Post by alphawolfbraver on Jun 1, 2021 9:47:17 GMT -5
101 Dalmatians (alphawolfbraver version)
Chapter 1: The Happy Couples
The scene opens on a bachelor flat in Regent’s Park, London, as a male voice is heard narrating in a British accent.
NARRATOR: My story begins in London… not so very long ago. And yet so much has happened since then that it seemed more like an eternity. At that time I lived with my pet in a bachelor flat just off Regent’s Park. It was a beautiful spring day… tedious time of the year for bachelors. (a male adult Dalmatian is seen sleeping near a dresser when an alarm clock goes off; the vibrations of the clock cause it to move until it falls off and lands on the dog’s head, waking him up): That dog is me. Pongo Dearly. I lived with my pet, a human named Roger Dearly. (an adult human is seen asleep in the bed): That’s him there.
ROGER (Muttering in his sleep in a British accent): Almost time to start work on a new game soundtrack.
NARRATOR (Whose name is Pongo): That meant it was time for my job to begin. Helping Roger wake up.
PONGO: Right. Same old routine for the past few years.
He pulls the covers off of Roger.
PONGO (Narration): Roger, being a human, couldn’t fluently understand dog language. This was a bit of a double-ended sword. On one hand, it meant that it didn’t matter if he heard me venting about petty grievances. On the other, he couldn’t really help me resolve a legitimate grievance. (as Pongo gets the shower ready): The dullness of a bachelor life was among the grievances I had.
ROGER (Walking into the bathroom and petting Pongo gently on the head): Thank you, Pongo.
PONGO (Narration): Roger’s job was as a soundtrack designer for mobile games. He was quite talented at it, too.
Pongo then goes into the kitchen to start up a pot of coffee using a Rube Goldberg-esque machine as a nanny in trousers enters the house.
NANNY: Ah, good morning, Pongo.
PONGO (Narration): This was Nanny Florence Butler, something of a caretaker for Roger.
The nanny then gets Pongo’s breakfast ready before starting work on Roger’s. By the time it’s ready, Roger comes down the stairs in green pants, a grey sweater vest, and a yellow short-sleeved shirt.
ROGER: Morning, Florence.
NANNY FLORENCE: Good morning, sir. How was your sleep?
ROGER: Quite well, thank you. After breakfast, I’ll get to work. I need to finish a new game soundtrack by the end of the week.
NANNY FLORENCE: Excellent, sir. Best of luck to you.
The scene cuts to later. Pongo is seen relaxing by a window while Roger writes out the sound design.
PONGO (Narration): That’s been the routine for all the years I’ve lived with Roger. He’s intelligent enough as humans go and I suppose it could be argued that he was rather handsome in his own right. (Pongo looks on the cushion of his window seat and sees magazines with women wearing swimsuits on the cover): It felt right that he would have a suitable mate. But, if it were up to Roger, we’d be bachelors for life. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Unfortunately, dogs are hardly experts when it comes to human beauty. Though, I had a rough idea of what to look for.
Pongo looks out the window. First he sees a lanky-looking artistic woman walking an Afghan Hound. The dog and her owner look remarkably similar to one another.
PONGO (Thoughts): Hmm. Unusual breed. (they had a rather casual walk to them as they walked down the street): Very unusual. Hmm. No, that won’t do.
PONGO (Narration): Now, most humans have difficulty identifying a dog’s gender without looking between their hind legs. Being a dog myself, I can immediately tell the difference from a single glance. I recognized the Afghan Hound to be female, but, that particular breed was a bit too uppity for my liking.
Pongo looks again. He catches a glimpse of a short and stout woman walking her pet pug.
PONGO (Thoughts): A little too short-coupled. (looking at the pug): No. That pug’s clearly male. (he looks around again and spots a woman walking her poodle): I say. That’s a fancy breed. Perhaps a bit TOO fancy. (looking over the poodle): The poodle is female, but, that breed’s MUCH too fancy for me. (he then sees an older woman riding a bicycle with her old cocker spaniel in the basket): Too old. (then, he sees a little girl walking her golden retriever puppy): Too young. My word, this is a problem.
Pongo was beginning to lose hope… that is until he sees a woman walking by. This woman was a kind-looking woman with soft ginger hair and on her lead, she was walking a Dalmatian.
