Banjo the Woodpile Cat (film)/Transcript

Prelude
(Scene opens to a war-razed battleground.)

Narrator - The year is 1944, and World War II rages on... (Soldiers charge in the battle field as other soldiers fall from bullet wounds and other injuries.) Soldiers were killed, and innocent people shared their fate.

Overlapping Radio voices - The U.S. Army provided Chocolate Bars and gum for rations... Colossus, also known as the first large-scale computer cracks Nazi Code... US penicillin to be used to treat soldiers of blood poisoning... Shoe rationing begins in the USA... Japanese-Americans are confined to internment camps... Navajo Code Talkers aid the Allied Forces... Silk to be used as Parachutes... G.I. Bill arranges Tuitions for those going to War... Alaska Highway built... US Garbage to be recycled for the World War II Industry...

Narrator - But as the great war was still going on, Somewhere far away in a small farming community in Utah, Winter was about to end... (the scene transitions to a small farm, with the scene stopping to a mailbox which says "The Bluth's".) In this farm, lived the Bluth Family. They weren't rich or famous, but, They were happy all the same. In fact, Our story begins with a young farm cat, named Amber. She lived in the farm for over a year, and since Winter was nearing its end, Amber was hoping to have a family of Her own. and soon... (She encounters a Red Cat hiding in the barn, as four miners ran past.)

Miner - Rusty's around Here somewhere in this town. He can't have gone far.

Miner 2 - Search the town. He can't hide forever. (They rush off as Amber enters the barn.)

Amber - So, Your name's Rusty?

Rusty - Shh! If They spot Me, They'll drag Me to the mines. If You promise not to rat Me out, I'll work at this farm for the rest of My nine lives.

Amber - You don't have to promise anything. (She sees the miners leave the town.) It's okay. They're gone. (He looks into Amber's eyes.)

Narrator - It was at that moment, that Rusty the cat who ran away from the miners, asked Amber to marry Him. and in a human's heartbeat, She accepted and married on the first of Spring. In a few months, Amber taught Rusty on the tasks a farm cat does. Scaring away the crows, eliminating the pests like mice and rats, and of course, keeping out intruders. And even though the Bluths spotted Rusty, the owner attempted to shoo Rusty away, but the farmer’s wife stopped Him and accepted the new cat in the farm. Life was beautiful for the cats. Then, one night in November... (Scene changes to a sleeping Rusty and a stirring Amber in a woodpile.)

Amber - Rusty...? (shakes Rusty's shoulder.) Rusty, If it's alright, I want to say I'm going to have kittens.

Rusty - Well, alright. (Nuzzles Amber, then opens one of His eyes in shock.) Did You say Kittens?

Amber - Yes, I did. Are there any problems?

Rusty - No! No. No problems.

Amber - Ah. good. (She nuzzles Rusty as the scene goes up to the night sky.)

Chapter 1: Birth of Banjo
(Rusty is seen asleep in the woodpile, then Amber shakes Rusty's shoulder)

Amber - Rusty! They're here! (Rusty stirs and sees Amber.) Look! (Rusty turns and looks at three hairless kittens around Her stomach.)

Rusty - Ohhhh, My. They're... adorable. Have You decided on names?

Amber - Well, I named Our daughters Emily and Jean. But, I couldn't think of a good name for Him.

Rusty - Uh... (hears banjo music from a radio.) There goes Virgil again, playing that Banjo music on the radio...

Amber - Banjo...? Very cute name.

Rusty - Oh, Uh... (Blushes.)

Amber - Also, once their eyes open, Will You promise to let them stay up watching the night sky?

Rusty - I promise. (gently places His paw on Banjo's head, then starts to worry.)

Narrator - Rusty didn't know much about parenting, but Amber was willing to advise Him in just about every step of the way. and after just Eight Days... or Nine...

(A few days later, On a moonless night, Banjo and his sisters have grown a little with fur and are about to open their eyes in a few moments.)

Amber - Rusty. Get ready. They're about to open their eyes. (Banjo opens His Eyes first, but slowly, then Jean, then Emily.)

Rusty: Hello there. (in Banjo’s point of view, He sees a blurry Rusty, then the blurs even out.)

(Each of the kittens rise up and look around in curiosity. Banjo slowly approaches Rusty.)

Rusty: Hello there, Banjo.

(Banjo looks up and sees His father’s face. Then, Banjo feels His father’s wrist, and falls asleep.)

Amber: He sure takes after You, Rusty.

Rusty: He sure is.

(Rusty softly scratches Banjo‘s head as Emily and Jean approach Amber)

Amber - Now, as You promised, Rusty...

Rusty - Agreed. Kids, come look at the sky. (They look up.) It’s beautiful, isn’t it? (The kittens are delighted to see the stars in the sky.) Banjo? (Banjo turns around) Son, You were the first to open your eyes, that makes You the eldest of the litter. as the oldest sibling, You also have an obligation to keep your sisters safe from harm.

Narrator - And that is the start of the adventurous kitten, named Banjo. (Opening Credits appear with still images of Banjo and His sisters reading a book, Banjo on a tree branch, waving to His father, Banjo hopping on the stepping stones, Banjo on a piece of wood floating on a pond, Banjo coming out of the leaves, scaring His sisters, Banjo chased by some puppies, Banjo hiding in a shrub from His father, Banjo running and waving to a male Siamese Cat, and Banjo sticking His tongue out at His father.)

Chapter 2: Banjo's Mischief
Narrator - Then, a month later, the trouble started for one of the kittens. (The scene changes to outside a chicken coop. At sunrise, Banjo looks in the coop and one chicken panics and leaves the coop.) Well, what did you expect? (Goes after the chicken.)

Banjo - Hey, come back! stop! You can't leave the farm!

Emily - Jean, looks like Banjo’s having some trouble.

Jean - I’ll say. Henrietta is quite tricky.

Emily/Jean - Dad! Banjo can’t control Henrietta!

(Rusty chases Banjo)

Rusty - Son, chasing a chicken will make them more erratic!

Banjo - What?! I didn't hear you!

(Virgil comes outside and sees Banjo chasing Henrietta.)

Virgil: Dog gone it, Banjo! Stop chasing that chicken!

(Virgil chases Banjo.)

Banjo: (To the running chicken) Come on, go back to the coop!

Rusty - Son, I said chasing a chicken will make them erratic.

Banjo - What's erratic mean?

Rusty - It means unpredictable!

(Banjo trips, then the chicken turns around and pecks Banjo mercilessly.)

Rusty - Banjo! (shoos the chicken away from Banjo.)

Virgil - Good work, Rusty. (Holds on to the Chicken.)  (To Henrietta) As for you, young lady, you're going back to the coop.

Rusty - Well, Son, I hope You learned something.

Banjo - Yes, dad. Never let the chicken leave the coop, ever.

Rusty - No, No. never chase a chicken to go back to the coop. It’ll only make it be more desperate. Now... Let Me get You some bandages.

Banjo - Ok. But, What’s desperate mean? (Rusty sighs exasperatedly.)

Rusty - Son, Keeping a chicken from leaving the coop isn’t an easy task. But, it’s not a game to be played. In fact...

