# www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Able 2014. (handle creaks) Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away, a baby girl was born. (voice-over): Her skin was pure as snow. Her hair was dark as night. (baby crying) They called her Snow White. Probably because that was the most pretentious name they could come up with. As fate would have it, Snow White's mother died in childbirth. -(Snow White giggling) -Left on his own, her father spoiled the young girl. He could afford to, of course. He was the king. The king loved his daughter, and all his subjects loved him. The kingdom was a happy place, where people danced and sang day and night. Apparently, no one had a job back then, just singing and dancing all day and all night. But I digress. The king raised the little girl by himself, grooming her to one day lead. But over time, he realised there were some things he couldn't teach her. So he sought out a new queen. This queen was the most beautiful woman in the world. She was intelligent and strong and... Just to clarify, she was me. And this is my story, not hers. Bewitched by my beauty, the king begged me to marry him. I was everything to him-- the stars, the moon. But a dark magic invaded the land. The brave king bid farewell to Snow White, leaving her his favourite dagger. An interesting gift, but more on that later. He rode off into the dark woods, and sadly was never seen again. (horse neighs) Snow White searched and searched for her father. And when she realised he was truly gone, she was devastated. The girl was now left under the care of the beautiful queen. Ten years passed, and Snow White grew older and blossomed. But the kingdom fell into an icy despair, as the queen realised if she wanted to remain the most beautiful woman in all the land, well, Snow would have to do what snow does best. Snow would have to fall. (sighs) (birds chirping) Well, hello there. (chirps) (chuckles softly) Would you like a treat? Here you go. (chuckles softly) (fanfare playing in distance) Oh, I think the party's started. F to D9. To your left, Lord Waverly. If someone would please teach Lord Waverly his left from his right, I would be so very grateful. Excuse me. B to J12. My lady, I feel it is my duty to tell you of the rumours -that I've been hearing. -Rumours? Well, there have been rumblings that the kingdom is close to destitute. If we were to join our two houses in marriage... (gasps softly) ...I feel the gentry would be reassured that the kingdom was stable once again. (laughs) Brighton, a word, please. Yes, Your Majesty. Loose lips sink ships. Yes, indeed, Your Majesty, exactly. Which ship would you like sunk? It's an expression, Brighton. A royal decree-- take it down. Ah, marvellous. Any busybodies... (chuckles softly) ...caught rumouring, gossiping, whispering or even thinking shall be put to death. How does that sound? It's decisive. Snow White. Is there a fire? I'm sorry? Is your bedroom on fire? Because I'm searching for an explanation as to why you would be out of your bedroom and in here, and my first guess was fire. I thought maybe I could come to the gala. You know, because, um, today is my 18th birthday. Is it, now? Oh, my, oh, my. E to F3, please. Oh, Snow White, maybe it is time I ease up on you, hmm? After all, you've done nothing to me, caused no problems. And yet... there is something about you that's just so incredibly... irritating. Hmm, I don't know what it is. The slump shoulders, the hair, that voice, mm. I know what it is. I think it is the hair. I hate your hair. (gasps) I don't care if it's your 100th birthday. Don't ever sneak into a party like this again. B to F6. C to D4. Baron, you've been beaten for the last five minutes and didn't even know it. (applause) Bravo, Your Majesty. It's important to know when you've been beaten, yes? (ducks quacking) (birds chirping) (wood creaking) I certainly don't like the look of these woods, sire. If you don't mind me saying, they seem very sinister. They're trees, Renbock. Trees are just wood. It's not the trees I'm afraid of, sire. You know there are stories of a man-eating beast inhabiting these parts. Thrills my heart to no end thinking that my travelling companion still believes in fairy tales. If you don't mind me asking, when does Your Highness think we're going home? We've been on the road for months, and I just thought perhaps we could take a break. We didn't set out seeking a vacation, we set out seeking an adventure. -Adventure, yes. -And we're going to find it. (chuckles) (soft clatter) (horse neighs) (twanging) I really don't think this is a good idea, sire. We should ride on. Not until we find out what's in these woods. (whooshing) MAN: Go around. Go around. Giants! Renbock! Renbock! Giants! (high-pitched screaming) -After him! -You there! -Empty your pockets! -What? He said empty your pockets! (men grunting) (high-pitched screaming) (whip cracks) (grunts) (yells) Ha-ha! Give me that! Sit down! -Stay down! -(coughs) Found some roadkill. (men laughing) Do you concede? -Do you? -Yeah, do you? -(screams) -Oh! (men growl) Sire. (laughs) MAN: What's so funny? You're not a giant. None of you are giants. Your point is? Well, you can't expect me -to fight you. -Ah. Then he concedes. -Yeah! -Of course he concedes. (men panting) I-I most certainly do not. I'm simply stating that I will not fight a bunch of dwarfs. Why? You're miniscule. -Miniscule? -Diminutive? Runts? Thank you. Runts? "Runts." That's the best you got? -So uninspired. -The village idiot -used to call us that. -(men murmuring) Take you all day to come up with that? It doesn't matter. You're short, and it's funny. Funny? Not as funny as my blade against your throat. Ease back. All we want is his gold. I've got his saddlebag. -Oh, now we're talking. -Yeah! Let's get a look in there. -Come on, get it open there. -Move, move. That is not your property! -Eh, whatever. -(men murmuring) Get your hands off of that immediately! Give them what they want, sire. Nonsense. Apparently, somebody has to teach a lesson to these children! (murmuring stops) (growls) No one is to know the details, Renbock. Understood? Say it! (grunts) No one needs to know the details, Your Royal Highness. (clears throat) ALL: Happy birthday, Snow! You remembered. Of course we remembered. A girl's 18th birthday is the most important birthday of them all. Do you want to know what I wish for your birthday, Snow White? You can't make a wish for me. Do you