The Magic Can
Gene Boris

 

CHARACTERS
LINA - a girl of eleven
TINA - LINA's younger sister
DAVID GLOW - the girls' father
ALICE GLOW - the girls' mother
LENIE-GENIE
MR (JOHN) HARNOLD - the owner of an animated
cartoon studio
MR (JACK) WILSON - Mr Harnold's assistant
JERRY TERRY

1 LINA AND TINA'S ROOM

LINA IS SITTING AT THE DESK DOING HER HOMEWORK. FROM THE NEXT ROOM THERE
COMES THE SOUND OF A LOUD QUARREL BETWEEN MR AND MRS GLOWS. THEN THE SHOUTS DIE OUT. THE DOOR OPENS AND THERE COMES IN TINA.

LINA
Tina, what's going on? Was that one more raw between Mom and Dad?
TINA
Yeah, the worst row I ever watched with them. Dad just said to Mom: "I'm
leaving you for ever, Alice", and went outside.

FROM OUTSIDE THERE COMES THE SOUND OF A CAR ENGINE STARTING.

TINA
Lina, look out of the window. Dad's really leaving in his car.

LINA RUNS UP TO THE WINDOW.

LINA
He didn't even say goodby to us. And it's too late to try stopping him.
TINA
You think he's not going to come back?
LINA
Don't know... but I do want him hack. And I want Mom to make it up with him for
ever. You remember, only half a year ago they were such a nice couple. They
were so caring for each other. All my friends envied me having such parents.
Then suddenly those awful quarrels started. Wish I could turn back time. Some
kind of magic or something like that.
TINA
Hmm... I'm younger than you but know for sure that no magic is possible. Mom
always says that you are too much of a dreamer.
LINA
You mean I'm not much of a not-believe-in-anything girl as you are.
TINA
Anyway, I'm going outside to play with girlfriends and you'd better tidy up our
wardrobe. It's your turn now.

TINA GOES OUT.

LINA
Well, sister's right. I have to take a break in doing all this maths and try to
tidy up all that mess in the wardrobe. Okay, let's look inside.

LINA WALKS UP TO THE WARDROBE, OPENS IT AND STARTS RUMMAGING INSIDE.

LINA
(with a sigh)
To be true most of this stuff belongs to Tina. Yeah, those
old rug dolls of hers, her worn-out dresses, all them are not mine but hers. And
what's this?.. oh, a can of Cola. How did it happen to be in here? It looks old
with all this washed out color. I wonder if it's safe to have a drink from it.
Anyway, no harm in opening it.

LINA OPENS THE CAN. THERE STARTS HISSING ACCOMPANIED BY MYSTERIOUS MUSIC.
LINA SCREAMS AND DROPS THE CAN.

LENIE-GENIE
(annoyed)
Oh, damn, what is it? I do inquire, what is it?
LINA
(startled)
Excuse me, sir, but who are you?
LENIE-GENIE
Don't you see, silly girl, I'm a genie. Lenie-Genie is my full name.
Anyway, you may call me just Lenie.
LINA
How did you get here?
LENIE-GENIE
No other way than from the can, and I do thank you for opening it and letting me
out. But why did you throw the can onto the floor before I could get outside?
I've nearly broken all my ribs. A good start for making an acquaintance!
LINA
From the can?! I used to think that genies dwelled in ancient bottles or lamps,
not cans of Cola.
LENIE-GENIE
That goes with old, out-of-date genies. As for me, I'm an absolutely modern,
super progressive, up-to-date genie.
LINA
But I've never seen genies dressed in jeans shorts and a T-shirt
LENIE-GENIE
Have you often seen real genies?
LINA
Not once.
LENIE-GENIE
Then don't talk rubbish. I see no sense to be dressed up like a clerk on such a
hot day. So, why did you throw the can?
LINA
I didn't; I just dropped it.
LENIE-GENIE
Why?
LINA
I was frightened.
LENIE-GENIE
Frightened of what?
LINA
You.
LENIE-GENIE
Me? See no reason at all. Okay, this is a nice room. Pretty comfy. Guess you
live in here and your name is LINA.
LINA
How do you know?
LENIE-GENIE
No other girl was supposed to let me out. Yes, I imagined you exactly the way
you look. That dark hair and those wonderful green eyes. Do you know why I'm
called Lenie-Genie?
LINA
No idea...
LENIE-GENIE
I was created to help and guard the girl named Lina, that is you, LINA.
LINA
Created... by who?
LENIE-GENIE
I'm a fantasoid - a creature born in one's fantasy. You know, all fairy-tales
heroes are fantasoids and any day may became real, like me. Many years ago your
parents, when they fell in love with each other, decided to call their
first-born daughter this charming name - LINA and imagined me as your
guardian. It was the time they were in the beginning of their professional way.
Hope they've got much success by now.
LINA
Yes, they both work at Harnald's animation studio. Dad is a scriptwriter and
Mom a cartoon artist. Most of the characters of the studio were designed by
her. And most of scripts were written by Dad.
LENIE-GENIE
A nice couple.
LINA
They used to be, but not now.
LENIE-GENIE
What happened?
LINA
They've been quarrelling almost each day lately. And today Dad's left us.
LENIE-GENIE
Did he?
LINA
Yeah, and not going to come back.
LENIE-GENIE
Too bad.
LINA
But, now when I know there's a one who can help me by means of magic, I hope
that...
LENIE-SENIE
(confused)
You mean me?..
LINA
Of course you. I want you to make Mom and Dad love each other again.
LENIE-GENIE
And how do you suppose I'm going do that?
LINA
You're a genie - some kind of charm, magic...
LENIE-GENIE
To be true... at the moment... my magic skills don't differ much from yours...
LINA
Then you're not a genie. You lied to me. You're just a rogue.
LENIE-GENIE
No, no, no... I didn't lie to you. I'm a one hundred per cent genie.
LINA
All genies can do wonders. Try and prove your being one of them.
LENIE-GENIE
You see, when your parents imagined me, I remember it was in some cosy cafe,
they put me inside this can to be open in the time when LINA in trouble.
But there was another can. All my magic power was put into that can. To be able
to do wonders I should find it.
LINA
And where can it be?
LENIE-GENIE
Don't know. It's just got lost.
LINA
Maybe Mom knows where it is. Shall I ask her?
LENIE-GENIE
Why not.
LINA
Oh, it seems I hear her coming over here. Yes, those are her footsteps.

