1 (TV CHANNELS SWITCHING) Start playing... Start playing... Won't be around long... Start playing... Won't be around long... Ever since America... We'd like to thank... And y'know... And y'know... ..the high and the mighty... Said to my wife, Bernice... Won't they hurt...? Through the cracks... Through the cracks... ..edition of Psychic Friends... Through the cracks... ..edition of Psychic Friends... (CONSTANT SWITCHING) You're watching TV Time. The only network playing old stuff in nothing but black and white. Why, it's fun for the whole family! TV Time. Remember, you're soaking in it. This Friday, take the phone off the hook and the plastic off the couch. That's right! It's the Pleasantville Marathon. 24 hours full of pure... family values. Featuring, the warm greeting. Honey, I'm home! Proper nutrition. More cookies? And of course, safe sex. It's a scrapbook of favourite memories - "Trouble at the Barber Shop", "Fireman For a Day", "The Big Game" and don't forget, "Bud Gets a Job"! So join Mary Sue, Bud, George and Betty and yes, Mr Johnson at the soda shop. There's more! Thinking caps on, to win $1,000 in our trivia contest and visit a Pleasantville of your choice. Flash back to kinder, gentler times, on the Pleasantville Marathon, this Friday, only on TV Time. Hi. (CHUCKLES) I mean, hi. Erm, look, you probably don't think I should ask you this. I mean, not knowing you well and all. I mean, you know, I know you. Everybody knows you. I just don't know you, technically. Ha. Ha. (CHUCKLES) Erm, anyhow, I don't know what you're doing this weekend but my mom's leaving town so I get to borrow the car. So, y'know... (BELL) Okey-dokey, so... just give me a call. Let me know. Bye! If you go to college next year, the chances of a good job will decrease by the time you graduate. The number of entry level jobs will drop 31% over the next four years. Median income for those jobs will go down, as well. Obviously, it's a competitive world with good grades your only ticket through. By the year 2000... The chance of contracting HIV from a non-monogamous lifestyle will be one in 150. The odds of dying in an auto accident are 1 in 2500. This drastic increase... 14 years ago, ozone depletion was 10% its current level. When you are 30, temperatures will have risen 2.5 degrees, causing such consequences as typhoons, floods, widespread drought and famine. OK. Who can tell me what famine is? "Honey, I'm home." Hello, darling. How was your day? How was your day? Oh, swell. Mr Connel says if things keep as they are, I may be seeing that promotion soon. Darling, how wonderful. I always knew you could do it. you could do it. Hey, pumpkin, what's that smell? Is that your meat loaf? 'It might be'! 'It might be'! It might be. 'It might be'! It might be. Oh, Pumpkin, you know the way to this man's heart. No, no. That was not the deal. No! You have custody first weekend of every month. This weekend. No, I won't bail you out. I'm going out of town this weekend. La Costa. Barry, if I want a mud bath with my boyfriend, it's my business. Hey, where are those kids? 'Right behind you, Father'! 'Right behind you, Father'! Right behind you, Father. Mother, Father, Bud has a little surprise for you. What's that, Bud? What's that, Bud? First place in the science fair. There were lots of swell projects. Guess mine was swellest. There were lots of swell projects. Guess mine was swellest. Darling, that's wonderful. But there's no such word as swellest. But there's no such word as swellest. Gee, Mom, it wasn't an English fair! No, it's not the point. The point is, you're supposed to see them. Fine, fine, fine. See them another time. 'What's a mother to do?' 'What's a mother to do?' What's a mother to do? Ha! (BELL) In episode one, whose window did Bud break with his father's golf clubs? Easy, Mr Jenkins'. What job did Mr Jenkins have? Salesman. What did Bud and Mary Sue name the cat they found in the gutter? Scout? Scout? Marmalade. All right, all right. Here's one. Why did their parents come home early from the weekend at the lake? Bud didn't answer the phone and they were worried about him. Man! You're unbelievable. You'll win this for sure. When is it on? When is it on? Erm, Marathon starts at 6:30, contest is tomorrow at noon. A thousand bucks, huh? It's on all night? It's on all night? Sure, Howard. That's why they call it a marathon. Oh, my God. He is, like, so pathetic. I can't believe you're related to him. Only on my parents' side. But you're, like, twins. You must be from the cool side of the uterus. Oh, God! Here they come. Oh, God! Here they come. Oh, God, don't do anything! Just don't do anything. What? Hey. Hey. (BOTH) Hey. (BOTH) Hey. Saw you at the mall yesterday. Yeah, I saw you. Watching the concert on MTV tonight? Yeah. You? Yeah. My mom's gonna be out of town. Cool. Cool... It was so amazing, Daph. I was, like, "My mom's out of town." And he was like, "Maybe..." and I was like, "Sure". And he's like, "Cool". I know, he's so smart. I don't know. Maybe that red thing from the mall. It's not slutty. It's fun. Well, hello. He's not coming over to study. Yeah, I know. Well, sometimes I'm jealous of you, too. He's not homeless, Howard. They just don't say where he lives. Well, it's a silly question. Nobody's homeless in Pleasantville. Cos that's just not what it's like. Look, Howard. It's almost 6:30, I gotta go. (BOTH) What are you doing? (BOTH) What are you doing? Cut it out! Mark Davis will be here any minute! The Pleasantville Marathon is at 6:30. I don't believe this. He'll be here! So watch it upstairs. So watch it upstairs. Upstairs? Upstairs?! It doesn't have any stereo! Oh, my God... My God! Oh, my God... My God! Stop stressing. You can turn it on normally. You can turn it on normally. No, I can't. It's a new TV, Jen. It doesn't work without a remote. (DOORBELL) (DOORBELL) My God, he's here! TV repair. TV repair? Yeah, TV busted? Yeah. Yeah. Well, here I am. Holy cow, look at that! Had a little disaster, hey, fella? Yeah. Sort of. Yeah. Sort of. I'll get you fixed up in no time. I know how I'd feel if mine went out. Almost like losing a friend. You know, we didn't call any TV repair. Well, lucky day for both of us, isn't it? Can you, like, be quick? It's almost 