know why I continue to work for that wretched queen, year after year? I do it because I know that one day, you are going to take back your kingdom, and I want to be here when that happens. It is not my kingdom. Oh, but it is. Your father meant for you to inherit his crown. And that woman has the entire kingdom convinced that you're a pathetic shut-in, incapable of leaving the castle. And the worst is she has you thinking it. Your father's dagger. I had it cleaned up and polished. What would I do with this? Perhaps you need to see for yourself what goes on in your kingdom. (voice-over): The people don't sing and dance anymore. They need to see who you really are. And you need to believe. I'm going out. Is she allowed to go out? I don't know. Is she? Okay. She's going out. I won't say anything if you don't. Pinky swear? Pinky swear. (crow squawks in distance) Mirror, Mirror, on the wall. (crow squawks) (dramatic music) Can you believe that Baron? I mean, honestly, did he really think I would consider marrying him? A woman has standards, after all, and an exalted woman like myself has very high standards. Interesting. What is? Your response to his proposal. What is that supposed to mean? Consider the options. Well, this option has a receding hairline, smells like rotten eggs, and I wouldn't be caught dead with him. You've spent so much supporting your vanity, you can't afford to say no. Well, then why don't you snap your fingers and make me a chest of gold, hmm? Everyone has magic within them, but very few discover it and learn to spend it wisely. Trust me. I am, after all, merely a reflection of you. Well, not an exact reflection. (whispers): I have no wrinkles. (gasps) They're not wrinkles, just... crinkles. As you wish. Well, what do you suggest I do? I suggest you marry someone rich, quickly. 'Cause one day soon, you will ask me who the fairest of them all is, and you won't like the answer. (scoffs) RENBOCK (in distance): Hello?! Anybody out there? PRINCE: Shut up, Renbock! Nobody can hear you in the woods. -But on the off chance... -Off chance of what? That there's somebody else in these miserable woods? RENBOCK: Well, there could be. PRINCE: Is that tone? RENBOCK: No, it's not tone. I was repeating. PRINCE: You did it in a very smart way. No, I did not. And I don't like being this close to you. I've told you before. I was warned what I might find in these woods, but... PRINCE: I picked the worst travelling companion. (chuckles): ...I never imagined this! (laughs) Who laughs at us? We are in dire need of your help, ma'am. We were ambushed by seven dwarfs. Bloodthirsty giants. Giants? We were outnumbered and fought bravely, but they cheated. Young lady, if you'd be so kind as to help myself and the honourable prince... (clears throat) Prince of embarrassment. -Fool. -Ow. I'm but a humble commoner. Now we order you to release us. Order me? If you refuse, you shall suffer dire consequences. Only... if you say "please." Well, given the circumstances, sir, I think a "please" is in order. You're right. Where are my manners? -Please. -Please. That's all you had to say. Oh, thank you. Thank you! Oh, thank you! Thank you so much! No, no, no, no! Wait, wait, wait! No, no, no, no, no! (both groan) Oh. Are you all right? -Oh, can I, um... -Oh! Oh! ...can I, can I help, at all? Oh, yes, please. Oh, yes. That's it. There you go. -Oh, thank you. -Oh. (grunts) Oh. Um, um, do you want some help with the rope? Yes. Thank you. I'm sorry you had to see us in such a compromising position. We're going north. Oh, I'm-I'm travelling south. It's a shame. Yes, it is. (clears throat) (chuckles) Uh... Then I guess we must bid you adieu. Hmm. Yes. (sighs) -She turned around. -Hmm? -Did you see that? -No. I don't think she's interested, sir. (knocking on door) BRIGHTON: Your Highness. Yes? Pardon me, Your Majesty, but... you have a visitor. I'm not in the mood, Brighton. He's young, handsome... ...and semi-nude. RENBOCK (voice-over): Your Highness, may I present to you the esteemed Prince Alcott of Valencia. Your Majesty. Please pardon our dress. I'm afraid my valet and I were robbed by bandits as we entered your kingdom. Bandits? How awful. How absolutely terrifying and smooth and hairy. -What? -What? -What? -What? -What? Nothing. Uh, could I trouble you for a covering? Perhaps a shirt? If you must. Um... um... -(whispers): Brighton. -Brighton. -Your Majesty. The prince is bashful and requires, sadly, a covering. BRIGHTON: Of course, milady. I'm not bashful. -Sir, is there any particular style of shirt you'd like... -Brighton. A simple covering. A simple covering it is. (Queen chuckles) Valencia, you say. I've never heard of it. Is it a wee hamlet? No, no, quite the contrary, Your Highness. It's a bountiful province. We have many natural resources, gold, silver, bustling silk trade. You don't say. Send out the invites. Alert the caterer. I want you to organise a ball like this kingdom has never seen before. We are gonna sweep this kid right off his feet. Uh, forgive me, Your Majesty, but I don't understand. Brighton, the prince is rich, he's built like an ox; I'm going to marry him, and then my financial problems will be... (snaps fingers) solved. No, I understand that part. What I don't understand is how you intend to pay for the party. It pains me to say this, but you're broke, my Queen. Then go collect more taxes. (chuckles) Uh, Your Majesty, I don't know the last time you were in the town, but the people are starving. Do you have no imagination? Go tell the villagers that bread is meat, less is more, blah, blah, blah. Commoners love a good metaphor. Just go sell it. "Bread is meat." (ducks quacking) (bell tolling) (bell tolling) (tolling stops) (baby crying) Excuse me. Do you have anything to eat? What happened here? I... I visited once with my father, and it was a wonderful place. People always seemed to be singing and dancing. That must have been many years ago. Hyah! Hyah! (whip cracks, horse neighs) Ho! More taxes? Good, you can read. Make sure they are collected in a timely fashion. What's she doing with all our money? -Protecting you. -From what? Must I remind you of the brutal attacks we have suffered? He speaks of... -The beast. -(people gasping) (baby crying) Yes. Evil lurks in the dark woods, more hideous than you could ever imagine. The only reason it hasn't gorged itself on all of you is because your tax dollars are hard at work. I'll be back tomorrow for the money. You'll return as