THE DOOR OPENS AND THERE COMES IN MRS GLOW

MRS GLOW
Lina, who are you talking with? What's going on? Oh, who's that? Sir, who are
you and what are you doing in my daughters' room?
LINA
Mom, that is Lenie-Genie. You must remember him, don't you?
MRS GLOW
(sceptically)
Lenie-Genie? What an odd name. I've never met that man before.
LINA
Hey, man, you did lie to me. Mom doesn't knew you.
LENIE-GENIE
Wait, just wait. Just look at me Mrs Glow. Don't you remember: "Lenle-Genie from
the can, what a funny, charming man."
MRS GLOW
What can? What do mean - "from the can"?
LINA
He means the only thing he CAN do is to lie.
LENIE-GENIE
(pleading)
Lina, look at your mother. Something happened to her. She's got the same green
eyes as you, but they don't shine that bright any longer.
MRS GLOW
That's enough, Mr whatever-your-came-from. I've not the least wish to see you
in my house any longer. Get out of here right now.
LINA
(scornfully)
Goodbye, Mr Lenie-Genie.
LENIE-GENIE
Okay, I'm going now. Goodbye, LINA. And you, Mrs Glow, please try to
remember about the girl named Alice, who once fell down the rabbit-hole. By!

2 MR HARNOLD'S OFFICE
JOHH HARNOLD IS SITTING AT HIS DESK. THE DOOR OPENS AND THERE COMES MR WILSON.
MR WILSON
Hi, Mr Harnold.
MR HARNOLD
Hi, Jack. How's our friend - Mr Glow.
MR WILSON
You know, yesterday he left his family...
MR HARNOLD
Yes, I do know that. I wanna know what he's doing today.
MR WILSON
Early in the morning he locked himself in his office and all the day been typing
with a mad speed. No break even for a minute.
MR HARNOLD
Yeah, David is a brilliant writer. He's a real treasure for our studio, as well
as his wife, Alice Glow. He's going to write the marvelous script for our new
cartoon. Lots of terror, violence and spite. I'm full up with those
kind-hearted, good-natured characters in my cartoons. We need mere hatred and
malice, we need a new hero - a genie of evil powers. I've managed to find a
great sponsor - Terri-Cola company. They will give us lots of money to make
cartoons featuring the genie from a can of Terri-Cola. Then we'll
be able to produce numerous comics, books, computer games, TV shows and
even a motion picture with Terri-Genie. I'll become fabulously rich. How long
I've been waiting for this day. How much of plotting and machinations I did to
sow dissention in the home of the Glows. At last they hate each other. And a hateful person can't create kind-hearted heroes. Divide and rule - this is my slogan, Mr Wilson.
MR WILSON
And what about Mrs Glow? Will she agree to draw characters of her husband's
script?
MR HARNOLD
She'll never know they were created by her husband. Now I'd like to introduce
our new hope to you.

MR HARNOLD SWITCHES OH THE INTERCOM.

MR HARNOLD
Jerry, please join us.
JERRY TERRI
In a jiffy, sir.

MR HARNOLD SWITCHES OFF THE INTERCOM.

MR WILSON
Jerry? Who's that?
MR HARNOLD
A real wonder. You'll see now.

THE DOOR OPENS.

