.
140.	dex
Water, water everywhere!
140-a.  bug crowd
(cheers) Yeah!!! Roderick! Roderick!
back on antoni & mayor green
Mayor Green is deep in thought as he strokes his chin.
141.	mayor green
Hmmm, interesting.
Antoni turns back around to address the mayor.
142.	antoni
As I was saying, Mayor Green. I think you need to promise more holidays during the year.
tighter on mayor green
143.	mayor green
Well, but then holidays wouldn’t be as special, Antoni.
two shot – antoni & mayor green
144.	antoni
Well, how about promising bigger food rations for every bug in Buggelsville.
145.	mayor green
No! I won’t make things up like that.  Telling the truth will be good enough to get me re-elected.  You just wait and see.
Antoni turns to look OS.
146.	antoni
Oh no, look at Roderick now! 
angle on roderick & dex
Dex pushes Roderick round and round in his cart as the Bug Crowd cheers and follows them.
147.	bug crowd
(loud cheers) Yeah!!! Roderick! Roderick! Rockerick! Yeah!!!
More and more bugs join the procession behind Roderick as we:
dissolve to:
ext. mount carmel – on an altar - day
CAMERA STARTS on a LOW ANGLE on the ALTAR.  There is a wide TRENCH etched into the stone platform supporting the altar.  The trench runs all the way around the base of the altar.
TILT UP the altar to reveal Elijah standing to one side. He raises his hands over his head.  
148.	elijah
Let the contest begin! We shall see which of the gods will prove himself to be the true god by burning and accepting a sacrifice. 
Elijah gestures dramatically, pointing OS.
149.	elijah (cont)
And the priests of Baal may go first!
angle on jezebel & king ahab
Jezebel and King Ahab are sitting on DIVAN CHAIRS that are being held suspended from poles and held aloft by pairs of SERVANTS.
The royal couple turns and looks OS.  CAMERA PANS to reveal a LONG LINE OF BAAL PRIESTS carrying OFFERINGS OF MEAT on large wooden trays.
150.	elijah (os/cont)
Bring meat to be sacrificed on this altar.
angle on the altar
The priests ENTER and heap the meat offerings onto the altar as Elijah looks on.  Elijah steps forward when one of the Baal Priests ENTERS carrying a TORCH.
151.	elijah
And just one more thing -- no fire shall be placed on the altar.
angle on jezebel & king ahab
As Jezebel smirks, the king has a serious expression on his face.
152.	king ahab
I don’t like this, not one bit.
153.	jezebel
What’s the matter, my sweet? You’re taking this silly little contest much too seriously.
CAMERA TIGHTENS to Jezebel as her eyes narrow.
154.	jezebel (cont)
I am sure that Baal will punish this stupid prophet for making fun of him.
angle on several of the baal priests & elijah
Having placed their meat offerings on he altar, the Baal Priests turn and raise their hands to the sky.
155.	elijah
Now pray to Baal.
156.	baal priests
(ad-lib gibberish and chants)
aNGLE ON ELIJAH
157.	ELIJAH
All he needs to do is answer by burning the sacrifice. That will prove himself to be the one true god.
PAN to the several priests of Baal as they continue chanting and praying to Baal.
158.	baal priests
(ad-lib gibberish and chants)
angle on jezebel & king ahab
Jezebel now looks bored.  She yawns and covers her mouth with her hand.
159.	jezebel
(yawns) I do hope Baal is quick about it. I want to go back indoors. This sunlight isn’t good for my complexion.
dissolve to:
ext. buggelsville – on dex and roderick - day 
Dex stands with his fingers laced together to form a saddle.  Roderick is having a difficult time being hoisted up onto the top of the water tank.
160.	dex/roderick
(strains, moans and groans)
161.	roderick
Will you stand still, you oaf!
162.	dex
(straining) I’m trying my best, boss.
angle on top of the water tank
Roderick crawls up on ledge of the water tank then looks back down to Dex.
163.	roderick
(whispers to Dex) Now, go ahead, do as I told you!
down angle on dex – ots roderick
Dex looks UP at CAMERA, waves, then quickly EXITS.
frontal angle back on roderick
He holds his arms out to his sides.
164.	roderick (cont)
(oily) Gather around friends!
down angle – roderick’s pov
A Bug Crowd forms around the base of the water tank.  They take their places then look up at CAMERA.