Emily - Not even our brother deserved being pecked and scolded like that.

Jean - You said it. I’m sure We could do a better job.

Emily - But, it was kind of funny. (They both laugh until Amber clears Her throat as She glares at them.)

Narrator - In private, Rusty, thinking that His son wasn't ready to handle keeping the animals from leaving decided to talk to Banjo about the dangers outside the farm...

(The scene changes to next to a tree)

Banjo - Hmm. Clearing in the brambles, the mailbox, roof of the chicken coop, trees, inside the car, flower pot...

Rusty - Son, What are you looking for?

Banjo - Looking for places to hide from the dogs.

Rusty - Banjo, The neighbor’s dog’s harmless. Well, not His son, but, you’ll most likely hide from Me or the farmer.

Banjo - Hmph. (Imitates a deep voice) “You’ll most likely hide from Me or the Farmer”. Not likely.

Rusty - Besides, there are dangers outside of the farm. (Softly) Of course, I don’t sound like that.

Banjo - What kind of dangers?

Rusty - Well, Mr. Basin heard from His owner that that Outdoor cats like Us have shorter lifespans than cats that live inside houses. (Banjo hangs His head.) Look. the dangers that Us cats need to avoid, are moving cars, snakes, coyotes, and some bugs that can be venomous. sadly, Our home has dangers, too. So... avoid contact with the crows, don't go under any cars, refrain from eating the vegetables, and... don't handle the rats alone. You promise?

Banjo - I... I promise. (Rusty beams and Hugs Banjo as sun rises over the farm.)

Narrator - Days later, after His talk with Banjo, Rusty felt that it was time for His son to catch mice.

Rusty - OK, Son. You'll be chasing a mouse, like Your father.

Banjo - What's a mouse?

Rusty - Oh, A mouse is like a rat, except it's smaller, has a furry tail... and less diseased than a normal rat.

Banjo - Oh. Ok. (Searches the barn as Banjo’s Sisters and Mother see what’s going on.) Wait. Doesn't a mouse taste horrible or do they have... diseases?

Rusty - You'd never know. (Rusty sees a mouse.) There’s one! get Him!

(Banjo goes after the mouse, but while Chasing it, Banjo accidentally knocks over an empty milk carrier and bucket, then crashes into a hay bale. But Banjo manages to get the mouse.)

Banjo - I finally got it! What do I do next?

Rusty: You'll eat it.

Banjo - What? (Sniffs the mouse.) Whole? (Sniffs the mouse.) Ugh!

Rusty - Go on, Son.

(Amber enters.)

Amber - What’s going on, Rusty?

Rusty: Well, Banjo caught the mouse, and He'll eat it.

Amber - Eat it?

Banjo - (Hesitates, then lets the mouse go.) I’m letting You go. But, promise Me You won’t come back to the farm to cause any trouble. (The mouse panics and leaves the farm.)

Rusty: (facepalming) No, no, no, Banjo. Capturing the mouse, and telling it to leave is a bad idea. Now, You--

Amber - Rusty, don’t be so hard on our son. He’s still young. (They see their daughters closing their eyes.) not even they want to eat a mouse at their age.

Rusty: I know, Amber, but Banjo has to eventually learn that life isn't all fun and games. besides, chances are that mouse will come back and believe Me, it won't be alone.

Amber - I’m just saying you can’t force-feed maturity, Rusty. things take time. Also, I don’t want to see Our kids try to scare off the crows, because They could get hurt or worse.

Rusty - That may be, but, They won't be young forever.

Narrator: As more time passed, Banjo started to become a bit mischievous and at the same time, more rebellious around the farm. (images of Banjo climbing a woodchip silo.)

Emily's Voice - Brother, You could get stuck the second You're inside.

Banjo's Voice - Aw, haven't you heard of "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained"?

(In image of Banjo stuck in a tree.)

Emily's Voice - The Dogs chased You again?

Jean's voice - We'd... better get Dad to help Banjo down.

Emily's Voice - At least, it's a good hiding place from any dogs that could come around.

(An Image of Banjo holding a water hose with His teeth as He sprays it at Rusty)

Rusty - Ah! Banjo, You shouldn't spray that at Me! Help!

(An Image of Banjo slipping and sliding on a frozen pond in front of His parents as His sisters laugh.)

Rusty’s voice - Well, at least He didn't cause any trouble today.

(An image of Banjo making silly faces at a frozen pond as Rusty and Amber watch with worried faces.)

Amber's voice - Well, I’m glad He’s having fun in His own way.

(An image of Emily and Jean almost covered in snow as Banjo walks by)

Banjo - Well, that‘s Something to look forward to, come Christmas, right?

(The montage ends as Banjo sleeps in the living room, but is woken up by the radio.)

Radio - And in other news, Our soldiers are in desperate need of silk. Thank You for Your attention-- (Banjo turns off the radio and heads outside to talk to Amber.) Mom? (Amber wakes up.) why is it that Silk is Desperately needed?

Amber - Well. Come with Me. (She and Banjo go to a book shelf and Amber pulls down the book "S" and turns the pages.) Well, Son, the soldiers need silk to make parachutes so they can land softly on the ground-- Ah. Here it is. Silkworms. "the Chinese People made special thread from a certain caterpillar called Silkworms."

Banjo - Wow! really?

Amber - Yes. "It was in high demand. as the silkworms were kept secret from the world. until, circa 550, when Two Persian Monks hid a few Silkworm eggs inside bamboo canes, smuggling them out of China, allowing the Europeans to make the cloth as well. I could only imagine if the Phoenixian Merchants never smuggled Our Ancestors from Ancient Egypt...

Banjo - Wow. Two Persian monkeys stolen those silkworm eggs so that other people can make silk as well.

Amber - (Softly langhs) I said Monks, Not Monkeys.

Banjo - Aren't they the same thing?

Amber - Well, No. (Banjo walks off and goes back to sleep in the living room.) Banjo?

Banjo - Good Night!

Amber - Oh. Um... Good night.

Chapter 3: Banjo leaves home
(Inside the house as it was snowing outside, Banjo listens to a radio.)

Man in Radio - So, what’s static electricity?

Man in Radio 2 - Well, imagine wearing something heavy like a coat or jacket. Then scraping your feet on a carpet or rubbing a Balloon against your hair, just Remember that A shock will happen when the victim touches someone or something metal.

Banjo - Really? (Goes Outside And shuffles His feet on the welcome mat, then slowly approaches a sleeping Emily and Jean, but the second His paw makes contact with Jean’s whiskers, then Emily’s ear, they all get shocked. Banjo makes a run for it.)

Jean - That did it! (She And Emily chase Banjo in the snow. (Soon, Banjo hides behind a bush)

Emily - Where are You, Banjo?!

(In the living room, Virgil and Emaline were arguing.)

Narrator - While Banjo was hiding, He heard something He wished He hadn't.

Farmer Virgil: I have had it up to here with Banjo's shenanigans. It's high time He goes to obedience school! First thing in the morning.

Farmer Emaline: But, Virgil, isn’t It for puppies? Besides, it’s quite a distance. And He never harmed any of Our sons.

