Buzby and the Grumble Bees

Screenplay
By
Buddy Lewis & Troy Schmidt

Based on the original story “Hermie”
By
Max Lucado

Draft 3
6/2/06

Ext. Max's garden - DAY
Wide angle
Max to the camera.
Max
I remember when I was a kid, one of the chores I had to do was...(Max inserts a real chore he had to do)
Medium angle
MaX (CONT'D)
I also remember another chore.  I always had to take out the trash.  
I never liked it.  I even pouted.  "I don't want to take out the trash!"  Funny thing is, I'm all grown up now and I still have to take out the trash.
Close up Hermie
Hermie enters.
Hermie
You should be a caterpillar.
Close up Max
Max turns to Hermie.
MAX
Oh hey, Hermie.  Oh yeah.  Why's that?
Close up Hermie
HERMIE
No garbage.  We eat everything we see.
Close up Max
MAX
I can see your point. So Hermie, were you well behaved as a child?
Close up Hermie
HERMIE
Oh, absolutely.  I obeyed my mom and my dad.  I even listened to others like my teachers or Grannypillar.  I always did what they asked me to do.  
A halo appears over our little angel.
Grannypillar (o.S.)
Hermie, are you up there?
SFX: Record scratch.  The halo pops away.
HerMIE
Quick hide me!  Grannypillar wants me to do some chores!
Close up Max
MaX
But you said you always did what she asked you to do.
Close up Hermie
HERMIE
But if she doesn't find me, she can't ask me, then I don't have to do any chores.  That way I'm not disobeying her.
Close up Max
MAX
But that's not good behavior.  When your mom or dad or even your Grannypillar ask you to help them, you show them respect by listening to them.
Close up Hermie
HERMIE
You're right, again, Max.  Well, here goes...I'M UP HERE GRANNYPILLAR!
Grannypillar (o.S.)
Oh good.  Would you like to help me...
HeRMIE
Here it comes...
GRANNYPILLAR (o.S.)
...eat some of these delicious peach dumplings I made?   I think I have too many.
HERMIE
(enthusiastic)
Ooo, ahh, yes ma'am.  I'll be right there.  Gotta go, Max.  Like you said, I need to help my Grannypillar.  It's all about respect.  Bye.
(walks off)
Hold on.  Don't start without me!  I don't want you to pull a muscle or something.
Medium angle
MAX
(to the camera)
You see, good behavior is all about how we act toward others, our manners, our attitude, our heart.  And as Buzby's about to find out, teaching his niece and nephew about good bee-havior is not that easy.
Max looks off screen, hoping for a taste.
MaX (CONT'D)
Uh, Hermie need any help with those peach dumplings?
HerMIE (o.S.)
(mouth full)
Nope.  Got it.  Thanks though.
MAX
(disappointed)
Just trying to help.
HERMIE (o.S.)
And don't worry. I'll make sure there's no trash to take out.
SOUNDS of Hermie munching while Max starves on the bench.
Ext. Buzby's hive - dusk
CREDITS
MUSIC:
ext. BuZBY'S HIVE - nighT
It's a party - tiki lights, streamers, a table of food, punch bowl.  HERMIE, WORMIE and BUBZY talk in a group.  IGGY and ZIGGY talk to HAILEY and BAILEY. 
HerMIE
This is a great party, Buzby.
BuZBY
Thank you.  Thank you very much.  It's my anniversary of when I started following the rules.  R-U-L-E-S.  Rules.
HERMIE
Yeah, I remember when I started following the rules.  It was like it was yesterday.
WorMIE
It WAS yesterday.
HERMIE
Yeah,...no it wasn't.  It was longer than that.  It’s been at least a week now. 
BuzBY
Looks like everyone's having a good time.  Especially the ants.
ANTONIO, AL, ART, ARNIE are doing the RUMBA.
Buzby's cell phone goes off, to the sound of the FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEES. Buzby pulls out the cell phone.
BuzBY 
 (on the phone)
Thanks for buzzin’. This is Buzby.  Hey, Barbee.  
(to Hermie and Wormie)
It's my sister, Barbee.  
(to cell phone)
You want to know if I could watch your kids?  Sure.  When?  TONIGHT!  But I'm having a small party.  
Before Buzby can finish his sentence, offscreen we hear a BUZZ, then a tire SCREECH, followed by another SCREECH and a BUZZ going off into the distance. This happens behind Buzby who is oblivious to it. Hermie and Wormie follow the unseen motion with their eyes and head. 
BUZBY (CONT'D)
Where are you?
