The Great Mouse Detective/Transcript

[London, 1897.]

(The camera pans slowly through a small street. A horse drawn carriage drives by. The horse snorts and neighs as the focus moves below the carriage and slowly zooms in on a tiny shop, Flaversham’s Toys.)

(Inside, Olivia and her father are celebrating Olivia’s 5th birthday. Olivia plays with a small rocking horse as her father adjusts his apron.)

Olivia: You know, Daddy, this is my very best birthday.

Flaversham: Ahh…but I haven’t given you your present yet.

Olivia: (Excited) What is it? What is it?

Flaversham: Now, now. Close your eyes. (He moves to a small cupboard as Olivia tries to sneak a peek between her fingers.) Uh-uh-uh-uh. Auch, no. No peeking now.

(Olivia giggles as Flaversham returns to the table, a small toy in his hand that resembles a flowerbud. He winds the key and sets it in front of her. As a gentle tune plays, Olivia opens her eyes and sees that the bud has turned into a mouse ballerina, who dances for her.)

Olivia: (Gasps) Oh, Daddy! You made this just for me?

(Outside, a peg-legged figure slowly approaches. He cackles evilly as his shadow looms over the door to the toy shop.)

(Inside, the doll has finished her dance, and Olivia gets down from her chair to hug Flaversham.)

Olivia: You’re the most wonderful father in the… in the whole world!

(The tender moment is interrupted as the locked door begins to rattle. Olivia and Flaversham look towards the door as the rattling becomes more intense. Flaversham puts his arms around his daughter protectively.)

Olivia: Who is that?

Flaversham: I-I don’t know! Quickly, dear, stay in here and don’t come out!

(Flaversham hides her in the cupboard and stands in front of it, just as Fidget, the bat, bursts in though the window.)

(From inside her hiding place, Olivia cracks the door and watches in terror as her father and Fidget struggle. The table flies towards the cupboard, shutting the door and pushing Olivia back.)

Fidget: Now I gotcha, toy maker! (Cackles)

Flaversham: Oh! Olivia!

(Olivia pushes against the door and is able to move the table. She creaks the door open and steps out. In was slient, when the shop is dark; furniture is scattered as empty paint buckets are spilling out. Olivia goes to the window, calling out to Flaversham.)

Olivia: Daddy, where are you? Daddy…where are you?! Daddy! (Echoing) DADDY!!

(As Olivia’s cries echo in the night, the camera zooms out into the clouds.)

Title: The Great Mouse Detective

(The camera breaks out of the clouds again, and now we have a bird’s eye view of downtown London. Below, a carriage is moving through the streets.)

Dawson’s voice: It was the Eve of our good Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and the year Her Majesty’s government came…(More forebodingly) to the very brink of disaster. She… Oh… (chuckles) I’m… I’m getting ahead of myself. (The camera focuses briefly on the passenger inside the carriage before it pans down, revealing Dr. Dawson sitting on the foot pedestal reading his paper.) My name is Dr. David Q. Dawson, most recently of the Queen’s 66th Regiment. (The carriage stops, and after his human traveling companion departs, Dawson hops onto the sidewalk. He opens his paper again, and we see that he has marked several places available for rent.) I had just arrived in London after lengthy service in Afghanistan and was anxious to find a quiet place… (A drop of rain falls onto the paper; chuckling, Dawson folds it up and opens his umbrella.) …preferably dry…where I could rest and find a bit of peace. Little did I know, but my life was about to change forever.

(As Dawson walks through an alleyway, he pauses. From inside a forgotten rain boot, he can hear someone crying. He walks over to the shoe and sees Olivia sitting on a medicine box crying softly.)

Dawson: Oh! Oh my! (Olivia was heard crying.) Are you all right, my dear? (Olivia turns to him. Dawson removes a handkerchief from his jacket pocket and hands it to her.) Come now, come, come. Here, dry your eyes. (Olivia takes the handkerchief and blows her nose. She gives it back to Dawson and he puts it back in his pocket, taking a seat beside her.) Ah, yes, that’s better. Now tell me, what’s troubling you, my dear?

Olivia: (Sadly) I…I’m lost. I-I-I’m trying to find Basil of Baker Street. (She hands him a small newspaper clipping.)

Dawson: Now, let me see here… (Dawson puts his bifocals on and reads the headline.) (Reading headline) "Famous detective solves baffling disappearance." Mmm, hmmm. But where are your mother and father?

Olivia: (More upset) That’s why I m-m-must find Basil! (She begins to sob into her scarf.)

Dawson: (Calmly) There, there, there. Now, now, now. Well, I don’t know any Basil… (Olivia looks at him sadly, but then Dawson gives her a warm smile as he takes off his glasses.) …but I do remember where Baker Street is. (Her face brightens a bit as Dawson reopens his umbrella.) Now, come with me. We’ll find this Basil chap together.

(Cut from Olivia and Dawson setting off to Baker Street. The camera moves from the sign on the building that reads Baker Street up to a blinded window, where Sherlock Holmes is playing his violin. 'Down below, Olivia and Dawson have arrived at 221 1/2 Baker Street. Dawson knocks, and Mrs. Judson, the housekeeper, opens the door, her arms full of books, blankets and pillows, as well as a teacup and medieval mace. Dawsonremoves his hat courteously.)

Dawson: Good evening, Madam. Is this the residence of Basil of Baker Street?

Mrs. Judson: I’m afraid it is. He’s not here at the moment, but you’re welcome to come in and wait.

Dawson: Oh, I-I don’t want to impose. It’s just…the girl.

(He gestures towards his side, but Olivia isn’t there. Dawson and Mrs. Judson look inside, where Olivia is already seated by the fireplace examining a magnifying glass with interest. 'Mrs. Judson thrusts her load into Dawson's arms and rushes to her side.)

Mrs. Judson: (Concerned) Oh my! You poor dear! You must be chilled to the bone! (She takes off Olivia’s hat and wrings it dry, then removes the girl’s scarf.) Oh, but I know just the thing. Let me fetch you a pot of tea and some of my fresh cheese crumpets. (Mrs. Judson rushes to the kitchen and shuts the door.)

(Olivia looks around the room, fascinated by what she sees. A small propeller is operating a bellow, and attached to that are several cigarettes and a pipe, all of which are puffing.)

(On another table, four different pairs of shoes are being turned in a circular motion, first being brushed with black paint, and then setting a print on a stack of paper. Dawson is hanging up his coat, but a voice coming from the front door distracts him.)

Basil’s Voice: (Triumphantly) Ah-ha! The villain’s slipped this time! I shall have him! (The door bursts open to reveal a large mouse dressed in Chinese robes. He smiles triumphantly with a gun in his hand as lightning strikes. Dawson is petrified as the mouse bursts inside, rushing towards one of the many tables.) Out of my way! Out of my way!

Dawson: I say, who - (His question is cut short as the mouse’s hat is thrown directly on his own head. He takes it off and addresses him once more.) Who are you?

Basil’s Voice: (Speaking more normally) What? (He pauses and turns to Dawson.) Oh! 

(He reaches up and pulls off what turns out to be a mask to reveal the one and only Basil.)

Basil: (Formally) Basil of Baker Street, my good fellow.

(Basil smiles at Dawson's confused stare. He pulls at a tab on his robe, which lets air escape to reveal his slender form, surprising Dawson even more. Olivia, on the other hand, is relieved to see him and approaches eagerly.)

Olivia: Mr. Basil! I need your help, and I-

(Basil is clearly not listening to her as puts on his house robe. He tosses a dart over his shoulder, scoring a direct bullseye on the dartboard.)

Basil: All in good time.

Olivia: (More desperately) But-but you don’t understand. I’m in terrible trouble.

Basil: (Ignores Olivia) If you’ll excuse me.

(Basil walks by, and Olivia sighs.)

Dawson: (Impatiently) Here, now, now. Now see here!

(He shakes a finger at Basil, who once more rushes right by the two of them. Dawson pauses momentarily, but soon regains his wind.)

Dawson: This young lady is in need of assistance. I think you ought…

Basil: (interrupts him by handing him the gun.) Will you hold this, please, Doctor?

Dawson: (Dawson accepts gracefully…) Of course.

(…but with his eyes closed, Dawson doesn’t realize at first what he’s holding and points the gun at his head. He opens his eyes, and then nervously holds it out at arms length until Basil retrieves it.)

Dawson: (Puzzled) Ah, wait just a moment. How did you know I was a doctor?

(Basil picks up a ordinary bullet and places it in the gun, all the meanwhile answering Dawson without interruption.)

Basil: A surgeon, to be exact. Just returned from military duty in Afghanistan. Am I right?

Dawson: Why…(Chuckles) Oh, yes. Major David Q. Dawson. But how could you possibly-

Basil: Quite simple, really. (He holds up Dawson's arm to reveal a stitch mark on his jacket.) You’ve sewn your torn cuff together with the Lembert stitch, which of course, only a surgeon uses. (He continues speaking as he gathers several pillows.) And the thread is a unique form of catgut distinguished by its… (whispers to Olivia)…peculiar pungency…

(Olivia is befuddled.)

Basil: …found only in the Afghan provinces.

(One by one, Basil tosses the three pillows at Dawson, who holds them against his body, his face mostly covered.)

Dawson: (Muffled) Amazing!

Basil: (Simply) Actually it’s…elementary, my dear Dawson.

(Basil spins the revolver and aims it at the pillows. Dawson looks around in terror and throws the pillows onto an armchair. As Basil calmly readjusts his aim, Dawson jumps behind the opposite chair, seizing Olivia's arm and bringing her behind it. The gun fires, and pillow feathers fly as they cautiously peek out. Mrs. Judson rushes back out at the stentorian report.)

Mrs. Judson: (Panicking) What in heaven’s name?! (She soon discovers her pillows are nothing but feathers.) (Distraught) Oh! Oh! My… (She spits out several feathers.) MY GOOD PILLOWS! (She glares angrily in Basil's direction. He is kneeling in the chair, tossing the feathers aside.) MR. BASIL!

(He pops his head above the chair as she spits out more feathers.)

Mrs. Judson: How many times have I told you not to…?

Basil: There, there, Mrs. Judson, it’s quite all right. (smells cheese crumpets from the kitchen.) Ah…(Sniffs) Mmm! I believe I smell some of those delightful cheese crumpets of yours. (He gently pushes Mrs. Judson back to the kitchen.) Why don’t you fetch our guests some?

Mrs. Judson: But, ah, but, but…

Basil: (shuts the door, silencing her.) Now… (He gets on his hands and knees and searches on the floor) I know that bullet’s here somewhere.

(Olivia has found it and is holding it up for him. He takes it.)

Basil: (Grudgingly, like Sylvester) Thank you, Miss…

Olivia: Flaversham. Olivia Flaversham.

Basil: (Distracted) Whatever.

Olivia: Yes, but you don’t understand--

Basil: Shhh! (Basil opens a small box and pulls out another bullet. Taking the one he just fired, he puts them under a microscope and compares their markings. The first reading matches…) Yeah… (…so does the second one.) Yes! (However, from the third direction, the markings go off in separate directions. He yells.) NOOOOOOOOOO! Drat! (Depressed) Another dead end. (Dejected, Basil tosses the extra bullet aside and slowly walks over to his chair.) He was within my grasp.

