Don Bluth's Manxmouse (Transcript)

This idea is for the Don Bluth Version of Paul Gallico’s Manxmouse.

Chapter One
(In a forested marsh, we zoom in to a small town, with a sign saying “Buntingdowndale - Five Kilometers”. As a text says “England 1985” as the sun rose)

Narrator - In the world we live in, There are people called Artisans who take pride in creating with a certain touch, befitting of an artist. Artisans like Armorers, Blacksmiths, Furriers, Glassblowers, Pastry Chefs, Potters, Shoemakers, and Tailors, made their living creating things. However, when the Industrial Revolution began, it meant that the artisans would be out of business. But, plenty of the artisans survived to continue their work. (We zoom in to a building with a sign saying “Ceramic Oddities”.) in this building, there lived an elderly ceramicist, named Shaw. He never had much luck making ceramics of other animals, but the ceramic animal He made time and time again, to support his shop were mice. (Inside the shop, were many ceramic mice inside glass cases.) Most of the mice he made, if not all of them, looked realistic, like they were out of a storybook. Some looked adventurous, Some looked royal, some looked cultural, some looked artistic, some wore clothes, and some looked perfect. Now, our story begins with the completion of his 9,998th and 9,999th mouse. (An old man carefully places two ceramic mice, one dressed like a bride, the other dressed as a groom)

Shaw - Ah. The perfect topper for the Wedding Cake. (Starts to become sad as he looked at his shop)

Narrator - Now, Shaw had mixed feelings about his shop, and what would happen to it, once He retired. (Shaw leaves his shop and goes to the wedding. The scene changes to when the sun was about to go down, Shaw was singing while drunk.) Of course, Shaw got drunk from the toasts and good lucks to the Wedding’s bride and groom, which got someone’s attention. (A shady man approaches Shaw)

Man - Excuse me, I have heard that you’re about to make your 10,000th ceramic mouse.

Shaw - Oh… I don’t make ceramic houses. (Hiccups)

Man - Well, in any case, tell no one about this, but, what I’m about to give you, is very special and what most ceramicists desire. (Gives Shaw a slab of glossy clay.) Once you complete your work, place it where it can be bathed in moonlight. (Shaw stammers) Remember, tell no one about our meeting. (Vanishes into thin air as Shaw looks in wonder.)

(Inside his workshop, Shaw began work on his 10,000 mouse, working on the detail, choosing the color, and using the right tools. As he worked, some of the mice from the ceiling watched over Shaw. One of them left to tell his family