Buzby is tapped on the back by BEEBEE, a 'tween bee with a who-cares attitude, and BUDDY, the younger brother with a deadpan expression who always wears headphones and is lost in some other world.  Buddy mimics all the behavior of his cooler, older sister while saying nothing besides mumbling and pouting.
BUZBY (CONT'D)
Hello Beebee.  Hello Buddy.  How have you guys been, B-E-E-N, been?  Why don't you spell a word for your Uncle Buzby?
BEEBEE
Please.  Spelling is so...NOT cool.
BUZBY
(shocked)
Not Cool?  Since when?  Spelling has always been cool.  C-O-O...
Beebee pushes by Buzby and enters the party.
BEEBEE
Whatever.
BUZBY
(cut short and downbeat)
...L.  Cool.
Beebee walks right by Hermie and Wormie who extend their hand to greet them.  The kids don't even acknowledge.
BuzBY (CONT'D)
Oh, these are my good friends Hermie and Wormie.  This is...
BeEBEE
You have anything to eat in this dump?  We're hungry. 
HerMIE
Nice to...be ignored by you.
Buzby looks to Buddy who is staring straight ahead.  There is a note pinned to his jacket.  It reads "Buzby."  Buzby tears it off.
Beebee drops her back pack and plops into a chair.
BeEBEE
And maybe something to drink.  Hey Buddy!
Buddy enters, walking passed Hermie and Wormie who try again with extended hands.  Ignored.  Buddy drops and plops.
Buzby reads the note.
BuZBY
"Dear Buzby.  Thank you for watching Beebee and Buddy this weekend.  Barney and I need a break.  B-R-E-A-K.  Break.  Make sure the kids behave, pick up after themselves, help around the hive, get to bed early and mind their Uncle Buzby. Love… Your Sis, Barbee."
BeEBEE
Um...hello...we're starving here!
Buzby crosses to Beebee and Buddy.
BuZBY
I'm happy to show you to the food, but your mama said you need to pick up after yourselves.  So why don't you pick up your bags...
Beebee and Buddy pout.  It's a big production, full of tears and exaggerated body movements.  When Beebee complains, her shoulders slump, her face collapses and she tosses her head from side to side, whining all along.  Buddy falls on his back, kicking and whining.  His whine is a LOUD MUMBLE.
BeEBEE
(whining)
I just got here and already I'm your slave!  Work, work, work!  I'm just a worker bee to you!  What about me!  What about my needs! (continues)
Everyone stops and stares with mouths agape. They've never seen anything like it.
HaiLEY
We would never get away with that.
BaiLEY
Uh-uh.
HerMIE
Buzby, looks like you have a couple of “grumble” (very exaggerated) bees on your hands.
Buzby steps in and calms them down.
BuZBY
I think you’re right.  Hey, hey, stop crying.  Okay, you don't have to pick up.  I'll do it for you.
The pouting miraculously stops with Beebee and Buddy are instantly in favorable moods and sitting on the chairs.  Beebee opens up her back pack, takes out a copy of Teen Bee and tosses the bag over her shoulder.  We hear a CRASH.
BeEBEE
Um, hello?  Food?
Buzby rushes to the snack table.
BUZBY
It's right here.  Come and get it.
BEEBEE
All the way over there?  Oooo-kay.  
Beebee and Buddy drag themselves to the table, which, on a wide shot is only a few feet away.  They push through Iggy and Ziggy who stand between them and the table.
BEEBEE
Let's move it.  This isn't a roach motel. Buzz off.  
IggY
(offended)
Well, I never.
ZIGGY
Actually you did, that once.
IGGY
Oh, right.
Iggy and Ziggy LAUGH.  Beebee and Buddy are in the middle of a tantrum, standing in front of the table.
BeEBEE
Honey soup!  We hate honey soup!  Why do we always have honey soup!  I want honey candy!  And honey ice cream!  And honey chocolate chip cookies!  (continues)
BuzBY 
Come on now.  Honey is honey and all bees love honey.  Please try the soup.  We'll get some dessert later.
BeeBEE
Hmmmpfff.
Beebee pouts but eats.  She has her feet on the table, with the bowl and a copy of Teen Bee on her chest.  Buddy leans over the bowl with elbows on the table SLURPING his soup.  
BuZBY 
Beebee.  Please sit up, take your feet off the table, and no reading while we eat.  Buddy, no elbows on the table and no slurping please.
Beebee and Buddy freeze.  The calm before the storm.  A low GRUMBLING, like a tremor, increases.  Wormie GULPS.
HerMIE
Uh-oh...
The pouting begins!
BeeBEE
Why do we always have to eat the way other bees eat?  It’s none of your bees wax how I eat!  I can’t wait until I grow up and move to my own hive where I can eat my way!