quickly as possible, and you'll bring with you a platoon of castle guards. Just look how she's dressed me, sire, like a pink profiterole. Reminds me, we need clothes. -And gold, and armour. -Clothes? Why? Do you not like the queen's taste in men's fashion? Have you been listening to anything I've said? Yes, soldiers, gold, clothes. -Yes. Good. -Yes. Only if you say "please." Please, Renbock. Look, sire, I implore you to come back with me now. This queen... radiates crazy. You know this, women always get crazy -when there's a prince around. -No, no, no. There's "I'm in the same room as a prince" crazy and then there's just good old-fashioned, plain, traditional, psycho crazy. I fear she's the latter. Safe travels, Renbock. When you return, I pray you're wearing your pants. And I will pray the same for you, sire. I bid you adieu. (horse neighs) (neighs) SNOW WHITE: Baker Margaret! Baker Margaret! Margaret, it's worse than you could ever imagine. You saw the town? Yes, it's awful. The queen has destroyed everything -my father believed in. -Oh. Go on. She's taxing even more as we speak, even though they have nothing. That's to pay for all her lavish parties. She's throwing another one tonight. For a prince. A prince is here? And, Snow, it's said he has an army. Well, maybe he could help us. Well, if he truly has an army, maybe he could help us take back the kingdom. My goodness. Someone's had quite a day. Well, you're gonna have an even bigger night. You're gonna crash that ball. BRIGHTON: You look fabulous, Your Majesty. "Fabulous"? Brighton, I haven't even begun to get ready yet. Well, then one can only imagine how fabulous you... -Shut up, Brighton. -With pleasure. The treatment is ready. Treatment? Isn't that a trifle excessive? There's no such thing. (birds chirping) (farting) Try not to enjoy this, baker lady. I'll do my best. (whispers): Tightening, brightening. Tightening, brightening. (laughs) (gasps) (sighs) (whispers): Happy place, happy place. (humming) Oh, that's always the worst part. (gasps, shrieks) I can feel you smiling. (bird chirping) (majestic music) COURT HERALD: Her Majesty, the Queen! His Royal Highness, the Prince... (crowd gasps) ...of Valencia! In folklore, the rabbit is known to use cunning and trickery to outwit his enemies. ALCOTT: Or perhaps you prefer your guests feel out of control and slightly uncomfortable. Handsome and smart. How confusing. Hey, kid, scram. (snaps fingers) (waltz music playing) (chuckles) You. -You! -You're here. I-I am. I'm here, but... You're the prince? I'm sorry, seeing you in this dress has caused me to lose my words. Well, at least it doesn't cause you to lose your pants. (sighs) I mean... ...when I met you first, -you weren't wearing pants. -Yes. Well, at least now you're dressed... -up... -(man grunts) like a bunny. Apparently, it's a rabbit. Something about trickery and enemies and cunning. Oh, okay. -I look like an idiot. -Yes, a little bit. (both laugh) So, what are you... Doing in the palace? Um, I live here. I have for a while, actually. I'm kind of the princess. -What? You didn't tell me that. -Well, you never told me -you're a prince. -(man gasps) I feared I looked ridiculous. Said the prince in the bunny hat. (chuckles) Aren't we supposed to be changing? Yes, I believe so. Oh! Oh! -Ah-ah-ah! -Sorry! I'm so, so sorry! No, no, no. It's okay. It's okay. It's okay. Forgive me. No, no, no, forgive me. The truth is, I didn't just come here to dance tonight. -I need your help. -Anything. I'm at your disposal. It's the queen. Ever since my father died, she's terrorised the people and ruined the land. And I would hope that a good-hearted prince like yourself would... I have to go. -Brighton. -Right away. Sir. (panting) (gasps) (hat squeaks) (crowd applauding) You sneaky little tart. What were you doing talking to my prince? Your prince? And where did you get such a dress? Do you want to talk about my dress or what you did to the village? Good for you, Snow White. Someone's been taking their confidence pills, hmm? Do it again. Say it again. Come on. Oh, you're no fun. Brighton, you do it. Do you want to talk about my dress or about what you did to the village? Not irritating enough. Come on, say it again. Be more irritating, more infuriating, hmm? (high-pitched): Do you want to talk about my dress or about what you did to the village? Actually, you're both irritating. I've been there. I've seen what you did to the people. You left the castle grounds? Wow. Snow White breaking all the rules today, hmm? That's a punishable offence, you know. By whose law?! You have no right to rule the way you do. -Hmm. -And technically, I'm the rightful leader of this kingdom. (gasps softly) Hmm. Probably not the best thing you could have said just there. (thunder rumbling) 1 I want her killed. Killed? Your Majesty, isn't that a bit rash? She is a threat to everything. Take her to the woods and feed her to the beast. Is this about the dress? (thunder crashing) (dramatic, sombre music) Keep moving. Just let me go. I swear you'll never see me again. You think I want to be here? You brought this on yourself. You never should have upstaged the queen, and now we're both paying the price. Stop. Brighton, please. Turn around. (twig snaps, Brighton gasps) -(animal roars) -Please. Brighton, I'm afraid. I don't want to die like my father did. Your father was a good man. He was always very kind to me. In return, I shall give you one small piece of advice. Run. Run as fast as you can and as far away from here as possible. Just run. (twig snaps, thunder rumbling) Like this. Run! Brighton! Run! (animal roars) (grunts) BRIGHTON: What am I going to do? I got to figure some way out. She'll never believe me. QUEEN: Brighton. (gasps) Brighton! Coming! Coming. (knocking) Your Majesty. Is it done? Oh. Just as you instructed. That's her liver, her kidneys, her spleen. -That's disgusting. -And a few other assorted parts. Oh... -I'll admit... -(grunts) I'm impressed. You're not as... pathetic and wimpy as I have always believed. That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me. Wow! I feel amazing. Positively light-headed. I'm just glad to see you in such a good mood. (sighs) -Oh. -Yes. We must release the news of the tragedy, right? The usual stuff-- you know, "struck down in her youth," "terrible loss." We'll fly the flags at half-mast. Flags throughout the kingdom or just within the palace grounds? That's too much trouble. Forget the flags. Her