Farmer Virgil: Emaline, I have done some research on that school and its brochure says that it also accepts cats.

(Banjo listens in on the conversation.)

Farmer Emaline - Still, it’s over 60 miles away. Far away from home. Banjo will be homesick after one day.

Banjo - 60 miles... Does that mean I'll be going to the shelter...?

(Banjo sheds tears then heads for the barn.)

Rusty's Voice: Banjo has to grow up eventually.

Virgil's Voice: Banjo must learn that not everything in life is all fun and games. He has to grow up...

Rusty - Banjo? Banjo! Where are You?! You better not be hiding from Me after spooking Your Sisters! (Banjo Sees His Father holding a stick in His mouth.)

Banjo: (thinking) I don't think Mr. Bluth and Dad love me anymore... (runs as fast as He could in the night away from the farm. the scene changes to a small feed store. then hides.)

Worker - Well, Boss, I'll send 50 pounds to Salt Lake.

Boss - Ah. Salt Lake. Where the good times are.

Banjo - Good times?

Worker - Yeah. A Beautiful Library, Plenty of copper to dig at the Bingham County Mine, The Incredulous Utah Symphony, Beehive Boarding House, Lots of animals at Hogle Zoo, I bet We could expand Your Business, to other towns. (Banjo hops in the truck, without being seen.)

Boss - Have a Good journey!

Narrator: From that moment on, Banjo's adventure truly began...

Chapter 4: Welcome to Salt Lake City
(Later, the truck stops at an intersection, and Banjo gets off and jumps in a snow pile.)

Narrator - After reaching Salt Lake, Banjo decided to enjoy those good times to His fullest.

Banjo - Well, I'll have to make do with what I can go to

(Banjo looks around.)

Banjo: Hmm. There’s not many trees...

(He is too frightened to walk around, But slowly approaches a small alley.)

Banjo: Hello? Is anybody here?

(A tall, bony straycatcher emerges with a net)

Straycatcher - Ah. A kitten. You’ll fetch me quite a small fortune. (Goes after Banjo, Banjo makes a run for it.) Hey, Boris! Help me catch that cat! (Banjo runs to a construction site.)

Banjo: That guy sure looks scary. (Creeps through some construction equipment, through a few pipes and into a dark alley.) They won't find me in here. (A Dark brown cat comes from the shadows.)

Brown Cat - You're not from here, are you? (Banjo gets startled.) I'm called Rocko, and I own this city. You know, no cat would be foolish enough to go inside this alley. Itchy, if you will. (A Male Calico Cat approaches Banjo as Banjo looks around.) No use trying to find an exit. the second You entered My alley, You'll work for Me. (Banjo charges at Rocko.) Itchy, make sure He doesn't-- (Banjo slashes at Rocko's leg) OW! Why, You! (Banjo runs for dear life and hides out inside a snowpile, as Rocko and Itchy run past.) He's around Here somewhere. He can't have gotten too far. (Banjo slowly crawls out of the snowpile and hides in another alley. There, Banjo finds a box, and goes inside as it starts to rain.)

Banjo - Ohh... (The Rain Song begins as Banjo looks at the cloudy sky. Then, He heads for an aluminum can and looks at a puddle. with each ripple, He sees His good memories with His Family, including games of tag, playing in the leaves, and looking at the night sky. the scene changes to the Bluth Farm)

Narrator - Meanwhile, back in Payson, Rusty was still looking for His son, unaware that He ran away from home.

Rusty - Hmm... (Checks the bramble patch, under the chicken coop, inside an old tree, and inside the mailbox.) Hmm. He must be hiding at a neighbor’s house again. Ohhh... If only that snow didn't cover Banjo's tracks... Maybe... (Goes next door and sees a Siamese Cat there.) Basin, Where's Banjo?

Basin - Rusty, Shh! Frazil’s asleep. (Hears Frazil yawn) Just great.

Frazil - Basin... Is it morning already?

Basin - Sorry, Frazil. It’s still nighttime. (To Rusty) Why’d You come here, yelling like a lunatic?

Rusty - Is Banjo hiding here?

Basin - No, He didn’t come here today.

Rusty - Well, when I see Him, I’m going to put Him over My paw—

Basin - Why? Did He bite his sisters’ tails? Pelt You with snowballs?

Rusty - No, He shocked His sisters. And I already checked all His hiding places. Do You know where He is?

Basin - No. But, I don’t blame Banjo wanting to run away from Home, after He had enough of You punishing Him.

Rusty - the way I raise my kids-- Ran Away?!

Chapter 5: They Call Me Crazy Legs
(Back in the city, Banjo fell asleep.)

Narrator - Feeling homesick, Banjo was in great despair, until He heard something unusual. (He then hears clattering and hide under a garbage can lid. then He hears a cat scatting while looking for food.)

Banjo: Did somebody leave the radio on? (Looks outside the box and slowly approaches a trash can, which is shaking.) Um... hello?

(The cat pops out of the trash can and looks down)

Cat: Hello. I assume It's Your first time here? (Banjo panics and hides under a trash lid.) Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare You. I was only looking for some food, but not much. But, why were you crying?

Banjo: I... shouldn’t have run away from home... (crying)

Cat: Ran away from home...? What's your name?

Banjo: I... I'm Banjo.

Cat - Banjo? An unusual name. where do You live? Why’d you run away in the first place?

Banjo - I... I used to live in a woodpile. (Sheds tears.)

Cat - Oh. Well, some friends of mine used to live in woodpiles when they were your age. In any case, my name’s Crazy Legs. I mean, what town or city do You live in?

Banjo - a woodpile... in Payson.

Crazy Legs: Payson... Payson... That’s around 60 miles south of here. Do you know how to get back home? And what do You mean, "I used to live in a woodpile"?

Banjo: (Tearing up) The Farmer, my owner, was going to give me up to an animal shelter... and my dad was going to punish me... So, I left home to avoid them.

(Crazy Legs sympathetically gives Banjo his scarf)

Crazy Legs: Wow. I feel You, little guy. I too, ran away from Home when I was a kitten. I'll tell you what, little guy. Let's crash at Zazu's apartment for a while. That way, we'll figure out a way to help you get home.

Banjo: (Drying his tears) I don't know who Zazu is, but, I appreciate any help, Mr. Legs.

(The two proceed as a song begins)

Crazy Legs: You know, Banjo, I had an owner just like you when I was your age.

Banjo: You did?

Crazy Legs: Yeah. Leopold was his name. He was the best violinist in the neighborhood.

(Transition to a flashback of Crazy Legs as a kitten, alone and lost on an autumn night.)

Crazy Legs (Voiceover): I had two parents, an older sister, and little brother We lived at a good neighborhood, but after a sibling squabble, My father punished Me. I waited for an apology, but I never got it. so, I decided to leave Home.

Banjo - Really?

Crazy Legs - Yeah. Then, I met Him.

(Crazy Legs hears a violin playing.)

Crazy Legs (Voiceover): That was until I came across some music playing.

(Crazy Legs sees a man with a long nose and a pompadour playing his violin. The man notices Crazy Legs and stops playing)

Leopold: Aw, what's the matter? Are you lost?