6:30. Why the hurry? Why the hurry? Pleasantville Marathon is on. (THUNDER) Pleasantville? I love that show. Watched it for years. Forget that. I got a date at 6:30. Forget that. I got a date at 6:30. Who did muffin take to the mask-ball when her date got measles? Her father. Her father. That's right. And how did she dress him? As Prince Charming. As Prince Charming. Nice. Remember when Bud lost his cousin he was meant to be watching? Yeah. Name the store he went to. McIntire's. McGinty's. No. McIntire's. Remember? # For the very best in men's attire # Head right down to McIntire's # That's right. Listen, erm, why not take this remote instead? It has a little more oomph in it. Oomph? Oomph? Sure. Big, beautiful set like that, you want something to put you right in the show. (THUNDER) Great. We'll take it. Thank you. Thank you. Well, I'd better get going. Your show's almost on. And it's almost time for your date. Take care now. (THUNDER) "Whether on the track or driving around the block, only Pennzoil..." "For programme information..." "Honey, I'm home!" Great. Let me see that. No way. Gee, Mary Sue. Lend me your transistor radio! I promised it to Betty Jane... I promised it to Betty Jane... This is the most important day of my life! I waited a year for this! C'mon, David, just give it to me! Forget it! Forget it! No way, Bud... Forget it, Mary Sue... (ALL) Mine! Mine! Mine! Oh, my God! What happened? I'm not sure. I'm not sure. (WHISTLING) Hi, sport. Hi, muffin. Better get a move on. Can't be late for school. What did you do?! I don't know. (GASPS) Look at me! I'm pasty! Psst! Over here. Told you it was your lucky day. Bet you thought I was just a fan! What happened? A miracle. Whenever I found someone, they'd disappoint me. They'd know early shows, not later ones. They'd know all about muffin but not Bud. What the hell is this? What the hell is this? Shh! Can't talk like that here. You're in, erm... Well, you know. Bud! Mary Sue! Breakfast is ready! Bud! Mary Sue! Breakfast is ready! We're in Pleasantville? A dream come true, huh? This isn't funny. I have an important date in five minutes! This isn't funny. I have an important date in five minutes! Oh, don't worry about that. (KNOCKING) Bitch! No! No! Please, get us out of here! Why would I? We don't belong! Oh, sure you do. McIntire's Store, dressing as Prince Charming. Just gorgeous, Bud. My name is David! Oh, God! Is this how you show your appreciation? Is this how you show your appreciation? Hey! We appreciate it. Really. We just want to go home now. You know how long I've looked for someone like you? I'm very disappointed. In fact, I'm starting to get upset. No, don't get upset. No, don't get upset. Wouldn't you? You look for someone for years, pour your heart into it! This is a privilege! I can't talk about this now. Where you going?! We'll discuss it when I'm a little more composed. Wait a minute! Maybe when I'm not so emotional. Give you a week or two to change your attitude. Come back! Huh...! Come back! (GASPING) (CLICKS CONTROLS) (CLICKS CONTROLS) A week or two...? (FLIPS THROUGH CHANNELS) Oh, God! What's going to happen? What's going to happen? I don't know. It's not possible. Is it? Bud! Mary Sue! Your breakfast is getting cold. Bud! Mary Sue! Your breakfast is getting cold. It can't be possible. Well? Come on, kids. You can't go to school without a hot breakfast. Forward march! I just love you in that sweater, Mary Sue. It's so flattering. Thanks. Morning, kids. Better get a move on or you'll be late for school. I don't believe this. Neither do I. Neither do I. Well, come on. Dig in! I put blueberries in them, just the way you like. Well, come on, sweetie. It's getting late. Actually,... I'm not hungry? I'm not hungry? (LAUGHTER) Nonsense! You'll start your day with a nice big breakfast. Now sit down. First, some pancakes, eggs, sausage... and some good crisp bacon. And of course, a ham steak. Now you eat on up then it's right off to school. Hurry, hurry. I'm going to hurl, David. I swear. I'm going to hurl, David. I swear. Take deep breaths. All that animal fat. I can feel it in my pores. Why are we doing this? We're meant to be in school. We're meant to be in school. We're meant to be home. In colour! OK, OK... OK, OK... God! OK, OK... God! Hello, Bud. Hello, Mr Simpson. Hear your dad got a new car. Hear your dad got a new car. Oh, yeah. A Buick. It's swell. Great! Do you know that guy? Yeah, he owns the hardware store. Listen one minute. I don't know what you did but you must fix it! Fast! I had a date! I bought new underwear! Just play along until that guy shows up... Just play along until that guy shows up... Play along?! Yes. I am Bud Parker, you are Mary Sue. Yes. I am Bud Parker, you are Mary Sue. No. No, I won't. I don't dress like this for Mom, why would I for you? We have no choice. We're stuck till that guy shows up. We have no choice. We're stuck till that guy shows up. Why not just tell somebody? Tell who? (SIREN) Go, go, go, go! Here, kitty. Here, kitty, kitty, kitty... (SIGHS) Oh, God...! We are. We're, like, stuck in Nerdville. I knew you'd pay a price for this. You couldn't be geek-ridden for so long without really tragic consequences. But it's just not fair. I was getting really popular. And Debbie Russell had transferred schools. And my skin was great since March. Mark Davis was finally coming around... Hello, Mary Sue... What's all the commotion? Where's the cat? What's all the commotion? Where's the cat? Erm... It's, erm... (MIAOWING) Oh. Right. I'll see you at school, Mary Sue. Who's that? Who's that? Skip Martin. Captain of the basketball team. Does he like me? Does he like me? As a matter of fact, he does. 1 Those are my friends? Peggy Jane, Lisa Anne, Betty Jean. Can we do any better? I don't think so. (SIGHS) OK... Last week we discussed the geography of Main Street. This week we're going to be talking about... Elm Street. So can anyone tell me the difference between Elm Street and Main Street? Tommy. Tommy. It's not as long? That's right, Tommy. It's not as long. Also, it only has houses. So, the geography of Main Street is different than the geography of Elm Street. Mary Sue? Mary Sue? Yeah. What's outside Pleasantville? I don't understand. Outside