(He flops into his chair and slowly reaches for the violin sitting beside him. As Basil plays a mournful tune, Dawson nudges Olivia encouragingly, and she walks towards him, determined to make him listen now that Basil is unoccupied with his detective work.)

Olivia: Now will you please listen to me? My daddy’s gone and I’m all alone.

Basil: (pauses temporarily, feeling still depressed) Young lady, this is a most inopportune time. (He resumes playing, but after seeing Olivia's sad face, decides to humor her.) Surely your mother knows where he is.

Olivia: I--- I don’t have a mother.

(Basil screeches the violin as he abruptly sits up.)

Basil: (Uncertainly) Well… um… well, then perhaps… (Firmly) See here! I simply have no time for lost fathers. (He turns away. Olivia is now annoyed, and puts her hands on her hips.)

Olivia: (Defiantly) I didn’t lose him. He was taken by a bat.

(Basil's eyes widen and he leans towards Olivia intently; clearly, this information is of great importance.)

Basil: Did you say…BAT?

Olivia: Yes.

Basil: (Expectantly) Did he have a crippled wing?

Olivia: I don’t know. But he had a peg leg!

(This information is key to Basil, who stands up on the arms of the chair, his arms wide.)

Basil: HA!

Dawson: I say, do you know him?

(Basil is by now sitting on the top of the chair, as if building up to a shocking revelation.)

Basil: Know him? That bat, one Fidget by name, is in the employ of the fiend who was the very target of my experiment! The horror of my every waking moment. The nefarious Professor Ratigan!

(Basil points his bow in the direction of the fireplace, where a picture of a well-dressed rat sits on the mantle frame. The flames in the fire burst and lightning strikes as we see a close up of Ratigan's sinister grin.)

Dawson: Uh…Ratigan?

(Basil leans over the top of the chair and delivers the next few lines from different locations, accenting Ratigan's character.)

Basil: He’s a genius, Dawson. (He ducks down and reappears at the side.) A genius… twisted for evil. (Then he moves in front of the chair.) The Napoleon of crime!

Dawson: As bad as all that, eh?

(Basil is now behind them, poking his head through a banister.)

Basil: (Hoarsely) Worse! For years, I’ve tried to capture him and I’ve come close… (He stands and holds his fist out towards the picture.) …so very close. But each time he’s narrowly evaded my grasp.

(Basil's voiceover continues as the camera takes us deeper and deeper through London’s sewers.)

Basil: Not a corner of London’s safe while Ratigan’s at large. There’s no evil scheme he wouldn’t concoct! No depravity he wouldn’t commit.

(We come to an empty barrel on its side, and an iron door with bars.)

Basil: Who knows what dastardly scheme that villain may be plotting even as we speak…

(Inside the prison, a mechanical robot is pouring tea into a cup. Flaversham is working at a podium, controlling its movements. Ratigan is at the door, monitoring his progress. Ratigan's voice is oily and gentlemanlike.)

Ratigan: (Chuckles evilly) Quite an ingenious scheme, eh, Flaversham? And aren’t you proud to be a part of it?

Flaversham: This whole thing…i-i-it’s monstrous!

(He continues working at the controls, getting the robot to pour a spoonful of sugar into the teacup and stir.)

Ratigan: We will have our device ready by tomorrow evening, won’t we? You know what will happen if you…fail?

(In Ratigan's hands is a small gold bell which obviously holds a certain threat. He rings it once, but instead of being afraid, Flaversham becomes angry and defiant.)

Flaversham: I-I-I don’t care!

(He jerks hard on the controls, making the robot dump the cup of tea on its head. The robot seizes the teapot and pours that onto its head as well, then hurls it towards Ratigan, who dodges just in time.)

(The robot is flailing around and finally stops, but not before squirting oil out, which lands on Ratigan's coat. The rat scowls at the resultant stain.)

Flaversham: You can do what you want with me. I won’t be a part of this… this…this evil any longer!

(Ratigan has wiped the oil away and breathes out his cigarette smoke. He smiles.)

Ratigan: (Biting off rage) Mmm… (Normally) Very well. If that is your decision. Oh, uh, by the way, I’m taking the liberty of having your daughter brought here. (He pick’s up Olivia's ballerina doll and winds it up.)

Flaversham: O-Olivia?

Ratigan: Yes. Hm-hm, yes.

Ratigan sets the doll down and watches it dance.

Ratigan: (Mockingly) I would spend many a sleepless night if anything unfortunate were to befall her.

Flaversham: You…you wouldn’t?!

''Ratigan picks up the doll again, and squeezes it until it breaks. He gazes at the doll in mock sorrow, then lunges threateningly at Flaversham.''

Ratigan: (Yelling) FINISH IT, FLAVERSHAM!!

''With a heavy heart, Flaversham does as he’s told. Outside, Ratigan is humming to himself as he writes a list.''

Ratigan: Oh, I love it when I’m nasty.

He looks above the doorway to another barrel, where Fidget is hanging from the faucet, sleeping.

Ratigan: Fidget?

Fidget doesn’t awaken, so Ratigan screams in his ear.

Ratigan: (Calling back) FIDGET!

Startled, the bat falls from his perch and rolls down the stairs at Ratigan's feet.

Ratigan: Bright and alert as always. Here’s the list. You know what to do, and no mistakes!

Fidget: No, no. No mistakes, sir. (quickly reads the list.) Tools, gears, girl, uniforms…

Impatiently, Ratigan yells from the doorway.

Ratigan: NOW, Fidget!

Fidget: I’m going, I’m going! I’m going! (rushes over to a drain grate, lifts it up and disappears below.)

''Inside the barrel, Ratigan is approaching his throne, being cheered by his men. He sits down and holds out his cigarette. Several hands offer lit matches, and he lights it and inhales, blowing out several smoke rings.''

Ratigan: My friends, we are about to embark on the most odious, the most evil, the most diabolical scheme of my illustrious career. A crime to top all crimes…a crime that will live in infamy!

''Most of his men are cheering at this bit of news, save one mouse, Bartholomew, whose attention is focused on his empty mug. He holds it upside down and watches sadly as the last drop of beer falls to the floor.''

Ratigan holds up a newspaper featuring the Queen's picture on the front page.

Ratigan: Tomorrow evening, our beloved monarch celebrates her Diamond Jubilee, and…with the enthusiastic help of our good friend, Mr. Flaversham…

The mice chuckle.

Ratigan: …it promises to be a night she will never forget!

He burns her picture with his cigarette.

Ratigan: Her last night…and my first, as supreme ruler of all mousedom!

''Ratigan jumps, messing up his hair and collar. As his men cheer for him, he calmly pins his collar back and smoothes his hair, then saunters down the red carpet as a spotlight shines on him and an evil tune plays.''

''One of his men hands him his top hat, which he rolls down his arms before putting it on. He gives an evil laugh and begins to sing.''

Ratigan: (Singing) From the brain that brought you the Big Ben Caper The head that made headlines in every newspaper And wondrous things like the Tower Bridge Job That cunning display that made Londoners sob…

''Meanwhile, Ratigan twirls his cane around a rope and yanks on it, causing wine to pour out onto a fountain. Bartholomew's tail is wagging at the chance for more liquor, and he tosses his empty glass over his shoulder, and rushes over to the fountain, drinking from one of the spouts.''

Ratigan: Now comes the real tour de force Tricky and wicked, of course My earlier crimes were fine for their times But now that I’m at it again.. (kicks Bartholomew into the fountain.) An even grimmer plot has been simmering In my great criminal brain

Thugs: (Singing) Even meaner? You mean it? Worse than the widows and orphans you drowned?

Bartholomew drunkenly climbs out as the rest of the thugs lift Ratigan up into their arms, spinning him around.

Thugs: You’re the best of the worst around Oh, Ratigan Oh, Ratigan The rest fall behind To Ratigan To Ratigan The world’s greatest criminal mind.

''His men pull back as Ratigan is seated at a harp. The lighting becomes blue as he plays.''

Ratigan: Thank you, Thank you. But it hasn’t all been champagne and caviar. I’ve had my share of adversity, thanks to that miserable second-rate detective, Basil of Baker Street.

''He directs his gaze to a small mouse toy dressed in a detective suit, needles poking at it. The Thugs boo heavily.''

Ratigan: (Mock crying) For years, that insufferable pipsqueak has interfered with my plans. I haven’t had a moment’s peace of mind.

Thugs: Aww!

''Bartholomew sniffles and begins to cry! The lighting turns red as the illusion is shattered.''

Ratigan: But, all that’s in the past! This time, nothing, not even Basil, can stand in my way! All will bow before me!

His thugs bow as the lighting becomes normal again.

Thugs: (Singing) Oh, Ratigan Oh, Ratigan You’re tops and that’s that To Ratigan To Ratigan…

Bartholomew drunkenly finishes the verse…

Bartholomew: To Ratigan, the world’s greatest rat! (hiccups)

''Ratigan spits out his wine in shock. His thugs gasp in terror as Ratigan spins, towering over Bartholomew.''

Ratigan: What was THAT?!

Innocently, Bartholomew hiccups again.

Ratigan: What did you call me?

Thug 1: Oh, oh, he didn’t mean it, Professor.

Thug 2: I-it was just a slip of the tongue.

Ratigan ignores this and lifts up Bartholomew by his sweater.

Ratigan: (to Bartholomew was break free) I am NOT A RAT!

Thug 3: ‘Course you’re not. You’re a mouse!

Thug 1: Yeah, that’s right. Right! A mouse.

Thug 2: Yeah, a big'' mouse! ''

Ratigan: SILENCE!

''Ratigan throws Bartholomew to go outside. He rolls and shakes his head as he sits up.''

Ratigan: Oh, my dear Bartholomew… I’m afraid that you’ve gone and upset me. (Dramatically) You know what happens when someone upsets me…

''Ratigan pulls out the bell from his vest pocket. He rings it, and his men gasp in terror as they look to the alleyway, where a shadow is approaching. An enormously fat cat – Felicia - is approaching the oblivious Bartholomew.''

Bartholomew: (Singing) Oh, Ratigan Oh, Ratigan You’re the tops and that’s that. (hic) Oh dear. To Ratigan To Ratigan

''The cat has picked up Bartholomew and all we see is the shadow of the mouse hovering over the cat’s open jaws. The Thugs are cowering in the doorway as Ratigan himself is enjoying a cigarette.''

Bartholomew: To Ratigan…the world’s greatest-

''A gulping noise is heard along with the cat’s content meow. Two of the Thugs remove thier hats and the third wipes a tear from his eye. Ratigan is cooing over his cat, wiping her mouth with his handkerchief.''

Ratigan: Tsk, tsk, tsk. Oh, Felicia, my precious, my baby. (hugging Felicia fatherly) Did Daddy’s little honey bun enjoy her tasty treat?

''Felicia burps in his face. Ratigan looks a little dismayed, but he recovers and struts back towards his terrified men.''

Ratigan: I trust there will be no further interruptions. (He clears his throat and wraps his arms around his men.): And now, as you were singing?

''Singing is clearly the last thing they have on their minds as they huddle close together. But as Ratigan pulls out the bell again, they get their inspiration back.''

Thugs: Even louder We’ll shout it! No one can doubt what we know you can do.