(Crazy Legs nods)

Leopold: Do you have a family?

(Crazy Legs shook his head sadly as he sheds tears)

Leopold: (Petting Crazy Legs) Well, don't you worry, little guy. I will take good care of you. (Gives his scarf to Crazy Legs as the song begins) I'll stick with you, kid. And you'll stick with me. Together, we'll overcome adversity and Old Man Trouble will have to let you be, 'cause you're gonna come out smiling if you stick with me.

(He plays his violin while Crazy Legs listens contentedly)

Leopold: (Singing) I'll stick with you, kid, you'll stick with me. Together, we'll overcome adversity (as he and Crazy Legs dance along) and Old Man Trouble will have to let you be 'cause you're gonna come out smiling if you stick with me!

(Leopold plays a dramatic tune)

Leopold: (Singing) There's safety in number, we'll always work things through. Though danger and hazards may come running after you. If we stick together like Hardy and Laurel, I'll bet you a nickel we'll overcome trouble.

(Crazy Legs meows as if to ask what to do.)

Leopold: Well, (Singing) I'll stick with you, kid, you'll stick with me. Together, we'll overcome adversity. (as he And Crazy Legs dance up And down the steps) And old man Trouble will have to let you be, 'cause you're gonna come out smiling if you stick with me!

(Crazy Legs purrs happily, time went by and Crazy Legs as a young adult cat is alongside Leopold, who plays the violin in front of a small audience while Crazy Legs dances to the music.)

Crazy Legs (Voiceover) - He’s been making all who listen to His music, happy.

Leopold: (Singing) If there's no Costello, there would be no Abbot. A magician's no good if he hasn't a rabbit. Now, Crazy, don't worry, I'll be there just for you. I'll come a running no matter what you do. Oh, I'll stick you, kid, you stick with me. Together, we'll overcome adversity, and old man trouble will have to let you be, cause you're gonna come out smiling if you stick with me!

(The song ends as the audience claps. Flashback ends)

Banjo - Wow! He must be a kind-hearted man. I’d like to meet Him.

(Crazy Legs sighs sadly)

Banjo: What's wrong?

Crazy Legs - Well, Even the most kindhearted people would have to go to the war at some point

(Transition to Leopold with his bags packed.)

Leopold: I've been enlisted to the army. But, I'll be back, Crazy Legs. I promise.

(He leaves. As time passed, Crazy Legs waited. One day, Crazy Legs heard some people talking)

Man: Did you hear what happened to Mr. Wood?

Man 2: Yeah... Those Axis cutthroats got him.

(Crazy Legs who was listening in, becomes horrified and breaks into tears as the sad instrumental version of Leopold's song plays. Then the flashback ends with The Two Cats in front of Leopold's grave in the cemetery. Banjo comforts Crazy Legs.)

Banjo: (Sadly) I'm very sorry, Crazy Legs. Did You ever return home?

Crazy Legs: (Sadly) No... I never returned home. Now... Come on, let's head to Zazu's.

Chorus: (Singing) 'Cause you're gonna come out. smiling if you stick with me...

Chapter 6: Meeting Zazu
(Banjo and Crazy Legs arrives at a dilapidated apartment building.)

Narrator - Like a mouse in a maze, Banjo didn't know much about Salt Lake and it's loud and bustling environment, But He was willing to let Crazy Legs help in any way possible.

Banjo - So, this is where Zazu lives?

Crazy Legs - Not to sound too much like a cartoon cat, but... Righty-o.

(They go inside the building and look for Zazu's apartment)

Crazy Legs - Zazu? Hello?

???: Crazy Legs? Is that you?

(Crazy Legs and Banjo turn to a small, round, pink cat with blonde hair)

Banjo - I assume it’s Zazu?

Pink cat: Actually, I'm her youngest sister, Cleo.

Banjo - Youngest?

Cleo - Crazy Legs, who is the little guy?

Banjo: My name is Banjo.

Crazy Legs - Cleo, We came to see Zazu. You know where She is?

Cleo: Of course. Follow me.

(Crazy Legs and Zazu follow Cleo to the dining Hall, where They see a turquoise cat and violet cat practicing.)

Cleo: Marina? Zazu?

Zazu - What’s the news?

Cleo - Crazy Legs has come to visit again, along with a youngster.

Zazu: Ah, I see. Ain't he precious? A nephew of yours or a illegitimate son?

Crazy Legs - Neither. I was--

(Zazu approaches Banjo, who hides behind Crazy Legs.)

Zazu - It's okay, little guy. I don't bite. What's your name?

Banjo - I... I’m Banjo.

Zazu: I see. (To Crazy Legs) Crazy Legs, Why is He...

Crazy Legs: I found him at the alleyway near the construction site.

Zazu: A poor little guy wandering around with no owners around could get into a lot of trouble, you know.

Crazy Legs: But I didn't get Banjo into trouble, he left home so He wouldn't go to the animal shelter.

Zazu: Left home?

Marina - Animal Shelter?

(Banjo nods)

Banjo - I... I just want to see My Family... (sheds a few tears.)

Zazu: I see... You miss Your family that much?

Banjo - Well, Not My dad. But My Mom and My sisters...

(Marina approaches Banjo.)

Crazy Legs - Hmm. (Thinking) Father Issues, I guess.

Marina: You know, Banjo, we had a very wonderful owner when we were your age.

Banjo - Was Your owner kind-hearted like Crazy Legs’?

Marina: Oh, yes, she was very kind-hearted. Thank You for asking.

(Flashback to Zazu, Marina and Cleo, as kittens, singing in front of an old lady)

Marina (Voiceover): Her name was Muriel Hill, and she used to be a silent movie actress.

Banjo (Voiceover) - Was she famous?

Cleo (Voiceover): Why certainly. She was known as the leading actress of silent films like Snow, Snow, Beautiful Snow; The Bride of the Musketeers, and The Plights of Prunella Pencilsharp. Of course, after the Jazz Singer came along, Muriel made a few bit parts in other movies until she retired seven years ago.

Zazu (Voiceover): some time after retiring, Muriel adopted us. Every day, we would sing to her to cheer her up.

Marina (Voiceover): She loved our singing. And she loved us more than anything in the world.

(Transition to Muriel in her bed, dying, as the kittens stay be here, crying.)

Cleo (Voiceover): Then, one day, Muriel had grown sick to the point where she couldn't walk anymore.

(Muriel turned to her cats)

Marina (Voiceover): Then she said to us...

Muriel: (Sickly) Zazu, Marina, Cleo, please don't be sad. When I go to heaven, I will always watch over you three. So, will you please sing me one last song before I go?

(The kittens sing their song sadly. By the end of the song, Muriel has died with a smile on her face. Zazu, Marina and Cleo hug each other and sob. The flashback ends.)

Zazu: (Sadly) And that was the last time we ever saw Muriel. She was so wonderful to me and my sisters...

Banjo - I... I'm so sorry. and You've been living in this building since then?

(Zazu and her sisters nod)

Marina - Did You have an owner?

Banjo: Yes... But I don't believe Dad and the Farmer, one of my owners, loves me anymore...