parts. Your dagger. (sighs) -Night-night. -Night-night. Don't let the bedbugs bite. Glory! (gentle music) (chuckles) (giggling) She's awake. Who are you? We ask the questions here. Who are you? My name is Snow White. DWARFS: Snow White? -That's not possible. -Snow White's a defective troll. Yeah. They keep her locked up in the tower. Maybe this is a different Snow White. -Huh? -It's not such an uncommon name. If you're Snow White, then... who's your father? The king. She is Snow White. See? (grunts) I say never trust anyone over four feet. Yeah. Let's drag her back out to the woods and pretend -like we didn't see nothing. -No! You fools. -She's a princess. -That means she's valuable. -We should hold her for ransom. -She's worth lots of gold. Maybe we should get to know her first. You won't get any gold for me. They want me dead-- the queen sent me out here -to be killed by the beast. -(gasping, murmuring) Why would the queen want you dead? Because she's wicked. -She's evil. -(murmurs of agreement) -A witch. -You remember that time? Sorry, but we have an appointment to keep. So it's time for girlie to shuffle along. Oh, wait. You... you can't just kick me out. -I have nowhere else to go. -Look, the queen finds you here, she'll kill us, too. Mm-hmm. All I'm asking is to spend one night. Please. Huddle! All right, you guys, let me hear it. (all talking at once) All those in favour of letting the girl stay, -say, "Aye." -Aye. -Opposed? -Nay. (groaning, sighing) Tough luck, Your Highness. Sorry, Snow White. All votes need to be unanimous. (growls) One night. -Thank you. -(chuckling) -Come on, guys. Duty calls. -Oh, wait. I don't even know your names. I'm Butcher. Will Grimm. Half-Pint. Napoleon. Grub. Chuck. GRUB: But you can call him Chuckles. (laughing) GRIMM: Stay focused, and no more arguing. Maybe I should stay back with her. -I think she might be uncomfortable. -No! And I'm Wolf. (howls) (Wolf howling) Boys... -I like her. -Yeah, me, too. -She'll bring a feminine touch. -If you ask me, -she's just going to bring the queen's guards. -(laughing) -You think she has a boyfriend? -Yeah. Me. (grunting) (howling) -Snow White is dead. -(servants gasping) One of God's great mysteries is his plan for each and every one of us. (muttering): Speed it up. Snow White lived, she died. God rest her soul. Amen. There will be a buffet lunch served at 2:00. (low chatter) Magistrate, I have come for the taxes. (coins jingling) The people cannot bear this much longer. Are you seriously going to argue about money on this day of grieving? (sighs) (horse neighing) (neighing) (humming) (grunting) (neighing) (neighing) (neighing) That's odd. (yells) (groaning) What do we have here? Looks like a royal to me. Are you a royal? No, no. Not a royal; just a humble servant. You're riding in the queen's sled. No. Th-This is a rental. Well, you're wearing royal garments. These tired old rags? You boys have got to get out of the woods more often. What's in that pretty sack? (coins jingling) My lunch. Good. I'm famished. What are we eating? Boys, the mother lode! (laughter, murmuring) BRIGHTON: Give me that! That money belongs to the queen. Don't spend it all in one place. (grunting) Nothing like an honest day's work. -Beats working down a mine. -(jingling) (clears throat) Welcome home. (sniffing) Lamb. Carrots. Gravy! -I say she's a keeper. -Sure, she is. -(chuckling): Oh, man. -Thank you. -You're welcome. -It's amazing. (low chatter) Why do you have palace guard uniforms? We got them at work. What kind of job do you have? We're... renegades. -Rebels. -Thieves! That's true. We stole the queen's gold. You broke into the palace? Nah. We nabbed it outside the village. So you actually stole the people's gold. -(chuckling) -Not exactly. Yes, exactly. That's the people's money. Why, that's terrible. They need it. You must return it. We worked hard for that money. Stealing isn't work. -Sure, it's work. -It's hard. Tore my shirt, had to sew it. That's work. Oh, well, I'm sorry you got a few scrapes, but the townspeople need that money. They hate us. Well, that can't be true. WOLF: It is. They despise us. GRIMM: Years ago, when the queen expelled all the undesirables, no one stood up for us. She said... "Banish all the uglies." You've been mistreated by the queen. No one understands that better than me. It's unfair, but so is stealing from innocent families. We weren't always thieves. -We were legitimate. -With real trades. -And I was a teacher. -And I was a butcher. And I ran the pub-- a good, honest job. Honest? It was almost honest. I stole a little. -A little? -It's a cash business! That's your excuse? Hey, everybody does it, all right? -I didn't. -Neither did I. Uh, you put your thumb on the scale. -I did not. -Did, too! And you cheat at poker! -I win at poker. -You cheat at poker? (all arguing) Hey! Where's the gold? (all shouting) (panting) -Whoa! -Move it. (panting) Forget the stilts! Come on! (all grunting) (panting) Good thing she's in that dress, -otherwise we'd never catch her. -MAGISTRATE: My friends, our money has been returned! (cheering) It was brought back to us by... Come up here, young lady, -and tell us your name. -GRIMM: Where is she? -I'm... I... -GRIMM: That belongs to us! Hold on a second! B-By those men there! -Move! -SNOW WHITE: Those men, uh... they're the ones that... that brought back the gold. The queen told you that they were undesirables, but... but she lied. Huh? These... brave men are the true heroes. They fearlessly raided the queen's caravan and... -Huh? -(chuckling) ...retrieved your gold. (chuckling) They're the ones that really deserve your thanks. (cheering) Yeah! Are you enjoying the quail? Mmm. Looks delicious, Your Highness. Thank you. I could barely hear you all the way down there. You know, everyone has remarked what a wonderful dancer you were last night. Oh, thank you, Your Highness. I do have one question about the evening. There was a girl there. She had black hair and was very beautiful. Beautiful? Yes, I'd say she was the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. "Ever" is a very long time. No, no, no. I know this in my heart. I-I think she's the most beautiful woman in the whole world. Agree to disagree. Let's leave it at that. But do you know her? She had ivory skin, black hair. Her hair is not black; it's raven. And she's 18 years old, and her skin has never seen the sun, so of course it's good. Meaning to say, the girl you refer to is called Snow