JERRY-TERRI
May I come in?
MR HARNOLD
Sure, Jerry. Mr Wilson, that is our Jerry-Terri. Just look at him. This is how
Terri-Genie is going to look. How do you find him?
MR WILSON
Awful. He looks like an idiot. A bundle of muscles with no brains at all. And
what a nasty taste for dressing. That enormous, motley tie doesn't match his
suit a bit.
MR HARNOLD
Shut up, you blockhead! You don't understand a thing in show business. We'll
make a legend of this guy. Real Terri-Genie.
MR WILSON
By the way, Terri is his real name or a kind of nickname?
MR HARNOLD
Does it matter?
MR WILSON
With such a name he'll be good in advertising towels or babies' nappies.
MR HARNOLD
Do stop cracking your stupid jokes. I hope this face will very soon appear on
all magazine covers.
JERRY TERRI
(bravely)
So do I, sir.
MR HARNOLD
And I hope Jerry will never let us down.
JERRY TERRI
So do I, boss.
MR WILSON
He's really got not too much intellect.
MR HARNOLD
It isn't a vital quality... At least for him. Anyway, Jack, this guy can handle
any problem we may face in the future. Are you ready to prove it right now. Jerry?
JERRY TERRI
With pleasure, boss.
MR HARNOLD
Okay, Jerry. I guess in a few minutes I'll have the first script for
Terri-Genie cartoon written by Mr Glow today. Jerry, you must take it and go
over to Mrs Glow. Try to make a good impression on her.
MR WILSON
(maliciously)
Not an easy task.
MR HARNOLD
Mr Wllson, please don't interrupt me. So, Jerry, make a good impression and
tell her you are the author of the script. I'll call her before your coming and
ask her to give you all her attention. Let her read the script and persuade her
to start working on the cartoon. Let her draw some pictures and sketches. Do
some posing for her. Do your best, Jerry.
JERRY-TERRI
Don't worry, Mr Harnold. You may rely on me. I'll manage that. She'll
co-operate with us.
MR HARNOLD
So good luck, Jerry.

3 THE DINING-ROOM IN THE GLOWS' HOUSE.
MRS GLOW, LINA, TINA AND JERRY TERRI ARE SITTING AT THE TABLE, HAVING
DINNER.
MRS GLOW
Mr Terri, I'm so glad you've agreed to have dinner in our company.
JERRY TERRI
Pleased to hear that, Mrs Glow.
TINA
Mom, I don't like this guy sitting in Dad's chair.
MRS GLOW
Tina, please behave yourself. Mr Terri is our guest.
JERRY TERRI
My dear little child, it was your Dad's decision not to sit on this chair
tonight. To be true, I'm going to occupy also his chair along with his desk at
Harnold's studio very soon.
LINA
You can't write as well as Dad. I've read the first two pages of your
script, Mr Terri. It's awful.
JERRY TERRI
Where did you stop reading, girl?
LINA
The episode when Terri-Senie gives a punch to a bus conductor.
JERRY TERRI
Oh, it's one of my best parts.
MRS GLOW
And I like it too, Mr Terri. I find it very funny.
TINA
But one mustn't give punches to bus conductors.
JERRY TERRI
My hero just didn't want to pay his fare. That's the reason.
TINA
But one must pay his fare.
JERRY TERRI
Genies mustn't pay any fares.
LINA
Tina's right, anyone must pay their fares, including genies.
JERRY TERRI
Okay, if you read a bit longer, you'd find a funnier scene. Terri-Genie comes
home and beats a computer repairman because the poor guy can't repair his
computer.
MRS GLOW
By the way, we're expecting a computer repairman today, too. Something's wrong
with our computer. It suddenly got out of order this morning.
JERRT TBRRI
If he doesn't repair it, Mrs Glow, I can beat him, too.
MRS GLOW
Thanks, Mr Terri, but I hope there won't be any need to.
LINA
Mom, Mr Terri is such an idiot and churl.
MRS SLOW
Lina, it's you who are a churl, Mr Terri is quite a well-bred man. And what's
more he's much more corteous than that man... how did he call himself?
LINA
You mean Lenie-Genie?
MRS GLOW
Yeah, a very disgusting type.
JERRY TERRI
Lenie-Genie? Who's that?
MRS GLOW
A stranger. Yesterday he got into our house and was talking nonsense about some
can.
JERRY TERRI
(surprised)
What can?
LINA
A can of cola. He said it was a magic can.
JERRY TERRI
Magic? Where's the man now?
MRS GLOW
I told him leave our house and never seen him again.
JERRY TERRI
Hmn... a magic can... well, Mrs Glow, are you ready to to make first sketches
for our new cartoon?
MRS GLOW
Yes, right after we finish our tea. I hope you will pose for me.
JERRY TERRI
With pleasure, Mrs Glow.
TINA
I've already finished my tea. Thank you, Mom, the dinner was very tasty. Now
I'm going to our room.
MRS GLOW
Tina, don't forget its your turn to do the washing-up today.
LINA
Mom, I'll help Tina with that after you go to the attic to draw this...
gentleman. Let's go,Tina. Just now they're broadcasting "Honey-Bee and Funny
Bear" on channel five. It's one of the best cartoons Mom and Dad ever made.
TINA
Yes, Lina, let's go and watch the cartoon.

LINA AND TINA STAND UP AND LEAVE THE ROOM.