165.	WEBSTER / IGGY / ANTONI / WALLY / MAYOR GREEN / GINA /bug crowd
(general walla)
angle on roderick
166.	roderick
As I promised, unlike the previous mayor, if I am elected I will bring more water to Buggelsville.
angle on the bug crowd
167.	WEBSTER / IGGY / WALLY / GINA /bug crowd 
(cheers)
TIGHTER ON ANTONI
168.	antoni
That’s awfully big talk, Roderick. Why don’t you show us how you’re going to do it.
angle on roderick
He gets a wicked look on his face.
169.	roderick
Ohhh, the little inventor doesn’t believe me, does he?  What if I told you I could find water where no one else can?
back on antoni
Wally STEPS INTO FRAME.
170.	wally
I’d vote for you, with, with all my hands!
back on roderick
He twirls his moustache.
171.	roderick
(wicked chuckle) I’ll hold you to that promise, Wally.
Roderick whips a DIVINING ROD (NOTE FOR DESIGNERS: THIS IS A “Y” SHAPED WOODEN TREE BRANCH), whittled from a tree branch, out from behind his back and holds it up over his head.
172.	roderick (cont)
Behold! (effort) 
Roderick LEAPS off the top of the water tank.
on antoni & wally
Roderick lands right in front of our two heroes.
173.	roderick (cont)
(landing impact) With this patented device I can find water under ground!
tighter angle on wally
174.	wally
Oh boy, that would be really swell.  I’m really tired of looking.
wider angle
Roderick holds the divining rod out in front of him and  starts to walk around in circles.  
175.	roderick
You won’t believe how much water there is around here!
angle on antoni & wally
176.	antoni
(chuckles) Roderick, if only you knew how ridiculous you looked.
angle on roderick’s DIVINING rod – tracking
Suddenly, the wooden divining rod in Roderick’s hands starts to quiver faster and faster.
177.	roderick
Ah!  Now observe.
wider angle
Roderick points the divining rod straight at the ground.
178.	roderick (cont)
Gather around everyone.  And Wally, you dig right where I’m pointing.
Wally races in holding the rod with the drill bit device at one end.
179.	wally
Sure thing Roderick.
180.	roderick
Go ahead, my enthusiastic fellow. Now DIIIIIG!
tighter angle on wally
He sticks his tongue to the corner of his mouth and jams the digging device into the ground.
tighter angle on the drill bit end of the rod
Wally screws the drill bit into the ground and then pulls it out and water begins to burst from the hole!
angle on the bug crowd & antoni
They stand there for a moment with stunned expressions on their faces. 
181.	WEBSTER / IGGY / ANTONI / MAYOR GREEN / GINA
(in unison) Huh?
Then --
182.	WEBSTER / IGGY / GINA 
(loud cheers)
angle back on roderick
Some of Megan’s Students RACE INTO FRAME with buckets and leaf containers. 
tighter on roderick
Kayla ENTERS.  She stands on tiptoes and gives Roderick a kiss on the cheek.
183.	kayla
Oh Mister Roderick, you’re wonderful!
tighter on two of megan’s students at the “water hole”
After they have filled their buckets, Wally ENTERS and scoops them up in his arms.
angle on the water tank
Wally enters with the students and holds them up so they can dump the water into the tank.
back on roderick
184.	roderick
And there’s plenty more water if you elect me as your next mayor, my friends!
185.	roderick (cont)
(oily) I can call you my friends can’t I? 
angle on the bug crowd
The Bug Crowd breaks out into a sea of smiles – and cheers.
186.	WEBSTER / PRISSY / IGGY / GINA
(chanting) Roderick, Roderick, Roderick!
angle on mayor green & antoni
Mayor Green’s shoulders sag as he lowers his head.
187.	mayor green
(groan) I, I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it with my own eyes. Everyone’s turned their backs on me.
Mayor Green turns and starts to walk away.
188.	antoni
Mayor Green, come on, we’re not licked yet.
tighter angle on mayor green
He gestures as he walks away from CAMERA.
189.	mayor green
Antoni, just leave me alone.  I’ve got a lot of thinking to do.
fade out.
end act two

act three
Fade in
ext. mount carmel – on the sun - day
TILTS DOWN from the SUN to reveal the Baal Priests are growing weary from their day of chanting.
190.	Baal priests
(extended weary gibberish and chanting)
angle on jezebel in the DIVAN chairs
Jezebel looks worried.