of Pleasantville? What's at the end of Main Street? Ha! Mary Sue. You should know the answer to that. The end of Main Street is just the beginning again. (WHISTLE) (WHISTLE) (WHISTLE) Come on, men. Let's go! (BASKET RUSTLES) That's it, men. Keep it up! Big game tomorrow. Bud. Hiya, Bud. Hiya, Skip. Hiya, Skip. Hiya, Bud. Hiya, Skip. Hiya, Bud. Hiya, Skip. Bud, can I ask a question? Sure. Sure. Well,... if I was to go up to your sister... I mean, if I went up to Mary Sue... if I went up to Mary Sue... Oh, my God! Are we in that episode? I don't believe this. What's the matter? What's the matter? You want to ask her out, give her your pin... Yeah, how d'you know? Yeah, how d'you know? Look, Skip,... I don't think it's a real good time for that. I don't think it's a real good time for that. What do you mean? Well, what I mean is, erm, Mary Sue's a little different lately. Mary Sue's a little different lately. She won't go out with me? No, I didn't say that! But right now she's - But right now she's - I don't know what I'd do if she wouldn't. Here, guys. Don't touch it. Stay back. I'm sure we'll work something out. I thought you liked him. I thought you liked him. Yeah... I don't know. One date, Jen. That's all I ask, or we may throw their whole universe out of whack. It's too weird! It gives me the creeps. All the books are blank. I was in the library. They're just covers. Why were you in a library? Why were you in a library? I got lost. Wait, look at this. Know why the firemen only rescue cats? Nothing burns! Jennifer, stop! Jennifer, stop! They don't need firemen. I need a cigarette, too. Jen, listen. I will get us out of here. I will. But if we don't play along we can alter their whole existence and maybe never get home. You think anybody will notice if I don't have a malt with this guy? (GIGGLING) You won't believe what we heard. You won't believe what we heard. Skip Martin wants to ask you out. You won't believe what we heard. Skip Martin wants to ask you out. And that's not all. (ALL) He's giving you his pin! Are you sure I should wear this? I could kill a guy with these. It's in your closet. I've worn kinky stuff but... I've worn kinky stuff but... He won't notice anyway. Why not? Why not? They just don't notice around here. So what's the point? Jen, please. Jen, please. I have pounds of underwire on! Stick with it. I'm late for work. Work? (BELL JANGLES) Bud... Yeah, yeah. Sorry. I just had to help my folks and then... I couldn't find my hat. Oh. I didn't know what to do. What's wrong? Well, I always wipe down the counter, you set out napkins and glasses, then I make the French fries. But you didn't come, so I just... kept on wiping. I'm sorry. (WEAK CHUCKLE) Heh, heh. Erm, you know, if this ever happens again, you can make the fries even if I haven't put out napkins. Oh. Thank you. # "Dream Girl" - Robert and Johnny (ALL TALK AT ONCE) (BELL PINGS) We've no cheeseburgers. We've no cheeseburgers. What? Usually I put out the burger, you add lettuce - Usually I put out the burger, you add lettuce - OK, OK, listen. Do you have the lettuce? Yeah. Have you cooked the burgers? Yeah. Add the lettuce, finish the burger and pretend it was me the whole time. You can do it. Really. You can do it. Really. Heur, heur... OK. I sure am glad you came out with me. Ah, gee whiz, Skip, I sure am glad you asked me. I don't know if I ever said this to you before but,... well, I think you're just about the keenest girl in school. Really, Skip? The keenest? Oh, yeah. What can I get you two? I don't know, Bud. Guess I'll have my usual - cheeseburger and a cherry coke. I don't know. Erm, a salad and Evian water. Cheeseburger it is. Y'see, the whole time in civics I wanted to come sit by you but... you always sat between Lisa Anne and Peggy Jean. You seemed so smart and everything. Like that report you did on our town hall? Gosh, I didn't know what to talk about. Yeah... Well, sometimes talking is overrated, don't you think? Huh? Oh, right. So, I haven't been steady with anybody or anything but why rush it? Some kids hold hands already but I think there's plenty of time, don't you? Yeah... Can you excuse me for just a second? (SIGHS) Oh, God.... God! Did he give it to you? Bet he gave it you! I don't think he knows how. I don't think he knows how. Bet he takes her to Lovers' Lane! Oh, I bet, I bet he does! I bet he even holds her hand. (ALL) Ohhhh...! Tee-hee-hee... So, I really wanted to sit next to you in civics but - Wanna get out of here? What? Leave? Go somewhere? Leave? Go somewhere? But where could we go? Lovers' Lane? Lovers' Lane? Lovers' Lane? Yeah... Lovers' Lane. You up for it? C'mon. Come on! Oh, shit...! Jennifer! Jennifer, stop! Stop! You can't do this! He doesn't exist! You can't do this to someone who doesn't exist! # "Mr Blue" - Pat Boone It sure is pretty. Oh, yeah... Gorgeous. To be honest, I didn't think you'd come here until we'd been pinned a while. Oh, Skip. You can pin me any time you want. Or maybe I should just pin you. Ha, ha! That's silly, Mary Sue. How could you possibly pin me? (PANTING) Ohhh... Bud? Son, what's wrong? Have you seen Mary Sue? She's with Skip. What's the matter? She's with Skip. What's the matter? Oh, I was just worried about her. Bud, your sister's getting older now and will naturally be going out with boys. But she's a fine young woman and would never do anything for us to be concerned about. Honest. (MOANING) (GRUNTS AND GROANS) I'd better go home now, Mary Sue. Why? Why? I think I might be... ill. Something's happening to me. That's supposed to happen. It is? Yeah, trust me. Do you want some more cookies? No, thanks. I'm fine. How about marshmallow rice squares? How about marshmallow rice squares? Those are swell. No, I'm fine. Thank you. (KNOCKING) (KNOCKING) Who could that be? (KNOCKING) Who could that be? I've got it. Oh, hi. Hi. You left so quick, I wasn't sure you were OK. No, I'm fine. I just had to get home early. Bud, you know how when we close up, I do the register, you lower the blinds, I turn out the lights and we lock the doors? Yeah. Well, you weren't around this time. So I did the whole thing... by myself. by myself. Wow. More than that, I didn't do it in that order. First I lowered the blinds, then I closed the register and... Oh, hello, Betty. Hello, Bill. OK, well, that's great! Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate it. I'll see you tomorrow! Well, thanks, Skip. I had a wonderful time. Me, too. Me, too. Night. Haaa... Hello, Mr Johnson. Oh, hello, Mary Sue. What did you do to him? What did you do to him? Nothing. Nothing? That's not nothing! Nothing? That's not nothing! Why don't you relax, Bud? We had a nice time. And I'm really sleepy and I have to wake up early to go to school. So, night! (SWITCHING CHANNELS) "Hi, looks like another beautiful sunny day. High 72, low 72..." Bud...? It's eight in the morning. Are you watching television? (SILENCE) Oh, no. C'mon, men. Let's get in position. Big game next week. Let's go. Come on! (WHISTLE) Oh, my God! You can't do this, Jennifer. I warned you. What's wrong? They can't play basketball now. My God, what a tragedy! But you're messing with their whole goddamn universe. But you're messing with their whole goddamn universe. Maybe it needs to be messed with. Hey, MS. How you doing? Hey, MS. How you doing? Cool, PJ. How you doing? Hey, MS. How you doing? Cool, PJ. How you doing? Cool...! Ha, ha! "Cool..." Cool. Cool. Cool? You can't do this to them! If I don't do it, who will? If I don't do it, who will? They're happy like this! Nobody is happy in a poodle skirt and sweater set. You like this, don't you? No, it's not like you think it's funny or dorky. You, like, really like it. No, you have it wrong. No, you have it wrong. I am mortified to be your sister. No, you have it wrong. I am mortified to be your sister. You can't do this to them. David, these people don't want to be geeks. They want to be attractive. They have potential. Not that kind of potential. Not that kind of potential. Oh, yeah? Look at that. Wow! What happened to your gum? I gotta go. I gotta meet Skip at the flagpole. # Well,... be bop a lula, # She's my baby # Be bop a lula # I don't mean maybe # Be bop a lula # She's my baby # Be bop a lula, I don't mean maybe # Be bop a lula # She-he-ee's my baby doll # My baby doll, my baby doll # Well, she's the gal # In the red blue jeans # She's the queen of all the teens # She's the one that I know # She's the one # That loves me so... # That loves me so... Hmmm... Well, I wouldn't worry. Cut down on greasy foods and chocolate. Y'know, things like that. It'll probably clear up on its own. 1 Jesus Christ! # "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy" - Larry Williams # Well, now, lawdy, lawdy, lawdy, Miss Clawdy... # Girl, you sure look good to me... Erm, do you think we could have two cheeseburgers and some cherry cokes? I'll be right with you. I'll be right with you. Thanks. Two cheeseburgers, two cherry cokes. (BELL PINGS) There are no cheeseburgers. We talked about this, we said... We talked about this, we said... What's the point, Bud? You make hamburgers. That is the point. You make hamburgers. That is the point. I know. I know I do but... It's always the same, you know? Grill the bun, flip meat, melt the cheese. It never changes. Never gets better or worse. When I closed up by myself, that was different. or worse. When I closed up by myself, that was different. Forget about that! Oh, OK. I really liked it, though. C'mere. Look, you can't always like what you do. Sometimes you gotta do it cos it's your job. Like it or not, you do it anyway. Why? Why? So they can have hamburgers! Ohhh... Sorry. Know what I really like? What? Christmas-time. See, every year on December third I paint decorations in the window and every year I get to paint a different thing. Here, look. Hmm. Wow, that's pretty good. Thanks. But today I realised I look forward to it all year. Then I thought, gee, how silly. Seems an awfully long time to wait for one moment. Don't you think? Well, don't you? Well, don't you? I think you should try not to think about that any more. OK. I'll try that, then. Morning, Joe. Morning, Joe. Mornin', Bill... Have they ever lost before? Basketball? No, sure haven't. Feels wrong, that's all. That'll be where they get the saying, can't win 'em all. That'll be where they get the saying, can't win 'em all. Good point, that is a saying. But they do win 'em all. They've always won 'em all. Oh, Mr Mayor. Here, here. Go ahead. Go ahead. Don't be silly, Roy. I can't possibly take your spot. Tell me, if they never lost before and never tied, isn't that 'winning them all'? Erm... Erm... He's right. That's what you call it... He said it will clear up on its own, if she stays away from fried foods and sweets. Except it's... it's spread to her lips now, too. Oh, I don't know. And you say it's just... red? Well, y'know, like... real red. I know what you mean. Like that car in front of Bill Johnson's soda shop. I was going by it the other day. And it looked green. Real green. Have you seen him? I had to take my sewing machine across the street and he was sat in his shop just... staring. That is strange. It's your bid, Betty. Mary Sue... Yeah? Yeah? What goes on up at Lovers' Lane? up at Lovers' Lane? What do you mean? Well, you hear things lately. Kids spend a lot of time there. Is it... holding hands, that kind of thing? holding hands, that kind of thing? Yeah. That and.. What? What? It doesn't matter. No, I want to know. Well,... sex. Ohhh... What's sex? Sure you want to know? Sure you want to know? Yes. OK... Erm,... you see, Mom, when two people love each other very very much and want to share that with each other... Are you OK? Are you OK? Erm,... yes. It's, erm, just that... your father would never do anything like that. Ahhh... Hmm. Well, you know, Mom, there are other ways to enjoy yourself. Without Dad. Sweetie, you coming to bed? Erm, yeah. I'm just going to take a bath first. Oh, my goodness. Oh, my goodness...! Ohhhh... Ohhh! (PANTING) Ohhh... Oh! Ohhh, my... Oh, my... Oh, my... Oh, my... Oh, my,... Oh, my... Oh, my! Oh, my! Oh, shit...! Oh, God...! Fire! Fire! Fire...! Fire! Fire! Cat? (SIREN) OK, right here. All right, stop. Stop! Where is it? Hey, here! Grab the nozzle! But where's the cat? But where's the cat? C'mere. Just hold on. Tight! Whoaaa...! So that's what these do. In honour and recognition of your heroism, and with great appreciation