JERRY TERRI
It seems your daughters don't like me.
MRS CLOW
I hope everything will change in a while, Mr Terri, and they will love you. You're so funny and clever. May I call you
just Jerry?
JERRY TERRI
Of course, you can. By the way, I don't like "Honey-Bee and Funny bear".
MRS GLOW
Yes, you're right, it's not my best thing. Too naive. Hope Terri-Cenie will be
a better cartoon.
JERRY TERRI
Far better. By the way, what about that can? Do you know something about it?
MRS GLOW
No.., oh, let me try... yeah, I remember something. ..
JERRY TERRI
(inquiringly)
What do you remember?
MRS GLOW
Very vaguely...
JERRY TERRI
So,what?
MRS GLOW
There was some can in our family. A kind of souvenir or amulet. I don't
remember exactly.
JERRY TERRI
And where is it now?
MRS GLOW
Somewhere around. It got lost since we moved in
here. But why are you so interested in that trifle?
JERRY TERRI
(confused)
No, oh no, I'm not interested in it at all. I just asked in case... Alright,
maybe we'd better go to the attic and get to drawing.
MRS CLOW
Sure, Jerry. Come on.

MRS GLOW AND JERRY TERRY STAND UP AND GO TO THE DOOR. MRS GLOW OPENS THE DOOR.

MRS GLOW
(shouting)
Girls! We're going to the attic. You may get busy with the plates and cups.

MRS GLOW AND JERRY TERRI LEAVE THE ROOM AND THERE COME LINA AND TINA
TO START CLEANING UP THE TABLE.

LINA
To be true, Tina, I hate Mom's being friendly to that loathsome type.
TINA
The same with me, Lina.
LINA
Now I doubt if I was fair to the stranger in our room yesterday. Maybe he was a
real genie.
TINA
No, I don't think so.
LINA
But he did come out of the can. I saw it with my own eyes.
TINA
But you said he could do no wonders.
LINA
No, he couldn't... but he said something about another can... a magic can.
TINA
Fiddles.
LINA
I wish he appeared here again.
TINA
I think he's a mere liar. Maybe even some kind of thief. No doubt he wanted to
steal something in our house.
LINA
Hope you're wrong. At least he was nicer then that Jerry Terri.

THE DOORBELL RINGS.

TINA
I'll go and see who is there.

TINA RUNS OUT OF THE ROOM. LINA GOES ON CLEANING UP THE TABLE,
SINGING. TINA COMES BACK BACK.

LINA
Who's that, Tina?
TINA
The repairman. Mom showed him to the room. He's going to repair her computer.

THERE COMES IN MRS GLOW.

MRS GLOW
Girls, do you wanna look at my first sketch? I've just drawn it with Mr
Terri's help. This is Terri-Genie coming out of a can of Terri-Cola.
TINA
Let me have a look. Oh, what a dreadful thing!
LINA
Yes, Tina's right - this is awful. A real idiot this Terri is.
MRS GLOW
Girls, you don t understand a thing in the cartoon busuness.

THE DOOR OPENS AND THERE COMES IN JERRY TERRY.

JERRY TERRI
Mrs Glow, your daughters are extremely naughty, impolite girls.
LINA
You're wrong sir. We just say what we really think and feel about you.
MRS GLOW
By the way, Jerry, I feel I've seen that bearded man somewhere before.
LINA
What bearded man?
TINA
Mom means the repair man. He's got such a funny beard.

A KNOCK OH THE DOOR.

MRS GLOW
Come in, please.

THERE COMES IN THE REPAIR MAN

REPAIRMAN
(In a deep voice)
Sorry for having disturbed you, but I'd like to ask if there is a screwdriver
and pliers in this house, 'cause I've left mine in my office.
JERRY TERRI
So you forgot to take your tools with you. What a nice worker you are, Mr
Repairman. I said I was going to trounce this lazy-bones. I'll do it right now.
MRS GLOW
(angrily)
No, Jerry, you'd better try to tear off his false beard. I remember him now. It
was him who got in our house yesterday. So-called Lenie-Genie. Tear his beard
off!
JERRY TERRY
I ll give him what for now!
LENIE-GENIE
No need, Mr Terry. I'll take my beard myself.
LINA
Why, this is you, Lenie! Now I recognize you. You look much nicer without that
beard. Sorry for being rude to you yesterday.
TINA
Lina, I told you he wanted to steel something in our house. He is a disguised
thief!
LENIE-GENIE
No, dear girl, I'm no thief. It's Mr Terry who came to steel your mother's
heart. I came here to prove my suspicions. Mr Harnold has plotted against your
parents, girls. He managed to bewitch them both by means of computer net. They
were simply programmed to quarrel with each other.
MRS GLOW
Do stop fooling us, sir.
LENIE-GENIE
It's Jerry Terry who is fooling you. He came to persuade you to draw
characters for Mr Harnold's new cartoon. Mr Harnold's already persuaded your
husband to write the scrpt.
JERRY TERRY
Shut up, scoundrel! It's me who wrote this brilliant script. No other mind
could imagine such a bright thing.
MRS GLOW
Jerry, I can t stand that man's impudence any more. Be so kind as to show him
out of the house.
LENIE-GENIE
Okay, I'm leaving.
LINA
Lenie, I'll go with you.
MRS GLOW
Lina, where are you going?
LINA
I'm going with Lenie-Genie. I think we'll go to Dad and have a talk with him.
Maybe he'll beleive Lenie.
MRS GLOW
Lina, I don't allow you to go anywhere with this cheat.
LINA
Mom, don't you see that it's Jerry who's a cheat. Don't you see Lenie sincerely
wants to help you.