191.	jezebel
Something must be wrong.  Why is Baal taking so long to answer?
Jezebel turns and CAMERA PANS to King Ahab who is asleep in his divan chair.
192.	King ahab
(snoring)
193.	elijah (os)
I think we’ve waited just about long enough.
WIDER ANGLE ON KING AHAB AND JEZEBEL
Elijah ENTERS.
194.	elijah
King Ahab, Queen Jezebel, your priests have shown great effort in praying to their god, Baal.
tighter angle on elijah
He cups his hand around one ear.
195.	elijah (cont)
(sarcastic) Unfortunately, Baal has been very, very silent.
angle on BAAL priests
They are now so weary they drop their hands to their sides and stop their chanting.
196.	baal priests
(wind down and stop their chanting)
angle back on elijah
He adjusts his robes and takes an heroic pose.
203.	elijah
Now it is my turn to call to the true God.
Elijah smiles and rubs his hands together thoughtfully.
dissolve to:
ext. buggelsville – on mayor green’s house
Antoni is all excited as he ENTERS and (SFX) KNOCKS on Mayor Green’s front door.
204.	mayor green (vo)
Yes, yes, I’m coming.
The mayor opens the door. 
205.	mayor green (cont)
(depressed) Oh, well, hello, Antoni.
wider two shot – on antoni & mayor green
Antoni reaches out and grabs Mayor Green’s hand.
206.	mayor green (cont)
Why are you --- (effort being yanked)
Antoni excitedly YANKS Mayor Green OS with him.
dissolve to:
angle on new location – on draped whirly-gig
207.	antoni
We’re going to beat Roderick at his own game, Mayor Green.
TIGHTER ON Antoni and Mayor Green. 
208.	antoni (cont)
And fight “fire with fire”.
Antoni pulls the drape off of the contraption to reveal a fanciful MESH GRINDING underneath. 
209.	antoni (cont)
Or should I say “water with water”.
different angle on antoni’s windmill device
Mayor Green ENTER FRAME and examine the device.
210.	antoni (cont)
Maybe Roderick can find water under the ground, but we can find it too!
on antoni
211.	antoni (cont)
With this invention – we’ll grind up every plant and flower in Buggelsville and squeeze out all their water. 
on mayor green 
212.	antoni (os/cont)
Go ahead.  I want you to be the first to turn it on.
213.	mayor green
No Antoni.  Your invention will destroy all the beauty in our town and, besides, I don’t think an honest election should be won because of gadgets and gizmos.
on antoni
214.	antoni
Oh, come on. You don’t want Roderick to steal the election right out from under you, do you?
on mayor green & antoni’s invention
Mayor Green hesitates as he starts to throw the switch then stops. 
215.	antoni (cont)
Okay. Here, I’ll get it started for ya.
Antoni throws the switch and the large grinding gears start spinning and gyrating and different directions.  
tighter on antoni’s invention
The machine starts grabbing, cutting and grinding up a flower and a DROP OF WATER appears.  Antoni REACHES IN holding a bucket to catch the water. Antoni breaks into a huge smile.
216.	antoni
Now all we have to do is start gathering up more flowers!
Suddenly, the machine starts smoking and catches fire.
ON MAYOR GREEN
217.	mayor green
We’re going to need more water alright.
WIDER angle on antoni’s grinder
The machine is on fire. Antoni tosses the newly claimed drop of water onto the fire but it is instantly consumed as the contraption explodes.
medium wide on antoni & mayor green
Both of them are knocked backwards to the ground. 
218.	mayor green / antoni
(impacts) 
tighter on antoni & mayor green on the ground
As Mayor Green and Antoni get to their feet and brush themselves off, the mayor sighs. 
219.	mayor green
(sighs) At least we’re lucky that no one saw this crazy, mixed up – uh oh.
Mayor Green looks up and REACTS.
ON ANTONI
				219-A.  ANTONI
			Huh?
REVERSE angle
The entire population of Buggelsville has gathered around him and Antoni. 
220.	bug crowd
(chanting) Roderick, Roderick, Roderick.
back on antoni & mayor green
221.	antoni
That’s okay, Mayor Green.  I’ve got another idea.
tighter on mayor green
223.	mayor green
It’s best you stop right there, Antoni.