White. Snow White? I admit, she's very suited to the name. (scoffs) Well... (clears throat) Most unfortunate case, really. The child wasn't all there. I'm sorry, Your Highness. You're speaking about her in past tense? Oh, I-I am. How indelicate of me. She's dead. -Dead? -Mmm. -How? -Last night in the woods. Oh, treacherous place, the woods. -This is terrible. -Do you need a second? Yes, thank you. I just need to process. Oh. Prince Alcott, I have a proposition for you. We're both single adults, roughly the same age. -I don't think we're really the same... -Well, I said roughly. The point is, the clock is ticking for both of us. We are people of means. Would you do me the honour and be my... -(knocking on door) -A moment, please. (door opens) What? (scoffs) Pardon my appearance, Your Majesty, but there's been a development. The royal taxes have been stolen. Stolen? By whom? -Bandits. -Bandits? Uh-huh. Bandits. Very intimidating. I'm sorry. I can't take this anymore. Enough of these cowardly muggers! Justice must prevail. Wait. Wait! Well, thank you, Brighton (!) This close! (whistles) Huddle! BUTCHER: The deal's off. She stole our money. (all talking at once) ALL: You can stay. (sighs) But we've got conditions. If you're going to live with us, you have to be one of us. I have to be a... a dwarf? No. He means you have to be a thief. I feel I've been pretty clear about my thoughts on stealing. What if you were stealing from the queen? You said yourself she's wicked. Somebody has to stop her. Why not you? Why not us? I mean... us. But this time, I have conditions. Whatever we steal goes back to the people. Minus a small commission. -DWARFS: Butcher! -BUTCHER: Fine. But she doesn't know the first thing about thieving. Then we'll teach her. We'll teach her to believe. GRIMM: People think you can't be tall if you're short. That you can't be strong if you're not. A weakness is only a weakness if you think of it that way. (gasps) Never, under any circumstances, give up the high ground. That one. (grunting) (laughing) Before you even draw your sword, you must make an impression on your enemy. If he is deceived by the way you look, the battle's half won. (grunting) (both laughing) People think of you as sweet. They don't expect you to fight dirty. -Use that to your advantage. -Whoo! Yes! (sighs, grunts) Concentrate. GRIMM: Your weapon isn't your only friend. GRIMM: The environment can be an ally, too. (grunting) Deception on the battlefield isn't just an option. You're so cute when you're mad. GRIMM: Oftentimes, it's the difference between victory and defeat. (chuckling) (grunting) (laughter) (applause) (yelps) (Snow White yells, Butcher screams) -(grunts) -(laughter) SNOW WHITE: Hey, I'm sorry. -But you deserved it. (horse sputters) (tense music) This is where we were ambushed last time. Keep your eyes open. (woman gasps) (panting) I'm so sorry, sir, I'll be out of your way in a moment. Oh. Oh, dear. Ma'am? May I offer you any assistance? Oh, no. Sorry, sir. Everything's all right. I'll just be... It's you. It's you. I thought you were dead. I almost was. (men howling, whooping) Give us your valuables! Stay behind me. You'll be safe. (grunts, laughs) Here you go. You're with the bandits? You're with the queen! You're a traitor. And you're a jerk. Hyah! All right, that's enough. Stop this at once. I can't fight you. Why not? 'Cause you're a girl. I don't fight girls. Perhaps I should reconsider. (grunts) (grunting) The queen did say you were crazy. She also said I was dead! Watch out for that tree! (grunts) The queen has you in her thrall. Can't you see she's manipulating you? That is absurd. (yells) The queen would be just fine if you and your friends stopped robbing her! (whip cracks) Let's go for a ride! (laughs) Ow! (groans) Hmm. Yield. (Wolf howling) Should we help her? Glad you've come to your sen... Eh, she's doing pretty good on her own. Ow! (panting) If you weren't trying to stab me right now, I might be tempted to kiss you. I guess I better keep trying, then. Hmm. Remember this? Yeah. Remember this? Argh! Please forgive me. No, forgive me. You've been bested, so yield. Put it down. We're done playing. Or did you not learn enough from your spankings? (chuckles) You even throw like a... (neighs) (groans) (both laughing) (howls) Why do you have to be so darn cute? What? (pained grunt) 1 Well, well, Prince Alcott. We must stop meeting like this. We were ambushed. Bandits caught us by surprise. You went to the woods to find the bandits, and yet the bandits caught you by surprise? I must admit, we were out-skilled. Their leader was incredibly ruthless and cunning. -She was a... -She? The bandits' leader is a she? The bandits' leader is Snow White. (laughing) (laughs weakly) Impossible, sir. Snow White is dead. Perhaps it was just someone who looked like Snow White. It was definitely Snow White. You were in the forest. It was dark. I think we should at least open ourselves up to the possibility that it was just someone who looked a lot like the late Snow White. What a fun surprise. Agree to disagree. -You told me she was dead. -He said she was dead. -I wish I was dead. -You also told me -she was mad. -She is mad. Not as mad as I am, however. So which is it? She's mad or she's dead? Because she seemed completely sound of mind when she and her band of dwarfs... Dwarfs? You said they were giants. They're... giant dwarfs. They're big, but sometimes small. Well, I feel I have been deceived. -No, no, I am being deceived. -Well, I feel... Oh, for the love of God, could someone please get this man a shirt so I can concentrate? Not you, Brighton. -Not you. -ALCOTT: All I know is I've been misled either by you or by Snow, and I find this current line of events to be completely confusing. Confusing? A fine word. A grand word for this situation. In years to come, when people look upon the word "confusing," they will point to this very afternoon when the world learned that a dead girl was alive leading around a band of giant dwarfs. (groans) And here I was having such a good day. (sighs) Mirror, Mirror, on the wall. Is she really alive? I was going to tell you, but I thought it would be more entertaining to let you find out on your own. (sighs) I don't understand. Brighton said he fed her to the beast. Brighton fell victim to her beauty, just like all the others. (sighs) I need your magic. There is a price to using magic. What is this price you're always going on about? Do you have to be cryptic? I