Several of his thugs are now rushing towards him, handing him a robe, a crown, and a diamond topped scepter.

Thugs: You’re more evil than even you Oh, Ratigan Oh, Ratigan You’re one of a kind To Ratigan To Ratigan

''The Thugs begin using Ratigan's many jewels to form a pyramid. The mouse on the bottom can’t keep his balance on the pearl, and they all tumble.''

''Above, others have been swinging from chandeliers, and one mouse begins to fall. Ratigan holds out his robe to catch him, but at the last moment, pulls back, letting the mouse hit the floor. The Thugs dramatically sing the final line of the song.''

Thugs: The world’s greatest criminal mind!!

''As the song ends, they offer one last toast, while Ratigan finishes the rest of his wine. He smirks, and the image cuts back to Basils flat, first showing Ratigans picture.''

Olivia has told Basil her story, who has taken the case, and is enjoying a pipe.

Basil: This case is most intriguing with its multiplicity of elements…its many twists and turns. (He turns to Olivia.) Now, you’re certain you’ve told me everything? The slightest detail may be important.

Olivia: It’s just as I said. And then my father was gone.

Dawson: What do you make of it?

Basil: (begins to pace as Olivia follows him.) Hmm. Ratigan’s up to something. A crime of the most sinister nature no doubt. The question is…what would he want with a toy maker?

''Olivia has stopped by the window. Fidget pops down from above as lightning strikes, Olivia very scared.''

Olivia: Aaaaaaah!

Basil: Quickly Dawson, we’ve not a moment to lose!

Dawson: Uh, uh I’m right behind you, Basil.

''They rush outside, but Fidget is already gone. Basil looks around and kneels down to look at the sidewalk, where Fidget has left behind his muddy footprints.''

Dawson: No sign of the blackguard anywhere.

Basil: Not quite, Dawson. He left some rather unusual footprints. They obviously belong to the same fiend who abducted the girl’s father - Ratigan’s peg-legged lackey.

To add to this pile of evidence, Dawson discovers Fidget has lost his hat.

Dawson: Uh…Basil?

Basil: (delighted, snatching up the hat.) Ah-ha! Excellent work, old man. Ha, ha, ha!

Standing in the doorway are Olivia and Mrs. Judson, who is comforting the young girl.

Mrs. Judson: Now… there’s nothing to be afraid of, my dear.

''As an excited Basil rushes by, Mrs. Jusdon pulls Olivia back, glaring at Basil for his insensitivity. Dawson enters behind him.''

Dawson: (To Olivia) The scoundrel’s quite gone.

Basil throws off his robe.

Basil: Ha-ha! But not for long, Miss Flamhammer.

Olivia: (Exasperated) Flaversham!

Basil has changed into a brown jacket for his detective work.

Basil: Whatever. Now, we simply pursue our peg-legged friend until he leads us to the girl’s father.

Olivia: Then you’ll get my daddy back? (She rushes over and hugs Basil tightly.)

Basil: Yes! (He pushes Olivia down and pulls his legs free from her grasp.)

Basil: And quite soon, if I’m not mistaken. Now, hurry along, Dawson. We must be off to…Toby’s. (He retrieves an Inverness cape from a suit of armor and puts it on.)

Dawson: (Confused) Toby’s?

Basil: Oh, you must meet him. He’s just the chap for this. (He adds a deerstalker cap.)

Dawson: You-you want me to come?

Basil: Ha! I should think a stouthearted army mouse like you would leap at the chance for adventure.

Dawson: Well, heh, heh. I am rather curious.

Olivia: Wait for me! I’m coming too!

''As she rushes to join them, she seizes her hat and scarf, knocking over Basil's violin in the process. He dives down to catch it.''

Basil: What? Certainly not! This is no business for children. (He sets the violin back on the chair.)

Olivia: Are we going to take a cab?

Basil: (sighs and puts his hand on his forehead as Olivia puts several crumpets into her pocket.) Oh…my dear, I don’t think you understand. (Slightly annoyed, he takes her hand and makes her face him.) It will be quite dangerous. (he sits on his violin, and accidentally by violin. He grunts bitterly and pulls the ruined instrument out.) Why you… Look at… (takes a deep breath, trying to control his rage, growling.) Young lady, you are most definitely not accompanying us. And that is final!

''Upstairs in the flat of the famous Sherlock Holmes, Basil opens a small wall design, his secret passage, and peeks outside. Olivia has unknowingly followed them, and she opens it further. Basil glares at her in annoyance, resigned to having her along.''

Basil: Not a word out of you. Is that clear?

''Olivia shushes him as two shadows approach – Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Basil quickly moves the doorway, leaving a small crack open.''

Holmes: I observe that there’s a good deal of German music on the program. It is introspective, and I want to introspect.

Watson: But Holmes, that music is so frightfully dull.

Holmes: Come along.

''The two men leave, leaving Basil, Olivia, and Dawson free to come out into the open. Basil begins to call out to his friend.''

Basil: Toby? Toby?

Olivia tugs on Dawson's coat and whispers in his ear.

Olivia: Who is Toby?

Dawson: Well my dear, Toby is… well, he’s uh, uh…

Olivia waits for an answer as Dawson turns to Basil, just as clueless as she is.

Dawson: I say Basil, who is this Toby chap?

''Before Basil could answer, thundering footsteps appoach. Towering over them is an adorable basset hound puppy, who is obviously very happy to see Basil.''

Basil: Ahh! Here he is now!

He pushes Dawson forward as Toby leans down, formally introducing the mouse and dog.

Basil: Dawson…Toby.

Dawson nervously tips his hat and pats Toby's nose.

Dawson: Charmed, I’m sure.

''Toby doesn’t seem too thrilled with the introduction and growls at Dawson. Basil moves forward and pushes Toby back.''

Basil: Now Toby! Toby, stop that! Toby, cease! Desist! Ha!

''Dawson is trembling behind the leg of a chair. Toby is now sniffing around the room.''

Basil: Tsk, tsk, tsk. Frightfully sorry, old man. Toby has the most splendid sense of smell of any hound I’ve trained. But he can be deucedly frisky.

''Basil chuckles as Toby stops at a footrest, where we can see Olivia's feet from behind the fringe. She cautiously pushes it aside and smiles at Toby, who seems to like her just fine.''

Olivia: Hello, Toby! (She pats his nose and Toby sniffs her again.) Silly doggy! Would you like a crumpet?

''Toby nods happily as Olivia reaches into her coat pocket. She holds it up for him and he licks it off her hand. Basil is ready to leave and reaches into his pocket.''

Basil: Here now, Toby? Toby! To the matter at hand. I want you to-

''He turns, but Toby isn’t listening to him, as the dog is on his back enjoying a belly rub from Olivia. Basil whistles, and Toby rolls his head back to see him clearing his throat and tapping his foot.''

Olivia slides off Toby into Dawson's arms, and Toby rolls back to his feet, facing Basil.

Basil: Good, now Toby! Toby…I want you to find…this fiend! (whips out Fidget's hat, and Toby starts to growl. He barks and growls along with Toby to drill the dog into searching for the bad guy.) Yes, you know his type. A villain. A scoundrel! Low brow. Close set eyes. Broken wing.

Toby pauses and looks at Basil, confused at this last piece of the description.

Basil: (Chortling) Oh, he’s a peg-legged bat with a broken wing.

Toby starts to growl again.

Basil: Yes! Yes! That’s the spirit! Got his scent?

Toby nods happily, and Basil retrieves his leash.

Basil: Good boy, good boy! (He turns to face Toby again, but he has turned around and is smiling at Olivia and Dawson. He moves in front of Toby.) Miss Flamchester!

Olivia and Dawson: Flaversham!

Basil: Whatever. Your father is as good as found. (He hooks on Toby's leash.) Toby…

Toby strikes a ‘pointer’ pose, ready to bolt after Fidget's trail.

Basil: Sic ‘em!

''As Toby rushes out, he accidentally stomps on his master. The dazed detective manages to hold on to the leash and quickly regains his wind.''

Basil: Ah-ha! Yoicks! Tally ho! Ha-ha! Ha-ha!

''Olivia and Dawson rush after the pair, trying to catch up. The camera cuts to a few moments later in the street, where Toby is sniffing at the ground. He gives a sudden howl and breaks into a run.''

Olivia is holding on to Basils waist at Toby's collar.

Basil: The thrill of the hunt, eh, Dawson?

Dawson is desperately clinging to Toby's tail and gives a nervous chuckle at the irony of this statement.

Dawson: Q-q-quite!

Basil: Oh-hoo-hoo. Our peg-legged quarry can’t be far now.

''Cut to inside a toy shop. Fidget is inside, removing the Royal British Guard uniforms from toy soldiers. He stuffs them into his sack and reaches into his wing pocket for Ratigan's list and a pencil. He reads from the list and checks along as he goes.''

Fidget: Get the following. Tools, check. I got tools. Gears, double check. I got gears. Girl… (Remembering he does not have Olivia yet, he makes a check and then erases it.) No, didn’t get girl. Uniforms…(Chuckles) I got plenty of uniforms! (He chuckles again, and is then startled as Toby howls outside.) Oh no, oh no. I gotta hide! I gotta hide! Ooh, I gotta hide! (Fidget grabs the hats from the soldiers and stuffs them into his bag. He jumps on top of a clown toy and onto a higher shelf, as the list flutters in front of the toy soldiers without him noticing.)

Back outside, Basil has jumped off Toby's muzzle onto the window ledge.

Basil: Splendid job, Toby!

''Olivia is standing on Toby's muzzle and holds out her arms towards Basil, who gives her a look of annoyance, but holds his arms out to her. She jumps and he catches her, and sets her down, nudging her forward.''

''As Dawson is moving down, Toby begins to growl at him again. Dawson tips his hat and is prepared to make a hasty jump, but Toby gives a deliberate sneeze, which sends Dawson tumbling head over heels, hitting Basil. Basil looks down at Dawson, then to Toby.''

Basil: Now Toby…sit!

''Toby remains standing. Basil marches back down the window still and stands in front of his dog, speaking more strictly this time.''

Basil: Toby, sit.

Olivia: Sit, Toby.

''Toby promptly sits. Basil stares at Olivia jealously.''

Basil: Good boy. (Moving past Olivia…) If you’ll excuse me.

Olivia: (To Toby) You be good now. We’re going to find my father.

''Basil is humming to himself as he inspects the ledge and window. His humming slows as he sees a tiny hole in the center of the small round window. He points at it triumphantly.''

Basil: Ah-ha! Here is our friend’s entrance.

Dawson: But Basil, how could he fit through such a tiny…

Basil: Observe, Doctor. (takes Dawson's hand and sticks one of his fingers into the hole. He watches confidently as Dawson pulls his hand back, displaying that Fidget has used the window as a door.)

Dawson: Basil, you astound me!

''Basil hastily shushes him and climbs in, followed by Olivia and Dawson. After getting inside, Dawson closes the window.''

''Inside, they walk through the store. Dawson doesn’t look where he’s going and bumps into something.''

Dawson: Ooh! I beg your pardon, I- (he stops when he sees that what he hit was a huge doll. He and Olivia look around the toy store.) Oh my. Upon my word I’ve never seen so many toys.