from all Pleasantville, I present you with this special commendation from the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce. (APPLAUSE) Bud! Bud! Oh, hi. That sure was swell. That sure was swell. Well, thank you, Margaret. I baked you some oatmeal cookies. Ohhh... Oh, no. You baked those for Whitey. No, I baked them for you. No, you baked them for Whitey. No, you baked them for Whitey. No. I baked them for you. No, you - No, you - No! I baked them for you. Thank you. Sure. 1 # "Take Five" - Dave Brubeck Quartet (WHISPERING) Hey. Hey. Hey... What's going on? I'm not sure. They have a question. I didn't know how to handle it... I'm not sure. They have a question. I didn't know how to handle it... OK. Hey, Bud. How you doin'? How you doin'? (ALL) Hey, Bud. You wanted to ask me something? How d'you know about the fire? How d'you know about the fire? What? Y'know, how to put it out and all? Y'know, how to put it out and all? Oh. Well, where I used to live, that's just what firemen did. And where's that? Erm... Outside of Pleasantville. (GASPS AND MURMURS) What's outside of Pleasantville? What's outside of Pleasantville? It doesn't matter. It's not important. What's outside of Pleasantville? There are some places... that the road doesn't go in a circle. In some places, the road keeps going. In some places, the road keeps going. Keeps going...? Keeps going? Keeps going? Yeah. Yeah, it just keeps going. It all keeps going. Roads and rivers and... and rivers and... Like the mighty Mississippi? and rivers and... Like the mighty Mississippi? What? I thought the books were blank. They were. They were. OK. This was not my fault. They asked what it was about cos I read it in, like, tenth grade. I told them what I remembered and the pages filled in. I told them what I remembered and the pages filled in. The pages filled in? Hmm. Up until the part with the raft. That's as far as I read. Do you know how it ends? Yeah, I do. Yeah, I do. So how does it end? Well, erm, OK... Let's see. They were running away, Huck and the slave, up the river, trying to get free and... in trying to get free, they see that they're sort of free already. Oh, my God! Wh-what about this one? Oh, yeah. Yeah, this is great. This kid, Holden Caulfield, a real lonely kid, is kicked out of boarding school... Sheesh, look at 'em. It's spreading all over the place. Look at her books. Look at her books. Look at her sweater. Going up to that lake all the time is one thing but to the library? What's next? You're right. Somebody oughtta do something about it. Soon. George, you probably wonder why I asked to stop by and see you. You must've noticed the same things we all have. Certain, erm, charges in the town. You know what I mean by changes? Changes. Yeah, changes. I don't just mean big stuff, like the fire. Little things. You hear about Bill Miller? You hear about Bill Miller? No. What? You hear about Bill Miller? No. What? Wife wants one of them new beds. One of those big beds? One of those big beds? Yeah. One of those big beds? Yeah. Oh, my gosh! What'll he do? What'll he do? Who knows? It's everywhere. Bill Anderson's boy quit his job. What do you mean, quit? What do you mean, quit? Took his apron off, said "I don't feel like it." Groceries all over the counter. Took 'em three hours to sort out. Groceries all over the counter. Took 'em three hours to sort out. Sheesh... Everybody really likes you, George. Oh, well... No, they do. Not just because you can bowl. They respect you. Not just because you can bowl. They respect you. Well, thank you. It's important people see someone they respect stand up for right. If you love a place, you can't just sit and watch this happen, can you? you can't just sit and watch this happen, can you? No, of course not. That is why I want you to be a member of the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce. Oh, my gosh! I... I hardly know what to say. (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) It's just like yours. It is exactly like mine, George. Ohhh... Ohhh... Well, you can start by saying yes. Yes! And offer me one of those pineapple kebabs. You bet! Betty, Bob wants some of your great hors d'oeuvres. Betty? Bett...! I'll get her. Are you OK? Are you all right? What am I going to do? I... can't go out there this way. How can I go out there this way? (SOBS) Look at me. It's OK. It's all right. It's all right. Betty? Have you got any make-up? Have you got any make-up? Erm,... in my handbag. Honey, where are you? Here, give me your cheek. Here, give me the other. There... That's good. Now lift your chin. Is it working? Is it working? Yes. Here, look at me... What? Does it look okay? Yeah, it looks just like it did. And, erm, they won't he able to tell? And, erm, they won't he able to tell? No. No, they won't be able to tell. Betty, are you in there? Ohhh... Coming, sweetie. 1 (BELL JANGLES) Oh, hi. Oh, hi. Hi. Oh, hi. Hi. Aren't you a little early? I brought you something, from the library. It's an art book. Oh, my gosh, Bud. I thought, since you like to paint, it might help to... Gee whizz... Wh-who is, erm,... Tite-ee-an? Tite-ee-an? I'm not sure. It's beautiful, Bud. What's wrong? What's wrong? Oh, it's... I'll never be able to do that. I'll never be able to do that. You just started. You can't now... I'll never be able to do that. You just started. You can't now... No, no, no, that's not it. Just where am I going to see colours like that? Must be awful lucky to see colours like that. I bet they don't know how lucky they are. Hi. How you doing? Swell. Look, you probably don't think I should be asking you this. Will you go out with me tonight? Whoo! Whoo! # "Teddy Bear" - Elvis Presley Mr Simpson, your lawn looks great! # Put a chain around my neck # And lead me anywhere Yes! # Oh, let me be... Bud! Bud! # Your teddy bear... # David. Well, c'mere, young fella. I've been thinking. I was a bit hasty the other day when you asked to come home. Just took me by surprise, y'know. So even though I can't make any promises, well, I figure if you ask me nice I might be willing to talk about it. I can't. What? Talk about it, right now. I'll be honest, Bud, I'm a little concerned about these reruns. reruns? reruns? Like when Margaret makes cookies for Whitey. They aren't your cookies, Bud. Yes, I know they are not but - Those are Whitey's. They belong to him. He eats them, asks her to Lovers' Lane... He eats them, asks her to Lovers' Lane... I'd love to talk but I'm in a hurry. Bud...! Bud...! I can't hear, it's cruddy reception! We'll talk later! What's wrong? Listen... You're reading. I can't believe you started such a dorky fad. It's DH... Lawrence. Heard of him? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I read a couple of pages. Seemed kinda sexy. It is. Can I ask you a question? Can I ask you a question? Sure. How come I'm still in black and white? What? What? I've had ten times as much sex as the rest of these girls and still look like this. An hour in the back of some car and they're in Technicolor? An hour in the back of some car and they're in Technicolor? I don't know. Maybe it's not just the sex. Where is it? Where is it? A little farther, I think. "WKPV, the sounds of Pleasantville. Here's a new one for all you kids at Lovers' Lane." at Lovers' Lane." # "At Last" - Etta James # At last... # My love # Has come along # My lonely days # My lonely days Wow. # Are over # And life is like a song... # Oh, yeah, yeah # At last # The skies above # Are blue # My heart was wrapped up # In clover # The night I looked at you It's amazing, huh? Yeah. # I found # A dream # That I could speak to # A dream that I-I-I... # Can call my own # I found a thrill # To press my cheek to # A thrill that I-I-I... Have never known... # (BELL JINGLES) We're closed right now. Oh, I'm sorry. I... Oh, hi. Oh, hi. Hi. I just thought that... No, no, no. Come on in. It's... beautiful. Thanks. I was, erm, working on a still life. Kind of having a tough time. Oh, I think it looks nice. Well, here's what it's supposed to look like. Oh, my! Oh, my! Here, look at this. Where did you get this? Off Bud. My Bud? My Bud? Yeah. Here's my favourite. What do you think? Isn't it great, how she's resting like that? She's crying. No, she's not. No, she's not. Yes, she is. Oh. Wait! No, no. I must go. It's all right. Let me see. It's beautiful. It's beautiful. You shouldn't cover that up. Here. Let me... I'll just... So what's it like? What? Out there. Well, it's, erm,... it's louder. And... scarier, I guess. And it's, erm, a lot more dangerous. Sounds fantastic. Y'know, the other night some kids came up here to swim and they took off all their clothes. Do you went some berries? Huh? Berries. I picked them myself. Berries. I picked them myself. Really? There's lots of stuff. Like what? Like what? Erm... Here, I'll show you. Here. Go ahead, try it. (TAPPING) Mary Sue! What are you doing? What are you doing? It's 6:30. So? We were going to... You know. Oh, yeah... I can't. Why not? I'm busy. I'm busy. With what? I'm busy. With what? I'm studying. 1 Evening. Evening. Evening. George. George. Evening, Norm. Huh! Honey, I'm home. (THUNDER) Honey, I'm home! (THUNDER) (THUNDER) What was that? I don't know. (THUNDER AND PATTERING) What is that? What's going on? What's going on? It's rain. Real rain? Real rain? Yeah. You don't have rain either? Oh, of course you don't. Hey, it's OK. Here, come on. What's going on? It's rain. It's OK. It's fine. Nothing to be scared of. Here, I'll show you. It's just rain. It's OK. It's all right, come out. See? Look! You see? C'mon, c'mon! (THUNDER CONTINUES) Cool! Honey, I'm home. Where's my dinner? (THUNDER ROLLS) Where's my dinner? Where's my dinner? Ha, ha, haa...! George? What happened? Are you all right? What is it? Rain. Rain. Real rain? (THUNDERCLAPS) Oh, my God! Are you all right? I came home like I always do. I went in the front door. And I took off my coat. And put down my briefcase. And I said, "Honey, I'm home!" Only there was no one there. (GASPS) No wife. No lights. No dinner. No dinner...? I went to the oven, in case she'd made one of those TV dinners. Yeah, sure. Yeah, sure. She hadn't. She was gone. I looked and looked and looked. She was gone. She was gone. It's going to be fine, George. You're with us now. What are we going to do, Bob? We're safe for now - we're in a bowling alley. But if George doesn't get dinner, any one of us could be next. It could be you, Gus. Or you, Roy. Or even you, Ralph. That is real rain out there. This isn't some little virus that'll clear up on its own. Something is happening to our town. I think we all know where it's coming from. Roy. Why don't you show them what you showed me before? But Bob... It's OK, Roy. C'mon up here. I know, Roy. (ALL GASP) Thanks. He asked her what she was doing. She said, "Nothing, she was just thinking." Friends, this isn't about George's dinner. It's not about Roy's shirt. It's a question of values. Whether we want to hold on to those values that made this place great. So,... a time has come to make a decision. Are we in this thing alone or are we in it together? Together. Together. (VOICES) Together! Together. Together. (ALL) Together! Together! Together! Together! Together! Together! Together! Together! Together! (THUNDER) 1 I said where I was. All night? I got caught in the storm. You were gone all night, too. all night, too. Look,... let's just forget about it. We'll just go to the meeting. No. I am not going to that meeting. Sure you are. Sure you are. No. I'm not. Look at me, George. Look at my face. That meeting's not for me. You'll put on some make-up. You'll put on some make-up. I don't want to. It goes away. It'll go away. I don't want it... to go away. Now you listen to me. You come to this meeting. You put on some make-up. You will be home at six o'clock every night and you will have dinner ready on this table. No. I'm not, sweetie. I made you... a meat loaf. Just put it in the oven and turn this knob to 350. Put the pie in 40 minutes later and it'll be hot for dessert. Erm, I made a couple of lunches for you for tomorrow and put them in brown paper bags. I'm going to go now. Where are you going? Where are you going? I'm going to go now. Betty, don't go out like that. They'll see you. They'll see you! Betty, come back here! It's beautiful. Can I open it? Sure. Where d'you get it? Where d'you get it? A prop from the school play. Thank you. (CAR ENGINE) Hello, Bud. Hello, Margaret. Whitey. Whitey. Bud, why