just want her dead! So short-sighted. I need to do something about this prince. Forget the prince. Perhaps the baron is more your speed. No. I want to marry the prince. His heart yearns for Snow White. Well, use the love potion from before. The one I served to her father. You used it up. You've used up too much... Oh, and I want Brighton dead, too. Don't overreact. MIRROR: Kill Brighton, and you'll be without your executive bootlicker. That's a very good point. But he has to be punished for lying to me. Do something terrible to him. Use your magic! -You'll pay the price. -Yes, I know! I will pay the price for using magic. I've got it. Now, punish him! (snaps fingers) (screaming) (high-pitched screaming) (gentle music) (clears throat) Entree. You wish to see me, Your Highness? A peace offering. Thank you, Highness. I don't feel like drinking. Because... you are a man in love. Is it that obvious? Unburden yourself. I-I just... I don't understand, Your Majesty. I don't. I met her in the forest, and she seemed so kind. And then, at the dance, she was lovely and charming and... Perfection, really. But then, today, it was... Her true colours were revealed. Snow White... is a very erratic girl. Some would even call her high-maintenance. Love can be so difficult. Love always is. I thought I had found my ideal man until he was... (sniffs) ...struck down in his prime. You're right. We must honour the late king. -We must. -A fallen hero must be remembered. Must. Oh, no. Gold is my lucky colour. Of course. (swallows) Mmm. (grunting) (thud) (Alcott panting) -What are you doing? -(whimpers) -Master! -(screams) Get off! Get off! Sit! Sit! (gasps) "Love." Puppy? Puppy love. What am I supposed to do with a puppy? (whimpers) We're going to have so much fun. You could take me on walks. You... you could throw sticks. I will retrieve them! You can rub my tummy. All off-topic. -What I need you to do is marry me. -Yes. I will. I will do that. I will marry you because I love you. I love you to the edge of the four corners of the Earth. I love you to the edge of the Seven Seas. -Really? -I do! I do! You're my master! (screams, laughs) (laughing) Stop! Fetch! -Fetch. -(whimpers) (whimpering) Go get it. Go get it! (barking) There are pros and cons to this. (sighs) 1 GRIMM: Can't you ever just enjoy the moment? HALF-PINT: Hey! (grunts) Hey! Who put that tree there? Oh boy. Hey! Listen. You guys are never going to believe what I heard at the... pub. -GRIMM: What? -SNOW WHITE: What? Shh! Queen is getting married. -BUTCHER: What? -NAPOLEON: Again? -GRIMM: Not good. -GRUB: What's on the menu? Who's she marrying, the baron? No! She's marrying the prince. Why would he do that? Why... Why would you care? Could someone pass the potatoes, please? When's the wedding? Tomorrow, down at the lake. Potatoes, please. What? (sniffles) Hey, it's just a private little affair. What was that all about? Idiot. Can't you see she loves him? (chuckling): Loves him? He tried to kill her today. Exactly. What do you think love is? Love is someone passing the potatoes. I love you, Grub. -That was meant for him. -Good aim. NAPOLEON: Somebody has to go after her. BUTCHER: Look, she's a girl. Girls cry. It's no big deal. HALF-PINT: Wow. No wonder his wife left him. (dwarfs arguing) QUEEN (voice-over): I want her killed. Snow White. I need your magic. Just give me whatever you've got! I just want her dead. -HALF-PINT: What is that? -WOLF: It's black magic. Guys? Guys! (grunting) The stilts! Whoa! Grub! Come on! I got you! (sputtering) Behind you! (growling) Inside! Move! Move! (grunts) Hey. (laughing) (screams) (creaking, crunching) Why do you have to bring your pot? Look out! Tree! GRIMM: Come on! Come on! (grunting) CHUCK: Go, Butcher! Whoa! -Butcher! -Aah! (laughs) HALF-PINT: Go, go, go! (grunts) Higher ground! Higher ground! -Butcher! -You okay? -I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine. -(laughing) -Go! Underneath the beds! BUTCHER: Hide! (grunting) -Come on! -What is that? -(laughing) -(screams) Split up! Hurry! Hurry! Get in! BUTCHER: He's above you! Look up here! Over here! (grunts, chuckles) Move over! Move over! -(pained grunting) -Huh? -(laughs) -(screaming) -(grunting) -NAPOLEON: Wolf! -We got to fight back! -(fierce grunting) (blows raspberries) (barks) WOLF: You're mean! (taunting laughs) (grunting) -(blows raspberries) -(howls) (panting) (dwarfs taunting) NAPOLEON: No! Wolf, no! Let it go! (grunting) -(puppet laughs) -(screaming) (panting) (screaming) (grunts) They're puppets. Butcher! (screaming) (chuckles) (groans) (screaming) Are you okay? (whimpering softly) (majestic music) What's he doing? (sniffing) Is that the custom in Valencia? (scoffs) -(Margaret groans) -Must... -(grunts) -...look... -(both groan) -...glorious. (gasps) This is every woman's special day. Well, how special can it be? You've been married five times. Quiet! (sighs) Happy place, happy place, happy place. (Margaret grunts) (Brighton crying out) (breathing heavily) (screaming) (screaming) (stammering) I was a cockroach. (sobs) It was a nightmare. I was crunchy and small and frightened by exposure to light. Everybody tried to step on me! And then, in a strange turn of events, a grasshopper took advantage of me. All very fascinating, but it is my wedding day. We're not interested in your adventures. -Cinch me up. -But... -I was a... -Cinch it. (exhales) Out of my way, baker lady. (grunting) (whoops, laughs) I knew I was the same size. Untether me. (clears throat) (sighs) Time for me to get rich. (laughing): I mean "hitched." Bring around the sled. (dwarfs snore) NAPOLEON: Guys, wake up. Wake up. Guys, wake up! (dwarfs grunting) Snow's gone. DWARFS: What? GRUB: Did you check the kitchen? (Half-Pint exhales, Grimm grunts) She must have left when we slept. Impossible. She'd never just leave us like that. Did she make us breakfast? No, but... she left a note. Let me see that. "Dear Butcher, Napoleon, Grub, Half-Pint, "Wolf, Chuck, and Grimm, "I'm so sorry to leave. "I love you all dearly, b..." All? She, she loves us all? Keep reading. (voice breaking): "I love you all dearly, "but I've realised "that my presence "can only cause you harm. "I thought I was strong enough to do this, but I am not. "I am not my father, much as I wish I was. "I am not a leader. "I'll go someplace far away "where I can be safe from the queen, "but I know I will forever cherish our time together. "Love, Snow. "Grub, I left you a tall stack of pancakes