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Scene 5 ~ A Long-expected Party
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A huge
firework explodes in the night sky over the party tree, from which a sign
saying "Happy Birthday Bilbo Baggins" is hanging. Merry music is
playing. The Party field appears below. Many hobbits are dancing
and clapping. A huge birthday cake is being carried across the field
above the heads of the hobbits. Frodo is dancing whilst others help
themselves to ale Sam is sitting at a table catching glimpses of Rosie
Cotton dancing behind him. Bilbo is welcoming his guests
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| BILBO: |
Hello, Hello, Fatty Bolger (he shakes
his hand) Lovely to see you, Welcome, Welcome
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| FRODO: |
(sitting down next to Sam) Go
on Sam, ask Rosie for a dance.
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| SAM: |
(looks nervous) Ah, I
think I'll just have another ale. (he gets up)
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| FRODO: |
Oh no you dont (he takes him by the
shoulders and pushes him into Rosie's path) Go on
(he laughs as Sam dances with Rosie)
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Gandalf is
letting off another firework over the party
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| BILBO: |
(talking to a group of hobbit
children) So there I was at the mercy of three monstrous trolls and
they were all arguing amongst themselves about how they were going to cook
us. Whether it be turned on a spit or whether they should sit on us one by
one and squash us into jelly. (the children gasp.
In the background Gandalf is dancing with the grownup hobbits) They
spent so much time arguing the witherto's and whyfor's that the sun's first
light cracked open over the top of the trees. Poof!
(the children jump) and turned them all into
stone!
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Gandalf
laughing to himself gathers more fireworks from his cart. As he turns
away Merry appears from around the side of the cart. He taps the side of the
tent next to it, and Pippin appears
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| MERRY: |
Quickly (he gives Pippin a leg-up into
the cart)
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Gandalf lets
off a firework amongst a group of children which sends hundreds of
butterflies out for the children to chase
Meanwhile Merry picks up a firework from the cart and shows it to Pippin
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| MERRY: |
No no! the big one, big one!
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Pippin picks
up one with a dragon's head, shows it to Merry who gasps and Pippin jumps
from the cart and runs into a tent. Merry nonchalantly takes a bite of
his apple and runs after him
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| BILBO: |
Mrs Bracegirdle, how nice to see you. Welcome welcome.
Are all these children yours ?
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| MRS BRACEGIRDLE: |
Yeah
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| BILBO: |
Good gracious you have been productive!
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Suddenly
Bilbo's ears start to twitch. He turns quickly and worriedly, bumping
straight into Frodo
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| BILBO: |
(points behind him)
Sackville-Bagginses! (they turn to get away)
Quickly! Hide!
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The
Sackville-Baggins look around everywhere, whilst Frodo and Bilbo hide by the
side of a tent out of sight
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| BILBO: |
Oh! Thankyou my boy You're a good lad Frodo. I'm very
selfish you know. (Frodo looks confused) Yes,
I am. Very selfish. I don't know why I took you in after your mother
and father died, but it wasn't out of charity. I think it was because, of
all my numerous relations, you were the one Baggins that showed real spirit.
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| FRODO: |
Bilbo have you been at the Gaffers homebrew ?
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| BILBO: |
No. Well yes, b b b but thats not the point. The point is,
Frodo, (he pauses and reconsiders) You'll be
alright. (he drinks his beer. Frodo looks
confused)
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A fuse is
being lit on a firework. Merry and Pippin are holding the giant firework
between them in the tent.
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| PIPPIN: |
Done!
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| MERRY: |
You're supposed to stick it in the ground
(they are passing the upright firework from side to
side between each other)
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| PIPPIN: |
It is in the ground (passes it back to
Merry)
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| MERRY: |
Outside (he passes it back to Pippin)
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| PIPPIN: |
It was your idea!
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Suddenly the
firework takes off, taking the tent with it. Merry and Pippin fall
back on the ground covered in soot. The other hobbits gasp as they see
the firework race into the sky. It lights up the sky and a dragon's face
develops, and wings as it swoops back down across the crowd. Frodo
spots the dragon coming towards them
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| FRODO: |
Bilbo! Bilbo! Watch out for the dragon
(the other hobbits are running for cover)
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| BILBO: |
(Frodo hurries him away)
Dragon! Nonsense, there hasn't been a dragon in these parts for a thousand
years. (Frodo pushes Bilbo to the ground as the
firework swoops over them and explodes in front of them over the lake.
The hobbits all gasp and cheer)
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Merry and Pippin looking on, covered in soot, hair standing on end.
Smile and nod appreciatively
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| MERRY: |
That was good!
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| PIPPIN: |
Lets get another one!
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A pair of
hands appears behind them, and grabs an ear of each of the hobbits They
groan and look up behind them
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| GANDALF: |
Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took! I might have known!
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Gandalf sets
them to the washing up.
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| CROWD: |
Speech Bilbo (Bilbo raises his glass)
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| FRODO: |
Speech!