 (continues)
BuzBY
I guess if you don't like it.  You can go to bed. 
BeEBEE
Bed?  So early!  This is crazy!  Why does everyone treat us like we’re baby bees!  Why do we always have to go to bed so early! 
Beebee leans into Buzby’s face.
BeEBEE
Dumb ol' rules.  R-O-O-L-S!  Rules!
BUZBY 
(horrified)
She...she misspelled!
Buzby leans back in to Beebee and Buddy.
BuzBY 
Now listen.  And listen good.  While you’re staying here, this is my bee-hive, and you two have to bee-have in my bee-hive. 
Beebee stands with her arms crossed in defiance.  Buddy doesn't, so she nudges him.  He sees what he's supposed to do and copies her.
SONG: BEE-HAVE IN MY BEE-HIVE
Buzby sings, emphasizing HOW MUCH FUN IT IS TO OBEY all the rules in his house (clean up, pick up, put away).  Hailey and Bailey clean up around the party.
Then he sings about all the rules at the table (sit up, elbows off, feet down).  Iggy and Ziggy show the right way.
Then all the rules about taking care of yourself (eat right, sit up straight, go to bed early).   Antonio shows the right ways.
Beebee and Buddy watch with contempt.
SONG ENDS
BUZBY (CONT'D)
So, what do you think of that?
BeeBEE
I'd like it better if things went the way I want them to go! 
BUZBY
How would you feel if everyone in the world acted the way you do?
BEEBEE
Then the world would be an un-bee-lieveable place!
Beebee storms off.  Buddy just stands there.  Her hand reaches in and pulls him off.  They fly up to the beehive and slam the door.
A pause as it sinks in.  Then they all look at each other.
alL
Pray!
BuzBY
Dear God, you gotta help me.  These kids are tough.  T-O-U-G-H.  Tough.  What am I going to do with them?
GOD
Kids don't always practice good behavior.  Good bee-havior is showing that you love others as you love yourself.  It's about following the rules, minding your parents and having good manners.  They have to be taught the right way to behave.  Rules show children the right way to act. 
BuZBY
Thank you, God. I bet they thought they wouldn't have to bee-have in my bee hive. Let’s follow God’s advice and teach them about following the rules. Listen up.  Buzby's got a plan.  P-L-A-N.  Plan.
Buzby motions for them to huddle up.  They do, BONKING their heads.
hermie 
Ow!  O-W.  Ow!  Was that the plan?
BUZBY
No, that's not the plan.  This is the plan.
Another huddle.  WHISPERING.
HERMIE
That's good.  Couldn't have done better myself.  Well, I would've changed that part.  And that.  The rest is very good though.
PAN UP and ZOOM INTO the hive.
Int. BuZBY'S HIVE - nIGHT
Beebee laying on the sofa, restless and unable to sleep.  Buddy lays on the love seat, asleep.
BeEBEE
(fading asleep)
This place isn't any fun.  All those rules for good behavior.  Have to go to bed early.  Chores.  Table manners.  (YAWN)  Nobody's going to tell me how to bee-have.  
Beebee dozes off, a voice entering her head...
BuzBY (V.O.-dreamlike echo)
What do you think the world would be like if everyone acted like you?  Acted like you…acted like you….hello…hello…echo…E-C-H-O…echo!"
Fade out:
Fade in:
eXT. buzBY'S HIVE - DAY
Beebee stumbles out, tired and cranky.  Buddy right behind.
BeEBEE
Hello?  Hello!  We're awake and we're hungry!  Don't you guys know you have to feed growing children. WHERE'S OUR BREAKFAST!
BUZBY (v.O.)
That's what we want to know.
Beebee and Buddy turn and see Buzby, Hermie and Wormie laying around, reading Teen Bee, all lazy like.
BuZBY (CONT'D)
Where is OUR breakfast?
HerMIE
Yeah, I'm hungry.
BeeBEE
You're supposed to make our breakfast.
Buzby, Hermie and Wormie throw a fit.  Wormie on his back like Buddy, MUMBLING.  Buzby whining like Beebee.  Wormie pacing back and forth, complaining.   Their actions shock Beebee and Buddy.
HerMIE/BUZBY
Why do we always have to make breakfast?  Why can't someone make breakfast for us. Work, work, work.  That’s all we ever do is work. 
BeeBEE 
Okay, okay!  Calm down.  Don’t be such babies.  Humph.
Buzby, Hermie and Wormie stop the fit and return to their original position.  Beebee shrugs to Buddy who returns a shrug.  She turns back to the other three.