on the stove." I don't want pancakes. I want Snow. OK. Let's, uh, consider all our options, and then, then we'll... we'll put it to a vote. BUTCHER: No. No huddle and no vote. We go after her now. Come on, guys, she couldn't have gone far. Wolf, you track her. (breathes heavily) Snow? (all grunt) ALL: Snow. You were supposed to let me leave. No, no, don't leave us. NAPOLEON: You can't just give up now. What about the prince? He loves someone else. You-You know what? She's right, he, he does, actually. That's impossible. I never had a chance with the prince, just like I never had a chance against the queen. Snow, you once told us that because people are mean to us, we can still steal from them, as long as they're not poor children. That's not what she said. NAPOLEON: I was taking poetic license. Snow, you took seven thieving dwarfs who thought they had no other chance in life, and you gave them another choice. You were strong enough to do that. BUTCHER: We don't see a little girl when we look at you, Snow. -We see a princess. -And a leader. -Our leader. -Your kingdom needs you. I need you. I mean, we need you. Who feels like crashing a wedding? (dwarfs cheering) (Wolf howls) 1 Hyah! Hyah! (gasps) (woman gasps, Chuck giggles) MAN: Oh, hello. -Oh. -How lovely -to see you. -I was just asking for you. -(woman giggles) -I was just remarking to your cousin over there... -Or was it there? -Oh. (hums) Mmm. (grunts, clears throat) (guard grunts) (dwarf whistles) (guards grunt) (gasps) (woman shrieks, guests murmur) (grunts) Excuse me. (woman shrieks, guests gasp) This is a stickup. Give us your money. And your clothes. -No. -Did he say "clothes"? You cannot do this to me again. (grunts, whimpers) (cheerful music) No matter how many times I do it... I still get excited on my wedding day. (chuckles) (horses neighing) Ho! (wind whistling) (indistinct chatter) (Baron clears throat) QUEEN: Oh. (Baron clears throat) QUEEN: Oh. What is it with this kingdom? -This is outrageous. -Hmm. -Insulting. -Your Majesty, if you are unfit to handle a few bandits, you are unfit to rule. The gentry want you deposed. Oh, I-I'm sorry, Baron, did you say...? Deposed, dismissed, removed from office! Okay. Could someone get the prince, please? I'm afraid he's not here, -Your Majesty. -Excuse me? The prince has been stolen. By whom? ALL: Snow White. Ha. If you want someone dead, you have to do it yourself. (Alcott growling) (whimpering and panting) (sobbing) You have to take me back to my precious queen! -Enough already! -You don't understand! I yearn for the nectar of her skin. "Nectar of her skin"? Who talks like that? He must be under some kind of spell. A spell? Well, that sounds like the queen. (Alcott panting) (whining) Anyone know how to break a spell? (high-pitched whimpering) (barking and growling) (cries) (puzzled grunt) -(Alcott yelps) -DWARFS: Oh. (coughs) (high-pitched whimpering) (sobbing): My only pain is being absent from my queen. (dwarfs sigh) (grunting, cuckoo clock sound, loud gong) -GRIMM: There you go. -(high-pitched whimper) There you go, buddy. (coughs) (laughter) (horn blowing loudly) (chanting, bells jingling) (growls) (sobbing) (howling mournfully) (sighs) Anyone have any more ideas? I've got it. Can't believe I didn't think of this before. A kiss. Excuse me? The kiss of true love is what liberates someone from a spell. That is the stupidest idea I've ever heard. NAPOLEON: And boxing his ears -was a fabulous idea. -She is not kissing anybody. -Who put you in charge of her lips? -That's final! (dwarfs arguing) Guys! (clears throat) It's not how a girl imagines her first kiss, but... ...I guess it's worth a try. Wait. This is your first kiss? We can do better than this. DWARFS: Napoleon! This is her first kiss. Do not mess with me on this. Mm-hmm. Please don't do this. No-no-no-no-no. No-no-no-no-no, no-no-no-no-no. No-no-no-no! Don't sit! Don't sit, don't... Just close your eyes. (groans) Mm-mm, mm-mm, mm-mm, mm-mm, mm-mm, mm-mm, mm-mm... I can't do this. I need a little privacy. Please? Come on. (dwarfs grumbling) Come back to me. Mm-mm. Please? (grunting) Do you think she's enjoying herself? Yes, I do. A lot? Yes. The queen... (dwarfs groan) HALF-PINT: I told you it wouldn't work. (dwarfs grumbling) ...is nothing compared to you. (dwarfs laugh, chatter excitedly) (cheering) Snow White, you taste of strawberries. (laughs) How did you do that? (horse neighs) GRIMM: Could you imagine the prince being married to the queen his entire life? (dwarfs chattering) Wait-wait-wait, what are you talking about, married to the queen the rest of my life? I don't even like the queen. It's true. You were under her spell. You even yearned for the nectar of her skin. GRUB: No, it was, "You don't understand." DWARFS: "I yearn for the nectar of her skin!" Oh, that is bizarre. Thank you for saving me. I think also when we met, I may have called you children, as well as other cruel names. I was wrong. I apologise. BUTCHER: That's OK. You're not the twit we thought you were either. -Butcher! -(dwarfs murmuring) Is he always like this? (rumbling) The beast! (roaring outside) He never comes to this side of the woods. It's here for me. Gentlemen, I can think of no greater group of warriors to lead into battle,... (cheering) ...but this is my fight. What? Did she just go out the...? -Out the door. -Oh! -Snow! Snow, open the door. -Snow! Open the door! You know, all that time locked up in the castle, I did a lot of reading. -Snow. -I read so many stories where the prince saves the princess in the end. Open the door. Open the door, Snow. I think it's time we change that ending. No, no, Snow, you're trying to mess with tried-and-true storytelling. It's been focus-grouped, and it works. Just let me save you. Please, open the door! Open the door, Snow! It was the perfect first kiss. -Snow, Snow. Snow! Snow! (pounding) Open the-- Snow! Snow, Snow! Open the door, Snow! Back up! Back up! Back up! Back up! (grunts) DWARFS: Yeah! (panting) DWARFS: Yeah! DWARFS: Yeah. You might only drive short distances to work each day. You might park securely at work. You may not drive your car to work at all. At Youi, we tailor your insurance premium to how you use or don't use your car. It could save you lots. Call: 1 If you're looking for me, I'm right here! (beast roars) (gasping) DWARFS: Yeah. DWARFS: Yeah. (panting) (beast roars) (gasping) You?! (wolf howling) What are you doing here? Oh, getting a breath of air, clearing my