226.	mayor green (CONT)
What I need is to stop trying so hard to be like Roderick. Making all those promises, getting everyone’s hopes up.  That’s not right.
two shot – antoni & mayor green 
227.	mayor green (cont)
I’m going to run my re-election campaign my way – the honest way.  Thanks for your help Antoni, but, uh, I know you meant well.
Antoni and Mayor Green look OS when they hear –
228.	bug crowd (os)
Roderick, Roderick, Roderick!
angle on roderick & the bug crowd
Roderick holds up his wooden divining rod.
229.	roderick
My friends, do you want me to find more water for you?
230.	WEBSTER / GINA / IGGY / KAYLA / SPUD / PRISSY / WALLY
(cheers)
cut to:
ext. mount carmel – on the altar & elijah - day
As before, Elijah raises his arms dramatically.
231.	elijah
Bring forth buckets of water and flood the altar.
tighter angle on the bottom of the altar
Water is POURED INTO FRAME until it fills the wide trench around the bottom of the altar.
TILT UP as the Baal Priests LEAN IN and pour the water all over the offerings of meat and the altar.
232.	king ahab (vo)
Wait, stop, have you gone mad!?
angle on jezebel & king ahab in their DIVAN chairs
233.	king ahab (cont)
We’re in the middle of a drought you fool!  Water is too precious to waste!
234.	elijah (os)
But sire –
angle back on elijah
235.	elijah (cont)
Jezebel said that Baal himself would bring the rains.  She doesn’t look worried.
angle back on jezebel & king ahab
Jezebel scowls at her husband.
236.	jezebel
Now are you doubting that the great god Baal will bring rain?
237.	king ahab
(back tracking quickly) Uh, uh, no, of course not, my flower.
Jezebel turns to address the OS Elijah.
238.	jezebel
Continue with your contest, prophet! (under her breath) For all the good it will do you.
WIDER ANGLE TO INCLUDE ELIJAH
241.	elijah 
As for you, choose you this day whom you will serve.
TIGHTER ON ELIJAH
Elijah clasps his hands together and raises his face to look up at the sky.
240.	elijah (cont)
Oh God, hear my plea. Show them that you are the true God and that I am your prophet!
angle on the sky
There is a moment of silence as the clouds move gracefully in the sky.
242.	jezebel (os)
(laughs) It looks like your god is just as silent as Baal. 
angle back on jezebel & king ahab
243.	jezebel
Elijah, you’re wasting your time. (gasp)
Jezebel REACTS when she hears (SFX) THUNDER and the CRACKLE OF LIGHTNING.
angle on the sky
Suddenly there is a thunderous (SFX) CRACKLE as a mighty LIGHTNING BOLT splits the sky and surges DOWN OS.
angle on the altar and the offerings
The lightning bolt sears the FRAME as it smashes into the altar and its meat offerings. 
cut to:
ext. buggelsville – on the bug crowd
The crowd of Buggelsvillans is busy chanting.
245.	WEBSTER / GINA / WALLY / PRISSY / IGGY / KAYLA
Roderick, Roderick! (group gasp)
They are all startled by the appearance of the lightning.  SPARKS shower INTO FRAME.
angle on communal water tank & roderick’s secret pumping shed
A spark from the fire lands on Roderick’s secret pumping shed.  The spark SMOLDERS and then, in an instant, the front door of Roderick’s shed burns away  -- POOF -- to reveal that Dex is inside operating an organic-looking PUMP DEVICE. 
250.	dex
Oopsie.
tighter angle on roderick’s SECRET PUMPING shed 
Antoni walks up.
251.	antoni
Well, well, well - what have we here?
angle on dex with pumping equipment
Antoni walks in.
252.	antoni (cont)
This is a pump –
tighter angle on the organic pump
CAMERA PANS along the pump to a series of PIPES, which run straight into the ground.
253.	antoni (os/cont)
and it’s connected to these pipes that run underground –
on antoni & dex
254.	antoni (cont)
It’s all been a trick!
Antoni scowls as he points OS.
angle on roderick
He smiles weakly as Antoni continues.
255.	antoni (OS/cont)
Roderick’s been lying this whole time!
ANGLE ON BUG CROWD
255-A.  WALLY / WEBSTER / SPUD / MEGAN / GINA / IGGY / PRISSY
(stunned reaction)
angle on antoni – tracking
He grabs up a SHOVEL and scraps away a bit of ground to reveal a length of pipe running right beneath the surface. 