BeEBEE (CONT'D)
So uh, what are we going to do today?
Buzby, Hermie and Wormie return to the pouting and MUMBLING.
Hermie/buzby
Why do we always have to plan what to do today? Plan, plan, plan.  We always have to plan we never get to do!  I plan to do what I want to do.  (continues)
Beebee and Buddy back off.
BEEBEE
Okay...it's no big deal...cut it out...we're out of here...
They leave.
Ext. Garden - DAY
Beebee and Buddy walking away.
BeEBEE
That was weird!  I've never seen them act that way.  They are so immature. I’m sure.
Buddy shakes his head in agreement.
They cross paths with Hailey and Bailey.
HaILEY
Hey guys.  What's the matter?
BeEBEE
We've been staying at Uncle Buzby's hive.  He thinks he’s so cool with all his rules.  Elbows off the table.  Sit up straight.  Pick up your stuff.  It's horrible!
BaiLEY
Why don't you come to our house?  We got rid of our rules.
BeEBEE
No rules?
HaILEY
No rules.
BEEBEE
That rules! How did you get your parents to stop giving you rules?
HaILEY
We did this.
Hailey and Bailey put on a pouting performance.  Bailey on her back WHINING.  Hailey stomping and pacing while WHINING.
Hailey/bailey
We're sick of rules.  We never get our way.  Everybody's so mean.  Gimmee, gimmee, gimmee.
Beebee and Buddy APPLAUD.
BeEBEE
Well done.  Very well done!
Hailey and Bailey bow and curtsy.
BaiLEY
Thank you.  We've been working on our routine for a long time.
As they walk off...
BeeBEE
You have to let us borrow some of your moves.
HaILEY
We'd be honored.
Int. Ladybug house - DAY
Hailey, Bailey, Beebee and Buddy walk in.
BeeBEE
Wow, this place is great.  A house with no rules.  A dream come true.
Beebee trips over something, then Buddy.  They pick themselves up, having tripped over some shoes.
BeeBEE (CONT'D)
We, uh, tripped over those shoes.
BaiLEY
Oh yeah.  We don't clean up after ourselves.
BeeBEE
Oh.  I see...cool.
She trips again.
HaILEY
We like a messy house.  Messy houses rule!
Beebee picks herself up, stunned and a little hurt.  
BeeBEE
Yeah, they rule.  Hey, we haven’t eaten all day.  What do you have to eat?
hailey
Oh, Help yourself. We eat whatever we want.
BEEBEE
Cool.
Beebee opens the door to the kitchen (entrance to a tree).  DISHES pour out and cover her.
HaILEY
Hard part’s finding a clean dish.
Beebee sticks her head up.  She's got some sort of gunk off a plate on her head.  She wipes it off.
BEEBEE
Ewwwww!  Gross!  Don't you clean up anything around here?
BaILEY
We don't do any chores.  Never, ever, never.
Beebee picks herself up.
BEEBEE
That sounds cool, but it gets dangerous with all this junk laying around.  You can get hurt.
Beebee falls, crashing off frame.
HaILEY
Yeah, but at least we don't have to do any work.  High five.
Hailey and Bailey slaps high fives.
Beebee brushes herself off next to Buddy.
BeEBEE
Um, we need to go.
HaILEY
Go?  But we were just about to have A LEAF FIGHT! 
Hailey pulls out a leaf and knocks Bailey out of frame with it.
Beebee and Buddy dodge Hailey and run.
BeeBEE (CONT'D)
Run!
Beebee and Buddy run out of the house. Bailey knocks Hailey out of frame with a leaf.
BaiLEY
Hey!  Come back! 
Bailey knocks Hailey out of frame with a leaf.
BaiLEY
You’re it!  
Dissolve to:
Ext. Garden locations - DAY
Beebee and Buddy are walking, catching their breath.
BeEBEE
What's going on around here?  Those ladybugs were out of control.  How do bugs live like that?  You could get hurt.
Buddy agrees.  Beebee feels her stomach.
BeEBEE (CONT'D)
I'm sure hungry.  We haven't eaten all day.  I wish Uncle Buzby had fed us.
They pass Buzby, Hermie and Wormie throwing their fits.
HerMIE/BUZBY
Why do I always have to find something to eat?  Why doesn't anyone make food for us?  I don't like to make food!  Feed me!
Beebee and Buddy run away.
Ext. Cockroach mansion - DAY
Beebee and Buddy are still running.
BeeBEE
Someone needs to tell those three how freaky they are acting.
Beebee and Buddy stumble upon a picnic blanket at the crossroads below Iggy and Ziggy’s mansion. Iggy and Ziggy open up their baskets and delicately remove silverware and napkins and lay them to their sides.