Basil: (Warningly darts out from behind the doll’s leg.) Behind any of which could lurk a bloodthirsty assassin! So please, Doctor…be very careful.

''As Basil stealthily moves between the toys and through shadows, Olivia and Dawson stay close behind. They start to climb up a ladder, leading them to a higher shelf.''

''Basil and Dawson quietly creep down the shelf, when a sudden crashing noise from behind causes them to freeze and Dawson to leap into Basil's arms. They look behind them and see that Olivia has turned on a toy music box, and is watching the noisy fireman band play.''

Basil: Oh! What the dev… Ooh!

''Utterly annoyed, Basil shoves the heavy Dawson off of him and leaps for the control lever, shutting the toy off. He turns to Olivia.''

Basil: (Intensely) Please! (Softly) Quiet! (To Dawson) Don’t let this girl out of your sight!

''Dawson stands at attention and salutes as Basil walks past. He looks to Olivia, who is giving a playful salute of her own, and takes her hand.''

Dawson: Now, Olivia dear, stay close.

''From above, Fidget watches the trio move across a chessboard. Basil pauses by the rook.''

Basil: Hmm. (He pushes the rook over one space.) Checkmate. Ah-ha! (holds his magnifying glass to his eye, staring at Fidget's footprints.) Evidence of our peg-legged adversary. (hums as he follows the footprints, stopping at the rows of naked toy soldiers.) Hmm… how very odd.

Dawson: What is it, Basil?

Basil: Isn’t it painfully obvious, Doctor? These dolls have been stripped of their uniforms. (More exasperated) And not by any child, either. (He and Olivia glance at each other as they both examine the footprints. Basil looks over his shoulder, having seen more strange evidence.) Hello. (He looks around the insides of mechanical toys, where all the gears are missing.) Someone has taken the liberty of removing the clockwork mechanisms from these toys.

''Fidget's eyes widen as he sees the team discovering his handiwork, and he darts away. Meanwhile, Dawson has found the list.''

Dawson: Basil…

Basil: Please, I’m trying to concentrate.

Dawson: But Basil, I-I-

''Suddenly music boxes are playing, and winding toys are moving along the shelves. A puppy pokes its head out of a hat and barks; a bunny is moving an egg shell up and down as a baby chick chirps inside. It then rolls by a fiddle player and a carousel. Nearly every toy in the shop is operating on its own.''

''Olivia, seeing some bubbles, follows them, separating herself from Dawson and Basil. A small Dumbo toy is the source of the bubbles, and there is a mouse-sized baby carriage that is slowly rocking back and forth.''

''Olivia approaches it, and as she reaches up to pull the blanket back, Fidget lunges at her threateningly, a bonnet on his head. In the other room, Basil and Dawson hear her Olivia terrified scream.''

Dawson: Olivia!

Fidget: Gotcha! (throws her in his bag.)

Basil starts rushing ahead, urging Dawson to follow him.

Basil: Quickly, Doctor!

As Basil disappears behind a book, he quickly changes direction as a large Ferris wheel toy is rolling towards them.

Basil: Ah, ya, ah! Look out!

''He and Dawson leap out of its way and onto an Around the World path toy. A large doll is falling right over them, and they run for their lives, but only move the paper path below their feet.''

''Just as the doll is about to crush them, they reach the end of the path and are able to leap off just as the doll breaks. A piece of the porcelain doll’s face rolls towards Dawson, its eye blinking at him.''

''Basil rushes by, but Fidget has wound up a toy jouster, which moves towards them with an outstretched spear. Basil is able to leap on a trumpet above him, but the jousting spear has caught Dawson by his jacket, and he is hurled towards a dart board, pinned to it.''

''Basil looks behind him, and his head is crashed between the cymbals of the firemen band music box, which has started up again as well. Basil stumbles over to a pile of marbles and trips over them, causing them to scatter; several marbles fly towards Dawson, one hitting him on his head. Fidget is making his way to the window.''

Fidget: (Laughing) Bye-bye. (He opens the window again, and is nearly eaten by Toby, who barks and growls at the exit. Fidget slams the window shut and climbs up the cash register and back onto the shelves.)

''Basil has regained consciousness and is once again on the bat’s tail. He jumps onto a spring horse, and uses it to jump from shelf to shelf.''

Basil: Stop, you fiend!

''Basil reaches the top shelf, and falls off the horse at the base of a large pyramid of building blocks. On opposite sides, Basil and Fidget are climbing to the top. Fidget makes leaps at the top, catching the ledge of the open sky roof.''

''Basil tries to leap for him, but as he does, the blocks tumble and fall, taking Basil down with them. Fidget chuckles evilly and throws the tied sack on top of the roof, and climbs out.''

Olivia: (Muffled) Help! Mister Basil, help! Help!

Fidget takes the bag and hops from roof to roof, back towards Ratigan's lair.

Fidget: (Singsong voice) I got the gears, I got the tools, I got the uniforms, I got the girl, heh-heh-heh-heh!

Inside, Dawson has managed to free himself and is searching for Basil.

Dawson: Basil! Basil!

He hears the sound of a doll repeatedly saying Mama, and he pushes aside a small boat and drum to find Basil tangled to the doll’s pull string, furiously trying to untie himself.

Dawson: Basil! Olivia… she’s…

Basil: She’s gone, Dawson! Confound it! I told you to watch over the girl! (He manages to untie the string and falls to the ground, regaining his wind quickly, as well as his bad temper.) Now she’s been spirited away by that maniacal little monster. Soon to be in the clutches of the most depraved mind in all of London! I should have known better than to… (he stops mid-rant and sees Dawson simply standing there, his back turned, and his head hung sadly.) Than to…Um, eh Dawson? Dawson? (he looks concerned at the damage he has done.) I say, Dawson, old chap?

Dawson: (sniffles and wipes his face with his handkerchief.) Oh, ah, poor girl. I should have watched her more closely.

Basil: (Apologetically) Don’t worry, old fellow. It’s not… entirely hopeless.

Dawson says nothing, but looks towards Basil when the younger mouse puts his hand on his shoulder.

Basil: We’ll get her back.

Dawson: Do-do you think there’s a chance?

Basil: There’s always a chance, Doctor… (lights his pipe.) as long as one can think.

Basil begins to pace around the room, and Dawson sighs, putting his hands in his pockets. A puzzled expression crosses his face as he pulls out the list, reading from it.

Dawson: "Get the following: tools, gears…"

Basil: What?

Dawson: "Girl..."

Basil: Get the following...

Dawson: "Unif-"

Basil: (sees the list, overjoyed at this key piece of evidence.) Dawson, you’ve done it! This list is precisely what we need.

Dawson: What?

Basil: (puts on his deerstalker cap as he rushes to the window.) Quickly, back to Baker Street!

''The movie cuts back to Ratigan's lair, where Flaversham is working on the robot. He tenses as Ratigan enters the workroom.''

Ratigan: Ah, Mr. Flaversham.

Flaversham eyes Ratigan warily as he holds his cape dramatically.

Ratigan: Allow me to present… (Ratigan moves his cape to reveal Olivia in Fidget's grasp.) …your charming daughter!

Flaversham: Olivia!

Olivia: Father!

''Fidget keeps a tight hold on Olivia as she rushes towards Flaversham. Olivia stomps on his foot and runs to her father as Fidget hops up and down in pain.''

Fidget: Owww! My foot, my only foot!

Olivia hugs her lost father and cries.

Olivia: Oh Father! (cries) I thought I’d never find you!

Flaversham: Oh, there, there, there, there, my bairn. I’m all right. Oh, I was so worried about my little girl.

Ratigan: Oh, how sweet. (He pretends to wipe at his eyes with his handkerchief, crying.) Oh, I just love tearful reunions. (The rat then grabs the young girl back.) Now, come along, my dear.

Olivia: Oh please! Please! (She reaches out towards Flaversham as Fidget takes her away.) Father!

Flaversham is being restrained by Ratigan and tries to plead with the nefarious mouse.

Flaversham: Olivia! Oh please, professor!

Ratigan: Now, now, Fidget will take good care of her. (Threateningly) That is, as long as we have no further delays!

Flaversham: (fearfully returns to work on the robot.) Yes, yes, I-I’ll finish it. Oh, just don’t hurt my daughter.

Ratigan: Remember, it must be ready…tonight! (He slams the door.)

Next, Fidget is shwon carrying Olivia towards a bottle lying on its side.

Olivia: Stop! Let me go! You ugly old thing!

Fidget: (pushes her inside and puts the cork in the bottle.) That ought to hold ya!

Olivia: (gets in the green bottle by the cork, yelling) Help! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT!!!

Fidget: See how you like that! (He blows her raspberry, then strides away towards Ratigan, who is looking through the bag.)

Ratigan: Ah, the uniforms. Oh Fidget, I knew I could rely on you. Now, you didn’t forget anything?

Fidget: (Cackles) No problem. I took care of everything. Everything on the list.

Unfortunately, as he opens his wing to display the list, he realizes it’s missing and frantically searches for it.

Fidget: Uh-oh…

Ratigan: What’s wrong?

Fidget continues patting himself down.

Fidget: (Panicked) The list…I know…

Ratigan: (Becoming angrier) Where’s the list?

Fidget: (Nervously) The list, yeah, yeah, yeah. Well you see, uh, it was like this. I was in the toy store getting uniforms when I heard "A-roo A-roo" [i.e. Toby].

Ratigan: (Puzzled, impatiently) You’re not coming through.

Fidget: (imitates a dog.) A dog came. I ran. I had baby bonnet, girl in bag and Basil chased me.

Hearing this last piece of information, Ratigan cracks.

Ratigan: What? Basil on the case?! Why you gibbering little…

''Fidget cowers as Ratigan clutches his chest, apparently having a heart attack. His face is red with fury, but just as quickly as his temper rose, Ratigan calms down, and he scoops Fidget into his arms.''

Ratigan: (Chuckles) Oh, my dear Fidget. You have been hanging upside down too long.

Fidget: You mean, you’re not mad? I’m glad you’re taking it so well.

''Ratigan carries Fidget to the back. There is silence until we hear the sound of a bell and Fidget's terrified scream. Around the corner, Felicia is holding Fidget, attempting to have the bat for dinner. Fidget keeps making desperate attempts to escape.''

Fidget: (Panicking) Not me, you idiot. No, stop you stupid fur ball! Open up! Open up! Ai, ai, ai! Oh, ow! You’re hurting my wings!

Ratigan has his back turned and is leaning against a bottle, rubbing his temples.

Ratigan: (Ragingly) How dare that idiot Basil poke his stupid nose into my wonderful scheme and foul up everything!

Fidget: Let me out! Let me out! HELP!!

Fidget has managed to climb out of Felicia's mouth, only to have her stuff him back inside and keep her mouth plugged with one of her paws.

Ratigan: Oh, I can just see that insufferable grin on his smug face. (He bangs his head against the bottle and winces in pain, but suddenly has a wicked idea and smiles to match.) Yes… Yes, I can just see it. (Chuckles) Felicia, release him.

Fidget: I’m too young to die! Wooo...

''Felicia pouts for a moment, then spits the poor mangled bat out. Ratigan, having found some use for the bat after all, holds him up by his cheeks.''