LENIE-GENIE AND LINA GO OUT OF THE ROOM.

MRS GLOW
Lina, do come back!
LINA
Bye, Mom!

4 THE PARK.
LINA AND LENIE-GENIE ARE SITTING ON A BENCH.

LINA
Why, the guard at the entrance of the studio was so rude to us.
LENIE-GENIE
Yes, extremely rude.
LINA
He wouldn't listen to me. I told him I'm Mr Glow's daughter.
LENIE-GENIE
I guess Mr Harnold told the guards not to let you in.
LINA
Unbelievable, You're right, Lenie, it's a plot.
LENIE-GENIE
A terrible plot. Your parents were spellbound through the computer net. Mr
Harnold made them part and now is doing his best not to let us help your Dad
and Mom love each other again.
LINA
I think we should try ringing Dad up.
LENIE-GENIE
Sure, we should.

LINA
You know, Lenie, I'm sorry my sister thinks you're a thief.
LENIE-GENIE
I don't blame her.
LINA
No doubt when Dad and Mom make it up, she'll love you. And I do feel sorry
about Mom's rude words to you.
LENIE-GENIE
Don't forget she's bewitched.
LINA
By the way, Lenie, what did you mean when talking of Alice falling down the
rabbit hole?
LENIE-GENIE
Well.., your mother's name is Alice. I wanted.., but.., wait... wait a second. Just
look over there, look!
LINA
Where?
LENIE-GENIE
Beyond those trees. You see?
LINA
What do you mean?
LENIE-GENIE
That cafe.
LINA
Cafe?
LENIE-GENIE
Yes, now I remember it very. It's the cafe I was born in.
LINA
Born? Are you sure?
LENIE-GENIE
Absolutely. Give me your hand. Let's run over there.

LENIE-GENIE AND LINA GET UP AND START RUNNING THROUGH THE PARK TO THE ROAD.

LINA
Careful, Lenie. Don't you know one mustn't cross the road at a red light.
LENIE-GENIE
I'm just too excited. You're right, we must wait a bit for a green light. No
wish to get to the hospital.
LINA
And now let's go. Hurry up.

LINA AND LENIE-GENIE RUN ACROSS THE ROAD UP TO THE CAF�.

LENIE-GENIE
Yes, here it is. Let's get inside.
LINA
Sure, come on.

LENIE-GENIE AND LINA ENTER THE CAFE.

LENIE-GENIE
Everything changed a lot. There are so many new things. But look, Lina, that
table by the mirror. It looks the same. Yeah, I was born here, no doubt.
LINA
Where here?
LENIE-GENIE
Upon that table.
LINA
On the table?
LENIE-GENIE
Why do you smile? Your mother drew me on the paper over there. And your Dad...
hmm...
LINA
What about Dad?
LENIE-GENIE
He taught me some tricks. Now I'll try to remember one. A very important
trick.
LINA
What kind of trick?
LENIE-GENIE
How to travel through time.
LINA
Really? You can do that?
LENIE-GENIE
Why not.
LINA
But you haven't got your magic power yet.
LENIE-GENIE
No need at all. It s just a trick, sort of skill, not magic power.
LINA
Can I travel with you?
LENIE-GENIE
'Cause you can. But first I have to remember it. Let me think a while. Yes, I
got it now - not the rabbit hole this time, but the looking glass. Yes the mirror.
LINA
Lenie, I don t understand you. What mirror?
LENIE-GENIE
Of course that mirror, next to the table! We have to go through it like Alice
did.
LINA
It's impossible. We're just going to break it.
LENIE-GENIE
There are two important points to do it - first, believe in yourself,
second,see no obstacle on your way.
LINA
I'm afraid, Lenie!
LENIE-GENIE
No fear, girl. Just give me your hand.
LINA
No, do stop, Lenie.
LENIE-GENIE
Do you believe in yourself?
LINA
Oh, no...
LENIE-GENIE
Don't you?
LINA
Well, I do believe.
LENIE-GENIE
Do you see any obstacle?
LINA
None but the mirror.
LENIE-GENIE.
The mirror is no obstacle. Got it?
ANGELNA
Yeah, it seems I got it.
LENIE-GENIE
Then let's go. Come on, Lina

LENIE-GENIE AND LINA RUN THROUGH THE MIRROR

LINA
(joyfully)
Lenie, we did it! We went through the mirror!
LENIE-GENIE
Yes, we really did it..
LINA
But where are we now?
LENIE-GENIE
In the cafe, don't you see?
LINA.
But it looks somewhat different.
LENIE-GENIE
No wonder it looks different. We are in the past now.
A YOUNG MAN SITTING AT A TABLE
Guys, can you get a half tone quiter. You came down here like a bolt from the
blue and now keep disturbing me with all your shouting. Please let me read my
book in peace.
LENIE-GENIE
Sorry, sir. (to LINA) We'd better go and occupy that vacant table in the
corner and won't make any disturbance here.
YOUNG MAN
That'll be very nice of you.