IggY
Hey, you guys hungry?
ZiGGY
We're about to enjoy a nice picnic.  Want to join us?
BeeBEE
Picnic?  Food?  You bet. 
BeeBEE
I can't wait!  I'm so hungry, I could eat...
Iggy and Ziggy then just start pulling out globs of stuff from the baskets and pour it into their mouths.  The SOUNDS of eating are disgusting.  Beebee and Buddy are disgusted.
BeEBEE (CONT'D)
Um...never mind.
Iggy lays down with the basket on his stomach, talking and spitting food.
IgGY
(mouthful)
This is so good.  Try it.
Ziggy puts his head into the basket. Then the basket opens and closes as his mouth.
ZiGGY
Very delicious.  (French accent)  Le crud de le crud.
BeeBEE
Is this the way you always eat? Don't you have any manners?
Iggy and Ziggy stop.
IgGY
Manners?  If it's one thing we've learned at mealtime it's that manners only slow you down. Then your gravy will get cold.
ZiGGY
Speaking of gravy, you have some on your shirt.  Allow me.
IGGY
Help yourself.
Ziggy dips a piece of bread into the gravy on Iggy's shirt.  Ziggy consumes the gravy soaked bread.
ZIGGY
Mmmm.  Nice and warm.
Beebee and Buddy are about to hurl.
BeeBEE
Um...we need to go.
IGGY
You can't go yet.
ZiGGY
We're about to eat dessert.
Iggy pulls a greenish glob out of his basket.
IGGY
Want some...Um...green...stuff.
BEEBEE
(sickened)
That doesn’t look right.
Iggy sniffs it.
IGGY
Should be okay, it only expired a week ago.
ZIGGY
A week ago.  That's nothing.  A month now that's too much.
IGGY
That's bad taste to eat something a month after its expiration date. 
ZIGGY
I completely agree.
They salute with greenish goo in their hands and insert into their mouths, slopping away.
Beebee and Buddy hold their mouths, gagging.
BeeBEE
We've lost our appetite
Ext. GARDEN LOCATIONS - DAY
Beebee and Buddy walk away.
BeeBEE
Okay, that was disgusting.  Those two cockroaches don't have any manners.
(looking around)
This whole place has gone crazy.  Maybe we should get back to Buzby's hive.
They pass Hermie, Wormie and Buzby throwing their tantrum.
HERMIE/BUZBY
How come everybody has to go to my hive!  Why don't bugs ever go to their own hives?  Well no more crashing at my hive. 
Beebee and Buddy pick up the pace.
BEEBEE
Those three are really freaking me out!
Dissolve to:
ext. GARDEN - duSK
Beebee and Buddy take a breather.  Their stomachs GROWLING at each other.
BeeBEE
Hear that?  Our stomachs are screaming "Feed me!"  We have to find something to eat.
Off in the distance they hear a chant.
AnTONIO
I don't know but I've been told.
Ants
I don't know but I've been told.
ANTONIO
Partying all night never gets old.
ANTS
Partying all night never gets old.
Antonio, wearing a party hat and a noisemaker in his mouth, leads four ANTS carrying a big cake.  He signals stop with the NOISEMAKER, like a whistle.  They do.
ANTONIO 
What have we here?
BeeBEE
We're very hungry and trying to get home to get something to eat.
ANTONIO
C'mon soldiers!  We found the mother of all cakes and we are going to par-tay!  An All-nighter, baby!
Beebee and Buddy perk up.
BEEBEE
All night!  We love to stay up all night!  
ANTONIO
Fall out.  Let's get this party started.
(pause)	
Um...word up.
Antonio poses, attempting coolness.  He blows his NOISEMAKER.
The ants march with the cake.  Beebee and Buddy fall in.
Ext. AnT HILL - nIGHT
A party outside the ant hill with tiki lights, the big cake and party favors.  RUMBA MUSIC is playing and the ants and bees are dancing.  Everyone is having fun.
Dissolve to:
LATER: The ants are dancing in the background.  Antonio is dancing the robot to TECHNO MUSIC (from the Milo dance party).  Beebee and Buddy are slowing down.  Eventually they sit down, but ant hands pull them back on their feet.
Dissolve to:
LATER: The bees find a place to sit and finally rest.  
BeeBEE
What time is it?
ANTONIO
What time is it?  It's time to rumba!
The other ants pick up Beebee and Buddy and the RUMBA MUSIC starts again.  They are unwillingly pulled into line.
BeeBEE
Don't you guys get any sleep?
