FADE IN:
SHIPWRECKED
EXT. CLIFFSIDE- DAY
Welcome again, everybody to another exciting Donkey Ollie adventure. Since the last adventure, Elizabeth has gotten engaged to Abner, and is planning a big wedding. Jehu is tending sheep, and practicing with his sling, while Ollie stands next to the cliff looking towards the Mediterranean Sea. In the background, his three brothers, Isa, Esau, and Jeremy, are roughhousing. Jehu, a handsome boy of fifteen, is practicing with his slingshot. Jehu winds up and lets one fly that knocks a pomegranate right out of the tree.
JEHU
Not bad, huh, Ollie?
OLLIE
Well, from what I hear, even young king David would have been no match for you.
JEHU
I’d really like to be something else besides just a shepherd boy.
OLLIE
Maybe you will be someday. Think about it. Before you could even walk, that staff just sort of helped you push yourself along, but now your feet are fast as the wind.
JEHU
Yeah, only the wind gets to go places. All I do is get to watch out flocks.
JEHU’S SONG:
ALL I WANT TO BE
I’d sort of like to be a big giraffe
And look out over every tree.
Let the little monkeys swing around my neck,
That’s all I’d wanna be.
I’d like to race a chariot,
Flying through the turns so low.
I'd like to take a ship
Across the sea
To the Coliseum in Rome.
Oh, what if I could be an elephant?
You’d probably step on my toe.
But think about the showers I could give
Squirting water out of my nose.
All I wanna be
All I wanna be
Is a little bigger than I am.
Oh, I’m telling you
All I wanna do
Is grow up to be a big, big man.
All I wanna be
All I wanna be
Is a little bigger than I am.
Oh, I’m telling you
All I wanna do
Is grow up to be a big, big man.
As Jehu sings this song, the actions change behind him as the different lines are animated according to his wishes.
All I wanna be
All I wanna be
Is a little bigger than I am.
Oh, I’m telling you
All I wanna do
Is grow up to be a big, big man.
All I wanna be
All I wanna be
Is a little bigger than I am.
Oh, I’m telling you
All I wanna do
Is grow up to be a big, big man.
OLLIE
Well, you’d better be glad you’re a shepherd boy now because I think there’s a mountain lion after the sheep! Hop on, I’ll give you a ride down.
From the hillside, they can see a mountain lion hungrily licking his chops in anticipation of lamb chops. Just as a young lamb wanders away from the fold, over to the rock, under where the lion is perched, the lion springs down almost on top of the lamb! Jehu winds up his sling and lets his stone smack the lion right in the head as he is about to catch the lamb. The lion sees stars. The little lamb comes quivering over to Jehu.
JEHU
There, there, you go back to your mom and remember, no more wandering off.
Jehu turns to Ollie
JEHU
Well it looks like these sheep are almost ready for shearing. Maybe Dad will let me take the wool into market this year.
OLLIE
Yeah, and maybe I can help!
JEHU
Well, by the looks of things, I think we’ll have to get your brothers to help, too. It’s getting late. You’d better go tell them to head back to the farm.
CUT TO:
EXT. RIVERSIDE- AFTERNOON
Ollie approaches his three brothers. They are drinking from the river.
OLLIE
Jehu wants us all to head back to the farm.
ISA
I like it here.
JEREMY
Yeah, Ollie, we like it here. It’s nice and cool and (takes a drink of water) this water is great.
ESAU
Yea, Ollie, go away. You’re bothering us.
As Esau stoops down to take a drink of water, Ollie runs into him and sends him into the water. He gets soaking wet. As Esau tries to get up, Ollie takes a drink and squirts it at him.
OLLIE
Jehu says its time to go back to the farm. Besides, Elizabeth said she was bringing home some carrots back today from Rebecca’s. Last one home doesn’t get any!
All the donkeys spring into action.
ESAU
(In the background)
Hey, that’s not fair! Wait for me!
He gets out of the water and shakes off.
INT. FARMHOUSE- DAY
MOM
Jehu, your Dad and I have decided that you could take the wool over to Caesarea with Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH
Mom, you’re going to let me go?
FARMER
You’re almost thirteen, young lady. It’s time to seriously get your dowry together. Brother Melchisideck is asking a high price for your marriage to his son.
JEHU
Elizabeth is going to marry Abner? He’s a son of a jackal!
FARMER
That’s no way to speak of your future brother-in-law!
ELIZABETH
I like Abner.
JEHU
You’d like anybody.
FARMER
Stop your quarreling. The Romans are paying top dollar for wool. This shipment should guarantee you a good dowry. I’m not going to have a daughter of mine hanging around the house till she’s an old maid. Now remember, go straight there. Don’t stop. Abner has his own house, great pasture land, and a herd of over two hundred sheep. He will make you a good husband. And you, son, it’s not too long until you should think of marriage.
JEHU
Dad, I’m only ten. Besides, I want to see the world, explore the great pyramids, climb the Himalayas, sail across the seas, dig for treasure in Solomon’s mines…
MOM
You’ve got your head up in the clouds, young man.