256.	antoni
Dex has been pumping the water from our water tank, then sending it out underground to different parts of town. 
angle on roderick
He looks very nervous.
257.	antoni (os/cont)
That’s how Roderick knows where to dig for water – because he’s the one putting it there!
angle on bug crowd
Wally steps out of the crowd.
258.	wally
Yeah, and wasting all the water we’ve collected to do it!
Next, Spud steps out of the Bug Crowd.
259.	spud
I hereby so move that we call for a vote for mayor of Buggelsville right here and right now!
DIFFERENT angle on the bug crowd
Gina, then Prissy, then Iggy STEP OUT of the Bug Crowd and raise their hands as they vote out loud.
260.	gina
Mayor Green!
261.	prissy
Mayor Green!
262.	iggy
Mayor Green!
angle on mayor green’s front door
Mayor Green opens the door with a quizzical look on his face.
263.	bug crowd (os)
Mayor Green, Mayor Green, Mayor Green!
264.	mayor green
Oh, m, m, m, my goodness. Uh, what’s all this about?
reverse angle
Antoni STEPS IN with a great big smile on his face.
265.	antoni
Guess what?  I can call you Mayor Green now – and it’s OFFICIAL!
ANGLE ON BUG CROWD
265-A. WEBSTER / PRISSY / IGGY / GINA / SPUD
		yeah!
EXT. MOUNT CARMEL - angle on ALTAR
The BRIGHT FLARE has caused the water inside the deep trench to turn to STEAM and evaporate.
angle on the baal priests
The Baal Priests REACT and drop to their knees.
246.	baal priests
(ad-libs) Please forgive us! Please forgive us! Oh Lord, we beg forgiveness.)
angle back on elijah
The prophet raises his hands to the sky. 
247.	elijah
And so shall it be forever known, that the Lord has proven He is the one true God.
Elijah turns to look at the OS Baal priests.
248.	elijah (cont)
As for the Priests of Baal.
angle on the baal priests
They are all either kneeling or standing with heads bowed.
249.	elijah (os/cont)
Take them away!
King Ahab’s GUARDS move INTO FRAME.
EXT. BUGGELSVILLE - angle on roderick & dex
266.	roderick
Come on Dex, let’s get out of here while no one’s looking.
The two bad guys start to EXIT but Dex stumbles over the line of water pipes sticking out of the ground. Roderick stumbles right into Dex and falls.
267.	dex
Whoaaaah!
268.	roderick
Whoaaaah!
270.	wally (os)
Not so fast you two.
wider angle
The Bug Crowd gathers around Roderick and Dex.
271.	wally (cont)
You’re gonna make up for what you’ve done by gathering more dew from the leaves and carrying water from the stream.
angle on megan’s students – favor kayla
They hold out ACORN BUCKETS.
272.	megan’s students
Yeah!
angle on roderick & dex
Roderick buries his face in his hands.
273.	roderick
(sobs) No, no…
There’s a (SFX) THUNDER CLAP and it starts to RAIN. Roderick breaks out into a big smile.
274.	roderick (cont)
Just in the nick of time. I thought we’d have to work.
275.	mayor green (os)
Oh, but you will.
wider angle - raining
Mayor Green is now standing next to Roderick and Dex.
276.	mayor Green (CONT)
Someone has to gather all this lovely rainfall and refill our water tank.
tighter angle on mayor green
277.	mayor green (cont)
And, uh (chuckle – clears throat), I learned this from you Roderick - you never know when another drought is going to hit.
WIDEN as Antoni reveals that he’s holding a couple of acorn buckets.
278.	antoni
Roderick – Dex?  To your buckets!
Roderick and Dex grab a bucket a piece and then comically scamper around catching the falling rainwater. 
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. MOUNT CARMEL – ALTAR AND ELIJAH
ELIJAH standing by altar.
CUT to Jezebel and King Ahab who are being carried back to the city aboard their divan chairs.  Jezebel and King Ahab have scowls on their faces.
279.	narrator (os)
Because of Elijah, many people of Israel turned against Jezebel and the prophets of Baal 
280.	narrator (os/CONT)
and declared their loyalty to the Lord.
PAN TO ELIJAH STANDING AT THE ALTAR.
In contrast to the angry royal couple, Elijah has a warm smile on his face as he turns and looks up to the heavens. The rain is wonderful.

THE END