Script

SIDE 1

(MAURICE proceeds cautiously, looking around. Two figuresappear in the shadows. MONSIEUR LUMIERE, a candelabra, is a charming, very French mâitre d'. COGSWORTH, a mantle clock, is an officious English major-domo. They stand side-byside, motionless but whispering as MAURICE wanders past.)

What? Who is that?

He must have lost his way in the woods.

(ventures further into the castle)
Is anyone home?

If we keep quiet, maybe he'll go away.

(hears something, moves to investigate)
I don't mean to intrude, but I'm lost and need a place to stay for the night.

Poor fellow.
(pauses, weighs options)
Oh, Cogsworth, have a heart.
(steps out, to MAURICE)
Monsieur, you are welcome here!

(startled, jumps back)
Ah!

And good-bye!
(COGSWORTH pushes MAURICE toward the door.)

Wait... wait... wait! You're a clock!
(pokes and prods Cogsworth curiously)
And you're talking!

Really sir... hee-hee... stop it, I say!

(stops poking and scratches his head)
I don't mean to be rude. It's just that I've never seen a... aaaachooo!

You're chilled to the bone, Monsieur.
(leads MAURICE to a large chair)
Come... warm yourself by the fire.

Not the Master's chair! I'm not seeing this. I'm not seeing this!

(BABETTE, a feather duster, enters.)

Oooh la la... what have we here? Do my eyes deceive me or is this a man?

(embarrassed)
Oh! Well! Hello!

All right! This has gone far enough!

SIDE 2

I am Cogsworth, head of the household. And this is Lumiere...

(kisses BELLE's hand)
Enchanté, Mademoiselle.

If there is anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable. Anything... anything at all!

I am a little hungry.

Except that.

Cogsworth!

Well, you heard what the Master said!

Oh, pish tosh! I'm not about to let the poor child go hungry!

Fine. Glass of water, crust of bread and then

Cogsworth! She's not a prisoner, she's our guest! We must make her feel welcome here!

All right, dinner. But keep it down! If the Master finds out, it'll be our necks!

Of course... of course! But what is dinner without a little music?

Music?