Cleo - (To Zazu) The little guy had it rough.

Zazu - Hmm. (To Banjo) Did You have a fight with Your dad? (Banjo didn't say anything as He cries.)

Marina - What do You think, Zazu?

Zazu - Well, would you like to come with Us to the train station tomorrow?

Banjo: The train station?

Zazu - Yes. Once every Saturday, Me and My sisters go to the train station to give entertainment.

Banjo: I see.

Zazu: And afterwards, we'll help you come up with an idea to find a new home for You. What do you say?

Banjo - Sigh. Even If I returned home, The Farmer would just send Me to the animal shelter... Back home, I first saw the night sky. there were a lot of stars to see.

Crazy Legs - Stars?

Banjo - Yeah. Have You seen any stars in the sky?

Crazy Legs - Well, I've seen the stars a few times when I was very young. and one time in Salt Lake City, during a mass blackout. sadly, with all the lights of the town, We weren't able to see anything at all. But for now... We should rest for the night. Then, We’ll find a home for You.

Banjo - Well, OK. So long as it’s not in the hands of the stray catcher. (Crazy Legs laughs softly as He lets Banjo go into a room where He can sleep for the night.)

Crazy Legs - We'll see You in the morning, Banjo.

Banjo - Same to You. (Closes the door.) and Zazu? Your husband had quite an adventurous life.

Crazy Legs/Zazu - We're not married. Huh?

Zazu - But, We could. if possible. (strokes Crazy Legs' neck.)

Chapter 7: Rusty's regrets
(The scene changes to the Bluth Farm where Basin talks with Banjo’s family.)

Emily - I can’t believe Banjo ran away.

Jean - Daddy, why would Banjo run away?

Virgil - Banjo, It's time to send You to obedience School.

Emily/Jean - Obedience School?

Amber - I wasn’t told Our son was going to obedience school.

Rusty - He's hiding somewhere, just to spite Me. I’ll find Him.

Basin - Hmph. Unfit Parent.

Rusty - What did You say?!

Basin - (Shouting) I said, You’re an Unfit Parent!

Rusty - What gives You the right to—

Basin - Look, It's understandable that You're wanting Banjo to behave, but You have to learn... (Fades as the scene pans to Emily and Jean)

Emily - You know, there have been some times that Our brother, helped Us.

Jean - You’re right. Remember the time He jumped into a pumpkin on a rainy night?

Emily - Yeah. He was half-wet when He realized the inside of the pumpkin had rain water.

Jean - And what about the time Our owners dressed Us and Banjo as Vampire bats?

Emily - Yeah. and that one time... (Flashback to a puppy sneaking in the farm as He chases Emily and Jean, until He is hit with a ball of mud, as Emily and Jean laugh. the puppy proceeded to chase until He is hit again with a ball of mud.)

Banjo (Flashback) - one step Closer, and I’ll hit you with a hundred more. (The puppy chases Banjo, until He Sees Rusty as Banjo hides behind Rusty with Emily and Jean.)

Rusty (Flashback) - So, Emily and Jean were right.

Jean (Flashback) - I’m glad you’re safe, brother.

Rusty (Flashback) - If You refuse to leave the farm within the next 5 seconds, I can imagine how your dad would react, the second He learns that You’ve been bullying My kids. (The puppy leaves in a panic then the Flashback ends.) You did great, Son. Protecting Your sisters.

Emily - I... guess We didn't make it easy for Banjo either, huh?

Jean - You said it.

Basin - (To Rusty) ...So, once You see Banjo, wherever He is. I suggest You apologize to Him. No Punishments, No intimidating, and No... No...

Frazil - Basin, If I could speak. I was half-asleep when I saw Banjo hop a truck heading for Something Lake. I didn’t know if He was being serious or not.

Rusty - So... Banjo did run away? (Begins to feel guilty.)

Rusty's Voice (In his head) - You're not to chase the Chickens, Banjo! Son, You know as well as I do that climbing the barn is dangerous. You can't believe everything You hear from the puppies, Banjo. Stay away from those Apples!

Amber's Voice (In Rusty's Head) - Rusty, You can't expect Banjo to behave overnight. These things take time. At least be patient.

Basin's Voice (In Rusty's Head) - Look, You can't use force to make Banjo behave. You want Him to fear You? (Rusty begins to shed tears.) Unfit Parent. (Echoes)

Rusty - Banjo... (Sheds a tear, then He heads north.)

Amber - Rusty, Where are You going?!

Rusty - A town that ends with Lake! But, where?

Frazil - Wait, Salt Lake! Banjo must be in Salt Lake!

Amber - But how will we get there? It's a long way!

Rusty - We'll do what Banjo did. hop the trucks.

Basin - Just promise You'll apologize to Banjo. It might be too late, but... just be careful. (Rusty and the family head for the Chipman Store and the screen goes black.)

Chapter 8: Tundra the Lonely Kitten
(The next morning, Zazu and Her sisters are practicing as Crazy Legs is asleep under One of the tablecloths.)

Banjo - (Yawns) Crazy Legs? (Sees Crazy Legs asleep) Crazy Legs? Hello? How long are you going to be asleep?

Crazy Legs - Oh, Banjo. How long was I asleep?

Banjo - Um... it’s 8 o’clock.

Crazy Legs - Well, I guess it’s time for breakfast. I must warn You, Banjo. Some of the alleys are not ideal to go to.

Banjo - Because they are taken over by Rocko?

Crazy Legs - Yes. Rocko is one of the nastiest cats in the city. In fact, He wanted to find a home where rich people lived. and He would live no lower than that. (Pauses) Wait! You encountered Rocko?!

Banjo - Well, that is his name, right? (They hear a soft meowing.)

Cleo: Did you hear something?

Marina: It sounds like a kitten in need of help.

Crazy Legs - I'll check, so long as I won't be seen by the straycatchers. Let's go, Banjo. (He and Banjo exit through a crawl space and they see a crying Himalayan kitten.)

Banjo: (Approaching the kitten) Hey, are you okay?

Kitten: (Sobbing) No. I was looking for My family...

Banjo: How?

Kitten - Well, a few days ago, The rest of My family were adopted by a person who came from a place called Salem. I wasn't adopted with them, so... I'm all alone... I don't have anywhere to go, after escaping the shelter.

Crazy Legs - She escaped the Shelter?

(Banjo comforts her)

Banjo: How would you like to come back with me and Crazy Legs?

Crazy Legs - Um, I don’t think...

Kitten: Please don't leave me alone... I'm scared...

Banjo - She needs someone with Her. (Nuzzles the Kitten as She purrs.)

Crazy Legs - Aw... kitten love.

Banjo - I... I’m Banjo.

Kitten - Nice to meet You. I’m Tundra.

Crazy Legs - Hmm. Banjo, There’s lots of towns and cities with the name Salem. One in particular, is the one in Massachusetts.

Banjo: Oh.

Tundra - No, it’s not in Massachusetts.

(Soon, the trio return to the building where Zazu, Marina and Cleo are getting ready)

Banjo - Now, Me and the others are going to a train station later tonight, Tundra. And If You want, You can come along.