Ratigan: Fidget, you delightful little maniac. You’ve presented me with a singular opportunity. (He drops Fidget, feigning a look of concern.) Poor Basil! (Malevolently) Oh, he is in for a little surprise.

Back at Basil's flat, the detective has lit a lamp and is studying the list with his magnifying glass, Dawson at his side.

Basil: Offhand, I can deduce very little. Only that the words are written with a broad pointed quill pen which has spattered, twice. That the paper is of… (He tosses it in his hand, testing the weight to determine what type of paper it is.) …native Mongolian manufacture, no water mark. And has… (With these words, he has discovered something else; Basil puts the paper to his lips and smacks it several times.) …been gummed, if I’m not very much in error… (For the next step, he sniffs at the paper, and holds it at arms length in disgust at the result.) …by a bat who has been drinking Rodent’s Delight! A cheap brandy sold only in the seediest pubs.

Dawson: Hmm. Amazing.

Basil continues rummaging at his desk for the next stage.

Basil: Oh not really, Doctor. We still don’t know where it came from. (He pulls out his microscope to take a closer look.) Perhaps a close inspection will tell us something. (he focuses the lens on the letter.) Hmm-hmm. Hmm. Coal dust. Clearly of the type used in sewer lamps.

Dawson tries to look through the microscope, but Basil has taken the list and is holding it over a small flame, letting it catch fire.

Dawson: Uh, but Basil, I-I-

Basil: (Quietly) Shhh! Don’t speak!

''Basil lets the ashen remains of the list fall into a bowl, and he pats it down with a small wooden masher. He pours the contents onto a glass jar of a yellow chemical, which turns blue. Dawson stares at the liquid with his bifocals while Basil returns with a vial of a red chemical.''

Basil: Excuse me, Dawson. (He holds the red chemical over the jar carefully.) Steady hand…

''Basil lets a single drop fall. A small puff of smoke comes out as the chemical turns violet. Basil sets the jar below a glass spout and reaches to the other side of the chemistry set to turn on a small flame.''

The green chemical inside bubbles up and slowly makes its way through the tubes, Basil encouraging it soflty.

Basil: Yes, yes. Good, good. Come along, come along, come along, come along. Come along, come along, come along come along…. Haha… Yes, yes, good, good. No, bad. Good, good, oh, no. Come along, come on. Yes, come on.

Basil and Dawson watch intently as a single green droplet is hanging above the violet chemical.

Basil: Yes… Yes…

The drop falls, making the chemical turn red, to Basil's elation.

Basil: Ah-ha! (He puts his arm around Dawson in companionship.) We’ve done it, old fellow! This reaction could only have been triggered by the paper’s extreme saturation with distillation of sodium chloride.

Basil moves away from the table as Dawsoncontinues to study the now-clear chemical.

Dawson: Salt water? Great Scott.

Basil rummages through his set of maps of the London area.

Basil: It proves beyond a doubt, this list came from the riverfront area.

Basil uses his darts from earlier in the movie to pin the map to the wall.

Dawson: Ah, now steady on there, Basil.

Basil: No, no. Elementary, my dear Dawson. We merely look for a seedy pub at the only…spot…

Basil marks said spot with another dart.

Basil: (Lower voice) …where the sewer connects to the waterfront.

''Cut to the waterfront. Toby is sitting on the pier, looking down below him as Basil whispers to him softly.''

Basil: Stay Toby, stay.

The camera pans downward, and we see Basil is disguised as a sailor and is using a fake moustache, and is approaching the front door to a pub called The Rat Trap.

Dawson: Uh, Basil?

Basil pulls out a cigarette, intending to look at home in the pub.

Basil: Come, come, Dawson.

Dawson is heard from behind the pier column.

Dawson: I feel utterly ridiculous.

Basil: Don’t be absurd. You look perfect.

''Dawson steps out in pirate disguise, with a bandana, an earring, an eye patch, and a stripped shirt that is much too short for him. He keeps trying to tuck it into his pants, with no luck.''

Dawson: (Incredulous) Perfect? Perfectly foolish!

''Basil shushes him as he opens the door. It certainly is a seedy pub, where clearly every lowlife in London has gathered. The mice are all smoking, playing poker, or drinking at the bar. Some are even passed out from the amount of alcohol they’ve drunk.''

A mouse is playing the piano as an octopus onstage is juggling three balls while tap dancing.

''The barmaid is tickling a patron under his chin, but when he puckers his lips for a kiss, she punches him so hard he flies from his chair. Basil strikes his match against the wall and lights his cigarette.''

Basil: (Whispering) Dawson…stay close and do as I do.

''The bartender is cleaning a mug and looks to Basil and Dawson as they approach. Basil signals him for service as he walks to a table. Dawson copies his movements, though his seem to be a little more exaggerated.''

''The bar patrons are eyeing them suspiciously. A knife suddenly lands at the floor in Dawson's path, and he stumbles back, knocking a woman’s chair forward.''

Dawson: Ah! Oh I do beg your pardon, Madam.

Obviously in on the prank, she blows her cigarette smoke in his face, making him choke.

Dawson: Quite unintentional, I assure you. (Coughs)

Everyone laughs at his coughing as the woman returns to her poker game.

Dawson: (Angrily) How impertinent!

Basil: (Whispering) Remember Dawson, we’re low-life ruffians.

Dawson: Well, I was until that…

''Basil shushes him as they take their seats. Dawson gives a haughty nod at the woman.''

''On stage, the octopus has nearly finished his dance. The pianist is getting nervous seeing the unhappy faces of all the patrons. The octopus finishes, and catches his balls in his hat and bows, apparently very surprised to hear the applause coming from Dawson; the rest of the pub boo the cephalopod and quickly drown him out.''

Lowlife: Get off, you eight-legged bum!

''The octopus quite literally runs for his life offstage as food, knifes, bottles, and darts are thrown towards him. The barmaid comes up to Basil and Dawson's table.''

Barmaid: What’s your pleasure, mates?

Dawson: (In normal voice) Uh.. I’ll have a dry sherry with… oh perhaps a twist of-

Basil has clamped his hand over Dawson's mouth, and has adopted a tough-guy accent to cover up his associate.

Basil: Two pints for me and my shipmate. Oh, by the way. We just got into port. We’re looking for an old friend of mine. Maybe you know him. Goes by the name…of Ratigan!

''At the mention of Ratigan, the barmaid gasps, as well as several poker players and the pianist. They stare at Basil in shock as the barmaid recovers from her shock, clearly unwilling to admit her knowledge of the criminal mastermind.''

Barmaid: I, uh…never heard of him.

Dawson is nervous at all the stares, but Basil seems to be pretty pleased with the reaction he got.

''The pianist has started another song, and the curtains open to reveal a salamander on a unicycle, exhausted from the effort of holding a huge frog on his shoulders. The patrons immediately resume booing and throwing food and weapons onstage.''

''As a knife strikes the piano, the pianist nervously begins the third act. The patrons are already armed with chairs, darts, and one with an ax, ready to throw them at whoever is next.''

''But when the curtains open, a pretty lady mouse stands onstage, wearing a blue tank top, purple skirt, and pink shawl. The patrons slowly lower their weapons as she begins to sing to them.''

Miss Kitty: (Singing) ♪Dearest friends, dear gentlemen ♪ Listen to my song ♪ Life down here’s been hard for you ♪ Life has made you strong ♪ Let me lift the mood ♪ With my attitude♪

''As the beat picks up, she begins to strut onstage as every eye is focused on her, bouncing along with her song. Dawson looks as though he’s fallen in love.''

Miss Kitty: ♪ Hey fellas ♪ The time is right ♪ Get ready ♪ Tonight’s the night ♪ Boys, what you’re hopin’ for will come true ♪ Let me be good to you♪

''Basil seems to be the only one uninterested in the singer. He turns over to the bar and sees the barmaid whisper something into the bartender’s ear, who discreetly pours the contents of a vial into two mugs of beer.''

Miss Kitty: ♪ You tough guys ♪ You’re feelin’ all alone ♪ You rough guys ♪ The best o’ you sailors and bums ♪ All o’ my chums ♪ So dream on ♪ And drink your beer ♪ Get cozy ♪ Your baby’s here ♪ You won’t be misunderstood ♪ Let me be good to you♪

''She moves behind the curtain as the band joins in, picking up the beat even more. The curtains pull back, and Miss Kitty is joined by two other twin lady mice, in pink hats, dresses and black elbow length gloves.''

Miss Kitty: ♪ Hey fellas ♪ I’ll take off all my blues ♪ Hey fellas ♪ There’s nothin’ I won’t do ♪ Just for you!♪

During these lyrics, Miss Kitty puts on black gloves, removed her shawl, and ripped off her skirt, revealing her garter and feather boa around her waist.

''The patrons whistle, and one is being restrained as he tries to climb onstage; Miss Kitty kicks him down. She then points to Dawson, who seems very bashful now. She leaves the stage, leaving the other lady mice onstage to dance for the pub.''

The barmaid has returned to Basil and Dawson's table, and hands them their drinks.

Barmaid: There you are, boys. It’s uh… on the house.

Dawson: I say, how very generous.

Suspicious of the contents of the vial and this generous offer, Basil swirls his finger in the beer and takes a small taste, which confirms his suspicions.

Basil: Dawson…these drinks have been…

Unfortunately, Dawson has already drained his beer.

Basil: (Squeaks) Drugged!

Dawson: (Drunkenly) Has a rather nice bite to it.

Under the influence, Dawson turns his attention back to the stage, and cheers and applauds loudly.

Dawson: Jolly good, ladies, jolly good!

Basil: Dawson, get ahold of yourself!

Dawson: (undisturbed) Oh, bravo, bravo.

''Basil is irritated until he hears the sound of a peg-legged figure approaching. Fidget's attention is focused on the showgirls as well, and doesn’t notice that Basil has seen him.''

''Fidget's peg gets caught in a hole in the floorboard, and he falls and angrily yanks his foot out, sending himself stumbling back into the bar. During this, Miss Kitty has come back on stage and is finishing her song.''

Miss Kitty: So dream on And drink your beer Get cozy Your baby’s here Hey boys, I’m talkin’ to you

Basil: If it isn’t our peg-legged friend. Dawson, ooh hoo, what luck!

Unfortunately, Dawson is gone.

Basil: Dawson? (He looks towards the stage and discovers his friend has joined the dance. He is more panicked) Dawson!

''Miss Kitty takes his arm and swings him around, and he rejoins the twins. Basil slaps his forehead and drags his hand down his face.''

Miss Kitty: Your baby’s gonna come through Let me be good to you!

''At this ending, the twins each give Dawson a kiss on the cheek. He giggles, then drunkenly twirls right of stage and onto the piano. Miss Kitty strikes one final pose.''

Miss Kitty: Yeah!

''A dazed Dawson is having visions of showgirls dancing around his head. The pianist, angry that the mouse has destroyed his instrument, is ready to hit him with a plank, but just as he swings, Dawson slumps down again. The pianist instead hits the head of a big mean-looking mouse, who stands up and prepares to fight.''

''Nervously, the pianist tries to hide the plank, but the larger mouse grabs him by the neck and is about to punch him. He manages to get loose, resulting in the punch hitting the piano so hard it crashes into the band members, sending them and Dawson flying in separate directions. Dawson lands on his back as a full-blown bar fight breaks out.''