head. I don't know if you heard, but my bridegroom was stolen. (beast roars) (neighs) (gasps) The beast doesn't frighten you? He does whatever I want. Did you want him to slaughter my father? (growling) Shh, precious. This one will be... easy. I'm made of more than you think. Hmm. (growls) Die well, Snow White. (clucks tongue) (panting) (groans): Yeah. My compliments on your carpentry. Wait, don't you have a key? Idiot. Give me that. Go. I think I finally found something worth fighting for. DWARFS: Yeah! Why do we keep getting locked in our own house?! Snow! Snow! (panting) (panting) (grunts) (panting) (gasps) (beast grunting) (bird squawks in distance) -(dwarfs grunting) -Guys. -(dwarfs grunting) -Guys. (dwarfs grunting) Hey, guys! You know we have a spare, right? -(Grub grunts) -GRIMM: Let him through, let him through. (panting) (both gasp) You! What are you doing here? I figured if I am going to die, I might as well die with the one I love. (wings flapping) (both gasp) Go, run! (beast grunts) (both panting) -SNOW WHITE: Dive! -(Alcott grunts) (both panting) -(overlapping chatter) -Let's go. -After 'em! -Where is she? -Snow! -Snow! -The tracks. -This way, this way! GRUB: Guys! Should I lock up, guys? DWARFS: No! (rustling) (both gasp) (beast moans) (grunting) (Alcott grunting) (yells) (beast howls, Snow White grunts) (laughing) (wings flapping) (beast moans) (dwarfs grunting) -Right in the eye. -Bombs away! -Take that. Fight someone your own size. (all yelling) (beast snarls) (dwarfs yelling and grunting) (groaning) QUEEN (voice-over): A dark magic invaded the land. The kingdom fell into an icy despair... and the queen realised if she wanted to remain the most beautiful in all the land, Snow would have to do what snow does best. Snow would have to fall. (snow crunches) Wolf. We've got to give this to Snow. (grunts) Give it to Snow. (Alcott grunting, beast snarling) Give me that. Here, Snow. (beast moans, Alcott grunts) -(Snow White gasps) -GRIMM: Snow! Snow! (panting) (whines) K-Kill it! (whimpers) (Snow White screams, beast gasps) (beast groaning) Are you ready to discover the price for using magic? (gasps) (panting) WOLF: Who's the guy with the crown? Father? How much does that crown cost? Snow? CHUCK: I don't know, but it looks expensive. You're alive. (panting) I can't believe you're alive. (panting) But I don't understand. You're all grown up. (panting) You've been under the queen's spell. You were just a child. I know. It's a long story. (chuckles) And who are these young men? A prince who risked his life to save our kingdom... and, uh... his most valiant soldiers. (dwarfs murmur and clear throats) ALCOTT: That's very kind, thank you, but the princess is more than capable of handling things on her own. Nonetheless, for your bravery, we shall be forever in your debt. Tell me... how can I repay you? -Gold. -A feast? -Ale? -A-A girlfriend. -(King chuckles) -ALCOTT: Highness, there is but one thing I desire. Among the privileges... afforded a king... there is none greater... than the power... to join two people together... in matrimony. Prince Alcott, you found this kingdom caught in the clutches of greed and vanity, but you did not retreat. You entered the fight. We all owe you and your brave compatriots... ...a great debt of gratitude. Snow White, my daughter... ...this kingdom was fortunate, for in my absence, you never stopped believing in yourself and grew into the woman I knew you would always become. Despite impossible odds, you faced the queen and defeated her, forever ridding this land of her wretched ways. (cheering) Therefore, by the power vested in me by, well... by me... (laughter) (clears throat) I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride. Do I still have to say "please"? (cheering and applause) Hear, hear! I always cry at weddings. Me too. Are you single? Hey, you guys. Snow. Snow. (indistinct chatter) Congratulations, Snow. Thank you so much, thank you. -Congratulations, my dear. -Oh, thank you, Magistrate. (chuckles) QUEEN: It would warm my ancient heart if you could accept this modest gift on your wedding day. Oh, that's very kind of you. Just one bite... for good fortune. To the fairest of them all. (metal scrapes) Age before beauty. It's important to know when you've been beaten. Yes. So it was Snow White's story after all. (wind howling) (cheerful music) (people exclaim) (people whisper) ("I Believe in Love" playing) # Ah. # I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, # I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe in love, love, love, love, love. (Wolf howls) # When you can't see the forest for the trees, # follow the colours of your dreams. # Just turn to friends. # Their help transcends to love. -# Love. -# Love. -# Love. -# Love, love, love. -# Love. -# Love. # I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, # I believe, I believe, I believe. -# I believe in love, love. -# Love, love. # I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, # I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe in love. -# Love. -# Love. -# Love. -# Love, love, love. -# Oh! Oh! # The winter's finally passing on. # The king is back, the queen is gone. (cheering) # Come dance with me, cos now we're free to love. -# Love. -# Love. -# Love. -# Love, love, love. -# Oh! Oh! # Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo. Doo, doo, doo-doo, doo, doo, doo. Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo. # Doo, doo, doo-doo, doo, doo, doo. # Ah-oh. # I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, # I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe in love. -# Love. -# Love. -# Love. # I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, # I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe in love. -# Love. -# Love. -# Love. # Love, love, love. Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo. # Doo, doo, doo-doo, doo, doo, doo. Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo. Doo, doo, doo-doo, doo, doo, doo. # Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo. Doo, doo, doo-doo, doo, doo, doo. Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo. # Doo, doo, doo-doo, doo, doo, doo. # Love, love, love. # Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo. Doo, doo, doo-doo, doo, doo, doo. Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo. # Doo, doo, doo-doo, doo, doo, doo. # Love, love, love. # www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Able 2014.