ANTONIO
Sleep!  Sleeping is for the weak!  Don't be a bed bug!  Dance, soldiers!  Dance like there's no tomorrow!  (funny laugh, then catches himself)  Sorry.
Dissolve to:
LATER: The bees are asleep.  The music shifts to DANCE MUSIC and the bees are lifted in the air and passed over the heads of the other ants.  They sleep all the way down the row.
They are dropped off by the last ant, hitting the ground and startling them awake.  Beebee and Buddy, their bodies begging for sleep, help each other up. They stumble away from the party and then stop. The music can be heard muted in the background.
BeeBEE
Buddy, mis-bee-having isn’t so fun after all. I don’t think I could stand a place where everyone has bad bee-havior all the time. I wish this was all a dream, so we could just wake up and start over again.
They slide back down to the ground back to back.
BeeBEE (CONT'D)
We’ll just sleep for a second, then it will all be better...all be better...
POV BEEBEE as her drooping eyes shut out the night and three mysterious silhouettes appear against the lights of the party, approaching them.  Two shadows look like caterpillars.  The other, a bee.
BuzBY
Let's get them home, boys. H-O-M-E. Home.
Dissolve to:
Int. BuZBY'S HIVE - mORNING
Close on Beebee in bed, her head on the pillow, stirring and mumbling in her sleep.
BeEBEE
There's no place like hive... no place like hive...
She wakes up.  Buddy is asleep next to her.
BeEBEE (CONT'D)
Buddy, wake up!  We're home!  We're home!
Buddy wakes up, disoriented. Buzby, Hermie and Wormie enter.
BUZBY	
What's wrong?
BeEBEE
Oh, I had the worst nightmare.  I dreamt that everyone in town had bad behavior.  You were there, Uncle Buzby.  And you Hermie.  And Wormie.
Pan down Buzby, Hermie, Wormie, now suddenly we see Hailey, Bailey, Antonio, Iggy and Ziggy.
BeeBEE (CONT'D)
And you, and you, and you, and you were there, and you too!
End pan on Schneider.
BeeBEE (CONT'D)
Uh, you weren't there.
Schneider, disappointed, mopes as he crawls away. 
Schneider
I'm never in anyone's dreams. 
Beebee in bed while everyone around her (Wizard of Oz).
BEEBEE
Everyone there disobeyed.  Nobody did any chores or cleaned up their messes.  Everyone had bad table manners and they stayed up all night.
hailey
Not cleaning up?  That sounds awful!
IgGY
No manners?
ZiGGY
Who would do such a thing?
AnTONIO
Up all night?  That's strictly against regulations.
BEEBEE
I know...It had to be a dream!
BuzBY
Beebee, what did you learn.  L-E-A-R-N.  Learn.
Beebee hangs her head, realizing her mistake.
BeeBEE
I learned that if everyone had bad behavior like us, the garden would be an awful place.  We need to have good behavior and treat each other with respect.  Right Buddy? 
Beebee elbows Buddy. Buddy flips over and starts to whine on his back.  Beebee shakes her head.
BeeBEE (CONT'D)
Right, Buddy?
Buddy stops whining, straightens up and just nods yes.  Beebee smiles at him and for the first time, he smiles back.  Then she realizes...
BeeBEE (CONT'D)
Hey….  We have chores to do.  We’ll start by getting breakfast ready.  C’mon, Buddy!
Dissolve to:
Buzby, Hermie, Wormie sit at the table while Beebee and Buddy set the table and serve them honey pancakes.
Buzby is impressed by the breakfast and all their hard work.
BuZBY
This is nice.  N-I-C-E.  Nice.  You guys picked up your stuff, cleaned up the living room and even made us breakfast.  And all with a smile.  Thank you.
BEEBEE
Thank you for all you've done for us.  Uh, Hermie...your elbow.
Hermie has his elbow on the table.
HerMIE
Oh yeah, just...testing you.
BuZBY
You kids have been good-bees.  Why don't you go outside and play.  We'll clean up.
Beebee kisses Buzby on the head and runs outside with Buddy.
Ext. bUZBY'S HIVE - DAY
Beebee and Buddy, Hermie and Wormie are kicking a ball on the front lawn when Buzby steps out with his cell phone.
BuzBY
Your mom and dad just called.  They'll be here in just a minute.
Beebee is downcast.
BeEBEE
But we don't want to go!  We were just having fun!
Beebee and Buddy say goodbye to Buzby.
BEEBEE (CONT'D)
Uncle Buzby, I'm glad we came. I learned that having good behavior is really the best way to bee-have  Thanks.  T-H-A-N-K-S.  Thanks.
Buzby is moved that Beebee would spell for him.  They hug.