PONGO (Narration): Just as I was about to lose hope, I saw something that felt a bit more like it. (the camera focuses on the Dalmatian): Just from a single look, I recognized the Dalmatian as a female. Not only that, but, she was the most beautiful creature on four legs.
PONGO (Thinking as he looks at the human): Now, if only the human… (she looked sophisticated, but, still modest): Well, she’s very lovely, too! This is almost too good to be true! I couldn’t find a pair like that if I looked for a hundred years! (he heads to another window above a staircase): Ah, they’re headed for the park. A perfect meeting place. If I could only arrange it.
Pongo is about to run towards the door, but, stops abruptly and looks at a clock on the fireplace mantle. The time upon its face read 4:34.
PONGO (Narration): I then remembered that Roger didn’t stop work until after 5:00. By then, it would be too late. It was an analog clock, so, speeding it up was a simple matter. Unfortunately, Roger’s digital watch wouldn’t be so easy to alter. Nevertheless, I was determined to arrange for Roger to get out.
Roger continued his work. Just then, Nanny Florence came up with a cup of tea for Roger and a bowl of water for Pongo.
NANNY FLORENCE: Care for a spot of tea, sir?
ROGER: Thank you, Florence. Though, it wasn’t that long ago since I had a cuppa. My bladder’s filling up quite a bit.
PONGO (Narration): This was just the distraction I needed.
Pongo fetches his leash and barks.
ROGER (Looking at Pongo): Though speaking of which, looks like Pongo is ready for walkies. I’ll be back shortly, Nanny.
Later, in the park, Pongo is searching for the human woman and her Dalmatian. He was tugging on the lead, pulling Roger.
PONGO (Thinking): I hope I haven’t missed them.
ROGER: Steady on, Pongo. What’s the hurry?
Pongo walks by a path leading to a lake, but, he looks back when he sees the woman and her Dalmatian.
PONGO (Thoughts): Ah! This is a perfect situation if I plan it right. I can’t rely on Roger, though. He’ll just settle on the grass and chew some nicotine gum and that would be it. It’s all up to me.
Pongo gulps nervously and then gentlemanly struts past the Dalmatian and her human. The female Dalmatian took notice of Pongo, while the human woman took a short glimpse of Roger before concentrating on her book again. The female Dalmatian keeps her focus on Pongo, who sits beside Roger by the lake, the human chewing some nicotine gum. Pongo turns back to look at the female Dalmatian, but, she regains her composure and stops staring at him.
PONGO (Narration): At first, I had no particular plan. Just anything to attract attention.
On a whim, Pongo snags Roger’s hat from off his head.
ROGER: Pongo, you silly old thing!
Pongo playfully plays keep away with Roger’s hat and he makes his way towards where the woman and her Dalmatian are sitting. Roger spots the human woman.
PONGO (Thoughts): Eye contact. Excellent first step.
ROGER: Oh. Good evening, madam. I apologize if Pongo upset you. He’s rather rambunctious today.
WOMAN: Oh, don’t worry, sir. I’ve a Dalmatian as a pet myself, so, I know she can be a bit much. I still love her, though. I found her when she was lost on the streets as a puppy. I named her Perdita, the feminine form of perditus, which means “lost.”
ROGER: Rather sad name origins, but, I can’t say it’s inappropriate. I called the Dalmatian I have Pongo because when he was a puppy, he was the biggest in his litter.
WOMAN: That’s stange. I was under the impression that in Spanish, "Pongo" can be translated as "I place" or "I set."
ROGER (Scratching the back of his head): Well, I never quite learned that before today. I just called him the first name that popped into my head. Oh, where are my manners? The name’s Roger Dearly. I don’t believe I caught your name.
WOMAN: I’m Anita. Anita Radcliffe.
ROGER: Pleasure making your acquaintance, Anita.
ANITA: It’s nice meeting you, too, Roger.
Pongo is seen walking up to Perdita.
ROGER: Ooh~ I think I know why Pongo wanted to get out for a walk before I finished my work.
ANITA: Just out of curiosity, what DO you happen to do for work?
ROGER: Oh, I work on the soundtracks of mobile games. I’m a musician by trade and I love mobile games. So, my job is sort of the best of both worlds.
PONGO (Narrating as the scene changes to Roger and Anita’s wedding): After a few more get-togethers, Roger decided to pop the question. Anita accepted. For the first six months that we’ve been married, we lived in a small house near the park. A modest little place, but, just right for two couples starting out. We were looked after by Nanny Butler and Anita’s old nanny, Debra Cook. When the two nannies first met, there were a few minutes of suspicion, but, they soon hit it off really well.