''Mice are strangling each other, hitting them with whatever they can, be it a shoe, a chair, or kicking them as they swing from a ceiling lamp. The barmaid and bartender rush over to break up the fight as Fidget enjoys his mug of Rodent’s Delight.''

''Several gunshots go off, some of which shatter the light bulbs. Basil has found Dawson and is helping him sit up, lightly slapping his cheek to wake him up.''

Basil: Dawson? Dawson!

The drug is wearing off, and the sounds of gunfire awake Dawson.

Dawson: What? What? (He then sees the fight in progress.) What in heaven’s name is going on?

Basil: I’ve spotted our peg-legged- (he looks to the bar, but Fidget is gone. he helps Dawson to his feet to begin looking for the bat.) Come on, old fella. There’s not a moment to lose.

''The bar fight has become even more violent. Basil sees a trapdoor behind the bar and he and Dawson move towards it, unnoticed. The fight continues as Dawson climbs down the passageway, with Basil right behind him. Basil quietly shuts the door, just as a chair flies over and hits it.''

''Down below, Basil sees Fidget up ahead, climbing into a drain pipe. Basil motions for Dawson to follow him and they quietly creep behind, as Fidget sings Miss Kitty's song to himself:''

Fidget: (Singing) Let me be good to you…Ba-boo ba-boom…So dream on, and drink your beer…Your baby’s here!

Basil and Dawson look into the pipe, seeing Fidget pick up his lantern and disappear into the darkness.

Dawson: Basil-

Basil shushes him and climbes inside the pipe.

Basil: Follow me.

''The camera slowly pans upward. From inside the pipe, we can hear Basil and Dawson as they climb their way up the pipe.''

Dawson: Great Scott. I can’t see a thing.

Basil: Shh. Grab my coat and follow along. No, no, no, not that way. Dawson, look out for your-

A sealed cap rattles as Dawson walks straight into it.

Dawson: Oww! Confound it!

The camera continues moving up along with Basil and Dawson.

Dawson: Do you have any idea where we’re going?

Basil: But of course. Left turn. Right turn here, Doctor.

''The camera fades out and back in as we reach the drain grate by Ratigan's hideout. Basil lifts up the grate to discover what he has been looking for.''

Basil: Ah-ha, Dawson! We found it! Ratigan’s secret lair! (he climbs out and holds the grate open for Dawson.) And it’s filthier than I imagined.

They slowly creep over to the entrance, and notice Olivia curled up in the bottle, apparently asleep, with her back to them.

Basil: Dawson…the bottle!

''They carefully sneak over to the bottle. Basil jumps on the neck of the bottle and begins to pull at the cork.''

Basil: (Grunting) It’s stuck!

Basil: (whispers to Olivia as he knocks on the glass.) Olivia?

''Fidget, as it turns out, was dressed in Olivia's clothing. He turns to them, with a sinister smile as he makes a kissy face.''

Thugs: SURPRISE!!!

''Basil drops to the ground, startled, as a large banner that reads "Welcome Basil" unfurls from the ceiling. Balloons are released and confetti flies as Ratigan's thugs clap and cheer mockingly for our heroes. Ratigan stands at the doorway, applauding.''

Ratigan: Bravo! Bravo! A marvelous performance. (he chuckles as he moves to Basil, who is glaring at his archenemy with hatred. The rat pulls out his pocket watch.) Though frankly, I expected you fifteen minutes earlier. (Mockingly) Trouble with the chemistry set, old boy?

''Basil stiffens at the insult. He recovers, and takes on an almost friendly tone.''

Basil: Ratigan…no one can have a higher opinion of you than I have. (No longer friendly) And I think you’re a slimy, contemptible sewer rat!

''Ratigan calmly shuts his pocket watch and puts it away. He chuckles.''

Ratigan: By the way, Basil, I just love your disguise. (he rips off Basil's mustache and his thugs laugh as Ratigan inspects his hat.) Really, one would hardly recognize you. The greatest… (he nudges Basil and starts to laugh.) …detective… (Now leaning over him…) …in all mousedom! (he laughs even harder as he walks away. Basil is seething.)

Basil: Ratigan, so help me… I’ll see you behind bars yet!

Ratigan: (gets in the detective’s face.) You fool! Isn’t it clear to you? (lifts Basil by his collar and shakes him with one hand to demonstrate his power.) The superior mind has triumphed! (He then drops Basil.) I’ve won!

''Ratigan laughs evilly as Fidget and the rest of his thugs join in. Basil steels himself against the jeering and pointing, but after a few moments, slumps, defeated and broken.''

''Dawson stares at his friend in concern, but doesn’t know how to help him. Basil hangs his head as the cruel laughter continues. Ratigan is clutching at his sides in glee.''

Ratigan: Oh I love it! I love it! (Laughing) Oh I love it, I love it, I love it!

Cut to a few moments later, where several of Ratigan's thugs have tied Basil and Dawson to a mousetrap, and are now setting the trap.

Ratigan: You don’t know what a delightful dilemma it was trying to decide on the most appropriate method for your demise.

''Fidget nervously sets the switch and scampers away. Dawson flinches as the bone-breaking metal vibrates slightly. Basil is looking catatonic and is simply staring off into space.''

Ratigan: (High voice) Oh, I had so many ingenious ideas I didn’t know which to choose. (Normal) So, I decided…to use them all. (gives a grand gesture to reveal a gun, a crossbow, an axe, and an anvil, all of which are aimed directly at the mousetrap.) Marvelous, isn’t it? Oh ho… But here, let me show you how it works. Picture this.

Fidget curtsies to the record player as Ratigan explains his dastardly death trap.

Ratigan: First, a tune I’ve recorded especially for you. As the song plays the cord tightens, and when the song ends…

The cord is moving upward, tied to a cork which is supporting a wine glass with a metal ball inside.

Ratigan: …the metal ball is released.

A slide constructed of wood and pipes is aimed directly at the mousetrap trigger release.

Ratigan: Rolling along its merry way until… (as he speaks, he gestures to each individual weapon, starting with the mousetrap.) Snap! Boom! Twang! Thunk! (Dramatic pause) Splat!

Dawson winces as Ratigan removes his hat in a form of salute.

Ratigan: (Cruelly) And so ends the short, undistinguished career of Basil of Baker Street.

Dawson: You’re…despicable!

Ratigan: Yes. (He chuckles as Fidget, now dressed in a British guard uniform, runs over to him.) Everything’s ready, Fidget?

Fidget: All set, boss.

Ratigan peeks inside a large white box with a pink ribbon, and he chuckles wickedly.

Ratigan: Oh, this is wicked! So delightfully wicked.

Several thugs, dressed in British Guard uniforms as well, move the package as Ratigan walks over to Flaversham, who is bound by ropes, standing by Olivia's bottle, where we see that she’s safe and sound…for now.

Ratigan: Mr. Flaversham, let me congratulate you on a superb piece of craftsmanship. (knocks at the glass.) See what you can do with the proper motivation? (cackles and pinches Flaversham's cheek as more of his thugs, all dressed in the uniforms, climb onto Felicias back.) You all know the plan.

Thugs: (Saluting) Right, Professor.

Ratigan: It was my fond hope to stay and witness your final scene, but you were fifteen minutes late. And I do have an important engagement at…(Stresses) Buckingham Palace.

Dawson eyes him in disgust, since he now knows Ratigan's plan.

Ratigan: Now, you will remember to smile for the camera, won’t you?

A camera is indeed set up, ready to shoot.

Ratigan: Hmm? Say cheese!

Dawson: You fiend!

Ratigan: Sorry, chubby. You should have chosen your friends more carefully. (starts the record and prepares to leave the room.)

Record: (Ratigan singing) Goodbye so soon, and isn’t this a crime We know by now that time knows how to fly

''Fidget is operating a dirigible, and flies by Ratigan. The mysterious package is attached by a rope, a ladder is lowered, and Ratigan climbs on, waving.''

Ratigan: Adieu, auf wiedersehen, arrivederci, farewell!

Record: So here’s goodbye, so soon…

Ratigan: (Chuckles) Bye bye, Basil.

Now in the dirigible, Ratigan steers it in and up through the furnace and into the night.

Record: You'll find your separate way With time so short I’ll say so long And go so soon Goodbye

Back inside, the record is slowly tightening the cable.

Record: You followed me, I followed you We were like each other’s Shadows for a while Now as you see This game is through So although it hurts I’ll try to smile As I say…

The music continues to play as Olivia stares out of her glass prison at Basil and Dawson, the latter of whom is obviously disbelieving.

Dawson: Wh-wh-what did he mean, an engagement in Buckingham Palace?

Basil: (sighs, then answers him, seemingly unconcerned.) Haven’t you figured it out yet, Doctor? The Queen’s in danger and the Empire’s doomed.

Dawson: The Queen?!?

''Outside Buckingham Palace, trumpets play as the camera moves down show the mouse entrance. Even now, well dressed mice are entering to see the Jubiliee.''

''Inside her bedroom, the Queen is preparing herself. Little does she know that just outside her doors, her guards have been ambushed and replaced by Ratigan's thugs.''

Thug: Psst-over here. Come over here.

The Queen is distracted by the sound of knocking at her door and adjusts her crown before answering.

Queen: Hmm? Come in.

Thug: Ah, begging your Majesty’s pardon. A present has just arrived in honor of your Jubilee.

''The thug moves aside as Fidget and several others bring the large package inside. The Queen is delighted, and walks over.''

Queen: A present? Oh how wonderful! Ah, I just adore Jubilees.

Fidget: (hands her the attached note.) Here you are, sweetheart.

Queen: (eyeing him suspiciously) Have you… been with us… long? (opens the note and begins reading.) "To our beloved Queen this gift we send, as her 60 year reign…" (Her expression and voice twist in puzzlement at the final line.) "…comes to an - end?"

''Fidget and the other thugs pull the ribbons and sides down to reveal an exact robot replica of the Queen. She studies it.''

Queen: How extraordinary!

''Suddenly, the robot comes to life and grabs at the Queen. She runs as the Robot Queen chases her around the bedroom.''

Queen: Goodness gracious!

The robot suddenly halts, as Ratigan appears at her doorway, with Flaversham operating the controls.

Ratigan: Amazing likeness, isn’t it, Your Majesty?

Queen: Professor Ratigan! Guards! Seize this despicable creature!

''Fidget snickers, as the guards will only obey Ratigan now. Ratigan repeats the command back through the speaker.''

Ratigan: Guards, seize this…

Queen: Despicable creature!

''Ratigan laughs into the speaker, giving the Robot Queen his same cruel laugh. His thugs now have hold of the true Queen.''

Queen: How dare you!

Ratigan: Take her away! (He rings Felicia's bell.)

Queen: Let go of me, you ruffians!

Fidget: Move along, honey!

Queen: You fiends!

As they drag the Queen away, Ratigan wipes his handkerchief on the now-silent Robot Queen's cheek.

Queen: (Whining) Traitors!

''Back at Ratigan's lair, the record is still playing, but Basil has still made no attempt to free everyone. Olivia is pushing at the cork, to no avail.''

Record: It's through so although it hurts I’ll try to smile as I say goodbye So soon and isn’t this…

Dawson: Basil?

Basil groans.

