An Englishman in New York/Transcript

Oliver and Company: The Series

An Englishman in New York

(Starting scene:) The Woolworth Building at night. The place is packed with people dressed in evening wear. Mr. and Mrs. Foxworth are talking to a smartly-dressed man with sandy-blond hair.

Mr. Foxworth: So, Mr. Danforth--

Man: Please, call me William.

Mr. Foxworth: OK, William. I've heard quite a bit about you. You're a bit of a celebrity.

William: It is true. I've got quite a few connections, if you know what I mean. (he pulls out his wallet, showing pictures of himself with celebrities) This is me having dinner with Elton John. Nice man, once you get to know him. And this is me going to the Oscars with Julia and Richard. (Mr. and Mrs. Foxworth look slightly perplexed) Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. (They nod, having got it)

Mrs. Foxworth: I've also heard you give a lot of your money to charity. Hence why we're here tonight.

William: Of course. One that is especially close to my heart is the World Wildlife Fund. And I've actually visited a few of their conservation projects around the world.

Mr. Foxworth: I'm intrigued.

William: Well, a few years ago, I was travelling in India, where I helped with a project to save the Bengal tiger. (The Foxworths nod) And then the year after that, I was in Sumatra, aiding with conservation efforts for the orangutans.

Mrs. Foxworth:: Well, that's wonderful.

Mr. Foxworth: And while we're on the subject of animals, do you have any pets? Or did you have any?

William: Well, years ago, I had a bulldog. But, sadly, when I bought my first home in New York, I couldn't take care of him. He ran away from home, and I haven't seen him since.

Mrs. Foxworth: Well, if you see your dog again, I'm sure he'd be happy to know you were looking for him.

Mr. Foxworth: I'm going to get some more drinks. William, what's your fancy?

William: Just a sherry, please. (Mr. Foxworth nods)

(Mr. Foxworth heads off, while Mrs. Foxworth continues talking with William.)

(Next scene:) exterior of the houseboat, the next day. Zoom in.

Fagin: (excitedly) Guys, you won't believe what was in the news yesterday.

(He plops a newspaper in front of the gang, who stare at it with interest)

Fagin: Exciting, huh? (heads off)

Dodger: Who's this William Danforth?

Francis: It really astounds me how your mind works.

Dodger: I was just asking.

Francis: William Danforth is a wealthy business magnate. One of the richest men on the face of the earth.

Rita: Well, good for him. (to Dodger) No doubt he heard Princess Stuck-Up talking about this.

Dodger: More than likely.

(Next scene:) A cafe. Mr. Foxworth and William are sitting down, drinking. Mr. Foxworth is in sweatpants and a tank top.

Mr. Foxworth: You know, William, I like to come to this coffee shop sometimes after I've been to the gym. (takes a drink)

William: Yes, very nice.

Mr. Foxworth: So, last night at the charity gala, you said you owned a bulldog, didn't you?

William: I did.

Mr. Foxworth: What was his name?

William: (caught off-guard) His name? Goodness, I have a picture of him here.

(He pulls out a faded photograph, and shows it to Mr. Foxworth. In the picture are William with Francis as a puppy)

Mr. Foxworth: Wait a minute. That looks just like Francis!

William: Francis! Of course. Wait, how do you know his name?

Mr. Foxworth: There's a man my family know called Fagin. He actually is Francis's new owner.

William: Well, I suppose he must have been cared for by him.

Mr. Foxworth: Trust me, once you get to know Fagin, he's not so bad.