NANNY DEBRA: It’s wonderful to think that we’ll be working together now, Nanny Butler.
NANNY FLORENCE: Oh, there’s no need for formalities. Mr. Dearly has always called me by my first name. He’s the sort to treat the help like equals.
NANNY DEBRA: Alright then, Florence.
Pongo and Perdita are seen relaxing by the old-fashioned fireplace.
PONGO: By this time tomorrow, we’ll be with our pets on the honeymoon.
PERDITA: I’m so looking forward to it, dear.
PONGO (Narrating as he, Perdita, and the Dearlys are seen returning home): When we returned from our honeymoons several weeks later, we soon discovered that something more happy was to come.
ANITA: How wonderful. My Perdita’s going to be a mother.
ROGER (Petting Pongo’s head): Congratulations, Pongo. (they soon enter the house): Florence, Debra! We’re home!
FLORENCE: Welcome home, sir. Welcome home, miss.
ANITA: We have some rather splendid news from the veterinary surgeon!
FLORENCE: Yes, miss?
ANITA: Within a month, Perdita is to be a mother!
DEBRA: Oh, that is splendid! Congratulations, dear.
The peace is suddenly shattered by an extremely strivant car horn.
PERDITA: Pongo, it’s her… it’s that devil woman.
A large car drives up to the Dearly house. From it emerges a rather tall and skinny woman. She was wearing a rather tight-fitting emerald satin dress, several ropes of rubies, and an absolutely simple white mink cloak that reaches the high heels of her ruby red shoes. She has rather dark skin, black eyes with a tinge of red in them, and a rather pointy nose. Her hair is parted evenly down the middle with one side black and the other white.
ANITA: Ah, it’s my old schoolmate, Cruella De Vil. She was expelled for drinking ink. To this day, her motivation for doing so is shrouded in mystery.
ROGER: Cruella De Vil? That’s quite a name. It almost sounds like, “cruel devil.”
ANITA: I admit that she can be a bit eccentric at times.
CRUELLA (Approaching): Ah, Anita, darling. It’s been so long.
ANITA: How are you, Cruella?
CRUELLA: Perfectly miserable as usual, darling. Simply wretched. I heard that you’ve been married for a number of months now. I simply had to introduce you to my own husband.
ANITA: Oh, thank you, Cruella. That would be nice.
NANNY DEBRA: What is your married name, Cruella?
CRUELLA: It’s still De Vil. Apart from my two brothers, I’m the last born member of the De Vil family. I plan to keep it that way.
ANITA: That reminds me, how is Cecil’s directing career?
CRUELLA: Last I heard, he was in America directing over-romanticized dog food commercials where the beasts go to overly grandiose lengths for a meager bowl of dog food.
ANITA: Oh, I see. (more to herself than anyone in the room): I wonder if our dogs would like that particular brand of dog food…
CRUELLA: I digress. Saul~. (she claps her hands): Come over, dear.
A rather peevish looking man steps out of the car and timidly steps forward.
MAN (Nervously): Y-yes, Cruella.
CRUELLA: Anita, this is my husband. Saul, this is my childhood friend from school.
SAUL: A p-pleasure, ma’am.
ROGER: Saul seems the rather timid sort.
SAUL: If I’m being honest, Cruella intimidates me.
ANITA: It’s nice to meet you, Saul. This is my husband, Roger.
CRUELLA: And what exactly does Rogueford do to make income?
ROGER: It’s Roger. And I do the soundtracks to mobile games.
CRUELLA: Mobile games? Those noisy programs children play on their cell phones these days?
ROGER: Yes. Some adults play them, too.
CRUELLA: Clearly, they have nothing better to do with their time.
ANITA (Sensing an argument about to unfold and quickly changing the topic): Cruella, why don’t you and Saul come in for a spot of tea?
SAUL: Oh, tea does sound lovely. Thank you, Missus.
The De Vils are let in while Pongo eyes them suspiciously.
PONGO (In his head): They’d best not find out about our precious little ones on the way. Perdy just ran into the broom closet. If only I could make things better for her…
Cruella and Saul are seated at a dining room table while the nannies serve them tea and cucumber sandwiches.