Buddy gives Buzby a hug too.  He motions to Buzby to lean over.  Buddy talks at a loud volume, nearly blowing out ear drums.
Buddy
I HAD A GREAT TIME! T! I! M! E! TIME!
Buzby is dazed.
We here a buzzing and the screech of tires. Hermie, Wormie, Hailey, Bailey, Iggy, Ziggy, Antonio all wave goodbye as Beebee and Buddy walk off screen.
All
Goodbye.  Nice meeting you.  Have a good trip.  Bee-have.  Eat your vegetables.  I will.  So long.
We hear wheels squeal again and everyone’s eyes follow them off.  As soon as they are gone...
AnTONIO
At ease!
Antonio eyes roll into the back of his head.  He falls back, passing out.
Everyone relaxes, dramatically shifting their "act."
Iggy and Ziggy reveal they are sick, holding their stomachs. 
IggY
My stomach hurts. Maybe those expiration dates should be taken a little more seriously.
Hailey and Bailey realize.
HaILEY
Our mom is about to get home!  We’d better get home and clean everything up!
They fly off.	
Buzby winks at the others.
BuzBY
Thank ya.  Thank ya all very much for helping me teach my niece and nephew about good Bee-Havior.  I hope it wasn't too much trouble.
Antonio is asleep.  Iggy and Ziggy are moaning as they lay on the ground.  Buzby turns to God.
BuzBY
And God, please watch over Beebee and Buddy.  I hope they continue to show good bee-havior to their parents and everyone they meet.
God
Buzby, it’s up to them to obey, but you all showed them that good behavior is truly the best way.  Thank you. 
HerMIE
Yeah, I’m glad they learned a lesson, but hopefully we won't have to do that again.  My arms hurt from all that pouting.
Hermie gets a tap on his shoulder.  He turns.  It's his nephew CARSON CATERPILLAR.  Mean looking kid. (use Hermie's younger self model from Fruitcake Christmas and make him look as mean as possible) 
Carson caterpillar
Hi Uncle Hermie, It’s me, your nephew Carson.  My mom says I need to live with you for the summer.
Hermie reacts to the camera.
Carson caterpillar
Hey, what do you have to eat around here.  I’m hungry...and bored already.  What are we gonna do?
WorMIE
Oh boy.  Here we go again!
Dissolve to:
Ext. MaX'S GARDEN - DAY
Wide angle
Max to the camera.
MAX
Good behavior happens when we follow the rules in our house or at school or in church.  And the reason we follow those rules is because we love, honor and respect those giving the rules.  
Medium angle
Max (CONT'D)
God shows us the best way to live through his commandments and we'll only follow them if we love him.  That's why Jesus said the most important commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.  If we begin there, we'll always do the right thing.
Close up Hermie
Rubbing his stomach.
HerMIE
Well, I showed good behavior by helping Grannypillar finish off those peach dumplings.
Close up max
MAX 
I guess that counts.  Boy, you get the easy jobs.
Close up Hermie
HERMIE
What do you mean?
Medium angle
Max unveils a long list.
MAX
Look at the chores I have to do.  Paint the house, clean the gutters, unclog the toilet, brush the grout and balance the tires on the car. It's my wife's Honeydew list.
Close up Hermie
HERMIE
Honeydew list? That sounds delicious.  Do you have a cantaloupe list?  Or a watermelon list too?
Close up max
MAX
No, it's a Honey do this and Honey do that list.
Close up Hermie
HERMIE
Oh. They should probably change that name. It's a bit misleading.
Medium angle
MAX
Yeah, totally!
denalyn (o.S.)
Oh Max!
MAX
Oh, it's my wife Denalyn.  Hide me!
Close up Hermie
HerMIE
Max...
Medium angle
MAX
You're right.  Good behavior.  (clears throat)  Yes, dear!
dENALYN (o.S.)
I have one other thing for you to do...
MAX
Here it comes.
DENALYN (o.S.)
Could you help me finish off this raspberry pie?
MAX
(brightens)
Oh sure!  I'll be right there.
(to Hermie)
Gotta go.  Don't want to disappoint her.  It's all about respect.
Max runs off.
Close up Hermie
HerMIE
Hey, uh, you need any help?
MaX (o.S.)
NO!
Hermie shrugs
CREDITS
CUT TO BLACK:
TITLE: Buzby Bee's Spelling Bee
BuzBY
It's time for Buzby Bee's Spelling bee.  That me.  M-E.  Me.  Today our contestants must spell words.  If it's right, we hear this.
SFX: DING
BuZBY (CONT'D)
If it's wrong, we hear this. 