Tundra: Yes, please.

Zazu - Well, I assume you’ve Have it rough, too? Do You want to see Your Family again, as well?

Tundra - “As Well”?

Zazu - Well, the little guy was away from His family, as well. (Tundra Looks at Zazu, Eye-to-eye) Uh, What? Oh, Sorry. I'm Zazu, She's Malina, and that's Cleo.

Tundra: Hmm. So, Cleo's the Youngest... (Cleo nods.) Malina's the most Limber... (Malina becomes modest.) and Zazu is leader because She's tall?

Zazu - Tall? Ha ha ha. No, Because I'm the eldest. So... What do Your Parents look like?

Tundra - Daddy's beige-ish with brown paws and tail. Mom's a grayish Longhair.

Zazu - Well, That helps plenty. Banjo, do You miss Your family?

Banjo: Well, Not My Dad. But I do miss the rest of My family.

Crazy Legs: Uh, Banjo, if I could speak?

Banjo - Go ahead.

Crazy Legs - Thanks. Banjo, I don't think your dad or Owner hate you. Sure, they might be a little rough towards you, but deep down, they care a whole lot about you. I'll bet you a fishhead that they're looking for you as of right now..

Banjo - Crazy... I... but, If I go back, I'll be going to the Shelter. (Thinking) And worse, Since I broke My promise to Dad...

Crazy Legs: Well, don't you worry. We'll think of something. (To Zazu, Marina, Cleo) Right, girls?

Girls - Right!

Tundra - Where... does Banjo live?

Crazy Legs - Well, Banjo's home is in Payson, 60 miles away. so... why ask that?

Tundra - Well, If My family is really gone, I'd... like to marry Banjo.

Crazy Legs - Oh, that’s very— Marry Him?! You’re too young to be marrying anyone!

Tundra - That only applies to Humans.

Crazy Legs - Sorry, But, You’ll have to wait until You reach— (notices Her mimicking Him) ugh...

Tundra - But, Banjo, If My family is really gone, um...

Banjo - Yes, what is it?

Tundra: Can I... Can I live with your family?

Banjo - W-What?

Crazy Legs - But... Don't You want to see Your family again?

Tundra: Yes... But...

Crazy Legs - But, what?

Tundra: I don't even know Which Salem to go to.

Crazy Legs - Well, chances are, I’m sure they still want You. Now, You said Your folks lives in Salem, right?

Tundra: Yes.

Crazy Legs - Hmm. I'll go to the Library to find any towns or cities called Salem. Oh, and I'll meet You at the Hogle Zoo if I find anything.

Banjo - Ok. Best of luck.

(An hour later, Crazy Legs arrives at the Library and sneaks in through a window. Soon, He finds a map of Utah and reads it.)

Crazy Legs - Hmm. Lindon, Orem, Springfield, Spring Fork... (Back at the apartment...)

Tundra - Um, is there a room with a vent that leads to the first floor?

Zazu - Yes. Why?

Tundra - Just a precaution in case any intruder comes here.

(Then in another part of the city, Rusty and His family arrive at Salt Lake City jump off the truck and land on a snowpile.)

Rusty - Salt Lake City... That must be where Banjo is. (He and His family jump off.) OK. We'll search the city for Banjo, and We meet back at 6 PM. (Emily and Jean hop on Amber's back, then Rusty and Amber split up.)

Chapter 9: Tundra and Banjo
(Meanwhile, at a train station, Tundra looks at the Cat Sisters who are practicing.)

Narrator - Unaware that His family was looking for Him, Banjo started to realize something.

Tundra: (To Banjo) They must be really good.

Banjo - Very. (Tundra kisses Banjo.) Wha-- Don't-- Don't-- Don't do that! Why did you--?

Tundra: Because I want to thank you for taking me in. (Nuzzles Banjo's neck as She purrs.)

Banjo - Well-- You're welcome, I guess. (Blushes)

Crazy Legs - Banjo! Tundra! I found the town of Salem!

Banjo: (To Crazy Legs) You have? Where is it?

Crazy Legs - Well, it’s quite a distance south. over 50 miles away. Zazu, any of the trains going to Salem?

Zazu - Well, no. Unless Tundra wants to go to Salem in Massachusetts.

Tundra - Where Our kind nearly faced extinction because of stupid-stitious humans who think cats are disguised as witches? Never.

Zazu: I believe you mean superstitious.

Crazy Legs: Well, I guess we'll have to walk from here to Salem.

Zazu - Not a chance. You’ll catch your death of cold. But, I promise, We’ll find some way. In the meantime, Banjo, Tundra, why don’t You get some rest back at the apartment? And I promise, We’ll take You somewhere fun.

Banjo and Tundra: Okay.

(They leave as Banjo and Tundra look at each other.)

Tundra - So, What are your folks like?

Banjo - Well, Mom, or Amber as She was called, is a Yellow farm cat, and Dad, Rusty as He's called, a red cat once belonged to a miner. (Flashback to a mine) The miner didn't feed Him much. so Dad had to eat rats to get by. Then one day, Dad decided to make a run for it, away from the unappreciative miner. Dad took refuge in a small forest. Then, after a few weeks, He saw Mom, who was born and raised in a farm. And when He first met Her, She... thought He was another stray, and She would never accept or even acknowledge Him.

Tundra - But, what changed Her mind?

Banjo - Well, One time, when the rats tried to do harm to Mom, Daddy came to the rescue.

Tundra - Wow. Tell Me more about Your family. (Tundra nuzzles Banjo as they head for the apartment, seconds before Amber, Emily and Jean arrive)

Amber - Banjo, are You there? Banjo! Kids, Do You think Banjo ran away for a reason? not just to avoid going to the obedience school.

Jean - Good... Question. (In Jean's mind, She has a flashback of Banjo scaring away the crows, Banjo tickling Her sisters, and Banjo using finger paints to draw a painting.)

Emily - Mom, once We find Banjo-- (A Paw grabs Her and Emily.) Help!

Amber - Jean? Emily! Where are You?

Chapter 10: Tundra's Story
(Banjo and Tundra are walking on their way to the apartment.)

Banjo - Tundra, how were You separated from Your family?

Tundra - Well, My parents were once strays. They searched for a home to go to. Then...

(Flashback to An abandoned house, where Tundra and Her three brothers asleep, as Their parents, two cats as silhouettes watched.)

Tundra - (Voice Over) Sadly, We never had a chance to search. (The Straycatcher captures Tundra's family.) We were taken to the animal shelter soon after. (Tundra’s family is put in a cage.) And We know full well that any cat or dog that goes in the animal shelter, would have a month, and then afterward... (Tundra's parents see one of the workers take in an elderly Bloodhound through a door.) Well, you don't want to know... A Few days later, Me and My brothers opened Our eyes for the first time, Where I had a glimpse of My Family. Then, the next day, My family was gone when I woke up.

Banjo: You never saw your family again?

Tundra - and from what I heard from that worker...

Worker - Sorry, girl. The rest of your family got adopted by a couple in Salem. They wanted You, too, but they... didn’t have enough money. Maybe one day, someone else will adopt you.