LENIE-GENIE AND LINA GO TO THE TABLE AND SIT DOWN

LINA
Lenie, who's that guy? It seems I've seen him before.
LENIE-GENIE
Why, you haven't recognized him?
LINA
No.
LENIE-GENIE
Really? That's your Dad.
LINA
Dad?
LENIE-GENIE
Yeah, that's him.
LINA
So young?
LENIE-GENIE
You think he was always of the same age. There were even days when he was a
kid. Anyway we definitely overdid it. It's not the time of my birthday. Guess
he even doesn't know your Mom yet at the moment.
LINA
So what should we do now?
LENIE-GENIE
Try and go again through the mirror to get to the right time. Let's get up and
go.
LINA
Just wait, Lenie. Look over there.
LENIE-GENIE
Where?
LINA
At the door. Do you see that girl?
LENIE-GENIE
Oh, what a charming lass. Look, she's coming this way.
LINA
This time I do recognize her.
LENIE-GENIE
Do you?
LINA
Yes, it's my Mom. It can be only her.
LENIE-GENIE
You're right. Those wonderful green eyes. We'd better stay here and watch them
both. But, please, don t talk too loud. We mustn't attract their attention.
Otherwise we can change the future and no guarantee that we will be born
later. Just keep silent and no interference.
LINA
(in an undertone)
Look, she's nearing Dad.
LENIE-GENIE
(whispering)
Okay, let's watch and see wha s going to happen.

ALICE COMES UP TO THE TABLE WHERE DAVID IS SITTING

ALICE
Sorry to disturb you, but is this seat vacant?
DAVID
What? Ah.., yeah, of course you may sit here.
LINA
(whispering)
Lenie, you see, he liked her on the very first sight.
LENIE-GENIE
(whispering)
No wonder with such a belle as your Mom is. But hush, let's watch.
ALICE
Sorry for disturbing you once again, but I see you're reading this book.
DAVID
Yes... but why..?
ALICE
Why do I ask? I just think that everybody read this book in their childhood.
DAVID
Yeah, I've read it thousand times. You see, well, it'd be great if I knew your
name. Mine's David.
ALICE
Mine is the same as the heroine's of the book.
DAVID
Really? Alice - Alice In Wonderland. Nice to meet you.
ALICE
It's a pity but I've never been in Wonderland. I'm just Alice.
DAVID
But one can imagine Wonderland and one day the dream may come true. The reason
that I love reading this book is that I wanna imagine my own Land of Wonders. I'd
like to become an author and write my own book about a girl and her adventures
in Wonderland, a land of fantasy inhabited by fantasoids, that is, creatures born in
one's fantasy. Of course I'm not gonna copy Lewis Carroll's ideas at all. I'd like my
book to be something up-to-date.
ALICE
But why don't you try some modern means of art to make her heroine be real. For
example, there might be some cartoon about her.
DAVID
To be true I'm not good at drawing at all.
ALICE
And drawing is my passion. If you like I can show you some of my drawings. I've
got them with me, in this paper-case.
DAVID
Sure I'd like to see them.
ALICE
Here they are.
DAVID
Very nice, oh, how wonderful, wish I could draw so beautifully.
ALICE
I wish to become a cartoon artist and make amusing cartoons.
DAVID
Then why don t we try...
ALICE
Try what?
DAVID
To co-operate. I'll try to write a script and you make pictures for it.
ALICE
Not a bad idea.
DAVID
(joyfully)
Okay, what about some drink and snack? I'll go to the bar and fetch something.
What would you like?
ALICE
I think a cola and some cake will be enough.
DAVID
I'll be back in a minute.
LINA
(whispering)
Great, Lenie, you see they're falling in love with each other. How nice!
LENIE-GENIE
Hush, your Dad's coming back. Let's watch further.
DAVID
Here I am. Here are cakes - one for you and one for me. And they've got only
canned cola at the moment. So I've brought two cans for us.
ALICE
Thanks a lot. By the way, do you have the name for your heroine?
DAVID
Our heroine...
ALICE
Yes.., you're right. So, do you have the name for her?
DAVID
Not yet.
ALICE
It seems, while you were at the bar I've found one, I guess a very nice one.
DAVID
Please tell me it.
ALICE
First look at that picture above the mirror.
DAVID
You mean that angel.
ALICE
Yes, the angel.
DAVID
So you'd like to call her...
ALICE
LINA.
DAVID
A beautiful name. LINA who will come through the mirror to see...
ALICE
Many, many wonders and undergo lots of mysterious adventures.
DAVID
But I think she has to have some friend, a kind of magic creature, some kind
of...
ALICE
Genie?
DAVID
Why not? Well, let it be a genie. And how shall we call him?
ALICE
Let me think a little... our genie is supposed to help and guard LINA, that
is Lina, I mean her short name, so let call him Lenie-Genie. What do you think?
DAVID
Not bad.
ALICE
Well, let's have some cola and then I'll try to draw some sketches of our
new-born characters.
DAVID
Please do stop! don't do that!
ALICE
Do what?
DAVID
Just don't open the can.
ALICE
But why?
DAVID
Any genie is supposed to dwell somewhere, in some kind of vessel, like a bottle
or a lamp.
ALICE
Or, if I get you right, you wish him live in this can of cola.
DAVID
Exactly! Let him live in this can. And it's LINA who will open it when
she's in trouble and let Lenie-Genie out.
ALICE
I agree. But we have the other can. Let's put something inside it , too.
DAVID
What?
ALICE
I think it could be the magic power that will make Lenie-Genie mighty. Let him
search and find this can before he can do wonders to help LINA. It s going
to be very exciting adventures.
DAVID
And it seems I know how this magic power is called.
ALICE
How?
DAVID
No, I just can't say it now.., later.., not now.
LENIE-GENIE
(loudly)
Lina, I do remember all now.
LINA
Please a bit quieter, you've startled everybody around.
LENIE-GENIE
It doesn't matter now.
LINA
So what do you remember?
LENIE-GENIE
I know everything now. But first we've got to ring your Dad up.
LINA
But he's sitting over there. You may talk to him right now.
LENIE-GENIE
No, I mean another Dad.
LINA
I have no other Dad.
LENIE-GENIE
I know that. I mean your Dad in the present, or in the future from this point
of view. We have to get back to that future-present time as soon as possible.
LINA
Again through the mirror?
LENIE-GENIE
No other way to get away from here, girl. Just hurry up ans give me your hand!