aren't you at the town meeting now? No reason. Why are you not? No reason. Why are you not? Oh, we're supposed to go around and let everyone know about it. So you aren't too busy entertaining your coloured girlfriend? Why don't you get the hell out of here? Why don't you get the hell out of here? All right. We'll do that. Y'know, Margaret, you can come over and make oatmeal cookies for me anytime you want to. anytime you want to. (BOTH SNIGGER) People! People! People! Roy Campbell has a blue door! It was always blue! It was always blue! People! People, please! Please. Please. (HUBBUB DIES) We all know what's been going on. Up until now, everything around here has always been, well, pleasant. Recently, certain things have become unpleasant. Now, it seems to me that the first thing we have to do is to separate out what is pleasant from what is unpleasant. (CRASH) That's Betty Parker... It's an outrage...! (MURMURING) What the hell do you think you're doing? Get in here! Now! You think this is a toy? Your own goddam colouring book? You think this is a toy? Your own goddam colouring book? It just sorta happened. A deluge can't just happen. Lightning can't just happen. I didn't do anything wrong. Let me show you this. Let me show you this. Go on. Try it. Boom! Right there! What do you call that, huh? You don't deserve this place, to live in this paradise. Where's my remote control? Why? You're coming home, twerp, while I put this place back how it was. I can't let you do that. What? I'm sorry. I won't let you. Just give me the damn remote! Ow! I'm going to go now. You get that remote and come home and we'll make everybody happy again. Where you going in such a hurry? That's not real friendly. That's not real friendly. Let's see if she looks like her picture. Want to be friendly, don'tcha? C'mon, show us what's under that blue dress. C'mon, show us what's under that blue dress. Yeah, come on! Where you going? There's nowhere to go over there. Y,know, that is a lovely shade of blue. Isn't that a lovely shade of blue? Get out of here! Go on! Go! Get out of here! Are you OK? Are you OK? Yeah... What? (ANGRY MURMURINGS) (CHEERS) It's OK. He's not in there. Hey, hey! It's OK. It's OK, all right? I'm going to get you out of here. All right? Are you OK? Whoo-hoo...! Whoo-hoo...! Keep 'em coming! No! No! Mary Sue, it's the only way. It's the only book I ever read! You won't put it on that fire! Just give me the book! Ohhh... Mary Sue! Jennifer. It's me. (RATTLE) Let's go inside. (RATTLE) Hello? Just thought I'd try to... tidy it up a bit. It's OK. It's OK, it's OK... Once we sweep up, it'll be all right again. Yeah... Yeah! He's right. Let's, erm... Here, help me with this, will you? Good. Put this up here.... 1 People! People! This is not the answer, people. No matter how upset we get or how frustrated we may be, we're not going to solve our problems on the street. It's just the wrong way. We have to find a code of conduct that we can all agree to live by. Now, I asked George and Ralph to sketch out a few ideas. And I think they've done a terrific job. If we all agree to these, we can take a vote and start in the right direction. One, all public disruption and acts of vandalism must cease immediately. Two, all citizens of Pleasantville are to treat each other in a courteous and pleasant manner. Courteous and pleasant manner. That's not too bad. Three. The area called Lovers' Lane and the Pleasantville library shall be closed until further notice. (MUTTERED DISSENT) Four, the only permissible music shall be the following - Johnny Mathis, Perry Como, Jack Jones, the marches of Sousa or The Star-Spangled Banner. In no event shall music be tolerated that is not of a temperate or pleasant nature. Five, there shall be no public sale of umbrellas or preparation for inclement weather of any kind. Six, no bed or mattress may be sold measuring more than 38 inches wide. Seven, the only permissible paint colours... shall be black, white or grey, despite the recent availability of alternatives. Eight, all elementary and high school curriculum shall teach the non-changes view of history, emphasising continuity over alteration. Wow. Heyyy... This still works. Turn it off! You're not allowed to do that! (MUSIC DIES) Sure you are. # "Rave On" - Buddy Holly # Ahh, we-e-e-ell, The little things you say and do # Make me want to be with you-oo-oo # Rave on, it's a crazy feeling # I know it's got me reeling When you say # "I love you," rave on # The way you dance and hold me tight # The way you kiss and say goodni-i-i-ight # Rave on, it's a crazy feeling # And I know it's got me reeling # When you say, "I love you" # Rave on # Well, rave on... # (SCRAPING SHOVELS) Well, this is good. Just do it? (CHUCKLES) Don't worry. We'll get a new one. Don't worry. We'll get a new one. I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't paint any more, Bud. Maybe I have an idea. It scares me... Look at the snake... (MUTTERING) (MUTTERING INCREASES) (LOUD, ANGRY VOICES) (WHISPERING VOICES) When are they going to let him out...? What are you kids doing out there? There's someone to you, Bud. Oh, hi. Oh, hi. Hi. Is this a bad time? Is this a bad time? No. No, it's fine. Come on in. I brought you these. I brought you these. Thank you. Cocktail olives. Everything else was frozen. I didn't... Everything else was frozen. I didn't... I appreciate it. Erm, your mom went out. Erm, your mom went out. Went out? She went out for a while. She went out for a while. When? Three days ago. Jeez, everything is so cockeyed. I didn't even know it was Tuesday. Tuesday we play bridge with the Jenkins. There was no bridge. Can I have one of those? Sure. Yeah. You hungry? Ha! Mrs Benson... was making meat loaf next door. I almost climbed in her window. What happened? One minute, everything's fine. The next... What went wrong? What went wrong? Nothing went wrong. People change. People change? People change? Yeah. People change. Can they change back? I don't know. I think it's harder. You OK? You OK? Yeah. Yeah. Not fair, y'know? You get used to one thing and then... I know. It's not. 1 Bud Parker, William Johnson. You are charged with desecrating a building and using prohibited paint colours, violating