Tundra - (Voice Over) after hearing this, I then decided to exit the pound. So, a few hours later, when everyone was asleep, I noticed a crack in the cage walls, which was big enough for Me to squeeze through and exit the pound with my life. And that's how I ended up in the alley.

Banjo - Tundra... I didn’t know.

Tundra - I just hope they're all okay.

Banjo - I’m sure they are, Tundra. (Nuzzles Tundra.)

Tundra - Aw... I think You’ll make a great husband, Banjo.

Banjo - H...Husband? I don't know, I'm too young to be a husband and I just met You. Let's... Let's just be friends for now. Besides, You heard Crazy Legs.

Tundra - Ha. I’m sure it only applies to humans. Besides, once the both of Us reach one human year of age, then, We’ll have kittens of our own.

Banjo - Tundra, the second You get to Salem and Me to Payson, We... might not see each other as much.

Tundra - Well, nothing lasts forever. (Tundra nuzzles Banjo.)

Banjo: (Blushing) Yeah... (They go inside the apartment.)

(At the town playground, Rusty arrives searching.)

Rusty - Banjo! (searches the tubes) Banjo, Where are You? (Starts to worry.)

Chapter 11: The Showdown
(Another pair of eyes are seen watching Banjo and Tundra inside the building.)

Itchy - Hmm. So, that's where the youngling's hiding. along with a new addition. I'd better get the boss.

(In Banjo’s room, He looks at the rain clouds.)

Banjo - Mom... Dad... I wonder if I’ll ever see You again... (Sees Visions of Amber, Rusty, Emily, and Jean.) Good night... (Sheds a few tears.)

(Rocko follows Itchy following Banjo’s trail, which leads to a closed door.)

Rocko - Aha, He must be inside there. Well, in case He tries to run...

(Inside a room, where Banjo is asleep, He hears noises.)

Banjo - Huh? (Leaves the room, and sees Rocko inside the building.) Rocko.

Rocko - Found You! (Banjo panics and runs for Tundra's room.)

Banjo - Tundra! Help! (He runs inside Tundra’s room and locks The door.) Tundra! Bad News! It's Rocko! He's in the building!

Tundra: Who? (Lets Him in Her room and locks the door.)

Banjo - But, now, We're trapped.

Tundra - Not likely.

Banjo - What Are you saying? We've locked out Rocko, but there's no exit.

Tundra - Banjo, there’s a reason I wanted a room with a vent. (removes a ventilation grill and goes inside the duct.) Well? you coming? (Banjo jumps inside the ventilation duct as Tundra places the ventilation grill back.)

Banjo: Where does this lead?

Tundra - Banjo, We have to get help.

(She and Banjo crawl through the vent and the exit the building, but Itchy spots them as They go through the doors.)

Itchy - Boss! They're running!

Rocko: How did they—? Of all the... Itchy, After them while I have My bargaining chips! (Itchy pursues Banjo and Tundra as Rocko picks up a cage holding Emily and Jean.)

(At a Train car, Amber grieves as Zazu notices.)

Zazu - Something wrong?

Amber - Well, I've been searching for My son for a few hours, but, now, I'm separated from My daughters.

Zazu - By any chance is Your son's name Banjo?

Amber - You saw Him? Where?! Where is He?

Tundra - Crazy Legs! Help!

Banjo - Help!

Amber - That’s Banjo’s voice.

Cat - It’s Rocko! Hide! (They hide)

Amber - Who’s Rocko?

Zazu - Lady, You don’t want to know.

Banjo - Help! (Amber goes to help Banjo, but Zazu stops Her.)

Zazu - No! Rocko is not someone You can fight against, much less reason with!

Amber - That’s not important! (Breaks free and goes to save Banjo)

Zazu - So determined...

(Banjo and Tundra climb up a building's windowsill, and Crazy Legs notices them.)

Crazy Legs - Huh? (Sees Banjo and Tundra.) Banjo? Tundra? Why are You—? (Notices Itchy.) Itchy?

Itchy: I'll find You, You little parasite. and When I do... (Crazy Legs tackles Him) Ow! Wha-- Crazy Legs.

Crazy Legs - I don't know what grudge You have against those two, but I suggest--

Rocko - You're in no position to make threats, Crazy Legs.

Crazy Legs - You!

Rocko - Surrender those two to Me, or His sisters will pay with their nine lives. (Crazy Legs sees Itchy holding Emily and Jean hostage.)

Banjo - Emily! Jean!

Emily/Jean - Banjo?

Rocko - I'll say it again, give up that orange reject, or I'll toss those two in a lake.

Banjo - You... (Sheds tears) Just... promise Me that You nor Your flunky won't harm them.

Rocko - Finally, You're seeing reason. (Gets tackled by Crazy Legs.)

Crazy Legs - Monster!

Rocko - You... Itchy! Toss those two in the lake!

Rusty - Banjo? (Itchy crashes into Rusty, making Him dazed for a few moments. Itchy recovers and sees Rusty)

Itchy - Uh-Oh! (Runs away) Sorry, Boss! (Rusty recovers and sees Emily and Jean in a cage.)

Rusty - What happened? (Rocko lands a cheap shot on Crazy Legs.)

Rocko - Heh. All You did was digging those hostages' graves and buy time for that useless orange kitten and His cold-furred reject to escape. Now, be ready to pay for Your insolence. (Raises His claw to finish off Crazy Legs, but Rusty grabs it.) What in?!

Rusty - You're not getting that chance.

Banjo - Daddy!

Rocko - "Daddy"? Stay out of this, Moggy. or You'll share His fate.

Rusty - The second You threatened My son’s life...

Crazy Legs - Huh? (Sees Rusty fight off Rocko.) Whoa! (Sees sirens.) Hey, Banjo's dad, let's run for it! (They do that as Banjo and Tundra follow suit.)

Rocko - Cowards! Your kitten's Daughters will pay for His disobedience! (Gets caught in a net) No! What?! (Tries to cut the net with His teeth, but doesn't work.)

Straycatcher - Well, Well. You look quite rugged, but My little sister will remedy that. She's a groomer. (Rocko cries as He is taken away.)

Crazy Legs - Banjo, You never told Me Your dad was tough to take on Rocko.

Tundra - I wish My dad was tough as You, Uh... Banjo's Dad.

Rusty - Just... Rusty is fine. Also, Son... Why did You leave home in the first place? just to avoid going to Obedience School?

Crazy Legs - Well, Banjo thought He was going to an Animal Shelter.

Rusty - What?

Crazy Legs - I was told that He overheard that He was going there. (Emily and Jean approach)

Rusty - Ohh... Basin was right. Banjo, You have every right to be angry with Me. (Banjo sheds tears.) I'm... sorry I was too harsh. But... You were really going to an obedience school.

Crazy Legs - Obedience school?

Banjo - Daddy... (Hugs Rusty's arm tearfully.) I want to go home...

Amber - Banjo? (Sees Rusty and the kittens) Rusty, You found Him!

Rusty - Son, What do You say, When We return home, We can bond like Basin suggested? We could play in the haybales.