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Bilbo walks
and stands on top of a barrel in front of the crowd. The enormous cake
next to him, lit with 111 candles
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| BILBO: |
My dear Bagginses and Boffins, (the
crowd clap and cheer) Tooks and Brandybucks
(cheers), Grubbs (cheers), Chubbs
(cheers), Hornblowers
(cheers), Bulgers (they raise their beer),
Bracegirdles (cheers), and Proudfoots
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| PROUDFOOT HOBBIT: |
(with his feet resting on a barrel
shouts) PROUDFEET! (the crowd laughs)
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| BILBO: |
Today is my One Hundred and Eleventh birthday!
(the crowd cheer and raise their glasses)
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| HOBBIT: |
Happy Birthday!
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| BILBO: |
Alas, elevnty-one years is far too short a time to live
among such excellent and admirable hobbits. (the
hobbits cheer) I don't know half of you half as well as I
should like and I like less than half of you, half as well as you deserve.
(there is confused silence. Gandalf smirks)
I, er, (he reaches for his pocket) I have
things to do (he is hesitant. He reaches inside
his pocket. Frodo and Gandalf watch him curiously. He takes out
something and holds it behind his back. It is a gold ring.) (Speaking
very seriously) I've put this off for far too long.
(the hobbits look up at him curiously) I
regret to announce This is the End. I'm going now. I bid you all a
very fond farewell. (Frodo looks at him curiously.
Bilbo smiles at him) Goodbye (Bilbo disappears
before their eyes. The hobbits gasp! Frodo looks astonished.
Gandalf takes the pipe out of his mouth and scowls)
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Scene 6 ~ Farewell Dear Bilbo
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The party field in the background, Bilbo's gate opens seemingly on its own.
Invisible footsteps can he heard running up the garden path and the front
door opens and shuts on its own. Bilbo is heard laughing as he
reappears and looks at the ring in his hand. He flicks it in the air,
catches it and pops it back in his pocket. He gathers a walking stick and
walks into his lounge.
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| GANDALF: |
(is already standing in there)
I suppose you think (Bilbo turns quickly around
surprised!) that was terribly clever.
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| BILBO: |
Come on Gandalf. Did you see their faces!
(he continues to pack)
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| GANDALF: |
There are many magic rings in this world Bilbo Baggins and
none of them should be used lightly
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| BILBO: |
(holds his hands out) It
was just a bit of fun! Oh, you're probably right as usual!
(He fetches his pipe and points a finger at Gandalf)
You will keep an eye on Frodo won't you ?
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| GANDALF: |
Two eyes.
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| BILBO: |
Thanks
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| GANDALF: |
As often as I can spare.
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| BILBO: |
I'm leaving everything to him.
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| GANDALF: |
What about this ring of yours ? Is that staying too ?
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| BILBO: |
Yes, yes. Its in an envelope over there on the
mantlepiece. (he gestures)
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Gandalf nods
and goes to look
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| BILBO: |
No! Wait.... it's... here in my pocket. Ha!
(he takes it out and caresses it) Isn't
that Isn't that odd now. Yet after all why not, Why shouldn't I keep
it.
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| GANDALF: |
I think you should leave the ring behind Bilbo. Is that so
hard ?
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| BILBO: |
(turns around swiftly to face Gandalf,
disturbed from his day dream) Well no ...... and ... yes..
(he turns back to play with the ring again)
(crossly he speaks) Now it comes to it, I don't feel like parting
with it. It's mine, I found it! It came to ME!
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| GANDALF: |
There's no need to get angry
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| BILBO: |
Well if I'm angry it's your fault! It's mine
(he strokes the ring) My only.... My Precious
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| GANDALF: |
Precious ? It's been called that before. Not by you!
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Bilbo turns
around swiftly and crossly
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| BILBO: |
OH! What business is it of yours what I do with my own
things!
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| GANDALF: |
I think you've had that ring quite long enough.
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| BILBO: |
(raising his fists) You want it
for yourself!
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| GANDALF: |
(raising his voice) BILBO
BAGGINS! (he raises himself to full height and the
room darkens) Do not take me for some conjuror of cheap tricks!
(Bilbo is forced back against the wall. He looks
scared) I am not trying to rob you! (the
room lightens again. Gandalf smiles) I'm trying to help
you.
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Bilbo runs to
Gandalf and hugs him
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| GANDALF: |
(kneels before him) All your
long years we've been friends. Trust me as you once did. Let it
go
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| BILBO: |
You're right Gandalf. The ring must go to Frodo
(he picks up his bag) It's late, the road
is long (he picks up his walking stick and makes for
the front door) Yes, it is time. (He
opens the door and goes to walk out)
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| GANDALF: |
Bilbo! The ring is still in your pocket.