our Code of Conduct and Laws of Decency. Do you admit that on May first you did wilfully and consciously apply the following colours to the Police Station? Red, pink, vermilion, puce, chartreuse, umber, blue, aqua, ox-blood, green, peach, crimson, yellow, olive and magenta? Yeah, I do. Where's our lawyer? Oh, let's keep proceedings pleasant. I don't think a lawyer is necessary. Do you further admit this unnatural depiction occurred in full public view, accessible to minor children? It was accessible to everyone. It was accessible to everyone. Let the record show that the defendants admitted to all charges. Have you anything to say in your defence? Yeah, I do - Bill? I didn't mean... to hurt anybody. Maybe if... I painted something different. Or maybe I could use less colours. Or, y'know, certain colours. Or maybe I... You could pick the colours so they wouldn't bother anybody. I've got something to say. Very well. You don't have a right to do this. I mean, I know you want it to stay pleasant around here. But... there are so many things that are so much better. Like... silly. Or sexy. Or dangerous. Or brief. And every one of those things is in you all the time, if you have the guts to look for them. Enough. Can't I defend myself? You cannot lie. I'm not. You see those faces? They're no different to you. They just saw something in themselves - They just saw something in themselves - I said that's enough. Here. I'll show you. Dad? Here. I'll show you. Dad? Yeah,... Bud? It's OK, Dad. Just... listen for a sec. I know you miss her. I mean, you told me you did. But... maybe it's not just the cooking or the cleaning that you miss. Maybe it's something else. Maybe... you can't even describe it. Maybe you only know it when it's gone. Maybe it's like a whole piece of you is missing, too. Look at her, Dad. Doesn't she look pretty like that? Doesn't she look just as beautiful as the first time you met her? You really want her back the way she was? Doesn't she look wonderful? Now don't you wish... you could tell her that? (CROWD GASPS) (HAMMERS) (HAMMERS) You're out of order. Why am I out of order? I won't let you turn this courtroom into a circus. I don't see it like that and I don't think they do. This behaviour must stop. This behaviour must stop. But that's the point! It can't stop because it's in you. You can't stop what's inside you. It is not inside me. Sure it is. No, it is not! What do you want to do to me right now? Come on. Everyone... is turning colours. Kids make out in the street! No-one gets dinner. We may get floods! Soon, women may go off to work while the men stay home and cook. That will not happen. That will not happen. It could! That will not happen. It could! NO, IT COULD NOT! Bud! (LAUGHTER) Hey! Look at this. Bud. Yeuch! What an image. Oh, shut up! Bud! (CHUCKLES) Sure you don't want to come home? Yeah. I gotta do this for a little while. Besides, have I any chance of college back there? Honestly? Got the admissions letter? Got the admissions letter? Yeah, right here. I did the slut thing, David. It got kind of old. I'll come back and check on you soon. OK. You turned into a pretty cool guy. How'd that happen? I don't know. I'll see you. OK. Bye. Just don't forget about me. Even if you never come back. I just don't went you to forget about me. I couldn't do that. Here. Here. What's this? Ohhh, a meat loaf sandwich and... and... And a hard boiled egg and some marshmallow rice squares. Hello. Hello. There's... some fried chicken in there, too. Don't go skipping dinner just cos you're not here. I won't. I thought you weren't - I won't. I thought you weren't - I had to come say goodbye. Just wear this,... on the trip. In case it gets cold. It's a pretty short trip. It's a pretty short trip. Oh, still. Oh, Bud... I am just so proud of you. Thanks. (I love you...) I know. I love you, too. Ahhh... Well... Well,... I, erm, I guess you'd better stand back. (ENGINE STARTS) "That was the first hour of the Pleasantville Marathon but we're going till noon tomor..." (SOB) Hi. I thought you went out of town. I thought you went out of town. I came back. What's wrong? Ohhh... I just thought, "What am I doing?" He's nine years younger. Doesn't make me feel younger. Makes me feel older. When your father was here, I used to think this was it. How it would always be. I had the right house, car, I had the right life. I had the right life. There is no right house. No right car. Tcha! God, my face must be a mess. God, my face must be a mess. It looks great. Honey, that's sweet of you, but I'm sure it does not look great. Honey, that's sweet of you, but I'm sure it does not look great. Sure it does. Come here. I'm 40 years old. It's not supposed to be like this. I'm 40 years old. It's not supposed to be like this. It's not supposed to be anything. Hold still. How did you get so smart all of a sudden? I had a good day. # Words are flowing out # Like endless rain # Into a paper cup # They slither while they pass # They slip away # Across the universe # Pools of sorrow, waves of joy # Are drifting through # My open mind # Possessing and caressing me # Jai guru de va... So what's going to happen now? I don't know. Do you know what's going to happen now? No, I don't. (CHUCKLES) # Nothing's gonna change # My world # Nothing's gonna change my world # Nothing's gonna change my world I guess I don't either. # Images of broken light # Which dance before me # Like a million eyes # They call me on and on # Across the universe # Thoughts meander # Like a restless wind # Inside a letter box # They tumble blindly # As they make their way # Across the universe # Jai guru # De va... # Om # Nothing's gonna change my world # Nothing's gonna change my world # Nothing's gonna change my world # Nothing's gonna change my world # Sounds of laughter, shades of earth # Are ringing through my opened ears # Inciting and inviting me... # Limitless undying love # Which shines around me # Like a million suns # And calls me on and on # Across the universe # Jai guru # De va # Om # Nothing's gonna change my world # Nothing's gonna change my world # Jai guru # De va # Jai guru # De va # Jai guru # De va # Jai guru... # www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Able 2015