5 THE DINING ROOM IN THE GLOW S HOUSE. MRS GLOW IS SITTING IN THE ARMCHAIR.
JERRY TERRI IS DASHING ABOUT THE ROOM.

MRS GLOW
Jerry, you've turned the whole house upside down. Maybe it s time to stop
looking for that idiotic can.
JERRY TERRI
No, I can t. I must find it, I must. I know it has to be somewhere here, in the
house.
MRS GLOW
But why do you need it so badly? I'll buy scores of cola cans for you.
JERRY TERRI
No, I don t need them all, even millions of them but this only one.
MRS GLOW
Oh, please be careful with that antique vase. It's the memory of my grandmother.
JERRY TERRI
But there's something inside it. Let me take a look at it. Oh, damn, what is
it? A rubber ball, how did it happen to get in here?
MRS GLOW
Probably the girls were playing it in the room.

THE DOOR OPENS AND THERE COMES IN TINA

TINA
What a mess! Mom, what's he doing?
JERRY TERRI
Tina, I think I have to do some searching in your room, too.
TINA
I'll never let you in our room.
JERRY TERRI
But, girl, the magic can may be there.
TINA
There's no can in there, nor magic, neither any other one.
JERRY TERRI
Are you sure,little girl? I guess we'd better go and have a good look.
TINA
Mom, now I feel sorry I was rude to Lenie-Genie. Now I see that it's this
idiot, Jerry Teryy, who's a rascal and thief indeed.
JERRY TERRI
Girl, I'm not gonna steal that can. I'm just wanna take a look at it.
TINA
But why?
JERRY TERRI
You see.., it's.., it's filled with magic power... it will let me overcome one
villain, a very dangerous, cunning type.
MRS GLOW
What villain?
JERRY TERRI
I mean Mr Harnold.
MRS GLOW
(surprised)
Mr Harnold?
JERRY TERRI
Yes, Mrs Glow, he's a very crafty person. It's him and your husband who have
plotted against you. The mischievious couple wants to use your talent to make a
new cartoon and then fire you. But don't be afraid. Now that we re together we
are sure to make their foul plans fail.
MRS GLOW
I can't believe that, Jerry.
JERRY TERRI
Yes, that's absolutely true. But Mr Harnold is silly enough to think of me as a
complete oaf who's fully devoted to him. He's awfully wrong. I'm not so stupid as
he may think. By means of the magic can you and me will be able to take
the studio from him and become the real owners of it and all the cartoons.

THE DOOR OPENS AND THERE COMES IN MR HARNOLD

MR HARNOLD
You are really, Jerry, are really a complete oaf. You're fired, Jerry, you,
paltry liar. I don't need your assistance any longer.
MRS GLOW
How did you get in here, Mr Harnold, in my house?
MR HARNOLD
Your husband gave me the key.
MRS GLOW
It's so impolite of you. You might have phoned before appearing here.
MR HARNOLD
Sorry, but I had no time. I do have to stop this good-for-nothing blockhead
immediately.
JERRY TERRI
Boss, I didn t mean anything evil to you. I just... just wanted to cheat her,
to deceive her.
MR HARNOLD
You've cheated nobody but yourself, Jerry. You may go now. Just goodby. Mrs
Glow will give the can to me without your help.
MRS GLOW
But I don't know where it is, Mr Harnold.
MR HARNOLD
Yes, you do know where it is and you shall tell me or I will fire you or do
something... I just don't know yet what a terrible thing I ll do to you, Mrs
Glow.
TINA
(shouting)
You won't do anything bad to Mom.
MR HARNOLD
Yes, I will.