Tundra - Basin? by Any chance there’s also a cat named Frazil? (Rusty and Amber look bewildered at Tundra.)

Amber - Um... She’s Basin’s wife. But, how do You know?

Tundra - They're My Dad and Mom.

Rusty - Then You must be... Basin's lost Daughter. (Tundra nods.) Hmm. Why don't We take You home, too?

Crazy Legs - Tundra...! That’s great! You're finally heading for home! also... Banjo? I know it's not much, but... Take this as a token of Our friendship. (Gives Banjo His bowler hat.)

Banjo - Thanks, Crazy. I'll treasure it. But, what about Rocko's friend?

Crazy Legs - Itchy? without His boss, He's harmless as a fly on a pile of sugar water. Also... (Whispers in Banjo's ear.)

Banjo - Oh! Ok. (The Scene changes to Inside a hotel lobby where a wedding is taking place.)

Minister Cat - Do You, Crazy Legs take Zazu to be You're lawfully wedded wife?

Crazy Legs - I do.

Minister -And do you, Zazu take Crazy Legs--

Zazu - I do.

Minister - Oh, Thank You. I hereby pronounce You, Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride. (Crazy Legs kisses Zazu as the wedding March plays.)

Chapter 12: Welcome Home
(At Dawn, Banjo's family along with Tundra wave goodbye to the city cats, as The family hop a truck heading for Payson Utah.)

Narrator - After the wedding, Banjo and His family headed home as He received a Hero's farewell. (Along the way, Banjo and His sisters look at the sights, and when They reached home, Tundra hops off and sees Basin and Frazil, and Their sons.)

Tundra - Mom? Dad? Beluga? Lemming? Norse?

Lemming - Tundra... It's You! (They Gather around Tundra.)

Basin - Tundra...

Tundra - I’m sorry I made You worry, Daddy. (She starts to cry.)

Basin - It's okay. Let it all out.

Tundra - Um... just give Me a moment. (Walks toward Banjo) Banjo...? I... I know We met yesterday, but... I’m going to miss You, Banjo. Even though I’ll live far away in Salem--

Rusty - Salem? It’s Not all that far away from Payson.

Tundra - It’s not?

Rusty - Well, of course not. few miles away. And You can visit Us anytime You want.

Tundra - Wow. Thank You, uh... Banjo’s Dad.

Narrator - That very night, Banjo never went to the obedience school after His adventure. (Rusty and Amber see their kittens play tag.) Oh, also, Tundra and Her family visit sometimes. (Tundra and Her brothers play tag as well, with Tundra tickling Emily in the stomach.)

Emily: Hey, that tickles! Ha Ha Ha Ha!

Lemming - You show Her, Tundra! Uh-Oh. (Jean and Banjo chase Lemming.) Bet you can't catch me!

(Sometime later, on New Year's Eve, Banjo is with His father in private at the porch.)

Banjo - So... Turns out I was lied to.

Rusty - Lied to?

Banjo - Yeah. I was told that Salt Lake is where the good times are. Well, Dad, I went there and I was chased by a Ill-mannered cat, forced to sleep in an alley, and rested at a dusty hotel. None of them were good times.

Rusty - Well, Nothing is perfect in this world.

Banjo - Yeah. but, It wasn't all that bad. I met some new friends.

Rusty - Can You tell Me everything?

Banjo - Sure. Soon after I got off the truck--

Rusty - When You ran away from home. (Amber, Emily, and Jean listen in)

Banjo - Oh, yeah. I jumped on a feed truck, which was going to Salt Lake. miles later, I jumped off...

Narrator: By and by, Banjo's friends would come and visit him at the Bluth farm. Every now and then, Banjo would remember all the adventures he had with his friends at Salt Lake City.

(A few hours later, when the new year arrives, everyone celebrates as Leopold's song is heard playing on the radio.)

Banjo: (Singing) I'll stick with you if you stick with me, together we'll overcome adversity.

Tundra’s Parents: (Singing) And Old Man Trouble will have to let you be...

Tundra: (Singing) 'Cause you're gonna come out smiling if you stick with me!

Crazy Legs and Rusty: (Singing) You're gonna come out smiling....

Jean, and Emily: (Singing) You're gonna come out smiling...

Zazu, Marina, Cleo, and Amber: (Singing) You're gonna come out smiling...

Beluga, Lemming, and Norse: (Singing) You're gonna come out smiling...

All: (Singing) You're gonna come out smiling if you stick with me!

(The song ends as Emaline sets up a camera, and takes a picture of Tundra’s Clan and Banjo’s family as it flashes.)

Narrator - Oh, also, Crazy Legs made peace with His family, returning home. And He became a father to four kittens, after marrying Zazu. the other sisters found homes of their own. But, They all visit the farm sometimes.

Final Chapter: After The Adventure
(The screen ripples and the scene changes to the barn, where an orange cat finishes his story to four kittens..)

Narrator - Banjo was still mischievous, but not as much as He was, and life couldn’t Have gotten better, as He’ll always be with His family for the rest of His life. The End.

Kitten: Is that how it really happened?

Narrator - Of course it did, because I was there. In case You still don’t believe... (shows His kittens the newspaper clippings of Banjo’s adventures.)

Kitten 2 - Huh. Banjo looks a lot like you, only... younger?

Narrator (Adult Banjo): That's correct.

Adult Jean - Banjo? Kids? look outside. The shooting stars are beautiful to watch. Come on! (Banjo and His kittens come outside of the barn to see the night sky. And one of the kittens see a shooting star, but for a split-second.)

KItten: Ooh! Mama! Papa! Did you see that?

Adult Banjo - I think I did.

Adult Emily - Brother, How's everything? (Her Maine Coon Husband and two kittens come around.)

Adult Jean - I’m quite excited for the shooting stars, too. (Her Burmese Husband and three kittens come around, then they all watch up.)

Adult Jean: Interesting. (At a porch, A slightly-older Rusty and Amber watch them, as they are in the same basket.

Older Rusty - It’s beautiful.

Older Amber - With that many falling stars...

Older Rusty - And We can look forward to our future great-grand children in a year or two.

(We zoom out on the barn and the words “The End” appears and the screen blacks out.)

(Later that night, inside the barn, as everyone else is asleep, Banjo wakes up and quietly opens a photo album, which contains pictures of Banjo along with His family and friends, before, during, and after the adventure as the credits roll.)

The End

Outtake 1
(Banjo is Seen chasing a chicken, but abruptly stops, like a robot shutting down.)

Director - CUT! What's with the chicken? (Banjo looks at the Chicken.) Ugh... Can't rely on robotics. get the real chickens in the set.

Banjo - So, Does it mean blueberry break?

Outtake 2
(Banjo slowly approaches Emily and Jean to shock them, but the sisters don't react.)

Director - Ohh... CUT! Emily, Jean, You were supposed to jump out like You got shocked.

Emily - Sorry.

Director - Banjo, just touch their whiskers. (Banjo tilts His head.)

Outtake 3
Rocko - He's around Here somewhere. (notices Banjo's tailtip through the snow.) Really? Um, can We get some additional snow here?

Banjo - Well, This is awkward. (Laughs along with Rocko and Itchy.)