Dawson: Basil!

Basil: Oh, how could I have been so blind?

Dawson: We all make mistakes! But we can’t let that stop us! We have to-

Basil: Ratigan’s proved he’s more clever than I. (Scoffs) He would never have walked into such an obvious trap.

Dawson: Oh pull yourself together! You can stop that villain! Why- (he suddenly looks over to the record, which is skipping. Over Ratigan's continued "So long", Dawson continues to try and knock some sense into Basil.) Basil! The record!

Basil: Oh, it’s finally happened! I’ve been outwitted!

Dawson: Oh, Basil, please!

Basil: Beaten! Duped! Made a fool of!

Dawson is by now getting angry.

Basil: Oh, ridiculed! Belittled!

Dawson: That’s enough!

''The record fixes itself, and the song continues. Time is running out…''

Dawson: Dash it all, Basil! The Queen’s in danger, Olivia’s counting on us. We’re about to be horribly splattered and all you can do is lie there feeling sorry for yourself. Well, I know you can save us, but if you’ve given up then why don’t we set it off now and be done with it?

Record: We know by now that time knows how to fly…

Basil: (gives a weak chuckle.) "Set it off now." (This gives him an idea.) Set it… off… now? Ye…Yeah! (Laughs) Yes! We’ll… We’ll set the trap off now! (grins maniacally, but Dawson is horrified that his suggestion was actually taken.)

Dawson: Basil! Wait! I didn’t mean that we ought-

''The song has ended, and the ball is on its way. Back in his true form, Basil quickly forms a plan.''

Basil: The angle of the trajectory multiplied by the square root of an isosceles triangle…(Mumbling)…dividing Guttermeg’s principle of opposing forces in motion (More mumbling) and adjusting for the difference in equilibrium…Dawson, at the exact moment I tell you, we must release the triggering mechanism!!

The ball is getting closer. Dawson is ready, but terrified at what may be suicide.

Basil: Get ready, Dawson…Steady…

Dawson can barely muffle his panicked fear.

Basil: Now!

As Dawson yells, they hit the trigger, saved from the metal switch by the ball that was stopped just between their heads.

''The vibration loosens one of the pegs, which ricochets towards the gun, causing it to misfire and hit the crossbow, which instead of being aimed at Basil and Dawson, flies towards the axe, cutting off the head. The blade falls lengthwise, slicing through the ropes and trap, effectively freeing them. The anvil falls seconds later, missing them both.''

''The force of the anvil hitting the ground rattles Olivia's bottle, loosening the cork and sending her sailing through the air. As Dawson leans heavily against the anvil, Basil sheds his sailor costume and puts his deerstalker cap back on. He puts one arm around Dawson and holds the other out in the air.''

Basil: Thank you, Dawson.

Olivia lands right in Basil's open arm, and he brings the two of them close.

Basil: Smile everyone!

The camera goes off, capturing Basil's brilliant smile, and Olivia and Dawsons stunned expressions.

''Meanwhile, at the palace, Ratigan's thugs are playing the trumpets to announce the queen’s entrance. The crowd is fooled by the Robot Queen as it steps out.''

Robot Queen: On this most august occasion, we are gathered here not only to commemorate my 60 years as Queen, but to honor one…

''Ratigan watches from behind the curtains with the voice was really Flaversham. A rifle is pointed at his back as one of the thugs is holding the notecards for Flaversham to read.''

Flaversham: …of truly! Noble! Stature I present to you a statesman among mice, a gifted leader…

Robot Queen: (Continously) …a crusader for justice…

The Queen was still muffled crying, is being dragged to the balcony by Fidget.

Fidget: Over here, fatty. You’re a ton, toots.

The Queen's eyes widen as she sees Felicia jumping up and down outside, eager for a snack fit for a queen.

Fidget: Here kitty, kitty. Time for mouse chow.

Robot Queen: …a majestic mountain of humility, and my new Royal Consort…Professor Ratigan!

''The crowd backs away, horrified as Ratigan bursts out, wearing a crown and purple robe decorated with medals. A child blows a raspberry at him, and his mother quickly covers his mouth.''

''Outside, Basil, Olivia and Dawson are now back at the waterfront. Basil whistles and Toby comes running.''

Basil: Toby!

Toby kisses Olivia.

Basil: The game’s afoot, Toby. Our Queen is in mortal danger.

''Toby puts his game face on, and his ear makes a whip sound as he folds it into a staircase. Basil and the others climb onto his neck, and Basil points ahead.''

Basil: (Shouting) To Buckingham Palace!

''Barking, Toby rushes ahead. Back at the Palace, Ratigan gives an exaggerated bow to the Robot Queen.''

Ratigan: Thank you, Your Majesty. And now, as your new Royal Consort, I have a few…slight suggestions. (he pulls out a roll of paper and lets it fall, where it rolls down the aisle of the Grand Hall and well past the curtain, where one of his men has opened it for him.) Ahem. Item one.

Fidget is grunting as he carries the Queen on his back, who is kicking him.

Fidget: Stop that! (Grunting)

''Toby is still racing towards the castle, running right in front of a carriage. The horses rear back, but Toby, undaunted, keeps running. Dawson has once more fallen back and is hanging on to Toby's tail for dear life.''

''Fidget has made it to the edge of the balcony, where Felicia is sitting below, waiting patiently. Toby has made it to the palace, and holds his nose to a ledge, where Basil, Olivia, and Dawson race in through a mouse hole. Fidget now has the Queen held high over his head, and Felicia's jaws are open.''

Fidget: (Straining) Nuts… Open wide. Bye-bye!

''Basil and the others race down the hallway. Just as Fidget is about to throw the Queen over, Basil grabs her. Fidget falls, and attempts to fly away from Felicia, who is unintentionally attempting to eat him instead of the Queen.''

He manages to cling to the edge of the balcony, and is trying to avoid Felicia's jaws.

Fidget: Down, down, kitty! Down!

''The sound of barking distracts Felicia, and she turns to see Toby running straight for her. She screeches, and runs as fast as she can, with Toby close behind.''

Inside the Great Hall, Ratigan is continuing down his list of tyrannical laws.

Ratigan: Item 96…(Snickers) A heavy tax shall be levied against all parasites and sponges…such as the elderly, the infirm, and especially (Snickers) little children.

''Ratigan leans upside down over the railing to sneer at the boy from before. He looks at the rat defiantly before his mother whisks him away.''

An old man with a cast and crutch approaches him angrily.

Old Man: That’s ridiculous. You’re insane.

Ratigan: Perhaps I haven’t made myself clear. (takes the crutch from the man, who falls to the ground, triumphantly.) I have the power! (He breaks the crutch in half to accent this.)

Robot Queen: Of course you do.

Ratigan: (jumps on the banister.) I am supreme.

Robot Queen: Only you.

Ratigan: This is MY kingdom! (laughs evilly as the crowd cowers under his shadow.)

''In the backroom however, Basil has found Flaversham and the rest of Ratigan's men. Ratigan stops laughing and clears his throat, and sits on the banister to address the Robot Queen.''

Ratigan: (Modestly) That is, of course, with your Highness’ permission.

There is no answer right away, and Ratigan gives it a light slap, making it spring back to life.

Robot Queen: Most assuredly… (However, its expression and voice suddenly changes…) …you insidious fiend!

Ratigan: (Shocked) What?

Robot Queen: You’re not my Royal Consort!

Ratigan: (catches on, covers the Robot Queen's mouth and addresses the crowd.) What a sense of humor.

Robot Queen: (ducks down to free itself.) You’re a cheap fraud and impostor.

Ratigan: (Yells to the back) Flaversham!

''As Ratigan smiles nervously at the crowd, we see that behind the curtain, it is now Basil at the controls. Olivia and Flaversham embrace as Dawson holds a rope around Ratigan's thugs. The Queen has her rope around Fidget, and gives it a tight tug.''

Basil: A corrupt, vicious, demented, low-life scoundrel. There’s no evil scheme you wouldn't concoct.

''Basil jerks at the controls, causing the robot’s head to fly up and spin, biting Ratigan's nose. He forces the head back down, but both arms spring out, hitting him in the stomach. Ratigan moves in front of the robot, hiding it from the crowd’s eyes, but they aren’t buying his scheme anymore. The Robot Queen pushes past Ratigan.''

Robot Queen: No depravity you wouldn’t commit.

Ratigan tries to force his weight on the robot, but it springs upward, bringing him up with it, then letting him fall.

Basil: You, Professor- (jerks even harder on the controls.)

Outside, the robot is falling apart.

Robot Queen: …are none other than a foul stenchus rodentus, (Rising pitch) commonly known as a..!

Ratigan's temper flares as he seizes the robot by the neck, knowing what is next.

Ratigan: (Desperately was Robot Queen’s death.) DON’T SAY IT!

Basil: (bursts from behind the curtain and points at his nemesis.) SEWER RAT!

Ratigan: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Basil: Arrest that fiend!

''Basil, Dawson, Flaversham and the Queen tackle Ratigan as several other mice rush forward to help. Other mice are fighting of the rest of Ratigan's men. Olivia watches from behind the curtain, not noticing that Fidget has managed to free himself from his ropes.''

''Outside, Felicia is still running from Toby. She darts through bushes and flower beds and scrambles up a wall, where Toby can only leap up halfway and bark at her. Felicia snickers and lifts her chin at him. She turns, lifting her tail, and making a show of leaping down the other side.''

''Seconds later, she gives another terrified screech as several more dogs can be heard barking and growling. Felicia's ribbon and fur flies as the camera pans over to reveal she jumped right into the Royal Guard Dogs’ Kennel. Then Felicia was defeated.''

''Back inside, Ratigan throws his attackers away and sheds his robe. Fidget whistles at him from a high balcony, holding Olivia.''

Fidget: The girl! The girl!

''Flaversham turns, horrified as Ratigan jumps from mouse to mouse, and grabs a robe to swing himself to the balcony. Basil, Dawson and Flaversham rush forward, only to freeze as Ratigan holds Olivia threateningly over the edge.''

Ratigan: Stay where you are or the girl dies! (He disappears behind the curtain, taking Olivia with him.)

Basil: Hurry, Dawson! (he leads Dawson and Flaversham outside, then spots Ratigan's dirigible.) There he goes! (climbs up a flag pole and shouts down.) Dawson! Flaversham! Gather up those balloons.

''Over a dozen balloons are tied to the palace gate. As Dawson and Flaversham move to take them, The Basil begins to lower the Union Jack! A storm is approaching as Fidget pedals the dirigible and Ratigan steers. Olivia is bravely standing up to the villain.''

Olivia: Just wait! Basil’s smarter than you! He’s going to put you in jail. (She tugs on Ratigan's tail to accent her next few insults.) He’s not afraid of a big, old, ugly, rat like you.

Ratigan, being much stronger, easily takes his tail back.

Ratigan: (Shouts) Would you kindly sit down and SHUT UP?!

''Ratigan's yell sends Olivia flying back, knocking her over a stool and into the wall. Ratigan turns and sees the British flag flying in front of him, blocking his path. Fidget cowers as it moves higher.''

''Basil has taken the flag, the balloons, and a sliding match box for him, Dawson and Flaversham to fly in. Ratigan sneers and turns the dirigible as Fidget begins to pedal faster.''