THE DOOR OPENS AND THERE COMES IN MR GLOW, LENIE-GENIE AND LINA

MR GLOW
No, you won't do anything to her or I will thresh you up, Mr Harnold.
LENIE-GENIE
And I will help him beat you, Mr Harnold.
LINA
And I will, too
TINA
(joyfully)
Lina, Dad, how glad to see you, and you, Lenie, sorry for my being so rude to
you. Hope you'll forgive me.
LENIE-GENIE
Don't mention it, Tina. It's all Mr Harnold's intrigues.
MR HARNOLD
What intrigues!? And what are you doing here, Mr Glow? You are supposed to be
wrighting the script for my new cartoon.
MR GLOW
Lina and Lenie called me to make me remember the story of the magic can. Now I
know where it is.
MR HARNOLD, JERRY TERRI, MRS GLOW AND TINA
Where? Where is it? Tell us! Show us it! Where?
MR GLOW
It's on the other side of the mirror. I mean this mirror, hanging on the wall.
JERRY TERRI
But I've looked behind it, there's nothing there at all but the wall.
MR GLOW
Not behind but through the mirror. You must go through the mirror to find it.
JERRY TERRI
It's impossible.
MR HARNOLD
One can't go through a mirror.
LINA
Yes, one can. Lenie-Genie has taught me this kind of thing. Lenie, give me your
hand - we'll show them now.
LENIE-GENIE
Do you remember the rules, Lina?
LINA
Yes, believe in yourself and see no obstacle.
LENIE-GENIE
Then let's go!

LENIE-GENIE AND LINA JUMP INTO THE MIRROR AND DISAPPEAR BEHIND IT

MRS GLOW
(amazed)
They've gone through the mirror!
MR HARNOLD
Unbelievable!
JERRY TERRI
They really vanished!
TINA
(startled)
Are we going to see them again?
MR GLOW
Don't worry, they will be back soon. Look!

LENIE-GENIE AND LINA APPEAR BACK IN THE ROOM

TINA
They are back! They are really back!
MRS GLOW
Fabulous!
TINA
Lina, I was afraid you vanished for good. So nice to see you again, let me kiss
you. And what is it in your hand? Is this the magic can?
LINA
Yes, it is. We found it in Wonderland.
MR HARNOLD
Give it to me, girl!
JERRY TERRI
No! Only to me!
LINIE-GENIE
LINA, you'd better give it to me or they will snatch it from you.
LINA
Take it, Lenie.
LENIE-GENIE
Anyway, they won't be able to use the magic power that's inside this can.
MR HARNOLD
Why?
JERRY TERRI
Why?
LENIE-GENIE
First Mr Glow will tell his wife what kind of magic power is in this can.
MR GLOW
Alice, do you remember our first meeting in the cafe?
MRS GLOW
Yes, I do.
MR GLOW
Do you rmember how we dreamed about the girl named LINA?
MRS GLOW
Yes, later we called our first-born daughter that name.
MR GLOW
And do remember how we imagined Lenie-Genie and put him in a can of cola?
MRS GLOW
Of course I do.
MR GLOW
There were two cans. We decided to put magic power inside the second one. Lenie
was supposed to find it in case LINA was in trouble.
MRS GLOW
I know.
MR GLOW
And now we've been all in trouble - LINA, TINA, you and me. I mean all
the things that happened in our family lately.
MRS GLOW
David, I feel so sorry about all those stupid quarrels. It was like.., I feel I
was bewitched.
MR GLOW
Yes,you really were. And so was I. But then, many years ago, in the cafe I didn't
tell you what kind of power I wanted to be in the can. I felt I was falling in
love with you and thought that there's only one magic power in the world. It's love.
There is love there, inside the can. I love you, Alice.
MRS GLOW
I love you, too, David.
LINA
Lenie, shall we open the can?
LENIE-GENIE
First, I think, Mr Harnold and Jerry must leave us.
MR HARNOLD
Okay, I'll go now but before I say this - you're both fired, Mr an Mrs Glow.
MR GLOW
No problem, Mr Harnold. We'll start up our own studio and begin producing
cartoons about Lenie-Genie and LINA.
TINA
And about me!
MRS GLOW
Of course, darling, and about you, dear Tina.
TINA
Great! Let Mom and Dad kiss each other!
LINA
Yeah, and you, Lenie, do open the magic can.
LENIE-GENIE
Now...

LENIE-GENIE OPENS THE CAN. LINA AND TINA SHOUT JOYFULLY. MR AND MRS GLOW KISS EACH OTHER. THE FINAL
SONG OF LOVE


You may visit my website http://linapolak.com/

 

 

Copyright © 2006 Gene Boris
Published on the World Wide Web by "www.storymania.com"