NANNY DEBRA: That’s a rather fabulous cloak, Mrs. De Vil. But, it seems rather inappropriate for this warm weather.
CRUELLA: Oh, I never find anything too warm. Furs are the one thing other than diamonds I live for. I wear furs the whole year through and sleep between ermine sheets every night. It was only natural I married a furrier.
NANNY FLORENCE: So, you’re a furrier, Saul?
SAUL: Yes. It’s been a family business for the better part of four generations. With a family name like Skinner, it sort of fits. I personally didn’t wish to follow it, but, my father never gave me a choice.
NANNY FLORENCE: Oh, my.
CRUELLA: So, Anita, are you still caring for that Dalmatian stray you found?
ANTIA: Why of course. She’s been an absolute joy in my life.
A female Persian cat enters the room, an indignant look on her face.
PONGO (To the cat): Are you alright, miss?
CAT (Shaking her head): It happened again. Just last week…
Pongo then took a quick sniff in the air and then realized what the cat meant.
PONGO: Milk… you… you were a mother?
CAT: I WOULD have been.
PONGO: W-what happened, miss? I mean… if you wish to talk about it.
PONGO (Narration): I was ill-prepared for what the cat would say.
CAT: My pet drowned my kittens as soon as they were born. This was the 42nd litter!
PONGO: Oh… no animal deserves to lose their babies in such a horrid manner. My consolations go out for you, miss.
CAT: Thank you… oh, I never caught your name…
PONGO: Pongo. And you are?
Unfortunately, Cruella interrupted the conversation.
CRUELLA (Spotting the cat): Ah, Fluffy. Run along and stay in the car, dear. (the cat hisses at her before running off): I don’t like her very much. If she weren’t so valuable, I’d have drowned her by now.
A low growl came from Pongo at this point. He already despised Cruella from the stories Perdita had told him and the story that Fluffy told him made things even worse.
PONGO (Narration): Admittedly, I’m not entirely fond of cats, but, I wouldn’t wish death on any of them. Especially not newborn kittens. The way that woman so callously admitted she would have drowned Fluffy if not for her value without a shred of remorse made me realize that when I looked at her, I wasn’t seeing a human, but, a monster.
Cruella pulls out a cigarette holder and lights a cigarette at the end.
ROGER: Oy! We don’t allow smoking here! I’ve been weaning myself off a pipe for two years already!
CRUELLA: Oh, Rodney. A lower class such as you can only dream of being this fancy.
ROGER: Coming from someone expelled for drinking ink, “fancy,” is an extremely relative term here.
Pongo gave a silent nod of agreement at his pet.
CRUELLA: Anyway, Anita, how is your little beast?
ANITA: She’s due to have puppies in a month.
PONGO (In his head): Red flag, Anita, red flag…
CRUELLA: Is that so?
ANITA: Why, yes. We are very excited for her and Pongo.
CRUELLA: Well, then. I propose an invitation to a dinner party that I’ll be hosting in two days.
Roger and Anita were both quiet for a moment, unsure how to respond to this request.
SAUL (Whispering to them): Trust me. Accept the invitation. She’ll only pester you to accept the longer you keep her waiting.
ANITA (Whispers to Roger): I guess we have no choice, dear.
ROGER (Sighs): Very well. But, I reserve my right to complain about it.
Anita gave a small nod of agreement. Pongo took this opportunity to excuse himself from the room, of course the humans didn't understand what he said.
PONGO (Narration): Just as well humans can’t understand dogs. The words I was thinking of were NOT ones to be used in polite conversation.
CRUELLA: Splendid, darling. We have to go now. See you in two days. Cheerio. Cheerio, darling.
Cruella and Saul leave, the latter timidly walking behind. Meanwhile, Pongo found his wife, curled up in the broom cupboard.
PONGO (Concerned): Perdy?
PERDITA: Is the devil woman gone?
PONGO: Yes, she's left dear.
PERDITA: Oh, Pongo… she wants our puppies, that's all she's after.
PONGO: Don’t worry, Perdy. They’re on to her. Nothing’s going to happen to our puppies.
PERDITA: But, she can’t possibly love them. Oh, Pongo. I was so happy before, but, now I… (tears welled up in her eye): I just don’t know if I can bear having puppies knowing she’s after them.
PONGO: No need to worry. She won’t have them.
Pongo gave Perdita some slow and gentle licks, a common trend for comforting other dogs, especially their mates.