SONG:
HEAD UP IN THE CLOUDS
You’ve got your head up in the clouds
And it won’t come down.
You’re a thousand miles away
From the solid ground.
You’ve got your head up in the clouds
And it won’t come down.
You’re a thousand miles away
From the solid ground.
It’s great to be a dreamer,
Don’t drift too far away.
Remember how you’re loved, son.
It’ll always be that way.
You’ve got your head up in the clouds
And it won’t come down.
You’re a thousand miles away
From the solid ground.
You’ve got your head up in the clouds
And it won’t come down.
You’re a thousand miles away
From the solid ground.
Keep on pushing forward,
There are mountains you must climb,
The road ahead’s a rough one,
But still you’ve got to try!
You’ve got your head up in the clouds
And it won’t come down.
You’re a thousand miles away
From the solid ground.
You’ve got your head up in the clouds
And it won’t come down.
You’re a thousand miles away
From the solid ground.
You’re never gonna rest
‘Till your dreams come true.
Don’t settle for second best,
It just won’t do.
Mom carries him into bed, tucks him in, and gives him a kiss. He falls fast asleep.
MOM
Don’t worry, son. You’ll get your adventuring in someday.
EXT. ROADWAY- DAY
The four donkeys are waddling up the road with full bundles of wool on their backs. Jehu is practicing with his sling and knocking pomegranates off of trees. Elizabeth stops to pick some roadside flowers.
ELIZABETH
There’s a watering hole up ahead, Jehu. What do you say we go over and take a rest? I’m sure the donkeys could use a drink.
JEHU
Dad said not to stop anywhere, but to go all the way into town before nightfall.
ELIZABETH
A half hour isn’t going to make any difference. Besides, Dad didn’t realize how hot it was going to be today.
A sign appears in the road, WATERING HOLE, and points off to the side.
JEHU
Ok, I suppose a half hour rest won’t make that big of a difference. Ollie, lets go ahead and take the turnoff and we’ll get some water.
OLLIE
This wool sure is heavy.
ISA
My feet are tired!
ESAU
I’m thirsty.
JEREMY:
Let’s go!
CUT TO:
EXT. HILLTOP- DAY
Five bandits are sitting beside a pile of stolen swords, blankets, jewels, and assorted treasure.
ALABA
Nabad, if we’re going to get this stolen treasure back to Samaria, we’re going to need some new pack animals. Our nags are in sad shape.
MEDDI (Young boy)
It’s bad, Nabad. Even Sheba won’t get up. We’ve pushed them too hard.
NABAD
(Tough, gruff voice.)
I decide what we need! I’s the leader! (He pulls out his hooked dagger and looks at them.) Anyone want to challenge that?
He throws it at Shem, who is dozing by a shade tree. Shem wakes up to find a dagger on top of his head. The other bandits all break up laughing.
SHEM
(Bewildered)
What’s going on?
NABAD
We need some new pack animals. Go scout for some.
CUT TO: HILLSIDE- DAY
Shem goes to the top of the hill ad climbs up in a large tree where he falls asleep. A fly starts buzzing him, making a special effort to land on his nose. Shem first shakes his nose back and forth, swats the fly and falls out of the tree. He bounces in the air, catching his headdress in the branches. He looks in the distance and sees Jehu, Elizabeth, Ollie and his brothers playing by the water hole. He struggles to get loose, and when he does, he dashes down the mountain, falling several times.
EXT. CAMP- DAY
Shem runs in, out of breath.
SHEM
Nabad, four fine donkeys over at the watering hole.
NABAD
How many people with them?
SHEM
Just two small children.
ALABA
Then they are ours for the taking. Come, Meddi, we will make short work of them. (he pulls out the dagger.)
SHEM
There is no purpose in killing the children. We are thieves, not murderers.
Everyone looks to Nabad.
NABAD
He is right. It is one thing to steal a man’s property, quite another to steal the lives of his children. Kabar, bring along the netting. We shall tie them up. By the time they are found, we’ll be safely back in Samaria…
EXT: WATERING HOLE- DAY
Ollie, with the pack off his back, is eating some grass surrounding the hole.
ELIZABETH
Jehu, we’ve been here quite awhile. Perhaps we should get going.
JEHU
Yes, maybe we should. Ollie, where has Jeremy wandered off to? (Jehu throws a rock into a tree.
OLLIE
He went up into the hill over there looking for roots.
ELIZABETH
I don’t believe they even grow up here. I’ll go get him. Maybe you should pack the donkeys up, Jehu
JEHU
Okay. Come on, Ollie. Time to go back to work
As they are talking, they are being slowly surrounded by the unseen group of bandits.
EXT: HILLSIDE- DAY
Jeremy bays in shock as a rope is thrown upon him by young Meddi. He tries to run down the hill, but Meddi, realizing what he is trying to do, wraps the rope around a tree and Jeremy comes to an abrupt stop.
Nabad
That’s one. Quick Hide! The young girl is coming after him!