SFX: BUZZ
BUZBY (CONT'D)
Here's our first word.
Hermie.  The word "blueberry" appears below him.  When he says the right letters they highlight.
BUZBY (v.O.) (CONT'D)
Blueberry.
HerMIE
Oh.  Easy.  B-L-U-E-B-E-R-R-Y.  
SFX: DING
HerMIE (CONT'D)
By golly, if there's one thing I can spell, it's food.  Not only can I spell food, I can even smell food.  (sniff)  Who has a toasted tomato sandwich?  
Hermie points off screen.
Webster.  "Monster."
BUZBY (v.O.)
Monster.
Webster
Monster?  Where!
Runs off screen SCREAMING! 
Webster
God is with me!  God is with me!  God is with me!
SFX: BUZZ
Stanley.  "Stinky."
BuzBY (v.O.)
Stinky.
Stanley
(nervously)
Um, uh, um, er, uh...
As Stanley stammers, a green mist appears around him, completely blocking him out.
SFX: BUZZ
Schneider.  "Home."
BUZBY (v.O.)
Home.
SchNEIDER
S-H-E-L-L.
SFX: BUZZ
BUZBY (v.O.)
You spelled Shell.
SCHNEIDER
But that's my home! 
SFX: BUZZ
Skeeter.  "Garden."
BUZBY (v.O.)
Garden.
Skeeter
N-E-D-R-A-G.
SFX: BUZZ
BUZBY (v.O.)
You spelled Ned Rag.  Which is garden backwards.
SKEETER
Oh shucks, I even spell the wrong way!
Antonio.  "Amphibian."
BuzBY (v.O.)
Amphibian.
AnTONIO
Hmmmm.  That reminds me of the time we captured Big Bully Croaker.  Did I ever tell you that story?  There we were, tracking him, when all of a sudden, we heard a sound...
SFX: BUZZ
Antonio, hands on hips.
AnTONIO (CONT'D)
That's not the sound we heard.
Lucy.  "Manners."
BuzBY (V.O.)
Manners.
LuCY
You didn't say please.
BUZBY (v.O.)
What?
LUCY
You didn't say, 'can you spell Manners, please.'  I'm not going on until you say please.
SFX: BUZZ
Lucy is offended. 
Hailey and Bailey.  "Cooperation."
BuzBY (v.O.)
Cooperation.
Both of them begin blurting out a flurry of letters, trying to talk over the other.
HaiLEY/BAILEY
(spelling and shouting)
HaILEY
That word was for me!
BaILEY
Was not!  I was first!
SFX: BUZZ
HAILEY
That was your fault.
BAILEY
No it was yours.
Ziggy.  "Cockroach."
BuzBY (v.O.)
Cockroach.
ZiGGY
This is funny.  Of all the words I get to spell, I get my own species.  Of course I know how to spell cockroach.  What cockroach couldn't spell…uh…spell their own…I have no idea.  I'm just stalling.
SFX: BUZZ
Iggy.  "Pizza."
BuzBY (v.O.)
Pizza.
Hermie sticks his head in.
HerMIE
(rapidly)
P-I-Z-Z-A.
IGGY
Hey!
HERMIE
Sorry.  Food.  Couldn't resist.
Hermie out.  New word.  "Picnic."
BuzBY (v.O.)
Picnic.
IgGY
(thinking)
Can you give me a definition?
BUZBY (v.O.)
A picnic is a meal that is packed and eaten outside.
IGGY
(thinking)
Can you use it in a sentence?
BUZBY (v.O.)
We took our lunch and went outside for a picnic.
IGGY
(thinking)
Can you spell for me?
SFX: BUZZ
IgGY (CONT'D)
Couldn't hurt to ask!  Oh, maybe it does.
Wormie.  "Fruitcake"
BuzBY (v.O.)
Fruitcake.
Wormie is lost in his fruitcake fantasy.
WorMIE
Fruitcake. 
BUZBY (v.O.)
Yes, can you spell it?
WORMIE
Fruitcake.
BUZBY (v.O.)
That's right.  Spell it please.
WORMIE
Fruitcake.
BUZBY (v.O.)
Hello?  Can you hear me?
WORMIE
Fruitcake.
SFX: BUZZ
Hermie is all excited.
HerMIE
I win!  I win the Spelling Bee!
BuzBY (v.O.)
Actually, there's one more contestant, Hermie.
HERMIE
Who?
Sky.  "Constantinople."
BUZBY (v.O.)
Constantinople.
GoD
C-O-N-S-T-A-N-T-I-N-O-P-L-E.
SFX: DING
HerMIE
That’s it.  I quit.  Q-U-I-T.  Quit.
END