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| BILBO: |
(turns and smiles guiltily)
oh! yes.. (he takes it out reluctantly and
stares at it in his hand. He slowly tips his hand so it falls on the
floor and walks swiftly out of the door. Gandalf follows him)
(He breathes deeply the night air)
Ive thought of an ending for my book. (he turns to
face Gandalf) "and he lives happily ever after to the end of his
days"
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| GANDALF: |
and I'm sure you will my dear friend.
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| BILBO: |
Goodbye Gandalf. (they shake hands
warmly)
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| GANDALF: |
Goodbye. Dear Bilbo
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Bilbo walks out of his garden singing
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| BILBO: |
"the road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it
began.."
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| GANDALF: |
Until our next meeting.
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Scene 7 ~ Keep It Secret, Keep It Safe
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| Gandalf opens
the door to Bagend. The ring is lying on the floor. He bends
down to pick it up and suddenly a flash of Sauron's Eye appears.
Gandalf leaves the ring lying there. He
sits in front of the fire in the rocking chair, smoking his pipe. He
hears echo's of Bilbo's voice
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| BILBO'S VOICE: |
It's mine. My own, My precious
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| GANDALF: |
Riddles in the dark
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| FRODO: |
(from outside) Bilbo!
(in the background he pushes open the door and rushes
in) Bilbo! (he sees the Ring on the floor
and bends and picks it up)
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| GANDALF: |
(mumbles) My Precious.
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| FRODO: |
(holding the Ring) He's gone
hasn't he (Gandalf merely puffs on his pipe) He
talked for so long about leaving. (He walks up to
Gandalf) I didn't think he'd really do it. Gandalf ?
(he looks at him, Gandalf is still in a world of
his own)
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| GANDALF: |
(looks round at Frodo, just noticing
him) Hmm. (Frodo is holding the ring in the
palm of his hand. Gandalf smiles at him) Bilbo's Ring.
He's gone to stay with the elves. He's left you Bagend.
(he holds out an open envelope to Frodo, who puts the
Ring inside it.) Along with all his possessions
(he seals the envelope) The Ring is yours now
(he hands the envelope back to Frodo with two hands carefully holding the
edges of the envelope) Put it out of sight.
(Frodo takes the envelope) (Gandalf gets up to leave
Bagend)
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| FRODO: |
Where are you going ?
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| GANDALF: |
I have some things I have to attend to.
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| FRODO: |
What things ?
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| GANDALF: |
Questions (he takes up his hat and
staff) Questions that need answering.
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| FRODO: |
You've only just arrived! (he runs
after Gandalf) I don't understand.
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| GANDALF: |
(pauses) Neither do I.
(he bends down to Frodo and puts a hand on his
shoulder) Keep it Secret. Keep it Safe.
(he leaves shutting the door behind him)
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Frodo looks
down at the envelope he is holding.
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Scene 8 ~ The Account of Isildur
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In Mordor,
the fires are burning. There is a lot of activity in Barad-dûr.
From within Gollum can be heard screaming
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| GOLLUM VOICE: |
Murder! Shire! Baggins!
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| Mount Doom
erupts. From Minas Morgul, nine black riders on black horses emerge,
galloping. Gandalf gallops towards Minas
Tirith. He pauses on a hill outside, watching Mount Doom erupting.
He walks through Minas Tirith and is shown down to
the library within. He pulls out a great sheath of old papers, and
removing his hat and lighting his pipe, reads through the great pile.
Looking through maps and many scribings, he eventually comes across the page
he has been looking for
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| GANDALF READING : |
The year 3434 of the Second Age. Here follows the
account of Isildur, the High King of Gondor, and the finding of the Ring of
Power.
(A flashback of Sauron's finger with the Ring on,
falling to the ground appears, and Isildur rolls over to look at it)
It has come to me, the One Ring, and it shall be an heirloom of my Kingdom
(Isildur picks up the finger with the Ring on)
All those who follow in my bloodline shall be bound to its fate
(he crushes the finger, so that the Ring alone sits in
his hand) for I shall risk no hurt to the Ring. It is precious to me.
Though I buy it with a great pain (he holds the Ring
between his fingers. Dark speech can be heard uttering from it)
The markings upon the band begin to fade (he
rolls it between his fingers and the writing on the Ring gradually fades)
The writing, which at first was as clear as red flame, has all but
disappeared (Gandalf looks at an inscription written
on the page) A secret now that only fire can tell.
(Gandalf looks up thoughtfully)
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A hobbit is
chopping firewood in the evening light. His dog starts barking as something
approaches. The hobbit looks up scared. The dog backs off and
back into the hobbit hole. A horserider appears. The horse is
black and muddied. The rider wears metal, spiked boots and is clothed
and robed and hooded in black. No face is visible
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| BLACK RIDER: |
SSsHirrre! Bagginssss!
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| HOBBIT: |
There's no Bagginses round here. They're up in
Hobbiton. (the horse snorts wildly. The Hobbit
backs off into his home and points) That way!
(The rider leaves in haste as the hobbit shuts the
door. Other shadows follow the Black Rider)
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