The bandits all hide as Elizabeth comes up the path singing,” Jeremy, Jeremy Come out come out wherever you are.”
Elizabeth Stops when she sees Jeremy.
Elizabeth
How did you get all tangled up?
She senses the danger and turns to run but her path way is blocked by Shem. He gins at her.
Shem
Going somewhere? See how you like this bag over your head.
He laughs wildly and throws a burlap over her head. Her muffle cries can barely he heard.
Elizabeth
Jehu help me! Ollie help bandit!
Shem
Be quiet! It’s too late now.
EXT. Water Hole- Day
Jehu ties Ollie’s Pack on
Jehu
That’s not too tight is it Ollie?
Ollie
No. Shouldn’t Elizabeth be back by now?
Jehu
Yes. Perhaps she fell. I better go look for her. Keep your eyes on things for me. Here’s a carrot.
Ollie
For me? (He chews it gratefully)
As Jehu leaves the small canyon where the water hole is. He hears rocks sliding. Jehu looks around and spots Alaba sneaking around. He quietly picks up a rock puts it in his sling and lets it fly. It catches Alaba right in the head and knocks him out. Jehu then spots Shem, but right as he is winding up his sling a net is being lowered over him b Nadad
Nadad
Got you
Jehu
Let me go. Let me go.
Nadad
Not a chance little one. I’m afraid we need your donkeys. Our horses have gone with weary carrying our spoils.
Jehu
Your spoils? You’re nothing but common thief. There is nothing noble about you at all. You are all common robbers and now you want to steal my donkeys. My father will have your hides.
Shem
Such loud squeaking from such a little flea. You better pray, little one, that your father will be able to find you and your sister.
How could such a Flea
How could such a little flea
Threaten such the likes of me,
When you’re ties up in a net
We’ll see ten how loud you yap.
You better pray that you’ll be found
Before the jackals gather round,
If you wind up on their plate
It’ll be too late.
Two little fleas
Won’t get the best of me
Two little fleas
Will soon be history.
Better not get in our way
Or we will throw you both away
We will do just as we please
You are both just little fleas
You better pray that you’ll be found
Before the jackals gather round,
If you wind up on their plate
It’ll be too late.
Two little fleas
Are beginning so to itch
Two little fleas
So small you won’t be missed
During the song, Elizabeth is dragged in the net with Jehu, and they are both hoisted up the branch of a tree.
DISSOLVE:
EXT. WATERING HOLE – DUSK
Elizabeth and Jehu are both hung in the net just a few feet off the ground
Elizabeth
It looks like we should have listened to Father after all. It’s all my fault.
Jehu
It’s just as much my fault. Father put me in charge and I didn’t follow his instructions. Now our donkeys are gone and all the wool from the harvest and we’re hung up like bats.
DUET: JEHU AND ELIZABETH.
I Feel So Sad
I feel so sad,
My heart just feels like crying
I feel so sad,
Trapped with no way out.
It just can’t end this way,
Not as long as I have faith,
It just can’t end this way,
I must still try and be brave.
There’s always hope,
While the sun is shining,
There’s always hope,
As long as we have faith.
It just can’t end this way,
Not as long as we have faith,
It just can’t end this way
We must pray and try and be brave.
I feel so sad.
My heart feels just feels like crying.
I feel so sad
Trapped with no way out
It just can’t end this way
Not as long as I have faith.
It just can’t end this way.
I must still try and be brave.
Oh is there anybody there
Who will help us?
Oh is there anybody there
Who cares?
It just can’t end this Way
Not as long as we have faith.
We must pray and try and be brave.
It can’t end this way.
EXT. TRAIL – EVENING
The donkeys are loaded and struggle under the heavy weight. Meddi kicks Ollie.
Meddi
Get moving can’t you walk any faster?
Ollie
No. You put too much weight on me.
Meddi
Who said that?
Ollie
I did of course.
Meddi
A talking donkey? How come you can talk? You got some kind of magic? Donkeys aren’t suppose to talk.
Ollie
God gave me a special gift and I’ll tell you something. What you are doing is wrong. THOU SHALL NOT STEAL.
Meddi
I didn’t steal. I’m just helping them out. They took me in when I was an orphan. Can your brothers talk too?
Ollie
Just to me. I’m the only one humans can understand.
What’s the Deal?
So what’s the deal?
Why you gotta steal
Can’t justify, when you live a lie.
There’s a right or wrong
You’re either good or bad
When you get caught
You’re gonna be real sad.
Look up, look down
Don’t be a fool look around
Better Look up, look down
Cause when you get caught
You’re gonna go down.
They’ll lock up
Beat your bottom hard
So you’d better not take what isn’t yours
It’s not with doing prison time
You’ll surely pay for your
Life of crime
Look up. Look down
Don’t be a fool. Look around
Look up. Look down
When you get caught
You’re gonna go down
Nabad
Who’s making all that commotion? Can’t you get this little fellow moving any faster, Meddi?
Meddi
We’re going as fast as we can.
The donkeys are all tied together heading gown a steep path loaded up with the bandits’ goods. The moon is out and it is full.