Basil: Let her go, chaps!

''Dawson and Flaversham release air from an open balloon, closing the distance between them and Ratigan easily. Ratigan leads them around roofs and chimneys, up and around a statue of Lord Nelson, and straight ahead towards the Tower Bridge.''

''Fidget pedals as fast as he can as Ratigan steers the dirigible just below the bridge. Dawson braces himself for a crash, but at the last moment, they move downward, just missing it. Up ahead, Fidget stops pedaling, out of breath and exhausted. Ratigan glares at his assistant as the bat hops inside and gestures towards Olivia.''

Fidget: (Squeakily) We have to - lighten the load.

Ratigan: (Laughingly) Oh, you want to lighten the load! Excellent idea!

Fidget snickers at Olivia, but Ratigan seizes him by the ears and tosses him over instead.

Fidget: (Desperately) No! Not me! I can’t fly! I can’t fly!

''Fidget falls to a watery death in the hames as Ratigan hops on the propeller and moves forward but Fidget was defeated. However, Basil and the others have finally caught up, and the detective is preparing to jump.''

Basil: Steady!

''Basil catches the tail of the aircraft, swinging forward. Ratigan ducks as Basil's feet just miss him. The two adversaries glare at each other, until a terrified scream comes from Olivia. With Ratigan at the pedal, there is no one to steer, and they are heading directly for Big Ben!''

Olivia: AAAAAAAH!!!

Ratigan: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

And CRASH!! On the mouse-made hot air balloon, all Dawson and Flaversham can do is stare at the empty dirigible hanging from the hole, and pray that their friends are alright.

''Inside the clock tower, Basil awakens and rubs his neck, then stares in shock and amazement at the gears and cogs surrounding him. Creeping up unnoticed behind him is Ratigan, his left fist poised, ready to knock Basil down, while the other hand is clamped over Olivia's mouth. The little girl struggles and finally pulls Ratigan's hand off her.''

Olivia: (Screaming) Basil, look out!

''Basil turns as Ratigan knocks him down. Basil rolls and catches the ends of the rotating gear, trying to pull himself back up as Ratigan prepares to deliver another blow. Olivia bites his hand, making Ratigan scream in pain, giving Basil the opportunity to climb up the gear and seize the professor’s cape, and tangle it between two gears.''

''Ratigan drops Olivia to hold onto his cape to keep from getting strangled, but succeeds in kicking her off the gear. She falls, landing on a much larger gear, connected to another one that will crush her in a matter of seconds.''

''Thinking quickly, Basil jumps from the gear and onto a lever, which lifts up a chain towards her. The final keg is approaching Olivia as Basil gets closer. She tries to flatten herself against the gear as Basil reaches his hand up. Basil seizes her arm just as the gears connect, and the two smile at each other as the chain continues to lift them to the top of the tower.''

''Down below, Ratigan's face is filled with anger. As he watches the pair make their escape, his sanity snaps, and with a burst of strength, he tears his cape in half, freeing himself. Basil and Olivia stop at the hole at the top of the tower, trapped. The camera zooms downward as the storm outside gains power.''

''Inside, Ratigan is completely consumed by hatred. Gone is the egotistical gentleman; in his place is a terrifyingly dangerous monster. He runs through and around the many gears, his clothes becoming torn and ragged.''

''Outside, Olivia is tugging on Basil's coat and pointing to Dawson and Flaversham, who are approaching. Ratigan is getting closer. Basil realizes this, and lifts Olivia into his arms, holding her up. Dawson is holding Flaversham by his apron as the toymaker is leaning forward as far as he can, trying to reach Olivia.''

Basil: Closer, Dawson! Closer!

''Ratigan leaps onto the striking hammer, nearly falling, but scrambles up and leaps forward. Basil is still trying to lift Olivia as high as he can, but Olivia and Flaversham can’t quite make it.''

Olivia: (Pained) Daddy, I can’t reach! I can’t reach!

''Basil turns just in time to see Ratigan leap forward to tackle him. He grunts as Ratigan catches him midsection and the two topple downward. Olivia is tossed into the air, and caught by Flaversham before she falls. They hug, but down below Ratigan is still holding onto Basil.''

''He tries to grasp the top of the tower, but between the rain and Ratigan's weight, he can’t get a good grip. They separate as they fall down the face of the clock. Midfall, Ratigan grabs Basil again, and they hit the hour hand. Basil is sent flying across and lands, his upper body laying over the edge.''

''His vision blurred for only a second, he moves back. Ratigan is nowhere in sight as Dawson calls out to him, approaching the edge of the hand. The thunderstorm is meanwhile shown to be very intense.''

Dawson: Basil! Over here!

''Basil looks relieved, but is barely able to take a single step towards his friends when Ratigan attacks him from behind, lifting him up with one arm. Basil manages to wriggle free and runs up towards the edge, but with frightening speed and agility, Ratigan is there, blocking his path.''

Ratigan: There’s no escape this time, Basil!

''Basil slides down the hand and tries to put distance between himself and the raging rat, but he is there once more, blocking him. Ratigan holds out his hand and unsheathes his razor-sharp claws, and hits Basil twice with such force it sends him flying back. His friends are trying to reach him as fast as they can, but Basil can’t hold out much longer.''

''Before he can even stand, Ratigan hits him again, this time at the face. Finally, he had drawn blood. Basil stumbled back, his hands covering a gash across his muzzle. A hard swipe across the chest knocked him off his feet. Gnashing his teeth, Ratigan swung downward as Basil turned his back on him to try and stand up. The black claws truly met their mark this time, slicing into the flesh of Basil’s back and sending pieces of fur and cloth flying. Basil cried out, falling to his knees. The next heavy blow smacked him to the very tip of the hour hand. He scrambled away from the edge and staggered up again, clutching his bleeding arm in pain.''

''Ratigan was upon him in a moment, still too rage-blind to recognize that Basil was on the verge of collapse. This was too profoundly satisfying to quit now. With yet another brutal smack to the throat, the battered mouse was flung up in the air and over the edge, where he just managed to grab hold. Ratigan snarled with savage frustration. He looked down, surveying the drop. It was a good seventy or eighty meters to the ground. Basil was staring up at him with huge, terrified eyes, his tattered jacket blowing in the gusts. Basil almost let go at the sight. Ratigan’s bulging yellow eyes and enormous teeth were just above him. His head appeared small in front of the massive shoulders and shaggy muscled chest. His breath hissed noisily through his teeth as he raised a bloody hand high over his head.''

''Lightning strikes as Ratigan rears back. Basil braces himself, but Ratigan's blow sends him down.''

''Dawson and Olivia both try to grab for him, but miss. They stare in disbelief as their friend plummets to the ground. Ratigan himself almost doesn’t believe it, but a cruel smile spreads across his face as he leaps up and laughs maniacally.''

Ratigan: I won!

However, his victory is cut short…

Basil: On the contrary! (he has managed to catch the propellor of the ruined dirigible, as well as something else of value for Ratigan.) The game’s not over yet! (he rings Felicia's bell.)

Ratigan ''only has time to check his pocket for his missing bell before 10:00 strikes. The striking hammer falls, and Big Ben sounds off. The vibrations force Ratigan over the edge and he falls.''

''He makes one final grab at Basil, catching him by his jacket. The ropes snap under the extra weight. Ratigan falls as Basil clings to the propeller, which has snapped free. Olivia, Dawson and Flaversham are helpless as both Ratigan and Basil, screaming, disappear below the clouds, but Ratigan was defeated. Then Olivia turns to her father and begins to sob.''

''A squeaking noise is approaching from below, and she leans back to look down. Basil is slowly making his way back up, pedaling with all his might as the propeller is lifting him higher. He hears his friends cheering and smiles.''

Dawson: Ho ho! Hooray!

Olivia: Hooray! It’s Basil! (hugs Dawson as Flaversham jumps up and down.)

Dawson: Good fellow. Jolly good! Ha!

The storm is over as our four friends are finally together and safe.

Cut to Basil’s flat, where in place of Ratigans picture, there is a newspaper clipping with a picture of Basil and Dawson bowing before the Queen, apparently being knighted for their bravery.

The headline reads: "Queen Honours Detective", along with the subheadlines "Queen Praises Detective Basil, Medal to be Given", and "Time Runs Out for Ratigan", confirming that Ratigan did not survive the plunge.

Dawson: (In awe) To be thanked by the Queen herself! Oh, how very thrilling, eh, Basil?

Basil:  (places Ratigan's bell on the mantle as a memory of this case.) All in a day’s work, Doctor.

Olivia: Oh Dr. Dawson, you were wonderful!

Dawson chuckles bashfully.

Flaversham: Indeed. (He looks at his pocketwatch and notices the time.) Oh my, we’re late to catch our train. Come along, Olivia.

Olivia: Yes, Father.

It is a very bittersweet moment as Olivia embraces the mouse who saved her life, as well as her father.

Olivia: Goodbye, Basil. (Sniffling) I-I’ll never forget you.

Basil: (leans down and puts his hands on her shoulders and smiles.) Nor I you, Miss… (He can’t help but repeat this running gag one last time…) Miss Flangerhanger.

Olivia stares for a moment, then shakes her head, a smile on her face.

Dawson: (Chuckles) Whatever.

Olivia: Goodbye, Dr. Dawson.

Dawson: Goodbye, my dear.

Olivia walks over to the front door, and turns again.

Olivia: (Whispers) Goodbye. (She leaves)

Basil: Well, um… (sniffles) Not a bad little girl, actually.

Dawson puts on his hat and prepares to leave.

Dawson: Not at all. (Sighs) Well, it’s time I was on my way too.

Basil: But, um…but I thought…

Dawson: (does his jacket.) Well, the case is over. Mmm… Perhaps it’s…well, perhaps it’s best I found my own living quarters.

Basil: But…

A knock at the door interrupts them.

Basil: Oh, now who can that be?

Dawson opens the door and a young lady mouse is standing outside, clearly in search of help.

Lady Mouse: (Hesitatingly) I-is this the home of the famous Basil of Baker Street?

Dawson: Indeed it is, Miss. You look as if you’re in some trouble.

At his look of concern, the Lady Mouse commences crying and wiping at her eyes.

Lady Mouse: Oh, I am! I am!

Dawson: Then, you’ve come to precisely the right place.

Basil seizes the moment to reveal what he was trying to say earlier, and puts his arm around Dawson.

Basil: Ah, allow me to introduce my trusted associate, Dr. Dawson, with whom I do all my cases. Isn’t that right, Doctor?

''Dawson seems surprised at first, but then understands what Basil is asking him. They shake hands.''

Dawson: What? What? Oh, yes. Yes! By all means.

The sentimental moment lingers for a bit, then Basil gets straight to business.

Basil: As you can see, Dawson, this young lady has just arrived from the Hampstead district and is troubled about the disappearance of an emerald ring missing from the third finger of her right hand. Now, tell me your story and, pray, be precise.

''Outside Basil's window, Toby has an ear lifted, nodding along with Basil's conclusion. The camera zooms outward as Dawson concludes his narration.''

Dawson's voice: From that time on, Basil and I were a close team. And over the years, we had many cases together. But I shall always look back on that first with the most fondness; my introduction to Basil of Baker Street…the Great Mouse Detective.

The End.